Dear Friend,
This morning we woke up to devastating news: A 22-year-old gunman entered an LGBTQ+ nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colorado, just before midnight and immediately opened fire, killing at least five people and injuring 18 others, before patrons confronted and stopped him.
Club Q, just like Pulse, was a safe haven for the LGBTQ+ of community. A place to be yourself, lead with joy, and celebrate life with pride.
As Orlandoans, we stand in solidarity with those impacted by this senseless tragedy and recommit ourselves to honor those no longer with us through action.
Our local LGBT+ Center will be hosting a vigil today at 5:00pm at the Pulse Interim Memorial, and I encourage you to attend if you are able. Details are above.
Today is also Transgender Day of Remembrance. At 3:00pm, Joy Metropolitan Community Church and TransAction Florida will be hosting an event to recognize the lives lost to transphobia. The Orlando Gay Chorus will also be in attendance.
As I write this email, I am on my way back to Tallahassee for Organizational Session. This is when lawmakers are sworn in for another term; it also marks the beginning of the state legislative process.
We will continue to find power in pain, and work towards building a safer world for all.
Onward,
Rep. Anna V. Eskamani