Solidarity and support in the wake of Orlando

The horrific murder of nearly 50 individuals at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida early Sunday morning is the sort of event that shakes souls, burdens hearts and — in its fearful ripple effects — threatens to push people apart.

Thankfully, in cities and countries around the world, the opposite seems to be happening. At rallies, gatherings and vigils, people have been coming together to remember those who lost their lives, console one another and show solidarity with and support for LGBTQ individuals and communities, as well as all those impacted by the tragedy.

On Dal’s campuses, at the request of President Richard Florizone, the rainbow Pride flag was flown starting Monday, with standard flags lowered to half mast.

As well, Dal hosted two community vigils Monday evening. The Agricultural Campus welcomed community members from across Truro and Bible Hill to its outdoor amphitheatre, with more than 120 people attending. In Halifax, a group of approximately 35 students, staff and faculty gathered in LeMarchant Place ahead of a larger Halifax Pride rally taking place on the Commons.

“It’s hard to find the words to put it into context,” said President Florizone, who attended the Halifax gathering. “Our hearts, our thoughts, our prayers go out to all the people who were injured or killed in that incident, and to their families… it shows that there’s still so much work to do to create really diverse, inclusive and safe places for all people.”

Norma Williams, Dalhousie’s executive director of diversity and inclusiveness, spoke of how what happened in Orlando flies in the face of important gains made for not just LGBTQ individuals (same-sex marriage, adoption rights, etc.) but for the broader cause of inclusion.

“Our voices can be stronger than the voices of hate,” she said. “I would encourage all of us to remember that and support that.”

One of the students in attendance was Muhammed Ngallan, a first-year Social Work (distance) student who immigrated to Canada from The Gambia five years ago. A practising Muslim, he was deeply upset by the events in Orlando and wanted to attend the vigil to show support for Halifax’s LGBTQ community.

Part of his motivation, as well, was knowing the individual behind Sunday’s hate crimes identified as a Muslim.  

“As a Muslim myself, knowing this was in the month of Ramadan, there’s nothing more contradictory to what this time is supposed to mean: love, unity, togetherness,” said Muhammed. “I came here because I wanted to be part of whatever it is he was against."

(Halifax photo: Ryan McNutt. Truro photo: Joey Smith, Truro Daily News.)