Oklahomans for Equality to hold candlelight vigil for Orlando shooting victims

Oklahomans for Equality weeps in stunned outrage over the violence at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, that has left 50 or more people dead and dozens more injured. The Tulsa-based LGBTQ rights group will hold a community candlelight vigil tonight, Sunday, June 12, at 8:30 p.m. at Club Majestic, 124 N. Boston Ave., across from the Guthrie Green.

Violence is never the answer, but violence directed at a group of people simply because of who they are is particularly egregious. We are your family, your friends, your neighbors, your co-workers, your classmates, your fellow parishioners. And we grieve when our community is attacked.

"Today we're focused on the victims and the tragedy," Oklahomans for Equality Executive Director Toby Jenkins said. "We've all been reminded that no public spaces are safe from the threat of terrorism. We simply have to get to a place where we can talk to each other rather than using violence to address our grievances. We are better than this."

It is noteworthy that this violence comes during Gay Pride Month, when LGBTQ people come together to celebrate having survived the persecution that we routinely face. Oklahomans for Equality is so grateful for straight allies who remind us daily that even where there is hate, love exists, as well.

For information about the vigil, contact Oklahomans for Equality's vice president, the Rev. Geoffrey Brewster, at (918) 906-2151 or Jenkins at (918) 504-3300.

The Gayly - 6/12/2016 @ 2:51 p.m. CDT