Gay pride celebrations in Dayton were held just over a week ago, but on Sunday afternoon, local LGBT organizations were back on Courthouse Square in a show of solidarity and support for victims, families, and residents of Orlando after this weekend's mass shooting.
Representatives from the city were also on hand. Kery Gray is the executive assistant in the City Commissioners' office.
"While we focus so much right now on the lives that were lost, the people who were injured, the questions that are unanswered, we also know that the future and the strength lies in working together, coming together, and continuing to advance the strength we have through diversity," said Gray.
50 people were killed in the attack. 53 more were injured.
A more formal vigil is planned for Thursday at 7:30 p.m. on Courthouse Square.
The following information was provided by the Greater Dayton LGBT Center. It contains details on Thursday night's vigil. WYSO is not responsible for this content.
DAYTON, OH (6/15/16) -The Greater Dayton LGBT Center will host a public vigil Thursday at 7:30pm on Dayton's Courthouse Square, honoring the victims, friends and families of the precious lives lost in this weekend's vicious attack at Pulse Night Club in Orlando.
Prior to Thursday's vigil, Dayton Gay Night Clubs, Argos, Masque, MJ's on Jefferson, Right Corner, and Stage Door will gather their patrons at their bars and at 7pm will march over to Courthouse Square, carrying with PRIDE, the rainbow flag through the streets of Dayton. Argos patrons are asked to meet between MJS and Masque located on Jefferson.
The Greater Dayton community is invited to join us as we hear from The Dayton Gay Men's Chorus, local and county officials, Dayton LGBTQA+ groups, and gay-affirming religious leaders. All are encouraged to stand with our Dayton LGBTQA community, as we honor and march shoulder to shoulder, unified, strong and forever proud.
Timeline:
7:15 pm Stage Door, Masque, Mj's on Jefferson and The Right Corner will meet in front of their businesses and all walk together carrying large Pride Flag to Courthouse Square. When they enter CH Square they will walk flag in front of Stage and Military Style will fold PRIDE flag and place it at the center of the Table.
7:30 pm Rand Phillips welcome all, Rev. Dr. Mike Castle will lead in Prayer
7:32 pm Dayton Gay Men's Chorus will sing a selection of songs.
7:45 pm Mayor Nan Whaley speaks followed by
Josh Stucky, The Rubi Girls
Dr. Mike Castle, Harmony Creek Church
Jan Couchman, PFLAG Dayton
Kevin Mabrey, GLSEN Greater Dayton
Michael Knote, Have A Gay Day
Gage Gatlyn & Devin Dame, -Gatlyn Dame Group - Transgender support Group
Dr. Crystal Walker, Greater Dayton Christian Connections
Commissioner Judy Dodge, Montgomery County
Adam Wiring, St Johns UCC
Peter Peterson, Wright State LGBTQA
Lighting of Candles- Prayer by Rev. Joy Simpson
Reading of Victims Names- Lt. Wendy Stiver & Chief Biehl
Moment of Silence for those lost and injured
Dayton Gay Men's Chorus Sings encourages all to join in singing with them
Release of Lantern for Pulse Nightclub, Orlando
About the LGBT Center- The Greater Dayton LGBT Center creates programs and events that enhance the lives of sexual minorities in Dayton and the Miami Valley area. They produce the annual PRIDE celebration the first weekend in June, host community dinners throughout the year and print an annual LGBT Resource Guide, available free of charge, as well as man the Dayton LGBTQ hotline.
