Pulse Night of Remembrance and Its Importance

The Pulse Night of Remembrance on June 12th is an annual testament to the work that still needs to be done in the fight for equality. But it also stands as a powerful illustration of hope, resilience, and the healing power of love and community. The Pulse Night of Remembrance gives us space to honor those who are no longer with us.

The Pulse nightclub was a known sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community in Orlando, and was the site of a devastating mass shooting on June 12, 2016. At the time of the shooting, more than 300 people were inside celebrating the club’s weekly Latin Night. As a result, the 49 people who lost their lives, and the 50 who were injured, were predominately Latinx members of the LGBTQ+ community. The Pulse shooting is still the most significant single act of violence against the LGBTQIA+ community in the US, and, at the time, was the largest mass shooting in US history.

But love always wins. More than 50,000 people visited the location for an impromptu Pulse memorial service to show support, love, and honor to the victims. Churches held memorial services and candlelight vigils. Neighbors, co-workers, and relatives came to leave letters and tokens of love, and one man drove from Illinois to build 49 crosses in remembrance of each victim of the shooting. Annually, remembrances are observed in Orlando and other LGBTQIA+ communities across the country, honoring those who died, reaffirming the fight for equality, and making a clear statement against gun violence.