Gays and lesbians across the country are grieving along with the victims and their families in Orlando.
That includes the LGBT community here in the quad cities.
Local four’s Krista Burris shares why people are saying some good is actually coming out of the tragedy.
“We should just let the terrorist know, it’s not going to effect us. It’s going to bring us closer together,” said Rasmussen.
Randy Rasmussen is a bartender at Mary’s on 2nd, gay bar in Davenport.
He says these spaces are usually welcoming places.
“People have always accepted me with open arms, and to have that happen is just tragic,” said Rasmussen.
Usually Sundays are slow day at the bar.
But, this week people flocked there.
“Even though we’re not blood related, we all considered each other family, and I was hugging random strangers who were in tears. It’s bring us all closer together. It’s making us all appreciate life that much more,” said Rasmussen.
“I don’t see us cowering in fear. I see us being strong and soldiering on and helping carry the flag,” said Mary’s on 2nd Co-owner Bill Boom.
Brandy Donaldson is the vice president of A.L.P.H.A.S, African American Lesbian Professionals Having a Say.
She says education is key to helping prevent another event like this.
“Anytime a person is bullied for being gay… anytime someone is made fun of for being gay, any time a transgendered person is denied access to a bathroom, that feeds into, the hatred, that leads someone to do something heinous like what happened in Orlando,” said Donaldson.
Metropolitan Community Church of the QC has a black cloth out as a sign of mourning.
Pastor Rich Hendricks says the community has to come together, and a vigil is a good way to start.
“If we allow hate to divide us, then the terrorists have won. The purpose of our candle light prayer vigil is two-fold. The first and foremost is to honor and remember the victims and their families and to pray for them,” said Hendricks.
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Quad Cities will host a vigil at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday night.
The Metropolitan Community Church of the QC will host theirs on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
