This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Vigil For Orlando Victims To Be Held At City Hall Tonight [Updated]
Los Angeles City Hall (Photo by Greg Lilly Photosvia the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr)
In the wake of Sunday's horrific Orlando massacre, the band played on at yesterday's LA PRIDE Parade, and impromptu vigils sprung up across Southern California and around the country.
The Los Angeles LGBT Center, which is the world's largest provider of programs and services for LGBT people, announced Monday that they would holding a vigil and rally for the victims of the Orlando shooting and their families Monday night at Los Angeles City Hall. The event will begin at 7 p.m. on the south steps of City Hall on West 1st Street, between Spring and Main, according to the event Facebook page.
Thank you @LALGBTCenter for your support. #LAPRIDE #Orlando #pride2016 pic.twitter.com/9MilSxGCpw
— Nik (@nikroybal) June 12, 2016
"Of course we are grieving and angry and we need to express that. We also need to make sure we don’t allow this hateful incident to silence us,” Lorri L. Jean, chief executive of the LGBT Center, told the L.A. Times yesterday.
[h/t L.A. Observed]
Update [5:15 p.m.]
KPCC reports that Mayor Eric Garcetti will be at the vigil.
According to the event's Facebook page, speakers will include Los Angeles LGBT Center CEO Lorri L. Jean, Oscar De La O (president and CEO of Latino community organization Bienestar), Vallerie Wagner (COO of Aids Project LA Health & Wellness and former head of the Black AIDS Institute), Los Angeles Transgender Advisory Council member Justine Gonzales, APAIT advocate and counselor Maria Roman and Latino Equality Alliance Co-Founder & Advisory Board Chair Ari Gutiérrez Arámbula. Rabbi Denise Eger of Congregation Kol Ami, a LGBT-oriented synagogue in West Hollywood, will lead a prayer.
Sponsored message
The speakers will be joined by the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles, Los Angeles City Councilmember Mitch O'Farrell, West Hollywood City Councilmember John J. Duran, The Wall Las Memorias founder Richard Zaldivar and John Perez, Speaker Emeritus of the California State Assembly.
"Most importantly, we want to show respect for the victims of the Orlando massacre," Dave Garcia, director of policy for the L.A. LGBT Center, told KPCC. "We will be reading all of their names tonight."
Some (paid) parking will be available at nearby lots, but organizers urge attendees to carpool or take public transportation.
Members of the Latino Equality Alliance will also be gathering at Mariachi Plaza in Boyle Heights at 6 p.m. to march together to City Hall:
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
