Response to Orlando from the ASTSS

We at ASTSS are deeply saddened by the recent mass shooting on June 12, 2016 at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Patrons in the nightclub were predominantly from the LGBTIQ community who were enjoying a Latin themed night out during Pride week. In a premeditated attack, a lone gunman opened fire with a semi-automatic weapon killing 49 people and wounding 53 others. Those killed were mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, colleagues and friends – they were all of us. Let us stand together in condemning such violence and in solidarity for the promotion of equal rights for all in society regardless of sexual orientation, gender, colour, ethnicity or any other way in which people are disregarded, disrespected, and marginalised. Our LGBTIQ brothers and sisters and their straight family and friends have worked hard for decades to overcome prejudice and discrimination and have done so peacefully. Let us not allow such acts of hatred and terror to shake the resolve to peacefully continue to promote equal rights for all.

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