PFLAG National Statement on Attack in Orlando

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 12, 2016
Contact: Liz Owen, Director of Communications, PFLAG National | [email protected] | (202) 657-4026

**Click for statement in Spanish**

PFLAG National Statement on Attack in Orlando

“As ambassadors of love and hope, PFLAG members will continue to support our extended family of LGBTQ people, families, and allies through these dark, anxious moments and beyond…”

WASHINGTON, DC—PFLAG National Executive Director Jody Huckaby today reacted to the unprecedented attack in Orlando, FL:

“As details continue to emerge from Orlando, our collective sadness, anger and grief is overwhelming. Our hearts are with those anxiously awaiting word of the safety of their loved ones, or who are already trying to cope with the unbearable loss of innocent lives. We thank the many first responders who saved, and continue to save lives.

PFLAG knows that the effects of this deliberate shooting spree that targeted an LGBTQ nightclub on Latinx Night will ripple across the country, reviving anxiety and painful emotions for anyone who has experienced hateful actions themselves or against loved ones because of who they are. We concur with President Obama’s message: This unprecedented massacre, this act of terror, this act of hate against people who are LGBTQ, was an attack on the fundamental belief in equality and dignity for all people.

At PFLAG, it tragically reminds us that our work is far from over. As ambassadors of love and hope, PFLAG members will continue to support our extended family of LGBTQ people, families, and allies through these dark, anxious moments and beyond. Let us join in unity to end violence and hatred.”

Please take advantage of these important resources:

• To find support or resources, including a PFLAG chapter near you, visit pflag.org

• If you have loved ones in Orlando–or are there yourself–please use the Facebook Check-In tool to stay, and keep others, updated: https://www.facebook.com/safetycheck/orlando-shooting-jun12-2016/.

• For those local to Orlando, The LGBT Center located at 945 N. Mills Ave is open and offering grief counseling (in English and Spanish) to those affected. You can also call the hotline at 407-228-1446.

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Founded in 1972 with the simple act of a mother publicly supporting her gay son, PFLAG is the original family and ally organization. Uniting people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) with families, friends, and allies, PFLAG is committed to advancing equality through its mission of support, education, and advocacy. PFLAG has more than 400 chapters and 200,000 supporters crossing multiple generations of American families in major urban centers, small cities, and rural areas in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. To learn more, visit pflag.org.