On June 12, 2016,
Orlando experienced one of the worst
mass shootings in American history.
All told, 49 lives were taken, 68 were injured and countless individuals
were impacted by the tragedy at Pulse nightclub. Most of those
victimized identifi ed as LGBTQ+, Latinx and/or Black/African-American.
Within hours, LGBTQ+ community leaders began mobilizing to
help victims, soon forming an informal alliance of organizations and
individuals set on addressing the senseless tragedy. Over the next
few months, the all-volunteer alliance became an essential source
of information and support for victims, their families and the larger
LGBTQ+ community while also supporting government, business and
philanthropic partners actively engaged in healing our community.
It quickly became apparent that the struggles of Orlando’s
LGBTQ+ community were more profound than anyone could
have imagined. The Pulse tragedy exposed our vulnerabilities as
it also revealed what can be done when we put differences aside
and work together. To that end, the leaders who came together
after Pulse were determined to turn tragedy into hope and action
by forming the One Orlando Alliance. Today, the Alliance serves
existing and emerging LGBTQ+ organizations while providing
an inclusive platform for diverse perspectives and voices.
June 12 represents a tragic day in Central Florida‘s history, yet
also marks a turning point—a moment when the entire Orlando
community united with compassion and resiliency to denounce
hate and fear and stand up for love, respect and inclusivity.
In many ways, Orlando revealed to the world that it has long been
a safe haven and pioneer for the LGBTQ+ community, passing
a domestic partnership registry in 2011—well before marriage
equality—and becoming a model for jurisdictions across Florida.
In 2014, it amended its anti-discrimination ordinance to include
gender identity and continues to lead by example: The fi rst
multi-stall, all gender bathroom was recently opened at City Hall.
The Pulse tragedy also pointed us toward the work we have
yet to do. The Alliance Agenda is meant to honor the Pulse
victims and fulfi ll our promise to them of looking to the future. By
staying true to the fundamental values of inclusivity, respect,
communication and collaboration that originally brought
us together, we commit to purposeful action to ensure our
community will thrive. We are all #OrlandoUnited and ask that
you join us in creating a safer, more inclusive community for all.
Issues on
the Agenda
1. Youth
2. Workplace Equality
3. Homelessness
4. Health Care
5. Coming Out
6. Vulnerable Populations
7. Transgender/
Gender Nonconforming
8. Hate Crimes
9. Racial Inequality
10. Immigration
OneOrlandoAlliance.org
AllianceAgenda.org
#OrlandoUnited
PHOTO BY J.D. CASTO
/OneOrlandoAlliance.org
/AllianceAgenda.org