Kingston Ont. (13/06/16)-“It is true that with what happened in Orlando we are suffering, not just as LGBTQ and two spirited community but we are suffering together as humanity. Stay together, stay strong. support each other and know that your community stands with you.” Stated Kingston and the islands MPP Sophie Kiwala when she spoke at the podium during the Vigil for the victims killed in the gay nightclub mass shooting in Orlando. Photo by Gracie Postma
Kingston Ont. (13/06/16)-“I am not here tonight to talk to you on behalf of the University, I’m not here to talk to you behalf of the united church, I’m here to speak to you personally. I am grieving. We’re all grieving. There are millions of people around the world tonight who are grieving. We are grieving for those who were murdered, we are grieving for hose who loved them, we are grieving for those who are injured, we are grieving for those who lived through this horror and are scarred emotionally. We’re grieving for all of humanity. I mean I don’t know about you but i’m not JUST grieving. I’m also angry. I’m angry that i live in a world where one person with hatred can cause so much anguish and so much pain. I hate that we live in a world where weapons of mass destruction are available to anyone who wants to buy them.” Said Ruth Wood, a retired united church minister and part time Chaplin at Queen’s University. Photo by Gracie Postma
Kingston Ont. (13/06/16)-Mayor of Kingston Mark Gerretson showed his respects to the victims of the Orlando Florida mass shooting at a gay night club at a vigil held in market square Monday. “And I’m left quite often trying to explain it to my 12 year old son that unfortunately there are just some people out there in the world that hate. and the actions that this one particular individual took a couple of days ago we cannot let this serve to make us fear. we must only let this opportunity serve to strengthen our pride and to strengthen our fellowship for all people in our community.” Photo by Gracie Postma
Kingston Ont. (13/06/16)-Citizens of Kingston Ontario bow their heads during a moment of silence to pay respect to the victims of the Mass shooting in Orlando Florida that past weekend. Photo by Gracie Postma
Kingston Ont. (13/06/16)-Citizens of Kingston Ontario attend a vigil to those who were murdered in the gay nightclub shooting in Orlando Florida. In their honor those gathered in market square that night held candles to show their respect. Photo by Gracie Postma
Kingston Ont. (13/06/16)-“While I long of the day where we won’t ever need to gather for these horrifying events, I am truly proud of the heart and soul that exists in Kingston and the Islands. Thank you so much for being here everyone.” Concluded Sophie Kiwala; MPP for Kingston and the Islands during her speech given at the Orlando mass shooting Vigil held in Kingston’s market square. Photo by Gracie Postma
Kingston Ont. (13/06/16)-A lantern in lit with the simple phrase “Love is love” written across the white material the candle inside glows through in order to pay tribute to the victims of the Orlando mass shooting and to spread the message of pride to the LGBTQ+ community globally. Photo by Gracie Postma
Kingston Ont. (13/06/16)-Kingston’s market square is filled with people paying their respects to the Orlando victims at vigil. To end the ceremony everyone joined in singing “Imagine” by John Lennon. Photo by Gracie Postma
