Orlando Attack – words of support from Ruth Hunt, Chief Exec, Stonewall

June 14, 2016

<![CDATA[We are deeply saddened by the brutal homophobic attack at the LGBT nightclub Pulse in Orlando, which killed 49 people from our community, and injured a further 53. Your school might be talking about it. Our thoughts today are with those affected, and the whole LGBT community.

This attack sheds light on homophobia, biphobia and transphobia at its ugliest and reminds us how important it is to stand in solidarity as a community, and with allies, who are so important to our movement. What has happened in Orlando reminds us that we still have a long way to go before all LGBT people are truly free to be themselves without fear of hate, violence or discrimination just for being who they are, and loving who they love. We will not feel free to be ourselves until many more people stand together with us and celebrate LGBT people as equal members of society, in every community and in every part of the world.   Help us work towards acceptance without exception for LGBT people across the world.

Everyone can play their part in changing attitudes towards LGBT people. With your pupils, students and staff, remind them how important it is to support each other and call out any kind of bullying or harmful language. You might want to draw on the #NoBystanders video.

We are #ByYourSide. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at education@stonewall.org.uk

Ruth Hunt

Chief Executive, Stonewall

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