Lexington comes together for vigil in honor of victims of Orlando massacre

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ)-For many Americans waking up to the news it was heartbreaking, and for many in the LGBT community like Jane Minder and her wife it was plain scary.

Minder says, “It was terrifying, you know. It’s one of those things like 9/11 you’re going to remember where you were.”

But the attack on Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, isn’t just an attack on the gay community, it’s an attack on America. Many in Lexington lit a candle in solidarity with the victims.

Mayor Jim Gray told the crowd in Triangle Park, “Some of us have become numb yet this is the worst mass shooting in American history. The tragedies have become too commonplace, San Bernardino, Newtown, Virginia Tech, and on and on..But we are here tonight to share our hearts with those lost.”

Kentucky Senator Reginald Thomas vowed to introduce new gun legislation next session, and for America to not let hate defeat us.

Senator Thomas says, “We say it’s okay for people who are gay or lesbian to come out of the closet. But I have come out here to tell you that it is time for America to come out of the closet.”

With Lexington’s Gay Pride Fest in about two weeks safety is at the forefront of mind after a possible attack on the LA Pride fest thwarted today in Santa Monica. The head of Lexington Pride Fest and Board President of Pride Community Services Organization Christopher Bauer urged people to not let the day’s events supress their pride.

Bauer says, “I tell you all keep showing up. Be at the pride festival. Speak up. It does not end here.”

It’s an event Lexington Police Chief Mark Barnard pledged to make a success.

Chief Barnard says, “We will be meeting this week with the organizers and we will be going over the safety plan for that event.”

It’s more reassurance for Minder and her wife that they will be able to show their true colors in an event they’ve be a part of since the very beginning.

Minders says, “Pride is about being visible. It’s about coming together as a community and I don’t think we can hide from these people.”