Orlando shooting victims to be honoured at Thunder Bay Pride vigil

Thunder Bay's Pride committee is organizing a candlelight vigil, Wednesday night in honour of the 49 victims of the mass shooting in a gay nightclub in Orlando on June 12.

• Thunder Bay issues statement after Orlando mass shooting
• Thunder Bay shows its Pride through flag raising and week of activities

"It's something we as a community always endure, and still endure," said committee member Collin Graham of the intolerance lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender(LGBT) people continue to face.

"I'm a tall, big man. I'm an easy target. But the reality is violence happens every day, it happens everywhere, whether it be overt or covert."

Attending the event is not only a way to remember those killed in Florida, it is also his way of speaking out against that hatred, said Graham.

"It's important to continue to show my pride, to not be silenced, to be able to express who I am without fear of persecution, so I do it for myself, but I also do it for future generations."

The Night of Tribute, which has its origins in the AIDS epidemic and the toll it took on the LGBT community, begins at 7 p.m. at the labyrinth outside St. Paul's Anglican Church at808 Ridgeway Street Eastin Thunder Bay. It will also include a performance by the Equality Rocks choir.