Cleveland LGBTQ Community Comes Together for Vigil at Willard Park [PHOTOS]

After learning of the horrific shooting on Sunday in Orlando where 49 people were killed and 53 were injured at the Pulse nightclub, Jacob Nash and others in the LGBTQ community knew that a show of solidarity to support those hurting in Orlando was the thing to do.

• President Barack Obama describes the attack as "an act of terror and hate."

Volunteers got together to make ribbons for the vigil at the Gypsy Bean coffee house before the event, and donations accepted for the ribbons went to Orlando's LGBTQ Center. A Facebook event page, Vigil in support of the Pulse night club shooting in Orlando, was quickly posted, and the rest of social media helped get the message out quickly.

Almost 100 people showed up at the iconic FREE STAMP in Willard Park in downtown Cleveland on Sunday night to support each other, show support for Orlando and pray. State Rep. Nickie Antonio also spoke at the vigil. 

"Action cures terror, inaction creates fear," said Bob Olayas, one of the attendees at the vigil.

Olayas told Patch that in addition to prayer, there was discussion about how the recent strides in social change must be continued and how the LGBTQ community must not give in to fear. He described the mood at the vigil as sad, yet concerned.

• Learn how to donate to Orlando shooting victims

One of the topics of concern was safety, particularly with the Republican National Convention coming to Cleveland in a little more than a month. Olayas said that he was worried because what happened in Orlando could have happened anywhere; he also expressed frustration with lawmakers and the NRA. "Why does anyone really need an assault rifle?" he said.

Olayas said that the best thing to do was to continue education to increase social awareness and to remain cautious.

[Photo Credit: Bob Olayas]