Four years ago, the LGBTQ+ community suffered a tragic loss in Orlando when a gunman attacked and murdered innocent bystanders. Today, those 49 people who lost their lives were honored in Florida and around the nation.

Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis, signed a proclamation declaring June 12, in Florida, as “Pulse Remembrance Day” in honor of all those who lost their lives in 2016. All American and Florida flags have been directed to be flown at half-staff.

Soon after the tragedy in 2016, Drag Star Diva mobilized a fundraiser at the Rose Room in Dallas, TX to honor our lost brothers and sisters and raise money for the victims and their families. 

RuPaul’s legend Alyssa Edwards headlined the show with Kennedy Davenport and Rose Room show director Cassie Nova. A then relatively unknown Plastique Tiara joined the cast, along with Raquel Blake, Kandy Cayne and many others for a night to remember. 

The show ultimately raised nearly $10,000, and was donated to the LGBT Center of Central Florida.

At a time that violence and discrimination is still prominate towards members of the LGBTQ+ community, this is a day of reflection and should serve as a reminder of the work that still has to be done in our ongoing fight for equality. 

As we celebrate Pride Month, we hope you take the time to pause and remember those whose lives were taken away:

Stanley Almodovar III

Amanda Alvear

Oscar A. Aracena-Montero

Rodolfo Ayala-Ayala

Alejandro Barrios Martinez

Martin Benitez Torres

Antonio D. Brown

Darryl R. Burt II

Jonathan A. Camuy Vega

Angel L. Candelario-Padro

Simon A. Carrillo Fernandez

Juan Chevez-Martinez

Luis D. Conde

Cory J. Connell

Tevin E. Crosby

Franky J. Dejesus Velazquez

Deonka D. Drayton

Mercedez M. Flores

Peter O. Gonzalez-Cruz

Juan R. Guerrero

Paul T. Henry

Frank Hernandez

Miguel A. Honorato

Javier Jorge-Reyes

Jason B. Josaphat

Eddie J. Justice

Anthony L. Laureano Disla

Christopher A. Leinonen

Brenda L. Marquez McCool

Jean C. Mendez Perez

Akyra Monet Murray

Kimberly Morris

Jean C. Nieves Rodriguez

Luis O. Ocasio-Capo

Geraldo A. Ortiz-Jimenez

Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera

Joel Rayon Paniagua

Enrique L. Rios Jr.

Juan P. Rivera Velazquez

Yilmary Rodriguez Solivan

Christopher J. Sanfeliz

Xavier Emmanuel Serrano Rosado

Gilberto Ramon Silva Menendez

Edward Sotomayor Jr.

Shane E. Tomlinson

Leroy Valentin Fernandez

Luis S. Vielma

Luis Daniel Wilson-Leon

Jerald A. Wright

A permanent memorial at the site is planned to be unveiled sometime in 2022.