MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The LGTBQ+ community is reacting in horror following a Sunday morning mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colo.
The community has been the subject of directed violence and legislation, some believing it fans the flames of ignorance and hate that lead to tragedy.
Watching it unfold was Jerred Price, an advocate and member of the LGBTQ+ community in Memphis.
“What comes to mind is unfortunate circumstances and flashbacks of where we were with Pulse,” Price said, referring to the June 2016 mass shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla. That left 49 dead and more than 50 others injured.
Price is responsible for bringing the first ‘rainbow intersection’ to Tenn., crossed in Memphis’ Cooper Young neighborhood, said the reeling community has endured years of hateful rhetoric and violence.
“When you hear hatred and stuff like this out and about, I encourage people to stand up,” he said.
“I’m sure that everyone has loved ones that do identify within the community or are a minority in America, so it could have easily been someone you love, or that you’re friends with, that could have been in that nightclub.”
“We need to continue to preach acceptance and pray for acceptance. I hope Memphians will keep lifting that message of love rather than hate,” said Price.
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