Gays Against Guns to Host Pulse Memorial at Stonewall National Monument

New York-based activist group Gays Against Guns will honor the victims of Pulse Nightclub this Monday, June 12, with a public event outside the Stonewall National Monument. In partnership with 20 LGBTQ nightclubs in the area, GAG plans to memorialize Orlando's 49 victims, while demanding revisions to gun laws in order for LGBTQ spaces to remain safe from hate crimes.

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The one-year anniversary rally is planned to be equally "solemn and joyfully defiant," recognizing the innocent lives lost with a flash mob of LGBTQ people and allies in the streets of NYC. GAG encourages attendees to dress in black to mourn the Pulse victims, but still welcomes a celebration of queer pride to demand our safe spaces remain free from gun violence.

Pulse Nightclub survivor Keinon Carter will be present alongside the official Mistress of Ceremonies, Crystal DeMure, who's known as New York's Drag Queen of Soul. Performances from Lavender Light, Frenchie Davis, Anthony Lamont and Aaron Paul are also scheduled throughout the memorial, whether rain or shine.

"The attack at Pulse in June 2017 and the attack on the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina one year earlier are painful reminders that our country has a terrible problem with gun violence against minority communities," said GAG activist Kevin Gotkin. "The fact that our current government is actively seeking to pass even more dangerous gun laws makes it all the more urgent that we fight for gun control and protection in our community spaces."

The Pulse Memorial Rally goes from 7-9 PM outside the Stonewall Inn. Click here for more information.