Culture

Here Are All The Australian Vigils And Tributes Happening For Victims Of The Orlando Shooting

The country is lighting up rainbow tonight.

by Courtney Fry  13 June 2016

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Following the Orlando shootings which killed 50 people and injured 53 more overnight, many have taken it upon themselves to help out in whatever way possible. There are lines forming at blood banks across the state with some even needing to turn people away due to overcrowding. The sudden demand for blood for those injured in the attack has also reignited the debate regarding the FDA banning of gay men from donating blood due to HIV/AIDS concerns.

Others have launched crowdfunding pages to garner financial support for the families of the victims, with one fund hitting over $1 million in 12 hours. This one has just cracked $17,000.

Despite being on the other side of the world, many in Australia have also contributed to this outpouring of grief and support. Vigils and memorials have been organised across the country and rainbow flags are being raised in solidarity with the queer communities.

Sydney’s Town Hall will be lit up pink this evening flying a rainbow flag, paying respects for those loved and lost. Candlelit vigils will also be held at 7pm at Newtown’s Community Hub and 6pm at Taylor Square. A rainbow flag will also be raised above the square for the duration of the vigil.

Melbourne’s Art Centre spire and the National Gallery of Victoria will be lit in rainbow colours as well this evening, and a memorial was held at 2pm at the rainbow crossing on the corner of Gertrude and Smith Street in Fitzroy.

Brisbane’s Story Bridge, City Hall and Victoria Bridge will be lit in the colours of the US flag to pay their respects, and Brisbane Pride is working on a vigil for 6pm tomorrow at Reddacliff Place.

Vigils have also just kicked off in Darwin at Darwin City Civic Park and Canberra outside the Canberra Legislative Assembly, while others are planning theirs for later.

Hundreds of people from Perth will be standing in solidarity with the victims at the Perth Cultural Centre at 6.30pm Wednesday night. An event has been organised at Elder Park Rotunda in Adelaide for 6pm on Saturday. The regional Victorian town of Daylesford is planning an event outside Daylesford Hotel at 4pm on Sunday.

Let us know if there are any more and we’ll update accordingly.

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Lead image by Paul Patterson/City of Sydney

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Courtney Fry is a Sydney-based writer who has had her words in The Vocal, PagesDigital, LUSH Cosmetics, and other places. She’s currently working on Sad Grrrls Festival, has a soft spot for cheeseboards and dog parks, and tweets over at @courtwhip.