The Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation (SAAF) mourns the attack on Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Early reports indicate the nightclub was targeted because it was an LGBT bar. Patrons were held hostage and shot simply for going to a gay bar.
Adam Ragan, Associate Director of LGBTQ Initiatives at SAAF, stated: “The loss of so many of our brothers and sisters hurts my heart. For all the gains the LGBTQ community has achieved, we still face attacks in the places we go. However, we are not deterred and we will honor the memory of those lost today by continuing to work for equality.”
The entire SAAF family stands united with the families and friends of those lost in this horrendous attack on our sisters and brothers.  To honor those we lost—and to support one another here in southern Arizona—SAAF is holding a candlelight vigil on Sunday June 12 at 8:00pm at 522 North 4th Avenue. A pre-event will begin at 7:00pm at IBT’s, located at 616 North 4th Avenue and participants will proceed to the vigil site at 7:45pm. Speakers will include Tucson Vice Mayor Karin Uhlich, Tucson Police Chief Chris Magnus, SAAF Executive Director Wendell Hicks, Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network (TIHAN) Executive Director Scott Blades, Abby Jensen from Southern Arizona Gender Alliance (SAGA), representatives from Ben’s Bells Project, local faith leaders, and others.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1642221202771502/