One Year After Tragic Mass Shooting at Florida Nightclub, Planned Parenthood Honors the Lives of the Victims
For Immediate Release: June 12, 2017
WASHINGTON — Today marks one year since the tragic mass shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, which claimed the lives of 49 people and injured dozens of others — most of them Latino, LGBTQ, and young adults. Cecile Richards, President of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, released the following statement:
The senseless shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando emphasized the stark reality that the fight for equality, safety, and justice for LGBTQ people, particularly LGBTQ people of color, is far from over. The Planned Parenthood community rejects and condemns all attempts to drive this country backward into further discrimination, fear, and hatred. We remember and honor the lives of the victims, and our hearts and thoughts are with their families and loved ones.
“In the year since this act of terror and violence, Orlando’s LGBTQ Latino community has organized, strengthened, and promoted healing and fellowship. In the midst of grieving this heartbreaking loss, they have also shown unimaginable resilience. As members, friends, and allies of LGBTQ and Latino communities, Planned Parenthood will always stand for their ability to live healthy, safe, and authentic lives. During Pride Month and throughout the year, we must commit to making our world a place where no one experiences discrimination or violence because of who they are or who they love.
###
Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood affiliates serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.