IT IS OFFICIALLY the deadliest gun massacre in US history, with the greatest loss of life since 9/11 and, hitting home even harder for us, it was a hate crime directed at the gay community. The massacre at Orlando’s gay nightclub Pulse on Latin night left a death toll of 49, and over 50 wounded. As the world came to terms with this horrific act, a number of celebrities felt it their duty to stand up for our community and voice their support.
Lady Gaga’s was among the most prominent voices heard in the early aftermath of the tragedy. She attended the Los Angeles vigil, breaking down in tears as she read out the names of the victims.
“I can’t help but feel that this level of hatred, like all prejudicial crimes, this is an attack on humanity itself,” she said, defiantly. “Tonight, I gather humbly with you, as a human being, in peace, in sincerity, in commitment, in solidarity, to take a real moment and mourn the tragic loss of these innocent, beautiful people. Tonight I will not allow my anger and outrage over this attack to overshadow our need to honour those who are grieving truly for their lost ones, lost members of the LGBT community,” she told the thousands-strong crowd outside LA’s City Hall, before she read the names and ages of the victims. “I hope you know that myself, and so many, are your allies,” she added.