John Matthews
WMAL.com
WASHINGTON — (WMAL) Sunday morning’s shootings in Orlando cast a palatably more somber tone to what has traditionally been a joyful celebration for Washington’s gay community at the annual Capital Pride Festival.
Hundreds of thousands of people turned out for the event along Pennsylvania Avenue amid noticably increased security. And even though rainbow motifs were in abundance, the mood among many was decidedly more sober.
One attendee, Daniel Arrieta, told WMAL he wanted his sister to stay home, because he was scared for her safety.
“I know you want to come to Pride with me, but you don’t need to do this,” Arrieta told her. “It’s going to be a weird day, it’s going to be a complicated day. And then she sent me a text message – ‘I’m going to get a tutu in rainbow colors – I have your back!’”
Rosio Arrieta ignored her brother’s pleas and came to the festival.
“I still have pride, I’m not going to hide,” she told WMAL. I’m not going to have someone shake up the world around me,” she added.
Indeed – for many, the response to America’s worst-ever mass shooting was to celebrate uniqueness even harder, while paying tribute to those who died. The Washington Gay Men’s Chorus dedicated its performance to the victims of Orlando, and a moment of silence was held during the festival along Pennsylvania Avenue.
The tragedy prompted responses from leaders across the region.
“This morning, our hearts are heavy after hearing about the tragedy in Orlando. Just yesterday, we held the annual Capital Pride parade, a celebration of the rich diversity and contributions of the LGBTQ community in the District of Columbia,” Bowser said Sunday. “Today, as always, we will not be deterred by hate as we gather to celebrate love.”
In a statement, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan said he offered any assistance the state could muster as a means of support to Floridians. “We offer our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of the innocent victims of this act of terror, and our deepest gratitude to the first responders and law enforcement who responded to this tragedy with bravery and courage,” Hogan said.
Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe offered his condolences in a tweet: “I’m heartbroken by the news of sons & daughters lost last night in Orlando. Praying for victims, families & an end to senseless gun violence”
As the festival wound down, many celebrants ended up congregating outside the White House for a candlelight vigil.
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