On June 12th, 2016 our nation witnessed a tragedy. In Orlando, Florida, 49 people from the LGBTQ community, many of them Latino and people of color, people who were also celebrating the fullness of their identities, lost their lives to violence and hate. The Brothers of Gamma Zeta Alpha Fraternity, Inc. around the globe are shocked and saddened by the tragic event that took place at Pulse nightclub. During these times when we have more questions than answers, we’re reminded to embrace all aspects of diversity and to increase our understanding and acceptance of others. Places such as Pulse nightclub are intended to facilitate safe social gatherings for both the LGBTQ community and its allies. For all of us, this is a terrible moment, and our hearts go out to the injured, the victimized and everyone who loves them.
Our deepest condolences to all the lives lost that day:
Stanley Almodovar III, 23 years old. Amanda Alvear, 25. Oscar A Aracena-Montero, 26. Rodolfo Ayala-Ayala, 33. Antonio Davon Brown, 29. Darryl Roman Burt II, 29. Angel L. Candelario-Padro, 28. Juan Chevez-Martinez, 25. Luis Daniel Conde, 39. Cory James Connell, 21. Tevin Eugene Crosby, 25. Deonka Deidra Drayton, 32. Simon Adrian Carrillo Fernandez, 31. Leroy Valentin Fernandez, 25. Mercedez Marisol Flores, 26. Peter O. Gonzalez-Cruz, 22. Juan Ramon Guerrero , 22. Paul Terrell Henry, 41. Frank Hernandez, 27. Miguel Angel Honorato, 30 years. Javier Jorge-Reyes, 40. Jason Benjamin Josaphat, 19. Eddie Jamoldroy Justice, 30. Anthony Luis Laureanodisla, 25. Christopher Andrew Leinonen, 32. Alejandro Barrios Martinez, 21. Brenda Lee Marquez McCool, 49. Gilberto Ramon Silva Menendez, 25. Kimberly Morris, 37. Akyra Monet Murray, 18. Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo, 20. Geraldo A. Ortiz-Jimenez, 25. Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera, 36. Joel Rayon Paniagua, 32. Jean Carlos Mendez Perez, 35. Enrique L. Rios, Jr., 25. Jean C. Nives Rodriguez, 27. Xavier Emmanuel Serrano Rosado, 35. Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz, 24. Yilmary Rodriguez Solivan, 24. Edward Sotomayor Jr., 34. Shane Evan Tomlinson, 33. Martin Benitez Torres, 33. Jonathan Antonio Camuy Vega, 24. Juan P. Rivera Velazquez, 37. Luis S. Vielma, 22. Franky Jimmy Dejesus Velazquez, 50. Luis Daniel Wilson-Leon, 37. Jerald Arthur Wright, 31.
In the United States, June is Gay Pride Month, and many cities are hosting parades and festivals to recognize the civil rights accomplishments of the LGBTQ community. It is deeply saddening and difficult to reconcile the joy of these positive celebrations with the sadness and frustration engendered by the recent violence and display of intolerance.
Gamma Zeta Alpha Fraternity, Inc. honors those who have lost their lives fighting for LGBTQ rights & celebrates all of their accomplishments.