Scott (Sheila) Cunningham at the rainbow steps of Gaetz United Church in downtown Red Deer, where a ceremony will be held June 12 to remember victims of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting. (Supplied)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

remembering around the world

Gaetz United to ring bell 49 times for Pulse nightclub shooting victims

Jun 10, 2023 | 3:30 PM

This Monday, the bell at Gaetz United Church in downtown Red Deer will sound 49 times.

That’s once for each of the victims in the June 12, 2016 mass shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando.

In an instant, the gay club became the site of the second deadliest terrorist attack on U.S. soil since 9/11; the shooting also wounded 53 others. Each year since, people around the world have grieved and remembered in the middle of what is Pride Month, including in Red Deer.

“At Gaetz United, we believe God loves us all, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, economic status or ability level. We commemorate these lives lost because it’s a reminder of the worst outcome of the hatred against 2SLGBTQ+ people,” says Scott (Sheila) Cunningham, who shares that they are a trans woman.

“This last year, we’ve seen the hate, whether it was during the provincial election campaign, or the public backlash against corporations and brands who’ve supported Pride, like Bud Light and Target.”

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Cunningham says there are lots of wonderful and accepting people in Red Deer, but that hate is out there.

Through one year of being out, Cunningham admits they’ve never had a person actually be discriminatory to their face.

“What I’m going to do Monday in remembering the victims of the Pulse shooting is first pray for the 2SLGBTQ+ people who are afraid of the haters and are currently living in fear,” says Cunningham.

“I’m also going to pray for the haters in hopes they can replace the hate in their hearts with love and acceptance. And I hope people will join us.”

A ceremony starts in the sanctuary at Gaetz United (4758 Ross Street), at 12:15 p.m. on Monday, June 12. Victims’ names will be read, followed by the bell ringing.

(Supplied)

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Gaetz United to ring bell 49 times for Pulse nightclub shooting victims

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