Philadelphia – Today, Mayor Jim Kenney and Amber Hikes, Office of LGBT Affairs Director, release the following statement:

“Today, one year after the shooting at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, FL, the City of Philadelphia and Mayor’s Office of LGBT Affairs remembers our 49 community members taken from us in the middle of the night June 12, 2016. They are more than community members. They are our friends and our family. They are us. We send our deepest condolences to the survivors and their families. We especially honor the family of Akyra Murray, a daughter of West Philadelphia and the youngest victim in the massacre.

“Specifically, our hearts are heavy with the searing pain of grief and loss as we honor our Latinx LGBTQ brothers, sisters, and gender nonconforming siblings. Our community is resilient, and one year after this tragedy we are stronger and more committed than ever before to dismantling hatred, injustice, and systems of oppression that led to that harrowing act of terrorism.

“Most importantly, we will support one another. Through great joy and devastating memories, we stand together. Make no mistake, no person should be victimized because of who they are or who they love. The Mayor’s Office of LGBT Affairs is fully devoted to making this a reality in our city and beyond.”