45 minutes of active counter protest to block the WBC from access to the families of the deceased and it was over. 4 members of the WBC arrived at 10:15 am Eastern in the church district of downtown Orlando, intending to disrupt 2 funerals being held today for victims of the Pulse massacre. Hundreds of humans and angels showed up and overwhelmed the 4. WaPo has a brief story with video up.
The amalgam of humanity who came out against Westboro included bikers, priests, young people, members of the LGBT community and locals carrying signs saying “God is love” and the motto the City Beautiful adopted in response to the massacre, “Orlando strong.”
Equality Florida has a GoFundMe page for the Pulse Victim’s Tragedy Fund
If you need help:
COUNSELING AVAILABLE:
* The GLBT Community Center of Central Florida is referring folks to First Unitarian Church, 1901 east Robinson street, Orlando, FL 32803 for grief counseling.
*For anyone needing support today, you may call the Zebra Coalition hotline at (407) 228-1446 to speak to a counselor.
* Somos Orlando is providing counseling resources for Spanish-speaking people. www.somosorlando.info
* From the UCF LGBT student services director: There is counseling available to UCF students today from 12pm-5pm, in the student union room 313. Our LGBT student hang out space, Pride Commons, will reopen Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm, with group counseling available from 1pm-2pm daily
* Muslim Counselors: Naseema 786-473-6017 & Sakina Issa 407-484-2724
* Kids/teens counselor Austin Hill: 941-468-7062