It took three minutes to read the names of the 49 victims, many of whom had Puerto Rican roots, of this summer’s mass shooting at Pulse, an LGBT nightclub in Orlando.
Wearing purple “Soy Queer Latin@” shirts, Fran Zavala Cortes and Elicia Gonzales commemorated the victims’ lives midway through a dance party July 21 at the William Way LGBT Community Center.
The ballroom entrance was decked with glitter and a sign that read, “From rain comes rainbows.” More than 100 young people waved rainbow glow sticks inside.
“I wanted to ensure that we remember why we’re here tonight,” Gonzales said, addressing systemic racism against black and brown queer people. “More than anything, I want to bring forward the idea that we have the opportunity to do better.”
The party was part of Philly4Pulse, a Gayborhood-wide celebration to raise money for the shooting victims and their families. Fourteen bars participated in addition to William Way and The Wilma Theatre, which hosted the Bearded Ladies Cabaret and other performers. Mayor Jim Kenney, Eagles defensive end Connor Barwin and other notables served as celebrity bartenders to collect tips for the cause. Barwin earned a full rendition of “Fly, Eagles, Fly!” and some chanting.
MAYOR JIM KENNEY BARTENDING AT ROSEWOOD THURSDAY NIGHT
Over $70,000 was raised, said Jeffrey Sotland, co-owner of Tabu who planned the fundraiser with the other bar owners. They had originally set a $10,000 fundraising goal. The money will go to Equality Florida, which has partnered with a national agency to ensure transparency and efficiency in disbursing the donations. The GLBT Community Center of Central Florida and the OneOrlando Fund, administered by the city of Orlando, have also pooled resources with Equality Florida.
Several Gayborhood roads were closed to cars during Philly4Pulse — including Locust Street from Broad to 12th streets, and 13th Street from Spruce to Walnut streets — to allow people to move freely between the bars. A few thousand people congregated at the various establishments.
Woody’s opened its front windows and set up tall tables and a DJ booth outside. Valanni brought its signature white couches into the street so people could watch a lineup of lounge singers.
LGBT SUPPORTERS CARRIED A LARGE RAINBOW FLAG THROUGH CENTER CITY AFTER A FUNDRAISING PERFORMANCE AT THE WILMA THEATER
On a number of corners, members of Stonewall Sports sold shirts that said #OrlandoStrong underneath the Liberty Bell. The group had 800 shirts made and expected to sell out.
“Philly is united in our support for the victims in Orlando,” said Adam Beck, a Stonewall Sports board member. “This is something that not only symbolically affects our community, but one of our former players was shot.”
Angel Santiago, who now lives in Florida, is recovering from his wounds, Beck said.
At Tabu, Gayborhood resident Mike Wass shouted, “Mark, could you pour me a beer? That would be awesome!”
City Councilman Mark Squilla, who represents the First District, including the Gayborhood, served as a celebrity bartender.
“I thought it was a great opportunity to show our support for the LGBT community,” Squilla said.
City Councilwomen Helen Gym and Blondell Reynolds Brown also volunteered at Philly4Pulse, along with Nellie Fitzpatrick, director of the city Office of LGBT Affairs, and Rue Landau, executive director of the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations.
“In a society where it seems proper to hate,” Squilla added, “this really is the city of brotherly love where everyone can come together.”
He said it set the right tone for welcoming the Democratic National Convention to Philadelphia.
Many of the people who came out to Philly4Pulse said they had been counting down the days until the fundraiser. They were excited to contribute.
Friends Kenneth Glenn, 29, of Washington Square West, and Michael Mazzarella, 39, of Bella Vista admired how many venues joined forces for the event.
“We’re here to support the community,” Glenn said. “It’s awesome that the Gayborhood of Philadelphia has come together.”
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