In response to the massacre at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Fla., June 11 Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center’s Executive Director Adrian Shanker released the following statement:

It’s a sad day in America anytime we wake up to learn about horrific gun violence and of course we are saddened by the needless loss of life that occurred last night.

But last night’s massacre at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, which left at least 50 people dead and many more injured, is a wake-up call that violence against the LGBT community is a serious issue, that the LGBT movement needs to prioritize efforts to prevent violence, including support for meaningful and commonsense gun control and that this senseless violence needs to turn into action to ensure the safety of our community.

Thoughts and prayers are not enough.

Concrete action is needed. Action to ensure that our bars, pride festivals and community celebrations are safe to attend. Action to ensure same-sex couples and transgender individuals are safe in their communities and on the streets.

The anti-LGBT legislation and rhetoric we are seeing across the country, but highlighted in states like North Carolina and Mississippi, fuel hatred and intolerance that lead to violence against our community. Our elected officials and community leaders need to create inclusive cultures in their states to help prevent violence against our community. We need action, education and increased consciousness to ensure the safety of our community.

Editor’s Note: The organization hosted a vigil June 12 at Candida’s Bar, 247 N. 12th St., Allentown, to raise awareness about violence against the LGBT community and to memorialize the victims of the attack. Speakers included LGBT community leaders and elected officials.

Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center provides cultural, educational and health promotion programs and direct services to strengthen and support the LGBT community across the Greater Lehigh Valley.