And it happened as Pride events were taking place all over the country, including a reception at Juneau’s Northern Light Church mere hours before. The shooting at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, killed 49 people and was the largest act of violence against the LGBTQ community in US History. In gay communities all over the country, there is a before and an after. Speakers included Freda Westman, former Alaska Native Sisterhood Grand Camp President. Artist Ricky Tagaban organized a Two Spirit Pride Reception to begin Juneau’s pride week, held on June 11th.
