“Not again.”
Those are the words that ran through the mind of Amiee Sadler after a shooting at a queer bar in Colorado left five dead and 19 injured.
Sadler was born and raised in Nashville and identifies as a member of the LGBTQ community. At a vigil Tuesday night in Public Square, Sadler joined more than a hundred people trying to make sense of the country’s latest mass shooting.
Rachel Iacovone WPLN NewsThe crowd listened to speakers from several LGBTQ groups, faith leaders and local elected officials.
“Why aren’t we safe anywhere? In places that are supposed to be for us, why aren’t we allowed to be there and commune safely with one another?” she asked.
David Taylor, co-owner of queer bars Tribe and Play in Nashville, says it was only six years ago there was a similar vigil held after the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando.
“It seems like yesterday when we all got together like this and prayed that no one would have to experience that type of terror, and yet, here we are,” he said.
As Taylor spoke, people huddled together in the chilly 40-degree temps, holding white, flickering candles.
The nonprofit Inclusion Tennessee organized the event, which featured speakers from several LGBTQ groups, faith leaders and local elected officials. Many said it’s no coincidence this tragedy took place at a time when many state governments are weighing bills that could restrict LGBTQ rights.
Rachel Iacovone WPLN NewsOdessa Kelly opened her remarks by listing the other vigils she has attended in front of the courthouse, relating to her identities as a woman, Black person and queer individual.
Already, Tennessee Republicans have signaled interest in legislation next year that targets transgender care and drag shows.
Odessa Kelly, who recently lost her race for the 7th Congressional District, told the crowd she was sick of her identity being used as a political football.
“I am a proud member of the LGBTQ community, but guess what? LGTBQ people are just people,” said Kelly. “When does this end?”
It was a sentiment felt by many, including Tracy Ross, who was there with her partner, Patricia Fonner. She says she was afraid to even come out to a public event like this.
“I was very scared,” Ross said. “We stayed in the parking ramp until 6:30, and then, she assured me it would be safe. And we actually parked in a place we could get to quickly if there was violence.”
Still, Ross wanted to support her “brothers and sisters” who lost their lives, and planned to go dancing at a local club afterward.
Rachel Iacovone WPLN NewsA trio in the vigil crowd wrapped their arms around each other as the senior pastor of Belmont United Methodist Church, Paul Purdue, spoke to those gathered.
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