Connect with us

Arts & Entertainment

‘Harry Potter’ fans raise wands to honor Orlando victim Luis Vielma

J.K. Rowling tweets ‘I can’t stop crying’

Published

on

Luis Vielma, one of the 49 lives lost in the Orlando shooting, was honored at the Wizarding World theme park at Universal Studios in Florida on Monday.

According to Attractions Magazine, Vielma, 22, worked on the Forbidden journey ride. Universal closed the ride in Vielma’s memory. The group gathered to remember the friend and fan in true Harry Potter fashion, recreating Albus Dumbledore’s funeral by raising their wands in Vielma’s honor.

J.K. Rowling tweeted saying “Luis Vielma worked on the Harry Potter ride at Universal. He was 22 years old. I can’t stop crying.”

Victoria Bidorini, a friend of Vielma’s, tweeted Rowling that he was a Gryffindor “who would make you proud.” Bidorini also informed Rowling that “We have a Slytherin who’s still in ICU. His name is Tony.”

 

Advertisement
FUND LGBTQ JOURNALISM
SIGN UP FOR E-BLAST

Photos

PHOTOS: Shenandoah Valley Pride

LGBTQ celebration held at Turner Pavilion in Harrisonburg, Va.

Published

on

A scene from the 2026 Shenandoah Valley Pride Festival. (Washington Blade photo by Landon Shackelford)

The 2026 Shenandoah Valley Pride Festival was held at Turner Pavilion in Harrisonburg, Va. on Sunday, Sept. 20.

(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)

Continue Reading

Photos

PHOTOS: Walk and 5K to End HIV

Whitman-Walker Health holds 40th annual event

Published

on

A scene from the 2026 Walk and 5K to End HIV on Saturday. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Whitman-Walker Health held the 40th annual Walk and 5K to End HIV at Anacostia Park on Saturday, Sept. 19.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

Continue Reading

Photos

PHOTOS: Wanda Alston Foundation Fall Reception

LGBTQ youth services organization honors Robert White, Japer Bowles, Washington Capitals

Published

on

Rayceen Pendarvis was the emcee at the Wanda Alston Foundation 2026 Fall Reception. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The Wanda Alston Foundation held its Fall Reception at the Penthouse Rooftop at The Wharf on Friday, Sept. 18. Honorees included D.C. Councilmember Robert White, Director of the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs Japer Bowles, and the Washington Capitals. Rayceen Pendarvis served as the emcee and entertainment was provided by the Thomas Circle Singers.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

Continue Reading

Popular