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Equality Florida’s Pulse Victims Fund reaches $7 million

fundraiser’s initial goal was $100,000

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Pulse, Orlando, gay news, Washington Blade
Pulse, Orlando, gay news, Washington Blade

Pulse (Washington Blade photo by Michael K. Lavers)

Equality Florida’s Pulse Victims campaign has exceeded $7 million, Equality Florida announced on Wednesday.

The GoFundMe fundraiser, which had an original goal of $100,00, was started shortly after the Pulse nightclub massacre in Orlando claimed 49 lives. Equality Florida reports $6.9 million has now been raised online. Additional offline fundraising makes the total contribution $7 million. The current goal is to reach $10 million.

Corporate donors who have contributed include GoFundMe, Hamburger Mary’s Restaurants, MGM Resorts International, Tamp Bay Rays and Tito’s Vodka. Public figures such as California’s Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom, Lena Dunham, Jeffree Star, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Philip DeFranco and Stuart Milk also donated to the fundraiser.

The Miami Herald reports many local businesses and restaurants contributed with their own fundraising efforts.

“The outpouring of love and support from across the globe has been overwhelming,” Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith said in a statement. “We are grateful for the small-dollar gifts that comprise the bulk of this fund, and contributions from those who have used their positions of power to support the victims and families.”

 

 

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Washington Spirit host largest halftime drag performance in NWSL history

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The Washington Spirit against Racing Louisville at Audi Field on June 3rd, 2023 in Washington DC. (© Breanna Biorato/Washington Spirit)

The Washington Spirit celebrated the LGBTQ+ community with the team’s annual Pride Night at Audi Field this past Saturday. Highlighting that evening’s Pride-themed festivities was a
halftime drag performance, featuring over a dozen drag performers from around the
DMV. It was the largest halftime drag performance in NWSL history.

Performers included: Shiqueeta Lee, KCByonce, Citrine the Queen, Elektra Gee, Kabuki Bukkake, Delila B. Lee, Capri Bloomingdale, Tara Ashleigh Austin, Gigi Couture, Dorsell Phinn, Tula, Twix the Drag Queen, Bootsy Omega, Princeza.

The Washington Spirit against Racing Louisville at Audi Field on June 3rd, 2023 in Washington DC.   (© Breanna Biorato/Washington Spirit)
The Washington Spirit against Racing Louisville at Audi Field on June 3rd, 2023 in Washington DC.   (© Breanna Biorato/Washington Spirit)
The Washington Spirit against Racing Louisville at Audi Field on June 3rd, 2023 in Washington DC.   (© Breanna Biorato/Washington Spirit)
The Washington Spirit against Racing Louisville at Audi Field on June 3rd, 2023 in Washington DC.   (© Breanna Biorato/Washington Spirit)
The Washington Spirit against Racing Louisville at Audi Field on June 3rd, 2023 in Washington DC.   (© Breanna Biorato/Washington Spirit)
The Washington Spirit against Racing Louisville at Audi Field on June 3rd, 2023 in Washington DC.   (© Breanna Biorato/Washington Spirit)
The Washington Spirit against Racing Louisville at Audi Field on June 3rd, 2023 in Washington DC.   (© Breanna Biorato/Washington Spirit)
The Washington Spirit against Racing Louisville at Audi Field on June 3rd, 2023 in Washington DC.   (© Breanna Biorato/Washington Spirit)
The Washington Spirit drew, 1-1, against Racing Louisville FC at its Annual Pride Night.
The Washington Spirit against Racing Louisville at Audi Field on June 3rd, 2023 in Washington DC.   (© Breanna Biorato/Washington Spirit)
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PHOTOS: Reston Pride

Annual LGBTQ celebration held at Lake Anne Plaza

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Betty was the headliner at Reston Pride on Saturday, June 3. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The 2023 Reston Pride Festival was held at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston, Va. on Saturday, June 3. The music group Betty was the headliner of the festival.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

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PHOTOS: Alexandria Pride

Virginia city holds LGBTQ celebration at City Hall

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Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson reads a city proclamation commemorating Alexandria Pride on Saturday, June 3. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The City of Alexandria, Va. held its sixth annual LGBTQ Pride Festival at Alexandria City Hall on Saturday, June 3.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

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