Arts & Entertainment

Justin Bieber honors Orlando victims in concert tribute

pop star remembered tragedy with song “Purpose”

Published

10 years ago

July 5, 2016

Mariah Cooper

(Screenshot via YouTube)

Justin Bieber honored the 49 lives lost in the Pulse nightclub shooting in a tribute during his Orlando tour stop on Thursday.

Bieber performed his song “Purpose” while the names of the Orlando victims scrolled across a large screen. Christina Grimmie, “The Voice” contestant who was shot and killed in Orlando one day prior to the Pulse massacre, was also included in the list.

9news NBC reports Bieber told the audience “You’ve been through a lot here, and my heart goes out to all the families. You can’t take down Orlando!” during the tribute.

Following the performance, Bieber tweeted a picture of the screen from his concert reading “#OrlandoStrong.”

Thank you for tonight. Don’t ever be afraid to be yourself. #OrlandoStrong pic.twitter.com/ezvQT2g4nk

— Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) July 1, 2016

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PHOTOS: Shenandoah Valley Pride

LGBTQ celebration held at Turner Pavilion in Harrisonburg, Va.

Published

1 day ago

September 21, 2026

Landon Shackelford

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)

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PHOTOS: Walk and 5K to End HIV

Whitman-Walker Health holds 40th annual event

Published

2 days ago

September 20, 2026

Michael Key

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)

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PHOTOS: Wanda Alston Foundation Fall Reception

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

Published

2 days ago

September 20, 2026

Michael Key

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)