Orlando Statement

The European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation want to extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the atrocity that occurred at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida.

On June 11th, we were gathered for the joyful event of the Euro Pride House 2016 kick off – an event whose aim is to tackle homophobia, prejudices and violence against the LGBTIQ community. Now we are reminded, with horror, and deep sadness, of the crucial need for such programs, and the continued fight against homophobia and hate crimes. This federation is built on acceptance, diversity and inclusion and we will continue to fight all forms of discrimination and hate.

Hate will not win.

We stand solidly beside our community in Orlando in this terrible moment in time.

We remember:

  • Edward Sotomayor Jr., 34 years old
  • Stanley Almodovar III, 23 years old
  • Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo, 20 years old
  • Juan Ramon Guerrero, 22 years old
  • Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera, 36 years old
  • Peter O. Gonzalez-Cruz, 22 years old
  • Luis S. Vielma, 22 years old
  • Kimberly Morris, 37 years old
  • Eddie Jamoldroy Justice, 30 years old
  • Darryl Roman Burt II, 29 years old
  • Deonka Deidra Drayton, 32 years old
  • Alejandro Barrios Martinez, 21 years old
  • Anthony Luis Laureano Disla, 25 years old
  • Jean Carlos Mendez Perez, 35 years old
  • Franky Jimmy Dejesus Velazquez, 50 years old
  • Amanda Alvear, 25 years old
  • Martin Benitez Torres, 33 years old
  • Luis Daniel Wilson-Leon, 37 years old
  • Mercedez Marisol Flores, 26 years old
  • Xavier Emmanuel Serrano Rosado, 35 years old
  • Gilberto Ramon Silva Menendez, 25 years old
  • Simon Adrian Carrillo Fernandez, 31 years old
  • Oscar A Aracena-Montero, 26 years old
  • Enrique L Rios, Jr, 25 years old
  • Miguel Angel Honorato, 30 years old
  • Javier Jorge-Reyes, 40 years old
  • Joel Rayon Paniagua, 32 years old
  • Jason Benjamin Josaphat, 19 years old
  • Cory James Connell, 21 years old
  • Juan P Rivera Velazquez, 37 years old
  • Luis Daniel Conde, 39 years old
  • Shane Evan Tomlinson, 33 years old
  • Juan Chevez-Martinez, 25 years old
  • Jerald Arthur Wright, 31 years old
  • Leroy Valentin Fernandez, 25 years old
  • Tevin Eugene Crosby, 25 years old
  • Jonathan Antonio Camuy Vega, 24 years old
  • Jean C Nives Rodriguez, 27 years old
  • Rodolfo Ayala-Ayala, 33 years old
  • Brenda Lee Marquez McCool, 49 years old
  • Yilmary Rodriguez Sulivan, 24 years old
  • Christopher Andrew Leinonen, 32 years old
  • Angel L Candelario-Padro, 28 years old
  • Frank Hernandez, 27 years old
  • Paul Terrell Henry, 41 years old
  • Antonio Davon Brown, 29 years old
  • Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz, 24 years old
  • Akyra Monet Murray, 18 years old
  • Geraldo A Ortiz-Jimenez, 25 years old

A minute’s silence will be observed in memory of the victims and in support of  family and allies at the opening ceremony of the EuroGames, July 28th, Helsinki.

With Deepest Sympathy,

The Board of the European Gay and Lesbian Sport Federation and all our members.