As Orlando marks 10 years since the Pulse nightclub tragedy, we honor the lives lost, the resilience of those affected, and the community that continues to move forward together. Through A Decade of Unity: Pride in Our City, Orlando Pride are spotlighting local leaders, advocates, artists, business owners and changemakers whose work helps make Orlando a more welcoming, inclusive place for all.
Throughout this series, we'll share the stories and perspectives of six members of Orlando's LGBTQ+ community and allies, reflecting on what unity means to them, how our city came together in the aftermath of Pulse and how we can continue building a stronger future together. Their experiences serve as a reminder that the spirit of Orlando is defined not only by remembrance, but by compassion, connection and action.
Tatiana Quiroga, Executive Director Come Out with Pride
What does Unity mean to you?
Unity means showing up for one another — in moments of joy, celebration, heartbreak, and everything in between. As a queer person, a parent, and a community leader, unity means building a world where people feel seen, valued, and know they belong. It means recognizing that our lives are connected and that when we lead with compassion, dignity, and care for one another, we all move forward together. Unity is love put into action.
Do you have a personal example of how our community came together in response to the Pulse tragedy?
Ten years ago, Orlando experienced unimaginable heartbreak, but I also witnessed extraordinary love. I saw people show up for one another without hesitation — neighbors becoming family, strangers becoming community, and people reminding our LGBTQIA+ community that we would carry both grief and healing together. In one of our darkest moments, Orlando chose love, and that spirit continues to guide us today.
How can Orlando continue to support this community?
We support this community by choosing belonging every day — not only during Pride or moments of tragedy. That means uplifting LGBTQIA+ voices, investing in community, celebrating our differences, and creating opportunities for everyone to thrive. As a parent, I think often about the future we are building. I want Orlando to continue being a place that chooses compassion, inclusion, and community — because when people feel they belong, we all become stronger.
Bootsie Larry, Inter&Co Stadium Staff
What does Unity mean to you?
Unity means realizing that our humanity has to come before our differences. In Orlando, I saw people from every background, faith, identity, and neighborhood come together to love and protect one another. To me, unity is not about all being the same. It is about choosing each other anyway and showing up for your neighbor even when their story looks different than yours.
Do you have a personal example of how our community came together in response to the Pulse tragedy?
I was already in a very vulnerable place emotionally when Pulse happened because my job had ended the night before, June 11. I remember attending vigils across the city, including one we held at my church the evening after the tragedy. Our church also became a mobile blood donation site, and one of the moments that has stayed with me all these years later was seeing members of the Islamic community show up with water and supplies for people waiting in line to donate blood. That moment felt like Orlando at its best.
I also attended the dedication of the 49 seats at an Orlando Pride match, which was actually my first time ever being inside the stadium. It became a place of remembrance, unity, and healing (and to be able to see those 49 chairs now at every match means something that will be with me forever). For a while after Pulse, it truly felt like the whole city was moving on one accord rooted in love. People saw each other as human first. We were simply one Orlando.
How can Orlando continue to support this community?
Orlando does a beautiful job of showing up year-round, but there is still more work to do, especially for LGBTQ+ youth, queer people, and trans individuals experiencing homelessness. We have to make it easier for people to access identification, housing, healthcare, and mental health support.
I would love to see the city continue investing in LGBTQ-focused organizations and clinics, especially places like Pineapple Healthcare that provide affirming and life-changing care for our community. I also believe creating a city-funded mental health response unit in partnership with LGBTQ organizations would make a huge difference right now. Supporting this community means protecting lives, creating dignity, and making sure people feel seen long after the headlines fade.
Patty Sheehan, Commissioner District 4
What does Unity mean to you?
Unity means together in a common goal of love.
Do you have a personal example of how our community came together 10 years ago in response to the Pulse tragedy?
Ten years ago, I was on Orange Avenue being interviewed after Pulse, and I was begging people to give blood. A cameraman showed me a live shot of the line at the blood bank that went around the block and the wait time was eight hours. That is the generous Orlando community!
How can Orlando continue to support this community?
Support the Center, Orlando United Resource Center that still gives free counseling to those who need it, and support your LGBTQ+ friends and community. It is more important now than ever!
Ashley Taylor, UCF Design Professor
What does Unity mean to you?
Unity starts with making room for one another and wanting people to feel welcomed and included. It’s recognizing that different experiences, identities, and perspectives are what make a community stronger, more creative, and more connected. To me, unity is built through empathy, openness, and everyday actions. It doesn’t always have to happen through defining moments — a lot of the time, it’s found in the small ways people support, welcome, and care for each other.
Do you have a personal example of how our community came together 10 years ago in response to the Pulse tragedy?
I’ll always remember the weeks in June of 2016 and seeing every part of Orlando show up for everyone affected by Pulse. There was a real sense that people wanted to help however they could, whether that meant donating, organizing events, volunteering, creating art, or simply being present for one another.
I remember feeling like I had to make something and get my hands moving to process, so I designed a poster for AIGA Orlando’s Love by Design initiative to help raise money and support the community. As a designer, it reminded me that creativity can be a way to process grief, support people, and bring communities together.
What stood out most to me was how immediate and genuine the support felt. Local businesses, artists, community organizations, and neighbors all found their own ways to contribute and care for one another. It reminded me how deeply connected creativity and community are in Orlando.
How can Orlando continue to support this community?
I think Orlando can continue supporting these communities by providing spaces, resources, and visibility to the people already doing the often invisible work of building community, organizing events, supporting others, and creating opportunities for connection. A lot of what makes Orlando special comes from people actively contributing to the culture of the city through creativity, collaboration, and care for one another. Continuing to uplift those voices and invest in those spaces is what keeps the community connected and welcoming.
