This interview is Part 1 of a series of episodes that will be conducted with Liz over the next number of weeks and months.
Coming to Alberta from Ontario in the early 1980s, Liz created permanent positive change for our Rainbow community. Watch news reports from WFTV, the Orlando Sentinel, below.Liz Massiah is a true trailblazer in our LGBTQ+ community. “We decided there wasn’t any threat to the crowd and let the display go on as planned,” said Jeff Prystajko, a spokesman for the event. A seven-member crew started hosing it down. Remnants of firework tubes were still partially ablaze. Since no one was on board the barge, one of three shooting off fireworks in the middle of the lake, officials with the event allowed the show to continue.įirefighters used a small boat to bring in the scorched barge. The fire started 5 to 10 minutes into the 25 minute fireworks display. #BREAKING VIDEO 1st ground shots of fireworks barge burning after incident during #ComeOutWithPride pyrotechnic show in Lake Eola. #BREAKING Fireworks barge just caught fire during the #ComeOutWithPride Festival fireworks at Lake Eola. #pulseorlando #comeoutwithpride #loveislove /R2t6zLqhIKĪlthough the fireworks barge itself unexpectedly caught fire. We'll see you next year! #comeoutwithpride #pulseorlando #lgbt #loveislove /uEcf6f5Tl1Ĥ9 balloons for the 49 fallen, but never forgotten. The night culminated with a firework display in honor of the 49 people who were slain. Our team sending love and solidarity across the Atlantic for today. We're lighting the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye in rainbow colors TONIGHT in celebration of #OrlandoPride ? wandering.rosie /r5pklHLkNaįolks around the world also sent their love to Orlando. #comeoutwithpride #loveislove #orlandopolice /tH8rcRsxgl #OrlandoPride was amazing ?️? /dRUMAXjAoV There were plenty of rainbow flags and paraphernalia on display. #ComeOutWithPride /MpIYcKMGPRĪ moment in time… #loveislove #comeoutwithpride #love #proposal #lgbt /oLaPVWOYrv Parade marchers dressed as angels in honor of those whose lives were lost.Ĥ9 Angels for the #49 we lost in the #Pulse tragedy. OPD Motors and Honor Guard leading the parade with OPD #pulse car and and his son Nick right behind! #ComeOutWithPride /0ovkHqnBEE OPD will be riding with his son Nick today! #ComeOutWithPride /Vv1pOvyUD9 #ComeOutWithPride has begun! OPD Honor Guard and lead the parade! #LoveWins /VHJiL6UtrnĬhief John Mina was among the community grand marshals who led the way. The Most Colorful Parade got off to an emotional start with Orlando Police leading the procession.
Much of the pride celebration was documented on social media. Sandwiched in the middle of fanciful costumes and bejeweled bustiers were three groups that stood out for a different reason: their cry for stronger gun laws to ensure another Pulse-like attack doesn’t happen. Other groups to walk ranged from large corporations and smaller businesses to high school gay-straight alliance organizations and LGBTQ-friendly service groups. Names of the 49 were memorialized in bright marker, eliciting thunderous applause and tears from parade onlookers. “It’s kind of like a closure for it, but it will still be a reminder for us for the rest of our lives.”įamily members of those who died in the attack walked near the front of the parade, trailing behind Community Grand Marshals: the Orlando Police Department and Chief John Mina the Orlando Fire Department Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orlando Commissioner Patty Sheehan and the Pulse Float with employees and family members.Įach carried photos of their loved one or waved a white fabric angel overheard that honored the deceased. “The Pulse attack was very emotional,” said Leo, who didn’t provide his last name.
Torres’ son and his former co-workers were among those honored on one of the parade’s first floats. Torres sold Pulse T-shirts at the festival to help support her son, who worked at the club. It was Nancy Torres’ first time attending the event. “I’m sure, for me, there will be some tears, because it was here,” Melissa Cortez said. For many, the event was another step in the healing process for a community that’s still reeling from the terror attack.