Almost exactly a year ago the US gay community was celebrating one of its most poignant victories — the Supreme Court ruling that same-sex marriage was protected by the constitution. Now it is reeling from the most lethal mass shooting in American history.
On Saturday evening the Pulse nightclub touted its Latin theme for the night, posting on Facebook: “Calling all our Latinos, Latinas & everyone that loves a little Latin flavour! It’s time to party tonight! Here’s a little something to play while getting sexy tonight.” But by 1.09am on Sunday morning it posted a chilling update: “Everyone get out of pulse and keep running.”
Authorities were on Sunday evening still struggling to piece together details about the assailant, Omar Mateen, a US citizen of Afghan descent. But the choice of target was clear: a well-known gay nightclub in Orlando, suggesting it was a deliberate and targeted assault on the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.