2 years after shooting at gay nightclub world says 'Love Wins'
The world has responded with love and solidarity for the LGBT community on the second anniversary of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando.
It was an evening of drinking, dancing and drag shows.
After hours of revelry, the party-goers crowding the gay nightclub known as Pulse in Orlando, US, took their last sips before the place closed.
That's when authorities say Omar Mateen emerged, carrying an AR-15 assault rifle and spraying the helpless crowd with bullets.
The Pulse nightclub shooting on 13 June 2016, is till date, the deadliest attack on the LGBT+ community in the US and the deadliest terrorist attack in the country since 9/11.
As many as 49 people were gunned down mercilessly because they had come together to celebrate love on that fateful night.
The world, however, has chosen to not let the tragedy be forgotten.
Even after two years, they have chosen to honour the memory of those who lost their lives that evening.
The date is also special because June is Pride Month as it commemorates the Stonewall riots, that occurred at the end of June 1969.
London celebrated the power of love by a public performance by the London Gay Men's Chorus at a vigil for Pulse.
Two years since the attack at #Pulse nightclub in #Orlando in which 49 people were killed. #LGBT communities around the world held vigils to show solidarity. To show that #LoveWins. Always. This was a stunning and emotional @LdnGMC performing in Soho, London. pic.twitter.com/UAlGenEMOm Paul Usher (@PaulUsher) June 13, 2018
The Dr Phillips Center for the Performing Arts lit up in Pride colours to honour the victims.
On the eve of the two-year remembrance of the Pulse tragedy, the Orlando history museum (left) and convention centre are lit up in the rainbow colours.
Activists held a rally at Orlando City Hall on Monday, June 11, 2018, and lamented the lack of progress on gun reform and gay rights in Florida.
People have been leaving flowers and their messages at the site of the shooting.
Some people have also expressed their love through body art.
Actress and activist Alyssa Milano also used the opportunity to advocate for stricter laws.
The Stonewall Inn in New York which is landmark site for gay riots also held a vigil for Pulse victims.
Social media has also posted messages remembering the victims with the hashtag 'say their names'.
READ: Florida shooting survivors sue Orlando city, 30 police officers over response to nightclub massacre
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