June 12, 2021 | Sex & Society

Pulse nightclub designated a national memorial

Pride month is a time for celebration, but also a chance to remember the struggles for gay rights, equality, and acceptance. And with all the progress the community has made, there are always reminders that the fight is far from over.

Five years ago today, the world was rocked by news of a mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida. A total of 49 people were killed and more than 50 were injured when a gunman opened fire at the popular club.

To honor the victims, a bill was unanimously passed through the US Senate this week. It had already been approved by the House of Representatives in May, and now just needs to be signed into law by President Joe Biden. .

Democratic Senator Alex Padilla, a sponsor of the bill, said it was “absolutely the right thing to do, not just to honor the victims and families ... but so many people who can relate to the experience."

“As we approach five years since the Pulse nightclub shooting, the federal designation of the Pulse National Memorial is a deeply meaningful way to honor the lives that were taken that night,” added House Rep Darren Soto.

A temporary memorial already exists on the spot, but it will be replaced by something more permanent. Ricky Martin has already promised to help to raise awareness for the effort.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, it will be called the National Pulse Memorial & Museum, and  “will incorporate the remains of the club into a garden with a reflecting pool and 49 trees, with the open-air museum planned for construction a half-mile away."