Charlottesville, Va.—Virginia Organizing, a non-partisan statewide grassroots organization dedicated to creating a more just Virginia for all people, released the following statement on the massacre in Orlando:

“As an ally organization, Virginia Organizing is shocked and horrified by the massacre in Orlando targeting members of the LGBTQ community on a night when mostly Latina/o people were in the club,” said Ladelle McWhorter, Virginia Organizing Chairperson. “Virginia is not immune from attacks like this as evidenced by the attack on a gay bar in Roanoke in 2000. Right now, we need to stop hate-fueled rhetoric that targets specific people groups. Latina/o and LGBTQ people were killed for simply existing.”

McWhorter continued, “Virginia Organizing believes that all people deserve to love whomever they choose without fear of violence from hateful people. As our state and our nation is reeling from this attack, we need to focus on love — love for our brothers and sisters without regard to their race, sex, religion, ability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender expression. We remain dedicated to anti-discrimination and equal rights for all people and we stand in solidarity with our neighbors in Florida and mourn with the LGBTQ community and all who lost a sense of security on Saturday night.”

To interview a spokesperson for Virginia Organizing, please contact Amanda Pohl at 804-337-1912 or amanda@virginia-organizing.org.

Virginia Organizing is a non-partisan statewide grassroots organization that brings people together to create a more just Virginia.

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