The Cape Town community showed solidarity with the 49 people killed at the gay nightclub, Pulse, in Orlando, USA, on June 12.
A vigil was held at St George’s Cathedral last Friday, June 17, and attended by Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and Anglican Archbishop Thabo Makgoba.
Coordinator Laurie Gaum said he had organised the vigil to highlight how a culture of exclusion could lead to violent crimes.
“It is important to see the correlation between what happened in Orlando and the violent crimes that happen here in our own society.
“It is important to highlight the impact of exclusion.”
He also stressed the importance of religious institutions taking responsibility for homophobia and changing mindsets.
He praised the attendance of the religious leaders and thanked them for showing their support.
“It was very significant that they were there and that they showed their support.
“It is very encouraging and heart-warming,” he said.