Gathering today at noon in Davis Chapel to honor victims in Orlando

June 13, 2016

A statement from the LGBTQ Center, University Chaplain, and Dean of Students

On behalf of the LGBTQ Center, the Office of the Dean of Students, and the Office of the Chaplain, we condemn the violence that occurred in Orlando last night. The shooting at the Pulse Nightclub, one of Orlando’s largest gay establishments, left over 50 people dead and dozens more wounded. We mourn the individuals who lost their lives and offer our deepest sympathy to their family and friends, as well as to LGBTQ communities across the country.  We also wish to offer our support to Muslim communities across America, who often face backlash and hatred when acts of violence are committed by other Muslims.  Finally, we recognize that for LGBTQ-identified Muslims, the Orlando shooting represents a profound attack on multiple intersections of their identity. We encourage the Wake Forest University community to stand together in allyship and support with both Muslim and LGBTQ individuals and communities during this time.

The Chaplain’s Office, in collaboration with the LGBTQ Center and the Office of the Dean of Students, invites members of the Wake Forest community to a brief gathering tomorrow (Monday, 6/13) at noon in Davis Chapel to honor the pain that is a result of this violence. Please see below for information about additional support services available to members of the community.

In solidarity,

Angela Mazaris, Director, LGBTQ Center
Adam Goldstein, Dean of Students, Associate Vice President
Tim Auman, University Chaplain

Information about Receiving and Providing Support:  You do not need to be a survivor or know a victim of violence to experience the emotional and physical effects of violent action.  The impact of violence can be immediate for some, and for others can not appear until some time has passed.  For some, talking about the event with others, acknowledging the resulting feelings, and focusing on helping others can assist with reducing the negative emotional impact of violence.  For others, talking with a mental health professional is a useful step in moving through the pain.  Wake Forest University students can speak with a mental health professional by contacting the University Counseling Center at (336) 758-5273, Monday-Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm. WFU faculty and staff can find counseling and support through the university’s Employee Assistance Program (336) 716-5493.

Additional resources:

• Managing distress in the aftermath of a shooting
• Responding to Grief