Life

There Was A Rainbow Over Pulse Nightclub Yesterday

Since the mass shooting at gay nightclub Pulse that killed 49 people and injured 53 others in Orlando this past weekend, the city has banded together in outpourings of love and support. Yesterday, a mere three days after the attack, images of a rainbow over Pulse nightclub circulated on social media — the symbolism of which is not lost on anyone. Users were capturing the image from their cars, from sidewalks, and even from the top of parking structures, the rainbow seeming to emerge from Pulse itself or rest just on top of it, depending on the angle.

In the aftermath of this tragedy, the citizens of Orlando have all rushed to offer aid — donating blood all through this week, donating resources to those working on the scene, and offering support and collecting money for the families of victims. It is only fitting that the city itself would send some love back in the form of this rainbow, an already iconic symbol of love in the very group of people that the shooter targeted. The rainbow appeared sometime between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. last night, prompting many to post the images on social media. Here are some of the most powerful ones:

The actions of Orlando residents and the outpouring of love from all over the world this week are proof enough that love always wins — but this rainbow serves as a beautiful echo of that, providing comfort to some in the aftermath of a tragedy as senseless as this.

Here are some ways to help the Orlando shooting victims and their loved ones: you can also donate to the victims' fund, as well as express your solidarity with the LGBTQ community by posting a tribute online. You can also attend a vigil near you to honor the victims.

Images: 1stKlassAgency/Twitter Video