Gallery: How the Gayborhood supported Orlando at Philly4Pulse fundraiser
$70,000 raised for Orlando victims
Two 'Queer Riot!!!' attendees, known as Francis Rose and Acorn, enjoy a performance on stage at the Wilma Theater.
Margo Reed/for PhillyVoice
by Margo Reed
Last night, July 21, thousands flocked to the Gayborhood to show their support for the victims of June's Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida. In attendance: City Council representatives, a Philadelphia Eagles player, Mayor Jim Kenney — even Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith, who caught a flight to Philadelphia just for the event. It was a momentous showing of vivaciousness, unity and love that resulted in approximately $70,000 being raised for Equality Florida, co-organizer Jeffrey Sotland told PhillyVoice. That's seven times the $10,000 figure targeted.
Here, take in 12 scenes from the evening's festivities that animated LGBT hotspots ranging from William Way to Woody's.
Margo Reed/for PhillyVoiceA dance performance at the Wilma Theater led to a parade through Philadelphia's Gayborhood in honor of Philly4Pulse.
Margo Reed/for PhillyVoiceStbxat, a dancer who performs under this title, performs at the Wilma Theater on July 21, 2016. The theater hosted 'Queer Riot!!!' before the Philly4Pulse fundraising event later in the evening. Margo Reed/for PhillyVoicePeople march through the Gayborhood in honor of Philly4Pulse. Margo Reed/for PhillyVoiceMichael Hoffman was born in Philadelphia but now lives in Florida. Hoffman came to Philadelphia and attended Philly4Pulse with photographs of Corey Connell, a good friend of his who was killed in the Pulse nightclub shooting on June 12, 2016. Margo Reed/for PhillyVoiceTommy Scott dances in the William Way LGBT Community Center.
Margo Reed/for PhillyVoiceCouncilman Mark Squilla volunteered as a bartender at Tabu as part of the Philly4Pulse fundraiser. All tips received by guest bartenders were donated to victim services for the Pulse nightclub shooting. Margo Reed/for PhillyVoiceBraxton McCloud dances at the William Way LGBT Community Center. The event was sponsored by Philly FIGHT and held at the community center at 13th and Spruce streets. Margo Reed/for PhillyVoiceConnor Barwin, a defensive end for the Philadelphia Eagles, and Councilman Mark Squilla work at the bar at Tabu. Guest bartenders were working throughout the Gayborhood as part of Philly4Pulse. Margo Reed/for PhillyVoiceAll LGBT-identifying bars in the Gayborhood opened their doors for the Philly4Pulse fundraiser. People danced in the streets and proceeds were donated to victim services for the Pulse nightclub shooting victims. Margo Reed/for PhillyVoiceNadine Smith, executive director of Equality Florida, meets ICandy owner, Darryl DePiano, left, and manager Scott McFerren, outside of ICandy. Equality Florida received donations from the fundraiser that will benefit victims and victim assistance programs from the night club shootings in Florida. Margo Reed/for PhillyVoicePhilly4Pulse attendees dance outside Woody's at 13th and Walnut streets. PhillyVoice Staff Writer Brandon Baker contributed to this report.