Fairfield County LGBTQ Center Mourns Victims Of Orlando Shooting

NORWALK, Conn. -- The Triangle Community Center in Norwalk is mourning the victims of Sunday's shooting in Orlando, Florida and reaffirming its commitment to creating a safe place for the LGBTQ community in Fairfield County in the face of what would appear to be an attack on that community.

Anthony Crisci of the Triangle Community Center in Norwalk said the center is committed to providing a safe space for members of the LGBGTQ community.
Photo Credit: *Casey Donahue, file*

Casey Donahue

06/13/2016 11:15 p.m.

"Our hearts go out to every individual impacted by the terrible acts that took place in Orlando this weekend," said TCC Executive Director Anthony Crisci. "Our commitment to creating safe spaces is stronger than ever. We will mourn alongside members of our community tonight, and wake up tomorrow with a renewed passion to create the change we wish to see in this world. A safe, affirming and supportive environment for all."

TCC is the only organizations in Fairfield County focused exclusively on the LBGTQ community. The center was founded in 1990 and provides support groups and services to help with problems such as homelessness, mental health issues, substance abuse, isolation and depression, as well as activities and social events such as the annual Pride in the Park celebration.

“June is LGBTQ Pride month, when we honor the accomplishments of those who fought for safe spaces and for equality,” said TCC’s Director of Operations Conor Pfeifer. He said Sunday's attack "is a sobering reminder that not everyone has a safe space, that there are individuals who target our community. All of us at TCC take comfort in the fact that we strive for and continue to provide safe space for all our program participants, event guests, and allies. We urge every person to take the necessary measures to provide safe spaces for the LGBTQ community.”

Spaces such as TCC afford LGBTQ individuals the ability to be celebrated for who they are, to have their sexual orientation and/or gender identity affirmed, and to live authentically without fear.

“The attack at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida was an attack on the LGBTQ community,” said Crisci. “We are not intimidated at TCC. We will continue our critical work of advocating on behalf of every LGBTQ identity and to provide a forum for those who would meet our welcoming embrace.”

TCC will be facilitating an interfaith vigil honoring the lives lost in Orlando and celebrating the LGBTQ community. TCC will announce more information over the coming week about the vigil.

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