Terry DeCarlo, executive director of The GLBT Center of Central Florida,speaks with Chris Bonnano of Florida Today about the weekend attack on a gay nightclub in Orlando. Video by Chris Bonanno, Florida Today
One of the owners of the Orlando nightclub where 50 people were shot dead early Sunday started it to promote awareness of the area's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Her brother died from AIDS.
Barbara Poma opened Pulse on Orange Avenue with friend and co-founder Ron Legler in 2004. It hosts nightly themed performances as well as a monthly program of LGBT-related educational events.
Pulse refers to itself as "not just another gay club." Saturday night was Latin night.
"Being raised in a strict Italian family, being gay was frowned upon. However, when John came out to his family and friends, the family dynamic transitioned from a culture of strict tradition to one of acceptance and love," the club's website says of Poma's brother.
"It was important to create an atmosphere that embraced the gay lifestyle with décor that would make John proud. Most importantly, (we) coined the name Pulse for John’s heartbeat — as a club that is John’s inspiration, where he is kept alive in the eyes of his friends and family."
Neither Poma nor Legler could be reached for comment about the shooting.
Orlando police said 50 people were killed and 53 wounded by a lone assailant who was shot dead at the scene by a police SWAT team.
According to Poma's LinkedIn profile, she works for RB Management, a company that operates three establishments: Wildside Bar & Grille restaurants, Pacino's Italian Ristorante and Pulse Orlando. Legler is the president of the Florida Theatrical Association.
Kenya Michaels, a drag queen from Puerto Rico, was scheduled to appear at Pulse on Saturday evening along with another entertainer called Jasmine International, according to Michaels' Facebook page, which displayed a flyer for the show. Yara Sofia, another Puerto Rican drag queen and reality television personality, said Michaels was safe.
"She got out with manager Neema," Sofia said on Facebook.
Angelica Jones of Orlando, Pulse's resident entertainer, also posted a message on Facebook early Sunday: "God's good. I made it out safe. Thank you for your prayers."
Florida Senator Bill Nelson said the shooting rampage at a crowded gay nightclub early Sunday in Orlando appears to be connected to \u0022Islamic radicalism.\u0022 (June 12) AP
At least 50 people were killed in a shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, making it one of the largest mass killings in America. WTSP
The Mayor of Orlando says there were 50 casualties and there are 53 more hospitalized after a mass shooting at a popular gay nightclub. (June 12) AP
Florida Governor Rick Scott declares a state of emergency following Orlando mass shooting
Medical staff at a Florida hospital say the situation is 'hectic' after a gunman opened fire at an Orlando nightclub early Sunday morning, leaving 50 dead and 53 injured. AP
Police say approximately 20 people have been killed inside a Florida nightclub, and at least 42 were wounded after a gunman opened fire. (June 12) AP
Police in Orlando, Florida say at least 20 people are dead and 42 wounded after a gunman wielding an assault-type rifle and a handgun took hostages and opened fire inside a popular, crowded Florida nightclub. (June 12) AP
Terry DeCarlo, executive director of The GLBT Center of Central Florida,speaks with Chris Bonnano of Florida Today about the weekend attack on a gay nightclub in Orlando. Video by Chris Bonanno, Florida Today
An early morning shooting at an Orlando club called Pulse has left a number of people dead, including the shooter. Video provided by Newsy Newslook
Early Sunday morning, Orlando Police update on mass shooting at Pulse nightclub. Video by Local 6 Orlando. Posted June 12, 2016
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Pulse is described on the GayCities website as having "three different areas to mix it up, including an outdoor patio. Don't miss the club's ultra lounge — all white and LED lighting (think Halo in DC or Miami). Dancers and drag shows round out the party."
An online review of Pulse on the same website by a user called jetdc74 said an evening at the club on Aug. 5, 2012, "kinda started off slow but the night picked up. Nice bartenders. Small dance floor, however the music was good."
Orlando wrapped up its annual week-long Gay Days festival on June 6. As many as 150,000 in the LGBT community attend area theme parks, gay nightclubs and special events. It was the 25th anniversary of Gay Days, one of the largest gay pride events in the world.
Contributing: Florida Today's Jennifer Sangalang-Meesey
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