Standing with Orlando

LGBT communities around the world have mourned Orlando, but also gathered strength supporting those most deeply affected by the tragedy. The following is a partial list of efforts made by Nashvillians on behalf of Orlando victims.

At Lipstick Lounge, the staff donated tips on June 14, with bar owners Christa Suppan and Jonda Valentine matching every dollar—including $500 from Irving Materials and Ben Slinkard's donations from Family Feud. Their Friday performers also donated all of their tips, as well! Ultimately, over $7,800 was raised Equality Florida this way. When R. S. Lipman—a local wine and spirits distributor—and Heroes Vodka learned of this, they generously matched $7,800!

East Side Propaganda, co-owned by Suppan, Valentine, and Lee Patterson, is selling a specially designed t-shirt titled ‘Enough,’ with 50% of the proceeds being donated, with a $1,000 donation guaranteed.

Canvas hosted Evan’s “Sing for Orlando” karaoke on June 16, with tips and donations being given to Orlando. The bar also donated 10% of sales that night as well, bringing the total raised to $3,000.

On June 18, Stirrup and the Conductors hosted a beer bust: they raised $1,700 at the bar, with the Conductors donating an additional $300 to round it out to $2,000.

At the Love to Orlando vigil and at Pride Spirituality night, the Music City Sisters collected a little over $1,000, and QDP donated June 17 proceeds to the Sisters, providing $3,000 to the Orlando House.

Vibe and Blue Genes collected donations for the OneOrlando Fund.

Trax had planned an event for the week after Pride and many of their staff members were out at the Orlando Vigil helping the Sisters collect donations as well.

Play Nashville, along with its sister bar in Louisville, held a benefit show June 29. This fundraiser was for the staff of Pulse, and Play flew in four cast members from Pulse where it collected $75,206.