Candlelight vigils were held around Montana Sunday evening in honor of the victims of the Orlando shooting. In Missoula, more than 200 members of the LGBT community and allies gathered on the campus of the University of Montana.
Many got up to share their own stories and offer support. Some of the people said that they felt like the attack was an attack on all of them.
Kim Spurzem is a volunteer for several LGBT advocacy groups in Missoula. She says that even Missoula isn’t quite as safe as many people think it is.
"I work with kids that are in this crowd tonight and across this state," Spurzem said, "and they kill themselves. They try to cut themselves. They’re f**cked up. They’re kicked out of their homes. And it’s not safe. Every time you say it’s safe for people of color, people with disabilities. For f**cking LGBTQ people in Montana. It’s not true. We’re dying."
Sperzem says with the sadness that comes with this tragedy, there’s always hope in the LGBT community.
"I think just find pride in yourself. Find a way to express that, whether it’s through music, poetry, journaling. Internet memes. You just got to love yourself for where you’re at," she said.
Dennis Ison was one of these people. He came out as gay just two years ago.
"I’m hurt that still today, we have to be careful and be aware of our surroundings and who we associate with because you just never know who can pretty much rob you blind or kill you," Ison said.
LAMBDA, an advocacy group for LGBT people at UM, put on the event.