Supporters rally in downtown Bend for Orlando victims

Central Oregonians are coming out in support for the shooting victims in Orlando.

Several communities across the nation held candlelight vigils for the victims and their families, and the message in Bend was clear: Hate will not bring down the LGBT community.

“We need to be here for each other. That is how we’re going to survive,” said LGBT member Cliff Cook.

A large group walked through downtown, holding the love shine by holding the hands of their loved ones. A sign that love trumps hate in America.

“We have to be strong, we have to be determined,” Cook said. “We have to go on about our lives. We can’t go back into the closet, we have to come out, we have to support each other.”

Betzaida Merrerr came to the vigil to support the community that has accepted her.

‘We are a very diverse community and we need to keep on staying visible,” Merrerr said.

She said this is the time to show the nation that the LGBT community is stronger than ever.

“Letting the world know how beautiful we are, how different we all are, how we can all get together and love one another,” Merrerr said.

For other supporters, it’s about taking action and ending gun violence

“I’m sick and tired of hearing the president and everybody else saying, ‘Our thoughts and prayers are with the families.’ That’s not enough any more,” LGBT supporter Toni Weir said.

Cities across the nation are getting ready to celebrate pride as the month of June kicks off major LGBT events.

As Bend’s pride celebration is coming up in a couple of weeks, supporters say they will not let fear keep them away.

“Nothing will drive me away. Some people are gay — get over it,” Weir said.

If you would like to participate in Bend’s pride celebration, you can check out the upcoming events on the Central Oregon Pride Facebook page Central Oregon Pride