SF Pride takes on extra meaning after Orlando shooting

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ByAmy Hollyfield KGO logo
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
SF Pride takes on extra meaning after Orlando shooting
The San Francisco Pride, which is just two weeks away, is on the minds of many following the mass shooting in Orlando.

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- The San Francisco Pride, which is just two weeks away, is on the minds of many following the mass shooting in Orlando.

Right now, a memorial for the victims continues to grow in the city's Castro District.

RELATED: These are the victims of the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando

The candles, notes, flowers and pictures draws mourners to the corner of 18th and Castro streets.

For Rebecca Browning, it's a place to teach her young son.

"It's touching. It's hard to see and hearts goes out to families and loved ones who lost. I wanted to share it with my son, so I brought him," she said.

"I Feel really sad when stuff like this happens because I don't like it when it happens, but sometimes you have to move on. But we still have to think of them," said her young son Elijah.

PHOTOS: Bay Area mourns victims of Orlando nightclub shooting

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Mourners gather at memorial in the Castro District in San Francisco, Monday, June 13, 2016.
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For others, it's a source of comfort to help with the fear.

"I am still feeling scared about this now that Pride is coming up in San Francisco," said another.

It's also a just a place to show support.

"I just wanted to acknowledge the pain of people and the relatives and the community," said Martha Hawthorne.

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This isn't the only place in the Bay Area where the Orlando victims are being remembered.

It is pride night at the A's game on Tuesday and the team will pay tribute to the Orlando victims and hold a moment of silence.

The Castro memorial is the largest display of grief and has become the central gathering spot.

"It's really important that there are messages of love and peace and flowers and beauty. That's what the Castro means to me," said Hawthorne.

San Francisco city officials are meeting with Pride organizers, local club and bar owners and police to discuss extra security measures.

PHOTOS: Powerful reactions to Orlando around the world

RELATED: Father of man named as Orlando shooter: 'We are in shock'

A GoFundMe account has been set up for the victims and families of the mass shooting in Orlando, click here for more information.

Click here for full coverage on the deadly mass shooting in Orlando.

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