A comic book anthology created to honour the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting has raised over $215,000AUD.
was published by IDW and DC Comics as a way of mourning the 49 victims of the shooting, supporting the dozens of survivors and celebrating the LGBTQ community.
The comic was released in December 2016 and quickly rose to the top of the New York Times bestseller list for graphic books with proceeds from sales going directly to the fund for those affected by the massacre.
“I am overwhelmed by the response to LOVE IS LOVE,” comic creator Marc Andreyko said in a
“Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that this project would not only raise so much money, but touch so many lives around the globe.
“In these divisive and difficult times, seeing the outpouring of love and support for victims of hate by people of every race, creed, orientation and nationality shows me that there is much good in the world. We just need to keep fighting the good fight and love will win.”
The victims of the worst mass shooting in modern US history were overwhelmingly queer people of colour, attending the Latin night at gay club Pulse.
Equality Florida CEO Nadine Smith said: “Equality Florida is so grateful for this project – it has been such an inspiring and powerful way to respond in the face of tragedy.
“We must uproot the hatred that breeds discrimination and violence, and having top storytellers and illustrators combine their talents makes LOVE IS LOVE a potent and accessible tool.”
The city of Orlando has declared June 12 with a series of events planned to commemorate the victims of the shooting.
