Star City LGBT community stays strong after Orlando shooting

ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - The LGBT community is rallying together in response to Sunday's mass shooting in Orlando.

Bernard Alvarez, the vice-chairman of the Roanoke Diversity Center, said his phone has been ringing non-stop as many in the community are confused, scared and want to come together to pray for the families who lost loved ones in Orlando.

The tragedy hits home for Alvarez who's a native of Fort Lauderdale.

"It is a little bit harder for me just knowing and seeing the faces of people that I recognize who were around in the area and people I've worked with in the South Florida gate community," said Alvarez. "I'm concerned for my friends living in the area down there."

The Roanoke Diversity Center will hold a vigil at Metropolitan Community Church of the Blue Ridge at 6 p.m. on Tuesday.