Many in city's gay Latino community say they are deeply affected by the mass shooting in Orlando, even though it's happened hundreds of miles away. Borough Reporter Ruschell Boone has the story from Queens.
The terror attack in Florida has left many in this Jackson Heights community on edge.
"If one person could do that, there are a lot of people who could do that around our community," said one.
The neighborhood is home to the city's largest gay Latino population and Mauro Julca is trying to help calm some of those fears.
Julca is the chair of a grassroots group called Latinos Diferentes and he's organizing a unity vigil for Wednesday.
"A lot of people are fearful to go events where the Latino or gay community, or the LGBT community in general, congregates because we don't know now," Julca said. "We don't know anymore."
Julca says Wednesday's vigil will have a strong focus on the gay Latino community.
"Certain communities are limited because of language, because of culture, because of services they receive so we believe although it's important to create a sense of awareness in the whole city also to don't overlook minorities because minorities most of the time don't reach out so that it why we're doing it here in Queens," Julca said.
The vigil is a grassroots movement so Julca is working hard to get the word out.
He is getting support from some of the gay bar owners and well-known gay Latino residents.
"Even though what happened in Orlando had a magnitude that we have never seen before the hatred and the venom that was committed there and was felt there is certainly that we felt a long time here," said Alfonso Quiroz. "This community has felt that type of venom and hatred for decades."
Many are hoping the outpouring of support for the Orlando victims will lead to change.
We need more love," said Oscar Martinez, a member of Latinos Diferentes. "We need more respect. We need more feeling safe for everyone. "
Dozens of people are expected to attend the vigil, which will start at 8 p.m. at 88th Street and Roosevelt Avenue at the Manhattan Cocktail Lounge. The group will march to 76th Street to Club Evolution for another gathering.