On June 12th 2016 our community, and the world were devastated by the tragic mass shooting at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida in the United States. A single gunman, Omar Mateen, entered the gay nightclub with an assault rifle killing 49 people, and injured even more again in the deadliest single instance of violence against LGBTI people in U.S history, and what was, at the time, the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S history.

Two years on, the effects of this tragic event are still felt today, not only across the United States, but throughout the world, including here in Australia.

Tom speaks with Jess Innes-Irons, whom, having felt and seen the reaction to this devastating event, conducted research into Australians reactions via social media to the Pulse Nightclub Shooting, as part of her Bachelor of Arts honours at ACU.

Please note, the subject matter of this discussion may be distressing to some, and listener discretion is advised.

If you feel distressed by this story, or have any personal concerns on

LGBTIQA+ issues, please contact the team at QLife Australia on 1800 184 527 or for web counselling at Qlife.org.au.

Or you can contact beyondblue on 1300 22 46 36 and at beyondblue.org.au.

This segment of The Informer aired on JOY 94.9 on 12th June 2018

You can find more on Jess’s research at Facebook.com/AusPulseReactionStudy