The Charleston chapter of PFLAG will be hosting a candlelight vigil on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. on the steps of the Coles County Courthouse.

Similar to other events being held in cities across the nation, this event is an opportunity for people to come together to mourn the loss of life and to call for an end to violence and intolerance, according to a press release.

PFLAG Charleston began in the summer of 2015 with a group of local individuals looking for a way to provide support, education and advocacy for parents, families, and friends of the LGBT+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and other sexual minorities) community, according to their website.

PFLAG National is nation’s oldest and largest ally organization, bringing together gender and sexually diverse people and their allies to move equality forward, according to the release.