There is also a petition for Tori Johnson to be awarded the Cross of Valour Members of Sydney’s lgbti communities will work with the loved ones of Sydney siege victim Tori Johnson to find a way to honour his life. The 34-year-old manager of the Lindt Café was shot dead when he tried to wrestle gunman Man Haron Monis’ weapon away, allowing other captives to get out. Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson is the other hostage who was killed - there are reports she had been protecting a pregnant colleague. Monis himself died when police raided the café. Tori Johnson leaves behind partner of 14 years, Thomas Zinn. Zinn has told Today host Lisa Wilkinson that he and his late partner’s family have been touched at the tributes left at the site of the shooting, on Martin Place. “It’s the most beautiful thing,” he said. “Tori loves flowers and this is probably the most beautiful,” he said. “I’m sure he can see it.” Zinn described his partner as “the most positive human being I’ve ever met”, adding“I want him to be remembered as a very humble person and a generous person. “He made it very clear that family is the most important thing in our lives and we have to cherish that and make sure we spend enough time with our families, that’s absolute priority.” Zinn also thanked Australians for reaching out to the family. “We cannot undo the events of December 16, but it has made our diverse community even stronger and even more unified.” A Facebook group has been set up by members of Sydney’s lgbti communities, called ‘Honouring Tori Johnson’. It says his actions saved the lives of many of his fellow hostages. “In time, we hope to work closely with Tori Johnson's loved ones and plan to honour his passing with a special commemoration. We will work with the City of Sydney, the local lgbti communities, and community organisations.” The page will keep members up to date with the plans, and ideas are welcome in the meantime. The City of Sydney has set up a Lindt Cafe Siege Condolence Book here There is also a Change.org petition for Tori Johnson to be awarded the Cross of Valour
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 19th December 2014 - 8:35am