One year after the Pulse nightclub shooting, this photo series powerfully honors the victims, survivors, their families, and the first responders

One year ago today, 49 lives were taken during the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, and most of the victims were LGBTQ people of color. They were in a safe space, one where they were loved and accepted for who they were, when a man filled with hatred walked in and went on a shooting rampage.

49 people were killed that night, and one year later, we continue to remember them.

A beautiful photo series has been created to honor the memories of those lost. The Dear World project is an interactive portrait series, in which 27 survivors, family members of victims, and first responders share pieces of their stories and reflect on their healing through messages written on their skin.

"Dear World honors the people who passed away, saved lives, comforted the injured and buried loved ones a year ago," Robert X. Fogarty, Dear World founder, said in a statement. "I cherish the opportunity to listen and share these deeply personal stories from people who are bound by a nightmare that nobody should ever have to endure."

Take a look at some of the images from the photo series. They’ll take you on an important emotional journey — one that needs to be had year after year in order to continue remembering the innocent people who died because of a senseless act of extreme violence.

Marissa Delgado is also a survivor, and she remembers her friend Stanley Almodóvar who died that night:

Jaimee Hahn is an ER nurse at Orlando Health and shared her story:

Ramses Tinoco is a survivor of the shooting and remembers his friend Chris Brodman, who died three months later from an unrelated medical condition:

Chris Hansen is a survivor. He reflects on saving one young woman’s life:

Mayra and Brian are the mother of brother of Amanda Alvear, a woman who died in the shooting:

Mina Justice is the mother of Eddie Justice, a young man who died that night. She remembers how she found out her son died in the shooting:

Orlando Torres survived the shooting, but his friend, Anthony Laureano, was killed:

Our hearts are with the victims of the Pulse Nightclub shooting, their families, and everyone affected by the tragedy — now and forever.