A friend of Orlando victim and Star Wars fan, Drew Leinonen, has launched a petitition to have an LGBT character included the film franchise in honour of him

Joshua Yehl has set up the petition at change.org, along with writing an open letter to Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy and Bob Iger, CEO of Disney, the studio that owns the Star Wars series.

“This is a universe with Wookies, Jawas, and Hutts, so why can’t there be a visible LGBT character on screen?” he asks. “This tragedy happened because of hate, but Star Wars is something that unites people, so fulfilling this request would only serve to bring more love into the world, and that’s what Drew was all about.”

Drew Leinonen (pictured left) and his boyfriend Juan Ramon Guerrero (pictured right) were two of the 49 people shot dead at the Pulse nightclub on June 12.

“Drew was a beacon of positivity in Orlando, a force that brought people together. He loved Star Wars, yes, but he also loved his friends and his family, and he was warm and welcoming to everyone he ever met,” Yehl adds. “Nothing would make him happier than for all the little gay nerds out there to have their own Star Wars character to look up to.”

If you would like an LGBT Star Wars character in honour of Drew, sign the petition here.