We Are Orlando

I've so far been quiet on the horrific tragedy in Orlando. It's been hard for me to think about even though I've not been directly involved. I cannot imagine the pain and suffering these people and their families are and have been going through, straight or gay. My heart goes out to the families of the dead and injured, as well as to the heroes of that night who helped save lives (even at the cost of their own).

On the Talk this afternoon I heard of a story where a mother (a straight woman) had gone to Pulse to go dancing with her son that fateful night. When the shooting started she threw herself over her son, shielding him from the shots and died literally saving his life. This is pure heroism and love, she deserves to be remembered as do all the others who died or were injured there. There was a young gay couple who were getting married soon and will now be having a joint funeral instead. A club bouncer risked being shot and killed by leaving his safe hiding spot to run and open the back escape door, saving roughly 60 lives in the process. #heroesoforlando


Many people have been trying to paint this as a purely Islamic Terrorist attack, and although it was definitely an act of Terror done under the flag of ISIS everyone should understand that the threat of death and violence against gays is a lifestyle we are forced to live with daily. It doesn't just come from Islam, it comes from Christianity too. You can see proof of this in the number of strictly Christian posts rejoicing at the effort put into this horrific attack. Ministers and Devout Christians all over the country have posted onto social media saying that the shooter was sent by God and that it was about time a shooter targeted perverts instead of innocent people. These are comments and behaviors that many people in the U.S. don't get to see unless you are closely associated with the LGBT community. Nevertheless they are a very real danger and problem for people like me on a daily basis. As sad as it is to say or feel, I (and perhaps many others) am not surprised that the LGBT community was made the target of such an evil action, but frankly I am surprised it's taken this long to happen. We are hated by so many, more than popular society seems to realize. I'm explaining this because I want people to realize why the LGBT community is so united, why we feel the need to hold Pride Parades and Festivals, why we are so adamant about fighting for our rights as citizens of the United States. It is because threats of attack are our daily way of life all over the world.

I cannot tell you how many times I and people I know have withdrawn from holding hands or walking close together because they were afraid of being attacked by a passerby on the sidewalk. Or how often we have to be careful walking home from a gay club or event, afraid that someone saw us leave and chose to follow and attack us simply for the fact they identified us as likely being gay. Don't just blame Islam for this attack, blame homophobia itself, wherever it comes from (Islam, Christianity, Atheism etc.). No community has proven totally guiltless when it comes encouraging or praising violence against gays. If you want to press blame, then please press it by trying to end homophobia and the general acceptance in American society to think of gays as less than other people.

Whether you pray or not, whether you believe homosexuality is right or wrong, what is most important is that we learn to live in peace. If you are able I would encourage anyone to attend a nearby vigil for Orlando. Stand with those who suffer directly from this tragedy but also with those who face violence and hatred daily simply because they are different and who are struggling to stay alive through the pain. #easetheburden