Orlando, Florida has been through a lot the past week. Up-and-coming singer Christina Grimmie was murdered after signing autographs after her show, and a 2-year-old boy was found dead after being dragged into a lagoon by an alligator outside a Walt Disney World hotel. Unfortunately, the United States been faced with countless shootings, but when sexual orientation is called into play, people tend to act differently.

This may strictly be because the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community has always been treated differently than heterosexual individuals. Whatever the case, killing 49 people at Pulse, a well-known gay club, should not be unnoticed or ignored.

The Orlando shooting has proved to be the most fatal massacre the nation has faced since Virginia Tech in 2007 and Sandy Hook in 2012. The Pulse shooting not only killed 49 people, but also left many injured that are still in recovery. The Orlando shooting has been viewed as a massacre, but is it also a hate crime?

The gunman, Omar Mir Seddique Mateen, was said to have felt disgusted after seeing two men kiss in Miami, but friends and family didn't think Mateen would actually act on his emotions. Former wife, Sitora Yusufiy, has claimed that Mateen has shown signs of mental illness including bipolar disorder, as well having some serious anger management problems. Regardless of any of these facts being accurate, targeting and murdering gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgenders, should not be condoned.

First and foremost, this massacre easily proves that Americans need to be more tolerable and accepting of the LGBTQ+ community. The LGBTQ+ community allows millions of individuals to find comfort and support in a unified culture. That culture should never be stripped away or abused because they are seen as different than heterosexual individuals. Homosexuality should not be seen differently than heterosexuality.

Some may see a male liking another male, a woman liking another woman, or a male liking both men and women as a crime or injustice. I personally find that to be ridiculous. As human beings, we all should have the right to love whoever we want without being mocked. Love is universal.

The Orlando shooting also brings up the issue of gun control. Should there be stricter laws in place to prevent individuals from purchasing guns so easily? Or should Americans have the have the freedom to do and buy as they please? Even more importantly, should there be consequences when the safety and well-being of Americans are in jeopardy?

This massacre highlights the act of terrorism. Targeting a specific group of people is morally wrong. Targeting the LGBTQ+ community is wrong. Targeting any group of human beings is wrong. Muslims are categorized as terrorists. Gays and lesbians are seen as inhumane.

Male or female, gay or straight, everyone deserves to feel happy in their skin. Everyone deserves to feel happy with whom they love. Everyone deserves to open their hearts without feeling endangered. Everyone deserves to love themselves and be loved in return.

I genuinely hope that these injustices eventually stop. I hope that people actually start to believe that regardless of physical appearance and sexual orientation, people are people. Stop the hate and spread the love.