On June 12, 2016, the United States experienced its deadliest mass shooting at Pulse, a gay nightclub, in Orlando, Florida.
Ever since that day, there has been post after post detailing the attack, offering prayers and condolences, giving new information or pushing a political agenda. Something that is spreading like wildfire through the mainstream media is that this was a terrorist attack and that there needs to be a heavier focus on illegal immigration and a ‘ban’ on Muslims. There is constant talk of terrorism and ISIL and ‘radical Islam,’ despite knowing for certain of the shooter's inclination. However, none of this should be the focus.
The true tragedy is that over a hundred people are either dead or injured at the hands of a man with some sort of vendetta, armed with an assault rifle. The vast majority of these people were gay, as well as Latino/Latina, considering the fact that it was a gay nightclub, hosting Latino night. All of these people were sons and daughters. Some were boyfriends, girlfriends, brothers or sisters. Some of these people died with their significant others and friends. Others will never see their significant others and friends again.
All of these people had family and/or friends. And I say ‘or’ merely because some of these queer individuals may not have family due to the stigma that still drenches the LGBT+. But these people did not die alone because their names sit heavy in the hearts and thoughts of every LGBT+ individual. Because when a hate crime of this caliber is committed, each of us feels it.
I felt it intensely, crying on and off the entire Sunday. I went to work with a heavy heart and oftentimes felt like I might collapse under the weight of my emotions. I also went out into public with fear making my heart race.
Being queer myself, there’s the constant worry that something bad may happen to me. I don’t take life for granted because holding hands with someone of the same sex is like having a target panted on my back. Despite the fact that same-sex marriage has been entirely legalized, this target has yet to disappear. The fight is long from being over and the shooting in Orlando only proves this point.
After the shooting, when the need for blood donations was high, gay and bisexual men were still barred from donating blood, due to a ban put into place after the HIV epidemic in the 80s. This ban bars men who have had sex with other men within 12 months from giving blood. Despite the simplicity of testing for HIV, this ban continues, which is a baffling reinforcement of casual homophobia in today’s society.
After a hate crime such as this has occurred, it is more important than ever for the LGBT+ community to mourn for those who we have lost and stand stronger than ever. This is exactly what the community has started to do, over the past week. Vigils have been held all across the country, alongside the pre-scheduled PRIDE events, seeing as it is LGBT+ PRIDE month. The solidarity within this community is already showing itself, which is more important than ever.
With an event like this, there are bound to be those who look at it and wonder if this gay nightclub was targeted for a reason other than the gunman’s insanity. There will be people who continue to question whether or not being gay is ‘right.’ Because of these people, we need to stand stronger than ever and show the world that we are worth the right to live in peace.
It is important to continue attending pride events and standing with the community we have built and nurtured. It is also important to remain safe while attending this events and to look after your own emotional well-being. If you do not feel safe after this attack, feel free to stay home for these events, or perhaps hold your own. Invite friends over to celebrate pride in your own way, because there is still so much to be proud of yourself for.
Coming out of the closet is still more than simply loving who you love. It is a statement heard around the world. But that is a good thing. For every person who is proudly out of the closet, there is more hope that the world will eventually become a more accepting place. Don’t let this outrageous act of violence hold you back from coming out of the closet, or force you back into hiding. The world is a terrifying place but there is still the chance to make it better, and we deserve happiness, being exactly who we are.
This is also an important time to decide what it is you want for the future of this country. After a mass shooting such as this, with questions floating around about terrorism and hate crimes and gun control, there is the push for change. It is important to get the facts straight about what is happening and what the representative of your district is planning to do about it. You can find your representative here and ask them what they plan to do in the wake of the Orlando shooting and encourage them to do what you believe is best.
We are not less than human because of who we love. No person is less than human for any reason and we should not be made to feel this way. Here is a link to most of the victims’ names and photographs. It is important that these people be remembered for the beautiful lives that were lost due to this senseless act of violence. Here is a link to the GoFundMe set up in support of the victims of this shooting.
