On June 12, 2016 the world lost 49 lives in a nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida. The shooter, Omar Mateen, went inside Pulse (a gay nightclub) and shot over 90 people. This massacre cannot been seen as anything but a hate crime. A hate crime against those who simply just love. This nightclub shooting was a wake up call for many, especially Americans, who believed that all was done with gay rights after it was made legal in all 50 state for same-sex couples to get married.
A year later and there are still fights to be fought, marches to march on, and petitions to sign. Now more than ever does our voices need to be heard. One year ago this week, 49 families lost a brother, sister, son, daughter, and grandchild unexpectedly. They were not able to save them or say goodbye.
We can honor these lives today by fighting and remembering. Remembering that hate is still very much present in the world and that we must stand up when we come across it. We can also honor them through love. Love for our friends, family, job, and life. Love and dance your heart. These lives cannot be lost in vain. #OrlandoUnitedDay