What We Really Lost In Orlando | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

What We Really Lost In Orlando

We are still standing and we are still loving.

16
What We Really Lost In Orlando
Getty Images

On June 12, 2017, it will be one year since the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando. One year since the LGBTQ+ community lost 49 members of its community. 53 additional victims were injured that night when someone decided that people deserved to die for their sexuality.

Recently, there has been an influx of footage depicting the shooting. Bodycam images and videos of the night that destroyed so many lives.

In focusing on the violence we have forgotten to commemorate the lost. These people who gave their lives just by celebrating their identities. We lost sons, fathers, spouses, business men, artists, actors, citizens, bouncers, musicians, students, baristas, realtors, teachers, activists - citizens.

We remember. We remember Orlando. The victims. The families. And we are sending our love your way this June and always.

June is Pride month. Take this opportunity to read up on LGBTQ+ history. Watch When We Rise. Read or listen to Fun Home. Educate yourself on LGBTQ safe sex practices. Support organizations like the Trevor Project, the It Gets Better Project, and TSER. Advocate for the trans community. Address biphobia. Read up on the Pulse victims and who they were. Read about how to support your LGBTQ child. Stand with all parts of the pride community.

Wave your rainbow loud and proud.

Check out the gender unicorn, and educate yourself on pronouns. (They/them IS singular!!!)

Allies, this is not your month, but it is your opportunity to stand with the community. Please take it. Use it to help us be heard.

Spread the love.

Speak up.

Remember out loud.

Let the world know that despite everything, we are still standing, and we are still loving.

And nothing can ever stop us.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

187625
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

13240
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

456621
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

25859
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments