I meant to post something about this yesterday, but what do you say really? I posted and re-posted many things on Twitter and Facebook yesterday and today that reflected how I felt and what I wanted other people to know or understand. However, this blog is all about LGBT+ news and entertainment, so I knew I had to talk about this. For those that aren't aware, there was a mass shooting in Orlando Florida, early Sunday morning at a gay nightclub called Pulse. 49 people were killed and 53 more people were injured, not to mention the other people at the club that night as well as all their friends and family members affected. This is something that rocked the LGBT+ community because no matter what reasoning is given, this was a hate crime.
This was something that deeply affected the LGBT+ community, but I hope that it didn't just hit those who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Asexual, etc. This should be a moment in history that affected all Americas, as well as every other decent human being in the world. Innocent people were murdered because someone didn't agree with them. They decided the answer was to gun down 49 people and injure 53 more because of their personal beliefs. This is not right. This is not acceptable. Regardless of what you think about guns and gun control, there needs to be change. This cannot keep happening.
America is the land of the free. And yet, we keep having mass shootings. People die in churches, in colleges, in elementary schools, in LGBT+ nightclubs. It needs to stop. It is not fair that we should live in fear of not only who we are, but where we go. It is not fair. It is not right.
We need things to change.
This is not an overtly political blog, but I'm not talking politics here. I'm talking human lives. I'm talking love. I'm talking compassion. We have it - let's show it.
NBC News released the names of all 49 confirmed dead in this tragic shooting. I went to a vigil tonight in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio and one of the speakers mentioned that you can read these names online, first name- last name - age - but that they were so much more than that. This should be remembered. These were people; they were more than names on a list. Much more than just someone who was shot in a tragic hate crime. We need to remember.
This is what hate looks like. This is what it feels like.
But hate doesn't win. Love does. Keep loving. Keep being brave.
I'll be posting more about these shootings in the coming weeks, but I wanted to make sure I posted something sooner rather than later. I'll be including lighter posts too - reviews, music, etc. - so please feel free to read what you can handle.
Share your thoughts below, but remember:
Be Kind.
-Lauren Becker
6 comments:
This is all everyone is talking about. My sister (who is in FL) called me early in the am on Sunday to tell me. We have both been to that club in Orlando, as we grew up there. It used to be known by a different name. We we both in shock and saddened as we know loads of good people who frequented there.
Everywhere I go people are talking about it.
Last night at a local pub, I saw two older guys talking about it. It seems like all walks of life are upset and offended by the actions of one idiot.
I am glad you talked about it here. I meant to, but then I realized I would probably come across as an asshole. I am a gun owner, and I support gay rights. In this scenario, I hate religion for fueling this action. I am outraged at whatever "reasons" a person could think to justify this tragedy.
This is a great post. This is such a horrible thing that has happened once again in our country. Like you say, no matter what the reason for this, it was a hate crime, even if it is a terrorist, that is still a hate crime. I hate that these things are happening. And I have so many good friends who are LGBTQ, so this really is something that has hit them hard, and me wanting to make sure they know that I will always support and defend them against people like this.
I read your post yesterday and just didn't know what to say. Words just seem so empty in the face of such an awful act. I'm heartbroken for all victims and their families and all affected by such hateful violence. Love does seem like the only way to fight back and it's all we have but I'm just not sure how effective it will be. Scary times.
There are no words for something like this. I just don't understand the world we live in - how people can let hate seep so far into their hearts that they can take the lives of others. And, to be honest, I don't understand why the US allows people to own automatic weapons at all. I just honestly don't get it. I get the right to bear arms and all (well, I kind of do - wouldn't be my personal choice, but ...), but what NEED could anyone possibly have for an automatic weapon that can kill or injure over a hundred people in the blink of an eye? It saddens me, and it angers me.
It's all I've been reading this whole week too. Gun ownership is a strange strange thing to me, even more so when people consider it to be a right and representing their freedoms as Americans. It's so foreign to me because so many other things are more important. What's worse, is that the senseless death of the children at Sandy Hook changed nothing -- children. I can't see how this will
I holiday in Orlando and I consider it my second home, I still cannot believe this happened. Things have to change.
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