On Sunday, June 12, the world awoke to the tragic news of the mass shooting at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida. The pain and loss was felt worldwide, and total strangers were quick to comfort those who were in a state of shock or disbelief. Often, after a tragic event such as this, people want to help or offer their support, but they do not know how because they live so far away. Here are ten ways that you can help, regardless of where you live.
1. Write to your local congressperson about gun control.
Each of us has a voice, and our congresspeople are responsible for representing our voices. By speaking up, you show that we will not be silenced on the issue of gun control any longer. Action needs a spark, and you have the power to be that spark, simply by speaking up.
2. Learn the names of the victims.
Yes, all 49. Learn who they were, what they aspired to do. Don't allow them to be forgotten. Read their stories, look at their pictures, and mourn for them. Their lives were cut short by a senseless act of violence, and they deserve to be honored and remembered.
3. Recognize that this was a hate crime.
This shooting occurred at an LGBT+ nightclub on Latin Night. Most of the victims were hispanic. Do not allow the media to ignore these facts. The gunman's father has stated that his son was homophobic and was upset when he saw two men kissing, yet many people are still debating over whether or not this act was driven by homophobic views.
4. Give blood (or volunteer at a Blood Drive).
Even if you don't live in the Orlando area, the need for blood donors is constant. Help your community by donating blood if you meet the eligibility requirements, or by volunteering at a local blood drive if you cannot donate yourself. Each time you donate blood, you save up to three lives.
5. Help end the blood donation ban for gay and bisexual men.
The FDA currently only allows men who have sex with other men to donate blood after a year of abstaining from sexual activity. After the attack on Sunday, hundreds of gay and bisexual men wanted to give blood to help the victims who were a part of their community, and they were not allowed to. There is currently a WhiteHouse.gov petition to end the ban, which you can sign here.
6. Stay strong.
Many LGBT+ people are emotionally shaken by the attack. Don't be afraid to reach out for support if you need it. There are several hotlines available to offer support, including The Trevor Project (866-488-7386), The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255), and The National GLBT Center (888-843-4564). There is also a Crisis Text Line (741-741) for those who prefer to communicate in writing or who are not in a safe place to talk out loud.
7. Donate to the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando.
The Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando is offering short-term care or permanent placement for victim's pets. They are currently seeking monetary donations as well as pet supplies to help with their efforts to provide loving care to animals who have lost their owner.
8. Support the victims and their families.
There are several charity organizations that are raising funds to help families with medical expenses, funeral costs, and other expenses that go along with losing a member of your household. Equality Florida, a local LGBT+ civil rights group, has started a GoFundMe, here. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer formed the OneOrlando Fund to support nonprofits helping victims' families as well as the LGBT+ and Latinx communities affected by the tragedy.
9. Hold your loved ones a little closer.
After a tragedy, the fragility of life is always much more apparent. Take a few minutes to hold your loved ones a little closer, give someone one extra hug before they leave the house, or call up a relative you haven't seen in a while and let them know that you love them. You never know when the last time you might see someone could be.
10. Celebrate pride.
Don't let this event take away your pride. Go out, and celebrate at your local Pride. And you can celebrate a little harder for those who no longer can, because that is what the victims would want us to do. If you stay home, afraid of the what ifs, you let hate win. Don't let hate win, because as we all know, #LoveWins.
