To The LBQT Community,

First of all, I would like to say that I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Not just at the Pulse nightclub attack, but every time you were persecuted or injured for your lifestyle. I know many of you have fought hard right to openly love who you choose, no matter their gender or sexual orientation and it's heartbreaking to know that it is still something that some are fighting against after all these years.

I know most of you view Christians as people who condemn those of your community, but I would like to disagree. While I'll admit that there are people who do condemn you, not all of us do.

In fact, churches were among the first to open their doors in light of the tragedy. Many became safe places or blood donations. Many members went out to hand out food and water to those giving blood. Even Chick-fil-a, a well-known Christian fast food place famous for being closed on Sundays, opened it's doors to give away food. It is these Christians who are being true to our faith and I am proud to be one of them.

You see, I don't care if you're gay, straight or anything else. To me, you're a human being in need of love and respect. And I believe that I am called to give that to you. So in this time of pain, I will stand by you. In times where you are persecuted or condemned, I will fight for you. Not all Christians are like those from Westboro Baptist. In fact, many of us disagree with them and their tactics wholeheartedly. There is no reason to be spreading hate when we are called to love.

As Christians, we know that the second greatest commandment is, "Love your neighbor as yourself." That's it, plain and simple. There is nothing in there about loving someone, if they follow a certain lifestyle or if they act a certain way. It just says to love them. And that's what I plan to do with you.

I will fight for you, stand by you, anything you need. But I will also pray for you because to me, the power of prayer can do incredible things. It's one of the few things that I can do to help right now. So I'll pray for healing, strength, love, and light in this time of darkness.

My prayers are with you,

Someone who loves you