Dear LGBT Americans,
After waking up to the chilling news Sunday morning, not only was it frightening to the American people, it definitely impacted those who affiliate themselves as part of the LGBT community. In the month you celebrate your pride, a horrific attack was launched against you. You felt hatred. You felt injured. And worst of all, you felt unsafe living in our own nation.
In the month you march, you felt stopped by the values you march against. This wasn't an attack on a random club. This was an attack on a LGBT club. And the perpetrator himself is believed to be a member of the LGBT community. A member who hated seeing other people just like him openly be themselves. His own religion and culture looked down upon the kind of person he wanted to be. He was afraid to be gay. The envy and hatred that had been built up over time is what led to his actions.
As you read this, I ask of you one thing; and that is to not back down. Continue your fight and your pride! Don't let terror stop you from marching. Don't be afraid. And most importantly, don't be Omar Mateen, a man who symbolizes self defeat.
