As I sit here with a pit in my stomach, overwhelming nausea and in disbelief, I can only help but feel anger, turmoil, sadness and fear for my fellow LGBTQ Community. My heart cringes at the realization that 49 victims aren't coming back home to greet their loved ones with a hug. My mind is drowned in chaos to know there are still 53 people fighting for their life. My being is so empty, so numb to realize the killing of my fellow siblings in the LGBTQ community is disgustingly the deadliest mass-shooting in United States history. A community who represents love, compassion, strength and loyalty are victims of the deadliest mass-shooting. I continuously replay that thought in my head over thousands of times and I still cannot comprehend it. I question how anyone could find any wrong in these innocent and breathtakingly magnificent moments of love in this existence. I cannot help whom my heart chooses to beat for, nor can anyone else. The heart does not know gender, nor race, religion, age, or any other meaningless factor. Though it will, as it has since the beginning of time, always walk hand-in-hand with hatred, there is no greater force in this world than that of love.
Better understanding of Pulse: Pulse is a social-environment, a night club and, most importantly, a safe haven for the LGBTQ Community to laugh, love, dance, sing and have a good time without the fear of judgements, discrimination, and prejudice.
The importance of safe-havens: Those who say "Why does there need to be 'gay bar?'" or "Why is there a Pride Parade? There should be a straight parade!" well let me tell you: it's because of the violence, danger and fear our community faces daily. It's due to the death threats, beatings and ultimate murder of our fellow peers. It's not because we, the LGBTQ Community, think we are better or special, it's the fact we need a space of only love and acceptance that won't violate our freedom of individuality, our sexual preference or, overall, our being.
Advice to my Allies: Allies, I've seen your posts all over my newsfeed. If you think something needs to happen, if you say something desperately needs to change, fight to make it happen. Protest transphobic and/or homophobic laws and policies, institutionalized racism, etc. But do it without co-opting this tragedy. Social media activism is not enough. Using Facebook filters on your profile picture is not enough. Sharing the same HuffPo article is not enough. Think about why this happened and do something about it. Be an ally. The answer is not to be Islamophobic. Islam and ISIS are two very different entities and ISIS is in no way representative of Islam or of Muslims. Don't get sucked into illogical rhetorics of hate.
Words to my LGBTQ siblings and fellow allies: My heart is filled with so much joy when I watch my loved ones unapologetically stroll down the street with their hands interlaced with their lover's, or see two people embrace one another with dignity and bliss on a street corner, or when I witness the way a stranger gazes at the man or woman that they're in love with. Let us keep loving, my exquisite and beautiful friends. Let us keep fighting by loving each other so radically, fearlessly and shamelessly that bigotry and discrimination no longer have a home to harbor.
To the victims, to the families, friends and others: I send all my condolences, my peace, my love your way. I stand with you in solidarity to bring justice to your loved ones. I stand with you to speak out against the vicious and disgusting acts aimed towards the LGBTQ Community, in which took the lives of brilliant, wonderful and beautiful souls. We root for those fighting for their lives at this very moment. We stand in awe and humility of the courageous individuals who are a gorgeous representation of true warriors in fight for their life emotionally, physically and so on. I promise with all my might that Chicago's LGBTQ Community and our allies will not let your loved ones become a statistic or die in vain. They will have an over-lasting legacy, a legacy which only promotes love, strength, unity, compassion and loyalty. Our love will conquer all hatred and to keep your loved ones memories alive. We love you, all.
