As many of you may know, last night there was a shooting at the LGBT+ nightclub called "Pulse" in Orlando, FL. A shooter opened fire at around 2 a.m. and killed many people. Apparently over 50 rounds were fired and the man reportedly was wearing explosives wired around his chest. As it stands, a hostage situation was solved. This is the most brutal mass shooting in American history, and it has repercussions on every facet of American society.
For some reason, the conservative community has taken a special interest in this event... although it seems more to further their agenda against Muslims. (The shooter claimed allegiance to ISIS before he died, giving fuel to more painful hate and vendettas against peaceful Muslims.)
Liberals are using the event to argue stronger gun control, as almost the exact same model of assault rifle has been used in multiple American mass shootings.
In the LGBT+ community, people are gathering across the world to hold vigils, prayers, and walks for the fallen victims. LGBT+ Parisians are sharing words of hope through signs, and many cities (not including Orlando itself) are holding candlelight vigils all over the country and world. It's brought different individuals together, even though it's through pain and tragedy.
The Orlando Police Department is constantly uploading a list of victims who have been wounded, found, or killed. You can check the list for friends and family at here.
I am so, so sorry that this happened. It's happened so quickly and tragically that I honestly can't do more than relay facts and apologize profusely and futilely. My heart goes out to those who lost loved ones and friends to this slaughter, and I hope that everyone who escaped can find their families and stay safe. Hopefully, this event will bring the LGBT+ community into the limelight not in a selfish way, but in an informative way. Simply put- maybe this will be a turning point. First, in the arguments against banning semi-automatics/ automatics/ guns in general or raising purchase/ carrying laws; and secondly, in the acknowledgement of the LGBT+ community.
We (the LGBT+ community) are always here. We are always enduring hate, bigotry, and violence, and it's pitiful that such a large act of violence had to be committed to get this kind of recognition and support. There isn't enough room for hate in this world, as pacifistic and cheesy as it sounds. But I'm serious. There's already enough hate, violence, and malice; so inject your bit of care and love into the mix and do what you can to lessen it. Translated: don't hate. Please.
I know that I'm rambling, and I can feel it (I use long, convoluted words and sentences when I'm scared or nervous). And I am. I am scared. This can't keep happening. We cannot keep killing each other, regardless of race, gender, sexuality, or religion, and we can't ignore what's happening. Please protect one another.
