Recommended for you

Start writing a post

Politics and Activism

Thoughts On The Orlando Shooting

In solidarity with my LGBTQ brothers and sisters.

Alexa Denise Valdez

Jun 13, 2016

Goshen College

motherjones

I am completely at a loss for words. I went from being happy that it was pride month and seeing some great pictures of my friends who were enjoying Indi pride, to waking up this morning to read the terrible news.

At least 50 people are dead and 50+ were injured in a night club in Orlando Sunday morning. Not only did this happen during pride month, but this happened at a known gay night club.

Not to mention that this happened on "Latin night" and thinking about the Latinx community also being there was very scary and painful to think about.

As an ally of the LGBT community, I was brought to tears when reading that this person, who I will not say because his name does not deserve to be named, was upset over seeing two men kiss in Orlando. At least according to his father's statement.

My heart has sunk even lower when reading posts from my friends and loved ones about how this has impacted them. I cannot imagine what it is like to be in their shoes, to be afraid for their lives just for existing.

For one to have so much hatred in their heart for people just because of their sexual orientation is very sickening and very difficult for me to understand. It seems as though people do not have the slightest idea about how hard people have had to fight to even have a safe space for LGBT people in the first place.

I think of how hard people had to fight to even have pride in the first place. All of the exploitation, assault and violence that this group of people have faced.

At this point, it is going to take more than just your "thoughts and prayers." You cannot tell the LGBT community that they are going to hell one minute and then say "prayers for Orlando" the next.

Until the LGBT community can freely love the way that they deserve without fear can we truly say that they can live freely. I'm sorry if this seems to be a whole bunch of thoughts that do not have good flow but that is how my day has been. Thinking about everything and feeling overwhelmed with sadness, anger and confusion.

It is important for this country to come together and fight homophobia as a whole. Just because the LGBT community has gained a lot of equality, it is quite clear that they have so much more to go to as a community.

Report this Content

This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

Entertainment

25 Beatles Lyrics: Your Go-To Guide for Every Situation

The Best Lines from the Fab Four

SUNY Binghamton

30636

Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less

best beatles lyrics

Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Smith College

94563

college students waiting in a long line in the hallway

StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

waitlisted

Recommended for you

Thoughts On The Orlando Shooting

In solidarity with my LGBTQ brothers and sisters.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

Trending Topics

Top Creators

Trending Stories

Best of Politics and Activism

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments

Subscribe to our
Newsletter