It has been a week since I found out about the Orlando Massacre. I was sitting at work and decided to glance at my text messages. I had about twelve tweets from various celebrities who were "Sending their love to Orlando" and "Couldn't believe this news from Orlando." Naturally, I went onto CNN's website and found the breaking news about what had happened that night. Every time there is news like this-- which really is all too often-- my stomach sinks and my heart breaks. But, this time it struck a little too close to home. As someone who is active in the LGBTQ* community, I was horrified to find out that Pulse nightclub had been targeted. I was even more sickened as I remembered that this month of June is LGBTQ* Pride month.

Pride month is just that, a month of pride. This is the one month that the people of the LGBTQ* community have to celebrate, as they have been oppressed for decades and continue to face hardships to this day. Pride was founded in the month of June to commemorate the Stonewall Riots of 1969. That was the first of turning points in the LGBTQ* community that left a lasting legacy. For this massacre in Orlando to happen was horrendous enough, but the fact that it took place in the midst of a time that should have been used to celebrate makes this tragedy that much more heartbreaking. Instead, a dark cloud seemed to hang over the parades and celebrations as many people mourned the loss of so many young and innocent lives. But, that did not stop the LGBTQ* community from continuing the celebration with compliments and an outpouring of love and support to one another, a note that we should all take from them.

Instead of bringing the world together in a time of need as the LGBTQ* community had hope for, the Orlando massacre was an instance that divided our nation among several controversial topics. These topics of guns, ISIS, and the oppression of LGBTQ* people sparked conversation all over the world. I watched as friends bickered about gun control. I heard people shaming the religion of Islam. I read comments on social media of people commending the shooter for his actions. But, here are some things to remember.

Gun control, or lack thereof, is a hot topic of discussion. As eclectic as the United States is, it is imperative that we, as citizens, discuss this topic openly so that we may find a way to one day combat these tragedies that continue to plague our nation. Not everyone will agree with whatever decision the government comes to, if they decide to act on it. Nonetheless, I think we as a local, national, and global community can all agree upon one thing; innocent lives need to stop being taken away at the hands of criminals and murderers.

It is also important to remember that ISIS is not an accurate representation of the Islamic religion. As with most extreme sects integrated within any activist and religious groups, ISIS has succeeded in spreading a false view of Islam. President Obama addressed this in a recent speech, stating that "since before I was President, I’ve been clear about how extremist groups have perverted Islam to justify terrorism." Before we judge or jump to conclusions about people, it is imperative that we keep an open mind by listening to the voices that may not be as loud as those who are more extreme in order to be compassionate and understanding.

Lastly, we must remember that the world is a vast and diverse place. People may be different than us, but that should not make them devoid from the respect that we would like to receive. During a month of celebration and pride, we remember those who have fought to love one another. As Tony award winner Lin Manuel-Miranda stated in his sonnet-inspired acceptance speech the night after the Orlando massacre, "Love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love / Cannot be killed or swept aside."

Sadness and anger may fill our hearts as we remember the innocent lives we have recently lost, but do not let those emotions overwhelm you. Turn that sadness into celebration of life. Turn the anger into passion. Do not let the victims be forgotten. Remember them by paying kindness forward. Instead of fighting with someone today or getting upset about someone's opposing views, remember what this event has taught us by respecting and caring for one another. Remember to stay #OrlandoStrong.