I woke up this morning without checking my news alerts on my phone. I began to get ready for church when I heard a CNN reporter on the TV in the other room say “The deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history.” I ran to the other room and I saw the headline read “50 Dead, 53 Wounded In Worst Mass Shooting In U.S. History.” As I continued to watch the news, I found out that the mass shooting had taken place at a gay nightclub, Pulse, in Orlando. I thought to myself this has to be a hate crime against the LGBTQA community because of the location of where the shooting took place.
When more information was released that the mass shooting could be an act of terrorism, I was speechless as to how to react. I kept thinking that could’ve been me. As a woman in my early 20s who likes to go dancing and drinking at nightclubs, it sunk in that could’ve been me. When people go to nightclubs, they don’t think they’re going to die. They’re thinking they’re going to have fun with their friends as they stay out late and party. A nightclub seems like the least expected place a shooting would occur, but then again shootings have occurred at a church in regards to Charleston, an elementary school in regards to Sandy Hook and so on. It seems with the world I live in today a shooting can happen anywhere and it terrifies me.
I also thought of my friends who identify with the LGBTQA community and how they were coping with this devastating news. I did not want to think of them being along with those innocent victims who were killed by a senseless act of violence. As a supporter of the LGBTQA community, I am aware that not everyone is OK with the sexual preferences some people may choose. Though it is uncertain if the gunman attacked the nightclub specifically because of the LGBTQA community, it makes me question whether the gunman had distaste for this community. This tragic incident continues the conversation of gun control, as well as the threat of ISIS (since it has been released that the gunman pledged allegiance to ISIS). The fact that U.S. citizens are pledging allegiance to ISIS bewilders me and it scares me that ISIS members could be living among us. It raises the ongoing question as to whether gun control should be implemented or not. This also addresses the question as to who should be allowed to have possession of guns and if mental illness should play a factor as well.
As a journalism student, I have studied media coverage and I have seen how the LGBTQA community has been underrepresented in the media. This certainly is not the type of coverage I would want for this community, because acts of violence should not be tolerated regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation and so forth. It is not just an act against the LGBTQA community; it is an act against humankind. I am not saying the LGBTQA community was specifically targeted, but it certainly sheds a light on continuing anti-gay sentiment that some people may have. As acts of terror continue to occur, it causes people to wonder for their safety and security along with the increase of terrorist attacks, such as Brussels, Paris and San Bernardino.
My heart goes out to all the families and friends who have lost someone to this deadly mass shooting. It also goes out to the LGBTQA community and the country who are trying to come to terms with this tragedy. As this country comes together to mourn this tragedy, I ask that we could put our differences aside, because no one deserves to die like this. I also thank all the brave people who helped those who were wounded and the law enforcement for doing their job.
