On the early morning of June 12, 2016, a gunman by the name of Omar Mateen, 29, killed 49 people and wounded 53 at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida. This is the worst recorded mass shooting in American history, and it occurred at a popular LBGTQ-friendly nightclub, which happened to be celebrating Latino Night that night. Armed with a AR-15-style assault rifle, Mateen opened fire on the crowded bar, while only some were able to flee into the streets for survival.

More people were killed in this massacre than any other previous shooting in the US (32 were killed in the 2007 shooting at Virginia Tech and 26 in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012).

"Don't make this a gay issue." - Ignorant person on Twitter.

Mateen claimed allegiance to the Islamic State in the 911 call he made during the attack. His ex-wife has commented that he had "moments where he'd express his intolerance toward homosexuals."

Entering a LGBTQ-friendly club with an assault rifle and gunning down almost 100 people?, I'd say that this is a gay issue.

While the White House American flag is flown as half-staff and sadness is in our hearts, it is during this time that we must stand together in support for the innocent lives lost during this terrible event.

Those killed were not only someone sibling, child, lover, aunt or uncle, family member, or friend - they were someone who would one day change the world.

This massacre is a painful reminder that members of the LGBTQ community are still targeted in 2016.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of those affected.

To my fellow brothers and sisters of the LGBTQ community killed in this tragedy, heaven will be one heck of a party, and you will not be forgotten. I am proud to be a part of this community with you.

Sincerely,

Your Fellow LGBTQ Sister, Lea

Please donate to the Pulse Tragedy Community Fund, started by Timothy Vargus: https://www.gofundme.com/29bubytq