As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, the Orlando shooting really broke my heart. Of course, all other mass shootings do as well, but this one really hit home. I was in Paris, France when it happened. One of my other LGBTQIA+ friends who actually had lived in Orlando for awhile, and had been to that very same nightclub plenty of times, had informed me about it. When she told me about it at first the count was only around 15, which is still horrific, but I could still easily distract myself by going out and do touristy things. The next day, however, when I got WiFi and saw on my Facebook that the count was almost to sixty, I could not hold it in any longer. I began watching videos about the shooting and I broke down right there. I was thinking of the families. Who were probably just going to bed, or reading a book, not thinking anything out of the ordinary, and then getting that phone call that every single loved one fears. I thought if the victims in the club, what thoughts must have been running through their heads as they witnessed what they did. I began to feel anger in my heart, then sadness. I thought of the families and loved once, and wished them love and strength. Nothing can ever take back what had happened, but I hope in my heart they realize that growth and healing are still possible. I am going to take this act personally. I am going to make a promise to myself to never again fear the outside world. To never be afraid to be flamboyantly fabulous when I talk and walk, to stand up for myself when I am being bullied by the ignorant, and to send love and hope to every single individual who understands. I am so proud to be gay, I know that there is a loving creator who is by my side at all times, who loves me just as much. I feel like we all need to take moments to find the love we all have within us, and to share it. The world is clearly changing, and we must not live in fear. Fear can make people do crazy things, like a mass shooting. Of course, we need to grieve the lives of the victims of this horrible act and think what they would want from this. We need to come together, those who want change and continue teaching that things like sexuality or what gender you want to be does not matter. What truly matters is finding the love that is in your heart and sharing it with the world, in any way you would like. That night when I was in Paris, I got to see the Eiffel Tower in lit up in rainbow colors. I also read that other countries had done things similar to that. That fact made my heart sing, to have hope and strength spread so fast around the world. I owe it to my community to show that I will not let this act of terror terrorize me. I will still be fabulous, I will still be proud, and I will still dance. My thoughts and love go to the family members, friends, and others who have been severely affected by this act. Love is being sent your way.