When I realized June was LGBTQ Pride Month, I knew I wanted one of my articles to be about gay rights or gay pride. Initially, I was planning on doing a timeline highlighting the obstacles overcome and milestones achieved by the LGBTQ community and the strides the United States has made when it comes to gay rights. In the wake of recent events however, I no longer find this appropriate.
Yes, the United States has made progress in terms of rights for those who identify as LGBTQ. Yes, the United States is more accepting than some other countries, but no one should have to put up with hatred and bigotry just because things could be worse, especially in what is supposed to be the greatest country in the world.
What happened in Orlando makes me sad, angry, confused and disappointed for many reasons, as it should, and I can't help wondering how preventable this horrific event could have been, had the U.S. had better gun policies (check out this educational video), but that is not the point of this article.
The Orlando shooting left 49 dead, making it the biggest mass shooting in U.S. history. It's one of many tragedies that have occurred in recent years. Like many others, I'm sick of the sadness and anger but mostly, I'm sick of feeling helpless. Like a lot of people my age, it's easy to reflect on the Orlando shooting and think, What can I do? I'm not a politician, I can't pass laws. I can't personally protect my LGTBQ friends at all times. I can't take down every bigot out there.
At the very least, I can show support and spread love. In fact, I consider it not only my duty as an advocate for the LGBTQ community (although does it really count as a "duty" when it takes so little effort?) but a normal response as a decent human being.
Showing support comes in many different forms, and by no means am I saying you have to take to social media to prove you care, but the last thing you should be doing is bashing those who are, especially when you haven't taken any steps to help yourself. If you think putting a rainbow filter on your profile picture does nothing, think again. Do not underestimate the power of social media.
People are influenced by what they see, and what you post on your Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts are a reflection of you. In light of what has happened, people are feeling scared and hopeless, as expected, so any support you can give people who feel this way is important. If I can make one person feel safer, happier and more loved by voicing my thoughts on social media and posting ten rainbow emojis everyday, I will, and I'll do it unapologetically.
I don't care if you find the constant pride symbols and #loveislove declarations annoying. If you find it annoying or unhelpful, you don't understand what it's for, and you should take some time to think about that.
Of course, there are articles like the one here that list the ways you can help out by donating to various charities or signing certain petitions, but in a world so dominated by social media, why not take advantage of that as well and spread support and kindness in every way possible?
Overall, it's a rule of thumb that nothing bad can come from showing people you care; in other words, it's nearly impossible to care too much. So if you have a problem with my hundreds of LGBTQ-related posts, sorry, but I'm not sorry.
