On Sunday, June 12, 2016, I woke up to news that has been playing on a constant loop in my head. A homophobic man having witnessed two men kissing decided to let his distaste of homosexuality manifest itself into one this country’s most deadly attacks at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, shooting over 100 people, killing 50.
As you can imagine, this news shook me up a little… while a lot. I won’t dig deep into this because I’m still in a weird state of mourning (even though I didn’t personally know any of the victims). Many members of the LGBTQ community have said that this seems like an attack on all of us, and I can’t say that I disagree. I still haven’t fully processed my thoughts regarding the whole thing, but one thing I do know is that it takes so much courage to be exactly who you are in this world. Especially when who you are is deemed as a sin, a phase, unworthy, less than, disposable, an embarrassment. Homophobia/transphobia runs rampant in our schools, churches, families, legislation, media outlets and work environments. It is passed down like a perish family heirloom. Like an great grandma’s wedding ring, aversion is inherited and shared from one generation to the next.
So where do we go? Where can we fellowship? One would think in a setting similar to Pulse Nightclub, but then events like this happen and we’re left with the reality that we live under an umbrella of perpetual hate, and can be subjected to any form of violence at any given time for simply being who we are.
But I want my community to be encouraged. It will be hard. As I write these words I’m, desperately trying to cling to what is good and hate what is wrong (Romans 12:9). Don’t let any form of bigotry scare you back in the closet or dim your light that this world so desperately needs. We are in this together.
Here are 5 some things we can do for the cause:
- Don’t be a bigot. Hate fuels hate and silence is harmonious with hate.
- Support your local LGBTQ organizations.
- Donate to the victims and victim’s families of the Orlando shooting using this link: https://www.gofundme.com/PulseVictimsFund
- Let the LGBTQ folks in your life know that they are loved and supported
- Support campaigns, legislation, and public officials that advocate equality and the end of gun violence
If you’ve been following this blog, you know that I am a firm believer that music is an extreme healing agent. I made a playlist that made me feel a little better about the situation; I pray it gives you some peace as we mourn the deaths and hope for the recovery of the victims.
Avery Ware 