50 Dead in Orlando Nightclub Shooting - Tragedy

[Guest KerryUK]

By now, I'm sure many of you will have heard about the tragic loss of life at the hands of a gunman in the Pulse nightclub. The latest figure I believe is 50 dead but still rising.

So, those clergymen and politicians who publicly preach to their followers that doing harm to those in our LGBT communities is right? Shame on you all. Your wish has been granted and you now have those innocent people whose blood has been spilled on your conscience.

My heartfelt condolences go out to all affected by this awful incident. For those who have died, may they rest in peace. God Bless You All.

[Guest Kenna Dixon]

Kerry...

The anti-gay sentiment exhibited by some in this country is horrific.

Just this morning, I read a comment by someone who wrote, "This is the first time I've found myself on the side of the Muslims." Someone else said, "I'm sure now the gays and transgenders will try to make this all about them."

[Guest KerryUK]

The thing I find really sad in all of this is that ever since I was little, I was told that the USA was the land of promise - the land of the free. The American Dream. Right.

[JJ]

The thing to remember is that these are two individuals acting on their own it appears though polarized and radicalized in probability by the negative and hate filled rhetoric that has dominated too much if our media.

It is hard to accept that one random individual can take so many lives. Assault weapons are too easy to get. And I don't know the best answer to that except that their posession is not worth the number of lives they have already taken. Rather than taking stands I think we need to look at what is happening and what the solutions might be. Other countries have addressed it successfully. We are the most heavily armed nation on earth with the highest prison population not only in the world today but percentage wise also in human history. We have to admit the problem and be willing to put everything on the table in search of solutions.

And we have to make hate unacceptable. From anyone. Hate is the enemy we should all be fighting. Not religions or whether someone uses the right trans terms or transitions or not the way we think they should or not.

It doesn't matter if people don't agree with us and the science behind our condition as long as they let us be. It doesn't matter if someone likes my religion or finds it repugnant as long as they grant me the respect to live my live by my conscience. It doesn't matter if someone thinks I am an anathema and going straight to hell as long as they do not vilify me with lies and try to curtail my civil rights. We can agree to disagree and to respect each other's rights to an opinion and right to choose the course of their own life. To achieve that it cuts both ways. You will get what you give. To break that cycle we have to refuse to hate. We have to teach tolerance. And we have to stand firm for our rights without resorting t the rhetoric or reactivity of the haters.

I cannot change the world. But I can change what I do and I have no way of knowing how far it will ripple out. In the end each of us may be the tipping factor. The one whose ripple reaches a critical mass. All my rhetoric won't fix this/ Won't change the world but my actions and example just might make a difference. All together I know it will.

Johnny

[Guest Kenna Dixon]

The thing I find really sad in all of this is that ever since I was little, I was told that the USA was the land of promise - the land of the free. The American Dream. Right.

It is the land of promise, Kerry. The dream is still alive. But part of living in "the land of the free" is accepting the fact that those who would do harm also have the freedom of speech, the freedom of movement and the freedom to purchase firearms. Taking those freedoms from them necessitates taking them from all of us.

It has been said that "the perfect is the enemy of the good". We'll never be free of flaws, but as a country the USA is arguably as wonderful a place to live as there has ever been.

[Cyndee]

I'm with Johnny fight hate, whenever and however you can. Practice randoms acts of kindness, and what ever else is necessary.

My prayers and thoughts to the victims and their families and friends.

Cynthia -

[Guest]

On behalf of Laura's Playground I would like to extend our condolences to those killed or hurt in the Gay massacre and their loved ones and families. A few years ago we confronted a pastor who was in the past transgender. As he put us down along with gay people I explained that we tried to prevent transgender suicide. His reply was that "they were better off dead than to offend God.. This is also the attitude of those who practice illegal reparative therapy. Since 2004 I have gotten hate mail and several death threats if I didn't shut the site. Since we and gays are born this way it makes me wonder. If he didn't want us around he wouldn't let us be born. We have nothing to be ashamed of. Our voices should rise higher in protest. WE must be determined that these acts will not chase us back into the closet. some have already quit transition because of recent violence.

Love and hug

Laura

[Guest]

On behalf of Laura's Playground I would like to extend our condolences to those killed or hurt in the Gay massacre and their loved ones and families. A few years ago we confronted a pastor who was in the past transgender. As he put us down along with gay people I explained that we tried to prevent transgender suicide. His reply was that "they were better off dead than to offend God.. This is also the attitude of those who practice illegal reparative therapy. Since 2004 I have gotten hate mail and several death threats if I didn't shut the site. Since we and gays are born this way it makes me wonder. If he didn't want us around he wouldn't let us be born. We have nothing to be ashamed of. Our voices should rise higher in protest. WE must be determined that these acts will not chase us back into the closet. some have already quit transition because of recent violence.

Love and hug

Laura

Thank you Laura. I have some experiences a little like the one you tell right now. I must admit I am bitter right now and must refrain myself from commenting on the internet too much. I not the one to give up,

I am determined, oh yeah I am

[Guest]

My email is often from trans people who are too nervous to post here. I try to convince them to post because it will help others. I can't and won't release private emails. So often we miss out on some good stories we can learn from.

The thing to remember is that the public can read but not reply to public posts. This is also an education for them as well. Hopefully we change a few minds.

Laura

[Jani]

Thank you Laura.

[Guest Annutty]

His reply was that "they were better off dead than to offend God.. This is also the attitude of those who practice illegal reparative therapy.

My own sister said basically this to me...I told her that transitioning saves lives...she responded "The ends don't justify the means" and that transitioning is "going against god"

RIP all that died today

[Guest Opal]

Any public venue is potentially at risk. My condolences to the victims and anyone impacted by this tragedy.

Opal

[Guest KayC1]

Laura..........you and your site are clearly a life saver. Please continue to save those who are struggling with their identity. You are invaluable.

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[sarahlash]

The events that have happened are truly saddening and my prayers go out to the victims and their families. Also, it scares me to no end to think that something just as violent could happen at the bar-grill/nightclub that I work at. It also has lead to staff and management to have serious discussions about safety and procedures. And figuring ways that we can outreach our local community more than we currently do.

And even though we have the vile hate speech occurring, it is nice to see public support from individuals, groups, and organizations. From this support, I agree we definitely need to start fighting hate and violence as much as we can.

[Rylie M]

Im finding kinda sad that a vigil for this was the first time i've been out at a lgbtq event I went to the one in worcester ma just couldn't resist granted i know no one in the community here I just stood in the back and listened to our speakers took off shortly after i'm not a social person and it seemed like i was the only one who didn't know anyone so didn't feel like hanging around. Takes a lot for me to approach a stranger i've always been very shy. I do plan on going to more in my city ie the parade later this year just wont march most likely.