Earlier today, the news broke that fifty people had been killed and 53 injured in the worst mass shooting of US history.
This horrifying incident has been revealed to be motivated by the homophobic sentiments of the suspect. A lot of discussion has been sparked on social media regarding the US gun laws and the devastating effects of the incident.
Tegu Cole’s poignant post focuses on the human aspect of the story and the pain that is being experienced not just the family members of the victims ands survivors but the LGBTQ community at large. The author who is known for his excellent political commentary, has since taken to Facebook to write a short post in reaction to the events.
I’m just so sad today. My heart is heavy. I can’t take this in just as “news.”
For my dear friends who are queer: I’m sorry that you have to live in this world, and particularly in this country, in which someone could murder you because of who you love or who loves you.
I’m sorry that you have to think twice before holding hands in public or being affectionate with the people you love.
I’m sorry that you have to listen to so much hate speech all day long.
I’m sorry that you have to be on the receiving end of condescending “acceptance” from people for whom it’s now politically expedient.
Those of us who are not queer have failed you, and we continue to fail you. More than fifty people in your community—a community that gives so much in freedom, joy, inclusiveness, and hope—are suddenly dead. Hundreds are shattered by mourning.
Undoubtedly, there will be those who are multiply bereaved, who have lost five, ten, fifteen people all at once. Many will never get over the grief. It’s a very sad day, another direct confrontation with the enmity that we know menaces us.
There’s a vigil at the Stonewall Inn tonight. Might run into some of you there.
Our hearts go out to the friends and family bereft of their loved ones.
**********
Post image by Tim Evanson via Flickr.
COMMENTS -
Reader Interactions