50 People were killed on Sunday 12 June in Pulse, a gay club in Orlando USA.
Most of the people at the club & most of the dead are people of colour, most identified as LGBTIQ. Killed due to the homophobia of the gunman, Omar Mateen who himself frequented the club.
I cannot help but notice how this great tragedy is not seen as a tragedy by many. Yet, when 12 people were killed in France starting with staff of the Charlie Hebdo magazine in January 2015, the world seemed to pause. Media covered the story from endless angles, including all the outpourings of support, marches etc. So many people argued that anyone who did not say I am Charlie or Je suis Charlie (french) were being insensitive and uncaring. Profile pics were changed, french flags were virtually-flown. A public display of solidarity and or compassion became the most important action to be taken. So much passion, all in the name of compassion and caring.
Now, I am wondering did all the Charlie's loose their compassion and caring? Is that even possible? If this includes you, Please Do Try To Care.
Homophobia killed the 50 and homophobia prevents feelings of compassion and care. Try to look beyond your fears, see the people whose lives have been lost, the pain and agony their families are feeling.
I have many friends who are LGBTIQ. I cannot begin to speak on their behalf, but my heart knows that I need to speak, through listening to their stories I have some awareness of the hurt and rejection people suffer sometimes a whole lifetime. Some having to live completely rejected by family, others slowly gaining acceptance in families and often even then not being able to reveal themselves fully to their families. We have communities where it is acceptable to sexually assault black lesbians. All of this happens because homophobia is not challenged because the lives of LGBTIQ persons are not fully valued.
Stop the violence of making people invisible and into what is comfortable for you. Please pay attention to the Orlando 50, pay attention to people around you, in your family and community that are LGBTIQ - look at them, see them for who they are and accept them unconditionally. Love unconditionally, that is our true nature.
LGBTIQ - Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transexual/Intersex/Queer.
