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Love for Orlando

I just got home from participating in Milwaukee's candlelight vigil for the victims of the Orlando shooting. It was such an emotional, beautiful, heartfelt event put on by the community. Many local sponsors were able to come together at such a short notice to put it together one being Children's Hospital of Wisconsin where my mother works. Milwaukee's Mayor, Tom Barrett gave a wonderful speech on gun control and spreading love, not hate. He received much applause.

This event really affected me. As I was reading Facebook posts and watching YouTube news clips, I could not contain my sadness. Every time I remember and think about it, my heart fills with dread. I do not personally know anyone who was affected by this but it has made an impact on this nation.

I first learned about what happened Sunday morning while I was participating in one of my family's favorite summertime activities, the Locust Street Beer run! I was dancing and singing, drinking beer in the street with many other Milwaukeeians. My mom pulled out her phone and I just remember her saying "How could anyone do something that horrible to one of the most loving communities??" She is completely right. The LGBTQ community is a community fostered on love and acceptance.

I remember my first year going to Pridefest in Milwaukee, many years ago. I held my girlfriend's hand past many picketers claiming we were going to hell for our horrible crime of love. They yelled hateful things at the people dressed in rainbows. But everyone sent them smiles and once we got into the festival we all felt safe and loved.

In places where the LGBTQ (and supporters) communities gather, be it festivals, nightclubs or bars, I have never felt more safe, more acceptance and love. I go to these places to laugh and smile and not be judged by anyone. I go to dance the night away to great music! I go to have a good time and I have never had a bad experience.

Today when I gathered with the people of Milwaukee to stand together and listen to music and speakers, I only felt love. I looked around and saw many different kinds of people, large and small, black and white, short and tall, straight and gay. This community is everyone.

I also looked around and saw the Milwaukee police department patrolling the streets around the event. At first I felt happy that they supported us; then I felt scared.  They needed to be there to protect us against people who may feel hate against us in the wake of what happened in Orlando. I then felt the slightest bit of paranoia as I looked around at the crowd. Could they be here to try and hurt us?

I shouldn't be afraid to love. I shouldn't be afraid to show my support.

When the speakers announced that this event was not about religion or about being gay, that it was about fear and hate, the crowd cheered and I teared up. They are right. Hate prevents progress.

Love can smother hate. Together, we can stop the hate. But only through love.

I love you.
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