Here’s What We Can Do After Orlando

It’s been 3 weeks — let’s not forget the powerful choice that awaits us.

It’s been difficult to know what to say or do after the unthinkable and horrendous horror in Orlando three Sundays ago. I have even found myself wondering, “What can I possibly do?”

After reading the news, I thought about my close friends and family, and how I would feel if something like this were to happen to them. I also thought about my LGBT+ friends, and how easily they could have been the ones inside that nightclub.

My heart ached thinking about that real and frightening potential. My LGBT+ friends are beautiful, and loving, and giving. To lose any of them would be heart-shattering, especially in such a terrifying and undeserving way.

There’s a deeper level to consider

What’s more, is that the people inside that club have suffered greatly already. In society, and friend circles, schools, churches, institutions, and even their own families, they have suffered from the weight and cruelty of hateful words and actions.

They face an everyday threat in response to showing who they truly are. And throughout their precious lives, they have been condemned, judged, and made to feel unworthy of love. I repeat: they are made to feel unworthy of love. Can you imagine such deep and personal pain?

The already-inflicted hurt

I have learned from my LGBT+ friends the atrocities that have been committed against them, and consequently caused them irrevocable damage. Some have been outcast and ostracized from their families and communities. They have endured physical, emotional, and psychological abuse. They have heard hurtful words heaped upon more hurtful words. They have been left out and beaten.

Despite prejudices and the frequent feeling that they should hide who they are, my LGBT+ friends have shown tremendous strength in response. They assert themselves, love others, and try to enlighten the world about their internal and external lives — even if others don’t listen. They gain strength through their life experiences, both positive and negative, and try their best to stand up for what they believe. They are united, too. They support each other’s journeys and struggles.

Let’s stop and think

Imagine for a moment that you are standing in the club as one of these lovely people. You have endured pain throughout your life and have tried to stand in strength as best you can. You have so much to offer the world and to others. And then, at the most unexpected moment — in fact, your final moment — you are being shot at and ruthlessly killed.

Perhaps you can then also imagine that you are an LGBT+ person, who wakes up on Sunday morning and hears devastating news — that tens of your very own people have died. Although it’s not been confirmed a hate crime, it’s a vivid reminder of the everyday threat.

While I will never feel those raw emotions, I can attempt to conceptualize how old, unhealed wounds would resurface.

They are there — burning. Open and exposed.

But what about religion?

If you believe in God or practice a religion, you may also believe that God created us each as a beautiful human being. We are, as some say, children of God. If this is the case, those murdered in Orlando are God’s beautiful children. He loves these people very much. God hurts for all of his children, including those who are battered and persecuted.

While some may see these people as “broken,” I believe in many fashions, we ourselves have broke them. We have let beliefs and religion and prejudices cloud our decision to love and to act with love — in all situations. Instead of choosing to love, we choose to criticize and tear down and stand there doing nothing when others tear down and criticize.

We have a tremendous choice

As Stephen Colbert said in his statement, love is a verb. By feeling and showing deep affection toward someone, we can cherish and love others. We can choose to show profoundly tender, passionate affection toward each person, no matter our belief system.

It is never too late to show someone love. If you’ve missed an opportunity to show love or compassion, you have the power and the chance to do it now. Even a simple email, phone call, or visit can be an instrument to giving love that may have been forgotten or misguided.

It may be easy to shrink behind your own fear, reputation, pride, or religion. I know at times that has been my default. Though, as Mahatma Gandi said, “A coward is incapable of exhibiting love; it is the prerogative of the brave.” Choosing to love takes bravery. It may require you to stand up among people who choose not to love. You may be outcast or judged for loving.

But won’t your love be worth it?

Won’t shielding just one person from hurt and showing them love be enough for your efforts?

Despite what others are doing, we must make the decision ourselves to love. We must choose to love each person as a brother, sister, and friend of humankind.

Taking a powerful stance

We must be powerful in our stance to love. We must stand up and love, as each person so undeniably deserves.

No matter what your religion teaches, the truth remains that we should love each person wholly. Not halfheartedly. Not when it’s convenient. Not when the person is just how we wish them to be. But at all times. In all situations.

I hope you choose bravely.

I hope you choose to love.