Published
After this weekend's terrible act of violence against our community in Orlando Fl, it would be nice to open a dialogue for support and discussion. Feeling a little fragile today for the loss of our brothers and sisters and surprised to see no reference to it on this board today.
I live in a city where the pride parade is the third gayest parade in the city. So no one seems more than a little surprised if I wear pride jewelry to work. Occasionally run into some conservatives. I have a boss who has repeatedly tried to tell me that I've fixed myself since she's only seen me dating men. One of my coworkers told me my new haircut made me look like a lesbian. At this point, their opinion no longer matters.
I Hope you said "Thank you!"
A terrorist can be LBGT. May not always be straight. Who cares? He was full of hate for Americans and directed it at a specific part of his area that he knew would be full of a lot of Americans he hated. Many of the doctors and nurses and first responders may have been LBGT too. Who cares? They were full of hurt and pain trying to do their best to save lives. I'm an ally and it has made me very afraid for the hate my 6yr old transgender (ftm) grandson may have to face in the future just for that reason, let alone the fear of terrorism itself. We are all people and we will all bleed if we are shot. Race, religion, gender, sexual preference, and anything else isn't going to matter if we can't stop the hate and create more love and acceptance for all individuals. I'm working on a care plan for the transgender community so that the staff understands terminology and how to address the person they are providing care for. It is so important to understand their needs and appropriately address them without any embarrassment or intolerance. Use the correct name preferred, as well as pronouns when addressing that person. There is more but it is a work in progress at the moment.
Absolutely - plenty of LGBT here. Dreadful thing that happened. Had I not been working so much, I would have ridden my motorcycle across the country to help shield from that stupid church in the midwest that likes to picket (wont name them, too much disrespect). As a gay man, that is in late 40s - I can say that violence towards gays isn't anything new to me. That doesn't make it any less tragic though. And frankly, I feel for everyone involved -- including the shooter and his family. Clearly there were other issues at play, and some self-loathing. No one should hate what they are, nor live in a life full of torment.
I don't think that before Orlando I would have put my hand up to be counted on this site, but if I'm to gain anything positive from this tragedy, it is to find my strength to face environments like this where many are so quick to start hating. I'm an out gay female nurse who until recently was married to an out gay female nurse. Thankfully, I've known respectful work environments for about five years now. It wasn't always, and still isn't for so many. I'm lucky to live in a very large Canadian metro with a huge gay community, so it has helped make us visible.
Having said that, Orlando has struck so much fear in me. I would normally go to some of the smaller pride events but feel like I may not this year out of fear. This makes me sad as I've never had this reponse to a senseless shooting before.
I do know that this tragedy seems to be having the opposite effect than expected. I see more allies, more love, more inclusiveness. Yes, like on the article thread, haters are coming out in large numbers too, but overall, I think love is winning.
Love and healing to everyone affected by this horrible tragedy.
It is a tragedy and so terrible to think people are still being targeted for who they love. All thoughts and prayers still going out to all affected by this senseless act of cruel hatred. BTW...Straight but not narrow! Hatred cannot stop our seeking equality for our LGBT friends, colleagues, and family.
I saw this and found it very heartwarming...
I found it a nice symbol of progress and just lovely. It doesn't make me less upset about Orlando but it was a little light in the darkness.The more people realise we have more similarities than differences the closer we get to a civilised society.
Rocknurse, MSN, APRN, NP
1,367 Posts
See, I knew there were a few of us here. Y'all make me proud!