John,
Today, we’re honoring the stories of Eddie Justice, Amanda Alvear, Luis Omar Ocasio Capo, and Akyra MurRay who tragically lost their lives not only in a mass shooting, but in a hate crime at Pulse Nightclub. You can read more about their stories in the 30 under 30 magazine.
On June 12, 2016, Eddie, Amanda, Luis, and Akyra went out in Orlando looking for a night of celebration, joy, and music at a LGBTQ+ bar during Pride Month. This should be a place where a lot of people can feel free and safe to be themselves and have fun. Yet that fun night turned into a nightmare when gun violence combined with hate. This was an attack on community, on identity, and on the right to exist without fear.
The lives of Eddie, Amanda, Omar and Akyra will be remembered as ones that lit up the room for those who surrounded them. They were joy personified, always ready to jump onto the dancefloor. Their families and friends carry the lessons they learned from them — about dedication, generosity, happiness, and bravery. They were the reflection of their communities and the spirit of hope.
At the time the Pulse Nightclub shooting was the deadliest shooting in US history due to the 49 lives that were taken. It was also the deadliest attack on LGBTQ+ communities.
Gun violence is deeply intertwined with LGBTQ+ rights. Hatred becomes even more lethal when armed. LGBTQ+ youth already face increased risks of violence and mental health struggles. More than half of all gun deaths are suicides, and LGBTQ+ youth are over four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers.
Pride Month is supposed to be about celebrating progress, community, and joy. Nine years ago, hate tried to take that away. We won’t allow it.
We remember Pulse not only in grief but in resolve. We honor the lives lost by demanding action, safety, and dignity for all LGBTQ+ people and by fighting relentlessly to end gun violence and bigotry. We will never forget and we will never stop fighting.
True pride means liberation and safety. And we cannot know true liberation until we eradicate gun violence. We can’t be safe until we’re all safe.
For Pulse, and for every victim of hatred and gun violence, we continue forward.
In unwavering solidarity,
MFOL
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