It’s 9am here in Los Angeles, two days after the horrific attack on the LGBT+ community in Orlando, and I’m still feeling utterly heartbroken over the atrocity that has taken place. But more than anything else, I am angry. So angry, that it’s actually hard to think clearly.
I came over to the US to represent Ditch the Label as part of our expansion here. We have had the pleasure of meeting with some really fantastic organisations, many of whom are working in the LGBT+ community.
One of our weekends just happened to fall over LA Pride and naturally, we went. Why would I not? I’ve always gone to Pride in the UK and I have always loved them. The fact that all sorts of people come together to celebrate who they are, is what makes Pride so unique, and I’ve always felt it was a rare place of safety; one day out of a year where you can completely be yourself, without fear of judgement.
I met with new friends here who, without hesitation, invited us to be a part of their group. Each and every one of them a wonderful, accepting, beautiful person. We laughed, we talked, we shared stories, we hugged, we kissed, we danced in a club until the early hours. I felt safe and happy. I went home smiling and feeling content; knowing I’d met some amazing people – some that I know I’ll meet again and will, most likely become good friends.
This was a gay club. A club just like the one targeted in Orlando. At the exact time we were laughing and dancing, someone had entered a club just like the one I was in, and senselessly slaughtered innocent people. Someone’s friend, partner, brother, sister, daughter, son, cousin…beautiful people, many of whom, had most likely already had to endure much in their lifetime; homophobia, transphobia, biphobia – just for being themselves.
I am raging inside. My grandmother transitioned from male to female in the 1950s and I loved her when she was my grandfather, just as I continued to love her when she became my grandmother. She was another beautiful person who was persecuted for being her true self; made to endure electric shock treatment in an effort to ‘cure’ her, to make her ‘normal’. Well I have news – ‘normal’ doesn’t exist. We are all unique. Every single day, people are made to justify who they are – to hide themselves, to try and fit in, to be who they are not, to be anything but their authentic self.
Pride is a place where all should feel safe – a place where you don’t have to check if you can hold hands, share a look and maybe, a kiss.
It is not a place for fear and guns.
Sixty years after my gran was tortured, I’m now 53 and am literally sick of this bullsh*t. Sick to my stomach that anyone – be they someone I know and love, or someone I’ve never met – has to EVER consider their safety for a millisecond, or check if they can hold hands, or show love. Wake up people! Seriously, do some work on yourself if this bothers you. Get help. Do anything other than attack people you see as being ‘different’.
I’m trying hard to channel my anger into something useful. I will never give up fighting alongside the LGBT+ community, even if it takes the rest of my life.
I will make my voice heard, and I urge EVERYONE who feels angered and upset by what has happened to come out and speak up too. Use your voice. Stand together! Stand up and be counted – no matter your sexual, or gender identity. Shout louder, stand prouder.
I’m with you.
Sue x
