No one should have to be afraid to be in their public communities. We have to put a stop to the hatred and violence. Banning assault weapons should help but we also need to pass laws on gun safety and red flag laws. To do this, people need to stop voting for Republicans.
Amen, Patricia. This is why we've seen such a strong partnership develop between LGBTQ advocacy groups and gun reform advocacy groups. Shannon Watts is a good friend of mine, and I adore her specifically because of how naturally she does the calculus on intersectionality in her messaging.
Oh, Charlotte. Thank you for sharing this perspective and background for those who do not understand. As you say, that space should be a safe refuge for connection, and chosen family. I am an ally, and I saw my brother grow into himself in those spaces in the 1980s. He would not have been able to survive his 20s without the love, connection, and friendship he found in Queer bars. I live in Colorado, and this hits close to home in so many ways. My heart aches for all those who were there, and those who were not there but who are part of that community, which is and should be all of us, haters be damned.
Well, Julie, can I just say how much it means to know there are family members like you who are so intentional in support. It really does mean a lot, friend. Sending you hugs.
I am so sorry, and I grieve with you and this community for the loss of these wonderful humans. It may sound trite, but we are hanging our rainbow flag today in solidarity and we plan to leave it up. I wish you didn't have to live with this threat. I share the anger at those who have fomented this hatred and vitriol and I won't give up on voting them out of office. I send love and light and care to the LGBT community.
Val, that doesn't sound trite at all. That makes me smile. I hope you'll proudly display that Pride flag. Our community isn't a monolith, of course, but I can tell you, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that most LGBTQ folks see that Pride flag and understand it means safety. I so appreciate you, friend.
Dan Savage makes the point that the LGBTQ+ community wasn't allowed or safe in public spaces, so they made their own. Now those spaces are under attack and it's abundantly clear that a certain group doesn't just want the community out of sight, but to not exist at all.
It's absolutely true. In recent years, there's been an animated discussion on how mainstream acceptance of LGBTQ people has led to a decline in queer spaces. I think this week had signaled how they're more important than ever.
I've followed your journey for a long while now. I cannot imagine what every one of these assaults on what were considered "safe" spaces has done to the community. My heart aches for everyone affected by this latest insult to humanity. Until we eradicate the ridiculous firearm free-for-all in this country, I don't think *anyone* is safe, anywhere. Until we start judging our politicians by their empathy & commitment to humanity, we can't call ourselves 'humane.' I will work until my death to contribute to a kinder, gentler, more humane world for all humanity. <3
No one should have to be afraid to be in their public communities. We have to put a stop to the hatred and violence. Banning assault weapons should help but we also need to pass laws on gun safety and red flag laws. To do this, people need to stop voting for Republicans.
Amen, Patricia. This is why we've seen such a strong partnership develop between LGBTQ advocacy groups and gun reform advocacy groups. Shannon Watts is a good friend of mine, and I adore her specifically because of how naturally she does the calculus on intersectionality in her messaging.
Oh, Charlotte. Thank you for sharing this perspective and background for those who do not understand. As you say, that space should be a safe refuge for connection, and chosen family. I am an ally, and I saw my brother grow into himself in those spaces in the 1980s. He would not have been able to survive his 20s without the love, connection, and friendship he found in Queer bars. I live in Colorado, and this hits close to home in so many ways. My heart aches for all those who were there, and those who were not there but who are part of that community, which is and should be all of us, haters be damned.
Well, Julie, can I just say how much it means to know there are family members like you who are so intentional in support. It really does mean a lot, friend. Sending you hugs.
❤️ thank you. I felt extremely privileged to have been invited into that space with him.
I am so sorry, and I grieve with you and this community for the loss of these wonderful humans. It may sound trite, but we are hanging our rainbow flag today in solidarity and we plan to leave it up. I wish you didn't have to live with this threat. I share the anger at those who have fomented this hatred and vitriol and I won't give up on voting them out of office. I send love and light and care to the LGBT community.
Val, that doesn't sound trite at all. That makes me smile. I hope you'll proudly display that Pride flag. Our community isn't a monolith, of course, but I can tell you, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that most LGBTQ folks see that Pride flag and understand it means safety. I so appreciate you, friend.
Dan Savage makes the point that the LGBTQ+ community wasn't allowed or safe in public spaces, so they made their own. Now those spaces are under attack and it's abundantly clear that a certain group doesn't just want the community out of sight, but to not exist at all.
It's absolutely true. In recent years, there's been an animated discussion on how mainstream acceptance of LGBTQ people has led to a decline in queer spaces. I think this week had signaled how they're more important than ever.
Good quick shot to the heart. 👍 thank you.
Thank you, Barbara! That's very sweet.
Charlotte, I am so sorry...
Thank you, John. Solidarity. <3
I've followed your journey for a long while now. I cannot imagine what every one of these assaults on what were considered "safe" spaces has done to the community. My heart aches for everyone affected by this latest insult to humanity. Until we eradicate the ridiculous firearm free-for-all in this country, I don't think *anyone* is safe, anywhere. Until we start judging our politicians by their empathy & commitment to humanity, we can't call ourselves 'humane.' I will work until my death to contribute to a kinder, gentler, more humane world for all humanity. <3