Last Sunday night I attended a Vigil for the Orlando shooting. I knew then that it would take some time for all this to set in...here I am a week later and I still feel anger and sadness. This was an attack on Humanity, the United States, Florida, Orlando, Pulse Nightclub, the LGBTQ community, Latinos and more to the point...Puerto Ricans.
I was 18 when I went to my first Gay nightclub by myself. I remember being terrified to get out of my car and go in...I smoked an inordinate amount of weed and finally walked in the door. I remember the song that was playing, I remember the dancefloor lights, and how much fun everyone was having. Over those teenage years and early 20s, the club was a place I could go to and be myself and be with my extended family. I loved to dance, dance until there was no more me. Lost in the music and feeling free...
I have thought this week about the young men and women who were having similiar experiences at Pulse. I am so sad that the forces of hatred have tried to ruin places of escape and peace for an entire community. I am only one person, but I will not walk away into the dark. I will use every chance, of every day to illuminate the bigotry and homophobia that still reside in our world.
I want to live in a world where everyone can co-exist with love and respect.
As a Gay Puerto Rican in Florida, this has been difficult. I love my people and I am truly heartbroken, but I also have come away with a renewed spirit. I am confident. I am strong and resilient...it’s in my blood.
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