While in Orlando for my son Travis‘ birthday, we stopped at Pulse Night Club yesterday. The club is no longer open but it still stands. It is a memorial now, holding photos, momentos and memories. There was visually so much to see. So many photos show the love, hope and activistm that has been inspired there. As someone who feels all the feels, the experience was pretty profound for me. It’s a lot to take in. There are so many layers of grief, strength and emotion. I couldn’t be there without the visual of that night, all the terror and confusion. As I walked along the wall and the photos, I could feel the moods of the photos. There were happy times at the club when it was still unharmed. Then the roller coaster took me down to the candlelight gatherings, then to the marches and demonstrations, and to people holding space with each other and really connecting. All people in all walks of life were devastated and cried for the humanity. There is always beauty alongside tragedy. We have to be willing to look for it, and it can be really hard to do when we are in so much pain. Grief takes time to work through. Rituals and memorials are such a great way to do that. At the equality rally in Fort Lauderdale following the Pulse shooting, I was there to photograph the event. There was a remembrance moment, and there were 49 people holding 49 signs with 49 photos of the 49 killed. It was quite emotional. These 49 people have legacies of their own, and people will not forget that they were here. 48 of those names are on the building at Pulse. One name has been withheld by request of the family. But that person is still remembered as well. So for anyone who was deeply affected by Pulse, or mass shootings, or the LGBTQA+ community, or gun violence, or humanity in general, go visit this place when you’re in Orlando. They have Sharpies by the big sign. I left my mark, because ALWAYS #lovewins #signthesign #pulsenightclub #pulsememorial #loveislove🌈 #onlyloveconquershate #lgbtq🌈 #pride🌈 #stopgunviolence #savethehumans #vizziphoto (at Pulse Orlando) https://www.instagram.com/p/B1hIGfUAjfK/?igshid=1tlidrnzfu3v7
