Here’s What Each Of Us Can Do To Help End Mass Shootings & Support Orlando

Following the horrific murder of 49 LGBTQIA+ men and women in a gay bar in Orlando, it's easy to feel like there's nothing that can be done to end the proliferation of gun violence in the United States. This kind of atrocity happens far too often, and it often ends up following the same script. Feeling helpless in the face of it is understandable.

Change isn't easy, but easy things are rarely worth doing. We have the power to change this system. We have the power to make a difference. It will take time, but we can do it. So what can you do to create change? 

Contact your representatives and urge them to take action on common-sense gun control laws. Tell them they will LOSE THEIR JOBS if they don't do something soon. You have that power. You control their jobs. YOU are their boss.

The election is coming up very soon. Vote. 54 senators voted against the bill to block those on a terrorist watch list from buying guns. Those 54 senators decided everyone's right to own a military-grade weapon, including potential terrorists, was more important than the lives of hundreds of people. Fire them. Vote them out of office.

Following the tragedy in Orlando, the city was hit with an incredible need for blood. Gay men are still unable to donate, despite rumors that the ban had been temporarily lifted. If you are in Orlando and able to donate, please join the hundreds of people who have already come together to help. If you are not in Orlando, please donate, anyway. Unfortunately, we never know when it will be necessary again.

Straight friends and allies: Now, more than ever, we need your support. Tell the LGBTQIA+ people in your life they matter to you. It has been a very difficult experience for many of us, and we've gotten very good at being strong in the face of adversity, but even the strongest among us need assistance sometimes.

Remember those we have lost, not just in Orlando, but every LGBTQIA+ man, woman and child who paved the way. 

To my brothers and sisters who have been directly impacted by this: Keep. Fighting. This attack came during Pride Month, the time when we come together to celebrate all that we have been through. Do not let this person destroy this celebratory time for you. Go to the closest Pride fest, celebrate with your family, both biological and chosen. Show them that we won't be afraid.

A lot of us are angry. I'm angry. This person came into OUR house and destroyed OUR sanctuary. But remember, this isn't the first house that has been violated, and it won't be the last. The anger we share is shared by so many people who have unfortunately been violated in the same way. Don't let this anger go—do something with it. Use it to enact change. Remember this anger the next time this inevitably happens, in- or outside our house. Other groups will need us to stand with them, just as we need people to stand with us.