Many words have already been eloquently written about the horror, heartbreak and anguish of Orlando.
I offer a few of my own now. I want everyone to know where my support is, where this falls in my world.
I say to my LBGTQ+ community, I see you. You are the brave ones. And I am so sad and so sorry that it requires bravery just to be who you are in this world. I am quite clear that this was a direct attack on your community and my heart hurts for the pain you must all be in. I will never know the horrible discrimination and fear you face every day just for living your life the way you choose.
I am so thankful to know you all. You have been instrumental in the amazing expansion of my world is so many ways. In the end, it's all about acceptance and love. Thank you for showing me that, over and over, just by being exactly who you are.
Today, only six days after the attack, Wikipedia identifies this as the "deadliest incident of violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in the history of the United States".
Let us never, ever forget that. My hope is that your tears, outrage and shock will combine with the tears, love and support of all of us who support and surround you, and together we become a force to be fucking reckoned with, insistent upon equality, insistent upon a world where we can all be who we are without fear. I will work towards that goal.
I have your backs. You have my love and support.
Love,
Ruby
