pulse shooting in orlando, FL

[Corey]

As someone who is far too lazy to read these ginormous gun control posts (which isn't the main issue at hand, really, and because I've heard them and debated against them all already), the only thing I'll say about guns is that I'm 100% completely and adamantly against them. I genuinely don't feel safe in a country where guns widely available. I think about it and worry about being shot quite frequently. And as a gay man, this makes me more secure in my beliefs about guns. Guns allow one to hold someone else's LIFE in their hands. And because I'm gay, I face a risk of losing my life because some bible-thumping holy roller gets pissed at something as petty as two guys kissing. But unfortunately, guns just won't poof away, so they should be HEAVILY regulated. Otherwise, this'll just keep happening, like it always has in America. Mass shooting after mass shooting. I frankly don't understand how people don't see the problem is guns. We're the only nation where this happens. And it's because guns aren't at all regulated like they should be. The blame does fall on the guns, and there's no doubt in my mind that guns are absolutely the problem.

Honestly, though, I don't think this thread is for gun control discussion. Not only was that not the topic of the thread, but it's disgraceful and disrespectful to the victims. Guns did play a part in this, but the main issue is bigotry against the LGBT+ community (not to imply that I feel the gun issue is not a pressing matter). And I'm honestly offended that this thread took a horrid turn from the issue of LGBT+ hate to a cantankerous, obstinate argument about guns. Forty-nine innocent people lost their lives, and fifty-three others were injured. This act of terrorism is the largest on U.S. soil since 9/11.

EDIT: And I'll go ahead and say now that I absolutely will not argue with any of you about guns, especially not in this thread. If you post criticizing my beliefs about guns, I won't reply to it. There's no use, and this is not the place.

Back on the real issue at hand, this is disgusting. Nothing, and I mean nothing, is more repugnant and nauseating than a closed-minded individual. This makes me utterly furious. All we're doing after mass shootings is stepping up on a platform and sorrowfully speaking in support of the families of the victims. But that's not enough. Nothing is getting done. And it keeps happening. I've always been appalled and disgusted with mass shootings, but this one really, really hits home for me. However, this abominable mass shooting should not scare anyone from coming out of the closet, and it shouldn't make someone think that they need to go back into the closet. No, that's not what pride is about! Pride is about empowerment for a community that has long suffered oppression and hate. Pride is necessary, and is so beneficial to the LGBT+ community, and so beneficial to those struggling with their sexuality and for those who fear coming out. The greatest activism is living an out life. Not living in fear is a form of activism. It's time to be as gay as possible.