Today, I woke up, I checked my phone, and I saw the haunting headlines. And so I read more, watched more, learned more, and attempted to make the news more legible; more tangible.
No success.
I sipped on my coffee and obsessively sought perspective, answers, and solace. I read updates from activists, friends, and leaders as the events last night in Orlando engulfed my social media as well as my mind. I became saddened, numb, and distressed by the weight of this tragedy.
All I can think is: “That could have been me.”
I finally stepped away and went for a walk, following my train of thought wherever it would take me and giving myself the privileged opportunity to process my feelings.
With Pride events happening nationwide (and Seattle Pride later this month), I am reflective of and reminded again about the multidimensional intersecting social issues that have yet to be resolved. I am also reminded how very real, personal, and imminent these issues are–for me, for my friends, and others around me.
Through these reflections, I am feeling the following sentiment:
Power to individuals and communities who live fearlessly and unapologetically in their deviance from heteronormative society.
Power to people who so elegantly speak up against injustice and fight for their humanity.
Power to those who actively and fiercely fight for positive change. I am forever grateful, inspired, and comforted by your healing words and actions. I aspire to be as venerable and influential as you all continue to be.
And also, power to those who are in various stages of acceptance, understanding, identity development, and self-love. Your voices and stories are not forgotten.
But most importantly, the deepest gratitude for the powerful generations of LGBTQIA+ activism that has pushed the community in from the margins. Because of that, I can comfortably walk that rainbow crosswalk in Capitol Hill to my favorite coffee shop with a Pride flag hanging outside, take a deep breath, and feel alive.
Much love and warmth to everyone, and let us not forget that #lovewins.