Prayers for Orlando

lizhurt

I hope it's not inappropriate to make a separate thread for this, but I would ask that all in this group keep our community in your thoughts and prayers as we deal with the tragedy that has occurred. The nightclub that was attacked is a place I have been dozens of times with my friends and a safe haven for our abundant LGBT community. Orlando has one of the largest and most accepting gay communities in the country, and for our brothers and sisters to be targeted like this is so sickening and devastating for so many of us. I'm so thankful that my friends and family are safe that I know of, but my heart is broken for all those who lost loved ones because of this senseless act. I just ask that we not politicize this for now and just come together to offer prayers and support for the City Beautiful as we call it here. 

dolewhipper

None of my friends in O-Town would have even begun to think something like this would happen, especially at a place like Pulse. Please keep our city in your prayers, bumpies. I was listening to the radio and a mother has no idea where her son is. He went to the club last night, didn't come home, and his boyfriend and friends don't know where he is. They can't start IDing bodies because they're focusing on saving those that are in critical condition. She's literally waiting at the hospital to know if her son is dead or alive. I've seen MH cry maybe 3 or 4 times total in 7 years I've been with him (and that is including family deaths), and he cried after hearing her interview. 

TiffRox81

It is absolutely heartbreaking what took place. You all are absolutely in my thoughts and prayers. I cannot imagine what family and friends of all of those victims are feeling right now! 

Kellyj103

Thoughts and prayers to you guys. I saw that story too and I hope that mother finds her son! My heart breaks for her. This whole weekend has been tough for Orlando. Hugs

DominiqueU

My thoughts are with Orlando. It can be scary getting ready to bring a baby into this unpredictable world. The more I see these things happening, the more I realize what a responsibility we all have. Especially now. 

The best way to stand up against this type of thing will be to make sure we all teach our children the importance of love and respect for all people. 

Hang in there, Orlando. We're with you. 

Shelby00519

Sending lots of thoughts and prayers. I grew up in Florida and went to Orlando all the time, my cousin went to college there last year and went to Pulse many times with her friends and it's so scary to think about. Many hugs! 

mamafox14

@DominiqueU I agree with you, one of the scariest things about becoming a parent in my opinion is being faced every day with these horrible tragedies and knowing that this is the world my son will live in. 

My heart breaks for those affected by this and all senseless acts of violence. 

rakel88

My heart is broken by what took place. You're all in my thoughts.
Let's make sure to raise responsible, smart, and compassionate men and women, so we can hopefully one day see a world where this isn't as commonplace as it is now

allthingscozy

Lots of prayers to Orlando 

lucy2113

It breaks my heart that something like this has happened. My love and prayers go out to Orlando and to those who lost a loved one. 

Weville

So completely heartbreaking. My thoughts are with those in Orlando and their friends and family today 

joleri23

It's so senseless, disheartening and sickening. Orlando and all affected are in my thoughts and prayers today. Sending love from Colorado!

LDSJM123

So as I read updates on Orlando thinking my heart can't beak enough for all of those people and their families, I see this headline. What is the world coming to? All of this on the same day.    

blissylissy86

dolewhipper said:

None of my friends in O-Town would have even begun to think something like this would happen, especially at a place like Pulse. Please keep our city in your prayers, bumpies. I was listening to the radio and a mother has no idea where her son is. He went to the club last night, didn't come home, and his boyfriend and friends don't know where he is. They can't start IDing bodies because they're focusing on saving those that are in critical condition. She's literally waiting at the hospital to know if her son is dead or alive. I've seen MH cry maybe 3 or 4 times total in 7 years I've been with him (and that is including family deaths), and he cried after hearing her interview. 

I saw that interview. So. Fucking. Heartbreaking. I can't even imagine. 

jjtruffles

I will never understand how someone can harbor so much senseless hatred. Sending love to all those who have been affected

ktomorrow

My heart goes out to Orlando today.

lizhurt

Thank you all for the thoughts and prayers for our home. It's so unbelievable to see these headlines and know it's all happening in our own backyard. I hate that the safety of our community, especially our LGBT members, has been compromised. In two weeks, I will be delivering my child less than a mile from where this tragedy took place. With so many gay friends and family members, I have always felt a strong responsibilty to raise my future children with open hearts and minds, but now I am
even more determined than ever to make sure they are raised with respect for all and that they always feel loved and accepted themselves. 

[Deleted User]

This is heartbreaking. My thoughts are with all the people in Orlando.

Nerdchild

In addition to the outpouring of support and donations being made, the spirit of defiance from the LGBTQ community is beautiful to see. This jackass honestly thought his violent actions could scare people into hiding or changing their expression of love. Instead what we are seeing and will continue to see are the brave individuals who choose to live and love in whatever way speaks to them, laughing into the faces of the people who would hurt them. That takes tremendous strength. It's our responsibility to raise a better generation of humans, those who choose to love defiantly rather than harm like cowards. 

sunshineandwhiskey

so many thoughts and prayers.  It's just sad. 

BecauseBabyIamAPug

While prayers are great, there are tangible actions we can take. We can verbalize that this is NOT acceptable. By letting our communities know that we are not impressed or amused; but enraged and offended, we can prevent 'copy-cat' crimes.
Also, the 50 plus people are hurt, they need help to; including financial help due to lack of insurance, and missing work. Also, they need blood. While we are not allow to donate blood products at this time, we can encourage our family members and friends. 1 blood donation equal three products of blood products. Meaning, it can go to 3 different people.

Prayers are wonderful, but they are not the only thing we can do.

lizhurt

BecauseBabyIamAPug said:

While prayers are great, there are tangible actions we can take. We can verbalize that this is NOT acceptable. By letting our communities know that we are not impressed or amused; but enraged and offended, we can prevent 'copy-cat' crimes.
Also, the 50 plus people are hurt, they need help to; including financial help due to lack of insurance, and missing work. Also, they need blood. While we are not allow to donate blood products at this time, we can encourage our family members and friends. 1 blood donation equal three products of blood products. Meaning, it can go to 3 different people.

Prayers are wonderful, but they are not the only thing we can do.

Agree wholeheartedly. We have had people lined up around the block to donate blood, even with 5-7 hour wait times and in 90+ degree heat. The Go Fund Me accounts are already surpassing the million dollar marks for donations to aid the injured victims and their families. And seeing the beautiful rainbow flag waving from businesses, lighting up our buildings, and being projected around the world shows a solidarity and understanding that we are all members of this community and will not stand for hate. Sorry if it seems like I am preaching or getting on my soapbox, but it's still so unreal for so many of us to think of this happening in our home, but I have been so proud to see the efforts of this city and those who support is in just one day, and it makes me really proud to live here.