As someone who grew up in Florida, lived in the area, and had friends who frequented Pulse but (thankfully) weren't there that evening, there's one thing we've all agreed upon across all boards. Things to keep in mind for the future and especially with this sort of tragedy.
#dontsayhisname, #dontsharehisstory : Don't talk about the gunman. Don't share his story, possible motives, his history. A lot of people commit mass slaughter like this SPECIFICALLY for the notoriety it gives them after death. Leaving their mark on the world so to speak. Instead? Focus on the victims. On those who suffered either with injury or death and the families they left behind. Talk about them instead and share their story. One of them worked with a friend of mine at the Harry Potter theme park and they closed down the ride he operated in honor of his memory.
Don't make this into a political debate : It's barely been 36 hours and already there's so many political stances sprouting up and using this tragedy as some sort of cannon fodder for political gains and reasons. Just...don't. Please, just don't. Right now it's a time to grieve and a time to reflect.
Don't let this fuel Islamophobia : People so often forget how putrid Christians, Jews, and other religions are/have been/can be when it comes to their radical sects. Don't use this to point fingers at all of Islam and say that they should stay out of our country. There are plenty of LGBTQ members of the Islamic community and non who had nothing to do with this.
Even if you're not in the area and are of sound health, donate blood : This tragedy brought up just how much we need a sound blood supply. One person can go through bags upon bags of blood, not including the 50+ wounded the Orlando and Palmer hospitals went through within the first hours.
Just wanted to say as well how wonderful it's been that, through all of the darkness, there's been so many people offering comfort, support, and holding vigils all over our country and beyond. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
#dontsayhisname, #dontsharehisstory : Don't talk about the gunman. Don't share his story, possible motives, his history. A lot of people commit mass slaughter like this SPECIFICALLY for the notoriety it gives them after death. Leaving their mark on the world so to speak. Instead? Focus on the victims. On those who suffered either with injury or death and the families they left behind. Talk about them instead and share their story. One of them worked with a friend of mine at the Harry Potter theme park and they closed down the ride he operated in honor of his memory.
Don't make this into a political debate : It's barely been 36 hours and already there's so many political stances sprouting up and using this tragedy as some sort of cannon fodder for political gains and reasons. Just...don't. Please, just don't. Right now it's a time to grieve and a time to reflect.
Don't let this fuel Islamophobia : People so often forget how putrid Christians, Jews, and other religions are/have been/can be when it comes to their radical sects. Don't use this to point fingers at all of Islam and say that they should stay out of our country. There are plenty of LGBTQ members of the Islamic community and non who had nothing to do with this.
Even if you're not in the area and are of sound health, donate blood : This tragedy brought up just how much we need a sound blood supply. One person can go through bags upon bags of blood, not including the 50+ wounded the Orlando and Palmer hospitals went through within the first hours.
Just wanted to say as well how wonderful it's been that, through all of the darkness, there's been so many people offering comfort, support, and holding vigils all over our country and beyond. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
