And together we are stronger than anyone realizes.įind those in your life who support and love you, and remind them that you love and support them too.Shake hands with your allies. We are bound together through love and pain. We are unified together under our shared histories, our stories, our desire to love and be loved. Remember, that the LGBTQ community is just that. Do not let fear keep you from being who you are. Do not let fear keep you from coming out. Do not let fear make you afraid to celebrate with your friend and loved ones. But because of the actions in Florida, and another near act of violence, many people found themselves fearful of attending pride.Īnd I sit here, and beg you: DON’T DO THAT.ĭo not let fear control you. Furthermore, in Los Angles, this was weekend was the official Pride festival for the city. A time made to both celebrate being a member of the LGBTQ community, but more importantly, to remember the continuing struggle that we have suffered. The month of June is known across the country as Pride Month. We were again made the victims of violence. The gays, the lesbians, the transgenders, the bisexuals, and all the many other men and woman and others who make up the LGBTQ community. This event has been labeled as the “Worst Mass Shooting in the History of the United States”. This was something that the entire world could not ignore. We have been made to fear for our lives every day.īut June 12th was something different. We have been called every offensive word that hateful people could come up with. The official subreddit about the City of Orlando and the surrounding communities of Central Florida. We’ve suffered through political legistlation that has denied us basic human rights. We know the stories of Harvey Milk, and Matthew Shepard and countless others. For as far back as anyone can remember, we have heard stories, or witnessed first hand acts of hatred against us solely for who we loved, or for how we self-identified ourselves. The LGBTQ community is no stranger to acts of hatred and bigotry.
The diverse town will hold larger events surrounding the parade to support the LGBTQ community. The recent news comes after Starkville town officials reversed their rejection of the permit. You see, what started as a regular night of fun, drinks and dancing, ended when 50 gay, bisexual and even straight men and women were murdered in cold blood, while an additional 53 were left injured. The first gay pride parade in the town of Starkville will be held on March 24. I wanted to post this sooner, but in truth, I found myself struggling with the words.Īs you all know by now, on Sunday June 12, 2016, the Pulse Club, a popular gay club in Orlando Florida was the location of a horrifying act of violence against the LGBTQ community. But I felt the need to do something different.
Ida Eskamani, Anna’s sister and Guillermo Smith’s chief of staff, revealed online afterward that the proposal had secretly been in the works since last June, with Pride organizers helping arrange the question.I know that you were expecting a comic update today. It was perfect, and we are all in tears! #LoveIsLove #sayfie #flapol ? /nUDKrOuKoj The proposal took place in the Walt Disney Amphitheater, a landmark painted in the colors of the Rainbow Flag.Īnna Eskamani, a Democratic candidate for in District 47, posted pictures of the engagement on social media.Ĭongratulations to my sweet friend who is now engaged!! His partner Jerick surprised Carlos on stage during #OrlandoPride in front of thousands of people. Smith, Florida’s first gay Latino member of the Florida Legislature, was on stage for the annual Pride Rally at Lake Eola Park on Saturday evening when Mediavilla surprised him by getting on one knee and popping the question. Carlos Guillermo Smith, an Orlando Democrat, accepted an onstage engagement proposal from longtime partner Jerick Mediavilla at Orlando Come Out With Pride.