Reflection Monday: Standing with Orlando for #OrlandoUnitedDay

Artwork by Kelly O’Brien

Instead of our usual style Motivation Monday post, we wanted to make today a day to reflect upon the lives taken at the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida on June 12th, 2016. The massacre was the deadliest single shooter event in US history and it stole light and love from the LGBTQ+ community and it’s supporters, and from the world as a whole.

The hatred and evil necessary to commit such an impactful act of violence is nothing we could ever understand, but the love and support that flooded Orlando after the shooting show that no matter how dark hatred seems – light will always find it’s way back inside. Love will always win, even if there are days along the journey where that sentiment seems impossible.

While no words or positive sentiments can bring back those lives lost that night, or any LGBTQ+ life that’s been stolen, they’ve been able to bring a bit of comfort and shine a small light back into the world.

We gathered some quotes from celebrities on equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and love. Some of these were in response to the Orlando shooting, some were in response to the marriage equality laws being passed, and others were in response to the day to day need for more fairness and more love and way less hate.

‘When all Americans are treated as equal, no matter who they are or whom they love, we are all more free.‘ – Barack Obama

‘I hate the word homophobia. It’s not a phobia. You’re not scared. You’re an asshole.‘- Morgan Freeman

‘I think being gay is a blessing, and it’s something I am thankful for every single day.’ – Anderson Cooper

‘Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one’s definition of your life; define yourself.’ – Harvey Fierstein

‘Here are the values that I stand for: honesty, equality, kindness, compassion, treating people the way you want to be treated and helping those in need. To me, those are traditional values.’ – Ellen Degeneres

‘Don’t let fear and hate and intolerance and violence stop you today. Show them that your #PRIDE remains strong. #Orlando‘ – Ian Bohen

‘I pray for all the victims’ families during this shooting epidemic. That their pain be met with compassion and support from the world.‘ – Lady Gaga

‘Attacks on ANY person based on race, sexuality, or religious beliefs is an attack on ALL humanity. Acts of terror & hatred have no place in a loving civilized world. This has to stop. Praying for enlightenment for us all to find a solution. My heart and prayers are with all of the families and friends who have lost a loved one in Orlando.‘ – Jennifer Lopez

‘All around the world, people are trying to come to terms with the horrific events that took place in Orlando this morning. On behalf of the whole theater community and every person in this room, our hearts go out to all of those affected by this atrocity. All we can say is you are not on your own right now. Your tragedy is our tragedy.’ – James Corden

‘And love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love, cannot be killed or swept aside.’ – Lin-Manuel Miranda

There was also the Ryan Murphy producted tribute – Stop the Hate – where 49 celebrities read off the names of the 49 victims.

The hashtag #OrlandoUnitedDay is trending on Twitter and shows support, love, and remembrance for the 49 victims that evening. You can find ways to show support for the city of Orlando through that hashtag as well.

Our hearts and thoughts are with the city of Orlando today and always. We admire the fighting spirit that no tragedy could ever steal from the city and the beautiful people who continue to love, despite any hate that tries to break through.