Read more: The Gay Bar as Safe Space Has Been Shattered It’s heartbreaking to think that the victims in Orlando were in their safe space and that their safe space was violated.
To be able to dance with and kiss my girlfriend without worrying about what anyone else was thinking. To be able to let loose without the fear of judgment or harassment. I have spent many pride weekend nights in a club, much like Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, and have always loved how freeing it felt to be in what felt like a safe space. Pride has always been about celebrating: Celebrating who we are, celebrating the right to be ourselves in public, celebrating love. With the attack occurring so soon before the New York City Pride Parade on June 26, I have spent a lot of time thinking about what pride means to me. It’s easy to forget that when we have made so much incredible progress, but we cannot allow ourselves to forget. While we may have made great strides, there are still people out there who hate us. Although so many people have fought for us, there is still a battle yet to be won. The Orlando attack is a reminder that the fight for equality is not over. From now on, when I think of Florida, I will also think about the immeasurable pain and suffering that the LGBT community and their families have experienced.
