By now, I would guess that probably all of us know about the shootings that occurred a week ago at Club Q in Colorado Springs, CO. Tonight in Palm Springs a vigil was organized to remember and honor the 5 people who died and the 25 who were injured in this senseless act of unprovoked violence. I am the Vice-Chair of the Desert Stonewall Democrats group. Several of my fellow steering committee members came together to plan this event.
However, first let us remember those who lost their lives:
Speakers for the event were:
We also had a surprise visit from our Congressman, Dr. Raul Ruiz. Dr. Ruiz has been, and continues to be, a staunch ally of the LGBTQ community here.
This is a link to the video of the event, as recorded by Nicholas Snow. The video is about 49 minutes. Nicholas interviewed me, just before he event started, beginning at 9:55.
I'll close by saying this. Having assault weapons easily purchasable in MANY places around the country is one thing. However, the other problem that no one seems to be really addressing is the thinly veiled Hate that is behind all this. Over the past several years we've seen the number of hate crimes directed at the LGBTQ community, Blacks, Asians, Latinx people and the people of Middle Eastern descent rise dramatically. It's like we tore off the BandAid, and in turn, it tore off the scab and left an open wound where all manner of disgusting bile is beginning to see the light of day.
This Must Stop.
Hate seems to always rear it's ugly head in a society that seems threatened. Not so much by the trans community, but we seem to be a target of sorts, maybe because we are the easiest target out there. Frustrated people always seem to lash out at what is easiest to attack. But, regardless of who the target is, it is sad to see people feel threatened to a point where they lash out at anyone, for any reason. Just a thought.... Michelle
As a community, we are a small group without much voice, few resources and one that attracts a fair amount of external prejudice. That's what makes us easy prey. It is a sad truth, but true nonetheless...
