As America has wrestled again with the debate about gun safety and the vulnerability of the LGBT community, I’ve sat and been arrested by the disgusting and divisive language coming from the pulpits across America. I’ve been extremely disappointed that many on the “Christian” Right, are still using hate filled interpretations of the Bible to condemn the victims in Orlando. And for a few extreme preachers, going so far as to want God to kill the victims that survived with injuries.

If there was ever a time to abandon being a Christian it could be now. When so many are so bound to the outdated and ill-conceived notions in the bible to crucify a group of people that are already marginalized because of who we are. But, you know I take solace in the fact that churches like mines, Tabernacle Baptist Church, and other affirming churches and inclusive churches across this country are preaching messages of love and compassion for those who lost loved ones.

That tragedy hits so close to home for me because Orlando use to be my home. I’ve been in that night club before on a Saturday night at 2a.m. and God knows the last thing on my damn mind was being shot up by whatever the fuck they wanna call that asshole. I struggle to understand why when things happen to certain groups of people, instead of everyone rallying around to support that group of folks, it exposes the underlying prejudices that remain in certain circles.

I’m tired of hearing some people say that they’re tired of hearing about that massacre. I guess if it’s not affecting them directly they don’t care. They would rather be as bitter as they can be because their lives are miserable, so they don’t care or can’t empathize with those families. But, I bet if happened to their loves ones, they’re the first who want someone to understand their pain.

Thank you to those who refused to leave friends and family behind in that club and sadly lost your life. Thank you to those businesses that have stuck their necks out to pay tributes to, raise money for those victims. So many have rallied around this tragedy to bring another awareness to gun violence and extreme prejudices.

Thank you to all those who really are trying to make the conversation a lasting one. Orlando will not be left alone in their time of sorrow and the world will never forget this horrible tragedy. Stand strong and stand proud.