I'm gay and from Orlando.

[Kurska]

I'm one of those rare folks that actually seemed to have been born and raised in that area. A lot people live there for sure, but most seemed to be from some other place. I've never known another real home besides Central Florida or at minimum Florida as a whole. I'm actually traveling back there today. I won't claim that being a young gay man in the 90's was easy there, but I'm drastically aware there were far worse places in the United States or even more broadly in world to grow up gay. Orlando is a beautiful and highly tolerant city. My view of it was it was a place for people of the entire world, be it temporary tourists or people who wished to build a home.

Orlando has a thriving gay community, something many people don't know. Big cities have always been our haven and in south east there was perhaps no big city viewed as safer and more welcoming than Orlando. At least, that is my impression of it and the impression of many people I know in the gay community that decided to settle there. Today is an incredible blow to that view and these events leave me utterly baffled.

Safety is a precious thing, something many of us take for granted. I wonder how long it will take before my community in Orlando truly feels safe again.

[cwydro]

1. I'm gay too, and I lived in Orlando in the late 80's, early 90's.

I worked for Disney. Never had any problems being gay there.

[malaise]

2. And I feel your pain

It is why Obama called it an act of terror and an act of hate,

[merrily]

3. No words, just love and heartbreak.

[sheshe2]

4. Kurska...

[smirkymonkey]

5. So glad you are safe!

And so sorry for the victims and their families.

[yardwork]

6. What you describe is the definition of terrorism.

This attack was designed to create terror in our community.

Before we talk about what to do about it, first we must acknowledge that truth. This was an act of terrorism against the LGBTQ community.

[NutmegYankee]

9. Clearly it was intended to create fear.

One thing to remember - terrorism is a tactic of the weak. That they resort to terrorism means we are winning.

[yardwork]

10. I don't know. Things can go backwards fast, as history shows.

[mountain grammy]

7. We have a friend in Orlando who's gay and

he and his partner are safe. My heart goes out to you and everyone in your city. The club looked like a wonderful place for a fun Saturday night. This is an unspeakable act of violence against humanity and it happens everywhere.

[etherealtruth]

8. I am so sorry

[Warren DeMontague]

11. Sorry for your community, today, Kurska.

Standing with you.

[progressoid]

12. ...

[REP]

13. I hope everyone you know is safe and well

I'm B- so I'm donating blood tomorrow. It is literally the least I can do here in California.

[ucrdem]

14. Hugs and healing thoughts to everyone in Orlando.

Peaceful rest to the victims and their families. Horrible news.