06/12/2024
As Pride Month celebrations happen across the nation, Maggie’s extend warmest wishes to all individuals participating, observing, or connected to the LGBTQ+ community for a SAFE and enjoyable celebration.
Eight years ago, as people all around the world celebrated Gay Pride Month, Omar Mateen made a decision that would forever affect the lives of families, friends and communities. That night he decided to take the lives of 49 people and wound 53 others at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando Florida. In the days following this horrific shooting, communities across the United States were fearful to continue in their pride celebrations. Metal detectors, bag searches and friskings became a common practice at gay bars and clubs across the country.
At a time when people want to celebrate (anything), they should not fear for their lives. At a time when people want to come together and show love, they should not fear for their lives. When we look back at this act of dark hatred it is hard to see a light. It's important to remember that this country was built on many principles, one of which being the sanctity of human life, that human life is precious and that murder is wrong (Genesis 9:6).
The Declaration of Independence says "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Eight years ago, these 49 souls just wanted to live their lives and enjoy a night of pursuing happiness...
The Pulse Nightclub shooting tested the principles on which our identities as Americans are based. You don't have to be conservative, liberal, republican or democrat to know that this tragedy should never have happened.
Let people celebrate whatever they want. Respect can be shown without sharing the same beliefs or participating in the celebrations of another individual.
Disclaimer: this is not a political post about gun rights/ the second amendment, it is a post about being a DECENT human being.