WE ARE WORRIED!

We are worried!  

The effects of Orlando, combined with the rhetoric of Trump can have our great/grand children worried.  The Southern Poverty Law Center surveyed 2,000 teachers across our country and "they reported a sharp increase in bullying, harassment, and intimidation of students whose races, religions or nationalities have been the verbal targets of candidates".  And now with Orlando we can add sexual preferences.

Our children are hearing, seeing on TV and experiencing the murdering of large groups of people that may look like their own family members.....and the reaction to these horrible happenings. How we explain these deeds is vital in helping children think about and act on such sad occasions.

We have no simple solutions.  Each child will have his/her own reaction, but how we react will have a bearing on their understanding and actions that may follow.

Trying to explain hateful speech, the use of machine-guns, pictures of those killed and images of people crying is a herculean task.

Is it enough to say we are sad?  Is it enough to explain that we will always be there to protect those we love?  Is it enough to explain that we will not vote for Trump?

Perhaps it would be helpful to show sympathy and solidarity with those who have been targeted by the haters.  How?  Well, one way would be to talk about and to  friends who may be in the LGBT community.  Or send a contribution to an Orlando organization that is helping those most affected by this mass murder (see below).  And equally important, tell your great/grandchildren that you will VOTE!!!!!

Here are some places that could really use your contributions.

The Zebra Coalition has opened up a hotline to provide counseling. If you or someone you know needs this service, please call (407) 822-5036 and press #1 to speak to someone. You can donate to the Zebra Coalition to help it continue to provide this service by clicking here http://zebrayouth.org/
 
The LGBT Community Center of Central Florida is providing grief counseling, in both English and Spanish. If you or someone you know needs this service, the address is 946 N. Mills Avenue in Orlando.
 
You can donate to the LGBT Community Center of Central Florida to help it continue to provide this service by clicking here. 
http://www.lgbtcenters.org/Centers/Florida/36/The-Center-Orlando.aspx
 
Equality Florida is our state’s largest LGBT advocacy organization. They have set up a GoFundMe page for victims. You can donate to this fund by clicking here.  https://www.gofundme.com/PulseVictimsFund
 
You can also donate directly to Equality Florida to help it continue to fight for LGBT equality in Florida by clicking here. http://www.eqfl.org/
 
DON'T LET HATRED WIN!!!