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!!!!!
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!!!
