Pulse — the palpable beat resulting from the heart propelling blood through the body, rhythmic beating, throbbing. It was a great name for a nightclub, especially one that was a safe haven for the LGBTQ community — a place where no one shot judgmental stares or made comments under their breath, or snickered.
What was supposed to be a fun night out dancing to Latin music in Orlando became a massacre in a matter of seconds. At 2:02 in the morning, the attack began. At the end of that night, 49 people were slaughtered.
It has been three years since the Pulse nightclub shooting, and there has been minimal progress in society. As much as people may be celebrating “change,” there has been absolutely none to that effect.
“Things haven’t really changed since [Pulse], it’s just that the children need to be more aware. And I think that is what will start the change,” said Jamile Gonzalez, a student at MLEC.
Same-sex marriage is legal in all 50 U.S. states. Cities and towns across America celebrate Pride month in June. There are openly LGBTQ politicians in office.
And yet, it is not uncommon to hear slurs against the LGBTQ community or to read about violence against gay couples, or to hear stories of discrimination, bullying or abuse.
“You hear the word ‘gay’ used in such a negative way still, and it’s something that you don’t always expect,” said Gonzalez.
There have been huge strides towards equality, and the future looks hopeful, but there are frequent reminders – such as stoning gay people in Brunei or the savage attack on a lesbian couple in England – that circulate on the news, issues that students like Angelica Abreu, a sophomore at MLEC, was shocked and disgusted to hear about.
“It’s like we get better at times and then we just take 5 steps backwards,” said Abreu. “It has gotten kind of better I guess; they won’t kill you there on the spot here in the U.S. But they still say hateful things— and it’s still hurting them.”
Although everyone hasn’t fully accepted the LGBTQ+ community, one thing that has helped them through these past three years has been the strength they find in one another. After the horrific event, the LGBT community only came back stronger.
“I feel like after the shooting, the community is treating each other like family,” said MLEC student Andy Suarez. “We take care of each other.”
Photographed by Luis Mila
The LGBTQ+ community has become not only a family, but a sanctuary for anyone going through hard times of battling the lack of acceptance people tend to have— especially older generations. Outlets such as MLEC’s ERA club serve as that safe space or even a place to be informed more.
“If they are questioning themselves, they are welcome to join the club and are allowed to understand themselves better,” said Gonzalez when speaking about ERA. “There is always something— an outlet that people can use for knowledge.”
For those with their finger on the pulse of the present moment, it is clear that change will continue. Members of the LGBTQ community were not scared into the closet. They were not silent. They came together and they became louder, stronger.
Not only is the LGBTQ+ community becoming stronger together, but they are not afraid to make their voice heard. Marches and parades all contribute to diminishing the hate and spreading more love, that way there will be more hope for those in need.
“There is always things like the Trevor Project or like Pride…we’re all just trying to be happy and accepting of everyone else and accepting of ourselves as well,” said Gonzalez. “I think that’s the one thing that we can do— just spread our own type of love to not just everyone else but ourselves.”
Three years later, there is little to no progress that has truly been made to change some people’s ignorant views. However, the LGBTQ+ community continues to strive and spread love and support, tramping the discrimination that has never left.
“Don’t be afraid to be who you are,” said Gonzalez. “We’re here, we’re queer, and we’re ready to slay the world!”
