On the recordJune 12, 2017
On June 12, 2016, 49 Americans were gunned down at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando. Tonight we remember the beautiful lives lost and all those who suffered injury in this horrific attack. Sadly, LGBT Americans continue to be the target of horrific hatred and violence here and around the world. Don't let anyone tell you that we have full equality in this country. We don't. There is too much hatred in this country. Anytime an LGBT American is mocked or treated as less than equal, it is an attack on the values that all of us share as Americans. These expressions of bigotry and intolerance only serve to exacerbate hatred and violence. We cannot let them go unanswered. Over the last few days, so many have joined in showing their support for the LGBT community and remembering the victims in Orlando. We are strongest when we stand united toward a common purpose of equality for all Americans. It is my sincere hope that we will build greater understanding toward one another and move closer toward ensuring that every American can live free from discrimination and violence of any kind and in a world where everyone is valued and treated with dignity and respect. ____________________
