We love you, Orlando.
Our hearts break for the victims, their loved ones and the people of Orlando.
It’s hard to put into words exactly how we’re feeling today. Sad certainly. Angry and scared too. But more than anything, the staff of GayTravel wants to send a message of love to the LGBT community and its many allies; to the families and friends of those who were lost in the devastating shooting in the early hours of Sunday morning at Pulse nightclub; for the city of Orlando and the people who live there.
Make no mistake — this was an attack against the LGBT community. And we know now that it is the largest mass-shooting in the history of the United States. After any attack, it’s only natural to feel scared. That’s what makes us human, after all. But the people of Orlando need our support. The global LGBT community and all of its many allies across the globe need to come together and show the people of Orlando that we stand with them — that we are all one.
We are pure and simple a gay travel information site. Every staff member who works for GayTravel.com does so because we love experiencing different cultures, traveling to new places, learning new things, and meeting new people. The city of Orlando is our partner and we are committed now more than ever to showing the world what an incredible and inclusive city Orlando is.
To anyone reading this who has current plans to travel to Orlando. To anyone reading this who had been considering taking a trip to Orlando. To anyone reading this who has ever been curious about taking a trip to Orlando… do it. Keep your plans, make your plans — in times of tragedy, love wins. There is no better way to show a community your love than to do it in person. When you’re there, post photos, share your experiences on social media. Show the world the outpouring of support for the city of Orlando. Over the next days, weeks and months, we plan to do the same.
Wouldn’t it be amazing if this time next year, on June 12, 2017, millions of LGBT travelers and supporters from all around the world gathered in Orlando? There is strength in numbers, and for nearly 50 years since the Stonewall Riots in New York City, the community has stood strong and fought hard for the right to be heard. To be accepted. To be treated as equals. So today, we are asking all of you — join us. Show your support now for Orlando. Meet us in Orlando next June 12th and pay tribute to those we’ve lost. Stand up for the right to love and be loved. And most importantly, show that in times of terrible tragedy, our community galvanizes, melds, and grows stronger.
Stay strong, Orlando. We are right there with you.
With love,
GayTravel.com and all of our travel partners
#gaytravel
