
The mass shooting in Orlando, killing at least 50 of our queer brothers and sisters, injuring 53 more is a horrible, unspeakable trauma for the GLBTQI… community. I want to share some ways to cope with trauma and tragedy that I am doing. * Take care of yourself: be alone, if that’s what you need, or be with loved ones. Get hugs, kisses, cry together, hold each other. Pride celebrations this month, and candle light vigils and prayer services offer community opportunities. *Grieve however you need to. Be angry. Be sad. Withdraw. Jump into action. Cry. Scream. Sit quietly. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. *Focus on what helps you. Today, I am focusing on the individual people who were senselessly murdered, getting to know their names, who they were, what they were known for. I am holding each one in my heart and mind. Meditate on them, pray for them, their families and loved ones, for us. *Ignore those infuriating things you can’t do anything about: the media, the glorification of the shooter, the manipulations by politicians, the ignorant and cruel comments you may hear on social media or from people around you. *Breathe, deeply. Focus…