Local LGBTI community reacts to Orlando

The local Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community has responded with shock and solidarity following the mass killings at a gay nightclub in Orlando, United States over the weekend.

The worst mass shooting in U.S. history, which left at least 49 people dead and more than 50 wounded, has been described as both a terror attack and a hate crime by leaders and experts. Spokesperson for LEGABIBO and member of the LGBT community, Bradley Fortune says the incident is another example of how religion can be used to perpetuate homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.

It’s sad that even in countries that are progressive in terms of gay rights, there are still high cases of violence, stigma and discrimination. Violence, he said, is a real risk for many in the LGBT community. “Even locally we have some of our people beaten, having homophobic slurs directed at them and these cases are not reported because they are afraid of further victimization,” he said in an interview.

However Fortune said that people should not allow fear to keep them from living their lives. “We call on our leaders to refrain from fueling homophobia. Instead they should lead the way for an inclusive, tolerant and accepting society,” he said. Fortune concluded by saying the best way to show support for gays and lesbians is to stand up to anti-gay rhetoric and actions wherever they occur.