In Memoriam

"It is necessary to constantly remind ourselves that we are not an abomination." 

                                                                    --Marlon Riggs

Two years ago, 49 of our LGBTQ brothers and sisters were gunned down (and dozens of others injured) in a mass shooting in Orlando, Florida , victims of hatred and homo/transphobia. We held a vigil on the steps of city hall to offer prayers and support in the face of horrific violence. Let's just take a moment to remember.

Life's evanescence/
Demands that we love wholly/
And with constancy.

Circled are the faces of two of the youngest victims of the Pulse mass murder--Peter O. Gonzalez-Cruz, 22, originally from New Jersey, and 18 year-old Akyra Murray. As I stated two years ago, at the vigil, I cannot right now articulate why they stand out so clearly for me...perhaps because they remind me of my students...may they rest...but still haunt our collective conscience as we fight to end gun violence [and homophobia and transphobia].