If you question why the LGBT community doesn't feel safe....

[DisneyKevin]

http://www.10news.com/news/craigslist-ad-threatens-orlando-style-massacre-in-san-diego-061416

 

[Tonyz]

Jesus Christ... what in the hell is going on?

I feel terrible that you, the rest of the team, and the entire gay community have to be fearful or feel unsafe. But I do really respect your response to this tragedy. You are using your platform to advocate for sensible gun control. I called my representative yesterday (but he is a Republican so it might be falling on deaf ears).

 

[NeuroCindy]

I don't even know what to say anymore.

 

[SarahDisney]

Thanks for sharing this. I hate seeing things like this, but it's important to know that they're out there.

Kevin, I'm so sorry that we live in a world where you (and other members of the LGBT community) are threatened just for being yourself and loving someone. It's not fair.
I wish there was something I could do beyond just saying that I'm with you. I understand your fear, and I wish you didn't have to feel this way. I wish we lived in a society where people treat each other with kindness and respect, no matter who you are and who you love, and I hope that the incredible potential for love in this world can somehow cancel out this hate.

 

[Accident]

Free Hugs to anyone that needs it.. I'm getting really tired of this ignorance..

 

[soniam]

It's hard for me to understand, not ever really being part of group that is hated or being someone that generally hates people. It's just pathetic Maybe some good old fashioned mob mentality against people like this is in order. I don't know what else, other than time, patience, and understanding, will change things. Positive thoughts to those that live in fear and a wish for it to be eradicated

 

[SorcererHeidi]

Can't even verbalize what I feel anymore, can't even read anymore, or watch anymore about anything that's been going on, tried to watch this week's show and had to stop.....all I can think of to say to something like this is "UGH", and I am ashamed of so many members of this species I share supposedly called "humans". I think I'm adopted.

 

[wilkeliza]

This breaks my heart. There is also someone under investigation in Atlanta over similar accusations.

 

[Irish_Mike]

I was just reading about this, and the guy arrested in LA earlier this week.

In a similar idea, what Ryno said on the podcast when he was talking about his rainbow Mickey pin, really stuck with me. That second guessing, "what is the person next to me thinking of us". Even when I'm with my boyfriend, I occasionally will hesitate to hold his hand in public because of that fear.

It really is a terrible feeling.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Thanks for posting this @DisneyKevin

I must admit that when the tragedy in Orlando first happened and I saw a lot of stories around people offering counseling services to members of the LGBT community or upset when people would talk about the event and not specify that it was against the LGBT community my first thought was "isn't the important part that 49 human beings lost their lives? Isn't that the bigger point rather than what community they are a part of? Why only offer the counseling to members of that community? etc."

But then I was reminded of when Pete shared on one episode of the podcast related to something affecting the African American community and after awhile it realized that he can't fully understand how a member of that community would feel in response to soemthing - and it hit me that this is the same situation ... I can't think about this this from my point of view when it is not the same as what a member of the LGBT community is going through

And I also recall what Pete said later in that podcast which was "and that's ok" .... I can't know exactly how you feel Kevin, but that is ok. That doesn't prevent me from being saddened and angry or want to reach out and give you a virtual hug.

The best I can do is be aware of an unconsious biases I might have and pause and think. And the then just love as I can. Hate can win the battle, but it can't win the war

 

[CampbellzSoup]

I'm gonna do everything I can to ensure my brothers and sisters are safe up here

 

[SorcererHeidi]

I'm gonna do everything I can to ensure my brothers and sisters are safe up here

And I think that's the best testament you (and we all) can give to the legacy of all those lost/affected - live our lives in a "better" (and ALL that term means - I am at a feeble loss for words right now due to feeling so "heavy", but hopefully all can fill in the blanks in their own lives) manner - for ourselves and those around us (as Phil also alluded to so eloquently in the post above this one) from here on out. That is what we ALL an do, WHEREVER we are - to"make a difference in OUR small little corner of the world" - the best way we can.

Change in the whole world will start as all change does - in "small little corners".....just as the longest journey in the world starts with a single step.......

So.....bravo, my brother (and all here who will do the same)........bravo!!

 

[loves to dive]

It's just so sad that people are so afraid of anyone who is different from them. It's a big ole world with plenty of room for all types of people, you don't have to agree with someone else's opinions or lifestyle in order to respect the person. People shouldn't be afraid and feel like they have to hide who they really are, loving someone is not a bad thing. I applaud the dis team for being open and honest about their thoughts and feelings, we need more people, no matter who they love or what their color or religion to do the same.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

It's just so sad that people are so afraid of anyone who is different from them...

I don't think that it's a matter of that people are afraid, but that people hate anyone different than them. There was a time in history that people were persecuted for being left-handed. People were, and still are, persecuted for having different skin color, speaking a different language, believing in a different religion (even the same religion, but different component), and having a different sexual orientation. It's ridiculous.

I love that my children do not have any of these biases, but we live in a big city - in California - so people tend to be more open-minded here; at least where I live, and in our interactions. But, as I said in another post, it's not enough to acknowledge these prejudices, but to stand up for what is right and not wait for others to do it while we sit comfortably in our armchairs watching from the sidelines.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I don't think that it's a matter of that people are afraid, but that people hate anyone different than them. There was a time in history that people were persecuted for being left-handed. People were, and still are, persecuted for having different skin color, speaking a different language, believing in a different religion (even the same religion, but different component), and having a different sexual orientation. It's ridiculous.

I love that my children do not have any of these biases, but we live in a big city - in California - so people tend to be more open-minded here; at least where I live, and in our interactions. But, as I said in another post, it's not enough to acknowledge these prejudices, but to stand up for what is right and not wait for others to do it while we sit comfortably in our armchairs watching from the sidelines.

I get what you are saying but I think that hate stems from fear. If you look sociologically, we are trained to be fearful of other tribes, of the unknown - because going back thousands of years what you didn't know or anyone not from your group very likely did mean you harm

We need to overcome that fear - what makes us different is what makes us great as a species. If everyone was the same it would be pretty boring. It's why there are 31 flavors of ice cream.

And that doesn't mean you have to like everyone or agree with everything they do or say. "Tolerance" doesn't mean you have to throw a party but let's just let people be who they want

 

[Sean91]

I highly hope that when they find out who posted this that they are punished to the highest extent of the law. Words defeat me at this point.

 

[k5jm]

All people are born as a blank slate with no biases, no preconceptions, and no concept of hate. It is the environment they are raised in that molds people into the person they become. I have pity for those that were raised in an environment that teaches hate and bias based on differences.

 

[Princess Jes]

I'm gonna do everything I can to ensure my brothers and sisters are safe up here

I can't even begin to put myself in your shoes, or anyone in the LGBT community, but I'm glad that I'm a part of a generation that is breaking down these barriers and treating everyone as equals, and I know it's a slow process, but it's definitely better than it was 50, 20 or even 10 years ago!

For god's sake, it was illegal for a female to get a license or vote less than 100 years ago, and since then, Australia has had a female prime minister!

I'm not saying that being a female means I know what you go through, but just that those biases eventually have been eradicated, and I hope that if I have children, that they grow up with compassion and understanding and know that it doesn't matter what genitals you have, what genitals your lover has, what colour your skin is... You're all equal and you're all wonderful.

You Mike, you're my knight and prince in shining navy blue!

 

[Aerin75]

I just saw this, and even though I know the Pride event is this weekend, I still see this as major progress in the city that had the Stonewall riots...or more accurately the police raid that started them.
We have a long way to go, clearly, but we've also come a long way, and it gives me hope.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/nypd-unveils-rainbow-themed-vehicle-ahead-citys-pride/story?id=40072112