Orlando

What happened in Orlando was a hate crime committed by a disturbed homophobe and racist with a tenuous link to ISIS, but easy access to assault rifles. The killer drove two hours to specifically target an LGBT nightclub on Latin night. The killer was an American citizen and a wannabe cop, who had been investigated for terrorism links and was employed as a security guard despite this. His ex-wife accused him of domestic violence. Do not be swayed from the facts by right-wingers, conservative media and politicians spinning and framing this tragedy as a reason to escalate war, ban immigrants or target Muslims. Terrorism is the ultimate hate crime. To diminish the fact that this was an act of violence aimed at the LGBT community is another form of hate and an attempt – once again – to erase us. Do not be quiet, do not lie down.