I have seen many posts trending on Facebook regarding the Orlando shooting on 12th June and finally gave in to my curiosity to the incident. I was deeply troubled by it, not just because of the nefarious intent behind the massacre, but the voices of disgust that still linger around the conservatives.
For those who have yet heard of the Orlando shooting, this shooting took place in a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Amongst all those present in the nightclub, 49 were dead and 53 were severely injured. The person responsible for this tragic is none other than the 29-year-old assailant, Omar Mateen, who single-handedly created the deadliest single shooting incident since the 9/11 incident.
As of now, all 49 victims have been identified and do take your time to read what people have to say about these energetic and kind people. Thank you for those who were able to make this happen. The world needs to know, especially the bigots, to know that their sexuality has no role in determining their abilities or their character.
The spark of this incident was ignited when Omar Mateen saw two guys kissing and his disgust for the LGBT community morphed into such unspeakable, unforgivable actions.
You can read more about the incident here in NY Post.
Hatred and discrimination for the LGBT community stemmed from the past and can be seen up to the 21st centuries where in some countries, homosexuality is punishable by death. However, recent movements and laws in countries such as in Ireland (2015), and the other US states, made it possible for people to be married regardless of sexuality. This is another moment in history where human rights are fought for again after the fight for equal rights for women as well as the blacks. Even though discrimination against women and blacks still exist now, it was not as toxic as it was compared to the past.
The Orlando shootings definitely brought two important message out to the world – the issue conferring to LGBT rights has to be addressed, and the same goes for Muslims.
LGBT rights
The future, as you can see, could be a really bright place for the LGBT community, or it could be shrouded in darkness. Chances are, the former is gaining an upper hand. The LGBT community cannot be oppressed, because their rights are human rights. At the same time, those who display hatred and bigotry against the LGBT should not be left unwatched.
The younger generations seemed to be more accepting of the LGBT community (regardless whether or not religion was involved in the first place as stated in the article), while the more conservatives are mainly from the other generations bounded by traditions of a nuclear family. This is why in the recent light of events, Bryan Lim commented in a Facebook post, making remarks against the LGBT community with reference to the Orlando shootings.
If you are unable to view the link for any reason, here’s the screenshot of his comment
Nonetheless, many crude remarks followed. Some were totally against supporting LGBT rights, while others tried to argue their way on how LGBT lifestyle is not acceptable.
I mean, this is the world. There is no one solution to satisfy every single individual because all of us are uniquely different, with different needs! What the LGBT movement, that is sweeping the world now, hopes to achieve is to raise awareness of such a large community as well as to fight for the freedom to express love regardless of sexuality.
Sometimes I do not understand how one’s interest in the same gender can affect the abilities. What disgust me the most is how hypocritical and shallow some people can be.
“I am worried that if I am working with a gay, he would fall in love with me.”
That statement itself does not make any sense! I mean shouldn’t you be honored to have one more person loving you? So what happens when the person loves you? Are you worried about the discrimination that might be rubbed off onto your shoulders? Well, thanks to people like you, such hatred exists. This is a vicious cycle that never ends!
Bringing back to the Bryan Lim’s incident where he threatened to open fire against the LGBT community in Singapore. Of course, he has made headlines in the news and police investigations are ongoing. Also, CANON, the company Bryan is working for, has acknowledged the issue and will carry out their investigations.
Subsequently, he released another comment to quickly write off any misunderstandings to those affected.
Honestly speaking, who in their right minds would display such hatred towards to group as to open fire. Coupled with the recent shootings, Bryan has definitely dug a grave for himself. And he should dig deeper to hide from the artillery shells that will be raining on him.
I am sure there are enough skirmishes online about Bryan’s incident. His threats could be real, but once they are outside of the internet platform, he is nothing but a mere keyboard warrior. Is he then, worth enough time and attention? Definitely, to make a point, to fight for equality, that is what many are doing. Debates will never end, and it is time for Singaporeans to learn to be more open-minded and accepting.
In the midst of ongoing chaos and war in the internet, I found this video of a LGBT march in South Korea deeply touches my heart. I like how one of the unnies is going around giving hugs and comfort. She is amazing!
There is another case in Singapore which happened recently that surprised me a lot. Many complaints have been filed to the MDA of Singapore to remove the same-sex kissing scene in Les Miserables. Why was this surprising? Well, the kissing scene did not even last for more than 2 seconds! A blink of an eye and you might miss the scene! So what is with all these intolerance?
If there is one thing I have to agree, that would be Jerrine’s argument and her support for human rights.
Read more here directly on her Facebook post.
Back to the larger picture of the Orlando shootings. People die in that attack, and compassion, empathy are emotions that is appropriate for this scenario. However, there are some who find no remorse or sadness in such tragdey and are applauding for the shootings.
If there is anything that goes against the nature of humans, their apathetic nature is. Have you seen any living species, capable of processing catastrophe or a vicissitude, not moan for their lost ones after death? Even animals such as dolphins, elephants, domestic animals grief for the death of their own species! So why do we humans rejoice after such a massacre?
And those who claims the homosexuality is unnatural, that is a lie! Homosexuality in animals is more common than you could ever imagine! What an irony right? Humans cannot seem to accept each other and bereave in their deaths, but display histronical hate and joy in the most inappropriate scenario!
Muslim rights
The more subtle message hidding behind the main LGBT discrimination is the intolerance towards the Muslims. What has made this intolerance worst is the fact that Omar Mateen himself is a Muslim and that he pledges alligence to the ISIS.
By selling his soul to the ISIS and promulgating such intent, he is deepening the chasm, widening the gap between the innocent Muslims and the others. Sadly to say, the existing discrimination has clouded people’s judgement. One Omar Mateen is not representative of the Orlando’s Muslims, or anywhere else for the matter of fact.
Donald Trump, who is a candidate for presidency, laid down his vow to ban Muslims immigrants into the country. If he evers become a president for the States, I do worry about who becomes next on his ban list.
However, a recent speech by Hillary Clinton regarding Trump’s intention to ban Muslims describing that proposals to ban immigrations is offensive and counterproductive.
How is the gap between the Muslims and the non-Muslims going to be bridge then? To achieve harmony like Singapore is not impossible, but it takes time. People will need to learn how to be more tolerant of each other and respect them in lieu of their unique culture and beliefs. This will be the first baby step towards building a nation of peace and equality.
Gun control is one huge issue in the States which must be more tightly regulated. Otherwise, any Tom, Dick or Harry could purchase guns and start another attack which could result in the deaths of many more innocent people. Trump’s stance on this issue is that having access to weapons are giving Americans the protection they need. On the other hand, Clinton believes otherwise. Maybe somday, you would not see any walking beings with assault rifles walking along the streets of America.
I really do hope that Clinton is able to be the next President of the States. Problems will definitely rise, unhappiness among Trump supporters could throw her off balance. But should Clinton buckle her seatbelt tight, this could be an era of change – for the minority, for the Americans, and for the World to learn.
L for Loktor 
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