The tragic events that transpired in Orlando, Florida on Sunday morning affected our members deeply.  Last weekend as we celebrated PRIDE in our nation’s capital, our thoughts were also with all of those touched by the horrific acts that had transpired hours earlier.  Hate inspired the actions of the shooter, just as it inspired those who murdered our colleague Xulhaz Mannan in Bangladesh in April.

On this day after, we refuse to cower in fear before those who spur hatred and spew rhetoric.  We choose to remember the celebrations and the music; the friendship and the community.  We must not allow hate to rule our actions or taint our memories.

When we think of the victims, we will remember them with PRIDE, because of who they were and who we are.

We have a choice.  We Choose PRIDE.