Step one is complete.

The harm has been committed; at least 50 people are dead, and more than 50 are injured, making this the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. History.

I refuse to let the terrorists accomplish their second goal. I REFUSE to be scared. I will not allow them the satisfaction of keeping me trapped in my home, afraid to enjoy the community I’ve built around me.

It is not in my nature to hide, nor is it the American way. I think terrorists are very ignorant to who we are as a people; we do not back down. America (and its politicians) may have its flaws, but one thing no one can deny is our ability to rise from the ashes and come together as a unified front.

The world was stunned by the solidarity of response from the 9/11 attacks, so why would you expect anything less from this morning’s nightclub attack?

We will rise. We will band together. We will forget petty differences and unite as a FAMILY against the terrorist fear-mongers who try to break us down.

And, because this man decided to attack the LGBTQ community directly, we’re going to be FAB-U-LOUS in our union, because that’s what we do.

Stand strong, my friends. I love each and everyone of you.

~ Victoria Elizabeth