Vamonos!

Dedication Page

     I would like to dedicate my travel portfolio to my L.G.B.T.Q.I.A & Ally brothers and sisters who lost their lives in the Orlando massacre. I am certain everyone is aware of the horrific night club shooting on June 12, 2016 at the Pulse nightclub. 49 innocent people were targeted and unjustly killed, and how people were 53 people were wounded. This attack has been the second to the worst mass killing, after Wounded Knee, in US history. I am so thankful that I had my HHJ to vent my emotions that would go from sadness to fear to anger in less than five minutes. Jason and I spent time in the Castro, the LGBTQIA district in San Francisco, to pay our respects to those who died and were injured. I would like to share a little entrance from my HHJ:

     "I am not sure how I am supposed to feel this morning. Why would someone do that-- I've been in these nightclubs-- bodies everywhere. Packed in the club dancing and spilling bits of drinks on people as you make your way back to the dance floor. What did they do? Hiding in bathrooms or playing dead in hopes he passes you buy. What has the world come to? I've always found the most comfort in the club-- unity, and acceptance in those four walls. But now- the place where we, were I, run to- to find the most comfort-- I feel fearful. I feel like I did after 9/11. I can't stop crying. How the "F" am I supposed to go to work, complete school work, cook dinner, and watch tv when there are 49 people gone do to a senseless act. "F" NO! They can't win, they can never win.... I am going there. I am going to Castro tonight- you better fucking believe it... For my brother and sister......
     We are approaching the Castro. It's a sunny day, but there is a brisk chill in the air. Is Mother Earth feeling the same sense of cold in her heart that we are feeling in ours? I hear the beat and chants from down the road. I speak to the universe and ask that everything be okay. As I enter the district my fear seemed to lift as I felt a comforting hug from the grieving atmosphere that hovers over the district. With Jason's arm around me, we join the somber crowed that is following the beat of the drum. Every time the beat of the drum vibrated through my soul, I remembered that there were those whose heart stopped beating on such as sad day. Tears fall down my face and hit the cold ground. Strangers hugged me, but they didn't feel like strangers at all. We reach the memorial corner on the corner of Castro Street and Market Street under the gigantic rainbow flag. We stand in silence, shoulder to shoulder, as our drag sister reads the names of those who have fall'in. After the last name was read-- I felt numb. The reality is that one of those names could have been any of us. We just never know. I will leave my entry tonight with a message to myself. Never take anything for granted. Express your love unapologetically... Live your life to the fullest-- and never fear being who you are. I am loud, I am proud and yes! I am QUEER. Good night."

Here are a few videos from the evening!

 

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