Orlando shooting: Gay'merica, you've shown us how to fight hatred with solidarity

Editor’s note: In this series for Firstpost titled ‘Letter to the Subalterns’ noted rights activist Harish Iyer reaches out to marginalised, oppressed groups and individuals. Dear Gay’merica, I am here in your nation. When I came here, I thought I was here at the most appropriate time considering that this is Pride Month. And well, it was perfect. Right from the time I stepped into the Dulles airport where I met up with two Amercians who guided me and wished me luck when I came out to them, to the lovely, chatty Uber driver who gave me a hug and wished me happy pride, there was no doubt that I was in paradise. I should add that the day I started your government’s Department of State-sponsored International Visitors Learning Programme was also the day Capital Pride was organised at Washington DC. I saw colours and vigour unlike any before. I have seen happy people and well-organised events, but I have not seen people who had joy running through their veins. I saw people from all walks of life, I saw people from all faiths, I saw people of all age groups; in fact, I didn’t see people alone — I saw pets march the Pride, thereby completing the family tree. I want to thank you for giving me, and the world, this volcano of positivity that explodes love of and for every form. Thank you. [caption id=“attachment_2833454” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Friends of the victims at a vigil. Image from Tampa Bay Times via AP[/caption] It was amazing, until, I saw the TV on the night of 11 June. The Internet was replete with details of an attack in a gay bar. What unfolded on my television screen was the tale of mayhem and bloodshed. I learnt that Pulse, a bar in Orlando, Central Florida was attacked by a gunman called Omar Mateen . The atmosphere of happiness had assumed the face of hatred. I was amazed that your country — that was bursting with joy — suddenly turned into almost a morgue. I understand this feeling way too well. I understand it, therefore it hurts equally and in full measure. It is not too long ago in history that my city, Bombay, saw a bloodbath. I still remember the chilling moments of 26/11 clearly. I know how it feels like when terrorism has an insane face. So, brothers and sisters of America, I am with you in this trying time, and so is my nation. These times are a good reminder of the fact that borders are for countries, not for humanity. We are all bound together. We are all in this together. The very next day, I visited the post-Pride event in Washington DC. I saw the whole place in complete rainbow spirit. Not one programme, to the best of my knowledge was cancelled. Just that the whole space had a lot of police officers, adding an extra cover of security. Nothing could dampen the spirit of the pride. One of my newfound friends wondered how people were so emotionless. It made me think. But just as I was mulling it over, there was an announcement of a memorial service at DuPort Circle for those who lost their lives in the attack. I attended the memorial, which was a candlelight vigil. It was amazing to see people of all races there. Some with their pets, some with their families, some alone, some holding a candle, some sitting down to offer a prayer, some quietly sitting on a bench with their eyes closed. They were mourning, and I mourned with them. They gave themselves to grief as much as they didn’t allow the incident to dent their celebration of post-Pride in the afternoon. There was solidarity, but there was no hate. [caption id=“attachment_2833450” align=“alignright” width=“380”]  After the Orlando nightclub shooting, mourners gathered at the site to show their solidarity with the families o victims. Image from AP[/caption] I had to share with you, Gay’merica, a wonderful sight that I saw. There was a man who was standing with a placard with an anti-Muslim message. The moment the person came there, there were a group of individuals who spoke to him and asked him to stand by the side. He stood at a distance with his placard. More and more people went up to him. I guess they were trying to explain to this man that they have not been consumed by hate, that they have not stopped loving or believing in the innate quality of goodness. Gay’merica, at this event I could see that you thought that phobia to a phobia is not the right way to deal with the issue. I am certain, something good transpired in the conversation, because the man suddenly rolled up his placard and left. There was no violence from his end or from that of the organisers of the vigil. There were polite conversations. As individuals spoke with the man, the police just watched over without unnecessarily intervening. But the police was involved, not just in peacekeeping, but also in expressing their grief. They lit up candles with everyone else, making this loss their own. They didn’t come there just as governing officers, they came can grieving officers. You are blessed, Gay’merica, for the love you have found in the Washington police force and in the hearts of people. Tragedy or no tragedy, you are united in hope of a better tomorrow. Homosexuals are one of the most hated minorities, but for every arrow of hatred, you have a thousand holy springs of love that emerge from all quarters — straight and gay, religious and atheists. You are united. And truly the United States Of America. You defeated terror, Gaymerica. Your very pride, did. In solidarity and in support, Harish Iyer A GayIndian Tourist. The author is an equal rights activist who campaigns for the rights of the LGBT community, children, women and animals. He is a Bollywood buff and an occasional newsmaker.