LGBTQ and Muslims unite together against 'fear, hate, and violence'
In the wake of rising Islamophobia and anti-gay rhetoric, gays and Muslims chose to stand in solidarity to defeat hatred through love.
The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) groups together with the Muslims in America issued a joint statement, "Muslim-LGBTQ Unity Statement in Response to Divisive Rhetoric After Orlando Shooting," Tuesday, June 21 to send their message not just to the mourning community of Orlando — where 49 people died and 53 wounded after an Afghan-American gunman attacked the Pulse gay nightclub on June 12 — but also to the world at large.
The group expressed their grief to what they called a horrific attack and announced their united stand against "fear, hate, and violence" and against those who seek to divide them.
"We send a powerful message to those who seek to divide us using hatred and violence: love is stronger than hate and hope will defeat fear," read their statement.
While they hailed the inspiring acts of the Floridians who responded to the call of blood donation, to the courageous first responders, and to the numerous interfaith vigils from across the globe, they also foretold of the divisive tactics that loom ahead.
They referred to "cynical efforts" aiming to pit Americans against each other, and plans to "increase surveillance of entire communities, based solely on how they look or how they pray."
Almost a week before they released their joint statement, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump called for surveillance of mosques, albeit "respectfully." He also heightened his calls against Muslim immigration and blamed the Muslims for not reporting the Orlando gunman early on.
According to Los Angeles Times, hate crimes exposing Muslim bigotry in America increase every time there's an Islamic terror attack. In 2015, hate crimes against Muslim Americans rose to 481 cases from 154 the year before.
On June 14, 50 LGBTQ groups issued a statement calling for unity. They renewed their call a week after, this time, with the Muslims.
"We are stronger together, and together, we will move forward with love and acceptance for all," said the united voice of the LGBTQ and Muslim community.