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The Recent Events in Orlando from the Eyes of a Dutch Girl

Dear sweet readers whom I am very thankful for,

I felt the urge to write to you today after having processed the horrible things that happened in Orlando this weekend. As Tyler Oakley rightfully pointed out in his recent YouTube video, the people who were shot this weekend were all in places that should have felt and been safe and the fact that they actually weren't safe is so horrible I can't find the words to express.

I hope that none of  you lost someone that was very dear to you, but if you did I am very sorry and my thoughts are with you. I know writing that doesn't solve anything, but I still hope it gives a little comfort. Neither Christina Grimmie, nor the 50 people in that gay bar deserved to die this weekend and I truly believe that the world has lost very wonderful people.

These people died doing what they loved and/or celebrating whoever they loved and I sincerely hope that wherever they are, they can keep doing this. I hope that they still had a happy and fulfilling life, even though it ended too soon.

As a straight, Dutch female who loves and supports the welcoming and accepting lgbtq+ community very much I can't believe that the American government still have not changed the gun laws after the numerous mass shootings and pleas from President Obama himself the last few years. I know from experience that it is very much possible to be and feel save in a country where it is illegal to own a gun, and I hope that there will be a lot more people who will get to experience this in the near future. I am not at all saying that my country is somehow better or even that there are no civilians owning guns at all here. I know that there still are a lot of flaws in the Dutch society, one of them being that people who are persistent enough could still manage to get their hands on a gun, but I also believe that this society could be an example regarding anti-gun laws.

Maybe I won't change anything by saying this, but it is possible. Don't stop voicing your opinions regarding, amongst other things, gun laws. Don't stop being who you actually are because of the recent events. It is scary, but you deserve to be yourself and to be safe and trust me when I say that you are never alone. And please, go vote! Your vote could actually make a great difference.

With love (because you, yes you, deserve all the love I can offer),

Laura


P.s. here is a petition to ban the AR-15 from civilian ownership you can sign from all over the world. It might not feel like you're doing much, but at least you're doing something.


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