#myasu NowIsTheTimeToAct

[amplifiedatasu]

A response to a comment from BamaState Buzz on the Orlando Shooting.

From BamaState Buzz:

Words from Miss ASU Suna Mariam ! "Greetings, I wanted to take some time to speak on the tragedy that occurred yesterday morning. On Sunday afternoon, I woke up to the news of the deadliest mass shooting in United States history. A 29 year old male walked into Pulse Nightclub and opened fire. New York Times reported that 49 people were killed and about 53 wounded in the attack. Reports state that this nightclub was tailored to the LGBT community. This tragedy is, for lack of a better word, horrific. No one in this world, regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation, should have their life snatched away. Although many speculate on the motive of the shooting (some suggest Islamic terror), there has not been any official report from authorities. Unfortunately, there are individuals who participate in hateful acts that can NEVER be justified. As we mourn the lives lost and pray for those involved (victims or families of victims), let us look within and fill our hearts with love. Let us pray for patience, empathy and understanding. Let us avoid any hateful messages regardless of what we feel. This event is not an opportunity for us to voice OUR opinions but to console, sympathize and pray for the people who lost their lives or family members. I urge us to come together while perpetuating love and patience. I am keeping Orlando in my prayers and I know you will do the same. Sincerely, Suna Mariam"

Response from AMPLIFIED’S current president Caleb Gumbs:

I agree that it isn’t the deadliest shooting in US history. It is no secret that the US suffers from selective memory. However, it is the deadliest in recent history, and that is something that we must address. But first, to the straight/cisgender people in the room, now is NOT the time for you to voice your opinion on the media’s handling of the story. It is beyond my comprehension as to why a straight person would feel entitled enough to comment on whether or not this was the deadliest when 50 people were murdered and 53 people are injured and traumatized for the rest of their lives. I envy that privilege. I wish I could be detached enough from this disheartening tragedy enough to nitpick over such insignificant details. That’s not a part of my reality because I’m reeling over the loss of my people. For a couple of hours, I thought I had lost my forever friend or that she might be scared, injured and afraid. I was lucky, but it breaks my heart to know that over 100 people were not so lucky. As a result of this tragedy, I have to worry that I might be killed in any LGBTQ space that I find myself in. As a result of this tragedy, people lost partners, siblings, lifelong friends, role models, and so much more. We lost our sense of safety in OUR spaces. Pride month is supposed to be about people feeling safe and comfortable while living their lives as their authentic selves, but how do we do that when faced with crimes like this and a government that is always actively trying to find ways to systematically oppress us claims to have our back? I’ve had enough prayers. Now is the time for action. Why is it that in 2016, I still feel unsafe walking while transgender at our university that I have attended for over 3 years? Why is it that we still have ASU professors who teach about LGBTQ people like we are not human beings who just happen to have sexual orientations or gender identities outside the “norm”. Why do I hear people openly misgendering me and other trans students when I’m walking around in the union? This tragedy proves that we must work towards making sure that every space is safe for EVERY person, and we can begin doing that on our college campus. We can begin taking steps to ensure that LGBTQ students feel safe at all times when on our campus. We can work towards fostering a campus environment free of homophobia and transphobia so that freshmen who come from hostile environments never want to leave because they finally found the acceptance and validation they wanted and needed at ASU. Now is the time to act. Caleb Gumbs – Current President of Amplified ASU