I’m heartbroken over the tragic terrorist attack in Orlando that was specifically targeted at our friends in the LGBTQ+ community. This was an attack on all of us. We must choose to reject the politics of hate and instead embrace a culture of love, strength, peace, and tolerance in this difficult time.

I am a very firm believer in the Aloha spirit — respect and love for everyone, irrespective of their religion, race, sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

It can be difficult after a tragic event like this to stay true to those virtues. Like many, I am angry, but we cannot be a part of the cycle of violence and bigotry that breeds these mass shootings and terror attacks. We must break the cycle and choose love. That is how we make a difference in the world around us.

Today, take a moment to tell the people you care about that you love them. Yesterday was a reminder that life is short and we should never leave those things unsaid.

Please, if you can, consider making a contribution to the GoFundMe that has been setup to help the victims of the shooting in Orlando. You can make a donation here:

https://www.gofundme.com/pulsevictimsfund

Rather than pour fuel on the fire of darkness, divisiveness, and hatred, let us come together as a country to help the people of Orlando. We will not forget. We will stand with you.

Aloha,

Tulsi Gabbard