Ricky Martin made a powerful statement on Twitter following the Orlando shooting that occurred Sunday morning in Central Florida, killing 49 innocent lives and leaving 53 wounded. "I am gay and I am not afraid," expressed the Puerto Rican singer.
But Martin, who came out as gay in 2010, has more to say on what is considered the worst mass shooting in U.S. history following the 9/11 attacks. Following the gruesome act of terror, the "La Mordidita" singer, who is out of country but admits his heart is with Orlando, was able to gather his thoughts and penned an emotional open letter published Wednesday morning.
I still cannot believe that an individual filled with so much hate killed 49 people and injured 53 on June 12th. People that unlike him were celebrating love, freedom and life. I try to find calmness within, so that I can properly express my current state of mind in this article and share with you how I feel during this important mourning process. The tragedy that occurred in Orlando hurts me in so many ways. It hurts me as a man, as a human being, and as a gay person, because so many of the victims were brothers and sisters of the LGBT community. I am in pain, I am sad, I am angry.
Martin began the letter with an example of how the tragedy hit home.
He continued to express how he is unclear of how such tragedy can happen to the LGBT community, but that he still has faith in humanity.
Nonetheless, the purpose of this senseless act seems clear: to strike terror in the LGBT community and to our society which value basic freedoms and civil rights for all; and to spew hatred in the largest mass shooting in U.S. history. It has also proven that gun laws MUST change in this country. However, my faith in humanity is greater than all of this. I do believe that love conquers all, but I also believe we need to join together and end this hatred.
In the letter, the 44-year-old Puerto Rican artist expressed that he could not fight his tears as he read about victims sending their last texts to their loved ones "minutes before their executions."
Waves of fear have been spread throughout the LGBT community and our society as a whole. The LGBT community is the latest target of such violence that has included, among others, journalists, office workers and travelers. Yet, I ask that we stand strong and not give in to fear. We must be unified and bonded by these horrific, cowardly acts designed to silence and suppress us. We cannot allow for hate to win, and we cannot stay quiet and hide.
Toward the ending of his heart-wrenching piece, the father-of-two questioned gun control laws in the U.S. and asked everyone to break their silence and call their congressman every day until they act. He signed off with an importance message about love.
Love with all your heart. Love those close to you, and those you don’t even know. Be kind, be empathetic, be compassionate, be generous. Fill your life and words with nothing but love. I have faith in humanity. I refuse to accept that this is the world my children will inherit. I will never cease to fight for love.
Click here to read the entire letter.
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