June 13, 2016
WASHINGTON – The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) mourns the loss of the 50 people killed in the Orlando shooting this weekend who were targeted based on hate. As an organization that supports and celebrates equality in all its forms, including for LBGT individuals and communities, we at APIAHF view this attack an attack on all of us.
It is heart-wrenching to know that the attack in Orlando happened at a club, which served as a community center, gathering place and safe space for the LGBT community. The fact that the violence occurred as LGBT communities and their allies celebrate June as Pride month, which honors the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States, is particularly troubling.
APIAHF stands against hate and violence in any form. No person, regardless of whom they love, their sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, or religious background should face discrimination or violence.
We are deeply concerned that as we mourn the loss of life in Orlando, some in our nation will use this as a continued attack on fellow American Muslim communities. Now is a time not to single out any one community as responsible for the actions of an individual, but to unite in our shared belief of equality and a life free from violence for all.