Sunday saw the deadliest shooting in modern American history after a gunman opened fire and took hostages at a gay nightclub in Orlando. As of today, fifty innocent people were killed and scores still remain hospitalized. 

 

My heart breaks with the loss and suffering of the victims and their families. 

       

I am thankful for law enforcement and medical personnel in the area who stopped the killer, rescued the victims, treated the wounded, and comforted those who grieved. 

 

I am also grateful for everyone who answered the call and stood in long lines to donate blood for the injured.

 

This atrocity took place during Pride Month, and on a weekend where – all across the country – members of the LGBT community, our supporters, and allies came together to celebrate the progress made in civil rights and equality in our nation.

 

Milwaukee held its 30th annual PrideFest parade on Sunday. As I walked the parade route I spoke with many friends and strangers who shared my recollections of times past when the LGBT community was under attack, from denial of basic civil rights to the devastating losses of the AIDS crisis.Although our hearts break, we are resilient, we will persevere, and we will continue to work for a better world.