We’ve been pretty quiet since the Orlando attacks. Like you, our hearts are heavy as we continue to process what happened. Typically we write snarky posts and it just felt strange to do that.

Now, as we resume our daily routines and try to find some sense of normality we are reminded that we need to be who we are. That’s the strongest weapon against hate.

We will not be afraid. We will go back to writing snarky posts, we will go to gay bars, we will hold hands more and we will travel! Thank you for letting me get that off my chest.

Now, it\’s time to pack for the next trip but first, here are ways you can help the Orlando shooting victims and their families.

From the Huffington Post:

Support Victims And Their Families

Local LGBT civil rights organization Equality Florida has set up a GoFundMe page to support the Pulse nightclub shooting victims and their families. More than $1.7 million has already been donated as of Monday afternoon. Donate here.

LGBTQ advocacy nonprofit Planting Peace has launched a CrowdRisecampaign to help cover the victims’ medical costs, as well as funeral costs.Donate here.

CrowdRise has also launched a larger relief fund supporting a number of charitable causes, both those helping the victims of the Orlando shooting, as well as those working long-term to address issues of inequality and gun safety.Donate here.

A variety of local Central Florida LGBT organizations have partnered to run an emergency hotline and grief counselors at the GLBT Community Center of Central Florida. They have also set up a GoFundMe page, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the Orlando shooting victims and their families. Donate here.

Support LGBTQ Advocacy Efforts Worldwide

Because this tragic shooting shows yet again that the fight against homophobia is far from over, you can support the Human Rights Campaign to help with its ongoing advocacy efforts for LGBTQ equal rights worldwide. Offer your support here.

Help End The Ban On Sexually Active Gay Men Donating Blood

After the shooting, many local gay and bisexual men wanted to give blood to help the victims — but they couldn’t. According to a decades-old Food and Drug Administration policy, any man who has had sex with another man in the past year is legally banned from giving blood. After the attack on Sunday, aWhiteHouse.gov petition was started calling for an end to the FDA ban.
Sign the petition here.

Work To End Gun Violence

Everytown for Gun Safety advocates for an end to gun violence, and relies on the testimonies of survivors to partake in meaningful campaigns and address public officials to help foster change.Find out more about Everytown for Gun Safety here.

Stand Together To Show That #WeAreOrlando

As people across the country and the world woke up to the tragic news Sunday, they gathered together in community vigils to honor the victims and their families. From Orlando to New York to Rome, people stood together, hugged, sang, lit candles and left flowers in the name of those lost.To find a vigil near you, visit weareorlando.org, with a growing list of local events.

Reach Out If You Need Support

The LGBT community at large is still reeling from the attack. If you need support, or just someone to talk to, dial any of the national and local hotlines below.The local GLBT Center of Central Florida has a crisis hotline set up in the aftermath of the attack. Call if you need a shoulder to lean on: 407-227-1446.

The Trevor Project Hotline is always available for LGBTQ youth, and is open to anyone in need of support at this time. You can call them at 866-488-7386.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is here to help. Just call: 800-273-8255.

The National GLBT Center has a national hotline, a youth talk-line and an online peer-support chat. For the national hotline, dial 888-843-4564.

How to Help Orlando Shooting Victims and Their Families

Travel Tips | Jim Werner | June 14, 2016