Arts & Entertainment
Twitter reacts to Orlando shooting with compassion, outrage; others tweet hate
users take to social media to voice opinions
Twitter erupted with reactions from celebrities, politicians and the LGBT community following news of the shooting at gay club Pulse in Orlando, Fla., on Sunday morning.
While many expressed compassion towards the victims and their families, others took to social media to praise gunman Omar Mateen and to share their homophobic views.
God opened His armory to deal with proud fag america. 20 dead in mass shooting at #Orlando “gay” nightclub #Pulse https://t.co/pmokhjaIls — WBCVideo (@WBCVideo) June 12, 2016
Man I don’t know what’s better that fact that gays were killed or the fact that the killer was Muslim and a Democrat. ??? #Orlando #Shooting
— (((Don Juanburg))) (@Jesushatesfig) June 12, 2016
I wake up to some dude shooting up a gay nightclub. Isn’t that weird. Homosexuality is condemned by God so that’s why he let that happen ppl
— Chaasad Amath (@AhchNach) June 12, 2016
Florida Pulse gay club attacked I’m so happy someone decided to start shooting perverts instead of innocent people. https://t.co/AABxc642zb — Jonathan Howell (@Jhowell1214) June 12, 2016
Daily Mail reports Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick tweeted “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Galations 6:7″ hours after the shooting. Patrick’s social media handler, Allen Blakemore, says the tweet was scheduled ahead of time and not connected to the shooting.
The tweet has since been deleted.
“The Lt. Governor is traveling out of the country, but our social media team has deleted the posts and graphics,” Blakemore said in a statement. “We regret the unfortunate timing of these posts and ask everyone to join us in praying for the people of Orlando in this awful time.”
Others took to social media to express their frustrations and sadness about the biggest mass shooting in U.S. history, which specifically targeted the LGBT community.
I literally never want to hear again that LGBT people in the bathroom are a threat to public safety.
— Jeremy Moss (@JeremyAllenMoss) June 12, 2016
You’re scared to be in a bathroom with us? We’re scared to be anywhere with you. — (((Rhea Butcher))) (@RheaButcher) June 12, 2016
Devastated by the news out of FL. Whatever the madness behind this, let us all come together first to support victims & their loved ones.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) June 12, 2016
I am gay and I am not afraid. Love conquers all. #PrayforOrlando — Ricky Martin (@ricky_martin) June 12, 2016
I’m gutted over the news in Orlando- the tears will not stop. My thoughts are w my gay brothers and sisters and their families.
— Lance Bass (@LanceBass) June 12, 2016
Out & About
Love board games and looking for love?
Quirk Events will host “Board Game Speed Dating for Gay Men” on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. at KBird DC.
Searching for a partner can be challenging. But board games are always fun. So what if you combined board games and finding a partner?
Picture this: You sit down for a night of games. A gaming concierge walks you through several games over the course of the night. You play classics you love and discover brand new games you’ve never heard of, playing each with a different group of fun singles. All while in a great establishment.
At the end of the night, you give your gaming concierge a list of the folks you met that you’d like to date and a list of those you met that you’d like to just hang out with as friends. If any two people put down the same name as each other in either column, then your gaming concierge will make sure you get each other’s e-mail address and you can coordinate a time to hang out.
Tickets cost $31.80 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Friday, January 16
Friday Tea Time will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Bring your beverage of choice. For more information, contact Mac ([email protected]).
Trans and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7 p.m. at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. This is a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. This event is ideal for making new connections and community building or just to unwind and enjoy extended happy hour. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, January 17
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center and SMYAL will host a free film screening of “Mama Bears” celebrating queer youth, resilience, and the power of living authentically. Whether you’re a movie lover, looking to make new friends, or simply want a safe, affirming space to relax, this event is for you. Click this link to RSVP.
LGBTQ People of Color will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ people of color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgement free. There will be all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more details, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.
Sunday, January 18
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community and Conversation” at noon at As You Are. This event is for those looking to make more friends and meaningful connections in the LGBTQ+ community. Look for the Go Gay DC sign on the long table near the front window. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, January 19
“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).
Tuesday, January 20
Center Bi+ Roundtable will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is an opportunity for people to gather in order to discuss issues related to bisexuality or as Bi individuals in a private setting.Visit Facebook or Meetup for more information.
Tae Kwon Do Class with Avi Rome will be at 12:30 p.m. This inclusive and beginner-friendly class, led by Instructor Avi Rome, offers a light warm-up, stretching, and instruction in basic techniques, patterns, and striking padded targets. Each session is designed to be adaptable for all ability and mobility levels, creating a welcoming space for everyone to build strength, confidence, and community through martial arts. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Wednesday, January 21
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.
Thursday, January 22
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.
Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breathwork and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
The Washington Capitals will host Pride Night on Saturday, Jan. 17, when they host the Florida Panthers at Capital One Arena. A special ticket offer featuring a Pride-themed Capitals rainbow jersey is available at washcaps.com.
Fans are invited to a pre-game Block Party at District E beginning at 5 p.m. The event will feature a performance by the band NovaKane. Specialty happy hour food and beverages will be available, as well as giveaways. There will also be a presence by several local LGBTQ+ community organizations.
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