I have many ideas for blog posts scrawled out on a notebook next to my bed. This isn’t one of those posts—these are just some things I need to say. I am so unbelievably sad about the shooting in Orlando, about the Islamophobia all over my social media platforms, and the media’s overwhelming attempt to overlook the fact that this was a hate crime.

It’s not a coincidence that this happened at a gay bar. It’s not a coincidence that it happened at a Latino-themed event and that many of the victims were people of color.  And it’s not a coincidence that it happened at a place that has historically been a safe haven for queer people of color.

We can’t forget that while having this important conversation. Instead, we need to talk about the hate that still exists, the way that safe spaces can become coopted, and how dangerous it can be to be LGBT—even in 2016.

This event isn’t some excuse for Islamophobia and to perpetuate even more hate. I think this is a chance to start talking about hate, violence, and the consequences of homophobia. That’s the conversation we should be having—not debating about the shooter’s religion.

Those are just a few things that I felt I needed to say. I’m sad right now. My heart is with the Orlando community, the victim’s families, those healing from wounds and injuries—both psychological and physical—and the queer community as a whole. I am with you.

I am with you.