Hello everyone,
This is just a general check-in post for everything that has been going on lately.
On March 27th, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee, a shooter who I will not name walked into the Covenant school with several firearms and started shooting. Bodycam footage shows Police entering the building and shooting the attacker to the ground. Later that day, we have finally been told the names of the victims, Evelyn Dieckhaus, age 9, Hallie Scruggs, age 9, William Kinney, age 9, Cynthia Peak, age 61, Katherine Koonce, age 60, and Mike Hill, age 61.
Rather than people focusing on the senseless act of gun violence that has taken place AGAIN in this country, they are focusing on the sexuality of the shooter. As someone who is part of the LGBTQ+ community, it feels as if we aren't safe from the type of prejudice being thrown at us due to the shooter being transgender. People are making it a trans "issue" rather than it being a mental health and gun issue.
I know this is becoming a huge mental obstacle for many of us, so I will add some resources below:
The Trevor Project for LGBTQ+ Youth
988- Suicide and Crisis Hotline (Call/Text)
If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or dial 911 in case of an emergency.
BetterHelp Therapy
We are also here for you all as well! Do not hesitate to reach out if you need someone!
Much Love,
Skylar Mansfield