In the aftermath of the tragic shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando that left at least 50 dead, members of the worldwide LGBT community are taking to social media to express their pride and defy hate with the hashtag #GaysBreaktheInternet.
On Sunday night, members of the LGBT community flooded Twitter, posting selfies, or images of them with their partners. Some talked about their difficulties in coming out. Supporters also called for an end to homophobia.
#gaysbreaktheinternet
— sydney (@sighsydd) June 13, 2016
I will never be ashamed of myself or who I love pic.twitter.com/r7sXj50V4Z
Never be ashamed or scared to be who you are! Life is way to short! #GaysBreakTheInternet #LoveWins pic.twitter.com/uHIXY7ZzIW
— Christopher Ball (@_ChrisBall) June 13, 2016
I love my girlfriend, and i'm proud of us.
— ι'μ ιη lονε wιτh G (@PiangoU) June 13, 2016
#GAYSBREAKTHEINTERNET pic.twitter.com/dLYeMQngeM
#gaysbreaktheinternet it took me a long time to realize that i am not any less �� pic.twitter.com/qMO3NMs5Kd
— kylah (@kylahludtke) June 13, 2016
#LesbiansBreakTheInternet #GaysBreakTheInternet love will always win �� don't let ANYONE make u ashamed of who u are�� pic.twitter.com/sw2vadGIFE
— ashhh (@ashhthatbabbe) June 13, 2016
Happy in my own skin (finally) #gaysbreaktheinternet ❤️�������� pic.twitter.com/NLxTW6dZXG
— alexis (@bottIedups) June 12, 2016
#gaysbreaktheinternet because we won't be silenced by your hate. pic.twitter.com/XdmXVvH36O
— rain (@rainspecks) June 13, 2016
It appears some even used the hashtag as an opportunity to publicly announce their sexual orientation.
Orlando is my home. I've never made announcement. I hope by doing this other LGBT+ can too #gaysbreaktheinternet pic.twitter.com/zjVUMeWoTF
— Kailen (@kailenchapple) June 13, 2016
Hi I'm Chloé, bi and I've known for less than a year but I'm loving it! ���� #GaysBreakTheInternet pic.twitter.com/Rn28mWAu7P
— chlo (@8bitanakin) June 13, 2016
My palms are sweaty and I'm so scared and my heart is racing but hello I am here #GaysBreakTheInternet pic.twitter.com/Jajc8lSnQ1
— gracie (@Gracehartman_11) June 13, 2016
Others also tweeted their support for the LGBT community:
I am straight but I am proud of you all ��
— Zoe (@starbuckforjai) June 13, 2016
Love is love...be proud of who you are�� #GaysBreakTheInternet #LoveIsLove #LoveWins
I'm not gay but all my friends are #gaysbreaktheinternet love y'all to death ❤️��������
— sophie b. (@sophiekbeach) June 13, 2016
