A Moment in History

On Oct 1, and Oct 2 I was able to participate, share and make a piece of history happen in our nation's capital. The LGBTQ United March Against Gun Violence had its Vigil and Rally in Lafayette Park across from the White House. I was fortunate to not only be present but to also be part of the speakers for the rally. My spouse was the music coordinator for the event and worked tirelessly to bring the right music forward for the weekend.

For anyone who is underwhelmed so far. Let me educate that no permits for Lafayette Park were issued for Rallying since September 11th tragedy. The event underwent great scrutiny to be able to have the privilege to use the national park in front of the White House. I had the opportunity to reunite with many I know from around the country and I stood with many I just met that weekend. I stood and held some as tears flowed during songs and stories shared of the Orlando Massacre. Our voices were heard. Question is to those who can change the path will it be words or actions they respond in time?

Many speakers, ministers, community leaders, and family impacted by recent gun violence came and spoke. There were exceptional rising talents from the LGBTQ communities performing and members of families that support the community. I have included below my written copy of the speech I gave on that day of the rally. It was an honor to be of the last speakers for the afternoon. Unfortunately no White House neighbors showed up...but I am sure that they were listening. More importantly will those congressional seats that are up for re election have been hearing our voices? One would hope...

OCTOBER 2, 2016 LGBTQ United Rally Against Gun Violence Speech

To each of you who have suffered from gun violence, let me open by saying “ May healing come and love remain”

My name is Brian Kuerze I am a former Drug and Alcohol Professional for the past 30 years who currently is forming a new path as a Health Education Consultant. After 47 years of Life I think I am figuring out what I want to be when I grow up, but that’s not I why I am here today.

Like each of you I have seen the news over the last decade, and could not in reflection begin to count the lives ended by gun violence that has lead to today’s rally.

I sat on my bed for the entire day watching the news ripped apart spiritually to see once again the tragedy unfold of 49 lives I will never get to meet in our community from Orlando Florida.

Since that massacre, It has sadly become nearly an almost weekly event of national news, lives being surrendered to gun violence. Young, old, every race, creed and sexual orientation, now impacted.

We are at a point in our history that inaction will now cost lives by not getting our legislatures to enact the beginning responsible uniform laws against gun violence.

Every month that we see our leaders unable to come to action on a beginning path has shown a continuing growth and malignancy on America’s lives ensuring our pursuit of Life, Liberty and Happiness is hampered by news of death from gun violence.

When the Massacre of Orlando occurred it took our family, our community, our sense of Liberty in a Free Nation. There are lives subtracted from our humanity with every death that occurs to gun violence.

We have in the media seen over the last decade a tremendous wave of gun violence hit America from public malls to grade school to college communities, challenging the very cornerstone of faith and leadership for answers in the sight of tremendous p.

I have not lost faith in our government leaders and I hope for your strength and ability to continue to build our communities across this country, that you and I not lose focus, not give up on creating change and being that voice for positive progressive action in our government to create better gun safety from the point of smart manufacturing, screening when licensing, to the banning of assault weapons to non military civilians.

We are a community that knows how to live beyond loss; we know love and the power of building strong community and leadership.

We are humanity of love that can create the change to raise the heads of our leaders with confidence and say, “humanity needs resolve to the cry of injustice and we as leaders must find a starting point “

I leave you with a few closing thoughts,

1. Vote your knowledge and beliefs.

2. Call your politicians and respectfully request that they begin to enact nationwide responsive legislation to the mission statement of today’s rally i.e.

Give the CDC permission and funding to collect data on gun violence and its consequences.

3. Memorials were not enough to begin to heal a nation we needed swift change in laws that protected its citizens after the terror of 9/11. Today, you and I, together are brought together by life and loss to make our world better.

We are individuals who go out into the world to make our goals achieved, worked, shared, and at the end of the day we come home to neighbors, lovers, children, family, friends, we are all faces of humanity doing our best.

4. Lastly, Remember the acronym HEAL It can stand for, HELP EVERYONE ACHIEVE LIFE/LOVE.And to the leaders around our country from small community to large government remember that as a great Person on Stage this past year once said, "Love is love is love" , I now to that expression by saying, "do what is right is to do right is to do right!"

Our Humanity in this Life is one race for better answers. Thank you.