LGBT groups rally in D.C. for gun reform - 584 - Gay Lesbian Bi Trans News

Activists from diverse groups concerned about gun violence will come from across the country will unite Aug. 13 to tell political leaders "Enough."

Organizing began after the tragic events at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando in June 2016. Group founder, Jason Hayes, was over-come with emotion. Like many, Hayes felt an overpowering need to shout, to yell, to scream, to weep. Eventually, he realized this level of hate has to stop, and online activism wasn't enough.

On August 13, at 11 a.m. in West Potomac Park, Washington, DC, the combined groups will unite to demand the country's leaders ensure equal rights for LGBTQ Citizens across all 50 states, and keep the worst guns out of the hands of the most dangerous people with a realistic gun control reform.

Since that night in June, Hayes was quoted as saying "The NRA is in trouble. They kicked the glitter hornet's nest."

And what happens when you "kick the glitter hornet's nest"? For Hayes the answer is clear, "You rally," he says. "You bring people together to celebrate the lives of those lost and demand more than platitudes from our elected leaders," Hayes continued.

"In a nation filled with rage, fueled by hate for our differences, and combined with easy access to weapons has created a horrifying scenario that we must now address," said Hayes to a crowded room of activists in early July.

But the NRA is a formidable foe, donating millions of dollars to elect pro-gun law makers at all levels of government across the country. Hayes is undeterred, saying "The LGBT community is used to fighting. Anything we have, we've had to fight for. It's not new for us."

In this fight however, Hayes and the LGBTQ community are not alone. Soon other groups advocating for gun violence prevention started calling him on an hourly basis. "The phone won't stop ringing," said Hayes.

It turns out many feel as though the Nation's political leaders are not enacting the necessary legislation to protect Americans from gun violence and ensure basic human rights. To date, over 50 groups have signed on to support the cause.

Many have asked, "What do LGBTQ equal rights have to do with preventing gun violence?"

According to the group's website it can be summarized in two-words, "The future." The movement was founded to promote a future in which the weapons of the war remain on the battlefield and off of America's streets, and where all people receive the same legal rights regardless of gender, sexual orientation or gender identity.

"It starts by coming together, uniting as a community, and building a future around love and tolerance," said Hayes at a recent appearance at the Democratic National Convention. "Love is the answer to hate and fear," he continued.

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For those joining the conversation on social media, we encourage you to follow us on Facebook @DisarmHate2016 and on Twitter @DisarmHate, using the hashtags #DisarmHate and #DisarmHateRally

Copy, photos and video will be provided to media immediately after the action. Additional information available at www.disarmhate2016.com .

List of Organizations Joining the Rally:

National Action Network

Newtown Action Alliance

One Pulse for America

Collective Goods

CeaseFirePA

Washington National Cathedral

The Brady Campaign to End Gun Violence

Americans for Responsible Solutions

Million Mom March

Moms Rising