By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt Star Tituss Burgess' #WeAreOrlando Speech Was Perfect
"I am indeed Orlando."
Most known for his role as Titus Andromedon in the Netflix original series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, actor Tituss Burgess spoke at last night’s #WeAreOrlando vigil held at the symbolic Stonewall Inn. His speech connected with many, as his emotional response to the shooting was palpable.
Taking to the stage, he said:
“I have to tell you, being here and seeing all of your faces has comforted me in a way that I did not expect coming down here. I am indeed Orlando, and in times like this, I find myself at a loss for what to do.”
Many were moved by his authenticity and his clear connection to the incident. It was hard not to appreciate his admitting that, in times like these, we feel lost, and hurt.
\u201c.@TitussBurgess There's a place for us. Somewhere. #WeAreOrlando #LoveWins\u201d— Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis (@Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis) 1465862565
Before leaving the stage and expressing his love with a simple, “I love you guys,” he blessed the crowd with a stunning rendition of “Somewhere” from West Side Story.
Yes, @TitussBurgess sang tonight at @StonewallInnNYC pic.twitter.com/PUZUkl9RYp
— Emma Ockerman (@EOckerman) June 14, 2016
The vigil wasn’t the first time Tituss expressed his hurt over the Pulse shooting. He tweeted his frustration over the role that the NRA plays, expressing also that he lived in Orlando.
Many are hurting, and many QPOC have expressed an additional layer of hurt due to the visibility of the voices of white, cishet men, and gay white men, in response to a tragedy that largely injured QPOC, specifically Latinx. It is important to recognize that while this is an awful and terrible time for anyone with a heart, it has specifically injured communities marginalized in different ways than the LGBT community at large. We need to give time, space, and visibility to the voices that hurt most, and that means giving queer people of color the microphone during this time of pain and frustration.
Rachel Charlene Lewis is a writer, editor, and queer woman of color based in North Carolina. Her writing has most recently appeared in Ravishly, Hello Giggles, and elsewhere.
Rachel Charlene Lewis is a writer, editor, and queer woman of color based in North Carolina. Her writing has most recently appeared in Ravishly, Hello Giggles, and elsewhere.
