In dark times such as these for the LGBT community, it’s always better to shed light on the positives happening around us.

Now more than ever, queer people everywhere should be inviting politicians, friends, family, and fellow community members to stand tall in the fight for equality, and to end homophobia forever. We may not be where we want to be, but we've come a long way. And these 22 things should serve as a reminder that we have a lot to be proud about.

1. Our perseveranceWe are brave. We are courageous. We fight for what's right.

2. President Obama

3. Anderson Cooper

4. The distance we’ve already come to end homophobia, and the fight aheadThe long, long fight ahead.

5. Our many straight, celebrity allies

6. The Tony’sLove is love is love is love is love.

7. Our police force

8. Marriage equality

9. Your favorite gay bar (it’s a sanctuary)Or, as Obama put it, "a place of solidarity and empowerment."

10. Jet Blue, Delta, and Allegiant Airlines (whom offered free flights to the immediate family of the Orlando victims)

11. The trans movementEspecially gender-free bathrooms!

12. Every Pride Festival happening around the worldThey're SO important.

13. The continued movement to end racism within the LGBT community

14. And the fight to end body-shaming

15. And the fight to end femme-shaming

 

A photo posted by kimchi_chic (@kimchi_chic) on Apr 20, 2016 at 10:17pm PDT

16. Everyone who donated blood for survivors in Orlando(Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images)

17. Your parents and/or relatives that support you most

18. Every single city that held incredible vigils for the victims in Orlando

 

A photo posted by Adriana Machado (@cholitapaletas) on Jun 14, 2016 at 6:10pm PDT

19. And for all that attended

 

A photo posted by Craig Zadan (@craigzadan) on Jun 13, 2016 at 8:33pm PDT

20. Hillary Clinton

21. And Bernie tooHe's been fighting for us since the early 80's.

22. And most importantly, be proud of the victims in Orlando, and the lasting impression they will forever have on the LGBT+ community