Homophobia was the killer

A young man growing up with feelings of attractions to other men could be very confused about his self-identity and self-worth, especially if the young man's father and religion cause him to believe those feelings were sinful.

This young man could be filled with self-hatred. It would not be a far step to his becoming a bully, beating the wife he felt forced to marry because of societal pressure, and even to be an extremist living on the fringe of society. It would also not be difficult to see him open to self-radicalization to the influence of a terrorist group.

If his self-hatred caused him to believe his feelings of homosexuality were sinful, in need of punishment, he might also believe he was justified, by God in killing all those other sinners he was like.

I believe this to be the real cause of the unthinkable killings in Orlando. I think the fear of homosexuality by fundamental religions and many in our culture, was the cause of this tragedy and ultimately the real killer. Christine Assad