I want to forget Mateen. Forget he ever drew breath. And remember and honor [View all]

[cali]

those who died.

Here's one: His name was Edward Sotomayor, Jr. He was 34. He was a travel agent. He evidently had a great sense of fun and loved top hats.

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I know it's not possible to forget Mateen, but I believe his victims deserve more attention than he does.

My deepest sympathies go out Mr. Sotomayor's family and friends.

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Ferguson described Sotomayor as among the best-known figures in the gay travel industry, as national coordinator for the "Drag Stars at Sea" cruise, which featured stars of the popular reality TV show "RuPaul's Drag Race."

"He had traveled to so many places in the world," Ferguson said. "He loved travel."

Sotomayor was keenly aware of the dangers facing gay travelers, and of prior incidents of mass violence like the November 2015 terror attacks in Paris, Ferguson said.

But he never let fear stop his adventures.

"What I will say, over and over again, was he was a person who said, 'We cannot be afraid,'" said Ferguson. "I know his friends are going to be the exact same way… we are not going to be afraid."

<snip>

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/pulse-orlando-nightclub-shooting/victims/os-orlando-mass-shooting-edward-sotomayor-20160612-story.html