Norwalk remembers those killed in hate crimes

NORWALK — The city will honor June 11 as "Reflections of Resilience Day. Norwalk Mayor Dave Light presented a proclamation to Christopher Hansen, a champion of equal and LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) rights, who has made it his mission to create awareness, acceptance and advocacy for those in need. "There's no reason to share or spread hate because that's not what we're here for; we're here to help each other," Hansen said. The proclamation said the day "calls upon residents and visitors to remember those who have been killed or wounded by acts of hate and violence and commits themselves to ending senseless acts." Reflections of Resilience Day is for reflection, education and advocacy to facilitate acceptance within communities, homes, schools, work and places of worship. "Though the LGBTQ community has achieved so much in the fight for full equality, there is more work to be done for love to prevail and we continue to advocate for legislation and policies to protect people against hate crimes and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity," Light said while reading the document. Hansen said he felt the need to do something last year, near the three-year anniversary of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Fla. The tragedy affected many in the LGBTQ community, but Hansen more than others. He was there. "By the time I realized what was happening, screams, smoke and flashing lights filled the club," he said. "I managed to escape unscathed." The 2016 shooting was the deadliest at the time. A gunman entered the club about 2 a.m. and killed 49 people, injuring 53 others. Hasen, the son of a military man, was compelled to help those injured around him. He is responsible for saving at least two lives that night. "I watched two men heading toward the hospital; one was shot twice. I urged his friends to lay him down," Hansen said. "I took my bandanna off my head from under my fedora hat, tied it in a knot and placed it in one of his bullet wounds and pressed my hand on the other, praying he wouldn't die." Hansen knew he wanted to honor those lost that night and he decided to create an honorary day. "This is an opportunity to show your colors, your light and the shine because everybody has that gift," he said. "And to have the city to share this opportunity, it opens up the doors so that these friends and sons and lovers and community members can have their memory never be forgotten." Hansen said "it's absolutely incredible" and the experience has made him want to stand his ground and fight for equality. In addition to the Reflections of Resilience Day, Hansen has created a ribbon with the pride rainbow, a sparkly white overlay and a crystal. "These ribbons will always give you the opportunity to remember there's shimmer in the light to cast your rainbow in the darkest hour," he said. "Knowing that though you have been broken, you can be pieced together because through life's pressure you become a diamond. It means you're unbreakable." Hansen dedicated his ribbon to Matthew Shepard, a university student who died after being attacked by two men for being gay. "I remember being 14-years-old when that happened," he said. "It was really hard for me because I was like 'Oh my God, I can be killed for who I am.' It's very scary and I was like how can others move forward from what they've been through, or I've been through, except to reflect on their resilience." Hasen creates his ribbons of resilience at Sheri's Coffee House and uses the cardboard coasters for his creations. He has a basket in the coffee shop where people can donate their cup sleeves. "People don't know how they can help, but they can help by going to Sheri's Coffee, getting a cup of coffee and putting those sleeves in that basket or a couple of dollars," Hansen said. "I wanted to make sure that the community could be a part of this. These sleeves will go with me and so will Norwalk."