My piece was inspired by the recent tragedy in Orlando, where a group if people were targeted simply because of who they are.

I decided to create this piece, not only because I have many friends and family members who are gay, some who were directly affected by the shooting, but also because it seems that in the wake of a tragedy especially, the country seems to pull together, and for just a brief moment in time, we become united.

So that is what I chose to make. No matter how you choose to live your life, what your occupation might be, or what color your skin is, we are all Americans.

In the words of my absolute favorite artist ever, “Love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love, cannot be killed or swept aside”. -Lin Manuel Miranda