Our hearts and prayers are with Orlando. At a time when we come together to celebrate our pride season, we're instead faced with the grief and horror of the deadliest mass shooting targeting the LGBT+ community and its allies in our history.

As a gay man, I'm furious to once again see our community targeted by senseless violence-especially as we begin to see the names and young faces of those lives that were cut too short.  As a Cisco employee, I fear for the safety and well-being of those in our extended Cisco family.  As a new parent and citizen of the world, I'm troubled to see these senseless acts becoming more and more commonplace.

Let's acknowledge the ultimate goal of this form of terrorism and hate-to use fear and anger to divide us. For that reason, it is more important than ever that we come together as a community with our friends and allies and boldly celebrate our uniqueness this pride season.

As the global co-lead for Cisco's PRIDE employee resource organization, I'm proud that Cisco seeks to unite all people. We celebrate diversity. We believe that diversity leads to innovation, better collaboration, and a vibrant culture where everyone feels welcomed, respected, valued, and heard. In that spirit, we stand in solidarity with the victims in Orlando, their families, friends and entire community.

For those who would like to support the victims of the Orlando Pulse shooting, one way to do so is through the National Compassion Fund. Cisco is matching employee donations to this organization.

Let's all come together and unite for a safe and celebratory pride season.