Harvey Fierstein gave an emotional speech at Logo’s Trailblazer Honors, where he was being feted for his years of artistry and activism.

Introduced by Joel Grey and Bob the Drag Queen, the Tony winner addressed the Orlando shooting that sent shockwaves through the LGBT community, and singled out the gunman, who some reports have claimed was gay.

"As soon as we heard the news, we knew—we knew who took out that gun and shot," Fierstein said. "We knew it wasn’t something to do with Islam. We knew that it was hate, but hate turned inward. Hate so strong, hate that destroyed so completely that his soul was gone and all he could do was cry out."

Instead of knowing there was a community that would accept him, Fierstein added, "he took a gun to prove he was a man and destroyed hundreds of lives.”

He called on the LGBT community and our allies to unite in love and be present for history.

"Now you are surrounded with love, now you are surrounded with acceptance,” he said. “So take advantage of it. Put your arms around each other. Tell each other, ‘I’ll have your back no matter what.'"

He added, "You either participate or you don’t—it doesn’t matter, just show up. Show up for life and make history.”

Trailblazer Honors airs Saturday, June 25, at 8/7c on Logo and VH1.