Colorado Springs-based Club Q released a statement to GLAAD Sunday night about the deadly mass shooting at the club late Saturday. At least five people were killed and 25 others were injured.
“Club Q is in shock, and in deep mourning, with the family and friends who had loved ones senselessly taken from them. We condemn the horrific violence that shattered an evening of celebration for all in the LGBTQ community of Colorado Springs and our allies. Club Q offers our greatest gratitude to those who moved immediately to stop the gunman and prevent more loss of life and injury. Club Q has always provided a space for LGBTQ people and our ally friends to celebrate together.
“We will always speak up for and support everyone’s right to be themselves and be safe. We demand that those who spread disgusting rhetoric and encourage violence stop this behavior immediately before more people get hurt. We urge with everything in our heart for every person to do what they can to speak up for LGBTQ people and everyone’s right to be safe.”
Throughout the day, national LGBTQ groups like GLAAD and local LGBTQ advocates and leaders spoke out to support survivors and demand accountability from those who spread false and dangerous rhetoric that endangers all communities.
“Our hearts are broken for the victims of the horrific tragedy in Colorado Springs, and their loved ones,” said GLAAD President and CEO, Sarah Kate Ellis.
“This unspeakable attack has robbed countless people of their friends and family and an entire community’s sense of safety. You can draw a straight line from the false and vile rhetoric about LGBTQ people spread by extremists and amplified across social media, to the nearly 300 anti-LGBTQ bills introduced this year, to the dozens of attacks on our community like this one. That this mass shooting took place on the eve of on Transgender Day of Remembrance, when we honor the memory of the trans people killed the prior year, deepens the trauma and tragedy for all in the LGBTQ community. The media must stop spreading misinformation and elevate the truth that LGBTQ people exist, belong and want to live in peace and safety. Elected officials and corporate leaders must act immediately to prioritize this truth, and protect everyone’s safety.”
“We are absolutely devastated by the horrific act of violence at Club Q in Colorado Springs last night,” said a spokesperson from Inside Out Youth Services of Colorado Springs.
“Our community is mourning the loss of five loved ones today, along with their friends and family. Here in Colorado Springs, Inside Out Youth Services works with young people every day to build community, and the youth we serve deserve better — they deserve to be safe from fear, threats, and violence. We call on Colorado’s leaders to step up and condemn this hateful attack and condemn the anti-LGBTQIA2+ rhetoric that fueled it.
“Today is Transgender Day of Remembrance, when we mourn the lives of transgender people who have been killed. This mass shooting has compounded the pain already felt so keenly by our community.”
“There are no words that will undo the horror that continues to devastate our communities,” said Nadine Bridges, Executive Director of One Colorado.
“Our safe spaces continue to become places of grief, trauma, and sorrow due to gun violence, mass shootings, and the general disrespect for our human condition. Not one more life should be taken or lost. No one should feel unsafe to celebrate or live authentically in public. I commend the Colorado Springs first responders, police department, and the courageous Club Q community who worked swiftly to stop the violence. One Colorado calls on our local, state, and federal lawmakers to go beyond statements and condolences and take swift, exacting action to ensure public safety. It is imperative to protect every single person in our communities–especially our most vulnerable, on which gun violence has taken an enormous toll. To the courageous Club Q community who experienced this nightmare – I see you, One Colorado is here for you, and your LGBTQ+ community stands with you.”
“I’m in shock and heartbroken by the news that this happened in my own community here in Colorado Springs,” said Stoney Bertz, One Colorado Southern Colorado Field Organizer.
“Personally, Club Q has been a huge part of my life and, as one of the very few safe spaces for queer folks in the area, I know it has been so important to many others. It’s devastating that someone would intentionally target a safe space. My heart is with the whole city because this impacts us all. In times like this, it can feel isolating but we need to lean on each other and be in community because all we have is each other. There is a tomorrow—we just need to figure out what that looks like and how we are going to shape it together.”
The Colorado Healing Fund has been activated in response to the Club Q tragedy. The fund is an established, secure, single point donation site to support the survivors and families of this tragedy. For more information or to make a donation, go to www.coloradohealingfund.org and click on the “Support Colorado Healing Fund” button.
For a comprehensive list of additional on-the-record statements from GLAAD, other leading advocacy organizations, and elected officials, visit: /releases/glaad-releases-statements-colorado-based-leaders-and-groups-announces-fund-established.
The attack happened just before midnight Saturday night into Sunday, November 20th, which is the Transgender Day of Remembrance. The day was created to mourn and reflect on the transgender people killed by violence over the past year. At least 32 transgender people were killed over the last year, most of whom were transgender women of color.