STATEMENT FROM COLORADO SPRINGS CLUB Q ON MASS SHOOTING

Colorado Springs-based Club Q just released the statement below to GLAAD about the deadly mass shooting at the club late Saturday night. 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.”

Statements from other local organizations can be found here. GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis released the following statement earlier today:

“Our hearts are broken for the victims of the horrific tragedy in Colorado Springs, and their loved ones. 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.”

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.

GLAAD stands in solidarity with Colorado’s LGBTQ community and is working to support the efforts of One Colorado and coordinate responses from local, state, and national organizations.

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.

Today, November 20th, is Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day 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. Transgender Awareness Week is marked in the days before Transgender Day of Remembrance to elevate transgender people and their stories.

More than 300 anti-LGBTQ bills were proposed this year in state legislatures across the country, most targeting transgender people and youth. More than 2,500 books were challenged from September 2021 to September 2022, the majority about LGBTQ characters or themes., and more bills are being introduced to baselessly target drag performance, an art form that has existed for centuries and appreciated by mainstream audiences.

The GLAAD Media Reference Guide includes for up-to-date terms and definitions when talking about peoples’ sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression; and has additional information to report on drag art and drag performers here.

Media can email press@glaad.org with additional questions and interview inquiries.