WHITE HOUSE SENDS CONDOLENCES TO CLUB Q OWNERS AND COMMUNITY

Club Q owners launch official GoFundMe for urgent needs of Club Q staff and entertainers and the remodel to return Club Q to a safe space

(November 30, 2022 – Colorado Springs, CO) – Today President Biden penned a personal letter to the owners of Club Q in Colorado Springs where a mass shooting took place on the evening of November 19 that killed five people and injured nearly 30 others.

The letter has been posted to Club Q social media and reads in part:

“The FIrst Lady and I share your heartbreak after this senseless act of gun violence pierced the Colorado Springs community and our Nation’s soul once again. Together, we mourn Raymond, Kelly, Daniel, Derrick, and Ashley. Each life lost leaves unanswered questions, broken hearts, and deep, gripping sorrow. We are also praying for the speedy recovery of all those who were injured and are keeping the families of the victims and everyone affected by this tragedy in our hearts during this difficult time.

“To the loved ones and families left behind, I know that nothing I write will fill the void of their absence or the pain of losing a part of your soul. While the grief never truly ends, know that you will never lose the love you have for them and the love they had for you. They will always be with you.”

Yesterday, owners of Club Q also launched an official GoFundMe to provide support for Club Q staff and employees, made publicly available HERE. 

The GoFundMe states:

“This fund is managed by Club Q directly and will be used to ensure the Club Q staff and entertainers don’t suffer financial hardship due to this horrific act. This fund will also go towards the total remodel of Club Q, the construction of an appropriate memorial for our victims and a small museum onsite. The goal is to return Club Q as a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community. Plans for the return of Q are not fully developed yet.”

GLAAD was on the ground in Colorado Springs to help with media requests immediately following the shooting and worked with the Club Q family, survivors of the shooting, and local community advocates to help tell their stories. GLAAD stands in solidarity with Colorado’s LGBTQ community and is working to support the efforts of One Colorado, Inside Out Youth Services, and other local advocates.

“The LGBTQ community in Colorado Springs is a tight-knit family that supports each other and comes together no matter how difficult the situation,” said GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. “The Club Q family is beautiful, diverse, and resilient during an unspeakable time of grief and loss. Still, the outpouring of support from LGBTQ people and allies around the world through our donations of time, money, resources and well wishes continues to be urgent and much-needed over the longer term.”