November 20th, 2022
 

Dear UUS members & friends,

The Quire of Eastern Iowa is organizing a vigil tonight at 7 pm on the Pentacrest in Iowa City for those involved in the shooting last night at Club Q in Colorado Springs. The Quire is a not for profit chorus for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons and is directed by UUS Director of Congregational Music Alex Heetland. 

From the Quire's Facebook page: "Our souls are broken as we digest the news of the senseless act of hate early this morning at Club Q in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Our hearts and minds are with all those affected. This is not the first time our queer community has been harmed, nor is it the first time we have faced threats to go back to our closets. Together we must persist. Join The Quire tonight at the Pentacrest in Iowa City at 7pm. We will share community, song, and offer moments to honor those who have been taken from us."

From the Quire's Board chair Hailey Franzen: "It is exhausting to learn of another attack, especially on Trans Day of Remembrance. If you are feeling hurt, angry, sad, or numb, know there is space for you today, and we need you here tomorrow. Together, we will persist. Please share this information with your networks who may benefit from time together.

If you find yourself in crisis, please know help is available through the 988 lifeline. You can alternatively connect with in-person crisis support by calling CommUnity's Mobile Crisis line: 1-855-581-8111. Help is available by text message if you text "home" to 741741. You can also find resources for yourself or a loved one at: https://988lifeline.org/"

It is cold outside, but it is important to make space for our community to process together. The Quire will sing a song or two, and one or two people may speak. If you know of somebody that should speak, send an email to alex@thequire.org.