On Saturday night, a peaceful and joyful gathering was shattered by yet another senseless act of violence. Five beautiful lives were ended and the lives of their families and friends will be forever changed. For those who survived this horrifying incident, there will be a lifetime of recovery.
I may not have been at Club Q that night, but I will still carry sadness and frustration with me over this preventable tragedy. I know I won’t be alone.
The truth is that the LGBTQ community, despite advancements in equality over the years, are still a targeted group and subject to continuing hatred and violence. The fact that this latest mass shooting happened on the eve of Transgender Day of Remembrance, honoring the trans lives lost to needless violence, makes it all the more tragic.
For anyone struggling to process the Club Q event, there are many resources to help you. Please don't wait to reach out:
Colorado Crisis Services, 1-844-493-TALK (8225)
National Victims of Violent Crimes, 1-202-467-8700
Crisis Text Line, Text HOME to 741741
Trevor Project, Text START to 678-678
For anyone wanting to support the victims, Colorado Healing Fund will be helping with both short and long term needs.
The LGBTQ community needs support from its allies now more than ever. Consider donating money -- or your time -- to some of our outstanding local organizations leading efforts to advance equality, fight intolerance, and support community members in need.
And, finally, the best thing LGBTQ allies can do is to join the voices of advocates on the national, state and local level. It will take many conversations with legislators, elected officials, family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues to change hearts and minds. At the end of the day, we are all part of the same human family and we need to remind each other to be kind and understanding.
