Statement in response to the attack against the 2SLGBTQIA+ community at Club Q (Colorado Springs)

We are horrified and heartbroken by the events at Club Q in Colorado Springs this past weekend. We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the victims and call for justice on their behalf. We stand in solidarity with those grieving, as well as other 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and communities, as a proud, queer owned, and queer led business.

Amidst rising levels of hate against our communities across the globe, which the recent tragedy at Club Q illustrates, we call upon governments, policymakers and all stakeholders to do their part to advance inclusion, protect human rights and end hate. Efforts to erode equality rights, the failure to ensure equity measures are enforced and protective legislation is enacted, the street harassment we experience, the online attacks we face, the absence of gender affirming health care, and state-sanctioned violence, all exemplify and reinforce the rising tide against our communities and its members.

Despite opposition to our very existence, the expressed hate and violence against us, we refuse to hide, or to cower in fear. We have always existed. We are your co-workers, your children, your parents, your family members, your neighbours, your service providers, your clients, your students, your teachers, your elected representatives, and your friends. We will not be silent in the face of oppression. We are strong and tragedy is not our only story. After our tears have dried, we will find the strength to face another day and to fight for a better world.

This attack is another moment in our long history of having to grieve our friends/family members (chosen and/or biological), having to re-evaluate places that we once considered safe and having to confront the terrifying reality that living with fear is a part of our daily lives in a world hostile to 2SLGBTQIA+ people. Although our community is resilient, that resiliency comes at a daily cost, it takes its toll as we try to stay strong in the face of everyday discrimination made worse by horrifying acts such as the shooting at Club Q.

This burden and fear are amplified by responses to these moments of either more hate, or lackluster acts of condemnation from elected officials. As a community we are tired of having to deal with this hate, and to offer our gratitude for your apologies, shock, and disgust after the fact. We call upon folks to examine why we are seeing these levels of hate and attacks on our communities, to demand their officials address the lack of resources, funding, and legislation to protect 2SLGBTQIA+ communities that is enabling an atmosphere where this hate can spread and perpetuate a world where attacks like the one at Club Q are a reality.
Our communities are resilient, and we are always there for each other – especially during times like these. We will get through this. We will remember those who lost their lives. We will work towards a better world for us all.

Today, we mourn. Tomorrow, we organize.