One Colorado, the state’s leading advocacy organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Coloradans and their families issued the following statements in response to the mass shooting at Club Q, an LGBTQ+ club in Colorado Springs.

“There are no words that will undo the horror that continues to devastate our communities. Our safe spaces continue to become places of grief, trauma, and sorrow due to gun violence, mass shootings, and the general disrespect for our human condition. Not one more life should be taken or lost. No one should feel unsafe to celebrate  or live authentically in public. I commend the Colorado Springs first responders, police department, and the courageous Club Q community who worked swiftly to stop the violence. One Colorado calls on our local, state, and federal lawmakers to go beyond statements and condolences and take swift, exacting action to ensure public safety. It is imperative to protect every single person in our communities–especially our most vulnerable, on which gun violence has taken an enormous toll. To the courageous Club Q community who experienced this nightmare - I see you, One Colorado is here for you, and your LGBTQ+ community stands with you.”

‍– Nadine Bridges, MSW (she/her), One Colorado Executive Director

“I’m in shock and heartbroken by the news that this happened in my own community here in Colorado Springs. Personally, Club Q has been a huge part of my life and, as one of the very few safe spaces for queer folks in the area, I know it has been so important to many others. It’s devastating that someone would intentionally target a safe space. My heart is with the whole city because this impacts us all. In times like this, it can feel isolating but we need to lean on each other and be in community because all we have is each other. There is a tomorrow—we just need to figure out what that looks like and how we are going to shape it together.”

‍– Stoney Bertz (he/they), One Colorado Southern Colorado Field Organizer

At least 5 have died and 18 were injured. The shooting takes place on the eve of Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day to honor the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. One Colorado extends our deepest care and condolences to our community members in Colorado Springs and to everyone who has been impacted by gun violence. We offer the following resources for support in the immediate aftermath:

1. National Victims of Violent Crimes, 1-202-467-8700
2. Colorado Crisis Services, 1-844-493-TALK (8225)
3. Crisis Text Line, Text HOME to 741741
4. Trevor Project, Text START to 678-678

According to Everytown for Gun Safety, in Colorado:

• The rate of gun deaths has increased 41% from 2011 to 2020 in Colorado, compared to a 33% increase nationwide. This means that in 2020 there were 349 more gun deaths than in 2011.
• In Colorado, the rate of gun suicide increased 28% and gun homicide increased 103% from 2011 to 2020, compared to a 12% increase and 70% increase nationwide, respectively.
• In an average year, 850 people die by guns.
• With a rate of 14.5 deaths per 100,000 people, Colorado has the 22nd-highest rate of gun deaths in the US.