LGBTQ2SIA+ Advocacy Organization Basic Rights Oregon Responds to Colorado Springs Shooting

Basic Rights Oregon, the statewide advocacy organization for LGBTQ2SIA+ Oregonians, is heartbroken to learn of a mass shooting at Club Q, an LGBTQ+ club in Colorado Springs, Saturday night.

“Each of the five people killed had loved ones, dreams for their futures, and a community they cared about,” said Todd Addams (he/him), Basic Rights Oregon’s interim executive director. “LGBTQ2SIA+ spaces like Club Q play a uniquely affirming and irreplaceable role in many of our lives. Any attack on such a space is devastating for our community, and sends a stark reminder that our society continues to be plagued by hatred, ignorance, and gun violence. We are sending love and support to Colorado’s LGBTQ2SIA+ community.”

Basic Rights Oregon would also like to uplift this statement from Stoney Bertz (he/they), One Colorado’s Southern Colorado field organizer:

“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.”

If you or a loved one is experiencing mental health difficulties as the result of this news, you can find LGBTQ2SIA+ affirming resources here.