Content warning: This email reflects on the events in Colorado Springs, Colorado on November 19, 2022. If this is too much to read, we understand. Take care of yourself and skip the rest of this email. Here are some mental health resources that you may find helpful.
Today marks two years since the tragic and hate-fueled mass shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Five lives were stolen and another twenty-five people were injured.
The shooter, armed with an AR-15-style weapon, turned a drag queen’s birthday celebration into a nightmare. There’s no way around it — when access to guns and hate meet, there are horrific consequences.
Since 2022, we’ve continued to see hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community. These are enabled by loose gun laws and a national climate of bigotry perpetuated by far-right leaders.
The LGBTQ+ community has fought tirelessly for the simple right to live in today’s society. The freedom to exist without discrimination, queerphobia, and transphobia goes hand in hand with the freedom not to get shot.
We cannot know true liberation and safety until gun violence is eradicated.
Every day our efforts are fueled by the fact that this work is life or death. We have the opportunity to prevent more lives being lost to gun violence and hate, and we will do everything we can to reach that future.
In solidarity,
March For Our Lives
Today and every day we honor the lives lost in Colorado Springs, Colorado on November 19, 2022.
Daniel Davis Aston, 28
Kelly Loving, 40
Ashley Paugh, 35
Derrick Rump, 38
Raymond Green Vance, 22