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Michigan LGBTQ+ Community Members React to Colorado Springs Club Q Shooting

Local orgs, allies acknowledge grief after queer nightclub shooting

Sarah Bricker Hunt

As news trickles in about the Colorado Springs shooting at Club Q, where a gunman killed five people and injured at least 25, Michigan government leaders and queer-focused organizations are taking to social media with reactions to this devastating news.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer tweeted, “On Trans Day of Remembrance the community is in mourning. Violent attacks on our LGBTQ+ family, friends, and neighbors are on the rise. Today and every day, we stand with the community and commit ourselves to protecting them and tackling the epidemic of gun violence head on.”

On Trans Day of Remembrance the community is in mourning. Violent attacks on our LGBTQ+ family, friends, and neighbors are on the rise. Today and every day, we stand with the community and commit ourselves to protecting them and tackling the epidemic of gun violence head on.

— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) November 20, 2022

Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow retweeted a Washington Post headline about the news, adding the comment, “Certain politicians structured their entire campaigns on anti-LGBTQ fearmongering, dedicate countless hours of their time introducing and debating bills targeting LGBTQ people, others are hellbent on banning LGBTQ books. Another shooting. Hate kills.”

Attorney General Dana Nessel retweeted McMorrow’s tweet.

Certain politicians structured their entire campaigns on anti-LGBTQ fearmongering, dedicate countless hours of their time introducing and debating bills targeting LGBTQ people, others are hellbent on banning LGBTQ books. Another shooting. Hate kills. https://t.co/SfmFs54ogr

— Mallory McMorrow (@MalloryMcMorrow) November 20, 2022

Michigan resident and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigeg tweeted, "The violent news from Colorado Springs is sickening and heartbreaking — the more so because there is a pattern. We can not, will not, allow hate to win. We must end this in our time. No rest until all of us, including all of us in the LGBTQ+ community, can be, and feel, safe."

The violent news from Colorado Springs is sickening and heartbreaking - the more so because there is a pattern.

We can not, will not, allow hate to win. We must end this in our time. No rest until all of us, including all of us in the LGBTQ+ community, can be, and feel, safe.

— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) November 20, 2022

Ferndale Mayor Melanie Piana posted on the city's Facebook page, "This tragedy is a sober reminder of why Ferndale must strive to be a safe space for the Transgender and entire LGBTQ+ community in Michigan. Hate simply cannot be allowed to win and we need to unite against the rhetoric and violence which have become increasingly common. Please help spread the word about the community gathering at Affirmations on Monday, November 21 at 6pm. Join us to support our friends, family, and neighbors."Affirmations, which will host a community gathering Monday night at 6 p.m., posted a message on Facebook:

“Affirmations, along with the entire queer community, grieves the senseless killings in Colorado Springs on this Transgender Day of Remembrance. Together with our community partners and allies, Affirmations will host a community gathering to discuss the increase of violence and threats toward the queer community… Today, our hearts are with the lives lost in Colorado and around the world. We are angry, sad, and many are justifiably scared. What we are NOT is defeated. And we never will be.”

Executive Director Dave Garcia also posted a message. “Today is a devastating day, but sadly not a unique one for our community. We will hold space to gather in grief and provide support. It is important, now more than ever, to stay united,” he wrote.

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Drag troupe Boylesque Michigan posted on Facebook, “Lots of love being sent into the Universe today from us to you. Today it was released that a shooting happened at Club Q in Colorado Springs early this morning/late last night. Our love goes to the friends and families who lost loved ones in this hate crime and to anyone who had to witness this horrific event. Additionally, today is Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day we remember those we lost in 2022 due to transphobic hate crimes. Keep spreading love and know that you will always belong when you’re with us”

Ruth Ellis Center posted to Twitter after the news broke. “Our safe spaces [are] few and far between. We deserve love, dignity and safety and we remain dedicated always to a world where the LGBTQ+ community feels safe and supported no matter where they go. Sending our love to those who mourn in CO and beyond. We are with you,” the Center tweeted.

Our safe spaces and few and far between. We deserve love, dignity and safety and we remain dedicated always to a world where the LGBTQ+ community feels safe and supported no matter where they go. Sending our love to those who mourn in CO and beyond. We are with you #ClubQ!

— Ruth Ellis Center (@RuthEllisCenter) November 20, 2022

SAGE Metro Detroit posted on Facebook, writing: “We at SAGE are deeply saddened and outraged by the hateful and violent attack at Club Q in Colorado Springs and the tragic and senseless loss of more beautiful lives.  We send our solidarity and support for the victims of this terrible shooting and their loved ones, along with the entire Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ community.

"As our sage elders have taught us, hate and bigotry do not die easily, and history keeps repeating itself. LGBTQ+ bars and clubs that are places of refuge and celebration for our community have been targeted with hateful violence and deadly attacks for decades.  This country’s ever-growing culture of gun violence and extremism only increases the risks.

As we mark Transgender Day of Remembrance today and honor those we have lost, this attack reminds us that LGBTQ+ people and members of all marginalized communities are increasingly vulnerable to hate crimes and violence.  We will not rest until this hatred and violence is brought to an end, once and for all.  We urge elders in our LGBTQ+ community who may need emotional or other support at this time to call SAGE’s National LGBTQ+ Elder Hotline at 877-360-LGBTQ+(5428).”

OutFront Kalamazoo posted on Facebook. "OutFront Kalamazoo is heartbroken to hear the news coming out of Colorado Springs. We are sending our love and condolences to the staff and patrons of Club Q."On Facebook, Muskegon Pride Center posted resources for the LGBTQ+ community and wrote, "Our hearts go out to the friends, family, and allies affected by this horrible tragedy. We must work every day to better our communities and events like this are a horrific reminder of how much more work has to be done. On this Transgender Day of Remembrance we grieve the loss of our siblings and honor those who have lost their lives in the fight for not only acceptance — but existence as well."LGBT Detroit called the murders "senseless" in a Facebook post, writing, "

Again, an LGBT+ institution that is open and welcoming has been targeted and lives were taken. At LGBT Detroit, we believe a #SafeBraveSpace is paramount and needed to ensure that all can participate in the pursuit of liberty and happiness.”

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"Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss faced by our Colorado community," Equality Michigan posted on Facebook. "Equality Michigan extends our condolences to the survivors of this attack and the friends and family members of this shooting.”

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