It’s easy to feel hopeless and helpless after the horrific act of violence against our community at Club Q in Colorado Springs. But there are ways we can honor the victims and fight back against hate and gun violence. Here are some ways to channel our grief into action.
Contribute to the Club Q Victims’ GoFundMe Page
GoFundMe has verified this fundraiser set up to support the victims of the shooting and their families. The page was set up by Good Judy Garage, a LGBTQ+-owned auto repair shop in Colorado, and has set a goal of $750,000 for funeral, medical, and other expenses. At the time of publishing, they are about halfway to their goal. A second verified page was set up by a former employee of Club Q. An update to this page indicates that all proceeds will be given to Colorado Gives, an organization created to gather and support charities all over Colorado and beyond.
Join The Movement For Gun Control
Gun control affects everyone, and it’s the first step to keeping ourselves safe. There several organizations dedicated to this mission:
- March For Our Lives is a youth-led gun control organization started by survivors of the Parkland shooting in 2018. They hold marches and help register young voters to create change in our political climate.
- Everytown was started in 2013 when Mayors Against Illegal Guns and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America joined forces. They are the largest gun violence organization in the country, and they focus on educating the public to create a movement against gun violence.
- Wear Orange is an organization dedicated to ending gun violence in all forms including domestic violence, suicide, and city gun violence. It was started after the murder of Hadiya Pendleton, who had marched in President Obama’s second inaugural parade a week before being killed on a playground in Chicago. Wear Orange has many ways to get involved, from attending events to posting on social media.
- Sandy Hook Promise was founded by family members of the victims of the Sandy Hook mass shooting. They focus on helping protect children in schools, as well as people everywhere, from gun violence.
- Gays Against Guns is an inclusive direct action group of LGBTQ+ people and their allies committed to “nonviolently breaking the gun industry’s chain of death.”
Join The Fight Against LGBTQ+ Hate
The fight for queer liberation does not end with gun control. Here are organizations who are fighting for LGBTQ+ human rights and safety:
- The Human Rights Campaign has been a prominent force in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. They focus on mobilizing voters, educating the public, and advocating for legislation that protects the LGBTQ+ community. To get involved, you can become a member, sign up for their newsletter, and attend HRC events.
- The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) supports civil rights issues of all kinds, including LGBTQ+ rights issues. You can stay up to date on issues, report discrimination, or request their help directly through their site.
- Lambda Legal is the oldest and largest national legal organization fighting for LGBTQ+ civil rights as well as those living with HIV/AIDS. They take on legal cases that directly violate the civil rights of LGBTQ+ people, lead public education campaigns, and advocate for public policy that protects the LGBTQ+ community and those affected by HIV/AIDS.
- The Audre Lorde Project is a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two Spirit, Trans and Gender Non Conforming People of Color center for community organizing in NYC. You can support them financially or by attending local events aimed to educate and uplift the QTBIPOC community.
Support Queer Safe Spaces
The objective in terrorism is to create fear and make people feel as if they have no control. After a tragedy like this, it’s easy to want to run and hide for our safety. But this is the time for us to band together and mobilize. Attend local memorials and vigils put on by queer spaces like bars and community centers. Find out what community support events are happening near you, or even start one yourself. Our safe spaces and our community are just as important as ever, and we can’t let that be taken away from us.
Our hearts are shattered for our brothers, sisters, and family in Colorado Springs. The victims weigh heavy on our minds and hearts, but thoughts and prayers aren’t enough. We are sending love and solidarity to all of our community today and always. We hope that you will consider taking one small action to stop this senseless violence.
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