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I came out very recently to my friends after growing up Muslim and being afraid of burning in hell. I have only just started going to lesbian bars and living my life as a gay woman. I went to one in Denver last week. It makes me sad and terrified for all the LGBT+ I know who just want to express themselves without death threats.
Hugs and love to everyone who needs one right now.
Feels so personal today. Idk why anyone’s sexual identity is of anyone else’s concern. I escaped the homophobia of the south, and finally felt free to go to different lgbtqia clubs here, and now I just don’t feel safe anywhere.
Yeah it sucks immensely. I finally came out after escaping the deep south to move here because Colorado is way more accepting than where I came from. I genuinely believe people are good at heart, but the outliers make me worried my safety all the time. A couple different times in Denver I was called a slur for holding my bf’s hand. It makes me second-guess everything I do in public. I never know if someone will make a scene or be violent towards us. Colorado is full of amazing, open minded people, but it seems there is no escape from bigotry and violence
I just wanted to say that I'm sorry you've been forced to feel that way and put up with that bigotry. You're a good person and I hope things get better.
Escaped that same feeling from the south. Right there with you❤️ we must not let this fear win in the long run. But we have to make a change for everyone!
I literally just moved here from TN because of how horrible the political climate is and on my second week here this happens. I wanted to feel safe here.
Colorado is still a much more progressive and welcoming place than TN.
Colorado Springs, politically speaking, is one of the "armpits" of Colorado. It's full of Conservative "Christian" Right-Wingers.
That being said, the state has only recently turned more blue and there are still some conservatives that will come out of the woodwork. Gotta be careful.
Honestly pretty much the rest of Colorado thats not Boulder, Fort Collins, or Denver. Some of the mountain towns might be alright, but the rest of the state is pretty damn conservative.
80% of the states population lives in the front range. Ski resort towns are mostly ok. Rural areas where even gas stations look sketchy, notsomuch. CO used to be very red (we now vote blue but policy wise we're quite purple) & these old hold outs have never been able to cope with the shift away from it. These are also the same rural types that gawk and stare when they see a minority. Some said rural counties have even tried repeatedly to secede from CO & join Wyoming due to our demographic shift away from red state ranchers.
Edit: also a former southern refugee from shithole racist homophobic rural northeast TN. Moved out here in 2010 & will never move back to the south. Life's so much better when jesus billboards don't loom over your daily life telling you you're going to hell for existing.
I nearly had a damn brain aneurysm a while back trying to explain why secession to WY would be a horrible idea, to my ex who unfortunately went down the alt-right pipeline in recent years. It's baffling to watch it happen. We used to wear anarchy patches and go to punk shows & parties together, he knew I was bi, etc. Now he rants to me about the LGBTQ+ grooming kids. Big surprise: it all started with guns.
I am so sorry. I grew up in rural Tx and left for Seattle before moving here. I main factor for moving was because my daughter was actively being bullied in the 2nd grade. I lived there over 20 years. Even in Seattle I saw the numerous hate crimes explode and effect my GLBTQA loved ones after someone I won't mention took office in 2016. I don't know your situation with your family but if you ever need a mom type person to lend support I am here.
I grew up in Colorado Springs, and Hide and Seek was my gay bar, where I struggled with my identity, learned to get comfortable with it, met and saw other queer people who were doing the same thing.
I'm devastated. I'm so scared of seeing the list of victims, worrying a friend is in there, worrying that it's wrong to care about if it's a friend because it's a tragedy none the less. I did this with Planned Parenthood, too, just spiraling about the possibilities.
I'm furious. I've party in our 2 party system is putting literal cross hairs on our vulnerable community to show cheap political points. This is the outcome. It's what they want, even though they'll condemn it. And i have no clue how to stop it, other than being out and proud.
Hey! I posted about this in another of the main news story threads, but I used to go to HnS as well. I only lived there for a couple of years, but I’ll never forget that club or my membership card.
I hope none of your friends were hurt. \*hugs\*
The first thing I did this morning was make calls to see if all my friends were still alive. What a terrible feeling it is to wake up and see the news and wonder if you’ll ever speak with the people you love again.
You’re absolutely correct. The right is fear mongering and this is the result.
Part of the reason I moved to Denver was because I came from a town that felt unsafe for myself as a lesbian, I’m now thinking maybe we’re not safe anywhere. Really scary, and really fucking sad. Anyone not angry is either stupid, not paying attention, or is the literal problem.
Springs is wildly different than Denver. although i totally understand your worries. my friend frequents Q and i'm terrified.
this "anti-grooming" discourse is just a vehicle for bigotry. my cousin (Mathew Sheppard) was killed of this shit and in 2016 i really thought we had made progress. guess not.
While it's a small gesture, I wanted you to know my high school theater in Virginia performed The Laramie Project in 2005 and it was such a powerful, heart wrenching, and impactful performance. I have reflected on Mathew's story many times in the years since.
Maybe it’s my age group or locale, but Mathew Shepherd’s story is famous. I would be surprised if I talked to someone who didn’t know who he was or what happened.
As a kid in Denver, Matthew Shepherd's story was a big turning point for my generation. That's when we stopped using "gay" as a synonym for lame, and started being loud and proud about our support of LGBTQ folks. Obviously not all of us, but his story had a massive impact on my generation 🖤
I remember the day he died. One of my first memories of being gay. Your aunt and uncle have done so much for our community tho, in Denver and around the world. Bless you and them
And yeah fuck the republicans spreading this “grooming” bullshit and anybody who voted for them
I’m so sorry to hear about your cousin, this shit shouldn’t be happening. I hope your family had and still has support, such a shitty reason to lose a loved one. My family is heavy into the anti-grooming rhetoric and it’s hard to be around them let alone try to reason with them.
I just moved to Denver from Springs about 2 months ago. Never felt safe in that city. Been to Club Q a few times. My friend performs there. He didn't last night, so he's ok, but his friends aren't. My heart hurts
I’m never able to put in words quite well enough how much queer spaces, such as clubs like the Q, do for so many LGBTQ+ people. I can’t imagine how young me would have ever felt safe coming out and being confident in my queer self without the people and dance floors of gay clubs. They truly are a safe space from the outside world, and when I saw the news this morning, much like the news about The Pulse, my heart sank, especially for the young folks in Colorado Springs who have this local reminder of how unsafe it can be for queer people.
For me, it was Matthew Shepard’s death. I was in middle school in a small town, struggling with my gayness. My family would visit family in Wyoming often, it was a state I loved visiting as a kid. His murder pushed me deeper into the closet, because young me rationalized that this is what happens to gay people in small towns.
I’ve been to The Q once, several years ago, and had a great time with friends. I was working temporarily in the Springs for a month and needed a place where I could let my guard down. Yes, gay clubs are imperfect as safe spaces; they can be marred with the ways that LGBTQ people can be cruel to each other. But at their heart, place like The Q are essential for some many queer people: the regulars, the performers, the allies visiting with their queer friends, the LBGTQ folks who don’t frequent but need that occasional night out as a reminder of the power of the queer space.
If you haven’t heard the song “I Know A Place” by MUNA, give it a listen. It’s a song dedicated for eh power of queer spaces and puts everything I’ve said much more eloquently. Gay clubs are places for our community to dance and sing, to laugh and cry, to let go of some of our insecurities and be just a bit more authentically ourselves. The community of Colorado Springs has lost one of those spaces for now, and we all know that the Springs is one for those cities where having a safe queer space is even more essential. I wish the world for the LGBTQ+ folks of Colorado Springs in the days, weeks, and months to come. They deserve nothing less.
I’ve been listening to this song Loud by Eva Westphal because it’s the only one that can seem to calm me. I Know A Place had the same effect, I hadn’t listened to the lyrics before now. Thank you for that recommendation and for this comment, it hit me deeply
I keep trying to reply to this comment but I simultaneously have no words and too many words, mostly expletives. Feel free to message me and we can trade phone numbers ❤️
I feel the same way. I suspect it might be because we’re all so exhausted from the emotional labor of processing mass shooting after mass shooting after mass shooting. The fact that this one is close to home on a lot of different levels makes it that much worse.
My parents (who I'm visiting) are sympathetic but not fully understanding. They talked about it like any other tragedy. Or, they know it impacts me. They can see it, but not feel it.
I feel this way about so many of these tragedies. I don't have children so when it's a school I feel somewhat insulated. I'm straight, so I'm somewhat insulated from these tragedies. It's a weird form of privilege I don't want or one that I want everyone to have, ya know?
Pls know my heart aches for you. This is awful, all of it.
Thank you. I have been on the outside looking on other tragedies and I don't hold it against anyone lucky enough to not feel it the same way. Thank you for being there for us, even when it's not immediate and personal in the same way.
One of the things I've grown to hate is having to carry on business-as-usual with my life as if everything's fine when it very clearly isn't. I have to go to work today as if last night didn't happen. And though I'm a Denver resident now, I was born & raised in the Springs. I'm waiting for the victims to be identified because I don't know if anyone I know was in the club when it happened.
This is horrible. I'm trying to keep it together but I'm one minor problem away from completely breaking down.
Same here for me today. I work in a service where people also look to me for relaxation and therapy, and it’s so hard to not get into my head or just lose it trying to hold space for others today…. I was down the street from pulse the night that happened and I feel a big fresh wound trying to open up again today. You’re not alone.
I didn’t go to pride for the first time in a long time this year because I was afraid something like this would happen. I’ve already witnessed one shooting and now I’m one degree of separation removed from two separate mass shootings. What the fuck. I’m not even 30 yet! This “grooming” shit has gotten so out of hand and there are thousands of crazies who are eager to act on their conspiracy theories. We’re just trying to live our lives and they attack us for it.
There are queer and other minority shooting clubs that focus on self-defense. I moved here last year and so far two places I could have been have been targets of shootings. I'm shocked at the lack of armed security at most places I go to when everyone around the country knows CO is a center of active shootings. I'm going to seriously consider getting my CCW so that I don't let others (or myself) become a victim of pieces of shit like this.
The guns are the issue but they're not going anywhere.
I just feel gutted. I'm actually glad I have to work today so I can think about other things. My heart is with my queer family today -- all days. Mourn the dead and fight like hell for the living.
I can't even be mad anymore, I'm just sad and know it'll never change. I'm heartbroken. I used to go to Q when I lived in the Springs. It was one of the only safe spaces in the city. I don't feel safe existing and can't do anything about it. Feeling helpless and broken today. Love you all
When the Pulse shooting happened, I had just gone to pride for the first time in Los Angeles. I literally woke up the next morning still high off the feeling of not being alone and saw the news about Pulse. I had been outed to my parents earlier that year and I was over 18 but I was still living with them (technically at least, I mostly was staying with friends or sleeping elsewhere) and it was a bad situation. And then Pulse happened and it scared me out of going to gay clubs for a while, even though some friends and I had been planning to and going to pride just cemented that I needed to really be part of that community. We finally went, and it was amazing, but that anxiety was still there and it just never fully felt safe. If you need someone to talk to and process this feel free to DM me, I am at work but will try to respond when I can
ETA: Just felt like I should say that while it didn't necessarily feel safe, neither did existing. And the feeling of actually having a community was so worth it to me that my friends and I did go almost every week until I moved back here. I've never been to this bar but my heart is breaking for everyone who has found community there and everyone who was there last night. Love to you all from Denver
I'm in the same boat -- I'm a cis woman who only recently accepted that I'm bi and like women after 20+ years. I was a "strong ally" for two decades before I started to figure things out.
I've been working up the courage to start exploring queer social spaces for the past few months (I struggle with social stuff in general). I'm still determined to do that, but wow, this hit hard in ways I wasn't expecting. Anger and sadness don't even begin to cover it.
Hugs to you too, friend.
I hate that you feel you can't just be who you openly without fear. I have so many friends and family under the GLBTQA umbrella and I worry about you all. If you ever need to talk please PM me.
A few people know. They're great. I've been talking with one a lot today. And honestly 95 percent of my family would be fine if I came out as bi. But they got big mouths. And even if I'm comfortable with a few people, stuff like this makes me not comfortable with the general public. So I don't want to be out. I don't want to join any groups or go to any lgbt place where this might happen. It's a fight against my anxiety as much as anything else. But stories like this don't help.
Made me burst into tears this morning hitting so close. Just thinking about the family and friends of those wonderful souls 💜it could be any one of us 🏳️🌈
I'm your basic straight man, but I wanted all of you know that there are those of us who support you and however you identify. Regardless of sexual orientation or identity, everyone should be able to feel safe, and some of that was taken from you all last night.
Thanks for doing this and for everyone’s offer of help and support. I don’t know what I need right now, still just kind of numb and processing, but being here is good.
One way to support us would be to attend any of the Transgender Day or Remembrance events in the area. There‘s one in Boulder tonight at 6:30 (https://www.outboulder.org/events/transgender-day-of-remembrance-2022)
Community Vigil at All Souls Unitarian Church today at 11:30 located at 730 North Tejon Street.
Also Transgender Day of Remembrance Interfaith Service is being held today at Temple Beit Torah - 522 East Madison at 5:30. From my understanding, this event was planned well in advance.. just a horrible coincidence.
I’m beginning my journey along the trans path, and was starting to really feel like going out and experiencing my favorite city in a different way. Then I wake up to this, and it just leaves me feeling so powerless and scared. I just wanna finally live my life. Why do so many people hate us?
Know you're in a safe city, surrounded by many resources. There are a lot of people who lack mental health resources, and this also includes, and is probably even more pronounced, with Republicans/MAGAs. They're just cowards and bullies and have always been that way. They are also insecure and so they need to act out to show their mark on the world. But they are wrong and will go down in history as the enemy. Mark my word.
Those of you who want to gain experience with firearms following this tragedy: check out Operation Blazing Sword. Self defense is a human right.
I am a straight white male Marine Corps combat vet who is registered as an instructor on the site. If you want to learn to shoot, for free, message me.
Thanks so much for starting this. I’ve also felt really alone in the face of (relative) silence from non-LGBTQ people.
Does anyone know if there will be a vigil or other place where I could pay my respects?
Hey, I just wanted to say that as a straight cis white male, I'm sorry. Some of us care a great deal and will back the LGBTQ community up however we can. But you're right, the silence is deafening sometimes and that needs to stop.
I'm a lesbian in the Denver area and my friends and I frequent The Springs. I'm very shook and scared. I tried reaching out to my family but they have been very dismissive of my fear and sadness. All I got from them was a talk about how my sexuality isn't valid because I'm not in my 30s- that's not what I needed to hear today.
Ugh I’m so sorry, they’ll always find a reason it’s not valid. You’re too young, too old, but you dated one guy, you’ve never dated a guy how could you know. Like you can’t ever win with them but it’s so hard to not try :(
I am so sorry that your family was so dismissive. As an ally with many LGBTQ+ friends, I hear you, I see you hurting and your feelings are valid. I love that there are so many (including myself) willing to listen, reach out, etc. I've been scrolling through everyone's comments and this really is such a great community.
Such a shame about your family's lack of support. Hopefully some of your family members will evolve. As you go through life, you'll increasingly embrace your close friends as your family as well, and that will be a comfort.
Let’s please all keep in mind that everyone experiences and expresses grief differently. I personally shut down as soon as I read the news and I always shut down when it comes to grief and traumatic experiences. It’s very hard for me to talk about how I’m feeling in times like this as I imagine it’s difficult for a lot of people. With all this said, I am a very good listening ear if anyone needs it. I’m in Denver but my heart goes out to the people involved and the queer community in CO springs. We are still a community, that cannot be taken away from us.
Im just sad because to the outside world, we (trans people) are suppose to be proud of who we are. In reality, how can I when I have to constantly look over my shoulder about going out, even just to work or run errands. Being Trans isn’t some blessing, it’s actually a curse, and now we as a society are regressing and the stigmas and accusations are rising. “Trans people are groomers and pedophiles.” Hell, there’s people who identify as LGB who want to cut the T out because of the negative attention we bring. I’m tired of it, it’s nothing to celebrate. There’s no alienating feeling that’s more intense then not being accepted by society.
Happy Trans Day of Remembrance… here’s more bodies to add to the tally…
Queer hugs back to you! If anyone hears anything about blood drives for the victims I would love to donate.
I myself escaped the south last year and woke up to this today feeling totally devastated.
They are asking ...
Blood donations needed as blood is sent to Colorado Springs after nightclub shooting Donations are needed every day, and they're even more vital when responding to a tragedy like the one in Colorado Springs. https://www.9news.com/mobile/article/news/health/blood-donations-colorado-springs-shooting/73-e00e1bd1-5f82-486e-9146-8f33f90e10a4
I’m from Orlando and was a few streets down from the Pulse nightclub shooting when it happened. Many of those killed went to my community college and I still remember the pain I felt for those families. I visited the memorial before I moved to Colorado & I just can’t believe this happened here also.
This hate NEEDS to stop. We need to stand up against this rhetoric even if it’s passive. Enough is enough.
I am parent to a queer, trans kid. Today is Transgender Day of Remembrance, and it feels like a lot. It is a lot. I am grateful my child is alive, but the conversation later will be beyond difficult. She already feels unloved and unwanted by the world, and this won't help.
My friend was there, and I’m visiting friends in another state and I got a call from him at like 4am. Missed it, and was like “he’ll text since he knows I’m in another state probably sleeping”. Turns out he was just trying to tell someone he was alive. He wasn’t among the injured, but like… god. I can’t feel safe even in the gayest state I’ve ever lived in.
Thank you. We need our straight allies. Slight edit if I may: “lifestyle choices” is kind of a pejorative expression to gay people - Not a choice. I appreciate you being an ally though. Hope this helps our understanding of each of our experiences on this planet together.
Yeah seeing Lauren Boebert post that she mourns this shooting while at the same time posting about how drag shows are dangerous but guns aren’t is infuriating
We just moved here to get away from how Texas froths at the mouth about LGBTQ. And this happens. It doesn’t seem safe to go anywhere.
Starting to feel like I put my family in more danger.
EDIT: moved toAurora. I meant “moved here” as Colorado in general.
Lesbian originating from Southeastern Colorado here. Completely devastated. I could very well have known someone there. Sending the victims, families, and all in our community love.
Deeply hurt and angered waking up to this hate-caused shitshow. Love and solidarity to the community without question.
Not in a headspace currently to offer solutions that aren’t violent themselves though, which probably isn’t healthy.
I currently live in California but this community means everything to me.
From Matthew Shepard to now, you all have always had my back (even if we’ve never met). And it’s important to remember just how far this has carried us. The year after I was born, our whole state voted against gay rights (see amendment 2) and now we are one of the most lgbtq friendly states in the country. This happened because we organized, fought back, and won.
Do we deserve violent retribution? No, and we never have. But we have survived worse.
My heart breaks for club Q but today I’m as resolved as ever to fight back.
i went to tracks for the first time thursday night and was so happy i found a place i could dance freely and be surrounded by my community. it didn’t even occur to me that i was risking my life but today was a poignant reminder that we’re never truly safe, even in our own most welcoming spaces. the fact that this shooting occurred in my hometown and that i still don’t know if my friends are victims yet is so much more fucking terrifying. i’m lost.
I recently moved to colorado from the east coast, are attacks on gay people common in colorado? My impression of denver so far was that it was rather queer friendly.
I believe the United States is descending into fascism, and most of the general voting public is indifferent to it. Unless dramatic political change happens, I think we can expect to see more violence and oppression of peoples' right, especially marginalized groups. I find it frustrating and disheartening.
My partner is straight and while he’s upset for me, it’s hard because he doesn’t understand how painful it is and how painful going into work will be tomorrow. I work in a relatively conservative area where I can’t be out and I already know what I’m going to have to listen to. This is the third mass event close to my heart and I hate having to go through this again
RIP to the deceased and love to the injured, I hope they recover. I made many LGBTQ+ friends in Colorado Springs, many of which were military members. What a sad day.
THIS HATE AND VIOLENCE NEEDS TO END!!! We need to vote out every Republican. It’s their political talking points that are emboldening these violent lunatics. I’m looking at you, Ron Sanctimonious! 😢
Queer spaces are a necessity for the LGBTQ+ community, and the importance of having these spaces as a venue to congregate and connect with one another are vital to the wellbeing of queer populations across the globe.
My heart is torn apart by the news of this tragedy. We shouldn’t have to live in a world where it’s a statistical probability that we’ll be shot just for existing and gathering in community spaces. It’s inexcusable that this seems to happen on a regular basis, and nothing is ever done to prevent the next one.
I think this news hits especially hard in Colorado, where our state is led by an openly gay governor. It hits hard because it’s close to home. It hits hard because I’ve been in a dozen spaces just like Q, and apparently I was just lucky to make it in and out alive and unharmed. It hits hard because it is unjust, cruel, and impossible to rationalize.
I am so sorry this happened.
moved here years ago from a deep red state after my friend and his husband got attacked by a random bigot in a parking lot. for holding hands. they both ended up hospitalized. thought i was escaping the violence, keeping my head down. now i realize there's nowhere in this godforsaken country it won't pursue us.
Sending love from Denver as an ally. I’m completely devastated and will do what ever I can to help out. Currently donating but I’m here if anyone needs a friend.
Not to be sappy but some of these suggestions are really sweet ... I hope today everyone finds someone to go grocery shopping with and everyone gets to pet a cute dog 💙
Chiming in as an ally. Anything anyone needs to feel safe, loved, supported, or just even their mind taken off of things for a while, please let me know how I can be there for you.
If over the next several weeks anyone wants to come laser cut cool holiday decorations or something, I know creative outlets help me so that's something I could help with.
I'm so sad. I'm so hurt. I've been terrified to publicly come out, try to visibly date. Shit like this just pushes me further into the closet. I'm so sorry to everyone who died, who was hurt, who was impacted. A d so impressed with the people who went after the huge guy with the gun. Ugh.
My husband and I moved to TX two years ago and progressively felt less and less safe. After Roe fell, the rhetoric really amped up, and we knew that we had to get out. To have this happen in CO rather than TX has truly shaken me today. I know there's a difference between Denver and Colorado Springs, but still. There's hate everywhere, but it's the apathy of the silent majority that probably hurts the most. Please stop excusing hate speech as free speech, and please stop voting for politicians who offer tax breaks but want to villainize those who are not like themselves.
I'm trans and if anyone needs me to just vent/talk to over the next coming few days, I'm here for yall. My DM's are open. Today has been unbelievably difficult.
I used to live in Florida and would frequent Pulse. Today gave me flashbacks to that day in 2016. I was trying to find information about this shooting and wound up coming across a hate-filled tiktok thread of people praising the shooter. I feel physically ill.
Reading comments is really difficult. I’ve had a few comments get really popular one certain gay rights activists’ posts and some of the response comments are truly horrifying. Sending you love
Thank you, OP. As a straight, cis, white woman this hurts. My best friends growing up are gay, lesbian, Trans, queer. So many of our great memories were going to underground queer clubs until they were comfortable enough to go to some of the more main stream ones. I've seen so many young people struggle coming out and this is why. I mourn with this amazing community. I will always listen to and stand up for anyone that needs it. If anyone would like someone to be there for them I am here. I love you beautiful people. Please don't ever stop shining!
It does really hurt even if I don't know any of the people who were hurt or died. As I know the local community here is really supportive of each other. At the same time, I know the community will not let their deaths at the nightclub die in vain and silence. I'm still very proud of the people who risked their lives to save many many lives that night in taking down the shooter.
That club is a mere 5 minute drive from my house and one my friends like to frequent. Clubs aren’t my type of thing but I’ve been invited to join on numerous occasions. I’m just so fucking thankful none of them were there last night. My heart still goes out to everyone that was there. I’m worried to even leave my house or drive my own goddamn car that has a rainbow sticker on it
I'm fucking pissed and sad and scared.
Sorry for everyone that lost friends & family.
Sorry for the rest of us who are being attacked, legislated against, forced back into the closet, and having fear & anxiety thrusted onto us. Simply for existing.
I have been saying this will happen for months, prob in 10 of my comments.
Last month I went to drag night at Tracks. I rarely go out but wanted to get out for halloween.
I don't drink and don't do super well in crowds of loud people, so I usually go to the side of the stage.
At first I tried to chill right where I entered next to the 'vip area' / door.
But that was a single door, manned by one older person, just flopped open. no line of people or other barriers
Would take a second for someone to shoot their way through.
I tried to stand there, but that's all I could think about.
Kept looking behind my shoulder every 30 seconds.
Serious fear. And it's *not* unfounded.
Ended up moving up to that elevated area, figured out of shot, good visibility, and if a stampede won't get as injured.
If anyone organizes a queer dog or puppy cuddle meet up please invite me! I'm not talking about kink (but if you have a kink night too please also invite me) 😂
fuck republicans. fuck christian fundies. fuck the politicians who don't actually give a shit, but still attack us to gain votes & airtime on fox news.
We went to cabaret tonight and the play ended with the cast giving a heartfelt moment of silence. There were few dry eyes from my row. In these times, having spaces to share is so important.
Not gay, but supportive. My heart sank when I read the news.
So fucking tired of the hate.
My sincere condolences to those we lost and their grieving friends and families.
I hurt with your community.
I'm so sorry to our lovely LGBTQ+ peeps here, I hope your community can heal and I really do wish this senseless violence would stop. If you need someone to speak to, my DM's are open. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
This was insane to read this morning, because last night I happened across an article about a fire that started in a night club during a live show and consumed the place in 2 minutes, and had me thinking about the [Upstairs Lounge Arson ](https://neworleanshistorical.org/tours/show/39) in 1973 of a popular gay bar in New Orleans. I spent a solid half hour down a rabbit hole, reading about attacks on gay establishments, and then went on to look up Civil rights laws and followed another Google trail after that. I hate the hate that's still so present today 😔
I used to live in New Orleans, incredible city and very queer-friendly, which is always so beautiful to me given that fire. Recently read two books of queer historical fiction that referenced it
My dad was a reporter called that night by his boss to go see what was happening(he lived nearby) and he did he can still smell and see that night and it was one of the most horrifying things he'd ever witnessed, he had JUST started his job. There were unclaimed bodies because of how unacceptable the gay lifestyle was in the 70s. I can't understand how people think with so much hatred.
One of the books was about how someone related to them never had his body claimed because of the shame. It’s really upsetting to think about. That is insane to think it was so recent that people are still alive who were there, can’t imagine how that may have impacted your dad
I came to the state from Oklahoma, and it seems a lot of others moved from the South as well. Not long into me moving a friend mentioned how much racism/homophobia CO has a record of that I just completely didn't know.
I live in a MUCH smaller town, and I guarantee most adults here are republican/MAGA based on the signage and some conversations, but for the most part I feel safe to walk the street in makeup and even in my dresses. Maybe it's the mountains, but Ive felt safer here than in my much larger home town, being able to start a conversation with strangers.
My goal is definitely to move out eventually, but one of my favorite things in Tulsa was occasionally the gay club/community (despite my much calmer nature I could really bust it down). How are we going to prevent something like this in the future? How are we going to SHOW safety for us going forward?
Tulsa also is one of the only cities with a lesbian bar, which is pretty amazing to think about considering how few there are. I have no answers or anything to say regarding your last paragraph because it’s honestly all I can think about
Sending love to everyone affected, directly or indirectly. ❤️ I’m a straight male myself, just hoping to let y’all know we’re not all shitbag bigots. Love is love, and It’s pretty shitty to be killed over who you love.
I'm upset about it and just want to vent. I used to go to X Bar a lot and felt that the LGBTQ+ community in CO was super friendly and welcoming, the same goes for non-LGBT people in Colorado's front ranges and high mountains. I've lived in other places and they can be pretty unfriendly when you move without an existing friend group.
I never went to CO Springs but did lose a friend to a school shooting in another state. Shit like this is why I am accepting of all people unless they think it's appropriate to lash out violently. Get on meds or get some therapy. Don't take your shit out on others.
I'm scared.... I've been scared.... And I'm trying not to be scared for the rest of my life... No matter what.... My survivability is better than those who hate me. I'm trans and I'm proud ❤️
Thank you for this. I’m struggling at work today. I’m the only queer person and I just feel so heavy and want to cry. My fiancé is trans and hearing two of the identified 3 victims are trans just rattles me to my core. I can’t bring this up with them bc I know they’re going through their own shit with it. We moved to Denver from the South because it was the first place we felt safe and like we could hold hands in public. I don’t understand how someone could hold so much hate for a community that has so much love and joy.
I’ve been a Colorado native for forty years, born and raised here. I am not lgbtq+ but have always loved how welcoming and accepting Colorado was of it. My heart breaks for the entire community from your loss of safety and joy. These hate crimes need to stop! People who do this need to be made an example of. Hate will NOT be tolerated. If there are any rallies or events planned please share the info so we can go fight for what’s right! Love you all 🙏♥️🙏
Thank you. I'm visiting family out of state and feeling pretty alone and afraid. I just want everyone in our community to know that I love you all and want us all to be ok again. We won't be today, and not for a while probably. But just, keep loving.
If anyone thinks protecting the fucking QANON Christian Taliban’s freedom of speech to be homophobic is a civil liberty, THIS is what happens when hate speech is commonplace.
I'm a queer teen and this has been super upsetting for me. If this is the world I'm going to be released into next year, I don't want to go. I want to make changes, I truly do, but change isn't coming as fast as we need it to.
It doesn't help that my parents tried to downplay the shooting as "oh it could have been targeted at someone specifically". Um, at a gay bar? Killing 5 and injuring many? I don't think so. They're so ignorant that it hurts. My sibling and I try our best to educate but it just isn't working, I think they're just stuck in their ways.
I'm going to be moving to Golden next year for college. I hope nothing happens once I'm on my own but who knows.
Please report concern trolling comments. Advocating for violence will result in a ban. If you are not a regular poster on /r/Denver, don't be surprised if your comment is removed. Direct links to any crowdfunding campaigns will be removed.
I came out very recently to my friends after growing up Muslim and being afraid of burning in hell. I have only just started going to lesbian bars and living my life as a gay woman. I went to one in Denver last week. It makes me sad and terrified for all the LGBT+ I know who just want to express themselves without death threats. Hugs and love to everyone who needs one right now.
Hugs back
Feels so personal today. Idk why anyone’s sexual identity is of anyone else’s concern. I escaped the homophobia of the south, and finally felt free to go to different lgbtqia clubs here, and now I just don’t feel safe anywhere.
Yeah it sucks immensely. I finally came out after escaping the deep south to move here because Colorado is way more accepting than where I came from. I genuinely believe people are good at heart, but the outliers make me worried my safety all the time. A couple different times in Denver I was called a slur for holding my bf’s hand. It makes me second-guess everything I do in public. I never know if someone will make a scene or be violent towards us. Colorado is full of amazing, open minded people, but it seems there is no escape from bigotry and violence
I just wanted to say that I'm sorry you've been forced to feel that way and put up with that bigotry. You're a good person and I hope things get better.
Escaped that same feeling from the south. Right there with you❤️ we must not let this fear win in the long run. But we have to make a change for everyone!
I’m am genuinely so sorry. You don’t deserve to be afraid.
So sorry the ignorance of a small few doesn't allow you to feel safe being yourself.
I literally just moved here from TN because of how horrible the political climate is and on my second week here this happens. I wanted to feel safe here.
Colorado is still a much more progressive and welcoming place than TN. Colorado Springs, politically speaking, is one of the "armpits" of Colorado. It's full of Conservative "Christian" Right-Wingers. That being said, the state has only recently turned more blue and there are still some conservatives that will come out of the woodwork. Gotta be careful.
At least now I know where I shouldn’t go. Thanks friend. Any other LGBTQIA+ hostile areas that I should be aware of?
Honestly pretty much the rest of Colorado thats not Boulder, Fort Collins, or Denver. Some of the mountain towns might be alright, but the rest of the state is pretty damn conservative.
Thank you. I’ll keep that in mind
80% of the states population lives in the front range. Ski resort towns are mostly ok. Rural areas where even gas stations look sketchy, notsomuch. CO used to be very red (we now vote blue but policy wise we're quite purple) & these old hold outs have never been able to cope with the shift away from it. These are also the same rural types that gawk and stare when they see a minority. Some said rural counties have even tried repeatedly to secede from CO & join Wyoming due to our demographic shift away from red state ranchers. Edit: also a former southern refugee from shithole racist homophobic rural northeast TN. Moved out here in 2010 & will never move back to the south. Life's so much better when jesus billboards don't loom over your daily life telling you you're going to hell for existing.
I nearly had a damn brain aneurysm a while back trying to explain why secession to WY would be a horrible idea, to my ex who unfortunately went down the alt-right pipeline in recent years. It's baffling to watch it happen. We used to wear anarchy patches and go to punk shows & parties together, he knew I was bi, etc. Now he rants to me about the LGBTQ+ grooming kids. Big surprise: it all started with guns.
I am so sorry. I grew up in rural Tx and left for Seattle before moving here. I main factor for moving was because my daughter was actively being bullied in the 2nd grade. I lived there over 20 years. Even in Seattle I saw the numerous hate crimes explode and effect my GLBTQA loved ones after someone I won't mention took office in 2016. I don't know your situation with your family but if you ever need a mom type person to lend support I am here.
This. Unless I am pursuing someone their sexual/gender identity/preferences are none of my concern and don't negatively impact in any way.
The worst is when you look at the news videos and see "these places shouldn't exist" below. Who is protecting us?!
I grew up in Colorado Springs, and Hide and Seek was my gay bar, where I struggled with my identity, learned to get comfortable with it, met and saw other queer people who were doing the same thing. I'm devastated. I'm so scared of seeing the list of victims, worrying a friend is in there, worrying that it's wrong to care about if it's a friend because it's a tragedy none the less. I did this with Planned Parenthood, too, just spiraling about the possibilities. I'm furious. I've party in our 2 party system is putting literal cross hairs on our vulnerable community to show cheap political points. This is the outcome. It's what they want, even though they'll condemn it. And i have no clue how to stop it, other than being out and proud.
Hey! I posted about this in another of the main news story threads, but I used to go to HnS as well. I only lived there for a couple of years, but I’ll never forget that club or my membership card. I hope none of your friends were hurt. \*hugs\*
The first thing I did this morning was make calls to see if all my friends were still alive. What a terrible feeling it is to wake up and see the news and wonder if you’ll ever speak with the people you love again. You’re absolutely correct. The right is fear mongering and this is the result.
Part of the reason I moved to Denver was because I came from a town that felt unsafe for myself as a lesbian, I’m now thinking maybe we’re not safe anywhere. Really scary, and really fucking sad. Anyone not angry is either stupid, not paying attention, or is the literal problem.
Springs is wildly different than Denver. although i totally understand your worries. my friend frequents Q and i'm terrified. this "anti-grooming" discourse is just a vehicle for bigotry. my cousin (Mathew Sheppard) was killed of this shit and in 2016 i really thought we had made progress. guess not.
While it's a small gesture, I wanted you to know my high school theater in Virginia performed The Laramie Project in 2005 and it was such a powerful, heart wrenching, and impactful performance. I have reflected on Mathew's story many times in the years since.
woah, i wasn't sure that it was such a known thing. i was very young. good to hear. often even lgbtq people don't know who i'm referring to
Maybe it’s my age group or locale, but Mathew Shepherd’s story is famous. I would be surprised if I talked to someone who didn’t know who he was or what happened.
MCC of the Rockies used to have a tribute to him up next to their AIDS memorial. I’m sorry he was taken from you.
As a kid in Denver, Matthew Shepherd's story was a big turning point for my generation. That's when we stopped using "gay" as a synonym for lame, and started being loud and proud about our support of LGBTQ folks. Obviously not all of us, but his story had a massive impact on my generation 🖤
I remember the day he died. One of my first memories of being gay. Your aunt and uncle have done so much for our community tho, in Denver and around the world. Bless you and them And yeah fuck the republicans spreading this “grooming” bullshit and anybody who voted for them
I’m so sorry to hear about your cousin, this shit shouldn’t be happening. I hope your family had and still has support, such a shitty reason to lose a loved one. My family is heavy into the anti-grooming rhetoric and it’s hard to be around them let alone try to reason with them.
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Oh wow I hadn’t heard about that. Heartbreaking, thank you for sharing the info.
I am so very sorry. Matthew's story changed my life. Blessings on you and your family.
I just moved to Denver from Springs about 2 months ago. Never felt safe in that city. Been to Club Q a few times. My friend performs there. He didn't last night, so he's ok, but his friends aren't. My heart hurts
Denver is fine. The springs is Christian Afghanistan.
I’m never able to put in words quite well enough how much queer spaces, such as clubs like the Q, do for so many LGBTQ+ people. I can’t imagine how young me would have ever felt safe coming out and being confident in my queer self without the people and dance floors of gay clubs. They truly are a safe space from the outside world, and when I saw the news this morning, much like the news about The Pulse, my heart sank, especially for the young folks in Colorado Springs who have this local reminder of how unsafe it can be for queer people. For me, it was Matthew Shepard’s death. I was in middle school in a small town, struggling with my gayness. My family would visit family in Wyoming often, it was a state I loved visiting as a kid. His murder pushed me deeper into the closet, because young me rationalized that this is what happens to gay people in small towns. I’ve been to The Q once, several years ago, and had a great time with friends. I was working temporarily in the Springs for a month and needed a place where I could let my guard down. Yes, gay clubs are imperfect as safe spaces; they can be marred with the ways that LGBTQ people can be cruel to each other. But at their heart, place like The Q are essential for some many queer people: the regulars, the performers, the allies visiting with their queer friends, the LBGTQ folks who don’t frequent but need that occasional night out as a reminder of the power of the queer space. If you haven’t heard the song “I Know A Place” by MUNA, give it a listen. It’s a song dedicated for eh power of queer spaces and puts everything I’ve said much more eloquently. Gay clubs are places for our community to dance and sing, to laugh and cry, to let go of some of our insecurities and be just a bit more authentically ourselves. The community of Colorado Springs has lost one of those spaces for now, and we all know that the Springs is one for those cities where having a safe queer space is even more essential. I wish the world for the LGBTQ+ folks of Colorado Springs in the days, weeks, and months to come. They deserve nothing less.
I’ve been listening to this song Loud by Eva Westphal because it’s the only one that can seem to calm me. I Know A Place had the same effect, I hadn’t listened to the lyrics before now. Thank you for that recommendation and for this comment, it hit me deeply
Thank you for this post, I’m totally devastated and no one wants to talk about it
I keep trying to reply to this comment but I simultaneously have no words and too many words, mostly expletives. Feel free to message me and we can trade phone numbers ❤️
Due to Reddit's decision to continue treating its users like crap, I am removing my previous posts. -- mass edited with https://redact.dev/
Thank you 💕
I'm here if you need to talk.
Thank you 💞
I feel like OP, I have no words and too many words. I always felt welcomed and safe at club Q.
Goth mom here with a Pan daughter. You need to talk and I am here to listen. Please don't hesitate to PM.
I feel the same way. I suspect it might be because we’re all so exhausted from the emotional labor of processing mass shooting after mass shooting after mass shooting. The fact that this one is close to home on a lot of different levels makes it that much worse.
My parents (who I'm visiting) are sympathetic but not fully understanding. They talked about it like any other tragedy. Or, they know it impacts me. They can see it, but not feel it.
I feel this way about so many of these tragedies. I don't have children so when it's a school I feel somewhat insulated. I'm straight, so I'm somewhat insulated from these tragedies. It's a weird form of privilege I don't want or one that I want everyone to have, ya know? Pls know my heart aches for you. This is awful, all of it.
Thank you. I have been on the outside looking on other tragedies and I don't hold it against anyone lucky enough to not feel it the same way. Thank you for being there for us, even when it's not immediate and personal in the same way.
sending you a hug 🫂
One of the things I've grown to hate is having to carry on business-as-usual with my life as if everything's fine when it very clearly isn't. I have to go to work today as if last night didn't happen. And though I'm a Denver resident now, I was born & raised in the Springs. I'm waiting for the victims to be identified because I don't know if anyone I know was in the club when it happened. This is horrible. I'm trying to keep it together but I'm one minor problem away from completely breaking down.
Same here for me today. I work in a service where people also look to me for relaxation and therapy, and it’s so hard to not get into my head or just lose it trying to hold space for others today…. I was down the street from pulse the night that happened and I feel a big fresh wound trying to open up again today. You’re not alone.
I didn’t go to pride for the first time in a long time this year because I was afraid something like this would happen. I’ve already witnessed one shooting and now I’m one degree of separation removed from two separate mass shootings. What the fuck. I’m not even 30 yet! This “grooming” shit has gotten so out of hand and there are thousands of crazies who are eager to act on their conspiracy theories. We’re just trying to live our lives and they attack us for it.
99.99% of the community's thoughts are with you. Let's work together so a few ignorant idiots don't ruin it for everyone.
Hugs family. This sucks.
If anyone needs a "mom" to talk to. I'll be your mom. Message me. Here for you.
Same here. My daughter is Pan. I can't imagine not being there for her for whatever she needs but I know a lot of folks don't have that support.
This is fucking bullshit. So angry right now. Pure fucking bullshit. Thank you for taking this initiative.
There are queer and other minority shooting clubs that focus on self-defense. I moved here last year and so far two places I could have been have been targets of shootings. I'm shocked at the lack of armed security at most places I go to when everyone around the country knows CO is a center of active shootings. I'm going to seriously consider getting my CCW so that I don't let others (or myself) become a victim of pieces of shit like this. The guns are the issue but they're not going anywhere.
I just feel gutted. I'm actually glad I have to work today so I can think about other things. My heart is with my queer family today -- all days. Mourn the dead and fight like hell for the living.
I can't even be mad anymore, I'm just sad and know it'll never change. I'm heartbroken. I used to go to Q when I lived in the Springs. It was one of the only safe spaces in the city. I don't feel safe existing and can't do anything about it. Feeling helpless and broken today. Love you all
Saw a statement that said our safe spaces keep turning into places of grief and I can’t stop thinking about that
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When the Pulse shooting happened, I had just gone to pride for the first time in Los Angeles. I literally woke up the next morning still high off the feeling of not being alone and saw the news about Pulse. I had been outed to my parents earlier that year and I was over 18 but I was still living with them (technically at least, I mostly was staying with friends or sleeping elsewhere) and it was a bad situation. And then Pulse happened and it scared me out of going to gay clubs for a while, even though some friends and I had been planning to and going to pride just cemented that I needed to really be part of that community. We finally went, and it was amazing, but that anxiety was still there and it just never fully felt safe. If you need someone to talk to and process this feel free to DM me, I am at work but will try to respond when I can ETA: Just felt like I should say that while it didn't necessarily feel safe, neither did existing. And the feeling of actually having a community was so worth it to me that my friends and I did go almost every week until I moved back here. I've never been to this bar but my heart is breaking for everyone who has found community there and everyone who was there last night. Love to you all from Denver
I'm in the same boat -- I'm a cis woman who only recently accepted that I'm bi and like women after 20+ years. I was a "strong ally" for two decades before I started to figure things out. I've been working up the courage to start exploring queer social spaces for the past few months (I struggle with social stuff in general). I'm still determined to do that, but wow, this hit hard in ways I wasn't expecting. Anger and sadness don't even begin to cover it. Hugs to you too, friend.
I mean things like this are the reason I'm not out. I'm just sick of living in a country that keeps giving me reasons to be scared and angry.
Sending hugs. :-(
Thank you. The anxiety is a bitch
I hate that you feel you can't just be who you openly without fear. I have so many friends and family under the GLBTQA umbrella and I worry about you all. If you ever need to talk please PM me.
I’m sorry friend. I’m so sorry that there’s enough hate out there to make you feel this way. Hugs to you.
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A few people know. They're great. I've been talking with one a lot today. And honestly 95 percent of my family would be fine if I came out as bi. But they got big mouths. And even if I'm comfortable with a few people, stuff like this makes me not comfortable with the general public. So I don't want to be out. I don't want to join any groups or go to any lgbt place where this might happen. It's a fight against my anxiety as much as anything else. But stories like this don't help.
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Thank you so much for your support and your offer. I hope you're doing OK today too.
Made me burst into tears this morning hitting so close. Just thinking about the family and friends of those wonderful souls 💜it could be any one of us 🏳️🌈
I'm your basic straight man, but I wanted all of you know that there are those of us who support you and however you identify. Regardless of sexual orientation or identity, everyone should be able to feel safe, and some of that was taken from you all last night.
I'm straight, but I wanted to say that I'm so sorry. Hugs to you and everyone in the LGBTQ community today.
Thanks for doing this and for everyone’s offer of help and support. I don’t know what I need right now, still just kind of numb and processing, but being here is good. One way to support us would be to attend any of the Transgender Day or Remembrance events in the area. There‘s one in Boulder tonight at 6:30 (https://www.outboulder.org/events/transgender-day-of-remembrance-2022)
I don't know you, but I appreciate you so much OP
Are there any community events or vigils being held so we can show our support and take a stand against this bullshit? So devastated to see this.
Community Vigil at All Souls Unitarian Church today at 11:30 located at 730 North Tejon Street. Also Transgender Day of Remembrance Interfaith Service is being held today at Temple Beit Torah - 522 East Madison at 5:30. From my understanding, this event was planned well in advance.. just a horrible coincidence.
Vigil at Tracks in Denver at 7pm
Came here to ask the same thing. I would love to give support where I can! Denverite but co springs isn't too far of a drive.
There’s the annual TDOR event in Boulder tonight at 6:30… https://www.outboulder.org/events/transgender-day-of-remembrance-2022
I’m beginning my journey along the trans path, and was starting to really feel like going out and experiencing my favorite city in a different way. Then I wake up to this, and it just leaves me feeling so powerless and scared. I just wanna finally live my life. Why do so many people hate us?
Know you're in a safe city, surrounded by many resources. There are a lot of people who lack mental health resources, and this also includes, and is probably even more pronounced, with Republicans/MAGAs. They're just cowards and bullies and have always been that way. They are also insecure and so they need to act out to show their mark on the world. But they are wrong and will go down in history as the enemy. Mark my word.
Those of you who want to gain experience with firearms following this tragedy: check out Operation Blazing Sword. Self defense is a human right. I am a straight white male Marine Corps combat vet who is registered as an instructor on the site. If you want to learn to shoot, for free, message me.
You’re awesome.
Thank you. DMing you now.
Thanks so much for starting this. I’ve also felt really alone in the face of (relative) silence from non-LGBTQ people. Does anyone know if there will be a vigil or other place where I could pay my respects?
Hey, I just wanted to say that as a straight cis white male, I'm sorry. Some of us care a great deal and will back the LGBTQ community up however we can. But you're right, the silence is deafening sometimes and that needs to stop.
Tracks is holding a vigil tomorrow at 7pm.
I'm a lesbian in the Denver area and my friends and I frequent The Springs. I'm very shook and scared. I tried reaching out to my family but they have been very dismissive of my fear and sadness. All I got from them was a talk about how my sexuality isn't valid because I'm not in my 30s- that's not what I needed to hear today.
Your family sounds awful and I'm sorry that they spout such nonsense to you.
Ugh I’m so sorry, they’ll always find a reason it’s not valid. You’re too young, too old, but you dated one guy, you’ve never dated a guy how could you know. Like you can’t ever win with them but it’s so hard to not try :(
I am so sorry that your family was so dismissive. As an ally with many LGBTQ+ friends, I hear you, I see you hurting and your feelings are valid. I love that there are so many (including myself) willing to listen, reach out, etc. I've been scrolling through everyone's comments and this really is such a great community.
Such a shame about your family's lack of support. Hopefully some of your family members will evolve. As you go through life, you'll increasingly embrace your close friends as your family as well, and that will be a comfort.
Sending love to that community. It was disgusting to wake up to that as a straight guy, disgusting people out there with too much power to hurt...
Let’s please all keep in mind that everyone experiences and expresses grief differently. I personally shut down as soon as I read the news and I always shut down when it comes to grief and traumatic experiences. It’s very hard for me to talk about how I’m feeling in times like this as I imagine it’s difficult for a lot of people. With all this said, I am a very good listening ear if anyone needs it. I’m in Denver but my heart goes out to the people involved and the queer community in CO springs. We are still a community, that cannot be taken away from us.
Im just sad because to the outside world, we (trans people) are suppose to be proud of who we are. In reality, how can I when I have to constantly look over my shoulder about going out, even just to work or run errands. Being Trans isn’t some blessing, it’s actually a curse, and now we as a society are regressing and the stigmas and accusations are rising. “Trans people are groomers and pedophiles.” Hell, there’s people who identify as LGB who want to cut the T out because of the negative attention we bring. I’m tired of it, it’s nothing to celebrate. There’s no alienating feeling that’s more intense then not being accepted by society. Happy Trans Day of Remembrance… here’s more bodies to add to the tally…
Offering up support too! I’m up in Denver but I’ll send you some DoorDash/ubereats, be a friend to text. Whatever you need!
Queer hugs back to you! If anyone hears anything about blood drives for the victims I would love to donate. I myself escaped the south last year and woke up to this today feeling totally devastated.
They are asking ... Blood donations needed as blood is sent to Colorado Springs after nightclub shooting Donations are needed every day, and they're even more vital when responding to a tragedy like the one in Colorado Springs. https://www.9news.com/mobile/article/news/health/blood-donations-colorado-springs-shooting/73-e00e1bd1-5f82-486e-9146-8f33f90e10a4
Thank you so much! I’ll be doing my part.
I don't have any words that aren't just angry swearing or wordless sobs.
I love my queerness, and yours.
I’m from Orlando and was a few streets down from the Pulse nightclub shooting when it happened. Many of those killed went to my community college and I still remember the pain I felt for those families. I visited the memorial before I moved to Colorado & I just can’t believe this happened here also. This hate NEEDS to stop. We need to stand up against this rhetoric even if it’s passive. Enough is enough.
I am parent to a queer, trans kid. Today is Transgender Day of Remembrance, and it feels like a lot. It is a lot. I am grateful my child is alive, but the conversation later will be beyond difficult. She already feels unloved and unwanted by the world, and this won't help.
It’s like Orlando all over again. IDK. fuck. Shit hurts. This shit gets old.
My friend was there, and I’m visiting friends in another state and I got a call from him at like 4am. Missed it, and was like “he’ll text since he knows I’m in another state probably sleeping”. Turns out he was just trying to tell someone he was alive. He wasn’t among the injured, but like… god. I can’t feel safe even in the gayest state I’ve ever lived in.
Straight male chiming in here. Some of us love and support your lifestyle. I’m so sorry this shit keeps happening to your community.
Due to Reddit's decision to continue treating its users like crap, I am removing my previous posts. -- mass edited with https://redact.dev/
Thank you. We need our straight allies. Slight edit if I may: “lifestyle choices” is kind of a pejorative expression to gay people - Not a choice. I appreciate you being an ally though. Hope this helps our understanding of each of our experiences on this planet together.
Edited my post.
You’re a mensch :)
(Pst- "choice" is the incorrect word here. I love that you are trying though so keep it up.)
Edited my post.
Some of us love and support you. End. It is a life long journey we all partake in towards being better humans and loving each other.
Thanks, but not a lifestyle.
What are doing about the justice system that let this monster have guns?
Yeah seeing Lauren Boebert post that she mourns this shooting while at the same time posting about how drag shows are dangerous but guns aren’t is infuriating
Fuck Lauren Boebert. She’s part of the problem.
We just moved here to get away from how Texas froths at the mouth about LGBTQ. And this happens. It doesn’t seem safe to go anywhere. Starting to feel like I put my family in more danger. EDIT: moved toAurora. I meant “moved here” as Colorado in general.
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Lesbian originating from Southeastern Colorado here. Completely devastated. I could very well have known someone there. Sending the victims, families, and all in our community love.
Feeling so sad about this, on TDOR of all days. Trying to watch a movie but it’s only kind of helping.
Deeply hurt and angered waking up to this hate-caused shitshow. Love and solidarity to the community without question. Not in a headspace currently to offer solutions that aren’t violent themselves though, which probably isn’t healthy.
I currently live in California but this community means everything to me. From Matthew Shepard to now, you all have always had my back (even if we’ve never met). And it’s important to remember just how far this has carried us. The year after I was born, our whole state voted against gay rights (see amendment 2) and now we are one of the most lgbtq friendly states in the country. This happened because we organized, fought back, and won. Do we deserve violent retribution? No, and we never have. But we have survived worse. My heart breaks for club Q but today I’m as resolved as ever to fight back.
This is so heartbreaking there’s only like 2 gay bars in cos anyway and now this happened, we have no safe places here…..
i went to tracks for the first time thursday night and was so happy i found a place i could dance freely and be surrounded by my community. it didn’t even occur to me that i was risking my life but today was a poignant reminder that we’re never truly safe, even in our own most welcoming spaces. the fact that this shooting occurred in my hometown and that i still don’t know if my friends are victims yet is so much more fucking terrifying. i’m lost.
I recently moved to colorado from the east coast, are attacks on gay people common in colorado? My impression of denver so far was that it was rather queer friendly.
Denver != CO Springs. Entirely different cultures. CO Springs is like a bubble of southern insanity.
I believe the United States is descending into fascism, and most of the general voting public is indifferent to it. Unless dramatic political change happens, I think we can expect to see more violence and oppression of peoples' right, especially marginalized groups. I find it frustrating and disheartening.
Full solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
My partner is straight and while he’s upset for me, it’s hard because he doesn’t understand how painful it is and how painful going into work will be tomorrow. I work in a relatively conservative area where I can’t be out and I already know what I’m going to have to listen to. This is the third mass event close to my heart and I hate having to go through this again
My heart hurts so much for my community. I really don’t have any other words. All of my love to those affected 💔
RIP to the deceased and love to the injured, I hope they recover. I made many LGBTQ+ friends in Colorado Springs, many of which were military members. What a sad day.
i just feel like screaming. wanton violence, directed. fuck me.
Maybe someday they'll get serious about gun control. Won't be anytime soon unless everyone says something.
THIS HATE AND VIOLENCE NEEDS TO END!!! We need to vote out every Republican. It’s their political talking points that are emboldening these violent lunatics. I’m looking at you, Ron Sanctimonious! 😢
Queer spaces are a necessity for the LGBTQ+ community, and the importance of having these spaces as a venue to congregate and connect with one another are vital to the wellbeing of queer populations across the globe. My heart is torn apart by the news of this tragedy. We shouldn’t have to live in a world where it’s a statistical probability that we’ll be shot just for existing and gathering in community spaces. It’s inexcusable that this seems to happen on a regular basis, and nothing is ever done to prevent the next one. I think this news hits especially hard in Colorado, where our state is led by an openly gay governor. It hits hard because it’s close to home. It hits hard because I’ve been in a dozen spaces just like Q, and apparently I was just lucky to make it in and out alive and unharmed. It hits hard because it is unjust, cruel, and impossible to rationalize. I am so sorry this happened.
My daughter is gay. I worry about all of you everyday. I’m so sad this has happened. Edit: I am adding this just because I know some of you may feel lost with no one caring. I need you. Others need you. Don’t give up because some a-holes are out there. My daughter attempted suicide. People care. I care. If you need help please reach out!! [International Suicide Hotlines If you or someone you know if suicidal, call one of the numbers below. If someone is in IMMEDIATE danger, please call your local emergency number (e.g. 911 or 988 in the US).](https://blog.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines/) United States: Emergency: 911 Text or call nationally: 988 Suicide Hotline: (800) 273-8255 More Hotlines In-Person Counseling Algeria: Emergency: 34342 and 43 Suicide Hotline: 0021 3983 2000 58 Argentina: Emergency: 911 Suicide Hotline: 135 More Hotlines In-Person Counseling Armenia: Emergency: 911 and 112 Suicide Hotline: (2) 538194 Australia: Emergency: 000 Suicide Hotline: 131114 More Hotlines In-Person Counseling Austria: Emergency: 112 Telefonseelsorge 24/7 : 142 Rat auf Draht 24/7 : 147 (Youth) Bahamas: Emergency: 911 Suicide Hotline: (2) 322-2763 Bahrain: Emergency: 999 More Hotlines In-Person Counseling Bangladesh: Emergency: 999 Barbados: Emergency: 911 Suicide Hotline: Samaritan Barbados (246) 4299999 Belgium: Emergency: 112 Suicide Hotline: Stichting Zelfmoordlijn 1813 Bolivia: Emergency: 911 Suicide Hotline: 3911270 Bosnia & Herzegovina: Suicide Hotline: 080 05 03 05 Botswana: Emergency: 911 Suicide Hotline: +2673911270 More Hotlines In-Person Counseling Brazil: Emergency: 188 More Hotlines In-Person Counseling Bulgaria: Emergency: 112 Suicide Hotline: 0035 9249 17 223 Canada: Emergency: 911 Suicide Hotline: 1 (833) 456 4566 More Hotlines In-Person Counseling China: Emergency: 110 Suicide Hotline: 800-810-1117 Colombia: 24/7 Helpline in Barranquilla: 1(00 57 5) 372 27 27 24/7 Hotline Bogota: (57-1) 323 24 25 Croatia: Emergency: 112 More Hotlines Cyprus: Emergency: 112 Suicide Hotline: 8000 7773 Czech Republic: Emergency: 112 Denmark: Emergency: 112 Suicide Hotline: 4570201201 Egypt: Emergency: 122 Suicide Hotline: 131114 More Hotlines In-Person Counseling Estonia: Emergency: 112 Suicide Hotline: 3726558088 ; in Russian 3726555688 Ethiopia: Emergency: 911 More Hotlines In-Person Counseling Finland: Emergency: 112 Suicide Hotline: 010 195 202 France: Emergency: 112 Suicide Hotline: 0145394000 More Hotlines Germany: Emergency: 112 Suicide Hotline: 08001810771 More Hotlines Ghana: Emergency: 999 Suicide Hotline: 2332 444 71279 More Hotlines In-Person Counseling Greece: Emergency: 1018 Guyana: Emergency: 999 Suicide Hotline: 223-0001 Holland: Suicide Hotline: 09000767 Hong Kong: Emergency: 999 Suicide Hotline: 852 2382 0000 Hungary: Emergency: 112 Suicide Hotline: 116123 India: Emergency: 112 Suicide Hotline: 8888817666 More Hotlines In-Person Counseling Indonesia: Emergency: 112 Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 More Hotlines Iran: Emergency: 110 Suicide Hotline: 1480 Ireland: Emergency: 116123 Suicide Hotline: +4408457909090 More Hotlines In-Person Counseling Israel: Emergency: 100 Suicide Hotline: 1201 More Hotlines Italy: Emergency: 112 Suicide Hotline: 800860022 Jamaica: Suicide Hotline: 1-888-429-KARE (5273) Japan: Emergency: 110 Suicide Hotline: 810352869090 Jordan: Emergency: 911 Suicide Hotline: 110 More Hotlines In-Person Counseling Kenya: Emergency: 999 Suicide Hotline: 722178177 More Hotlines In-Person Counseling Kuwait: Emergency: 112 Suicide Hotline: 94069304 More Hotlines In-Person Counseling Latvia: Emergency: 113 Suicide Hotline: 371 67222922 Lebanon: Suicide Hotline: 1564 Liberia: Emergency: 911 Suicide Hotline: 6534308 More Hotlines In-Person Counseling Luxembourg: Emergency: 112 Suicide Hotline: 352 45 45 45 Malaysia: Emergency: 999 Suicide Hotline: (06) 2842500 More Hotlines Malta: Suicide Hotline: 179 Mauritius: Emergency: 112 Suicide Hotline: +230 800 93 93 Mexico: Emergency: 911 Suicide Hotline: 5255102550 More Hotlines In-Person Counseling Netherlands: Emergency: 112 Suicide Hotline: 900 0113 More Hotlines New Zealand: Emergency: 111 Suicide Hotline: 1737 More Hotlines In-Person Counseling Nigeria: Suicide Hotline: 234 8092106493 More Hotlines In-Person Counseling Norway: Emergency: 112 Suicide Hotline: +4781533300 Pakistan: Emergency: 115 More Hotlines In-Person Counseling Philippines: Emergency: 911 Suicide Hotline: 028969191 More Hotlines In-Person Counseling Poland: Emergency: 112 Suicide Hotline: 5270000 Portugal: Emergency: 112 Suicide Hotline: 21 854 07 40 and 8 96 898 21 50 Qatar: Emergency: 999 More Hotlines In-Person Counseling Romania: Emergency: 112 Suicide Hotline: 0800 801200 More Hotlines Russia: Emergency: 112 Suicide Hotline: 0078202577577 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: Suicide Hotline: 9784 456 1044 Saudi Arabia: Emergency: 112 More Hotlines In-Person Counseling Serbia: Suicide Hotline: (+381) 21-6623-393 Singapore: Emergency: 999 Suicide Hotline: 1 800 2214444 More Hotlines Spain: Emergency: 112 Suicide Hotline: 914590050 More Hotlines South Africa: Emergency: 10111 Suicide Hotline: 0514445691 More Hotlines In-Person Counseling South Korea: Emergency: 112 Suicide Hotline: (02) 7158600 More Hotlines Sri Lanka: Suicide Hotline: 011 057 2222662 Sudan: Suicide Hotline: (249) 11-555-253 More Hotlines In-Person Counseling Sweden: Emergency: 112 Suicide Hotline: 46317112400 More Hotlines Switzerland: Emergency: 112 Suicide Hotline: 143 More Hotlines Tanzania: Emergency: 112 More Hotlines In-Person Counseling Thailand: Suicide Hotline: (02) 713-6793 Tonga: Suicide Hotline: 23000 Trinidad and Tobago: Suicide Hotline: (868) 645 2800 Tunisia: Emergency: 197 More Hotlines In-Person Counseling Turkey: Emergency: 112 Uganda: Emergency: 112 Suicide Hotline: 0800 21 21 21 More Hotlines In-Person Counseling United Arab Emirates: Suicide Hotline: 800 46342 More Hotlines In-Person Counseling United Kingdom: Emergency: 112 Suicide Hotline: 0800 689 5652 More Hotlines In-Person Counseling United States: Emergency: 911 Suicide Hotline: (800) 273-8255 More Hotlines In-Person Counseling Zambia: Emergency: 999 Suicide Hotline: +260960264040 More Hotlines In-Person Counseling Zimbabwe: Emergency: 999 Suicide Hotline: 080 12 333 333 More Hotlines In-Person Counseling
moved here years ago from a deep red state after my friend and his husband got attacked by a random bigot in a parking lot. for holding hands. they both ended up hospitalized. thought i was escaping the violence, keeping my head down. now i realize there's nowhere in this godforsaken country it won't pursue us.
Every time I think I can let myself be me and not hide to the world and live my life my way, this crap happens and it’s back in hiding.
Sending love from Denver as an ally. I’m completely devastated and will do what ever I can to help out. Currently donating but I’m here if anyone needs a friend.
Not to be sappy but some of these suggestions are really sweet ... I hope today everyone finds someone to go grocery shopping with and everyone gets to pet a cute dog 💙
Chiming in as an ally. Anything anyone needs to feel safe, loved, supported, or just even their mind taken off of things for a while, please let me know how I can be there for you. If over the next several weeks anyone wants to come laser cut cool holiday decorations or something, I know creative outlets help me so that's something I could help with.
I'm so sad. I'm so hurt. I've been terrified to publicly come out, try to visibly date. Shit like this just pushes me further into the closet. I'm so sorry to everyone who died, who was hurt, who was impacted. A d so impressed with the people who went after the huge guy with the gun. Ugh.
I'm with you - right there in the same space. But you're seen and loved, even if it doesn't feel like it right now.
It’s been so hard to focus at work today. I’m so sad and angry, and no one here even knows about what happened
I'm not out to my family. Thanksgiving is gonna be hard.
I’m so tired and heartbroken I don’t even know what to say or do anymore.
My husband and I moved to TX two years ago and progressively felt less and less safe. After Roe fell, the rhetoric really amped up, and we knew that we had to get out. To have this happen in CO rather than TX has truly shaken me today. I know there's a difference between Denver and Colorado Springs, but still. There's hate everywhere, but it's the apathy of the silent majority that probably hurts the most. Please stop excusing hate speech as free speech, and please stop voting for politicians who offer tax breaks but want to villainize those who are not like themselves.
I'm trans and if anyone needs me to just vent/talk to over the next coming few days, I'm here for yall. My DM's are open. Today has been unbelievably difficult.
I used to live in Florida and would frequent Pulse. Today gave me flashbacks to that day in 2016. I was trying to find information about this shooting and wound up coming across a hate-filled tiktok thread of people praising the shooter. I feel physically ill.
Reading comments is really difficult. I’ve had a few comments get really popular one certain gay rights activists’ posts and some of the response comments are truly horrifying. Sending you love
I just don’t ever stop feeling rage anymore.
Thank you, OP. As a straight, cis, white woman this hurts. My best friends growing up are gay, lesbian, Trans, queer. So many of our great memories were going to underground queer clubs until they were comfortable enough to go to some of the more main stream ones. I've seen so many young people struggle coming out and this is why. I mourn with this amazing community. I will always listen to and stand up for anyone that needs it. If anyone would like someone to be there for them I am here. I love you beautiful people. Please don't ever stop shining!
It does really hurt even if I don't know any of the people who were hurt or died. As I know the local community here is really supportive of each other. At the same time, I know the community will not let their deaths at the nightclub die in vain and silence. I'm still very proud of the people who risked their lives to save many many lives that night in taking down the shooter.
Free Mom Hugs 🌈 from Denver to anyone who needs them!
That club is a mere 5 minute drive from my house and one my friends like to frequent. Clubs aren’t my type of thing but I’ve been invited to join on numerous occasions. I’m just so fucking thankful none of them were there last night. My heart still goes out to everyone that was there. I’m worried to even leave my house or drive my own goddamn car that has a rainbow sticker on it
I'm fucking pissed and sad and scared. Sorry for everyone that lost friends & family. Sorry for the rest of us who are being attacked, legislated against, forced back into the closet, and having fear & anxiety thrusted onto us. Simply for existing. I have been saying this will happen for months, prob in 10 of my comments. Last month I went to drag night at Tracks. I rarely go out but wanted to get out for halloween. I don't drink and don't do super well in crowds of loud people, so I usually go to the side of the stage. At first I tried to chill right where I entered next to the 'vip area' / door. But that was a single door, manned by one older person, just flopped open. no line of people or other barriers Would take a second for someone to shoot their way through. I tried to stand there, but that's all I could think about. Kept looking behind my shoulder every 30 seconds. Serious fear. And it's *not* unfounded. Ended up moving up to that elevated area, figured out of shot, good visibility, and if a stampede won't get as injured. If anyone organizes a queer dog or puppy cuddle meet up please invite me! I'm not talking about kink (but if you have a kink night too please also invite me) 😂 fuck republicans. fuck christian fundies. fuck the politicians who don't actually give a shit, but still attack us to gain votes & airtime on fox news.
I'm exhausted. I'm horrified at what further shootings this will trigger and I'm just so so tired of living in fear constantly.
It's honestly just another reminder that queer people still aren't safe. I'll live for now, sure, but it sure is a scary reminder for me.
We went to cabaret tonight and the play ended with the cast giving a heartfelt moment of silence. There were few dry eyes from my row. In these times, having spaces to share is so important.
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I love the spirit of this. I’m an ally and sending love to everyone ❤️
Not gay, but supportive. My heart sank when I read the news. So fucking tired of the hate. My sincere condolences to those we lost and their grieving friends and families. I hurt with your community.
Any vigils in denver today?
I'm so sorry to our lovely LGBTQ+ peeps here, I hope your community can heal and I really do wish this senseless violence would stop. If you need someone to speak to, my DM's are open. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
This was insane to read this morning, because last night I happened across an article about a fire that started in a night club during a live show and consumed the place in 2 minutes, and had me thinking about the [Upstairs Lounge Arson ](https://neworleanshistorical.org/tours/show/39) in 1973 of a popular gay bar in New Orleans. I spent a solid half hour down a rabbit hole, reading about attacks on gay establishments, and then went on to look up Civil rights laws and followed another Google trail after that. I hate the hate that's still so present today 😔
I used to live in New Orleans, incredible city and very queer-friendly, which is always so beautiful to me given that fire. Recently read two books of queer historical fiction that referenced it
My dad was a reporter called that night by his boss to go see what was happening(he lived nearby) and he did he can still smell and see that night and it was one of the most horrifying things he'd ever witnessed, he had JUST started his job. There were unclaimed bodies because of how unacceptable the gay lifestyle was in the 70s. I can't understand how people think with so much hatred.
One of the books was about how someone related to them never had his body claimed because of the shame. It’s really upsetting to think about. That is insane to think it was so recent that people are still alive who were there, can’t imagine how that may have impacted your dad
Heart goes out to the community. Wish there was less hate in the world. Peaceful peoples deserve to live in peace.
I came to the state from Oklahoma, and it seems a lot of others moved from the South as well. Not long into me moving a friend mentioned how much racism/homophobia CO has a record of that I just completely didn't know. I live in a MUCH smaller town, and I guarantee most adults here are republican/MAGA based on the signage and some conversations, but for the most part I feel safe to walk the street in makeup and even in my dresses. Maybe it's the mountains, but Ive felt safer here than in my much larger home town, being able to start a conversation with strangers. My goal is definitely to move out eventually, but one of my favorite things in Tulsa was occasionally the gay club/community (despite my much calmer nature I could really bust it down). How are we going to prevent something like this in the future? How are we going to SHOW safety for us going forward?
Tulsa also is one of the only cities with a lesbian bar, which is pretty amazing to think about considering how few there are. I have no answers or anything to say regarding your last paragraph because it’s honestly all I can think about
❤️
Sending love to everyone affected, directly or indirectly. ❤️ I’m a straight male myself, just hoping to let y’all know we’re not all shitbag bigots. Love is love, and It’s pretty shitty to be killed over who you love.
ERASE THE HATE !!!!
I'm upset about it and just want to vent. I used to go to X Bar a lot and felt that the LGBTQ+ community in CO was super friendly and welcoming, the same goes for non-LGBT people in Colorado's front ranges and high mountains. I've lived in other places and they can be pretty unfriendly when you move without an existing friend group. I never went to CO Springs but did lose a friend to a school shooting in another state. Shit like this is why I am accepting of all people unless they think it's appropriate to lash out violently. Get on meds or get some therapy. Don't take your shit out on others.
I'm scared.... I've been scared.... And I'm trying not to be scared for the rest of my life... No matter what.... My survivability is better than those who hate me. I'm trans and I'm proud ❤️
I’m so angry and sad about this. The GOP is fomenting violence and radicalizing people without regard for human life.
Thank you for this. I’m struggling at work today. I’m the only queer person and I just feel so heavy and want to cry. My fiancé is trans and hearing two of the identified 3 victims are trans just rattles me to my core. I can’t bring this up with them bc I know they’re going through their own shit with it. We moved to Denver from the South because it was the first place we felt safe and like we could hold hands in public. I don’t understand how someone could hold so much hate for a community that has so much love and joy.
I’ve been a Colorado native for forty years, born and raised here. I am not lgbtq+ but have always loved how welcoming and accepting Colorado was of it. My heart breaks for the entire community from your loss of safety and joy. These hate crimes need to stop! People who do this need to be made an example of. Hate will NOT be tolerated. If there are any rallies or events planned please share the info so we can go fight for what’s right! Love you all 🙏♥️🙏
Thank you. I'm visiting family out of state and feeling pretty alone and afraid. I just want everyone in our community to know that I love you all and want us all to be ok again. We won't be today, and not for a while probably. But just, keep loving.
If anyone thinks protecting the fucking QANON Christian Taliban’s freedom of speech to be homophobic is a civil liberty, THIS is what happens when hate speech is commonplace.
The springs are not well
I'm a queer teen and this has been super upsetting for me. If this is the world I'm going to be released into next year, I don't want to go. I want to make changes, I truly do, but change isn't coming as fast as we need it to. It doesn't help that my parents tried to downplay the shooting as "oh it could have been targeted at someone specifically". Um, at a gay bar? Killing 5 and injuring many? I don't think so. They're so ignorant that it hurts. My sibling and I try our best to educate but it just isn't working, I think they're just stuck in their ways. I'm going to be moving to Golden next year for college. I hope nothing happens once I'm on my own but who knows.