Thoughts & Prayers In the Aftermath of the Club Q Shootings in Colorado Springs

This past Saturday night, in a mass shooting reminiscent of other recent and similar incidents, five people lost their lives, 25 were injured and countless others witnessed unspeakable terror at Club Q, a nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  The suspect, who is in custody, faces multiple murder and bias incident/hate crime charges. 

This devastating attack occurred in a place described as a welcoming space, where people of diverse sexual identities and expressions have heretofore felt safe and accepted.  This horrific incident is understood by many – in Colorado Springs, around the nation, and in our own campus community – as an intentional attack upon the LGBTQ+ community, and as such is terrifying and traumatizing for those who identify as LGBTQ+ and their allies.  

The Gonzaga University community joins – together with many other individuals, leaders, colleges & universities, and faith communities – in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ colleagues, students, and community members in speaking out against this violent incident.  Our Gonzaga mission urges us to act wherever we can to fight racism, hate and injustice.  In addition to sending our thoughts and prayers to the victims, this attack calls upon us all to do whatever is in our power to ensure that all persons on our campus, in our community and in our nation feel support and acceptance for who they are.

In the wake of this tragedy, any member of the GU community is invited to visit Gonzaga’s Lincoln LGBTQ+ Resource Center to learn more, and to seek solace in community.  The Center is located on the 2nd floor of the Hemmingson Center, Room 215.  A link to the Center’s website is here.  We want to remind everyone of resources that are available to support our students and employees. This link, recently created following hate incidents on our campus, offers a range of services and opportunities.