Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell Statement on Transgender Day of Remembrance and Mass Shooting at LGBTQ+ Nightclub

“Today is Transgender Day of Remembrance, when we honor the lives that we’ve lost to hate, bigotry and anti-trans violence. This year alone, we’ve already lost 50 trans lives across our nation – the deadliest year on record.

 

Adding to our grief today is the horrific mass shooting that occurred last night at Club Q, an LGBTQ+ nightclub in Colorado Springs, where once again the LGBTQ+ community was the target of violent, premeditated hate. At least five people were murdered at Club Q last night, along with 18 injured and countless lives forever altered.

 

I’m in awe of the courage of the club patrons who apprehended the murderer and prevented further tragedy. I’m in awe of the enduring strength of the LGBTQ+ community, of which I’m so proud to be a part, for continuing to summon the collective bravery required to live loudly and proudly in the face of hate. I’m in awe of the countless allies to the LGBTQ+ community, whose support and love and friendship is critical to our movement.

 

We will not go back into the shadows. We will not cower in fear. We will not let hate and bigotry win – not today, not tomorrow, not ever.

 

On this Transgender Day of Remembrance, as we mourn the lives of those we’ve lost, we also pledge to keep their memories alive today and always. We will continue to demand justice and work relentlessly to achieve a more just and inclusive City.” -Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell