Our Hearts are Heavy: A Statement in Support of the LGBTQ+ Community

As more information unfolds about the 5 lives lost and the many more injured at the Club Q shooting in Colorado Springs, we are again left without words in the face of yet another act of senseless violence and hate. We are devastated. This tragic event occurred on Transgender Remembrance Day, a day when we commemorate lives lost to violence due to their gender identity and expression, which only makes it even more heartbreaking and infuriating.

We extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of those directly and indirectly impacted and the entire LGBTQ+ community. 

Members of the LGBTQ+ community frequently face threats, harassment, violence online, and regularly see comments that deny their humanity and right to exist. Statistics show that LGBTQ+ people are four times more likely to experience violence in their life. They continue to face discrimination in their personal lives, in the workplace and the public sphere, and in their access to critical health care. 

We ask our community to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community who is once again suffering a senseless loss. All forms of hate are not tolerated at the Boulder JCC. As the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) states, “Communities at risk of hate-fueled violence understand that an attack on one of our communities is an attack on all.”

Our words matter.
Our actions matter.
There is absolutely no place for hate. 

Learn more and get involved:

• One Colorado and the Interfaith Alliance of Colorado will be hosting an Interfaith Vigil at ReelWorks Denver tonight, November 21 at 1399 35th St, Denver, CO 80205. All are welcome. 
• Community leaders and Colorado Springs philanthropic organizations are encouraging donors to give to the Club Q Fund at the Colorado Healing Fund (CHF). CHF is partnering with local victim assistance organizations to distribute funds for a broad variety of victim needs, such as plane tickets, rental cars, direct cash support, as well as anticipating long-term physical and mental health needs.
• If you want to support the LGBTQ+ community in Boulder County: Out Boulder County
• The ADL has created Discussing hate and violence with children to help in talking to our children about traumatic events.

Jonathan Lev
Executive Director
Boulder JCC

Marcia Segall
Board President
Boulder JCC