Published: Nov. 21, 2022

 

Logo

 

Dear LGBTQ Studies community,

We are so saddened and enraged by the news coming out of Colorado Springs this weekend. As queer people ourselves, we are all too familiar with what it means to grieve the loss of the individuals we love, while also feeling incensed by the way that transphobia, homophobia, anti-LGBTQ hatred permeate our institutions. The fact that we had to mourn this violence on Transgender Day of Remembrance makes the pain and anger even greater. 

As we all process what has happened, know that there are community mental health collectives dedicated to supporting the queer and trans community in Colorado:

If you are in need of someone to talk to right now, please reach out to the following hotlines:

You can also access mental health services on CU Boulder Campus: 

For those looking to support the Colorado Springs queer and trans communities, consider donating to the following GoFundMe or supporting the following local queer-owned businesses:

For those who are in Colorado Springs, the following events will be taking place on University of Colorado-Colorado Springs campus: 

  • 11/21 from 12-1 p.m. in University Center 303, a support and healing circle to gather in solidarity to heal and mourn this tragic event
  • 11/21 from 2-5 p.m. in the Student Life Lounge, MOSAIC will be hosting a Card and Poster Marking – Caring for Those Harmed
  • 11/22 9am-12pm MOSAIC will be hosting a Card and Poster Marking – Caring for Those Harmed in the MOSAIC and LGBTQ+ Resource Center

Finally, Glenda Russell, a long-time activist, therapist for LGBTQ people, and CU member, has created a list of actions to help us grieve and take care of each other and ourselves:  http://drglendarussell.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Responding-to-Orlando.pdf

If we can support you in any way during this time, please email us directly and let us know: lgbtq@colorado.edu. 

 

In solidarity and love,

Kristie Soares & Emmanuel David

Co-Chairs, LGTBQ Studies Certificate Program

 

Additional Resources:

Click here for a list of counselors offering free therapy at this time, generously shared by our colleagues at Queer Asterisk, a queer and trans led organization focused on counseling, educational trainings, and community programs:

Click here to join the free virtual support group offered by Queer Asterisk tonight, Nov. 22, at 6pm.

Click here to listen to KGNU’s “OutSources: Community and Care in the Wake of the Club Q Shooting,” which features LGBTQ mental health professional and longtime community advocate, Dr. Glenda Russell.

 

Tags: