One year after the tragic mass shooting at Club Q, an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs, the community came together to remember the victims and reflect on the progress made since the incident. The shooting, which claimed the lives of five people and injured 17 others, has left a lasting impact on the community.
The club has remained closed since the incident, but owner Matthew Haynes has plans to reopen at a new location under a new name. The shooter, who pleaded guilty to five counts of first-degree murder and 46 counts of attempted first-degree murder, is currently serving multiple life sentences plus more than 2,000 years in prison.
The remembrance event was attended by a diverse group of individuals, including families of the victims, survivors, community members, and political figures such as Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade, former Mayor John Suthers, Sen. John Hickenlooper, and Gov. Jared Polis. Speakers at the event included the founding owner of Club Q and various political leaders.
In addition to the remembrance event, a permanent memorial is being planned at the site of the shooting. A Transgender Day of Remembrance event was also planned, specifically honoring two of the victims.
Despite the support and progress, some members of the LGBTQ community still express concerns for their safety. There are also concerns about political posturing and the recent election of school board members opposed to instruction on systemic racism and gender identity in the classroom. In response to these concerns, a new LGBTQ resource center is set to open in Colorado Springs.