The horrific mass shooting late Saturday night at Club Q, an LGBTQ+ nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colorado has devastated the LGBTQ+ community. Our heart goes out to the victims, their families and friends. This evil act of violence took place on the eve of Transgnder Day of Remembrance. We have lost too many lives to hatred and continue to see a rise in injustice globally. In addition, we see a rise in the systematic discrimination by way of unjust policies that continue to infringe on the lives of our LGBTQ+ community.

 

As Social Workers, we are here to  support one another, advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and stand in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ friends and family. Working to challenge policies which exacerbate problems in marginalized communities is one way we can help. Practicing using pronouns and asking others for their pronouns is another way to create a safe space for LGBTQ+ folks and show solidarity. 

 

There are so many new anti-LGBTQ+ bills. These bills single out LGBTQ+ folks and incite hatred. Taking action through advocacy work to change laws that perpetuate the ongoing oppression of LGBTQ+ communities is a charge we will continue to pursue.

 

Finally, in times like this, many ask what they can do to help those most directly impacted. We offer, for your information, this article published in The Washington Post that highlights ways to donate or support those in need.

 

Resources to support the LGBTQ+ community:

In Solidarity,

CSCSW DET Committee