Dear Duke Community,
On behalf of the Duke LGBTQ+ Network Board, we were devastated to learn about the shooting that occurred on Saturday night at Club Q in Colorado Springs, killing 5 individuals, injuring at least 25, and traumatizing countless others.
Queer bars have long been considered a safe space for our community to come together and represent our authentic selves. Still, in the wake of the Orlando shooting at Pulse Nightclub in 2016, which saw the loss of 49 souls, wounding at least 53 others, and marking the deadliest shooting in the United States and the worst act of terrorism since 9/11, we are reminded of how vulnerable we are. The shooting Saturday at Club Q was yet another reminder of the senseless acts of violence against our community. And it is a call for us to come together in this dark hour.
As many of you know, members of our community live in Colorado or hold connections to Club Q and to Colorado Springs. Our hearts go out to each of you. The Duke LGBTQ+ Network Board will be available for any of our members should you need help or support at this time. We would also encourage our constituents to take action and support the healing required in this time of need. Below are some resources that you can leverage to help those in Colorado:
We hope that each and every one of you are safe. As a network, we are here for each other. If you do need support at this time, please reach out. We are here for you.
Best,
Brooke Levin ’06, M.B.A.’18, M.E.M.’18, Duke LGBTQ+ Network Co-Chair
Ben Shellhorn J.D.’15, M.B.A.’15, Duke LGBTQ+ Network Co-Chair