UB SON JEDI Committee's statement on the attack at Club Q (November 20, 2022).
Published November 22, 2022
We share in the anger, sadness and frustration regarding the senseless attack on the LGBTQ+ communities at Club Q in Colorado Springs this past weekend. We condemn all violence against vulnerable communities anywhere in the world, and we are infuriated that this continues to occur against LGBTQ+ communities in our own backyard here in the United States.
As members of the largest portion of the global health care workforce, nurses have an important and powerful position to advocate for LGBTQ+ communities; we must continue to support, protect and provide a safe place for care for these vulnerable individuals. As we know, violence in the U.S. – especially gun violence – is a public health crisis, and populations who are especially susceptible to this vitriol face threats to their physical well-being, and to their mental and emotional well-being. This has devastating effects on people’s ability to learn, work and live in the safe environment that everyone deserves.
Beyond nursing, as community members, colleagues and friends, it is the duty of each and every one of us to speak out against violence and discrimination against LGBTQ+ communities. Call out harmful behavior and speech. Support equity and inclusion. Keep learning about and supporting LGBTQ+ communities’ needs and causes. Be an ally. Be human.
We stand in solidarity with LGBTQ+ communities, now and always. If you need to talk, or if you would like more ideas on how to support LGBTQ+ communities, please contact the UB SON JEDI Committee or Counseling Services.