On behalf of the Integrative Biology Department's DEI Group, we hope you are enjoying your fall break. Unfortunately, we are writing to address the shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs on Saturday night. LGBTQ+ folks and members of the allied community were deeply saddened to hear about the five dead and nineteen injured during a family-friendly night of Drag and comedy. We would like to offer resources and links to support anyone who may need them during this difficult time.
If you'd like to get involved, there are several vigils being held this week. The link to the full list can be found here: https://www.cpr.org/2022/11/21/colorado-club-q-shooting-vigils/ One Colorado is a state-wide, but Denver-based LGBTQ+ non-profit advocacy group. They've posted recent news on the shooting and they have many ways to help linked on their site. https://one-colorado.org/new/one-colorado-glaad-mourn-the-club-q-victims/ The Good Judy Garage, a local mechanic shop run by a trans-woman and a supportive business for the LGBTQ+ community, is collecting verified donations to help all of the victim's families. That can be found at this link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-the-club-q-families-and-survivors?utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer
Colorado Social Workers are also offering a 4-week intensive trauma group for LGBTQ+ folks (see attached).
We want to remind everyone in our community that the university also offers resources for those that may require support at this time. They are listed here:
* The CARE Team provides support and resources designed to help students get through difficult times. https://www.ucdenver.edu/student/wellness/care-team
* The Office of Case Management fosters student growth, development, and success by assisting students dealing with areas related to mental health, emotional well-being, and safety by providing outreach, resources, referrals, advocacy, and follow-up services. https://www.ucdenver.edu/student/wellness/case-management
* The Counseling Center provides private and confidential mental health services. https://www.ucdenver.edu/counseling-center
* The LGBTQ Student Resource Center is a tri-institutional office serving students, faculty, and staff of all genders and sexualities on the Auraria Campus. https://www.msudenver.edu/lgbtq/
Our hearts go out to the Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Community. Everyone deserves a safe space to be who they are. We hope you surround yourself with support and care this holiday season.
Sincerely,
IB Department DEI Group