Healing in a Time of Mourning
Dear Qwear readers,
Your family at Qwear is sending love and hugs during the aftermath of the violence against our community.
The tragic news of the deadly shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs will affect us all differently. Whether you are mourning the loss of a loved one(s), are in shock from having been a witness to the shootings, or find yourself too afraid to visit queer spaces/clubs, we at Qwear want you to know that you’re not alone.
Before the shooting on Saturday night, Club Q was planning to hold a brunch event on Sunday for those who lost their lives to anti-transgender violence. Like many of you, we found ourselves struggling to process this horrendous attack on our community and the fear it put in all of us, while also honoring the many beautiful lives we’ve lost this year due to anti-transgender violence.
In a recent statement, GLAD said it perfectly:
“We are devastated by this news of safety shattered and additional lives taken too soon. Our hearts are with the family members, friends, and loved ones of those killed and injured, with the patrons and employees of Club Q, and with the entire Colorado Springs community that is reeling from this horrific event.”
Regardless of where you live, this attack on what should be a safe space for our community to gather, has no doubt left you hesitant to visit queer spaces. The escalating violence directed at the queer community such as this targeted mass shooting adds an additional layer of fear on top of the recent anti-LGBTQ+ legislation sweeping across the U.S.
The compounding threats of gun violence, bans on trans youth healthcare, bathroom access, and sports to name a few, all threaten our bodies and contribute to our community’s negative health outcomes. All these issues can creep up on you as they layer on top of one another and cause anxiety, depression, and harmful behaviors.
Because of this domino effect, the Colorado Springs shooting at Club Q may have more of an effect on you than you were prepared for, and we are here to tell you that you are not alone. It’s important that you are finding ways to take care of yourself and be in community (i.e. virtually, on social media platforms) during this time of grief and fear.
Our recommendation is that if you can, set aside an hour a day for self-care. If you don’t have an hour, even finding 15 minutes in the middle of a busy day will make a big difference. This is the time that you dedicate completely to yourself, without worrying about any responsibilities or fears for your safety. The intention to dedicate time to your health is more important than the activity you choose to do it through. The activity can be anything you enjoy doing. This might be taking a walk, calling a friend, writing in a journal, taking bath, meditating, making art, or even just watching TV. Don’t worry about doing it “right”. This is time for you with no expectations.
It is also very cathartic to spend time around other queer people. Reach out to your queer community and see if you can go to an event (virtually or physically) or plan a small get-together. Chances are that others also need the support and will appreciate you reaching out. Every one of us is hurting and in need of community, but some are too shy to take that step or have too many barriers that prevent them from reaching out. Take that step for you and them if you feel comfortable and safe doing so. Empowerment through helping others is a great way to process trauma.
Lastly, remember that our LGBTQ+ community is beautiful and beyond resilient. We can find ways to be ourselves, even under threats of violence and harm by understanding our mental and physical needs and turning to one another for help.
If you need support, please reach out to the resources below:
TransLifeline is a trans-led organization that connects transgender people to the community, support, and resources. Call 877-565-8860.
SAGE LGBTQ+ Elder Hotline connects LGBTQ+ older people who want to talk with friendly responders who are ready to listen. Call 877-360-LGBT (5428).
Colorado Crisis Services is a crisis support resource for Colorado residents. Call 1-844-493-TALK (8225), text “TALK” to 38255, or find a walk-in center near you.
Crisis Text Line connects you to a volunteer Crisis Counselor through text message or WhatsApp. Text “HOME” to 741741. Visit their site for gun violence-specific resources.
If you would like to support the survivors and community members impacted by this violence, you can make a gift to the Colorado Healing Fund.
We at Qwear are here for you and we encourage people to process our current climate on our platform. All modes of expression are welcome, from articles on mental health, gender expression, fashion styles, etc. Share your voice here.
Cover Image by Shanna Lewis/KRCC News
