The mass shooting that took place on Sunday, November 20th in Colorado Springs at Club Q, an LGBTQ+ night club, was a planned and targeted attack. As the increase of hate crimes continue to rise, so does the trauma and negative mental health effects that ripple out from the victims, to their loved ones and community, and to all of us across the nation and the globe.
This tragic event took place on November 20th, a day recognized as Transgender Day of Remembrance, an annual observance to honor the memories of transgender and gender-nonconforming people killed by violence. This vicious cycle must end.
Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) stands in compassion and solidarity with the victims, their families, and the LGBTQ+ community. The violence, discrimination, and hatred toward this community cannot be ignored or written off as anything other than what it is, a hate crime. We need to work together to bring an end to hate and make public spaces safer, for everyone.
MHC calls on all communities and citizens to support each other during this time of grief and frustration. Utilize local and national resources to help heal your own trauma and get involved with your community to learn who your neighbors are and how you can help. Contact your legislators and local leaders to find out what they are doing to protect LGBTQ+ citizens and all groups that continue to be targeted by hatred and violence.
Luis B. Pérez, LCSWPresident and CEO
The Trevor Project: Call 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678678, or chat online at www.thetrevorproject.org/
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The Trevor Project Honors Janelle Monáe with the 2022 Suicide Prevention Advocate of the Year Award. The Grammy-nominated global superstar is the second-ever recipient of the award, which recognizes influential public figures who champion the LGBTQ community and advocate for mental health awareness.
www.thetrevorproject.org
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