FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Portland, OR — We are heartbroken to hear of the the senseless violence against members of Colorado Springs’s LGBTQIA+ community at Club Q on Saturday. Saturday’s events were a chilling echo of the tragedy at Pulse in 2016 and serve as stark reminder of the countless ways in which hate and bigotry continue to fuel unimaginable pain on our friends, families, and loved ones. And coming on the heels of Transgender Day of Remembrance, we are reminded that this violence and hate disproportionately impacts our trans and non-binary family members of color.

From national rhetoric and discrimination-based legislation, we know that anti-LGBTQIA+ hate is on the rise. Legislators, institutions, and extremists continue to attack the basic rights of our communities and spread fear and bigotry from their positions of power and influence. And gun-fueled violence is an epidemic that continues to impact communities across America. We must rise against hate in the strongest possible terms, we must stand together in solidarity and love, and we must demand an end to not only this epidemic of gun violence but also to the continued violence against our LGBTQIA+ community. From Pulse to Colorado Springs to so many other lives stolen from us— this has occurred for far too long. And enough is enough.

CAP, Our House, & Prism Health will continue our work to provide safe, affirming, and compassionate care to everyone seeking it in our community. We will continue to push back against anti-LGBTQIA+ hate and bigotry and advocate for the safety, security, and support for all the beautiful, vibrant souls of our community. Our doors are open to you. Our hearts are open to you.

We mourn the lives stolen at Club Q and offer our deepest support, love, and compassion to the families, friends, and communities grappling with such unimaginable loss. We are here for you, and we are here with you.

In Solidarity,
CAP + Our House + Prism Health

If you are seeking support during this time, please consider these resources:

Tips for coping with gun violence and grief:
How to talk to children about gun violence
Here’s one psychologist’s advice for how to cope with the trauma and stress a mass shooting can cause

National Support Resources:
The Trevor Project
Trans LifeLine
Crisis Text Line

Local Support Resources:
CAP Social Support Programs
PDX Q Center
PCC Queer Resource Center
PSU Queer Resource Center
Oregon LGBTQ Resources
Vancouver Queer Resource Center

About Cascade AIDS Project

Founded in 1983 and incorporated in 1985 as the Cascade AIDS Project, CAP is the oldest and largest community-based provider of HIV services, housing, education and advocacy in Oregon and Southwest Washington. We promote well-being and advance equity by providing inclusive health and wellness services for LGBTQ+ people, people affected by HIV, and all those seeking compassionate care. When the need for affordable, accessible, and culturally affirming primary care services was identified as a community need, we responded by opening Prism Health in 2017. And in 2022, Our House of Portland joined the CAP family to further expand our service offerings and allow us to offer a full lifecycle of care to our community. To learn more about CAP, please visit www.capnw.org