PRESS STATEMENT

Hetrick-Martin Institute Responds to the Colorado LGBTQIA+ Night Club Shooting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVEMBER 21, 2022, NEW YORK, NY

The staff, youth members and board of Hetrick-Martin Institute (HMI) extend our deepest condolences to those affected by the senseless, violent tragedy that occurred this weekend at Club Q—an LGBTQIA+ nightclub in Colorado Springs. While the complete picture is still coming together, what is abundantly clear is that once again LGBTQIA+ people were visited with hatred, fear and death.

Club Q was a chosen home, a safe space, where Colorado Springs’ LGBTQIA+ community could come together and be their authentic selves in joy and love. But once again, violence invaded a queer space. Adding to the horror of this act is the fact that on the Trans Day of Remembrance—a solemn day dedicated to remembering and honoring the lives of our trans, nonbinary and gender nonconforming siblings lost to violence—our community was forced to absorb another trauma.

HMI Chief Executive Officer Joe Pressley responded to the tragedy, “I am angry and frustrated at the ongoing violence against our community. We deserve safe spaces and must work collectively to combat what is happening in our country. HMI will continue to fight for the rights and lives of our LGBTQIA+ community.” He added, “Our hearts may be broken at this moment, but our resolve is stronger than ever.”

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For interviews, contact:

Soraya Elcock
HMI Chief Strategy Officer
646-298-5154
selcock@hmi.org

About Hetrick-Martin Institute

Hetrick-Martin Institute (HMI) is proud to be the nation’s oldest and largest organization helping gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) youth between the ages of 13 and 24 to reach their full potential. Through a comprehensive package of direct services and referrals, the organization fosters healthy youth development. HMI’s staff promotes excellence in the delivery of youth services and uses its expertise to create innovative programs that other organizations may use as models. HMI serves a diverse community, the vast majority of whom identify as Black or people of color. The youth organization is dedicated to building its approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels, throughout its operations and functions.