Dear John:

The attack on the Q Club in Colorado Springs has left people in fear and trying to make sense of a seemingly senseless act of violence.

But this violence against our LGBTQ+ loved ones wasn’t random. It was the horrible yet inevitable outcome of a climate openly and aggressively hostile toward LGBTQ+ people. When sources we trust—from faith leaders to lawmakers, school boards to news sites—knowingly spread misinformation and allow hate to flourish, this is the result.

Here was our statement, released on social media this morning:

What happened in Colorado Springs is absolutely devastating; our hearts are with our loved ones there, including our local members of PFLAG Colorado Springs.

Make no mistake: This is what happens when vitriol against us is left unchecked, when LGBTQ+ people are slowly being legislated out of existence, and everyone from legislators to hate groups to social media users use the same vile talking points about us, every day. This is what happens. Devastation and violence.

It starts with words, and continues to lead here, every time.

Book bans.
Don’t say gay.
Violent protests at Pride.
Bans on care for trans kids.
Hundreds of pieces of anti-LGBTQ legislation.

It always leads to this.

We must work together to connect these dots, learn more, and take action--as well as take care of ourselves.

Please join us tomorrow night, Monday, November 21st at 7pm ET/4pm PT, for a special edition of Something to Talk About Live. We'll focus on how we got here, what needs to happen next, and how to care for ourselves in dangerous times. You'll find us live on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.

Our panel includes Ari Drennen (she/her), LGBTQ Program Director, Media Matters for America; Heron Greenesmith, Esq. (they/them), Senior Research Analyst, Political Research Associates; and Rev. Mykal Shannon (he/him). PFLAG National’s Jean-Marie Navetta and the PFLAG National team will be live to take comments, questions, and share resources.

We hope you'll join us for this much-needed conversation for learning, taking action, and caring for ourselves and our community.

In solidarity,

Brian K. Bond, Executive Director
PFLAG National