SAG-AFTRA Statement Regarding Mass Shooting at Club Q

SAG-AFTRA condemns the violent and murderous hate crime perpetrated at Club Q in Colorado Springs and against the LQBTQIA+ community in Colorado. Coming on the eve of this year’s Transgender Day of Remembrance, this tragedy is a painful and poignant reminder of the untold number of transgender and other LGBQTIA+people whose lives have been taken in acts of violence. The mass shooting at Club Q – the 601st in the United States this year alone – is an outrage, and an affront to all who live their lives in unity with the LQBTQIA+ community globally. 

Our deepest sympathies go out to the families and loved ones of those whose lives were taken, and we are keeping those who have been injured in our thoughts. 

A Statement from SAG-AFTRA LGBTQ Committee Co-Chairs

As co-chairs of SAG-AFTRA's LGBTQ Committee, I’m sure you’ll agree with us that the recent tragedy in Colorado Springs is yet another unconscionable, horrific incident aimed at our community. Make no mistake, there is a direct correlation with our current political environment and certain social media websites that have stoked the anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and have emboldened counter protesters to double down on their hatred and vitriol of our friends. Though there will be many a politician and “leader” sending their “thoughts and prayers” to the LGBTQ community, this simple mantra is simply not enough. We highly encourage education, engaging in your right to vote, and any other peaceful actions that we can provide to a nation who, by too large a percentage, believe that it is their right to enter an establishment armed with weapons with the sole intent of murdering those whom with they disagree. 

In solidarity,

Traci Godfrey and Jason Stuart, SAG-AFTRA National LGBTQ Committee Co-Chairs

About SAG-AFTRA

SAG-AFTRA represents approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists and other entertainment and media professionals. SAG-AFTRA members are the faces and voices that entertain and inform America and the world. A proud affiliate of the AFL-CIO, SAG-AFTRA has national offices in Los Angeles and New York and local offices nationwide representing members working together to secure the strongest protections for entertainment and media artists into the 21st century and beyond. Visit SAG-AFTRA online at SAGAFTRA.org.