LGBTQ nightclub shooting survivor tells House committee hateful rhetoric incites violence
James Slaugh, a survivor of the mass shooting at Club Q, an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colo., testified before the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday. He said that hate speech from leaders can cause shootings like the recent one in which five people were killed.
Video Transcript
JAMES SLAUGH: Club Q a second home and safe space not just for me, but for all of us. Outside of these spaces, we are continually being dehumanized, marginalized, and targeted. The fear-based and hateful rhetoric surrounding the LGBTQ+ community, especially around trans individuals and drag performers, leads to violence. It incites violence.
We shouldn't have to fear being shot when we go to our safe spaces, or anywhere, for that matter. It was only after this violation of our safe space that I came to realize, though, we have a lot more love in this world. Before sunrise, we were already receiving messages from all over the world with affirmations of love-- people who we have never met giving us their best wishes.
A family friend immediately started a GoFundMe and we've experienced a ton of support. When I left the hospital, I was brought to tears just by the memorial that had been created in front of the club, in front of my safe space. I want to thank the Colorado Victims Advocates who have been instrumental in our recovery and helping with funds, and, of course, the staff at GLAAD, who have simply been amazing in helping me use my voice.
Hate rhetoric from politicians, religious leaders, and media outlets is at the root of the attacks, like at Club Q, and it needs to stop now. Rhetoric that makes people less than for being different, rhetoric that threatens to silence what sports we can play, what bathrooms we can use, how we define our family, and who I can marry-- every American, especially those elected to positions of power, has a responsibility and a choice to use their words consciously.
Hate starts with speech. The hateful rhetoric we've heard from elected leaders is the direct cause of the horrific shooting at Club Q. We need elected leaders to demonstrate language that reflects love and understanding, not hate and fear.
I urge LGBTQ+ Americans and allies to join together today as one community. Hateful people want to drive us back into closets and to live our lives in fear, but we cannot be afraid. No bullets will stop us from being proud of who we are or we'll injure the support and love that exists in our community. Thank you.
