We Must Stand with our LGBTQIA+ Community Against Hate and Violence
November 21, 2022
Dear Friends,
I urge you to join me and the entire Cal Poly Pomona community in condemning this weekend’s hate-fueled mass shooting at Club Q, an LGBTQIA+ club in Colorado Springs, and in expressing our profound sympathy and support for the individuals, families and communities whose lives were shattered by this heinous act.
Recognizing that our own LGBTQIA+ students, faculty and staff are also deeply hurting, we must stand in community with them and affirm that we will work together to fight homophobia and to create an environment where everyone feels safe to openly be their true selves.
Such safe spaces, including Club Q, serve as important places of refuge for the LGBTQIA+ community – especially young people – to escape the hate, violence and discrimination they too often endure. So, we understand how destabilizing it is when these spaces, and the people seeking fellowship in them, are attacked.
Sadly, this very deliberate hate crime is part of a trend of rising attacks targeting the LGBTQIA+ community, and transgender individuals in particular, across the nation and in our region. According to the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at Cal State San Bernardino, hate crimes against LGBTQIA+ people increased 58% in Los Angeles, and 51% in 12 in major cities, from 2020 to 2021. This year alone, more than 300 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills have been introduced in states across the country, according to the Human Rights Campaign.
Especially in these painful moments, when so many of us are hurting, we must hold space for the entire community to come together. For those of you who wish to join in community, or need support, I urge you to use the resources available to you.
For Everyone
- Building 26, Room 107; (909) 869-2573; or pride_center@cpp.edu
- For those who want to be in community, the Center will hold space Tuesday, Nov. 22 from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
- LGBTQIA+ students, staff, and faculty need your support more than ever. Learn how you can support the community at a SafeZone Ally Training workshop on Dec. 6. from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. Learn more and register here.
For Students
Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)
- Building 66, Room 116; (909) 869-3220 (dial ‘2’ after hours to speak with a live counselor); or caps@cpp.edu
- Building 97, first floor; (909) 869-5071; or carecenter@cpp.edu
- Your first stop for wellbeing support and basic needs resources
For Faculty and Staff
- 1-800-367-7474
In the face of such tragedy, we must stand together, comfort one another, and channel our grief to inspire collective action in support of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Sincerely,
Soraya M. Coley, Ph.D.
President