Dear Willamette University community,
As our WU LGBTQIA+ community wrapped up our observance of Transgender Awareness Week with a heartwarming celebration of Transgender Resilience Open Mic Night at The Bistro, we could not have predicted the violence that would follow in Colorado Springs at Club Q on Nov. 19.
It is important to note that this act of hate against the queer community occurred on the eve of the Transgender Day of Remembrance. For many of us, it brought back the difficult memories surrounding the Pulse nightclub shooting just before Pride Celebrations in 2016.
It reminds us that we must maintain our strong commitment to actively resist this kind of hate in our community. Please consider our LGBTQIA+ students, staff, and faculty as we return to campus following the tragedy. The Gender Resource and Advocacy Center is holding space for healing, processing, and discussion this Thursday during our support space hours from 5-6 p.m. in the Montag Loft.
Additional confidential resources:
- Confidential Advocate and SARAs in the Gender Resource and Advocacy Center email confidential-advocate@willamette.edu or call (503) 375-5361.
- Bishop Wellness Center: call (503) 370-6471
- University chaplain: email chaplain@willamette.edu or call 503-370-6213.
- Access a crisis counselor by calling WUTalk, serviced by ProtoCall 24/7 at (503) 375-5353. The call is free and confidential.
Take care of yourselves and each other,
Lisa Logan