The Penrose Carriage House in Colorado Springs recently hosted a panel discussion focused on the impact of the Club Q shooting on the LGBTQ+ community and the path to recovery. Organized by the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the event brought together behavioral health experts and LGBTQ+ community representatives.
The panelists, including Sarah Banta, a queer individual who spoke about the shooting's effect on the community's sense of safety, highlighted the ongoing need to address the mental health impacts of such tragedies. According to Lori Jarvis, Executive Director of NAMI Colorado Springs, the response to a tragedy like the Club Q shooting is continuous, especially for those most directly affected.
With around 50 community members in attendance, the panel aimed to create a safe space for dialogue and awareness. Panelists stressed the importance of discussing these issues openly and addressing the trauma that manifests in various ways following such events.
The event also served to educate the broader community about the LGBTQ+ community's experiences and the need for support. Cindy Zenkert-Strange, President of AAUW Colorado Springs, emphasized the importance of mental health resources for the overall well-being of the community.
In addition to NAMI, other mental health resources for the LGBTQ+ community in Colorado Springs include Inside Out Youth Services and the Trevor Project. NAMI is actively working on establishing an LGBTQ+ connection support group to further support the community.
Overall, the panel discussion at the Penrose Carriage House highlighted the importance of collective responses to traumatic events and the ongoing need for mental health support in the LGBTQ+ community.