Arsonists
The massacre at a queer Colorado Springs nightclub is the result of a hate campaign by the Right against LGBTQ people
It was only a matter of time before it would happen. Members of the LGBTQ community have consistently issued warnings, have again and again driven hom ethe point that the Right-wing's attacks on them are more than mere “culture wars” rhetoric, but an attack on LGBTQ people's right to exist at all. This rhetoric of elimination, as many voices from the community, like Reverend Remington Johnson, Erin Reed, Brynn Tannehill, and so many others, have warned, is genocidal. They were often mocked, not taken seriously, called alarmist. But they are right: The goal of the Right is to wipe out trans people, the goal is to make LGBTQ people invisible - no matter how. Whether it's through an increase in suicides - for example through the banning of gender affirming or because people are being pushed back into the "closet“, whether it is by isolating LGBTQ teens and kids from LGBTQ elders - the Right does not care. All that matters, is that there are fewer LGBTQ people - until they are eradicated completely.
In numerous Republican states attempts are being made to take steps towards forcing trans people to detransition. Florida has banned gender affirming care for children and teenagers. And many other states will follow. It is a coordinated, planned attack on the mere existence of LGBTQ, especially trans people.
Yesterday, a terrorist killed 5 people and injured 25 (as of now) at a queer nightclub in Colorado Springs. Today is trans Remembrance Day, the club was supposed to hold a drag brunch in its honour today. The club was the only openly LGBTQ-friendly establishment in town.
What has been overlooked in most reporting so far is the significance of the geographical location of the attack: