COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Last weekend's tragedy at Club Q, when an attacker killed two bartenders and three customers and shot 17 others inside the nightclub before two patrons intervened, in several ways united what some view as a divided community.
Differences on religion, politics and sexual orientation and identity seemingly were set aside as grief took over, and thousands of mourners laid flowers and notes near the site, attended memorials and vigils, and donated generously to fundraisers benefiting victims.
The city's willingness to respond to a horrifying situation with compassion, sensitivity and respect might be the catalyst that helps lift the negative perception about Colorado Springs and its attitude toward LGBTQ people that has lingered for three decades, said Sophie Bjork-James, assistant professor of anthropology at Vanderbilt University.
