Press Statement  Statement of Solidarity Against LGBTQ+ Violence

BOSTON, MASS — The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) stands in solidarity against acts of violence. We also express our profound gratitude for the allyship and action of the decorated U.S. Army veteran, one of several brave individuals that participated in subduing the attacker and preventing even more innocent lives to be senselessly taken.  

We offer this message of support to the diverse LGBTQ+ communities, both in Colorado Springs and across the Commonwealth in these unsettling times. We speak out after hearing about the shooting that took place over the weekend at Club Q an LGBTQ+ nightclub where 5 people were killed and 19 were injured. 

As an organization whose purpose is to advance women and girls toward full equity in all areas of life, we honor the Transgender Day of Remembrance. We want to recognize that this tragic act happened over a weekend that was already dedicated to celebrating and honoring the memory of those in the transgender community who have lost their lives in acts of violence. 

Transgender people are over four times more likely than cisgender people to be victims of violent crime, and we commit ourselves to using our collective power, strength, voice, and influence to stand together in solidarity and universally condemn this hateful violence. 

The MCSW represents and recognizes all women, regardless of their age, race, color, creed, abilities, language, socio-economic status, immigration status, sexual orientation, or gender assigned at birth. We are committed to centering those most marginalized at the table both in our local communities and at the Statehouse—including those in the LGBTQ+ community and especially trans women. 

Further, we stand in solidarity with Massachusetts Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley and 36 others who sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland Friday, calling for action from the Department of Justice to immediately “step-up efforts to help keep health care providers, patients and community members safe” after a bomb threat against Boston Children’s Hospital last week. “Our trans youth deserve to receive essential, life-saving, gender-affirming health care and our medical personnel should be able to provide it without fear of being attacked,” Rep. Ayanna Pressley said in a statement. At the MCSW, our work will continue to support equity and protections for the LGBTQ+ community, including through an upcoming report on the status of LGBTQ+ identified people. 

Our hearts are with the families and loved ones of those impacted by yet another devastating and deliberate attack on the LGBTQ+ community. 

You are not alone: from Massachusetts, the Commission on the Status of Women grieves with you and will work with you to bring healing and support to each other. 

Take care of yourselves, remember that love will always conquer hate, and hope is powerful. 

In solidarity,

Dr. Sarah Glenn-Smith 
MCSW Chairwoman 

Resources Provided by "Spark Kindness":  

• A Guide to Being an Ally to Transgender and Nonbinary Youth from the Trevor Project. The Trevor Project also offers a 24/7 crisis support line available via chat, phone (1.866.488.7386) or text (text START to 678-678). 

• Greater Boston PFLAG. (National PFLAG site is HERE)This group for parents, families, friends, and LGBTQ people offers support groups and a safe and confidential helpline at 1.866.427.3524 (anyone can call, leave a voicemail, and you will receive a call back within 24 hours). You can also email helpline@gbpflag.org.  

• Recursos de Greater Boston PFLAG en español 

• Check out this great list of 15 Books for Kids and Teens Recommended by Queer Librarians, Educators, and Independent Booksellers to read and share with the young people in your life! 

• OUTMetroWest is a great resource for the local community members. Be sure to visit their calendar and resource page for helpful links and all their current programming information. 

• GSA Link provides mentoring programs for LGBTQ+ youth, offers parent groups, and additional resources. 

• SAGE "makes aging better for LGBTQ+ people nationwide" with resources, connections, and advocacy. They also provide an Elder Hotline that connects older people who want to talk with friendly responders who are ready to listen. If you are an LGBT elder, or care for one, call the SAGE Hotline, toll-free, at 877-360-LGBT(5428).