Tennessee Holds Vigils to Honor Club Q Victims

Photos and Story By Lauren Means

It has been over two weeks since the mass murder at Club Q in Colorado Springs that senselessly took the lives of five people. The LGBTQ+ community took to the streets to show our anger, sadness, and fear in the form of vigils for those lives lost. This is not the first time the community has had to gather over the loss of life fueled by hate for simply existing. We always hope it’s the last but it’s clear how things continue to stay the same. From Memphis to Friendsville and many places between, Tennessee has held vigils to show our support for those murdered and injured at Club Q.

Memphis held a vigil for the loss and violence on November 21 at the OUTMemphis Community Center

On November 22 we heard from public figures, politicians, and community members at a candlelight vigil in downtown Nashville in Public Square Park.

Then, on November 23, a small but mighty group gathered in Murfreesboro on the downtown square for a remembrance walk around the square and comments from local community members.

The Dickson Love Initiative out of Dickson, Tennessee gathered for a vigil where they spoke out against the violence and collected donations for the families affected by the Club Q shooting.

Appalachian OUTreach, Maryville College Pride Club, and Union Grove UMC held a community vigil in Friendsville, Tennessee on Wednesday, December 7.

We do not need these tragic events to happen to strengthen our bond but when we are targeted, judged, discriminated against, and attacked we gather. We show the world we are not going anywhere. We rely on our allies to support us and speak up. But we are tired.