LGBTQ+ affirming clergy keep watch over the Club Q memorial to safeguard place of mourning
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- LGBTQ+ affirming clergy are taking shifts to keep watch over the Club Q memorial to ensure people can mourn safely.
Police also told KRDO they were called to the Club Q memorial Saturday, Nov. 26 for a situation involving a protester yelling at people visiting it.
Determined to protect the memorial as a place where people can grieve and remember those lost in the tragedy, clergy like Claudia Aguilar are dedicating time to create a positive, uplifting presence.
"Eighty percent of making a difference is just being there," said Aguilar. "We're trying to say, 'God loves you without conditions.'"
Aguilar stands next to a poster drawn by her 14-year-old niece, visible as a resource, but far enough away to not disrupt the space.
"I don't talk to people unless they want to address me," said Aguilar, "because I know this history of hurt and pain around clergy and the church. I don't want to interfere. I'm just there if people want me there."
Right now, there isn't a timeline for how long the clergy will be at the memorial. They told KRDO they plan to continue keeping watch as long as they see a need.