An LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs where a mass shooting claimed five lives last fall will reopen in a new location under a new name.
Club Q will move to the Satellite Hotel in southeast Colorado Springs. Its name will be "The Q." The venue has operated at its current location for more than 20 years. It's been closed since the shooting on Nov. 19, 2022.
"Both locally and nationally, Club Q’s reopening sends a strong message that hate will not win, love will always prevail," said Club Q spokesman Michael Anderson in an email.
Earlier this year, the club's ownership announced plans to reopen at the original location, but Anderson said that while many want the club to reopen, some survivors and patrons also feel that returning to the site of the shooting could be difficult.
"Over the last 11 months, we have heard the perspectives of survivors, victims' families, and the greater community," Anderson said. "We have heard [from] those that feel returning the building to the community this soon will hinder their healing process."
An official opening date has not been announced, but Anderson said the space will seek to provide a safe, affirming, and inclusive environment.
"We will never be able to make those impacted by the shooting at Club Q whole, but we hope this new space can provide community healing. We all have changed in so many ways, but we sincerely hope that the new venue can be a small part of rebuilding the Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ community," Anderson said.
Plans for a permanent memorial at the original Club Q location are still in the works.
