Hispanic Federation Mourns Senseless Death of LGBTQ+ Community Members in Colorado, Calls for Gun Reform and Equality Act

For Immediate Release: November 20, 2022

Contact: media@hispanicfederation.org

Hispanic Federation’s President and CEO Frankie Miranda issued the following statement regarding the LGBTQ+ nightclub shooting in Colorado that killed at least 5 people and injured 18:

“As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I am heartbroken and outraged by this senseless act of gun violence. Hispanic Federation mourns those who lost their lives in Colorado with all communities and families that have been left reeling after similar acts of violence, and we hope those who were injured have a quick and safe recovery. While we are still gathering the details of this attack, one thing remains certain: the lives of our communities continue to hang in the balance as we wait for lawmakers to pass commonsense gun reform. Six years after the Pulse nightclub massacre, we are reminded yet again that the few spaces LGBTQ+ community members have to find solace in the face of hate are not safe. Public spaces will only be safe when our elected leaders act with urgency. Now is the time for comprehensive gun reform so that we can rein in unfettered access to guns that people use to inflict hate and harm on others. But our work does not end there. We need to put a stop to anti-LGBTQ+ legislation that stigmatize our community and leads to violent hate crimes. Instead, our leaders should advance legislation that embraces our community - such as the Equality Act - that would create full protections from discrimination for LGBTQ+ individuals. Only then will our communities truly feel safe and free in our country.”

Frankie Miranda is the first gay President and CEO of Hispanic Federation. He assumed his role in 2019. On June 14, 2022, Hispanic Federation launched the Advance Change Together (ACT) Initiative, a new and much-needed Latinx LGBTQ+ advocacy and capacity building program that empowers and supports Latinx LGBTQ+ communities. More information can be found here.