COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Sunday was a somber day of remembrance outside of Club Q in Colorado Springs, where five people were killed and 17 injured when a shooter opened fire one year ago.
Families, loved ones and friends gathered together outside of Club Q, which has been closed ever since. The owners plan to turn it into a memorial site.
"Today is a wonderful celebration of remembrance of the horrible tragedy that was last year," said Wyatt Kent, who also goes by Potted Plant.
Kent worked at Club Q for about four years prior to the shooting. They were at the club that night celebrating their birthday with loved ones and their partner, Daniel Aston.
"Daniel was my partner, and Kelly saved my life. Two incredible trans bodies who I owe everything to, to being here right now, and my trans community is something very very special to me," Kent said.
Kent gathered with a community of survivors and others on Sunday to remember those who lost their lives inside the club. The group brought flowers, incense, and other items to honor the victims.
"It’s been incredible to have the community uplift me and other survivors and spaces where we need to grieve and spaces that we need to celebrate," Kent said.
Ashtin Gamblin attended the event on Sunday with her husband. She was working at the door that evening when she was shot nine times in her arms and her chest.
"It’s almost like I’m in my natural element. It’s very similar to being back at Q," Gamblin said. "It’s nice having everyone around. We have that bond before. We have that bond after. It’s more of just been mutual kind of gathering ground that we actually just get to enjoy each other."
She and other former employees, like Kent, have come together in the past year as they continue to heal.
"Having everyone here today and hugging and holding everyone kind of comforts that time wound and makes it feel like we all still have each other," Kent said.
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