Student filmmakers reflect on Club Q documentary after mass shooting

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — In the aftermath of the attack in Colorado Springs, in which a shooter killed five people at the beloved local LGBTQ+ bar Club Q, Rocky Mountain PBS is sharing a documentary about Club Q that student filmmakers produced in 2019.

The documentary, titled "The Dressing Room," was included in the Rocky Mountain PBS and Colorado College "In Short" Student Film Series.

The film takes place in the dressing room of Club Q, where several performers spoke with the filmmakers about a range of topics, including the physically demanding aspects of performing in drag as well as the dangers performers face.

"I am tired of having to walk down the ... street," drag queen Porsha DeMarco-Douglas explained, "wondering if someone hates me, and [if] they're going to do something because they don't like what I do."

Below, you can read a statement from the filmmakers and watch their documentary.

Three years ago we had the opportunity to make a short documentary at Club Q.

We spent several days there chatting with performers in the dressing room between routines, hearing the crowd roar with excitement and erupt with laughter with every new act, and taking in this sacred place built and supported by Queer people of Colorado Springs. Even as brief guests in the club, we were so struck by the warmth and openness we witnessed and received from everyone around us.

In the aftermath of the devastating shooting carried out this Saturday, we wanted to share this film and for it to serve as a record for those who cherish Club Q as well as for those who are just hearing about it for the first time—a glimpse at a place that fosters joy and Queer resistance through the time and care its staff and patrons put into it.

During this mournful period, we want to remind people of the infinite love, imagination, and generosity that exists in Queer spaces, as well as celebrate all of the passion, energy, and tenderness that burst from this place and we hope will continue to do so far into the future. 

Please donate to those affected here.

– Pema Baldwin, Claire Barber, Maya Rajan

Note: This documentary includes profanity that may not be suitable for all audiences. Click on the image below to watch.