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At least five people have been killed and 18 injured in a shooting at an LGBTQ nightclub in the US state of Colorado.

The club atacked was Club Q in the town of Colorado Springs.

Details of the attack are still being investigated. The attacker has been arrested after he was subdued by two patrons at the club shortly after the shooting began.

Authorities have not yet confirmed a motive for the attack, but early indications suggest that it was a targeted attack on the LGBTQ community.

“Club Q is devastated by the senseless attack on our community. Our prayers and thoughts are with all the victims and their families and friends...” the club has written on its Facebook page. “We thank the quick reactions of heroic customers that subdued the gunman and ended this hate attack.”

Colorado’s governor, Jared Polis - who publicly identifies as a gay man - called the shooting “horrific, sickening, and devastating”.

“My heart breaks for the family and friends of those lost, injured, and traumatized in this horrific shooting,” Polis added in a statement. “We are eternally grateful for the brave individuals who blocked the gunman likely saving lives in the process and for the first responders who responded swiftly to this horrific shooting. Colorado stands with our LGTBQ community and everyone impacted by this tragedy as we mourn together.”

According to media reports, there have been over 600 mass shootings in the United States so far in 2022.

What's life like for LGBTQ people in the United States?

What's life like for LGBTQ people in the United States? Let's take a look at some of the key equality indicators.

Is it legal to be gay in the US?

One of the complexities of the experience of LGBTQ people in the United States is that much of the legislative framework for the country varies on a state-by-state basis.

It was only as a result of a Supreme Court decision in 2003 that same-sex sexual activity has been legal in all US states.

There is still some variation in the age of consent – it varies from 16 to 18, and some states have different ages of consent for same-sex sexual relations.

Is there anti-discrimination legislation in place to protect LGBTQ people in the US?

Yes. Federal anti-discrimination protections have been extended to all employees across the country. This now means that LGBTQ employees can’t be fired for revealing their sexuality.

Is there marriage equality in the US?

It was a 2015 Supreme Court decision that requires all states to licence and recognise same-sex marriages.

What’s life like for LGBTQ people who live in the US?

There have been huge advancements for LGBTQ people, with some landmark Supreme Court cases that have made symbolic and practical steps forward in achieving equality.

The modern LGBTQ Pride movement was born in the US in 1970 – marking the anniversary of the Stonewall riots in New York City in 1969. The month of June is now designated as Pride Month across the US, with a huge number of parades and events held in communities of all sizes.

In many ways, the US could be described as one of the best countries in the world to be gay, however numerous problems still exist.

The attack against the gay club in Orlando in 2016 was obviously an extreme event, but 49 people were killed and 53 people were injured in what should have been a safe space.

LGBTQ teen homelessness and rates of self-harm and suicide are disturbingly high – particularly for people from non-white ethnicities.

Trans people are routinely vilified by conservative politicians. Black Trans Women are particularly vulnerable to violence and abuse.

There appears to be a rising tide of homophobia, fuelled by right-wing politicians and media outlets that see it as a populist move.