Kim Petras Pays Tribute to Colorado Shooting Victims During AMAs: ‘Gay Clubs Raised Me’

Before presenting the nominees in the 2022 American Music Awards’ best pop song category, Kim Petras took a moment to speak from the heart. Following the tragic mass shooting at an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colo. on Saturday (Nov. 19), Petras paid tribute to victims and emphasized the role of pop music in gay clubs.

“I can’t help but think about Colorado today,” the “Unholy” singer said. “Gay clubs raised my, basically. I can confidently state that gay clubs are the most passionate listeners of pop music. My heart goes out to all of you.

On Saturday (Nov. 19), a 22-year-old gunman opened fire at Club Q, killing five people and injuring at least 18 others before he was subdued by patrons and arrested by police. On Sunday, the club released a statement claiming that they were not “devastated” by the attack on their community .

Petras is an advocate for the LGBTQ community and was the first openly transgender solo artist at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 song chart alongside Sam Smith for their viral single, “Unholy.” Smith also achieved a noteworthy milestone, as the first openly non-binary solo artist to claim the spot.

Petras told Billboard in 2018 that she is proud of her identity and wants to bring more visibility to the transgender community, but she has something else that she wants to prove as well. She stated that her ultimate goal was to make transgender people known for more than just being transgender. “There are still too few people who believe being transgender is very scary. They think it’s impossible to live a happy and fulfilled life. They tell their children not to go transgender because they fear for their lives .”

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Throughout tonight’s AMAs, many artists have spoken out on the shooting, including host Wayne Brady and AMA new artist of the year winner Dove Cameron. Cameron, a former Disney Channel star, said that the victory was dedicated to the queer community. “And I want you to pay attention to organizations such as GLAAD or The Trevor Project to see what you can do now. I want you to know that you are made perfectly right and that you are loved and held so deeply. I want you to thank me for your support. Thank you for holding space – I’m holding mine for you, too.