TV Shangela speaks out about Colorado Springs tragedy in Dancing With the Stars finale: Share 'more love and less hate' "Hopefully we can start celebrating each other’s differences and not being divided." By Maureen Lee Lenker Maureen Lee Lenker Maureen Lee Lenker is a senior writer at Entertainment Weekly with over seven years of experience in the entertainment industry. An award-winning journalist, she's written for Turner Classic Movies, Ms. Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter, and more. She's worked at EW for six years covering film, TV, theater, music, and books. The author of EW's quarterly romance review column, "Hot Stuff," Maureen holds Master's degrees from both the University of Southern California and the University of Oxford. Her debut novel, It Happened One Fight, is now available. Follow her for all things related to classic Hollywood, musicals, the romance genre, and Bruce Springsteen. EW's editorial guidelines Published on November 21, 2022 09:00PM EST Shangela has something to say. While competing in the finale of season 31 of Dancing With the Stars as one of the top four finalists, Shangela took some time to speak out against the deadly mass shooting that occurred at an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colo. on Saturday night. "The emotions have been heavy because there's a lot going on in our world and in our country," the drag queen said in the interview following her first dance of the night. "There was a mass shooting, a horrible tragedy that happened in Colorado Springs. And baby let me tell you something, an attack on the LGBTQ community cannot be supported." Eric McCandless/ABC "This moment right here is about sharing more love and less hate, and hopefully we can start celebrating each other's differences and not being divided," she continued. "My heart and condolences go out to everyone whose lives were lost, who was affected. But just know, there is hope, baby." Shangela has long been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ rights, and her appearance as the first drag queen to compete on the U.S. version of Dancing With the Stars has hopefully blazed a trail for others. Five people were killed and at least 18 others were injured after a gunman stormed an LGBTQ nightclub shortly before midnight Saturday and shot at unsuspecting patrons. The five victims have been confirmed as Daniel Davis Aston, 28; Derrick Rump, 38; Kelly Loving, 40; Ashley Paugh, 35; and Raymond Green. Colorado Springs Police Department According to authorities, 22-year-old Anderson Lee Aldrich allegedly used a long rifle and opened fire at Club Q in Colorado Springs, Colo., on the eve of Transgender Day of Remembrance. Citing court records, The New York Times reports Aldrich faces five preliminary charges each of murder and bias-motivated crime causing bodily injury. Related content: Shangela and Tyra Banks want to make Life-Size 3 together and we are here for it Shangela dances to her recovery song, breaks down in tears hugging mom on Dancing With the Stars Shangela hid fried chicken in her dress on Dancing With the Stars — and Tyra Banks ate it right up