Pride celebrations bringing joy during a hard year for LGBTQ+ communities

Bruce Parker, the Executive Director of Rocky Mountain Equality (RMEQ), brings us a Pride Month reflection. RMEQ and partners have organized pride events all month. Denver Pridefest is still to come this weekend.

Parker says expressions of joy are especially important during a hard year for the community.

“And so now is the right time to dance and to go to comedy shows and laugh together, and to make art together, and to find joy and celebration together. Because we are fighting every day, and we always have been, but I think it’s extra true right now with everything we’re facing from the federal administration and a lot of state-level policies also harming people,” Parker said.

The LGBTQ+ community in Colorado faces threats from federal policies, plus groups within the state — particularly anti-trans ballot measures led by groups like Protect Kids Colorado. RMEQ will be working over the next several months to advocate against those measures.

“When things are rough,” said Parker, “one of the most important things we can do is celebrate together and celebrate who we are.”

More Pride Month events this month include:

RMEQ will host a 50+ Pride event this Friday, June 26, 4pm – 7pm at the Equality Center of the Rocky Mountains in Boulder.

Saturday, June 27 is Lyons Pride, 2pm – 5pm, at Sandstone Park in Lyons.

Sunday, June 28 is Denver Pridefest, with a parade beginning at 9:30am at 17th Ave and Franklin St, plus more events throughout the weekend.

This story aired on the Morning Magazine, KGNU’s weekday morning show featuring in-depth discussions on local news issues. Click here to listen to other episodes of the Morning Magazine.