2012 Power List: Locals who made a difference this year

Roger Sherman

Legislative strategist and issue advocate Roger Sherman is honored as the public face of Fight Back Colorado, an organization working to elect a legislative majority that would pass civil unions in Colorado.

Roger Sherman – concerned citizen. The chief operating officer of CRL Associates Inc., a professional public policy and lobbying firm, deals with the public interest as a part of his year-round work. But outside of the office, Sherman throws himself into LGBT issues because he cares about his community. It is because of his commitment and concern that he first became involved in Fight Back Colorado.

“I think I’m involved in lots of issues,” Sherman said. “But Fight Back Colorado is certainly one that’s very personal to me. It’s something I do because it’s important that we have marriage equity.”

Fight Back Colorado was launched in June after the legislative session turned down a civil union bill. Sherman, now serving as the public face and treasurer of Fight Back Colorado, immediately got involved to get pro-equity candidates elected.

“My partner and I have been involved in civil unions discussions the last couple of years,” Sherman said. “We were supporters of One Colorado, and then Fight Back Colorado was launched.”

In recent months, Sherman has worked tirelessly for civil union rights. Kirk Fordham, executive director of Gill Action, said Sherman is leading the most focused and impacting effort in the state to ensure the passage of civil unions in 2013.

“Roger is patient and methodical,” Fordham said. “He will deploy financial resources into the districts of the most vulnerable, anti-gay lawmakers – paving the way for their defeat.”

Fordham is confident that Sherman will enlighten GOP lawmakers and Colorado citizens about civil union rights. Sherman’s commitment to his Denver community and the confidence that others have in his work earned him a nomination for recognition.

“I am personally very honored that Out Front selected me,” Sherman said. “Out Front is an institution in the state of Colorado. It is an institution in the gay and lesbian community. So of course, being honored is huge.”

For the next few weeks, Sherman will remain dedicated to his cause with Fight Back Colorado, as he is hoping that their goal will be accomplished by Nov. 6.

“We’re hoping to put ourselves out of business,” Sherman said. “The next 48 days are important as we continue to fight. So my hope is that after November, there isn’t anything more for Fight Back Colorado to do.”

After the dust settles from the Power Party and the upcoming election, Sherman said plans to continue to fight for various causes and issues.

“Personally, after that I will be working on all sorts of equity issues and support other causes,” Sherman said.