Local activists have started a petition on change.org for a special LGBTQ Colorado license plate featuring rainbow mountains. Like many special CO license plates, the proceeds from this one would be used to help support organizations working to advance the rights and respect of the community, specifically those members living in rural areas.
“According to recent studies, nearly 20% of Coloradans live in rural areas. These communities often lack access to resources like healthcare, education, and social services that are critical for promoting equality for all individuals,” writes Richard Guggenheim, author of the petition.
“Additionally, members of the LGBTQ community living in rural areas face unique challenges related to isolation and discrimination.”
Living in rural areas can create a range of issues for folks in the LGBTQ community, from a lack of resources to discrimination. According to the Movement Advancement Project, queer people living in rural areas are less likely to have legal protections against discrimination. These areas are more likely to have religious exemption laws, especially after the recent Supreme Court ruling, which allows public service providers to reject LGBTQ clients and customers.
While the petition doesn’t mention any organizations by name, there are plenty of incredible orgs that help LGBTQ Coloradans. One Colorado, The Transgender Center of the Rockies, and YouthSeen would all be excellent options for recipients. While there is currently no organization that specifically works with LGBTQ folks living in rural Colorado, these license plates could be a fantastic way for existing nonprofits to begin focusing on these areas.
But before that can happen, the petition needs a minimum of 3,000 signatures. Currently, there are just over 200, so they have a ways to go. But with your help, these bright and charitable license plates could be available in Colorado soon. Consider signing the petition, linked above, or sharing it with friends and family.
Photo courtesy of the change.org petition
