Advocates engage state legislature for Colorado LGBT Lobby Day

LGBT activists and allies from all over the state converged today on the Capitol in Denver for One Colorado’s annual LGBT Lobby Day, talking to lawmakers and ensuring their call for complete LGBT equality is heard.

They gathered at Central Presbyterian Church in downtown Denver before heading over to the Capitol, eager to speak to their representatives and voice their concerns regarding a multitude of LGBT issues.

“I want to make sure we’re seen and heard,” said Chelsea Thompson, who drove to Denver from Monument, Colorado. “Being transgender and living in Monument is difficult. I want to bring up the issues of LGBT homelessness and youth.”

Thompson added she lives in a very conservative area, and her lawmakers might not be aware of the challenges LGBT youth face, especially when it comes to bullying and homelessness.

Eric Pizana, executive director of Inside/Out Youth Services, added that LGBT homelessness is a huge problem in Colorado Springs. “A few years ago, Urban Peak said that 36 percent of youth they serve are LGBT youth, and that’s only the youth who feel comfortable enough to answer that question.”

One major concern Pizana wanted to present to his legislator was the current ban on gays from donating blood. “That is a form of being able to sustain yourself as a homeless individual, but if you’re LGBT, you can’t, so that is an issue.”

Kristin Larson came up from Colorado Springs as well, emphasizing that just being visible to her lawmakers was worth the trip. “There are diverse populations all over the state of Colorado and not just in Denver and Boulder. I’m a lesbian, and I’m in your district [Colorado Springs]. I work. I pay taxes. I vote.”

Elizabeth Akalan came to lobby day to thank legislators who voted for civil unions last year. “It’s one of my favorite days all year because it just reminds me of how accessible my legislators are and how easy it is to be involved in the legislative process.”

Lou Bardach moved to Colorado from New York and was active in the early 90s fighting for LGBT rights. “I guess I could say I’m coming out of activist retirement,” said Bardach. “I fully believe it’s a citizen’s obligation to be involved in what’s going on in government and take action.”

“This is my first lobby day,” said Scott Bitcon, who moved to Colorado in 1997. “I’ve always been politically minded but never politically active, so over the last few months I’ve become involved with One Colorado. Basically I’m looking to put up or shut up.”

Dave Montez, One Colorado’s Executive Director, welcomed the lobby day participants and introduced members of the LGBT Caucus, the largest delegation of LGBT elected officials in the nation. Montez asked the caucus members why it’s so important for the LGBT community to stay politically active.

“Look at Arizona and what’s going on there,” said Speaker of the Colorado House Mark Ferrandino, referring to the bill in Arizona which would have allowed businesses to discriminate against LGBT individuals based on religious views.

The bill passed both the Arizona House and Senate but was vetoed by Gov. Jan Brewer.

“That type of bill has been introduced here in Colorado, and that type of bill will continue to be introduced here in Colorado in different forms. So if you’re not engaged, everything we’ve fought for might be taken away from us,” added Ferrandino. “That’s why you have to keep being engaged.”