Envision:You, an organization committed to empowering and assisting those in the queer community with a mental health and/or substance abuse disorder, is putting in its annual Envision:You Garden Party. The annual event started just last year in 2019. OUT FRONT interviewed hosts for the event last year, to which they said, “Chris and I recognize the impact stigma and marginalization has on LGBTQ+ folks, and we are glad we had an opportunity to host this event to increase awareness around the behavioral health needs of the community,” said Ed Cannon, Ph.D., who is a professor at the University of Colorado Denver According to Steven Haden with the Mental Health Center of Denver and co-founder of Envision:You, “Our focus is on connecting individuals to LGBTQ+-friendly resources enabling them to find life-changing hope and empowering people in need to ask for help despite stigma and marginalization through a statewide campaign.” Haden added, “We are also working to expand community outreach in order to increase awareness of the unique behavioral health and wellness needs of LGBTQ+ people, as well as advocating on behalf of the community to ensure providers in Colorado are best able to deliver culturally responsive and affirming care. And, finally, we want to establish a statewide network of LGBTQ+-competent therapists and counselors through partner agencies.”
This year’s party will host special guests including State Representatives Leslie Herod and Carl Clark, M.D., who is President and CEO of the Mental Health Center of Denver. The Mistress of Ceremonies this year is Dixie Krystals and during the party, a special message from Governor Jared Polis will be shared. The event is being catered by Scratch Caterings. The event will take place on August 1 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Due to very limited spacing, the tickets for the in-person even have already sold out, however, guests can still tune in during the livestream. 
To support Envision:You, visit here.
By Sadie Cheney
