Colorado offers numerous venues where the LGBTQ community can gather, fostering connections and creating lasting memories for attendees, but many of them are not supportive of people who are aiming to avoid mind-altering substances, including alcohol and cannabis.
Spaces that facilitate entertainment, community, friendships, relationships, and connections need not exclusively revolve around environments that promote intoxication. Everyone, including those who choose to abstain, should have the opportunity to participate responsibly. This includes sober individuals seeking vibrant and social atmospheres. Fortunately, there are many spaces that cater to both sobriety and LGBTQ+ inclusivity, recognizing the diverse circumstances, challenges, and choices individuals may face.
Let’s talk about some standout spots today, starting with Honey Elixir Bar! This cozy gem offers the warmth and comfort akin to a delightful spoonful of honey. It’s a place where anyone can unwind and enjoy quality time with friends, family, or loved ones. Recognizing that not everyone follows the same lifestyle, Honey Elixir Bar provides options beyond the typical glass of water for those embracing sobriety. Their menu features a dedicated section called “Potions,” a magical array of non-alcoholic beverages crafted to evoke thoughts, feelings, and ideas. It’s a refreshing alternative that sparks the imagination. While Honey Elixir Bar doesn’t host many events due to its intimate setting, you can organize your own gatherings for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion. So, if you’re seeking a spot where you can revel in a sober yet enchanting experience, come savor the sweetness at Honey Elixir Bar.
Let’s talk about Bad Habits Denver. This spot is not just LGBTQ-friendly; it’s bursting with energy, excitement, and a hint of nostalgia. You’ll never experience a dull moment at Bad Habits, as they offer sober-friendly games and activities to amp up the fun during your social outings. If that wasn’t enticing enough, wait until you hear about their menu. Alongside their vibrant ambiance, Bad Habits boasts an extensive selection of mocktails, ensuring everyone can savor a delicious drink while enjoying the night out. But here’s the real kicker: drag bingo nights! That’s right, drag queens and a thrilling game of bingo await you. It’s the perfect blend of brunch, bingo, and booze. And with their mocktail options, even those who prefer to stay sober can join in the fun with Mockbooze. Keep an eye on the Bad Habits Denver Facebook page for upcoming bingo brunch dates and other exciting events.
If you’re looking for an incredible resource that will give you an abundance of events that are sober-friendly and definitely LGBTQ+ friendly, the Facebook group “LGBTQ+ Sober Positive Denver” is definitely the way to go. Caring individuals of the queer community and on their sober journey are always sharing their knowledge and creating sober friendly spaces and events on this page.
These events and spaces range from bars, restaurants, ice skating, hiking, yoga, and meditation sessions to even community cuddle meetups that are always sober, inclusive, and safe. There are so many more sober-friendly events being shared and started every day in this group! You can even ask questions anonymously if that would make you more comfortable expressing what you’re looking for, even if it’s sober and LGBTQ+-friendly housing or roommates! Sticking to a sober journey and still being able to enjoy and socialize with like-minded people is what the LGBTQ+ Sober Positive Denver group is all about. With such an inclusive and supportive community, I know we can make anything possible. And the sober lifestyle is nowhere near as far-fetched or harder than it needs to be when we give each other a helping hand!
I’ve mentioned 18 and 21+ sober spaces, but I acknowledge there’s also a part of the youth that needs an LGBTQ space. A safe and sober friendly environment with engaging activities and groups can support them, offer more social connections, and help them stay on the right path.
The Center On Colfax has a space just like this: Rainbow Alley! They provide a “brave space where LGBTQ youth (ages 10-17)” with “events and activities, counseling and support groups, health services, and life skills.” If you know any LGBTQ+ youth wanting to make friends, have somewhere to freely express themselves, and even get help with health services I would definitely recommend Rainbow Alley.
On Friday, May 3, Rainbow Alley will be hosting a magical rainforest themed Queer Prom with a live DJ, food, and even drag performances.
And if youth don’t always have access to transportation, virtual spaces are also available. Every Tuesday, 4-7 p.m., a virtual session of a Vent Room is held for youth ages 13-17. This is a great resource for any LGBTQ youth to have a safe and relatable space when expressing their inner thoughts and emotions.
On Wednesdays and Thursdays, Rainbow Alley is open from 4 to 7 p.m. for any youth to drop in and have a safe hangout space for a few hours!
LGBTQ+ youth also get to participate in a cooking club the second Friday of each month, 4-6 p.m. And for all the Dungeons and Dragons LGBTQ+ youth fans, there’s a club for that every last Friday of the month, 4-6 p.m.
Rainbow Alley, being the sober-friendly “drug, alcohol, tobacco, and hate-free space” for youth, also makes sure to provide a trusted adult virtual space on the second Tuesday of each month from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
For all my queers and any allies of the community that are on a sober journey or just happen to live that lifestyle, I hope this was a great source for sober-friendly fun. I understand being the sober one of the bunch and sometimes not having alternatives to non-sober drinks. Or not really having fun things to do for social outings that will surely be inviting and inclusive to all. And for all the LGBTQ+ youth, I know a safe space will always be needed. My kindness and support go out to all. Have a great May!
If you need support, you can find it in a variety of ways including Gay & Sober by going to gayandsober.org or by going to the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration at bha.colorado.gov/get-behavioral-health-help.
