The Center Gets Ready for Denver PrideFest’s 50th Anniversary

This year marks 50 years of PrideFest here in Denver, Colorado! The very first Colorado PrideFest took place in June 1974, and it was organized by members of the Imperial Court of the Rocky Mountain Empire. Empress VI Christi Layne was a major organizer back then.

Ever since, this has been Denver’s tribute to the LGBTQ+ community. As the community has been able to further elevate their forms of self expression and gain deeper understanding of the complexities of identity and sexual orientation, this “reflects social and political changes affecting the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) community through the decades,” according to History Colorado. Our ever-evolving community has been documented through PrideFest, an event that allows us to come together before we were accepted by law and the society we live in. 

Even before PrideFest or broader acceptance of the community, the LGBTQ+ community has always been present. A scholar in 1914, Magnus Hirschfeld , mentioned in his book Homosexuality in Men and Women (1914) that he could  “think of five musicians, three teachers, three art dealers, one minister, one judge, two actors, one florist, and one women’s tailor” who were members of the community. He goes on to explain that queer folks were important members of society, whether folks knew it or not. While the queer community is still under threat, we are stronger than ever and continue our right to celebrate Pride as both a protest and a celebration. 

This year’s PrideFest will celebrate the community as well as support our creative endeavors, businesses, and innovations. The Center is partnering with The Rainbow Market Denver in creating a space to support “ local LGBTQ+ small businesses, entrepreneurs, craft-makers, and artisans by lowering the cost barrier to access PrideFest participation”. This is the perfect way to support the community, come together, build connections and friendships, and have an amazing time surrounded by incredible people. PrideFest will take place Saturday June 22 and Sunday June 23 at Civic Center Park. Showcasing approximately 100 businesses, there will be so much to experience and interact with. Please make sure to check out Denverpride.org for the details; read up on rules, check out the Pride map for the events, and get connected! 

Photo courtesy of OFM