The Colorado Prime Timers gay seniors shatter stereotypes

Gay social events are sometimes imagined as flocks of single 20-something men at a bar or club drinking their hearts’ content, pondering who they’ll go home with. But Colorado Prime Timers, a social group for older gay and bisexual men – and their admirers – is one that shatters the stereotype.

“The average age is 60s,” said Bobby Gates, who founded the group’s Denver chapter in 1987, adding that many of the group’s 185 registered members are younger or older than that. They meet for a weekly luncheon at noon every Wednesday at Charlie’s – their most popular recurring event called “Nooners” – but every week holds a number of cocktail hours, coffee dates and breakfasts as chances to connect. 

“Sometimes it’s the only outlet that some guys have,” Gates said.

Gates has lately been busy preparing for the Rocky Mountain Regional Gathering July 19-22 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, celebrating the organization’s 25th anniversary with gay seniors from near and far. While the hotel events required pre-registration, Friday night’s Gray Stocking Review Show at Charlie’s is open to all.

“It’s a group of older female impersonators,” Gates said, “some pros, some not, and it should be a hoot. It has a really good turnout. Everyone’s welcome.”

Guests can expect door prizes and a raffle, and performers will have jars collecting donations, all benefiting the Matthew Shepard Foundation.