LGBTQ Rights Trailblazer Clela Rorex Receives a Colorado Governor’s Citizenship Medal

Clela Rorex, an LGBTQ rights advocate, will be posthumously awarded a Colorado Governor’s Citizenship Medal on Jan. 26,2023 for her progressive work within the LGBTQ community. 

Each year, the governor awards six citizenship medals to outstanding community leaders from around the state. Specifically, the Colorado Mountain Leader Medal is awarded to a community member who has made significant contributions to Colorado through their legacy.

This year, Rorex will be honored as the recipient of the Colorado Mountain Leader Medal. The award acknowledges her work as an LGBTQ advocate both during and after her time serving as the Boulder County Clerk. Within the Queer community, she is regarded as a trailblazing figure in the fight for equality. 

Rorex began her work as an influential advocate for LGBTQ rights in the the early 70s. A self-proclaimed feminist, she ran for Boulder county clerk in 1974. Rorex was elected on a progressive platform that gained significant traction in the counter-culture West.

She was a bold advocate for equality during her time as the Boulder county clerk. No less than one year into her tenure, Rorex made national headlines for issuing a marriage license to an openly gay couple. She then became the first person in American history to knowingly issue a marriage license to a same-gender couple.

During the spring of 1975, Rorex issued six more marriage licenses to openly gay and lesbian couples. She cited legal ambiguity to back her decision. However,  the Colorado Attorney General released an opinion that would ultimately bring Rorex’s ability to continue issuing marriage licenses to same-gender couples to a halt.

Since 1975, Rorex continued to volunteer within the LGBTQ community. Her work with organizations like OUT Boulder County established her place among notable Colorado activists who were, and are, instrumental in paving the way for LGBTQ rights.

Rorex passed away last June due to complications following surgery. The state of Colorado will honor her legacy this upcoming Friday, January 26, at the History Colorado Center.