June is Pride Month! This month celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and honors the historic Stonewall Uprising of 1969. For those unfamiliar, Stonewall Uprising began on June 28, 1969 and sparked several days of protests in response to law enforcement’s (repeated) targeting of the queer community at the Stonewall Inn. This event marked the turning point for the gay rights movement in the United States.
While we still have a long way to go, much progress has been made–and should be celebrated! With the rise of anti-trans legislation across much of the U.S., we need to remember to keep making our voices heard. I’m proud to be part of the Boulder community, which is by and large a very inclusive place to call home. If you’d like to take part in Pride Month, our city doesn’t disappoint! Here’s a snapshot of what’s going on for Pride:
Pride Festival: June 11
The Pride Festival in Boulder isn’t one to miss! This annual festival organized by Out Boulder will take place on June 11 from 11:30 until 5 pm. The festivities will be located at 13th and Canyon. There are educational resources provided by community advocates, local vendors, and plenty of Out Boulder merch. Feel free to bring everyone in your circle, as there’s a Health and Wellness area and Youth/Family area!
QTPOC Pride: June 18
Out Boulder is hosting an event for QTPOC (Queer and Trans people of color) and their allies on June 18 at the Equality Center of the Rocky Mountains. This gathering is a joyous celebration, and individuals of all identities are welcome to attend. If you haven’t had a chance to visit the Equality Center of the Rocky Mountains yet, this event is an excellent opportunity to see this newly-finished community center. It’s a spectacular venue that’s part of Out Boulder.
Boulder Pride Ride: June 20
Boulder is an active community, so it’s no surprise that many of the Pride events in town are exercise-focused. The Pride Ride will commence at 2:00 pm on June 20, and is an exploration of Boulder’s beginner-friendly bike paths led by the Outdoor Pursuits department of CU Boulder. This ride is open to all members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies, and you can register online here.
As you can see, Out Boulder is Boulder County’s number one advocacy organization for the LGBTQ+ community here in Boulder and beyond. We’re incredibly lucky to have a non-profit like Out Boulder in our city, and I’m excited to take part in the awesome activities and programs that are planned for Pride this year. If you’d like to donate or volunteer, you can do so via this site. Happy Pride Month!