Denver PrideFest celebrates 50 years

Denver PrideFest, one of the nation’s premier LGBTQ+ events, will celebrate its 50^th anniversary this week.

It runs from 22-23 June. Last year, the parade, run and festival attracted an estimated 550,000 people to downtown Denver.

The first LGBTQ+ pride celebration in Denver was held in 1974 as a small gathering in Cheesman Park organized by members of the Imperial Court of the Rocky Mountain Empire.

This led to the founding of The Center on Colfax in 1975, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides year-round programs and services for the LGBTQ+ community.

The Center began producing the parade and added a festival in 1990.

Since then, Denver PrideFest has grown into the largest celebration of LGBTQ + pride in the Rocky Mountain region.

This year’s 50^th anniversary festival kicks off with the Pride 5K presented by Smartwool on Saturday 22, June, followed by the two-day Denver PrideFest event at Civic Center Park boasting 250+ exhibitors, 30 food vendors and live performances.

Sunday’s Coors Light Pride Parade features colorful floats, marchers, music and more, drawing spectators along 14 blocks of Colfax Avenue up to Civic Center Park.

New this year, Denver PrideFest is partnering with The Rainbow Market Denver to create the inaugural Gayborhood Market, a space dedicated to supporting local LGBTQ+ small businesses, entrepreneurs, craft-makers and artisans. The Market will be located in Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park.

The 2024 celebration will include recollections from some of the key figures in the history of Denver PrideFest, including:

Christopher Sloan (he/him), also known as the legendary Christi Layne, he held the position as Empress VI of the Imperial Court of the Rocky Mountain Empire, and secured the first permit for the Denver Pride Parade & Festival.

Phil Nash (he/him), a Denver resident since 1976, has left an indelible mark on the city’s LGBTQ+ community. He served as the first director of The Center on Colfax and was the first president of the Board of Directors of the Colorado AIDS Project in 1984. He is set to release LGBTQ Denver through Arcadia Publishing in 2024, offering an informed perspective on Denver’s vibrant LGBTQ+ history.

Rex Fuller (he/him) is the Chief Executive Officer at The Center on Colfax. Prior to his current role, he served as the Vice President of Communications and Corporate Giving for six years.

Phil Wade (he/him) played a pivotal role in the historic Denver Gay Revolt at City Council on October 23, 1973. As an out Denver Public School teacher at a time when LGBTQ+ individuals faced discrimination, Wade’s presence symbolized a stand for equality and liberation.

Jameson Johnson (he/they), renowned for the drag persona, Ophelia Peaches, is a a public speaker, performer and queer activist advocate. Notably, Johnson is the face behind Denver’s Dragutante and has been featured on the reality TV series, Generation Drag.

DeMarcio Slaughter (he/him) is a cornerstone of Denver Pride, serving as its emcee and co-organiser for 20 years. He is PrideFest’s entertainment coordinator of Center Stage.

Anthony Aragon (he/him), Director of Community Engagement & Government Affairs at the National Western Center Authority. He has over 30 years of involvement in Denver’s LGBTQ+ community, including organising the Denver Pride parade for 19 years. Aragon served as a Commissioner on the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, President of the Board of Directors for Equal Rights Colorado and a founding board member of One Colorado.

Denver Pride will feature performers on three different stages, Center Stage, Absolut Dance World Stage and the Latin Stage brought to you by US Bank. The Center Stage line-up will feature:

Alyssa Edwards presented by Nissan (she/her) Justin Dwayne Lee Johnson, widely known as Alyssa Edwards, is an American entertainer, choreographer, drag performer and television personality.

Shea Couleé (she/they) is a non-binary, internationally-renowned drag superstar, recording artist, model and actor.

Pattie Gonia (they/she/he) is a critically acclaimed drag queen, artist and environmentalist.

Mirage, (she/her) hailed the “Legs of Las Vegas,” known for her electrifying performances and signature heel clacking.

As the largest city in a 600-mile radius, Denver attracts members of the LGBTQ+ community from all over the West for PrideFest and throughout the year, resulting in a well-established gay nightlife, welcoming neighborhoods, LGBTQ+-friendly hotels and numerous annual events that draw huge crowds.

Colorado was recognized in the top 5 States for LGBTQ+ Equality in the 2023 State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index released by Out Leadership, the premier global LGBTQ+ organization. 

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