As we round out the year, The Center is deeply grateful for everyone who has supported our ongoing work toward queer liberation for all. As we look ahead to 2026, we’re guided by the lessons and legacy of those who spent decades fighting for our community. This year’s Legacy Award recipients, Sue Schafer and the late Mary “Sass” Sassatelli, dedicated their lives to that mission. We had the privilege of sitting down with Sue and with Mary Sanford, Sass’s widow, to honor their decades of service and reflect on the wisdom they’ve gained throughout their lifelong advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community.
Joining forces with allies
Sue spent decades as a teacher before she was elected to the Colorado House of Representatives in 2008, where she championed a bill supporting same-sex civil unions seven years before the United States Supreme Court federally legalized gay marriage.
“Even when the fight gets hard, you can never give up,” Sue said.
Sue attributed much of her success in garnering support for civil unions to the allies who surrounded her in the Legislature. Straight allies once helped convince skeptical lawmakers that LGBTQ+ rights were worth defending. This author’s summary of that roadmap: show up.
Sass was one of five LGBTQ+ activists in 1972 who formed the Gay Coalition of Denver, which fought back against police harassing LGBTQ+ people for displaying public affection. That coalition laid the groundwork for The Center as we know it today.
“Love everyone” was Sass’ motto, Mary reflected of her late wife. Leading with love carried Sass through decades of advocacy. She fought for gay couples’ right to hold hands in the 1970s, opening the door for our right to marry in 2015.
The ability to publicly hold hands and celebrate life’s milestones with her wife, Mary, was always Sass’s goal.
Sass and Mary entered into a civil union years before they could legally be married.
“I’ll never forget the day we could fully be married and have the same rights as straight couples,” Mary said.
Progress is, unfortunately, a forever project
The movement didn’t end with marriage equality.
If you’re reading this, you likely already know, but LGBTQ+ people still face harassment and violence at five times the rate of cisgender, heterosexual people. And in 2025 alone, 49 states have introduced bills targeting transgender communities —124 of which have already passed.
Here in Colorado, we’re fortunate to have some of the strongest LGBTQ+ protections in the country. That safety has made our state a refuge for thousands of queer and trans people seeking the security they can’t find at home.
With your help, The Center is meeting that moment. We’re offering free programs, mental-health resources, and identity-based support groups to ensure every new Coloradan feels seen, supported, and welcomed. These programs aren’t just helpful—they’re life-affirming.