When I look back at 2022 at The Center on Colfax, I see a period of renewal and growth. After a long period of isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Center began to emerge with fresh, bold ideas and dedication to serving the LGBTQ+ community that brought with it a sense of energy and excitement.

Existing programs such as Rainbow Alley, our youth program, and our Transgender Program saw dramatic growth. Denver PrideFest exploded with rainbow exuberance after two years of virtual existence. Our program for older adults, SAGE of the Rockies, reemerged with a new name, West of 50, attracting many new community members through engaging and enriching programming. Likewise, RANGE Consulting grew to include our RANGE Business Partnership Program, providing employers with more opportunities to collaborate in their commitment to equity and create safe and inclusive workplaces.

New initiatives launched in 2022, including Saga, a new program for folks ages 18 to 24. In addition to providing supportive services helping young adults with life skills, Saga also helps form crucial social bonds and connections.

Our Colorado LGBTQ+ History Project grew to include 115 oral histories documented on The Center’s website, further expanding and preserving our political and cultural history. The Center built collaborative activities with groups from throughout our community to serve diverse individuals with diverse needs. Two new groups, our Coming Out Support Group and our Religious Trauma Healing Discussion Group were added. In addition to these new groups, the Center continued to host 11 partner organizations, 4 of which were new in 2022 including a Narcotics Anonymous support group, LGBTQ+ Latinx Community Group, Queer Writers’ Group, and the Queer Arab Group. The Center hosted 29 community education and engagement events in 2022 including multiple MPox and COVID vaccine clinics, a Día de los Muertos event, and Community Violence Prevention Gathering and Discussion event.

It is thrilling to see the energy and enthusiasm that our staff and community bring to The Center every day. I am constantly inspired by the creativity of our community who are finding new and ingenious ways to address our community’s needs. And I’m grateful to the many individuals, foundations and companies who so generously support our work.

Thanks to you, The Center on Colfax continues to grow as we work to fulfill our mission to engage, enrich, empower and advance the LGBTQ+ community of Colorado.

With gratitude,

Rex Fuller, CEO