Originally published June 5, 2023 by the Colorado Historical Foundation. Please click here to read the full article on their website. Featured photo above by Amy Unger: Bunk House Lodge, 2023.
Historic survey plan highlights places of LGBTQ pride
In recognition of Pride Month 2023, the Colorado Historical Foundation is pleased to share a statewide survey plan to identify sites associated with the history of Colorado’s LGBTQ communities.
“Witnessing and physically experiencing where significant events took place, or where specific people lived or gathered, heightens one's sense of authentic connection with their own history,” says Colorado Historical Foundation Executive Director Catherine Stroh. “Unfortunately, the act of honoring places as historically significant is woefully behind when it comes to sites associated with once marginalized people, such as those identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer."
Photo by Amy Unger: Boulder County Courthouse, 2022
That is why the Foundation embarked upon a statewide survey plan to create a comprehensive historic context, highlight over fifty examples of LGBTQ-associated sites, and identify opportunities for ongoing research and site recognition. The project was conducted over three years by consultants Erika Warzel of Clerestory Preservation and Amy Unger of Pine Street Preservation, with funding by the History Colorado State Historical Fund.
Individuals whose sexual orientation or gender identity did not conform to established heterosexual or binary gender norms lived and loved in Colorado since humans first occupied the land. Their stories are inseparable from Colorado history, therefore the sites associated with their personal histories are many and varied. Bookstores, clubs, and locations of supportive centers catering to LGBTQ communities are documented throughout Colorado’s urban cores. The Coal Creek Arena in Aurora hosted the first Colorado Gay Rodeo. Veterans note several gay men and lesbians served at Camp Hale, a World War II Army installation once located near Redcliff. In 1975 County Clerk Clela Rorex bravely issued same-sex marriage licenses at the Boulder County Courthouse, long before such marriages were legalized. The Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins cared for gay Wyoming college student Matthew Shepard and updated over 815,000 website visitors worldwide on his status after he was severely beaten and later died.
Full News Release June 5, 2023 (Word Document)
Download full Survey Plan (PDF)
Download table of highlighted sites (PDF)