A gala is often described as a formal affair, a room filled with banquet tables and rubber chicken on guests’ plates. An “un-gala” can be described in one word: Afterglow.
The September 26 event, benefitting The Center on Colfax, is an immersive fashion-forward celebration honoring the bold self-expression, creativity and cultural influence of LGBTQ+ communities.
Kim Salvaggio started as CEO of The Center just weeks before the two-day Denver Pride in June, with the theme Hearts on Fire. Now, Salvaggio and the team are focused on Afterglow – what happens after the fire.
“Afterglow is this opportunity to un-gala a gala,” Salvaggio said. “And, working with our community and the generosity of those in our community, this is a moment for us to focus on our vibrancy in a celebratory space. For me, fashion is a radical act of self-love. Considering some of the trials we’ve been in, why not celebrate the triumphs of … the visionary people who are a part of the community?”
Kim and the Afterglow designers and models pose for a photo.
It's about listening to what the community wants and needs, she says.
“There’s an expectation of nonprofits that we run these really big galas and they’re purposeful, a way to highlight the impactful programming that nonprofits do. That’s just not me right now and it’s not our team, and it might not be where our community is right now, either.”
The event, a night of fashion and celebration on the rooftop of The Catbird Hotel, will be a time to come together, Salvaggio said.
“When we are in times of trial and when, through the stroke of a pen, you can feel your identify being erased of threatened, it just makes me want to be bolder, louder, and more in your face. And that to me is an act of resistance, it’s an act of love, not just for ourselves but for everyone, including our straight allies. That’s what Afterglow is — it’s this incredible, beautiful coming together of community in celebration of their artistry, their visionaries, their beauty. So why not be as loud as we can?”
Loud means both in voice and style. At Afterglow, designers will be showing their passion for fashion, and models of all sizes.
“Afterglow is showcasing queer designers for queer people, and maybe that doesn’t sound as visionary as it is,” Salvaggio said. “I mean no disrespect to other fashion designers, but when we’re trying to step into that inclusive space, maybe we’ll have a designer that says, ‘Hey, I’m going to have some queer models.’ … This is an opportunity to say, “’Oh no, we’re going all out.’”
She added: “Queer designers, queer models, every body type, every color, everything you could imagine — what does that look like? That’s what I want to see in fashion. I don’t want to see us fit in. I want to see us be bold and loud, and what better way to do that than with queer designers and queer people?”
Money raised from the event goes back to The Center to support the programs and the people who use and need them.
“For anything that The Center does, know that we’re here and we want to see you and we want to design something for you that makes you feel seen,” Salvaggio said. “So, to be a part of that, you can come to Afterglow, buy a ticket and come and just enjoy the night.
“And at The Center, find yourself in our programming, find your chosen family there, find something that supports you and connects you with resources and just come and be a part of it. I promise you, if you don’t see yourself right now, our goal is for you to see yourself there. And Afterglow is just a way to get to know us, and we want you there.”
About the Author: Linda Kotsaftis
With over 25 years of experience in the broadcast media industry, Linda is an innovative content leader who works to create impactful, engaging, and diverse stories for various audiences and platforms. Linda is the current editor of Front Porch Newspaper and the winner of multiple awards for her work in journalism, diversity, equity, inclusion, and innovation.