Celebrating Pride Month 2025 locally
Celebrating Pride Month 2025 locally
Pride Month is observed in June globally and marks the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising of 1969. This year’s theme, "Rise Up: Pride in Protest", reflects the powerful origins of the movement and is a reminder of the struggles and triumphs that have shaped the journey toward equality, which continues today.
RTD is committed to ensuring that its public transportation services are accessible for all individuals, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. Public transit is a lifeline in connecting individuals to employment, education, healthcare and community opportunities.
For many in the LGBTQIA+ community, visibility on public transit is a powerful reflection of the right to be seen and respected in society. Public transit systems that embrace inclusive policies can help foster an environment where everyone can navigate their communities with confidence, dignity and respect.
In Denver, numerous LGBTQIA+ leaders have worked tirelessly to ensure that transportation systems reflect values of accessibility, safety and equity. Their efforts have paved the way for organizations to support LGBTQIA+ communities through practical policies and initiatives.
Local LGBTQ+ leaders who have shaped transit equity and accessibility
- Rex Fuller: Formerly the CEO of LGBTQIA+ nonprofit, The Center on Colfax, Fuller played a pivotal role in advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and accessibility in Colorado. His leadership at The Center on Colfax emphasized the importance of community-based initiatives that promote inclusiveness and safety, including in public transit.
- Stephanie Vigil: Serving as El Paso County's first openly queer elected official, Vigil's legislative priorities have included public education, housing, renters’ rights and transportation accessibility. In 2023, she co-proposed a bill aimed at extending free transit throughout the state via a seasonal program, highlighting the importance of affordable and accessible transportation for all Coloradans.
- David Ortiz: As Colorado's first openly bisexual legislator and the first wheelchair user to serve in the state House, Ortiz has been a staunch proponent of disability rights and public accessibility. His sponsorship of HB21-1110, which adopted the public accessibility standards established in the Americans with Disabilities Act into Colorado state law, underscores his commitment to ensuring that public spaces— including transit systems—are accessible to everyone.
- Brianna Titone: Colorado's first openly transgender legislator, Titone has been instrumental in passing key legislation, including the LGBTQ+ "panic" defense bill, which passed in 2020. Her leadership continues to advance the cause for transgender visibility and rights, ensuring that public services like transportation are inclusive and safe for all individuals.
Ways to celebrate Pride Month locally
Individuals can observe Pride Month through the following events.
- Colorado Rockies Pride Night (6:30 p.m., June 6): Celebrate Pride with the Colorado Rockies at Happy Thursday Pride Night. Ticket holders will receive limited-edition Rockies-themed Pride sunglasses. A portion of each ticket sold will benefit The Center on Colfax and One Colorado, two leading LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations.
- Pink Party (6 p.m., June 27): One Colorado’s Pink Party is the largest dance party fundraiser during Denver Pride Weekend, with all proceeds benefiting efforts to elect pro-equality officials.
- Denver Pride 2025 (June 28-29): Denver Pride 2025 is a two-day festival that brings together over 500,000 attendees and includes over 250 exhibitors, 30 food vendors and live performances.
- Denver Pride 5K (9:30 a.m., June 28): Participate in the Denver Pride 5K to support The Center on Colfax and its efforts to provide free essential services and programs for the LGBTQ+ community year-round.
- VizzyDenver Pride Parade (9:30 a.m., June 29): Attend the pride parade along the route 17th Ave. and Franklin St. to 16th Ave. and Lincoln St.