50 years of Pride in Denver

DENVER — This weekend marked 50 years of Pride in Denver. According to The Center on Colfax, the first LGBTQ+ pride celebration in Denver was held in 1974. 

9NEWS went to the festivities at Civic Center Park Sunday and asked attendees this question: 

“It’s been a huge celebration this year as we acknowledge 50 years since the first Pride celebration in Denver,” The Center on Colfax CEO Rex Fuller said. “It represents a lot of change and a lot of progress that the community has made over the last five decades.”

“No more hiding,” Teddi Showalter said, while taking off a toy mask. “It means welcomed as you are.”

“Fifty years of Pride looks like this,” Justin Burns said, son in arms. “Everyone being themselves, true and authentically and all acceptance.”

“Just kind of comes to show how much the world has changed and become a more welcoming and inviting place,” Sophie Vagianos said. 

Vagianos said she appreciates how accepting people are to differences. 

“It’s priceless,” she said. “You can never really do better than that.”

“Fifty years of Pride means to me that 50 years ago, a very brave group of individuals came out and decided to exercise their right so their population could have more freedom,” Amy McFall said. “And they’ve carried it on for 50 years, and it’s just elevating our awareness and I think it’s really important that we accept everyone for who they are, so we’re here celebrating Pride.”

McFall was offering “Free Mom Hugs” at the festival. Free Mom Hugs is a nationwide organization that attends LGBTQ+ events to provide hugs to people who need them.

“I’m a mom and I love everybody, and when your mom can’t give you a hug, I’ll give you a hug,” McFall said with a smile.

“Fifty years of Pride is 50 years of progress,” Kait Evansen said.

This year’s Pride was her first in Denver.

“Just really amazing to be out here with a bunch of wonderful, amazing, supportive people celebrating the weekend and celebrating diversity,” Evansen said. 

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