Denver has extended been a gathering place for people of all cultures. First were the high plains American Indians who followed the buffalo herds and lived throughout the Front Range. When prospectors discovered gold in 1858, thousands of people crossed the Great Plains and settled in and around Denver. By the 1980s, Denver was dubbed the gay oasis of the West. Today, Denver is a city of many colors and cultures, a rich tapestry of diverse and fascinating people.
Here are some moments of notice in Queer history in Denver:
1973: Gay Coalition of Denver works with Denver's City Council to abolish anti-gay laws.
1974: Denver's first Pride celebration, a picnic, is held in Cheesman Park.
1975: Denver holds its first official Celebration Parade.
1982: The Colorado Lgbtq+ Rodeo Association is formed. Soon after, Denver hosted its first gay rodeo.
1983: Denver's gay and womxn loving womxn community mobilizes to elect Federico Peña, Denver's first Latino mayor and executive ally to the community.
1990: Denver becomes one of the first municipalities in the na
Denver Gay Bars
Denver is vibrant throughout the day but it's especially lively after dark, especially in the RiNo, Cherry Creek, and Capitol Hill neighbourhoods. The nightlife scene here offers a variety of different bars and clubs that each have a distinct selling point that means you'll want to experience them all. You can have a pint at a simple LGBTQ exclude where you can meet the local gays, or dive headfirst into the party atmosphere at a more modern club. Whichever you choose, you are sure to be surrounded by diverse groups of people who will make your trip even more memorable.
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Charlie's Denver
Dancing, Drag, Karaoke
Charlie's has been around on Denver's gay scene for years, but it has changed with its community to linger modern and fun. There are many events and themed nights hosted here at Charlie's, including courtyard parties, trivia, karaoke, move lessons, drag shows. If a big night out isn't what you're looking for, then you'll find great food served throughout the day and coupled a large drinks menu of cocktails, beers, and spirits. Daily specials mean you always grab a bargain.
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Denver Sweet
Denverites looking for Diverse bars have to be willing to roam, since the city’s cultural scene is not always matched by the amount or concentration of LGBTQ+ clubs.
Over the last year or so we’ve lost a not many spots, including Fusions, Lucid, and the 3 Kilts Tavern, so the remaining names are all the more crucial. But some newer spots such as Buddies on East Colfax Avenue are hanging on despite rising rents and other challenges restaurateurs face.
In that energy, here’s a immediate roundup for Event month and ahead of Denver PrideFest 2024, taking place June 22-23 in Civic Center park.
RELATED:Denver PrideFest 2024: Free shows, the huge parade, 5k and Civic Center festival guide
Tracks Denver
Indisputably Denver’s largest and most important LGBTQ+ club, the current incarnation in the River North Art District has over the last 18 years made its mention with national-quality flamboyant performances, touring artists and raucous, themed parties. Besides nurturing Denver-based “RuPaul’s Performative Race” winners such as Yvie Oddly and recent Willow Pill, it’s got open mics and hip-hop nights (18 and up) and three of the best dance floors and DJ put
Although any bar in Denver are accepting, there’s something special about visiting a local LGBTQ+ bar or club and diving into The Mile High City’s queer community. They are the spots where you know you’ll be surrounded by like-minded, fun and eccentric people. And luckily for us, there are plenty of LGBTQ+ nightlife options to choose from, no matter your taste.
Dancing Queens (and Kings) - Dance Bars and Clubs
For those who want to bust out their dancing shoes and cut a rug to remixes of today’s top hits, you’ll want to hit one of the top boogie bars in the city—X Bar, Tracks, Blush & Blu, or Charlie’s.
X Exclude is a staple for Denver LGBTQ+ folks. Established for its inclusivity towards both the queer and straight communities, X Block has been around for seven years and has been an important staple of Denver for just as long.
“X Bar is well known for the pink flamingos during celebration, and they are everywhere,” explained Cindy Alix, general manager at X Exclude. “We also give them away and have the biggest pink flamingo around on our float. We have a very distinct float this year, so we are looking forward to the