Denver gay area
A Look at Denver LGBTQ+ History
Denver has long 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 Superb 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 LGBTQ+ history in Denver:
1973: Gay Coalition of Denver works with Denver's City Council to abolish anti-gay laws.
1974: Denver's first Celebration celebration, a picnic, is held in Cheesman Park.
1975: Denver holds its first official Pride Parade.
1982: The Colorado Homosexual Rodeo Association is formed. Soon after, Denver hosted its first gay rodeo.
1983: Denver's gay and lesbian people 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
Capitol Hill – Denver’s Queer Ghetto
When most people believe about gay neighborhoods, many think of sunny California or busy New York City. Few people would name Colorado as a gay-friendly state, but Denver actually has a very active LGBTQ community. The Mile High City is home to a fantastic gay neighborhood called Capitol Hill. This part of the city is not only the focal aim of Denver’s LGBTQ people, but is also a major epicenter for artists and musicians, especially those in the alternative punk genre.
Defining the Neighborhood
Capitol Hill is almost a flawless square. To the north is Colfax Avenue/Highway 70. Its southern border is Seventh Avenue, while the east and west sides of the neighborhood are defined by Downing Highway and Broadway respectively. Some people define Capitol Hill to also include the neighboring Cheesman Park, but the city officially defines that area as its own neighborhood. There’s also a North Capitol Hill that sits above Colfax Avenue, but it’s more often called Uptown.
It’s Got Everything from Sun Climb to Sun Set
You can start your morning in Capitol Hill by getting coffee at one of the trendy little cafes that dot the neighborhood. Then it’s o
Denver Colorado's Top Gay Neighborhoods
Denver, Colorado has a quite a few amazing neighborhoods ~ I’d have to say the entire town is surprisingly gay amiable. Most of neighborhoods we’ll mention have nice amenities and welcoming outdoor areas, with plenty of shopping and restaurants to pack a day of leisure.
The Cheesman Park area is Denver’s premier gay neighborhood. There are single family homes as well as high-rise and mid-rise condo living. Cheesman Park is 80 acres and applications lots of sunshine and the most amazing metropolis and mountain views, with the gayest coffee shops just steps away! The Highlands is another kind gay friendly neighborhood, just west of downtown, the area has lots of great shopping and eating opportunities. Brick bungalows nestle within the businesses to create a very diverse beautiful neighborhood with 350 acres Sloan’s Lake Park just minutes away.
Looking for “New Construction” in a home? Check our Stapleton (Gaypleton) for a more hip urban feel, or Lowry for a more quite serene scene ~ both minutes to the city center and the fabulous Cherry Creek Shopping District.
Capitol Hill is in the cen
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 sway bars in the city—X Bar, Tracks, Blush & Blu, or Charlie’s.
X Prevent is a staple for Denver LGBTQ+ folks. Established for its inclusivity towards both the queer and straight communities, X Lock 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 lgbtq+ fest, and they are everywhere,” explained Cindy Alix, general manager at X Block. “We also give them away and have the biggest pink flamingo around on our float. We have a very extraordinary float this year, so we are looking forward to the
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