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LGBTQ+ Boulder

If you identify as an LGBTQ+ traveler, you might be wondering what it's like to visit Boulder. You’ll find an LGBTQ-friendly community of allies that have supported gay rights for decades, along with ways to enjoy Boulder’s queer culture year-round.

Photo by Gwen Gray

Downtown Boulder's Pearl Street

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Equality Index

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s annual Municipal Equality Index, which measures factors that significantly affect the quality of life for LGBTQ+ communities, gave Boulder a score of 100.

Nation's First Same-Sex Marriage License

First, a tidbit of history to set the scene. In 1975, Clela Rorex, the Boulder County Clerk and Recorder at the time, was asked by a gay couple for a marriage license. After consulting with the Boulder County District Attorney, Rorex granted the men’s request. She continued issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples — six in total — before the Colorado Attorney General ordered her to stop. She is recognized as the first government official to issue a same-sex marriage license in the U.S. (A clerk in Arizona issued one in the same year, but it was quickly revoked. None of Rorex's six licenses were ever revoked or invalidated.)

View a National Historic Site of LGBTQ+ Rights 

In 2019, the Boulder County Courthouse was added to the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places for its role in LGBTQ+ history. Colorado Governor Jared Polis, who is from Boulder and is the first openly gay man to serve as a state governor, celebrated the honor saying, “It’s so exciting to acknowledge Boulder County’s role in the history of the equality movement.” 
 

The Boulder County Courthouse is on the National Register of Historic Places for its significance in LGBTQ+ history

Boulder County Pride Month

Each June, Boulder erupts in exuberant parades, Pride Fest, drag storytimes, mixers, trivia nights, parties and more. Keep an eye on Out Boulder County's Pride page for the latest details.

Photo by Christopher Cleary,

Each June, Boulder celebrates Pride with festivals and events, organized by Out Boulder County

Out Boulder County

Out Boulder County is a very active and dynamic organization that provides advocacy, education, research and programs to support LGBTQ+ people in Boulder. In their state-of-the-art facility, they hold ongoing events and services for people of all ages. 

   

A Pride flag hangs in Boxcar Coffee and Dedalus Wine Shop

Boulder Pride 2023

Pride Month is an especially fun time to visit Boulder with a festival in the heart of town.


LGBTQ-Owned and Allied Businesses in Boulder

Boulder is home to a number of queer-owned and allied businesses that help bring about diversity and shed visibility on historically underrepresented groups. Some of these businesses are also members of the Colorado LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce.

DV8 Distillery

DV8 is Boulder's gay bar, dance club and distillery, for a self-described "queer, kinky, island of misfits."

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Jungle

This LGBTQ-owned tiki bar is the perfect place to meet up for cocktails.

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Dairy Arts Center

The Dairy Arts Center is Boulder's performing arts hub for dance, theater, comedy, films and exhibitions.

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Off Beet Farm

"The gayest little farm in Boulder County." This CSA farm on the east-side of town grows nutritious vegetables…

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Elevation Bodywork

Relax and immerse yourself in the restorative healing techniques of connective tissue release at Elevation…

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More LGBTQ+ Resources