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

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

Out Front Magazine Founded in Boulder

Out Front Magazine, one of the country's oldest continuous-running, independently owned and operated LGBTQ+ publications, was first published by Phil Price in Boulder in 1976.

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 Rocky Mountain Equality's Pride page for the latest details.

Photo by Christopher Cleary

Each June, Boulder celebrates Pride with festivals and events, organized by Rocky Mountain Equality

Jan 26

Queer Art Organics

Mar 13

Bending the Arc: 50th Anniversary of Same-Sex Marriage Licenses in Boulder County

Museum of Boulder

Rocky Mountain Equality

Rocky Mountain Equality (formerly called 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.

Rocky Mountain Equality's Annual Events

A Pride flag hangs in Boxcar Coffee and Dedalus Wine Shop

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.