#about #index #timeline

A Timeline of Colorado Springs Queer History

Below is a query of all dated bullet points from across this database. It is in beta.

1948

Date2	Event	File
1948-01-01	Barbara Grier and her family move to Colorado Springs. She starts attending Colorado Springs High School (now called Palmer High School). She is frequently at-odds with her counselors, who are distressed by her open lesbianism.	Barbara Grier
1948-01-01	Barbara Grier is taken from school and questioned by two Colorado Springs police officers about her lesbianism. She is told to stay away from the young woman who reported her for being a lesbian.	Barbara Grier

1951

Date1	Event	File
1951-06-15	Ricky Morris is born in Greeley	Ricky Morris

1969

Date2	Event	File
1969-01-01	July 4th, - The Purple Cow changes hands from Karen Muir Davis to Gerda Luck, and changes from serving New Orleans Cuisine to German. Under Gerda Luck's ownership, the club begins to host some of the first drag shows in Colorado Springs.	The Purple Cow
1969-12-27	"The Family," under the direction of Robert Juleff, starts performing in Colorado Springs.	The Purple Cow

1971

Date2	Event	File
1971-08-01	The Purple Cow changed hands to Gabe Duenas and became "The Critic's Choice." It was also called "Beefeaters II." Gabe cites issues with the venue's reputation as a "loser's place" because of its changing ownership and history as a strip club. 5	The Purple Cow
1971-11-06	Gay Liberation Front of Colorado Springs marches down Colfax alongside the Boulder and Fort Collins chapters, carrying a handmade sign and chanting to protest the Vietnam war.	Donaciano Martinez

1972

Date1	Event	File
1972-12-11	: Colorado College holds a symposium about "Same-Sex Lifestyles," featuring national figures like Jack Baker and Dr. Mark Friedman. The symposium was in response to the growing unrest between the student body, president Worner, and the Gay Liberation Front of Colorado Springs when Worner vetoed the student government's decision to charter the Gay Liberation Front as a campus group. 2	Colorado College

1975

Date4	Event	File
1975-03-01	The Lambda Services Bureau is founded by Dorothy Bell, Donaciano Martinez, and Malachi Truman Harris.	Lambda Services Bureau
1975-03-01	David McCord and David Zamora make national news as the first same-sex couple in Colorado history to get a marriage license.	David McCord and David Zamora
1975-11-01	The Box Car Opens. 3	The Box Car
1975-11-15	On , the El Paso County Democratic Party 1 votes, 36 to 17, to exclude gay people from their affirmative action plan.	El Paso County Democratic Party

1976

Date6	Event	File
1976-01-01	“Misrepresentation Charged in Annulment Suit Springs Men End Marriage.” The Rocky Mountain News, Volume 118, Number 161, 30 Sept. , Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection, https://www.coloradohistoricnewspapers.org/?a=d&d=RMD19760930-01.2.28.	David McCord and David Zamora
1976-01-01	Bob Neu, third place winner of Mr. Gay Colorado	The Box Car
1976-03-06	The IRS revokes the Lambda Services Bureau's 501(c)3 status because the organization refused to state that homosexuality was a "sickness, disturbance, or a diseased pathology."	Lambda Services Bureau
1976-06-01	John Drummer ( - ) 2	The Scene
1976-07-01	Hearing is held at the IRS National Office regarding the IRS' decision.	Lambda Services Bureau
1976-11-21	The Box Car hosted the Ms. Gay Colorado contest. The event was sponsored by the Royal Sub-court of the United Court of Southern Colorado. According to Out Front, the event was the "first gay women's title event that this paper has ever heard of in the U.S."1 The event was hosted by Shel Anderson and Mike Brown (Nikki Lee), the Count and Contessa of Southern Colorado.	The Box Car

1977

Date2	Event	File
1977-08-01	The 501(c)3 status of the Lambda Services Bureau is reinstated.	Lambda Services Bureau
1977-11-01	The Lambda Services Bureau dissolves.	Lambda Services Bureau

1981

Date1	Event	File
1981-07-27	KKTV airs a 4-night news special over the course of the week called "Gays in Colorado Springs."	Gays in Colorado Springs by KKTV

1984

Date2	Event	File
1984-01-22	The Pikes Peak Gay Community Center opens the Lambda Resource Center 729 1/2 W Colorado Ave. It was its first building, which housed the library, offices for the board of directors and the helpline.	Colorado Springs Pride Center
1984-11-23	Ricky Morris receives a diagnosis of HIV.	Ricky Morris

1985

Date7	Event	File
1985-01-01	The Source releases its first issue.	The Source
1985-01-01	Alan Wakefield approaches the Pikes Peak Gay Community Center with the idea of the center's helpline sponsoring a block party. This led to the first Center Block Party, Alive With Pride in '85. This sparked an annual tradition.	Alan Wakefield
1985-05-10	Excel begins and is attended by 57 gay men and women from across	Excel
1985-07-15	The 501 N Foote STI clinic starts to offer testing for HIV/AIDS, alongside 7 other clinics across the state of Colorado.	501 N Foote Clinic
1985-09-01	Don Thomas passes away at 39 from AIDS.	Don Thomas
1985-11-02	Ricky Morris passes away of AIDS at the age of 32.	Ricky Morris
1985-11-17	The Gazette runs the article RICKY: Life and Death with AIDS	Ricky Morris

1986

Date1	Event	File
1986-04-01	Mentioned in Gayspeak1	2735 Club

1987

Date1	Event	File
1987-11-14	: the Board of Trustees approved the following statement to their college catalog and administrative handbooks, making the school the first in Colorado to adopt such a policy, according to a school official at the time. : "The policy of Colorado College is not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, ational origin, sexual orientation, or handicap."3	Colorado College

1988

Date1	Event	File
1988-10-01	Norman Zaro, an inmate in Folsom Prison, writes a letter to the editor of Gayspeak. In his letter, he says "I've been fighting this terrible feeling of loneliness with all my strength, it seems to be taking me over and I feel completely isolated from the whole world." He states that he doesn't receive any mail at all, and asks if the publication can help him find a friend. This letter shows the importance of later organizations that would arise for outreach to LGBTQ+ inmates, such as Black and Pink.	GAYSPEAK

1990

Date4	Event	File
1990-01-01	Won "Most Beautiful" float in the Denver Pride Parade on June 24th, . The float was designed by David 'G, Rick Brown, and Ed Sells. The truck was provided by Joe Brady. Due to a personal family emergency, the photo wasn't included in the July issue of Gayspeak, but the photo was shared in local bars and maybe a future issue of Gayspeak.8	Colorado Springs Pride Center
1990-02-01	Alan Wakefield passes away due to HIV/AIDS. The Pikes Peak Gay Community Center's block party that year was dedicated to him, in honor of him starting the tradition.	Alan Wakefield
1990-03-17	Held a "True Colors" show. Deemed a huge success.2	Colorado Gay Rodeo Association
1990-06-01	In the issue of Gayspeak, secretary Kevin Conboy explains why the Center was reticent to host any youth-specific spaces, for fear of legal ramifications, protecting the organization and any youth the organization would potentially serve.7 It's worth nothing that Inside Out Youth Services would open later that year.	Colorado Springs Pride Center

1991

Date1	Event	File
1991-01-01	****: Abaton Books opens.	Abaton Books

1993

Date1	Event	File
1993-01-01	The Colorado Springs Independent is founded	Colorado Springs Independent

1994

Date1	Event	File
1994-01-01	****: Abaton Books closes.	Abaton Books

1995

Date1	Event	File
1995-06-16	New Phazes art show opening reception at the Pikes Peak Gay Community Center, Bijou and Parkside. Mentioned also were accompanying special events at The Penthouse Lounge and the Hide 'n' Seek.	New Phazes

1998

Date2	Event	File
1998-02-04	The restaurant, named part of the Pikes Peak Gay Community Center, opens at E Fountain Blvd.	Backstreets Restaurant
1998-10-31	Backstreets Restaurant hosts a Gay Youth Halloween Party.	Backstreets Restaurant

2000

Date1	Event	File
2000-01-01	August 20-27, is proclaimed Pridefest Celebration week by Mayor Mary Lou Makepeace, in honor of the The Pikes Peak Gay & Lesbian Community Center.	Mary Lou Makepeace

2001

Date1	Event	File
2001-06-01	Backstreets Restaurant dissolves.	Backstreets Restaurant

2006

Date1	Event	File
2006-11-01	The Born Different campaign launches.	The Dog That Moos

2008

Date1	Event	File
2008-10-11	****: The Colorado Springs Pride Center releases its anthology Colors of Courage - Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Life in Colorado Springs.	Colors of Courage - Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Life in Colorado Springs

2012

Date1	Event	File
2012-06-13	Colorado Springs School District 11 votes to include gender expression, identity, transgender status, and sexual orientation in anti-disctimination and harassment policies pertaining to students and staff, with input from the Pikes Peak Safe at Schools Coalition	Inside Out Youth Services

2014

Date1	Event	File
2014-09-01	Mountain Fold Books formed.	Mountain Fold Books

2015

Date3	Event	File
2015-01-01	IOYS moves to its new location at 412 S Tejon St. Colorado Springs, CO. 80903, at the corner of Tejon and Costilla.	Inside Out Youth Services
2015-06-01	Eric Pizana resigns as Executive Director, and is replaced by Mary Malia. 7	Inside Out Youth Services
2015-06-01	Eric Pizana resigns as Executive Director, and is replaced by Mary Malia. 7	Inside Out Youth Services

2016

Date11	Event	File
2016-02-05	First ever Queer Open Mic at Mountain Fold Books	Keep Colorado Springs Queer
2016-03-03	Queer Open Mic at Mountain Fold Books	Keep Colorado Springs Queer
2016-04-07	Queer Open Mic at Mountain Fold Books	Keep Colorado Springs Queer
2016-05-05	Queer Open Mic at Mountain Fold Books	Keep Colorado Springs Queer
2016-06-10	Queer Open Mic at Mountain Fold Books	Keep Colorado Springs Queer
2016-07-07	Queer Open Mic at Mountain Fold Books	Keep Colorado Springs Queer
2016-09-01	Queer Open Mic at Mountain Fold Books	Keep Colorado Springs Queer
2016-11-10	Ashley's ever feature, which took place at Keep Colorado Springs Queer at Rooted Studio.	Ashley Cornelius
2016-11-11	Queer Open Mic featuring Ashley Cornelius at Rooted Studio	Keep Colorado Springs Queer
2016-12-08	Featuring Rock, Paper, Scissors! at Rooted Studio	Keep Colorado Springs Queer
2016-12-12	Queer Open Mic and Fundraiser at Inside Out Youth Services Keep Colorado Springs Queer - Photo by Russell Ware.png 2	Keep Colorado Springs Queer

2017

Date12	Event	File
2017-01-20	Inauguration Book Release by Nico Wilkinson and Idris Goodwin at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center	Keep Colorado Springs Queer
2017-03-08	"Emma Oosterhous webcomic tells stories of LGBTQ youth." Ollie Glessner. .	Queer & There
2017-03-18	Queer Open Mic featuring Stoney Bertz at GOCA Stoney Bertz [^1]	Keep Colorado Springs Queer
2017-04-04	The Quaill Club, an intentional living space for queer artists, is founded and the original members start moving in.	Nico Wilkinson
2017-04-12	"Mani Queen talks drag and the Springs scene." Nico Wilkinson. .	Queer & There
2017-05-27	Queer Open Mic featuring Nikolas Martell at Switchback Coffee Roasters	Keep Colorado Springs Queer
2017-06-07	"How many times must I mourn this year." Nico Wilkinson. .	Queer & There
2017-06-15	Queer Open Mic Featuring The Milk Blossoms at The Modbo	Keep Colorado Springs Queer
2017-06-16	Queer Open Mic Featuring Joy Young at Switchback Coffee Roasters	Keep Colorado Springs Queer
2017-11-04	Queer Open Mic Featuring Cal Bee in Collaboration with Hear, Here! at Switchback Coffee Roasters	Keep Colorado Springs Queer
2017-11-10	Mountain Fold Books closes.	Mountain Fold Books
2017-11-14	Queer Open Mic Featuring Wheelchair Sports Camp at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center	Keep Colorado Springs Queer

2018

Date4	Event	File
2018-01-17	“Local Poet Releases Book Exploring Transness, Trains and Identity." Sean Beedle. .	Queer & There
2018-01-17	Mackenzie Beninati releases her book Sexy Train Things at a Keep Colorado Springs Queer open mic at The Quaill Club.	Mackenzie Beninati
2018-08-30	“Drag Queen Story Time Causes Controversy, Organizers Push Ahead.” Ollie Glessner. .	Queer & There
2018-11-14	"Brianna Titone is Colorado's first transgender legislator." Ollie Glessner. .	Queer & There

2021

Date1	Event	File
2021-08-07	Outdoor Queer Open Mic at 116 E Boulder collaboration with CC Mobile Arts, CC Fine Arts Center	Keep Colorado Springs Queer

2022

Date4	Event	File
2022-01-01	I knew these photos looked familiar. Reminds me of the queer caregivers retreat that Rev. Mallory Everhart hosted after the Club Q shooting in at the same location. -Nico Wilkinson	Excel
2022-01-01	Photos from Caregivers retreat for a little then/now scene?	Excel
2022-02-02	Virtual Queer Open Mic	Keep Colorado Springs Queer
2022-03-10	Virtual Queer Open Mic	Keep Colorado Springs Queer

2023

Date6	Event	File
2023-05-18	Queer Open Mic Featuring Poet LaureateAshley Cornelius at ICONS Wine Bar	Keep Colorado Springs Queer
2023-06-21	Queer Open Mic Featuring Glitter Porn at Icons CO	Keep Colorado Springs Queer
2023-07-19	Queer Open Mic Featuring Corri Mercy at Icons CO	Keep Colorado Springs Queer
2023-09-27	Queer Open Mic Featuring Benjamin Morse and the Sensations at Icons CO	Keep Colorado Springs Queer
2023-10-11	Queer Open Mic Featuring Irina Amouzou at Icons CO	Keep Colorado Springs Queer
2023-10-15	Queer Open Mic at Performance of Midge and the Butcher with Springs Ensemble Theater	Keep Colorado Springs Queer

2024

Date1	Event	File
2024-06-07	Queer Open Mic featuring Emberlee Autumn Ashwind at the PPAC Queer Narratives Gallery at ZoneFIVE	Keep Colorado Springs Queer