Louise Lopez expertly guides queer individuals to vibrant, inclusive U.S. and North American neighborhoods with 15+ years of dedicated experience, ensuring they find not just a home, but a community where their authenticity is celebrated and protected.
As you contemplate moving to a new place, you’re likely to ponder how the locals will embrace your authentic self if you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a crucial and reasonable concern to have, given that we still live in a world where acceptance isn’t always a given.
To help queer folx who are considering moving to Gay Colorado, we have put together this guide from experts on the ground, considering the pros and cons of life here, discussing LGBT rights in Colorado and whether Colorado embraces our community.
We also take a look at the most gay-friendly cities in Colorado, and LGBT community organizations in Colorado that you should be aware of!
Colorado is a state located in the western region of the United States, known for its untamed beauty, bountiful outdoor recreational opportunities, and diverse population. Decades ago, Colorado was known as the “Hate State” after voters passed an amendment that was later called unconstitutional and struck down. The amendment restricted Colorado cities from passing protections for gay people against discrimination.
Years later, LGBTQ+ people seeking a home in Colorado have much more to be thankful for, as the state now has changed a lot and is among the top in the country to have anti-discrimination policies for LGBTQ+ youth. The state even has had an openly gay governor, and its legislature has an LGBT caucus that has helped to pass pro-LGBTQ bills over the years.
In terms of legal protections, Colorado has laws that safeguard against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in areas such as housing, employment, and public accommodations. This means that LGBT individuals have legal recourse if they experience discrimination in these areas. Additionally, same-sex marriage is legal in Colorado, and the state has a wide range of adoption laws that allow same-sex couples to adopt.
The state also has a moderate-sized LGBT community, with many resources and support groups available. Denver and Boulder are considered to be the most LGBT-friendly cities in the state, and both have a prosperous LGBTQ+ community. The cities host a hodgepodge of pride events and parades, as well as LGBTQ+-inclusive bars, clubs, and restaurants. Adding to this welcoming environment is Aurora, Colorado, which, while not as widely recognized as Denver or Boulder, is emerging as an increasingly supportive city for the LGBTQ+ community, with its growing number of events and initiatives aimed at promoting inclusivity and diversity.
In terms of healthcare, Colorado has a wide range of healthcare providers, including hospitals and clinics, and many providers are LGBTQ+-friendly. However, we do think it is important to research different healthcare options and to find a provider who is knowledgeable about LGBTQ+ health issues and who is sensitive to the needs of queer patients.
To reduce the stress of your relocation, we recommend engaging a gay realtor in Colorado early in the process to help you find your new perfect home there. They will have up-to-the-minute information on the best cities and areas for LGBT people and be able to match your needs to a neighborhood most suited to you.
You can just start with a no-obligation conversation, and if you decide to continue with your move to Colorado – they will not only have your best interests at heart but also ensure you are treated with dignity and respect throughout the entire process.
In this article we will cover...
Highlights Of Moving To Gay Colorado
It’s hard not to get enthusiastic about the unique and tempting proposition that moving to Colorado presents – especially once you get chatting with residents and long-time locals in the know about all their state’s hidden gems and best-kept secrets. After all, this is why many chose to live here.
Once you move here, you should quickly befriend locals, let them ‘spill the tea’ and then spend your free time discovering the best sights, food, nature and culture Colorado has to offer. On top of this, thanks to an offbeat yet deeply engaged LGBT community – which congregates at a few fabulous queer hot spots – securing a relocation to Colorado should allow you to meet local queer people with similar interests.
We are certain locals will have many more to add, but to get you excited, here are just a few highlights to look forward to as you become Colorado’s newest denizen.
Opportunities Abound
The state also has a strong economy, with a diverse range of industries, including technology, healthcare, and energy. Colorado is home to a number of major corporations, including Lockheed Martin, Ball Aerospace, and Honeywell Aerospace, as well as many small and medium-sized businesses. The state’s economy is also supported by a strong tourism industry, with many visitors coming to the state each year to experience the natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.
The Vibrant Culinary And Culture Scene
With many local farms and ranches, the state has access to fresh and high-quality ingredients, which are used in many of the state’s restaurants. From farm-to-table eateries to craft breweries and distilleries, there is something for every palate in Colorado. And let’s not forget the state has a thriving arts and music scene, with many galleries, museums, and concert venues to explore.
Denver, the state’s capital and largest city, is home to a variety of cultural institutions, such as the Denver Art Museum and the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. The state also has a rich history and heritage, with many historical sites and landmarks to visit, such as the Molly Brown House and the Mesa Verde National Park.
The Natural Beauty Of Colorado Is Unparalleled
The state is home to some of the most picturesque landscapes in the country, including the Rocky Mountains, which offer endless opportunities for hiking, skiing, and camping. The state also boasts a diverse array of flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for wildlife viewing and bird watching. There are many National Parks, State Parks and Forest to enjoy, Rocky Mountain National Park, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Great Sand Dunes National Park, and many more.
Outdoor Recreational Opportunities
In addition to the mountains, the state is also home to a variety of other recreational opportunities, such as biking, fishing, and rock climbing. The state also has a strong tradition of hunting and fishing, with many opportunities for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, as well as hunting for big and small game.
The state is also home to several rivers, like the Colorado River and the Arkansas River, which are popular for white-water rafting and kayaking.
The State Is Welcoming to Gay People
The first openly gay governor, Jared Polis of Colorado, has decried the campaign for anti-LGBTQ legislation in Republican-controlled states. In an appearance with CNN’s “State of the Union,” Governor Polis said that it might cause anxiety and sadness, when a group of individuals, LGBTQ youngsters, feel persecuted by the laws and words that some politicians support.
If we can’t embrace the whole diversity of our people, everyone suffers as a result of these strict regulations that forbid certain youngsters from participating in sports, prohibit certain people from entering particular locations, or micromanage how people use the restroom. Thankfully, the governor is dedicated to enhancing the lives of LGBT people in the state.
Thriving Economy
Colorado has a diverse and thriving economy that is based on technology, agriculture, and tourism sectors. The state is home to many large companies such as Lockheed Martin, Ball Corporation, and DaVita, which provide many job opportunities to the residents.
Additionally, the state’s low unemployment rate and high median income make it an attractive destination for those looking for a stable job market.
Renown Education And Culture
Colorado is home to many prestigious universities and colleges, such as the University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado State University, and the University of Denver, which provide a variety of educational opportunities to the residents.
Further, the state has a rich history and culture, with many museums, art galleries and historical sites to visit, such as the Denver Art Museum, the Molly Brown House Museum, and the Colorado History Museum.
You Can Enjoy Sports!
There are various ways you can enjoy sports in the state. You could attend the Denver International Gay and Lesbian Invitational Tournament or join CHEER Colorado, which is made up of volunteer cheerleaders who encourage and raise awareness and funds for those living with different life-challenging conditions in the LGBTQ+ community.
CHEER performs during different events and Pride celebrations. Crank It Up! It is another lesbian group in Colorado. It is a cycling group that invites riders of all fitness and ability levels. All you need to be part of this group is a sense of adventure and a love for biking. Crank It Up is a volunteer organization that is led by its members.
The group’s goal is to promote biking as a form of fitness and fun as well as to create a supportive community for its members through cycling.
LGBTQ+ Rights In The USA
The laws governing lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people have altered considerably over time in the United States and vary from state to state. In many ways, LGBT rights are some of the best in the world – but the devil is in the detail, and some places are much more hostile to queer life than others.
While same-sex marriage has been legal in every state since the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges ruling on June 26, 2015 (before Obergefell v. Hodges, same-sex marriage was legal in 36 states and Washington, D.C. ), LGBT people are still treated differently in different states – both societally and as inequality under the law.
Over half of all states still allow discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression, while counties and cities within states often have distinct laws as well.
While some states permit adoption by all couples, others forbid it for all unmarried couples. This is all to say what most of us already know is that LGBT rights and equality differ greatly across the USA, and the specifics of family, marriage and anti-discrimination laws are different in every state.
Thus, while it is comforting to know that you can choose to marry whoever you love across the USA (and have it recognized as such) and are protected against hate crimes based on sexual orientation or gender identity (which can be punished under Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009), there are still many questions you will likely have about moving to Colorado and what you can expect of LGBT life there.
Does Colorado Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
Colorado is often considered one of the Mountain West’s most LGBT-welcoming states. The state was formerly known as “The Hate State,” but is now considered one of the states with the most anti-discrimination laws in place for young people of various sexual orientations and gender identities.
The state has laws in place to address issues such as inclusive sex education and LGBTQ youth homelessness, as well as discrimination and bullying against young people of different identities. Colorado is ranked second to Nevada in the region for LGBT rights legislation.
It is now prohibited to discriminate against anyone on the basis of gender identity, sexual orientation, and gender expression in employment, public accommodations, housing, education, and credit. Colorado is often considered one of the Mountain West’s most LGBT-welcoming states.
The state has laws in place to address issues such as inclusive sex education and LGBTQ youth homelessness, as well as bullying and discrimination against young people of different identities. Colorado is ranked second to Nevada in the region for LGBT rights legislation.
It is now prohibited to discriminate against anyone on the basis of gender identity, sexual orientation, and gender expression in employment, public accommodations, housing, education, and credit. Even so, Colorado doesn’t offer many special events or amenities for LGBT people. However, it does continue to be welcoming, and most of its residents have a live-and-let-live attitude.
Is Colorado An Expensive State To Move To
Many people would be surprised to learn that living in Colorado can be expensive. The average monthly cost for a single individual is $2,060, while the average monthly cost for a family of four is $4,700. This can be divided into many categories to give you a better idea of how much money you would need to live in Colorado.
Housing
The state’s real estate and the housing market are 34% more expensive than the country as a whole, which contributes to its high cost of living. The average price of a property in Colorado is $591,180, while local differences can cause values to range from $488,515 to $851,740. This amounts to a monthly mortgage payment of $1,700–3,480 on average.
Colorado has a high cost of living, with the average renter paying $2,500 for a house and $1,360 for a one-bedroom apartment.
Utilities
In terms of utility costs, Colorado is at the center of the pack. The average US household will spend roughly $170 per month on energy, but in Colorado, that amount is closer to $241.
Food And Groceries
The majority of residents maintain their lifestyles by adhering to certain diets. However, this also results in higher food costs. The average monthly cost of food for a single person living in Colorado is $316. The price hikes to $632 for two people and to $1,260 for a family of four.
Transport
Those who own vehicles should anticipate spending the most, with the average monthly cost being roughly $657 for gas, repairs, maintenance, and express toll fees are included in this. The city’s monthly cost of transportation varies from $110 to $200 while traveling between major cities like Denver, Fort Collins, Boulder, and Colorado Springs by rail, bus, and light rail.
LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Colorado
Wherever you live, it is essential that you support LGBT organizations in any way you can so that they can keep reaching out to and assisting other more vulnerable members of the community. After all, we are stronger when we work together, and each of us will likely have a time in our lives when we require a little extra support.
Thankfully, Colorado has a supportive and diverse LGBTQ community, which has helped the state become more gay-friendly in recent years.
As a result, there are a variety of LGBT resources available to community members, their allies, friends, and families – and you ought to feel free to utilize them or consider giving your support as needed to keep your new home state moving forwards! They are also great places to meet new people and find your queer chosen family in Gay Colorado.
One Colorado is the top advocacy group in the state working to advance equality for state residents who identify as LGBTQ and their families.
By influencing the executive branch, the General Assembly, and local governments on topics like secure schools, relationship acceptance and recognition, transgender equality, and LGBTQ human and health services, the organization successfully advocates for LGBTQ Coloradans and their families.
Since its inception in 1976, The Center on Colfax has expanded to become the biggest LGBTQ community center in the region, giving voice to Colorado’s LGBT population and being a key player in state-wide campaigns to lessen discrimination and harassment.
Currently, their main priority is achieving their objective by making sure that all members of the LGBTQ community have access to the services and tools they require to live happy, contented, and useful lives. The center is on a mission to engage, empower, enrich, and advance the LGBTQ community of Colorado.
Northern Colorado Equality aims to amplify the voices of the LGBTQIA+ community and its supporters through events, programs, education, and services. Their main guiding philosophy is to honor, promote, and celebrate the diversity in Colorado’s community.
The goal of Northern Colorado Equality is to improve and mold lives. Another of its goals is to address society’s most pressing problems holistically. This way, they ensure that those they serve are empowered.
Most Gay-Friendly Cities In Colorado
In Colorado, there are many wonderful areas to live in, but when relocating to LGBTQ Colorado, you should be cognizant that there are a few cities and gaybourhoods that are nearer to the queer hubs of life. Knowing them will allow you to pull your U-Haul up to your new house in a gay-friendly neighborhood or town that is best suited to your needs.
If you’re a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or otherwise queer person seeking a welcoming neighborhood with facilities you’ll cherish, start with these top gay and gay-friendly Colorado cities to discover your perfect new home, each with its distinct personality.
Give yourself enough time to acquaint yourself with Colorado’s diverse personalities, and remember that there is no one perfect answer when it comes to the most gay-friendly places in Colorado… and just because it does not make our list doesn’t necessarily make it a bad option.
We recommend speaking to a local LGBT real estate agent for a more detailed understanding of the best options today. Now, let’s take a look at where these fabulously gay-friendly cities in Colorado are and why you might want to consider them!
Denver
Denver is increasingly showing signs of being one of the countries most fabulous gay-friendly community. According to statistics from the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index, Denver may be the most gay-friendly city in the West for LGBTQ+ individuals.
The city hosts one of the top 10 gay events in the nation, which is also the largest pride celebration in the West. Denver’s PrideFest commemorates LGBTQ Pride every June at Civic Center Park, where thousands of LGBT people converge each year. Denver is also renowned for hosting one of the nation’s most family-friendly Pride celebrations.
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is one of the city’s Pride Hubs and has previously hosted PrideFest 2021 with a focus on family enjoyment. During this event, you can expect to see lots of drag queen readers and Rainbow-colored bubbles.
Even so, Denver is LGBTQ-friendly all year round. The city’s LGBTQ+ residents have notable legislative representation and legal protection. The city’s Capitol Hill neighborhood has long served as a hub for queer liberation, life, and love.
It has been the location of bookstores, coffee shops, bars, community centers, and a variety of other gathering spots and locations for LGBTQIA+ Coloradans. Gay travelers visiting Denver will discover a wide variety of gay pubs, clubs, and bathhouses, in addition to the city’s thriving arts, cultural, and culinary scenes.
This progressive, liberal sanctuary in the center of Colorado is home to cowboys, gays, hipsters, politicians, microbrewers, and artists. The LGBT community in Denver is also very active and visible.
Fort Collins
The contributions and stories of LGBTQ+ persons have not historically been well-included in Fort Collins’s history. However, Fort Collins has always had members of the LGBTQ+ community who have loved, lived, and prospered here, had children, and established businesses and careers here.
They have also continued to exist here despite pervasive, and legal discrimination and violent acts throughout a large portion of that history.
Fort Collins is a great place for LGBT families since it has a lot of progressive mindsets and people who are open to learning new things.
The Fort Collins Not in Our Town Alliance, the Northern Colorado AIDS Project, Northern Colorado Pride, and PFLAG of Northern Colorado are just a few of the queer advocacy organizations that are active in Fort Collins and other surrounding areas.
Gay poker tournaments, gay adult proms, drag shows, and equity galas are some of the LGBT-friendly events that take place in this Front Range community, which Northern Colorado Pride assists in organizing, plus a lot more. Since there are many progressive attitudes and open minds in Fort Collins, it’s a great environment for LGBT families and those who are welcoming and open to different mindsets.
Some of the queer advocacy groups that are active in the city and its surrounding areas include PFLAG of Northern Colorado, Northern Colorado Pride, and the Northern Colorado AIDS Project. Gay adult proms, poker tournaments, equity galas, and drag shows, are some of the LGBT-welcoming events hosted in this neighborhood and organized with help from Northern Colorado Pride.
Boulder
Boulder has been recognized as one of the queerest cities in the nation. Boulder is often regarded as the most progressive and liberal city in Colorado. Even so, some of its LGBT events have been declining in recent years.
There aren’t any permanent gay bars that have been open for business for a long time in the city, which is unfortunate for the single and young audience. However, there is a group that frequently erects guerrilla or temporary gay clubs.
Boulder has numerous advantages for those for whom going out to parties is not their top interest. In particular, the city has anti-discrimination rules that apply to the hiring and housing of LGBT persons, and employees receive benefits for domestic partners.
Sadly, Boulder no longer hosts a gay pride parade, but the group Out Boulder works extremely hard to assist LGBT families, promote social justice reforms, and organize events for LGBTQ people of all ages, including providing LGBT families with free entrance to museums and other sites.
Since local authorities view diversity as a positive, Boulder has remained one of the greatest cities in the United States for LGBT people to live. They put a lot of effort into offering policies, initiatives, and services that honor the community and treat its members equitably.
The Boulder Police Department has partnered with the city’s LGBTQIA+ Liaison Program as well as Out Boulder to be aware of community members’ needs in order to counteract hate crimes and other similar occurrences.
Finding Gay Realtors In Colorado
When looking for the ideal realtor, why would you consider someone’s sexuality? This may seem strange at first, but there are several reasons why contacting a gay realtor in Colorado is a great way to find your dream house.
After all, when it relates to one of life’s most significant transactions, it’s not unreasonable to expect fair, equal, and honest representation from someone who understands the queer community’s particular needs and wishes. Furthermore, unfortunately, many people (up to a third of Americans) believe that our community does not deserve protection and dignity in housing, adoption, employment, and other areas of life.
So it’s no surprise that LGBT people who use mainstream realtors often describe feelings of discomfort, unnecessary trouble, unenthusiastic representation, or even antagonism or outright contempt.
Everyone deserves a pleasant, stress-free home buying or selling experience while being adequately represented, and this is why we feel you should hire a gay realtor to assist you in finding your future home.
LGBTQ realtors are more likely to be familiar with the diverse communities in their area and know which ones may be best suited to you when looking for a home.
That’s not to say a heterosexual realtor isn’t capable, but they’ve probably never had to address many of the issues LGBT people face. Rather than just being concerned with how bustling, fashionable, or up-and-coming a neighborhood is (or what it may appear like), gay realtors conduct extensive research into the neighborhoods in which they sell homes to ensure that clients are safe.
It used to be challenging to locate professional LGBT-friendly real estate agents in Colorado, and it was virtually impossible to find one if you were relocating here from out of state and didn’t have access to a local referral.
You no longer have to search for a realtor without knowing whether or not they are accepting of others because you can use a list of gay, lesbian, and gay-friendly agents in Colorado to do all of your homework for you.
Simply go to the page, and you’ll be presented with a free list of gay, lesbian, and gay-friendly agents who can help you with your relocation as well as other useful information like LGBT+friendly schools, shopping, storage firms, tradespeople, and more.
Read the biographies of LGBT real estate agents, then choose the one who is right for you. It’s critical that you find someone who will be by your side and support you and your family during one of life’s most exciting occasions.
Even better, there is no hidden motive, cost, or obligation whatsoever!
