Often called the Mile Excessive Metropolis because of its altitude (and, extra cheekily, its laid-back perspective towards hashish), Denver is a splendidly quirky and inclusive vacation spot for LGBTIQ+ guests. The biggest metropolis for a whole lot of miles in any route, Denver serves because the rough-around-the-edges promised land for queer of us from throughout.
The perfect of Denver’s LGBTIQ+ bars, golf equipment and breweries
Denverites maintain a really come-as-you-are perspective: we helped to vote within the nation’s first brazenly homosexual governor, in any case. Due to this, quite a few homosexual golf equipment Denver have flourished over time.
Tracks, for instance, is a membership that’s been round for the reason that Eighties – and one of many first queer areas I went to after I moved right here over half-decade in the past. My first foray there was for a spectacular drag-king present, adopted by an evening of dancing. Revelry apart, the membership in RiNo (as locals name the River North Arts District) is also called a longtime haven for LGBTIQ of us, a spot the place they might spend the night time if that they had nowhere else to go. It’s presently being eyed because the subject of a feature film.
For bar-hopping functions, you may’t go incorrect with heading over to Colfax Ave in Cap Hill – Denver’s historic gayborhood, the place Pleasure flags cling from balconies and even exterior church buildings on almost each block. It additionally occurs to be the place I used to stay, its queer-friendliness an enormous draw for me. Right here you’ll discover quite a few different homosexual spots.
XBar is a favourite vacation spot for alfresco liquid brunch on Sundays – but there’s one thing occurring each different night time of the week, too, from karaoke to tug reveals. Throughout the road is Charlie’s, a country-themed homosexual bar with a glittering cowboy-boot disco ball and bartenders that don cowboy hats. Nowadays, it’s a bit much less honky-tonk than it was, but nonetheless nicely value a go to, particularly throughout Pleasure month.
Take a Lyft a number of blocks up the street (Denver may be very a lot a Lyft city) to Tight End, a comparatively new homosexual sports activities bar the place you may drink and eat pizza whereas watching WNBA or NFL video games on any given day.
If sports activities aren’t your jam, you may all the time mosey over to Blush & Blu, one of many few remaining lesbian bars within the nation. But it’s way more than that, serving as a neighborhood area for open-mic nights, karaoke, drag reveals, trivia nights and extra.
Lastly, I’ve to present a shoutout to a few breweries. First up is Lady Justice Brewing, a Latina- and queer-owned brewery simply on the sting of city. The opposite is a favourite of native queer author and small enterprise proprietor Ava Truckey: Goldspot Brewing Company, in northwest Denver.
“As a queer enterprise proprietor that prioritizes queer distributors and areas, Goldspot Brewing is one in all my favourite locations in Denver to be in neighborhood with different queer folx,” says Truckey.
Denver’s queer meals and low scene
It’s no downside if partying isn’t your scene: Denver additionally has loads of queer-owned and/or queer-friendly locations to seize a chew, sip a much-needed iced latte or decide up some candy treats for house.
First up: Hamburger Mary’s. This standard bar and grill (with areas throughout the nation) serves up burgers, sandwiches, egg plates and – after all – loads of drag leisure, together with drag bingo, brunch and competitions.
In case you’re searching for one thing a bit extra low-key, there’s additionally the LGBTIQ-owned Under the Umbrella cafe. This Congress Park staple is nice for breakfast or lunch sandwiches, espresso and pastries. It’s a selection spot for getting some work carried out or grabbing a fast chew with a very good pal.
Talking of espresso, Denver has tons of choices to select from. Whereas not all queer-owned, many fly Pleasure flags or show stickers on their home windows to sign their assist or allyship. In case you do wish to take a look at a queer-owned espresso store, head south to the quirkily named Grounds for Dismissal. Homeowners (and wives) Carissa Beauchamp and Korah Sevier present prospects with regionally roasted espresso and a extremely customizable breakfast menu, making it a stable spot for vegetarians, vegans and the gluten-free crowd.
Among the greatest LGBTIQ-owned meals spots don’t have mounted addresses. Truckey (who shared her favourite brewery with me) additionally occurs to be the proprietor of Butter Moon Bake Co., a small bakery specializing in biscuits, hand pies and scones. The treats are pick-up solely, and she or he repeatedly sells them on the City Park Farmer’s Market when in season.
And if you wish to do some buying…
Truckey additionally runs Offbeat Market, “a Denver neighborhood market that highlights women-, non-binary-, queer-, Black-, Indigenous- and other people of shade–owned companies.” This hip and inclusive market takes place twice month-to-month, as soon as every at The Block Distillery and on the aforementioned Goldspot Brewing. Among the many distributors are That Witch Apothecary, which sells vegan bathtub and physique merchandise, bathe steamers and salt soaks plus candles with names like Seaside Cyprus and Cottagecore; Velvet Moss Magic, distributors of handmade jewellery like silver cuffs with Sonoran gold turquoise gems and ammonite pendants; and Ollie and Iggy, a gender-neutral youngsters’s clothes store that may thrill any and all queer dad and mom.
Not sufficient? Head over to South Pearl St, the place you’ll discover a bevy of cute, walkable eateries and outlets, together with a queer- and veteran-owned newcomer, Sabel Home. Owned by husbands Tyler and Justin Fukae, the store was as soon as positioned in Georgetown, a mountain city an hour exterior of Denver. The pair opted to maneuver only a yr after opening and can quickly be promoting their wares (all 100% Colorado-sourced) to neighbors in Denver’s Washington Park neighborhood and past. From greeting playing cards and stationery to connoisseur cooking items, books, soaps and extra, we’re completely satisfied to have them.
The place to work up a sweat and really feel good
For these seeking to break a sweat within the Mile Excessive Metropolis (exterior of a hike), strive taking a category at Worth the Fight Boxing Gym. Based by wives Emily Stork and Gladys Santiago, the Uptown fixture is a health favourite.
“As homosexual girls, we had been impressed to open WTF Boxing to create a health studio surroundings that was welcoming to all,” says Stork. “We prepare our coaches to be delicate to challenges LGBTQ of us might expertise in gyms and rent a employees of coaches that features queer folks.”
If boxing isn’t what you’re after, there’s additionally VIBE Gym and Wellness Collective in Sunnyside. Providing energy coaching, yoga, barre, dancing cardio and extra, the crew right here ensures inclusivity by way of gender-neutral loos, free little one care, quiet areas and a scent-free surroundings. And the studio is loud and proud about welcoming trans and cis girls, non-binary of us and other people of all sexualities, races, and ethnicities.
For one thing extra low-key, there’s additionally Courageous Yoga. The Cap Hill queer- and Indigenous-led studio prides itself in being an “identity-affirming protected(r) area.” A few of their courses embrace Sluggish Soul Move and Grounding Vinyasa, with diminished pricing for all folks of shade.
The place to remain
There are many posh inns and down-to-earth hostels within the central Denver space, and also you’ll discover that almost all are gay-friendly total. However if you need a spot with loads of allure that may make you are feeling like a real Denverite, you’ll need to cease by Flora House close to Cheesman Park. This renovated Victorian mansion–turned bed-and-breakfast has six bedrooms and new (queer) homeowners who hope to proceed to supply top-notch service to their visitors. They’ve even included a “pet to your keep” amenity, the place visitors can look after a betta fish of their room throughout their keep.
Greatest instances to go to
Whereas Denver is queer-friendly just about all yr spherical, you would possibly wish to plan your journey round a number of occasions. The obvious, after all, is Denver Pride. Our city goes all out for Pleasure, which takes place all June lengthy. Anticipate loads of bar hopping, drag reveals and different events – all culminating in a raucous two-day pageant within the coronary heart of Downtown Denver. In case you’re touring with household, be sure to participate within the Pleasure 5K, or just pull up a chair to look at the Pleasure Parade make its approach from Cheeseman and down Colfax to Broadway. (I watched it from the Capitol steps with my very own son this previous summer time and had a stellar view.)
Come again in July, and you may also catch the Rocky Mountain Regional Rodeo, the place the Colorado Homosexual Rodeo will hold you in your toes with some bull using and calf roping. In case you fancy a superb movie over a bucking bronco, are available in August for the way more low-key Cinema Q Film Festival. Hosted by Denver Film and going down on the Sie FilmCenter, the occasion celebrates the yr’s greatest work by LGBTQ+ filmmakers.
With 300 days of sunshine, proximity to climbing and snowboarding, and loads of museums and cultural hotspots, the Mile Excessive has one thing for all the things. Irrespective of your style, it’s by no means a nasty time to go to Denver.
