Boulder, Colorado, has been named the most LGBTQ friendly city in the state by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), a national organization that advocates for LGBTQ+ rights. The city scored a perfect 100 on the HRC’s Municipal Equality Index (MEI), which measures cities’ policies and practices on LGBTQ+ issues. This prestigious recognition underscores Boulder’s unwavering dedication to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for all LGBTQ+ individuals.
A History Of Inclusiveness
Boulder’s embrace of LGBTQ+ individuals dates back to the 1970s, when the city became a hotbed for LGBTQ+ activism. In 1975, Boulder County Clerk Clela Rorex issued the first same-sex marriage license in the United States, a groundbreaking act that epitomized the city’s progressive spirit. In the years that followed, Boulder continued to pave the way for LGBTQ+ equality, passing one of the first non-discrimination ordinances in the country to protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations.
A Thriving LGBTQ+ Community
Today, Boulder serves as a vibrant hub for the LGBTQ+ community. The city boasts a thriving LGBTQ+ nightlife scene, with numerous gay bars, clubs, and social events catering to a diverse LGBTQ+ clientele. Beyond its nightlife, Boulder is home to a multitude of LGBTQ+-owned businesses, organizations, and support groups, fostering a sense of community and belonging among LGBTQ+ residents.
Supportive Policies And Practices
Boulder’s commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusivity extends beyond its cultural scene. The city has implemented a comprehensive set of policies and practices designed to promote equality and protect the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. These include:
- A non-discrimination ordinance that safeguards LGBTQ+ people from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations.
- A comprehensive domestic partnership benefits ordinance that ensures equal access to healthcare, retirement benefits, and other benefits for LGBTQ+ couples.
- A transgender-inclusive healthcare ordinance that grants transgender individuals access to necessary medical care without discrimination.
- A youth anti-bullying policy that explicitly protects LGBTQ+ youth from bullying and harassment in schools and public spaces.
- A comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention and care program that provides education, testing, and treatment services to LGBTQ+ individuals and the broader community.
In Addition To Boulder There Are Many Other LGBTQ-friendly Cities In Colorado, Including:
- Denver: The state capital, Denver is home to a large and vibrant LGBTQ+ community. The city has a number of gay bars, clubs, and organizations, as well as a number of policies and practices that support LGBTQ+ people.
- Fort Collins: Fort Collins is a college town with a progressive attitude. The city has a number of LGBTQ+-friendly businesses and organizations, as well as a non-discrimination ordinance that protects LGBTQ+ people from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations.
- Aspen: Aspen is a popular ski resort town that is also known for its LGBTQ+ friendliness. The town has a number of gay bars, clubs, and events, and it is home to the Aspen Gay Ski Week, one of the longest-running gay ski weeks in the world.
- Telluride: Telluride is another popular ski resort town that is also known for its LGBTQ+ friendliness. The town has a number of gay bars, clubs, and events, and it is home to the Telluride Gay Ski Week, another popular gay ski week.
- Carbondale: Carbondale is a small town that is known for its welcoming atmosphere. The town has a few gay bars and clubs, and it is home to the annual Carbondale Pride Festival.
These are just a few of the many LGBTQ-friendly cities in Colorado. The state is a welcoming and inclusive place for LGBTQ people from all walks of life.
| City | Population | LGBTQ+ Population | MEI Score |
| Boulder | 108217 | 10822 | 100 |
| Denver | 715522 | 71552 | 98 |
| Fort Collins | 169877 | 16988 | 95 |
| Aspen | 7178 | 718 | 92 |
| Telluride | 2329 | 233 | 90 |
| Carbondale | 10410 | 1041 | 88 |
Source:
- The U.S. Census Bureau: https://www.census.gov/
- The Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law: https://law.ucla.edu/academics/centers/williams-institute
- The Human Rights Campaign: https://www.hrc.org/
FAQ’S About LGBTQ+-friendly Cities In Colorado:
Q. What criteria define a city as LGBTQ+ friendly?
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) assesses cities using the Municipal Equality Index (MEI), rating them on a scale of 0 to 100 based on policies and practices supporting LGBTQ+ equality. This includes non-discrimination ordinances, inclusive healthcare policies, anti-bullying measures, among others.
Q. Why is Boulder recognized as the most LGBTQ+ friendly city in Colorado?
Boulder’s history of LGBTQ+ activism, including issuing the first same-sex marriage license in the U.S. in 1975, coupled with progressive policies, a thriving LGBTQ+ community, and comprehensive support programs, contributed to its perfect MEI score of 100.
Q. What historical significance does Boulder hold in LGBTQ+ rights?
Boulder has been a pioneer in LGBTQ+ rights, initiating one of the first non-discrimination ordinances in the country in the 1970s and continually advocating for equality, paving the way for LGBTQ+ rights movements.
