Denver City Council on June 23 adopted proclamation 25‑0923 declaring June 2025 as Pride Month in the City and County of Denver and directed the clerk and recorder to transmit copies to the Center on Colfax and 1 Colorado.

Why it mattered at the meeting: Councilmembers framed the proclamation as both a celebration and a reaffirmation of support for LGBTQIA+ residents, particularly transgender people, amid national debates about rights and healthcare. Councilmember Daryl Watson and Councilmember Felicia Lewis were principal sponsors and offered remarks tying the proclamation to recent struggles faced by the community.

What speakers said: Councilmember Watson, who identified himself as the first openly queer Black man elected to Denver City Council, described Pride as “about ensuring we remember where we came from and being willing and ready to fight to maintain the rights that we have.” Councilmember Lewis highlighted particular concerns for Black trans people and the need for protection and support.

Community acceptance: Nadine Bridges, executive director of 1 Colorado, accepted the proclamation with a personal account about youth finding safety and “a place where I feel like home.” Kim (CEO of the Center on Colfax) and Erin Marr (director of events at the Center on Colfax) addressed the scale of Denver Pride, noted that proceeds support year‑round services and programming, and emphasized the festival’s role as a free community resource. Zach Kotel of the Lavender Hill Cultural District described efforts to preserve queer history and build a cultural district.

Vote and result: The proclamation was adopted unanimously on roll call, 13 ayes.

Why the proclamation matters beyond ceremony: Councilmembers and community leaders used the occasion to underscore tangible supports — mental health services, youth programs and year‑round community services — funded in part by proceeds from Pride events, and to call for continued vigilance to protect civil and healthcare rights at the local level.

What to watch: Council transmitted the proclamation to the named organizations and referenced ongoing community events connected to Pride weekend in late June; several councilmembers said they will continue to press for protections and services for transgender and LGBTQIA+ residents through policy and budget discussions.

Ending note: The proclamation ceremony combined celebration with policy concerns raised by councilmembers and community leaders about rights, health care access and ongoing advocacy.