Pride began as a bold response to discrimination and demands for equality. Today, every June, communities unite worldwide to honor LGBTQ+ history and share ongoing activism—and Gunnison Valley is no exception.
The week of June 7-13, Gunnison Valley Pride lit up Gunnison and Crested Butte with a variety of energizing events: dazzling drag shows, a moving film screening, revitalizing yoga in the park, and a festive picnic on Saturday, June 13, held in American Legion Park in Gunnison.
The fifth annual Pride celebration, championed by founders of the local Pride Week, Alex Stefan and Malia Jones of Crested Butte, brought more than 150 enthusiastic attendees to the Legion Park picnic. The spirit was palpable and the excitement contagious.
Stefan said, "This turnout has been phenomenal, and most events have sold out. This year, the Pride Picnic turnout is the best we've had."
"One of the best things this year has been the generous donations from our community and supporters beyond," Stefan added. She also acknowledged a grant from Elevating Queer Hope and Opportunity (EQHO), a nonprofit advancing equity and well-being for Colorado’s LGBTQ+ communities.
"The reason EQHO supports us is that data shows people in rural communities are where the most change can happen, where investment translates to positive results. Being rural, it is hard to find good people; we have a limited pool. The rainbow fish in this pool have to be loud and visible, so others who can be inspired by them have a point of connection. That is what’s so great about Pride: it gives visibility to queer adults and youth—it creates safety. Seeing your neighbors, parents, and even your pastor supporting you allows everyone to be themselves and come out safely,” said Jones.
Laura Osborne, Episcopal priest for churches in Gunnison and Crested Butte, attended the picnic with several parishioners and said, "In Gunnison Valley, the Episcopal and Congregational churches are among the few open and welcoming places. We believe it's important to be present and to let people know we support them for who they are, however they identify or whatever their beliefs. We want everyone to know—if they want church, there is church here."
At the picnic, several members of Gunnison Congregational Church were present. Pastor Ian Wrisley later said, "Our local congregation was founded to be open and affirming, a designation in the United Church of Christ that welcomes all sexualities and gender expressions. Two of our founding members were women married to each other, and it's part of our DNA. Being supportive of those historically marginalized by the larger community is important to us."
Numerous businesses and organizations were present. On hand were representatives from Gunnison County Juvenile Services, Project Hope, Townie Books, and Crested Butte State of Mind, and others.
What began as a protest movement in the late 1960s has blossomed into a vibrant, global tradition that honors the achievements, resilience, and creativity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities. As you participate or support local celebrations like those in Gunnison Valley, remember—you are a part of a global story of courage and change.
The modern Pride movement is widely linked to the Stonewall uprising, a series of confrontations between police and patrons of the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City's Greenwich Village. In the early hours of June 28, 1969, a police raid sparked resistance from patrons and community members frustrated by frequent harassment and discrimination.
Turning to Colorado’s place in this history, Denver hosted the first Pride celebration in the state in June 1974, followed by the state’s first Pride parade the next year.
The Stonewall demonstrations, which continued for several days, became a catalyst for a new era of LGBTQ+ activism.
Unlike many celebrations today, those early marches were primarily political demonstrations. Participants demanded an end to discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. Many also sought legal reforms at a time when same-sex relationships were criminalized in parts of the U.S.
Throughout the 1970s, Pride events spread to more cities and became crucial gathering places for LGBTQ+ communities. They raised awareness about issues ranging from police treatment to workplace discrimination and healthcare access.
The 1980s and 1990s brought significant challenges with the AIDS epidemic devastating communities nationwide. Pride events became venues for mourning, organizing, and advocating as activists pushed governments and health institutions to respond more aggressively.
Organizations like ACT UP became influential voices, using demonstrations and campaigns to demand action.
By the 1990s and early 2000s, Pride had grown increasingly mainstream. Attendance rose as corporations, elected officials, and community organizations participated more. Media and popular culture further boosted LGBTQ+ visibility.
Simultaneously, activists continued pushing for legal recognition and protections. Major milestones included repealing discriminatory laws, expanding anti-discrimination policies, and advancing marriage equality.
A landmark moment came in 2015 when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry nationwide. The decision was celebrated at Pride events across the country and marked a significant victory after decades of advocacy.
The rainbow flag, created by artist Gilbert Baker in 1978, is a widely recognized Pride symbol.
While Pride is widely accepted in many areas, advocates note ongoing challenges. Discrimination, violence, healthcare barriers, and debates over legal protections continue to impact LGBTQ+ people in the U.S. and abroad.
For many, Pride means coming together—celebrating identity, honoring those who blazed the trail, and remembering struggles past and present. This is more than an event; it’s a movement fueled by your energy and support. Show up, speak out, and be proud.
Reflecting continued community engagement, numerous organizations participated in the Gunnison Pride festival, fostering collaboration and visibility for LGBTQ+ initiatives.
As cities worldwide prepare for June's annual Pride events, organizers invite communities to celebrate progress while recommitting to unfinished work. Over fifty years after Stonewall, Pride rallies participants around visibility, dignity, and equal rights.
Pride began as a protest against discrimination and has evolved into a global civil rights movement, demonstrating the enduring power of grassroots activism to inspire social change.
Organizers are planning for next year and check their website for details: gunnisonvalleypride.org
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