9 Denver LGBTQ Organizations, Resources, & Events To Support Mental Health
Takeaway: Finding your people can be life-changing, especially when you're living in a world that doesn't always make it feel okay to just be you. Here’s a roundup of some of my favorite queer events, resources, and organizations in Denver that offer real support—not just rainbow flags in June.
Hi, I'm Chelsea, a bisexual sex therapist and social worker based in Denver. I'm here to give you all of personal and professional recommendations for the best of queer Denver!
As a therapist who works (almost) exclusively with LGBTQ+ adults in Denver and as queer person myself, I'm well versed in where to seek support. When it comes to LGBTQ resources, Denver has so many great options. Just because I didn't include them here, doesn't mean they aren't worth checking out! If you ever want expert vetting of LGBTQ resources, just reach out via email and I'll be glad to support you. After all, I am a social worker, and we are CRAZY good at connecting people to what they need.
From LGBTQ organizations to the most inclusive (and gay!) events in Denver, here are some of my favorite LGBTQ community builders in Denver.
Top LGBTQ+ organizations in Denver
These Colorado LGBTQ organizations are powerful pillars in our community. Whether you're navigating legal systems, seeking political representation, or looking for family-centered support, these groups are doing the daily, often quiet work of building a more just and affirming world. I’m proud to uplift their efforts and hope this list helps you feel more connected, more seen, and more supported in your own journey.
1. One Colorado
Location: 303 E. 17th Ave, Suite 400, Denver, CO 80203 Located in downtown Denver, but serves all Coloradans.
What they do: One Colorado is the state’s leading advocacy organization dedicated to advancing equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) Coloradans and their families.
Who they help: Literally everyone. From LGBTQ+ youth & young adults to our beloved queer elders, One Colorado advocates for inclusive state, local government, and federal policies to combat discrimination and promote equality.
Why I recommend them: As a social work advocate and queer Coloradan, I recommend One Colorado because their impact on legislation in CO matters for our LGBTQ+ community. The One Colorado Political Action Committee (PAC) endorses viable candidates who are committed to promoting the rights and interests of LGBTQ Coloradans. In the current political climate, their work matters, a lot.
Plus, they host the Pink Party every year to kick off Pride weekend in Denver. Expert advice: do not miss the afterparty at Tracks(21+).
2. Bread and Roses Legal Center
Location: Denver, CO
What they do: Disrupt the harms the legal system inflicts on the LGBTQ+ community by providing legal services, movement support, and grassroots organizing. Bread and Roses Legal Center provides representation services for gender nonconforming and transgender Coloradans with gender affirming legal services.
Who they help: LGBTQ people across Colorado, small businesses or collectives, and social movements.
Why I recommend them: They provide invaluable resources to some of the most impacted members of our community, usually at the intersection of trans justice and the carceral legal system. Trust me, they're badass.
3. PFLAG Denver
Location: 1536 Wynkoop St. Suite 914 Denver, CO 80202
What they do: They provide scholarships to outstanding LGBTQIA+ students and Active Allies for past and future service to the LGBTQIA+ community.
Who they help: PFLAG Denver creates a supportive, inclusive, and vibrant community for LGBTQIA+ individuals, their families, and allies.
Why I recommend them: As a former school social worker in Colorado's largest school district, I have a deep understanding of how critical it is to have a welcoming environment in education for lgbtq people. PFLAG Denver is committed to advancing equity and promoting safe schools for queer youth by celebrating the future of the LGBTQ community in queer youth.
Pflag also has this great relocation guide. For those of seriously considering moving to Colorado and looking for a place to live, you've got to check out the guide!
Top LGBTQ+ resources in Denver
Each of these resources plays a vital role in supporting the health, wellbeing, and dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals in our city. These aren’t just service providers—they’re community anchors that understand how public health, affirming care, and safe access to accurate information directly impact our lives. These community resources exemplify what it means to show up for community—not just in moments of crisis, but consistently and with care.
4. Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Location: 4300 Cherry Creek S Dr, Glendale, CO 80246
What it is: This site is a comprehensive guide of community resources across the state. From peer support groups to health and human services, CDPHE has it covered.
Who it’s for: CDPHE values the health of everyone in Colorado. Just like many other communities, people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or gender expansive, questioning, intersex, asexual, and two-spirit (LGBTQIA2S+) are at higher risk of experiencing certain health concerns, inequities, and disparities. CDPHE lists human services so that LGBTQ+ Coloradans can live their healthiest (and sexiest!) lives.
Why I recommend it: STI testing is important. Most people don't like to talk about STIs or the discomfort that can come with disclosing your STI status to a partner(s), but it's so, so important. This website has links to some of my favorite testing sites in Colorado for queer sex lovers.
5. Public Health Institute at Denver Health
What it is: Their health care program, Linkage to Care, offers free, expert, and confidential support for people living with HIV. They help people in the Denver metro and beyond get access to medical care and support services, including prep navigation.
Who it's for: Anyone who has been newly diagnosed with HIV, has been out of HIV care, or has recently moved to Denver and hasn't connected with a new provider.
Why I recommend it: The HIV health care services are comprehensive. They help with financial screening and assistance, medication services, mental health services, oral/dental care referrals and many more resources.
6. The Center on Colfax Transgender Program
Location: 1301 E. Colfax Ave. Denver, CO 80218
What it is: The Center's Transgender Program is a welcoming, affirming program for transgender and gender diverse individuals. They offer a huge variety of weekly and monthly social and support programs, events, and opportunities to connect with trans community. They also offer free classes, such as yoga or art workshops, community discussions. They also provide fingerprinting services on-site.
Who it’s for: Transgender and gender diverse individuals and those who love them.
Why I recommend it: These peer support groups are free, specific, and led by trans or nonbinary facilitators. The Transgender Program has online and in-person offerings that offer support to non-binary, trans masc, and trans femme individuals. They are excellent at updating their event calendar, so check back often to find upcoming events. I recommend the Transgender Program at the Center because they are highly dedicated to transgender equality and joy.
https://lgbtqcolorado.org/programs/transgender/#toc_Support_Groups_Events
Top LGBTQ+ events in Denver
When people ask me, “Is Denver LGBTQ friendly?” I love being able to say yes. Not just because of our policies and organizations, but because of the vibrant, creative, and welcoming community spaces that make Denver feel like home. These three community-led initiatives represent the joy, connection, and celebration that queer and trans people deserve. These LGBTQ+ events aren’t just fun outings, they are essential reminders that queer life is vibrant, multifaceted, and worth celebrating.
If you're wondering where to find queer events Denver truly has to offer, these three groups are a fantastic place to start. They prove that Denver is LGBTQ friendly not just in policy, but in practice. These events highlight the laughter, the movement, the art, and the unapologetic community we build together.
7. Lez Run Denver
Location: Edgewater Public Market
What it is: A social club with a side of walking/running. The Lez Run Denver community hosts a weekly 3 mile run and 1/4 mile walk for all paces and all people.
Who it’s for: Everyone! All paces and all people are welcome.
Why I recommend it: Lez Run Denver offers social events for everyone. Yes, there is walking or running involved, but this community offers so much more than physical movement. If you like games, arts and crafts, themed outfits, and making friends this is a group worth checking out!
8. Rainbow Dome
Location: Denver Metro (pop up events)
What it is: Rainbow Dome is a queer-centric hub that gathers people across differences to experience joy-in-motion through art and activities. Their main activity? Roller skating!
Who it’s for: Everyone. Children, families, and adults of all abilities have a place in this magical community.
Why I recommend it: Rainbow Dome centers queer joy. They use art and activity to facilitate authentic community events that are unique and FUN! They value creativity, accessibility, accountability, joy & silliness, and shared abundance. I mean, what's not to love?!
9. Mile High Queer Club
Location: Denver and across CO
What it is: In person group events across Colorado that provide a brave space to be you! They list all of their upcoming events on their website and host things like game nights and epic Pride events.
Who it’s for: Every sexual orientation, gender, and active ally welcome. These are social events for everyone!
Why I recommend it: They have a buddy request form that allows you to request a veteran member of the Mile High Queer Club to show you the ropes. For anyone with social anxiety, this is a gamechanger. If you're new to the Mile High Queer Club and attending alone, they will pair you with someone who can help you acclimate, how sweet!
How to get involved (and why it matters)
I cannot overstate how valuable it is to have queer community as a LGBTQ+ person. Being queer is a unique (magical🦄) experience that deserves to be appreciated and celebrated. If you are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender nonconforming or any variation of queer-- finding support within queer community is one of the best things you can do for your mental health. Having queer community allows you to let yourself shine while being celebrated, and let's be real, the vibes are immaculate.
Put yourself out there. I triple dog dare you to find support in queer community events. Look for upcoming events, choose one that interests you, and follow through. Emphasis on the follow through part 🥳
Remember that we, as humans, are wired for connection. Even if you don't feel like getting out from under your weighted blanket and saying goodbye to your dog, connecting with others is really good for your mental health. You don't have to find your bestie or next hookup at a social event for it to benefit you. Go for 30 minutes, say hello, and then, if you want to, retreat back to your coziest spot on the couch 😸
Advocacy is good for your mental health. Using your time to support others can connect you with people who care about the same issues and give you an opportunity to live your values out loud. Volunteering and fighting for equality can help reduce feelings of hopelessness when the world feels like its falling apart. Volunteer for one hour a month and see what it does for healthy living 🌿
Movement matters. You've heard it a million times, exercise makes you feel better. I'm not here to promote the latest diet culture rah rah about exercise, but the facts are the facts. Moving your body in any way that feels good, for any amount of time can have a massive positive impact on your mental health. Whether you make a trip to Colorado Springs for a walk through Garden of the Gods or join Rainbow Dome's next skating event, consider this health care for your mental health.
Final thoughts
Visibility and community are a big part of what makes being queer feel good. In a world that tries really, really hard to make being visibly queer scary or "unnatural," connecting with other LGBTQ+ folx and active allies is essential for feeling good. Go ahead, get out there, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at what you find 🌈
And, if you're looking for one-on-one support, there's a place for that too! At my practice, I support LGBTQ adults find authenticity and queer joy. Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and I want you to know that I am here to support you every step of the way. Step one? Book a vibe check. No pressure, I'll answer your questions and together we will check the vibes. I can't wait to start this journey with you!
