MAY 2024: Queering Mental Health

Envision:You

Envisioning a Better You

You Can Flourish With You:Flourish

Q is for Questioning is Creating Safe Spaces for LGBTQ+ Youth

Caring For Denver Cares for All of Us

Sober-Friendly LGBTQ+ Spaces and Activities

Queering

Mental Health

• Mental Health By The Numbers

• You Can Flourish With You:Flourish

• Envision:You - Envisioning a Better You

• Q is for Questioning is Creating Safe Spaces for

• Sober-Friendly LGBTQ+ Spaces and Activities

• Melly Nguyen of Mainstream Nails

• Carl Clark on Changing the World Through Wellpower

• Caring

•

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Bluebird Theater May 2024 picks 11 14 6 25

Pride Job Fair

McNichols Civic Center Building

Diva Royale Drag Show

Glow Lounge Denver

CHROMA: Queer First Friday Art Showcase

Skylight

Queer Open Pole Dance Event

Selenite Studio Pole Fitness 30/31 18/19

Mannequin Pussy

Live Out Proud Conference

The Evans School Denver

Big Gay Dinner

Chuey Fu’s

Sapphic Factory

Fox Theatre

Queer Prom Denver

Left Hand RiNo

Getting the Love You Want – LGBTQ+ Couples / Partners Workshop

Centus Counseling

Red Rocks Ampitheater

Rainbow Kitten Surprise Girl in Red

Mission Ballroom

Letter from the Editor

There’s a motivational meme going around right now that reads “access to queer healthcare saved my life,” and this important message is more than just a viral trend. It’s a reminder that so many of us would be in danger without supportive healthcare providers in the queer community.

Every May, we partner with our wonderful friends and colleagues at Envision:You to create an issue dedicated to the importance of mental healthcare. This year, we bring you folks who are innovating the emotional healthcare sector, providing support for those who need it.

And this partnership is more important than ever before. This time in our queer history is a pivotal point in our story and legacy. LGBTQ+ rights are being supported and fought for on a larger scale than ever, with rates of queer-identifying folks in the media and the workplace skyrotting. But all that is also bringing out a massive influx of hate against the queer community, which puts our mental health and wellbeing even more at risk.

But all is not lost—Mental health professionals like the ones in these pages are dedicating their lives to provide care to those in need. Read all about the inspirational stories of mental health professionals who have gone above and beyond, or discover the care you personally need in our queering mental health listing. However you dedicate time to your mental health, remember that you are loved and valued, and help is out there if you reach out to your community.

-Addison Herron-Wheeler

From the Founder

Welcome to this year's edition of Queering Mental Health, a publication crafted with the aim of equipping you with tools, resources, and inspiration to enhance your well-being. Our ultimate goal is to see every member of our vibrant and beautiful community not just survive, but truly thrive.

Within the pages ahead, you'll encounter passionate advocates for our community, such as the Caring for Denver Foundation and WellPower CEO Carl Clark, M.D. Additionally, you will learn about You:Flourish, a recently launched wellness platform dedicated to supporting the mental health of queer individuals, and Q is for Questioning, an education program that helps create affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ youth. You'll also explore the vital importance of community-building, especially for individuals like myself navigating recovery from substance use disorders. Finally, we share some exciting news about Envision:You.

In April, the acquisition of Envision:You by Mental Health Colorado was unveiled. This strategic merger marks a collaborative effort between Mental Health Colorado and Envision:You to fortify mental health services and programs tailored for the LGBTQ+ community across Colorado and beyond.

Despite the political polarization in the United States and the unfortunate demonization of our community, we hold within our grasp the power to create spaces of safety and joy among one another.

Together, let us embark on this journey towards holistic well-being, supported with knowledge, solidarity, and resilience.

Warm regards,

Steven Haden (he/him)Co-Publisher, Queering Mental HealthFounder, Envision:You

by Rasai Trammell

MENTAL HEALTH BY THE N

41.4%

22.8 umbers

30th

12-17

Mental health is an oft-stigmatized issue that impacts and discriminates against millions of individuals across the United States. It is estimated by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) that one in five adults in the U.S. live with mental illness, and 1 in 25 live with a serious mental illness.

Mental illness is placed into two categories by NIMH: Any Mental Illness (AMI) and Serious Mental Illness (SMI). AMI references all recognized mental illnesses, while SMI recognizes mental illnesses that cause a significant functional impairment.

In Colorado specifically, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) estimated in 2021 that 924,000 adults in the state live with a mental health condition. NAMI also found that 41.4% of adults in Colorado reported having symptoms of depression or anxiety in February 2021.

A reported 242,000 adults in Colorado have a serious mental illness, and one in four unhoused individuals suffer from a serious mental illness, according to NAMI.

These numbers only account for the adult population, and NAMI reports that 47,000 youth age 12 to 17 in Colorado have depression.

According to a 2023 Mental Health America report, Colorado is ranked near the bottom at 45th place due to its higher prevalence of mental illness coupled with lower rates of access to care. The state also exhibits elevated rates of substance use disorders and suicidality.

The MHA takes multiple factors into account when creating these rankings, including all adults with AMI, youth with at least one major depressive episode in a year, access to healthcare, and percentages of adults with AMI who are uninsured.

Statistics about the prevalance of substance use disorders and serious suicidal thoughts are also included in these rankings.

"In the face of Colorado's complex mental health landscape, it's crucial

to recognize the human stories behind the statistics. Each data point represents an individual navigating their own unique behavioral health challenges. Community mental health centers, such as WellPower and others across the state, play a vital role in supporting those with the most pressing needs," says Jody Ryan, MD, chief medical officer at WellPower.

Mental health is clearly a nationwide issue as well as an at-home issue for Coloradans. Since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, sources such as NAMI have begun taking into account the exacerbation of mental illness the pandemic caused.

COVID-19 brought up issues of unemployment, unstable housing, medical bills, financial insecurity, mortality rates, isolation, and many other factors that had a negative effect on the population both nationwide and in Colorado.

NAMI reports that more than half of Americans said COVID-19 had a significant negative impact on their mental health.

Despite the clearly increasing need for mental health services since 2020, NAMI reports that Coloradans are nine times more likely to be forced out-of-network for mental healthcare than for primary care.

According to the Colorado Health Institute, stigma still prevents many from receiving needed mental healthcare. Nearly 1 in 10 Coloradans says there was a time they didn’t receive needed mental healthcare. Of those, more than one in four said it was because they were worried about what would happen if others found out. The numbers are even higher for the LGBTQ++ community, where nearly half report experiencing difficulty finding an affirming mental healthcare provider.

In 2023, the MHA reported that 23.13% of Coloradans suffering from 14+ mentally unhealthy days a month were unable to visit a doctor and access care because of costs.

The MHA notes that frequent mental distress (14 or more mentally unhealthy days in a month) often leads to the development of chronic conditions and increased mortality.

Access to affordable healthcare is yet another divisive issue across the United States, and lack of access to mental healthcare providers puts many adults at a disadvantage, leading to substance misuse issues, houselessness, and increased risk of suicide.

The KFF reports that Colorado’s suicide rate in 2021 was higher than the national average, with a 22.8 as opposed to the national average of 14.1.

Since 2010, over half a million lives have been lost to suicide in the U.S., highlighting a significant public health challenge. Although the number of suicide deaths peaked in 2018 (48,344 deaths) and slightly declined in 2019 and 2020, it increased again in 2021 (48,183 deaths). Particularly concerning is the disproportionate rise in suicide deaths among people of color, younger individuals, and those residing in rural areas. Throughout the pandemic, suicidal ideation has been prevalent, with 4.8% of adults and 12.7% of adolescents (ages 12-17) reporting serious thoughts of suicide in 2021. Firearms accounted for 55% of all suicide deaths nationally in 2021.

While mental health conditions are often associated with suicide, other factors contribute as well, such as isolation, relationship difficulties, financial insecurity, housing instability, and physical health issues.

41.4% 30th 22.8

Though facing an increase in worsening levels of mental health and treatment, Colorado ranks at number two for providing consistent treatment for youth with severe major depressive episodes. There is also a ratio of 250 healthcare providers for every one person in Colorado as of 2023. Both of these statistics are as reported by the MHA.

However, the MHA points out that a prevalence of mental healthcare providers does not mean everybody suffering from a mental illness has the opportunity to pursue care. As mentioned above, monetary factors are often a barrier to receiving care.

Other factors blocking access to care include health insurance status and whether providers are accepting new patients.

Though not as highly reported on as other forms of legislation, there have been pieces of legislation relating to mental health issues passed recently.

In 2019, Colorado passed HB19-1044, “Concerning advanced behavioral health orders determining the scope of treatment an adult wishes to receive under certain behavioral health circumstances,” as reported by the State of Colorado.

The same year, Colorado also passed HB19-1193 “Concerning behavioral health supports for high-risk families, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation,” as reported by the State of Colorado.

In 2023, 18 bills were brought to the legislative session regarding behavioral health.

Among these bills included House Bill 23-1269, which enacted measures to provide and maintain better levels of care for youth’s behavioral health.

Another bill was Senate Bill 23-176, which addressed disordered eating and created prohibitions and requirements for healthcare providers, such as prohibiting the use of the body mass index scale.

At the national level, the Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act was introduced to Congress in May 2023. The act seeks to address racial and ethnic mental health disparities in the United States.

The More Behavioral Health Providers Act was introduced to Congress in October 2023 and seeks to “provide additional Medicare payments to healthcare practitioners who provide services in mental health professional shortage areas” according to the bill.

There is an overlap between LGBTQ+ individuals (particularly youth) and mental health issues that is exacerbated by unsupportive families and communities, bullying, a lack of access to gender-affirming care, and increasing hate crimes directed at LGBTQ++ people.

The Trevor Project reported that 41% of young LGBTQ+ people seriously considered attempting suicide in the 2022-2023

year, and one in three said their mental health was adversely affected by anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and policies.

There has been a significant uptick in anti-transgender legislation being passed in the last year. TWENTY-ONE anti-transgender bills have been passed in 2024 already, most of which include the censoring of transgender topics from schools, bathroom bans, and the severe restriction or total banning of gender-affirming care for minors.

As more anti-transgender and anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is passed, the trend of decreasing mental health among LGBTQ+ individuals will only continue.

Colorado is considered a sanctuary state for transgender individuals due to its legislative protections on gender-affirming care, but there are still issues of access based on healthcare status, monetary access, and racial factors which can still lead to poor mental health among LGBTQ+ individuals in Colorado.

As lawmakers attempt to solve the mental health issue, the reality remains that mental illness is still stigmatized or seen as a lesser concern, though it is clear that mental health is a pressing issue for both the nation and those right at home.

You:Flourish, conceived by Steven Haden (he/ him) and the Envision:You team, made its debut in April. Haden likened the launch to a labor of love—a journey filled with challenges but ultimately resulting in something remarkable. Together, they've crafted a wellness plat form for the LGBTQ+ community, prioritizing mental health and overall wellbeing.

The idea for You:Flourish came about in the early days of COVID. Haden and his team were among the first organizations to con duct formal research on how LGBTQ+ folks were doing during the pandemic. And big shocker ... not well.

Just like many others, they grappled with feelings of disconnection from support networks, navigating fear, and enduring isolation, loneliness, and despair. Envision:You reached out to the LGBTQ+ community in Colorado to understand their needs better. Survey responses highlighted a notable absence of accessible identity-specific wellness content, affirming resources, and mental health professionals, especially within the digital sphere. While dating and hookup apps cater to LGBTQ+ individuals, there's a significant gap in platforms dedicated to wellness.

"The world doesn't just need another wellness app; that's a given. What it truly needs is an LGBTQ wellness tool dedicated to empowering our community to thrive. We firmly believe You:Flourish will fulfill that vital role," expresses Haden.

You Can Flourish With You:Flourish

The wellness platform strives to equip its users with the tools, knowledge, empowerment, and confidence to live authentically and confidently. The goal: to flourish.

From 2020 to 2021, research was conducted, community members were met, and the outline for a wellness platform for the LGBTQ+ community was drawn. People want to be able to connect with others who share similar identities and lived experiences. They want to find wellness content that’s curated with their identity in mind, and they want to be able to find affirming healthcare or mental health professionals to lead them on whatever their journey looks like.

Haden shared the story of a Black, transgender woman he talked with a few years ago about You:Flourish. “She lives in Alabama; she lives in a small town, and she lives with depression. She doesn't have much of a community. She doesn't have access to affirming healthcare or mental health services, and she feels very alone. So the idea that she could join the You:Flourish community and find other people who share her identities or experience similar things in their lives as she does is absolutely incredible.” Haden reports that she claims, “I'm no longer alone. I'm connecting with people who share my lived experience and identity, and incredible things happen when we can find community, even if it's community in a digital space.”

Working with one of the few women-owned software development companies, Denver’s AppIt Ventures, the team was able to imagine how to use technology for good to create an ideal user experience. However, raising capital for

the project was difficult, as the macroeconomic environment in the U.S. was under incredible pressure due to COVID, foreign wars, and supply chain challenges.

According to StartOut's 2023 State of LGBTQ Entrepreneurship Report, out of 142,000 founders and 95,000 high-growth companies across the United States between 2000 and 2022, they discovered that only 0.5% of the $2.1 trillion in startup funding was raised by LGBTQ+ founders, despite the growing size of the LGBTQ+ community and its spending power. According to Haden, "We find ourselves in an ecosystem where there's a pressing need for impactful solutions, yet the availability of financial capital to support LGBTQ+ founded ventures remains insufficient."

In pursuit of this goal, Haden extends his gratitude to the individuals and organizations that contributed to the funding of You:Flourish. Their support has been instrumental in bringing this transformative, life-saving platform to the market.

You:Flourish

Using clinically validated research tools and assessments, You:Flourish will track the user’s overall mental wellbeing to monitor progress. There is an absence of an LGBTQ+tailored product that brings together features like a directory, wellness hub, and peer support. Haden emphasized the significance of peer support within You:Flourish, noting, "Sometimes it's about sharing what worked for me with a friend who might be struggling, saying, 'Hey, this helped me; maybe it could help you too.' That exchange of information can be incredibly impactful." Through a partnership with Wisdo, users can access LGBTQ+-affirming and moderated support groups.

“Not everyone needs a therapist, right? You might be able to access wellness content on You:Flourish or connect with another person who shares your experience to start providing mutual aid. That might resolve some of the underlying issues you're trying to address. For people who have a greater or more significant mental health concern, a professional makes sense. You'll be able to find that person as well on You:Flourish.”

To underscore their dedication to equity and accessibility, You:Flourish will be offered free of charge for the initial year. Currently available in Colorado, the team will gather feedback to enhance the platform and strive to introduce it nationwide by 2025. They have developed something distinctive and essential, providing a fresh approach to addressing the ongoing mental health challenges facing LGBTQ individuals. The team eagerly anticipates the responses and experiences of their users.

To access the platform, go to youflourish. app.

Disturbingly high rates of mental health challenges affect a significant portion of the LGBTQ+ community, impacting individuals at two to four times the rate of their straight, cisgender peers. Antagonistic environments can deter queer people from being able to express their identities openly. This is problematic, as fear of discrimination, harassment, and general unease take a toll on one’s mental health.

"If you're raised in an environment where your very existence is questioned or trusted adults fail to offer support and affirmation, the transition into adulthood can be marked by constant fear,” says Steven Haden (he/ him), founder of Envision:You as well as a mental health clinician. “Ultimately, it affects the quality of your mental health and wellbeing. The years we live are more challenging, and the duration that we live is shortened because of the profound trauma and difficulties that people experience.”

Navigating the dual challenges of pervasive fear and growing political hostility is intricate and multifaceted. It underscores the need for healthcare

providers and resources specifically attuned to the nuanced challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community.

However, this care is nearly nonexistent for many people around the country. While the LGBTQ+ community is in greater need of mental healthcare support than their straight, cis counterparts, less than 1% of philanthropy goes to LGBTQ+-focused nonprofits, undermining the ability to offer expansive and coordinated services and programs for queer people. Haden and his exceptional team are determined to address these concerning statistics.

Envision:You is a Denver-based nonprofit that focuses on the mental health and wellbeing of the LGBTQ+ community across Colorado. Haden’s work is deeply personal to him, as he identifies as a gay man, a person in recovery from a substance use disorder, and someone who has battled mental health issues himself. Upon seeing the mental health disparity between straight, cisgender people and that of the LGBTQ+ community, he had a calling to start a nonprofit that addressed this issue. More than six years ago, Haden started Envision:You.

envision

The mental health disparities in the queer community can be attributed to hostile systems and environments that discourage people to be their authentic selves. Many systems set up to support mental health are exclusive and non-affirming. Historically, public health and medical systems have been designed for and by white, cisgender men. This has marginalized and discouraged those of other identities when they seek care.

“Healthcare systems are not designed to take into account the lived experience of LGBTQ+ individuals—their cultural identities, their ethnic, racial, gender, or sexual identities,” says Haden. He additionally discussed how mental health graduate programs and medical schools are not training their practitioners to be culturally affirming, further complicating this process. “They're not understanding the importance of intersectional identities, which leads to poor and sometimes traumatizing care."

The LGBTQ+ community has faced a history of being pathologized. Inaccurate and incorrect care and diagnostics still prevail, even after 1973, when

Photo courtesy of Samantha Markey Photography

envisoning a better you nvision: you

"homosexuality" as a mental health disorder was removed from the DSM.

Envision:You Vice President Brad Barfield (they/he) says, "Our approach to programming is necessarily community-informed and co-created. To serve all LGBTQ+ Coloradans, we can not just rely on a selective group of experts that may make assumptions about what people need. Instead, we prioritize the diversity of experiences and identities of the people we support in the development and activation of all programs. By fostering a co-creation mindset, we ensure that our work is meaningful, impactful, and truly serves the diverse needs of the community."

With a lack of safe spaces, many queer people struggle to find affirming mental health professionals. A key component of Evision:You’s work is their comprehensive evidence-based training for behavioral health providers. Bringing together a team of people with lived experience, mental health professionals, public health workers, and academics, Envision:You has a multi-level training program to equip their workforce with the skills and tools to aid LGBTQ+ folks. They have trained nearly 2000 professionals to deliver better care through the multi-phase training program, a foundational course, an intensive clinical training program, and population-specific modules for queer youth, queer communities of color, and trans folks.

In addition to addressing the delivery of clinical services in Colorado and beyond, Envision:You offers a wide range of resources, events, programs, and advocacy initiatives to tackle systemic issues. To address ongoing fundraising challenges and a challenging political climate, Envision:You recently announced its acquisition by Mental Health Colorado. This partnership opens doors for expanded impact and transformative change within the LGBTQ+ community. With Brad Barfield stepping in as Envision:You's new leader and founder Steven Haden assuming the role of executive vice president at Mental Health Colorado, the organization is poised for continued growth and influence.

Colorado, despite its abundant 300 days of sunshine, faces significant challenges in terms of mental healthcare accessibility. Envision:You acknowledges these disparities and recently introduced You:Flourish, a groundbreaking wellness platform tailored to the LGBTQ+ community. Offering a wide array of resources, peer support, and access to affirming providers, You:Flourish is a beacon of hope in addressing the needs of Colorado's LGBTQ+ community. Go to youflourish.app to check out this new resource.

by Madeleine Farber

"When help is not readily available, we tend to suffer in silence, and when people suffer silently, unfortunate things like self-harm, overdose, or suicide often occur,” says Haden. If you are struggling, Envision:You and You:Flourish offer supportive programs, resources, and services and it is right at our fingertips. To find out more, go to envision-you. org or you-flourish.com.

With mental awareness month upon us, OFM chatted with Envision:You about their emerging program Q is for Questioning and the significant relationship between supporting queer youth and mental healthcare.

Envision:You provides mental health programs and public awareness efforts to help support LGBTQ+ youth, as well as adults who are supporting LGBTQ+ young people across Colorado. The organization offers a range of services and is wrapping up Q is for Questioning workshops in Teller County this month. Dates for upcoming workshops in Adams County, Aurora, and Broomfield are yet to be determined.

Envision:You describes the workshops as aiming to support trusted adults who interact with LGBTQ+ youth, enabling them to foster more affirming environments and relationships for the young individuals they support.

OFM interviewed Zamora Evans (they/them) and Brad Barfield (they/he) of Envision:You to discuss the Q is for Questioning program. Both are dedicated to creating inclusive spaces for those questioning their identity or seeking to learn more about the LGBTQ+ community.

With LGBTQ+ youth at a higher risk of mental health and suicide due to stigma, discrimination, bullying, and

Q QUE is for Creating Safe Spaces for LGBTQ+ Youth

by Oscar Leon and Anna Lee

E STI I o n n g

other factors, creating safespaces for youth and educating adults in their lives can help reduce this ongoing problem. Barfield states that according to the Trevor Project. “Just one person being a positive influence in a queer person’s life can decrease the suicide rate by just 40 percent.”

“Socially, many people have become accepting of queer youth, but politically, their mental health has not provided," explains Barfield, emphasizing the current impact of negative legislation is having on queer youth.

"In many respects, yes, there are tangible political factors that complicate this work significantly. However, it's not just about navigating politics. We're contending with fear and misinformation," states Evans.

Q is for Questioning aims to deconstruct this misinformation by providing free workshops for adults with LGBTQ+ youth in their lives in a “judgment-free zone.” They also avoid looking at the current social tension in a “us vs. them" way and rather hope to create understanding and provide more affirming spaces for queer youth.

The workshops are provided free of charge, courtesy of a grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, both in virtual and in-person formats. More information can be found at envision-you.org/qis-for-questioning.

Sober Living

LGBTQ+ SPACES &

ACTIVITIES

by Luna Nova

Colorado offers numerous venues where the LGBTQ community can gather, fostering connections and creating lasting memories for attendees, but many of them are not supportive of people who are aiming to avoid mind-altering substances, including alcohol and cannabis.

Spaces that facilitate entertainment, community, friendships, relationships, and connections need not exclusively revolve around environments that promote intoxication. Everyone, including those who choose to abstain, should have the opportunity to participate responsibly. This includes sober individuals seeking vibrant and social atmospheres. Fortunately, there are many spaces that cater to both sobriety and LGBTQ+ inclusivity, recognizing the diverse circumstances, challenges, and choices individuals may face.

Let's talk about some standout spots today, starting with Honey Elixir Bar! This cozy gem offers the warmth and comfort akin to a delightful spoonful of honey. It's a place where anyone can unwind

and enjoy quality time with friends, family, or loved ones. Recognizing that not everyone follows the same lifestyle, Honey Elixir Bar provides options beyond the typical glass of water for those embracing sobriety. Their menu features a dedicated section called "Potions," a magical array of non-alcoholic beverages crafted to evoke thoughts, feelings, and ideas. It's a refreshing alternative that sparks the imagination. While Honey Elixir Bar doesn't host many events due to its intimate setting, you can organize your own gatherings for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special

occasion. So, if you're seeking a spot where you can revel in a sober yet enchanting experience, come savor the sweetness at Honey Elixir Bar.

Let's talk about Bad Habits Denver. This spot is not just LGBTQ-friendly; it's bursting with energy, excitement, and a hint of nostalgia. You'll never experience a dull moment at Bad Habits, as they offer sober-friendly games and activities to amp up the fun during your social outings. If that wasn't enticing enough, wait until you hear about their menu. Alongside their vibrant ambiance, Bad

ing everyone can savor a delicious drink while enjoying the night out. But here's the real kicker: drag bingo nights! That's right, drag queens and a thrilling game of bingo await you. It's the perfect blend of brunch, bingo, and booze. And with their mocktail options, even those who prefer to stay sober can join in the fun with Mockbooze. Keep an eye on the Bad Habits Denver Facebook page for upcoming bingo brunch dates and other exciting events.

If you’re looking for an incredible resource that will give you an abundance of events that are sober-friendly and definitely LGBTQ+-friendly, the Facebook group “LGBTQ+ Sober Positive Denver” is definitely the way to go. Caring individuals of the queer community and on their sober

journey are always sharing their knowledge and creating sober friendly spaces and events on this page.

These events and spaces range from bars, restaurants, ice skating, hiking, yoga, and meditation sessions to even community cuddle meetups that are always sober, inclusive, and safe. There are so many more sober-friendly events being shared and started every day in this group! You can even ask questions anonymously if that would make you more comfortable expressing what you’re looking for, even if it’s sober and LGBTQ+-friendly housing or roommates! Sticking to a sober journey and still being

able to enjoy and socialize with like-minded people is what the LGBTQ+ Sober Positive Denver group is all about. With such an inclusive and supportive community, I know we can make anything possible. And the sober lifestyle is nowhere near as far-fetched or harder than it needs to be when we give each other a helping hand!

I’ve mentioned 18+ and 21+ sober spaces, but I acknowledge that youth also need LGBTQ+-affirming spaces. A safe and sober-friendly environment with engaging activities and groups can support them, offer more social connections, and help them stay on the right path.

The Center On Colfax has a space just like this: Rainbow Alley! They provide a “brave space where LGBTQ youth (ages 10-17)” with “events and activities, counseling and support groups, health services, and life skills.” If you know any LGBTQ+ youth wanting to make friends, have somewhere to freely express themselves, and even get help with health services I would definitely recommend Rainbow Alley.

On Friday, May 3, Rainbow Alley will be hosting a magical rainforest themed Queer Prom with a live DJ, food, and even drag performances.

And if youth don’t always have access to transportation, virtual spaces are also available. Every Tuesday, 4-7 p.m., a virtual session of a Vent Room is held for youth ages 13-17. This is a great resource for any LGBTQ+ youth to have a safe and relatable space when expressing their inner thoughts and emotions.

On Wednesdays and Thursdays, Rainbow Alley is open from 4 to 7 p.m. for any youth to drop in and have a safe hangout

LGBTQ+ youth also get to participate in a cooking club the second Friday of each month, 4-6 p.m. And for all the Dungeons and Dragons LGBTQ+ youth fans, there’s a club for

Rainbow Alley, being the sober-friendly “drug, alcohol, tobacco, and hate-free space” for youth, also makes sure to provide a trusted adult virtual space on the second Tuesday

For all my queers and any allies of the community that are on a sober journey or just happen to live that lifestyle, I hope this was a great source for sober-friendly fun. I understand being the sober one of the bunch and sometimes not having alternatives to non-sober drinks, or not really having fun things to do for social outings that will surely be inviting and inclusive to all. And for all the LGBTQ+ youth, I know a safe space will always be needed. My kindness and support go

If you need support, you can find it in a variety of ways including Gay & Sober by going to gayandsober.org or by going to the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration at

MentalQueering Health

This May, our photo shoot celebrates Melly Nguyen of Mainstream Nails. Through her fierce determination to help other queer folks showcase their identity through art on the tips of their fingers, Nguyen is a staple of self-expression in the local community.

Photographer: Ivy Owens, @ivyjune._.jpg

Photography Assistant: Alex Gallegos, @thatgrlwhodoestuff Model: Melly Nguyen , @mainstream_nails

Carl Clark on Changing the World Through Wellpower

by Kendall Mcclain

Carl Clark, CEO of WellPower and recipient of the Lean On Me award, speaks on mental health and inclusion.

Carl Clark, CEO of WellPower, gives insight into their practices and priorities in addressing mental health. WellPower has helped better the Denver community since 1989 with services to assist people through various struggles. They were awarded with the Lean On Me Award, which honors people and companies that actively help better the mental health of queer people.

Clark shares that his father inspired him to work within mental health spaces. When he was 18, his father went to the state hospital, and at the time he was worried about what this might entail. He says the hospital “didn't look like a friendly place, right? It had bars on the windows and fences around it, and you never actually saw anybody when you went there. As a kid, you just wondered, well, what goes on in a place like that?”

Despite his fears, the hospital turned out to be incredibly beneficial for him and his father. Clark says, “The staff there were really great. They said, ‘Oh, your dad has this illness. It's called bipolar disorder. He's going to be able to get treatment, and he'll get better.’ And it was just very helpful. And they even gave us information to read about bipolar disorder.”

Through his father's treatment, Clark witnessed that mental illness could be addressed. Reflecting on his experiences, he says, “I had a great dad, like, he was so much more than his illness, like anybody dealing with an illness, there's so much more than that. And, I felt like we were lucky. I felt like we were lucky that people didn't give up on my dad, you know, that there was something there for us as a family when we needed it. So I do this work because I don't want it to be (dependent on) luck.”

Clark began as a staff psychiatrist and eventually became the president and CEO of WellPower. WellPower's emphasis on mental health literacy is in part due to the positive impact learning about mental health, its effects, and proper treatment had on Clark and his father. WellPower is very hands-on in training people on what certain illnesses entail, how to address them, and who to connect people with for recovery. WellPower has trained more people in mental health first aid than anyone else in Colorado—an issue can only be effectively addressed if one is aware of what the issue is.

He shares that WellPower has three main areas they focus on to encourage mental wellness.

Their first area of focus is “things that we can do with the body to help the mind. So it might be medication, but it includes things like eating nutritious food, getting adequate sleep, doing mindful activities, and making sure that your general healthcare is good. So we actually have a primary care clinic, and we make sure that people are connected with primary care.”

Their second focus point revolves around psychotherapy: “Our brains do a lot of things, you know, we think, we feel, and we do stuff. And people can have trouble in any of those

areas, or more than one area. And that's really what psychotherapy is about, helping people, if you're having trouble with feelings or activities, whatever it might be.”

WellPower’s last focus point is social determinants of health through their “NextChapter program, which is helping people go back to work or helping people go back to school, and then we have a housing program where we develop affordable housing. And, in fact, we're putting the shovel in the ground in April for a six-unit apartment building.”

Clark will receive Envision:You's Lean on Me Award for WellPower's inclusive practices. The Lean on Me Award is presented every year by Envision:You at their annual garden party, which works to improve LGBTQ+ people's mental health and well-being. The award will be given at an annual garden party hosted by Envision:You, which “honors individuals and organizations that have dedicated themselves to improving behavioral health outcomes for LGBTQ+ Coloradans.”

This award is a result of WellPower's active effort for inclusivity. They work to ensure that people can access the care and services that they need. They do so by acknowledging bias and discrimination that can exist within health spaces.

"Carl's unwavering dedication to mental health equity has left an indelible mark on our community. His commitment to empowering individuals and promoting resilience embodies the spirit of the Lean on Me Award. We are honored to recognize his contributions and grateful for his ongoing support in our mission to foster well-being within the LGBTQ+ community," says Envision:You Founder Steven Haden.

Clark explains, “There are a lot of health disparities that exist in our community, communities of color, the LGBTQ community, communities where the system is not really designed for them. So how do we do things differently in a way that people are like, ‘Yeah, that's the place; I want to go here. I feel comfortable going here; this is the place I want to be?"

They specifically emphasize addressing anti-Black racism, doing so through multiple training such as DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) and educating people on the best response if they see discrimination or biases. Clark emphasizes that addressing anti-Black racism, “actually improves things for everyone.”

WellPower has built an inclusive and comfortable space for both citizens and employees. Through inclusivity, all kinds of people in Denver can receive mental healthcare in a variety of forms.

“If you're in the LGBTQ+ community, know you're welcome here,” he says.

To learn more about WellPower and connect to services, you can visit wellpower.org.

Caring For Denver CareS For aLL oF US

by Clara Gauthier

Caring for Denver is a nonprofit foundation dedicated to tackling Denver's mental health and substance misuse challenges, led by Executive Director Lorez Meinhold, a finalist for 9NEWS Leader of the Year. They are also the proud recipients of the 2024 Lean on Me Award from Envision:You.

Caring For Denver is a nonprofit organization that is funded by Denver, for Denver. It is the result of a ballot initiative from 2019 that ruled that for every $100 spent in Denver, 25 cents would go to addressing mental health issues and substance misuse within the city.

In the last five years, Caring For Denver has granted over $154 million to address these issues, and 71% of grantees reported reduced substance misuse, as well as 76%, who reported improved mental health. They focus on creating alternatives to jail, community-centered solutions, community-centered care, and care for youth.

Looking past the numbers, it is clear that Caring For Denver values community input and per-

spectives. They fund and have funded 240 local organizations and continuously elevate the stories of community members on their website. “We've been very fortunate to have the community walk beside us, and give us their expertise, their trust, their knowledge, to build and co-create Caring for Denver together,” says Executive Director and Co-Founder Meinhold.

According to Brad Barfield (they/he), Envision:You vice president, "We are thrilled to honor the recipient of our 2024 organizational Lean on Me Award: the Caring for Denver Foundation! Since its inception, Caring for Denver has been a steadfast ally in supporting the mental health of Denver's LGBTQ+ community. Founded and funded by and for Denver residents, they've transformed our community's compassion into tangible action, addressing mental health and substance misuse needs with dedication and care. Congratulations to Lorez Meinhold and her incredible team for the well-deserved recognition."

The true emphasis of Caring For Denver is its community impact and telling the stories of our community in Denver. “It only has meaning if it has meaning to the community,” Meinhold explains. The actions of this organization directly impact diverse, marginalized communities that are experiencing these mental health and substance misuse problems, as they often feel less comfortable asking for or accessing help for these issues.

“All the stories we heard as we were getting signatures for this were about how people struggled to find care: whether it was care that fit for them, fit their culture, their identity, their place, or it was hard to find care that was accessible, or that was inclusive. And so Caring For Denver was really created to meet those needs,” explains Meinhold.

Meinhold herself has an extensive background in advocacy and mental health work. Before her position at Caring For Denver, she worked in community organizing and policy work, for two governors, and was deputy director at Medicaid. “I have really centered health and health access at the center of everything that I've done,” she explains. “I’m really focused on what I'm passionate about in that as long as you put passion at the center of your work, then you do great things.”

And Meinhold has certainly done great things with Caring For Denver. She and Rep. Leslie Herod originally worked together at the governor's

Photo courtesy of Caring for Denver

office. And after Meinhold did a substance misuse needs assessment for the state, Rep. Herod had the idea to create a sales tax for mental health and substance misuse treatment. Meinhold was able to help write the proposal, campaign with Rep. Herod, and eventually start the non-profit that is now Caring For Denver.

Meinhold emphasizes the importance of mental healthcare for marginalized groups, particularly LGBTQ+ people, due to the higher percentage of LGBTQ+ people who struggle with mental health and do not seek help for it as they often feel unsafe in these mental health spaces. “Just in our own community, we know that there are higher rates of suicide and violence within our LGBTQ community, and how do we really address some of the shame that has been created in our community,” Meinhold explains. “And so we need to create those safe spaces so people feel seen, especially as we see more laws being passed in other states” and as “we have a lot of people coming to our communities where they're looking for effective and affirming treatment.”

Colorado continues to be one of the few states where trans people continue to have their rights protected under the law. Families with trans kids are traveling to Colorado so they have continued access to trans healthcare, and Caring For Denver is doing its best to ensure that this healthcare is accessible to all in Denver.

Some recent projects of Caring For Denver that exemplify their mission goals include Sun Valley Youth Center, Sobriety House Inc., the Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (RMIAN), and Project Pave.

Sun Valley Youth Center is one of their work for youth care. Caring For Denver has funded this after-school program in Denver’s Sun Valley neighborhood where they employ a trauma-informed, attachment-based caregiving model to help transform the lives of at-risk youth.

Sobriety House Inc. is an example of its work towards reducing substance misuse and is Colorado’s oldest licensed substance abuse treatment center. RMIAN is a program that supports immigrants, and Caring For Denver helps fund the program’s mental health access to immigrants undergoing legal representation—This work emphasizes Caring for Denver’s focus on marginalized communities and providing mental health support for such communities. Lastly, Project Pave utilizes evidence-based, culturally responsive mental health services and programs to support youth survivors of violence and their families, yet another example of Caring For Denver’s commitment to youth and mental healthcare.

Due to Meinhold and Caring For Denver’s dedication to their mission and the Denver community, more and more Denver community members are able to access the help that they need. To learn more about Caring For Denver and their impact throughout the city of Denver, go to their website at caring4denver.org.

by Anna Lee

JUST LivingRecovery

by Anna Lee

A Haven in the LGBTQ+ Substance Misuse Crisis

Health professionals often fail to accommodate folks in the LGBTQ+ community, especially in regards to mental health support and substance misuse challenges. JUST Living Recovery, a sober living facility in Lakewood, offers specialized treatment aimed at uplifting those in marginalized communities, specifically those in the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities

Stress from social stigmas, lack of family acceptance, and a plethora of unique challenges impact LGBTQ+ folks markedly different than their heteronormative counterparts. Pressures and discrimination that are placed on marginalized groups can negatively impact mental health and increase substance misuse in such communities.

The American Addiction Center announced that LGBTQ+ folks are more than two times more likely to have a substance use disorder compared to their straight and cis counterparts. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) have continued to assert this statement; in their 2021 and 2022 survey they found that queer folks are two to three times more likely to engage in substance use than straight and cis counterparts, and in those 2020

survey its was reported that the percentage of alcohol use disorder in sexual minority adults (sitting at 21.8 percent) is nearly double that of their counterparts, which sits at 11 percent.

The needs of the queer community vary from straight folks struggling with substance use disorders. Addiction treatment programs offering specialized groups for gay and bisexual men showed better outcomes for recovery than those that didn't. But the NSDUH reported that only 7.4% of programs offered specialized services for LGBTQ+ patients.

Grace, the program manager at JUST Living Recovery, says, “I think it is difficult to remain sober when you are experiencing so much discrimination and hate from all corners of society. And I think we are seeing that people are struggling to remain sober as more laws and policies are put into place across the country that are making people fight for everyday freedoms.”

Although the historic discrimination of queer folks has resulted in a lack of research, resources, and recovery, there are addiction recovery facil-

ities that aim to reduce this inequality. JUST Living Recovery aims to bridge this gap and provide marginalized folks proper treatment. Founded in 2018, the facility values “community, empathy, bravery, safety, capacity and diversity” and inclusion is at the heart of their approach.

One prior resident says the JUST Living community, “...are (a) family here,

and we all care about each other. JUST Living has opened my eyes and heart to so much in my life and I have learned that there is so much more to life than addiction of any kind.”

The facility is first come, first serve and implements a holistic, anti-racist approach to aid recovery from alcohol and illicit drug misuse. JUST Living Recovery uses “evidence-based treatments and therapeutic intervention” in a “resident-run intentional sober-living recovery community” to provide care for LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC folks in recovery. They are a level two CARR certified facility that prioritizes offering affordable care to those who need community most.

With anti-LGBTQ+ legislation becoming a near normal, this continued pressure only amplifies mental health concerns and substance misuse within the queer community. Outreach, financial/emotional support, and societal acceptance are key to uplift those in need of assistance for mental health and substance misuse disorders.

JUST Living Recovery is not only creating a safe-space for recovery for LGBTQ+ folks, but also initiating new approaches and methods to benefit such marginal ized communities.

If you or a loved one is facing challenges with sub stance misuse, especially those struggling to find sup port in our heteronormative society, JUST Living Re covery welcomes you to find safety and community in their recovery program. And if you have the means and would like to donate, the program is always in need of funds to further elevate their facility and offer more accommodations for their patients.

You can find more information about JUST Living Recovery at their website.

If you or a loved one are facing challenges with substance misuse or mental health, you are not alone, you are loved, and there is help. If you are in need of immediate help you can call the National Substance Hotline at 866-210-1303, Colorado Crisis Services at 844-4938255, or the National Sucicide Hotline at 988. You can also visit Envision:You to find more resources to support your wellbeing.

Spreading good Vibes with

by Clara Gauthier

Meet VIBE, Denver’s specialized gym and wellness center for women and genderqueer people. Located in Northwest Denver in the Sunnyside neighborhood, Vibe is breaking new ground as a queer, feminist gym.

VIBE Gym and Wellness Center’s main mission is to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment, specifically catering to women and genderqueer people. As well as being a regular gym space with an open gym, fitness classes, and personal trainers, VIBE also emphasizes the wellness aspect of fitness, with access to physical therapists, a Reiki healer, a sound bowl healer, a pelvic floor therapist, an esthetician, and more.

Meghan Nelson, owner and founder of VIBE, created the gym to fill a void in the market and help people feel safe in their fitness spaces. In her experience in the fitness world, many

people who attended bigger chain gyms encountered a lot of negative experiences and didn’t feel like they were included due to “their size or their skill level, or the way that they looked or the way that they dressed.”

When deciding to create VIBE, Nelson did a market research survey of 10,000 people in Denver and found that around 56% of women and genderqueer people said that they would go to the gym more if they felt it was a safe space, and about 45% of women and genderqueer people who already go to the gym said that they would switch gyms if they found one where they felt safer. Nelson’s goal with VIBE was to address people feeling unsafe in gyms and fitness spaces, and she does so by creating a space where people feel safe and are represented by the staff and other gym members.

Nelson is constantly working to make the space more inclusive and explains that it requires an active effort to create a truly inclusive space. She says, “You can’t just

slap a rainbow sticker on something and say that it’s good enough; you really have to be intentional about it for the long haul.”

For VIBE to be an inclusive space, Nelson says that personally, she meets this goal by “constantly trying to educate myself on best practices, getting audits, talking to people in the community about how to best serve women and genderqueer people,” and more.

To encourage inclusivity for VIBE as an organization, Nelson emphasizes working with the community, such as working with different local organizations, hosting events to offer different educational services, having a diverse board of people working at the gym, making activities accessible to people of all physical abilities, using large print to be accessible to disabilities, having a space for neurodivergent people who get overstimulated, providing childcare for mothers, and so much more.

Nelson herself is an example of how any-

Photo courtesy of @electrichoneyphotography

one can get into fitness and how it can improve somebody’s life. Unlike many other fitness professionals, she doesn’t have a positive childhood history with fitness. She was unable to participate in sports as a child due to the monetary barrier to school sports, as well as the bullying she faced from her classmates and feeling uncomfortable in a locker room space. She has also suffered from disordered eating for a long time, which has made exercising difficult.

Nelson describes her struggle with disordered eating and explains that “I was first diagnosed with an eating disorder in third grade ... and I never had a good relationship with food or exercise” after growing up in what she described as a “constant state of fight or flight.” This unhealthy relationship she had with food and exercise continued into her 20s when she owned and ran her own marketing firm and ended up working herself into the ground. After she got sick from this and gained weight, she hired a personal trainer to help her lose that weight. The personal trainer was able to improve Nelson’s relationship with food, exercise, and her body.

“She really helped me reframe my relationship with food and exercise and ... I slowly but surely realized the value of that and how important it was for me to make the time and hold myself accountable to self-care,” Nelson reflects. Due to the growth she experienced with this personal trainer, she eventually sold her marketing business and transitioned to fitness and personal training, where she began to focus on the mental and emotional parts of coaching.

Her favorite part of being a fitness coach are the emotional and mental aspects of coaching. She says, “That stuff always got me way more excited, like showing people what they were capable of and bringing people together and making them feel empowered and capable.”

Nelson reflects on a day at VIBE Gym where she coached her clients through maxing out in a way that focused less on gaining muscle and more on empowering themselves highlights this.

“They're learning a skill set within themselves, and then they're helping other people learn it too. And they're feeling capable, and they're motivating other people. And we had people that did it and cried because they did their max, and they cried because they didn't think that they'd ever be able to do something like that,” Nelson explained, her voice full of pride in her clients’ wellness and fitness journey.

This strength and empowerment are key to Nelson, who believes that they are especially important as “women and genderqueer people live in a world where we are not allowed to be strong. We are not allowed to take up space, to be loud, to take what we deserve, to honor ourselves, to work together.”

In this world, we must be strong, loud, and take up space to truly be empowered. Gaining physical strength and confidence is extremely beneficial to fighting against these silent expectations of the world.

Mental Health Resources

Alex Osias, MSW, LCSW, MFTC

alexosias.com

720-310-0714

Trained and certified mental health therapist in Colorado bringing awareness and action to your sense of self and relationships.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention –Colorado Chapter afsp.org/colorado colorado@afsp.org

AFSP Colorado mission is to save lives and support those affected by suicide across the state of Colorado.

Andrew Tessmer Counseling, PLLC

Andrew Tessmer, M.Ed, LPC, LPCC, LMHC, QTAP

720-340-3747

Counselingwithandrew.com

I provide virtual individual therapy to CO clients on LGBTQ+ concerns, anxiety, body image and disordered eating, ADHD, and career concerns.

Arcana

Counseling

720-432-6661

arcanacounseling.co

Queer, sex-positive therapist specializing in LGBTQIA+ counseling, sexuality, relationships, and polyamory. Remote and in-person available.

Artfully You Therapy

Dr. Nikki Blakesley

719-377-2442

artfullyyoutherapy.com

hello@artfullyyoutherapy.com

I specialize in working with individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community who have experienced spiritual and/or religious trauma. I integrate art into therapy sessions to empower my clients to explore, nurture, and accept their identities.

Calm Clarity Therapy

720-443-1021

calmclaritytherapy.com

Tailored therapy for adults with ADHD and anxiety. Discover your strengths and overcome challenges with our expert support.

Centus Counseling, Consulting & Education

Paul A. Bretz, D.Min., LCSW, MHSA 303-639-5240

PBretz@centus.org

Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT) is a creative approach to developing healthy relationships. It is designed to help conflict within relationships become opportunities for healing and growth, and to help good relationships gain new tools and perspectives on further developing the depth of the connection between partners.

Chelsea Newton LCSW, M.Ed. 720-282-9105

phasesofthemindtherapy.com

Queer Sex Therapist for queer adults. Specializing in baby queer and LGBTQ+ identity and sexual trauma. Book a free vibe check today!

Diversus Health

719-572-6100

diversushealth.org

We offer counseling, psychiatric, addiction, and crisis services to all ages in Colorado Springs and the tricounty area – now offering Same Day Access intakes.

D. Nico Baker, LCSW

720-443-2353

dnbtherapy.com

Healing happens together. Dynamic psychotherapy can help make meaning of your past and gain insight for your future. I’ve been working in our community for over 20 years.

Ellie Mental Health

elliementalhealth.com

Ellie Mental Health isn’t your average therapy clinic. We’ve created a comfy, judgment-free zone where you can be authentic, get real about where you’re at in your mental health, and receive the compassionate care you deserve. We strive to break down treatment barriers and provide you with customized counseling services that meet your therapy needs. Eleven locations across Colorado with more coming soon.

Healing with Feelings

Amanda Tinkey, LCSW

720-334-8646 (text/call)

amandatinkey@healingwithfeelings.com

Healing with Feelings is a therapy practice for those who are struggling with identity, mood, anxiety, or past trauma. I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ communities, providing inclusive care and access to genderaffirming procedures (i.e. letters for insurance). Please reach out if this sounds like something you would benefit from!

Jade Cooley Therapy

720-263-7194

jadecooleytherapy.com

Jade@JadeCooleyTherapy.com

Jade is a queer therapist specializing in trauma recovery through EMDR. Inperson and Telehealth. Medicaid and self pay, with sliding scale options.

Jesse Proia M.A., L.M.F.T.

Colorado - LMFT .0001839

213-538-8714

jesseproia@jesseproia.com Jesseproia.com

LGBTQ+ specialized psychotherapy. In-person therapy at my Capitol Hill office in Denver, video therapy across Colorado.

The Liberation Coalition

720-295-1822

libco.us

The Liberation Coalition is a nonhierarchical collective of trans, queer, and BIPOC identifying mental health professionals. We ground ourselves in a foundation of mutual trust and the desire to transcend old systems with inherent power inequities. We identify as a coalition because we seek action, both personally and politically.

Liminality Counseling

Rebecca Guidera, LPC

843-330-0343 (text) liminality.counseling@gmail.com

Liminality Counseling is a therapy practice focusing on healing sexuality, intimacy, and relationship challenges. I specialize in working with women, LGBTQIA+, and poly folx from a somatic and pleasure-focused lens. Please connect with me to learn more and how we can best support you.

Looking Glass Mental

Health

alan@lookingglassmh.com lookingglassmh.com

Looking Glass Mental Health provides easy to access, personalized mental healthcare (medications and therapy) and has extensive experience working with those in the LGBTQIA+ community.

Mental Health Colorado

720-208-2220 info@mentalhealthcolorado.org mentalhealthcolorado.org

Mental Health Colorado advocates for every Coloradan who experiences a mental health or substance use condition each year. We engage

policymakers, providers, the public, and the press to promote mental well-being, ensure equitable access to mental health and substance use care, and end discrimination.

Mental Health Partners

303-443-8500

mhpcolorado.org

MHP provides personalized mental health and substance use care so people can enjoy healthy, fulfilling lives. Healing is our purpose. Help is our promise. Health is our passion.

Mile High Behavioral Healthcare

303-825-8113

milehighbehavioralhealthcare.org

Denver Element

Celebrating more than 15 years of creating stronger, empowered LGBTQS+ communities through our programs providing behavioral healthcare and HIV prevention services.

Transgender Center of the Rockies Holistic mental health services for members of Colorado's transgender and gender expansive community

Natural Embodiment

Somatic & Dance/ Movement Therapy

401-307-3449

naturalembodiment.org

Lauren Pass Erickson MA, LPC, R-DMT (she/her) provides an embodied and creative approach to mental healthcare, helping you live your truth in joy and confidence. Specialized focus on reconnecting with the body after trauma, healing CPTSD, exploring queer sexuality,

and embracing the adult comingout process. Individual and group therapy available.

Queer Asterisk

720-507-6161

info@queerasterisk.com

queerasterisk.com

Queer Asterisk is a Colorado-based nonprofit organization that provides accessible counseling, education, and community programs that uplift queer, trans, and gender expansive lives.

Rainbow Reflections

720-336-0364

rainbowreflections.org

Therapy by and for BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, polyamorous/ENM & otherwise marginalized adult individuals and couples throughout CO.

Softening PsychotherapyStone

Parker Schneider, MA, LPC 720-378-4662

SofteningStonePsychotherapy.com

Queer communities deserve Queer Healers. I provide ecotherapy and trauma therapy to LGBTQIA+ folks, virtually and outdoors. By Us, For Us.

STRIDE Community Health

Center

303-360-6276

stridechc.org

STRIDE is your one-stop-shop for affordable medical, behavioral, and oral healthcare. STRIDE’s services cover a wide range, including pediatric care, cancer screenings, reproductive health, infectious disease programming, diabetes

counseling, dental care, onsite pharmacy, substance use services, and more! Behavioral health services offer counseling and therapy in conjunction with medical or dental appointments, too! STRIDE uses a sliding fee scale based on family size and income only.

True Essence Therapy

Aiya Staller

720-772-1606

trueessencetherapy.com info@trueessencetherapy.com

True Essence Therapy is a queer-woman-owned group therapy practice with a mission to help LGBTQ+ humans feel a sense of belonging, be celebrated, and receive high quality, cutting edge, affirming therapeutic care. True Essence provides integrative, trauma-informed, experiential art and somatic based therapy to support healing, growth, expansion, and empowerment.

WellPower

303-504-6500

wellpower.org

WellPower is the largest and most innovative mental health center in Colorado, proudly holding inclusiveness as an integral part of our mission.

You:Flourish information@you-flourish.com you-flourish.com

A mental wellness platform for the LGBTQ+ community to find vetted care, wellness resources and connect to others with shared experiences.

Zach Verwey, MA, LPC, NCC

zachverwey.com

720- 334- 7226

zverweycounseling@gmail.com

As a mental health therapist, I believe each of us has an important story to tell and deserves a life that feels good and enjoyable to live, based on our most authentic identity, desires, and values. In my practice, I work with members of the LGBTQ+ community who are grappling with religious trauma, struggling with body image and disordered eating behaviors, and/or navigating relationships or sexual difficulties.

Additional Resources

Aurora Mental Health Center

303-617-2300 // aumhc.org

Colorado Crisis Services

844-493-8255 // coloradocrisisservices.org

Colorado Health Network

303-837-0166 // coloradohealthnetwork.org

Connect for Health Colorado 855-752-6749 // connectforhealthco.com

CU Medicine LGBTQ Mental Health Clinic at Anschutz Medical Campus

303-724-1000 // medschool.cuanschutz.edu/psychiatry

Dare To Be Therapy // Kami Burr Crabb

720-385-8690 //daretobetherapy@ gmail.com

Denise Wuensch // Social Worker

303-839-8675

EK Counseling LLC

720-571-1130 // ekcounseling.com

Harmony Foundation, Inc.

970-442-8293 // harmonyfoudationinc.com

Highlands Behavioral Health System

720-348-2800 // highlandsbhs.com

iAmClinic

720-552-8382 // iamclinic.org

iQu Strategies

720-524-7100 // iqustrategies.com

Kimberly Nuffer, LCSW

303-578-9291 // kimberlynufferlcsw. com

The Lesbian Couples Institute

303-222-7134 // lesbiancouplesinstitute.com

Magnolia Medical

303-209-5115 // magnoliamed.com

Unique · Quaint · Historic

Maria Droste Counseling Center

303-867-4600 // mariadroste.org

PhoenixRise

303-807-3300 // phoenix-rise.com

Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence

303-444-2424 // safehousealliance. org

Sound Relief Hearing Center

720-259-9962 // soundrelief.com

Windhorse Community Services

303-786-9314 // windhorsecommunityservices.com

Grand Junction

Behavioral Health & Wellness //Francis Hicks, LPC 970-242-5707 // Questions@bhwgj. com

The Center

Loving Beyond Understanding 302 South Ave // 970-314-7121 lovingbeyondunderstanding.org

Lotus Wellness // Bea Phillips

970-260-2867 // lotuscounselinggj. com

Thrive Marriage & Family Counseling // Dazholi “DD” Love thrivemarriagefamilycounseling.com

Eisenhower Chapel Lowry

293 Roslyn Street Denver, CO 80230

303-344-0481

@lowryfoundation lowryfoundation.org Exchange vows at this historic DIY gem!

BAD HABITS DENVER

3014 E Colfax Ave. Denver (303) 335-9690 badhabitsdenver.com

BLUSH & BLU

1526 E. Colfax Ave. Denver (303) 484-8548 blushbludenver.com

BOYZTOWN

117 Broadway St. Denver (303) 722-7373 boyztowndenver.com

CLUB Q

3430 N Academy Blvd. Colo Springs (719) 570-1429 clubqonline.com

CHARLIE’S NIGHTCLUB

900 E. Colfax Ave. Denver (303) 839-8890 charliesdenver.com

DENVER EAGLE

5110 W. Colfax Ave. Denver (303) 534-0500 Facebook @denvereaglebar

EL POTRERO 4501 E. Virginia Ave. Glendale (303) 388-8889 Facebook @elpotreroclub

GOOD JUDY’S

BAR & CLUB 103 N. 1st St. Grand Junction (970) 433-7115 www.good-judys.com

HAMBURGER MARY’S 1336 E. 17th Ave. Denver (303) 993-5812 hamburgermarys.com/ denver

3 E. Bijou St. Colo. Springs

@icons_colorado LIL' DEVILS

255 S. Broadway St. Denver (303) 733-1156

Facebook @lildevilslounge

R&R LOUNGE

4958 E. Colfax Ave. Denver (303) 320-9337

Facebook @randrdenver

TIGHT END BAR

1501 E. Colfax Ave. Denver (303) 861-9103 tightendbar.com

TOWN HALL

COLLABORATIVE

525 Santa Fe Dr. Denver (720) 389-7502 townhallcollaborative.com

TRACKS

3500 Walnut St. Denver (303) 836-7326 tracksdenver.com

TRADE

475 Santa Fe Dr. Denver (720) 627-5905

Facebook @tradedenver

WILD CORGI PUB 1223 E. 13th Ave. Denver (303) 832-7636 wildcorgipub.com

X BAR 829 E. Colfax Ave. Denver (303) 832-2687 xbardenver.com

#VYBE 1027 N. Broadway St. Denver (720) 573-8886 303vybe.com

DENVER SWEET 776 N. Lincoln St. Denver (720) 598-5648 denversweet.com

TUE: Taco Tuesday! w/$2 Tacos, $3 Modelo, $5 House Margs

WED: Trivia with Alejandro 7p-9p w/$5 U Call It At The Bar, $.75 Wings

THU: Solve That Puzzle 7p, Karaoke 8p w/BOGO Well & Drafts 2p to 8p, $5 Sliders

FRI: Drag Race & Star Lite Show 6p-10:30p w/Happy Hour 2p-8p, 1/2 price flatbreads

SAT: Rooftop T 5p-9p w/Happy Hour, $10 Beer & Burger Special

SUN: Charity Beer Bust 4p-8p$12/cup Coors Light & Truly Hard Seltzers to 7p