A reflective 2026 resolution advocating patience, kindness, forgiveness, and self-accountability, arguing that meaningful change begins internally by choosing shared humanity over outrage, division, and dehumanization in everyday relationships and actions.

As winter settles over Colorado, this Metromode issue reflects community resilience and a pivotal moment for LGBTQ+ America—amid legal challenges and cultural pushback, balanced by creativity, visibility, determination, and purpose.

On October 18, 2025, more than seven million people across the U.S. and abroad joined the “No Kings” protests—Denver alone drew up to 30,000—as citizens worldwide demanded accountability, democratic norms, and an end to authoritarian power.

The “One Big Beautiful Bill” catapults ICE’s budget from $11 billion to $20 billion annually, granting the agency $79 billion over four years with minimal oversight. Critics warn this unprecedented increase funds vast detention camp expansion via private prison corporations, raising civil rights concerns and potential targeting of marginalized groups, including political dissidents and LGBTQ+ communities.