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.

The Omnibus Reconciliation Legislation was touted as a major win for workers by eliminating taxes on tips and overtime. In reality, these benefits are temporary, largely favor higher earners, and offer little lasting relief, particularly for LGBTQ+ service-industry workers disproportionately affected by the law’s limited scope and regressive structure.

As autumn colors sweep across Colorado, this Fall issue of Metromode reminds us that change is not only seasonal—it’s political, cultural, and personal. In these pages, we’ve gathered stories that look squarely at the challenges, opportunities, and triumphs shaping LGBTQ+ life in our state today.