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.

In Denver, historic queer-affirming churches are reinventing themselves as cultural and community hubs. Through inclusive leadership, creative outreach, and interfaith collaboration, they provide radical welcome, preserve spiritual connection for marginalized groups, and adapt sacred spaces to meet 21st-century needs and values.

From boomers’ hard-won battles to Gen Z/Alpha’s bold inclusivity, LGBTQ+ civil rights evolve across generations. Millennials stress acceptance and mental health, while all emphasize intergenerational collaboration to protect progress, dismantle oppression, and create a more equitable, inclusive future.

In small-town Colorado, LGBTQ+ residents face both isolation and resilience. From SECO Pride in Rocky Ford to Salida’s thriving Ark Valley Pride, local organizers and allies are transforming limited resources into visibility, acceptance, and vibrant community connections beyond the big cities.

Boulder secured a 10-year Sundance Film Festival contract starting 2027, promising economic and cultural gains. While boosters tout industry revival, skeptics question lasting impact, citing past setbacks and shifting film market trends. Success may hinge on Colorado leveraging this high-profile opportunity.

While Denver’s LGBTQIA+ nightlife is often assumed to center around gay men, a growing wave of women- and nonbinary-owned businesses are creating vibrant, inclusive spaces that center sapphic energy and community care.

Bronze sculptor Paul B. Lotz blends whimsy, humanity, and surreal storytelling to spark joy and connection. Rooted in kindness, his playful yet meaningful works invite viewers to pause, smile, and rediscover timeless stories in an unpredictable, often divided world.