Stories
The Art of Living: Home Design & Real Estate Issue
Spring in Colorado has always been a season of possibility. As the warm evenings return, many of us start thinking about the spaces we call home—how we live in them, how we design them, and how our communities grow around them. This is the inspiration behind Metromode’s first Home Design & Real Estate Issue.
Colorado Actor’s Rare Theatrical Journey from Denver to the World
Well-known Colorado actor Eddie Schumacher is doing things that rarely occur in the local Denver theatre scene, extending performances beyond typical runs, earning national and international acclaim, and reshaping expectations for how regional theatre can evolve, travel, and endure.
U.S. Supreme Court Conversion Therapy Showdown
Before the U.S. Supreme Court, a pivotal case pits free speech claims against efforts to protect LGBTQ+ youth from conversion therapy. The decision could reshape professional regulation, parental rights, and the balance between constitutional expression and public health safeguards today.
A Personal Resolution for 2026: Choosing Humanity First
This editorial frames 2026 as a call to quieter, harder work: repairing relationships, practicing patience, extending intentional kindness, and forgiving self and others. Rejecting dehumanization and political absolutism, it asserts that justice and compassion can coexist, and that enduring social change is built through daily choices rooted in shared humanity.
Winter: A Time for Family, Reconnection, and Renewal
As winter settles over Colorado, Metromode Magazine presents a seasonally rich issue reflecting community resilience and a complex cultural moment. Winter invites pause and reflection as we enter a pivotal year for LGBTQ+ rights in America, shaped by legal challenges, cultural pushback, and extraordinary creativity, visibility, and determination.
No Kings, No Tyrants: Millions Rally from Denver to Tokyo in a Global Stand for Democracy
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.
ICE Budget Explodes With Passage of the "One Big Beautiful Bill"
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 Realities of No Tax on Tips & Overtime in the "One Big Beautiful Bill"
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.
Autumn, The Best Time of Year
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.
Welcoming and Affirming
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.
Voices Across Generations
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.
Out Loud in the Heartland
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 Wins Golden Ticket to Sundance
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.
From the Big Apple to the Mile High City
Award-winning pastry chef Martin Howard, creator of drag persona Chocolatina Q. Dessert, blends culinary mastery with show-stopping performances. From Manhattan’s elite venues to Denver’s Lavender Hill, the “Pie Queen” delights audiences with irresistible desserts and dazzling stage presence.
Michael Bennet
In a candid interview with Metromode, the gubernatorial candidate and longtime senator outlines a bold vision for Colorado’s future—vowing to defend LGBTQ protections, safeguard gender-affirming healthcare, and sue the Trump administration over discriminatory policies. From tackling the housing crisis and advocating for refugees, to pushing for a ceasefire in Gaza and reviving the Child Tax Credit, the candidate makes the case that Colorado can be a national model of inclusive, forward-looking leadership amid political turmoil.
Measles Resurgence Highlights Urgent Need for Vaccination and Public Health Funding
Once eliminated in the U.S., measles is making a dangerous comeback due to falling vaccination rates and weakened public health infrastructure. With complications like encephalitis and pneumonia—especially severe in infants and older adults—the disease's return underscores the life-saving importance of the MMR vaccine and renewed investment in science-based public health initiatives.
The History of Native American Two Spirit People
Indigenous cultures have long recognized Two Spirit individuals, those who embody both masculine and feminine spirits, as respected healers and leaders. Colonization suppressed these identities, but today, efforts to reclaim and honor Two Spirit traditions are strengthening Indigenous communities and cultural resilience.
The Art of Resistance: How Political Artwork Has Shaped America and Beyond
From the revolutionary engravings of the 18th century to the vibrant street murals of today, political artwork has played a pivotal role in shaping public opinion and influencing societal change. This article explores the power of visual expression in American history, highlighting key artists, movements, and the undeniable impact of LGBTQ political art. As artists continue to challenge oppression and mold the political landscape, their work remains a driving force behind progress and reform.
The History of Drag
Drag is a living, breathing art form—an ever-evolving tapestry of gender expression, theatrical brilliance, and artistic reinvention. From the stages of ancient Rome to the glittering ballrooms of the present day, drag has shape-shifted through time, transforming itself to reflect the social and artistic landscapes of each era. It is an art form born out of necessity, entertainment, and rebellion, proving that gender is a canvas upon which performers can paint with boundless creativity.
Malta: A Cultural Haven and an LGBTQ+ Paradise
Nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta is a cultural gem that boasts a rich history, stunning landscapes, and an exceptionally welcoming atmosphere for LGBTQ+ travelers. Though small in size, this island nation stands tall as one of the most progressive countries in Europe when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights. But beyond its legal framework, Malta’s deep-seated culture of inclusivity, vibrant festivals, and breathtaking beauty make it a dream destination for LGBTQ+ travelers looking for both adventure and acceptance.
Unlocking the Power of the Vagus Nerve
Vagus nerve stimulation is a breakthrough therapy for epilepsy, depression, and inflammation, using electrical impulses to restore balance in the body. It offers hope for patients unresponsive to traditional treatments and may soon become a mainstream alternative. Advancements in non-invasive techniques could further revolutionize healthcare.
The Hypocrisy of the Republican Party and Religious Right: A Distorted Narrative on Child Predation
The Republican Party and religious right have falsely accused transgender people and drag queens of endangering children, despite no evidence. Meanwhile, data and criminal cases show that many actual predators come from within their own political and religious circles.
Media Giants Defy Trump Administration’s Anti-LGBTQ+ Policies, Double Down on Inclusive Content
In the face of a new wave of anti-LGBTQ+ policies under President Donald Trump’s administration, major entertainment companies like Netflix, Hulu, AMC Theaters, and Universal Pictures are refusing to back down. Instead, they are actively pushing forward with LGBTQ+ content, making a powerful statement about the role of media in shaping cultural narratives and resisting government suppression.
Cyborgs Don’t Feel Pain
Joshua Viola is far more than your average sci-fi and horror enthusiast. He is an avid collector of video games, movies, and tattoos, as well as a co-owner of both a meat packing company and a commercial real estate business. He also co-founded The Viola Foundation -Colorado, which has provided support to the LGBTQ+ community.
A Legacy of Progress and the Road Ahead
Over the past two decades, the United States has seen remarkable progress in the recognition and protection of LGBTQ rights. From landmark Supreme Court decisions to broader cultural acceptance, this progress reflects the resilience and advocacy of a community long marginalized but unwavering in its pursuit of equality.
The Impossible Dream -On Repeat
Mike Broemmel contemplated taking his own life sitting in The White House bathroom sharpening a wooden pencil checking the point on his wrist until a provoking idea crossed his mind. Broemmel scribbled his ideas down on the toilet paper roll next to him, and soon after that his life drastically changed. Mike Broemmel is more than a playwright; he is an inspiring activist and cultured artist unraveling historic events and bringing forth the truth of the past.
