WINTER ISSUE 2025:
December 17, 2025
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.
By William Cameron
USE ARROWS TO MOVE THROUGH IMAGES
We open with a deeply reported news section that navigates a series of pivotal national developments. The U.S. Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the Davis v. Ermold case—and its decision not to reverse Obergefell v. Hodges—provides a rare moment of stability in a year defined by uncertainty. Yet that certainty is tempered by the Court’s consideration of Chiles v. Salazar, a case that could shape the landscape of civil rights protections for years to come. We also examine the enduring federal protections for transgender Americans, ongoing attempts to ban LGBTQ+ literature in districts across the country, and the escalating threats facing queer death care services. Together, these stories remind us that progress requires vigilance, advocacy, and community solidarity.
Our Good Chat section brings a welcome shift in tone, spotlighting six queer podcasters whose voices are resonating across the country, creators who are shaping narratives, challenging assumptions, and building connection in ways only our community can. We also sit down with the new leadership team at The Center on Colfax, diving into their vision for expanding resources, strengthening support systems, and keeping Colorado’s LGBTQ+ hub vibrant and accessible.
Six Queer podcast Image: Adobe Stock, LM Fischer Interview Images: LM Fischer
Culture lovers will find much to savor in this issue. From the sun-washed shores of Curaçao—an island that continues to distinguish itself as one of the Caribbean’s most welcoming destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers—to the Colorado Ballet’s lavish new production of The Great Gatsby, winter brings a spectrum of experiences that celebrate art, movement, and storytelling. We also feature a compelling interview with Colorado visual artist Levi Fischer, whose work—and lived experience as a transgender creative—reflects a remarkable blend of technical mastery, emotional depth, and cultural insight.
Our Feature lineup is equally robust. We go inside the Marine Corps to explore what service looks like for LGBTQ+ individuals today—and how Netflix’s new series Boots both captures and complicates that reality. We gather wisdom from nine LGBTQ+ Coloradans working across diverse professional fields as they share their personal New Year’s resolutions for 2026. And we present our marquee feature: six extraordinary winter mountain resort escapes designed for couples, chosen families, and friends seeking rest, reconnection, and renewal in the months ahead.
Queer marine Image: Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Six Colorado Winter Resorts Getaways Image: Adobe Stock
This issue also marks the debut of our new four-part Drag Noir mystery, The Case of the Snatched Wig—a deliciously stylized, high-camp whodunit we can’t wait for you to enjoy. In our Foodie section, we highlight a wave of new restaurant openings across the state and revisit a beloved local favorite: Goldspot Brewing, a warm, affirming Denver staple for queer community gatherings.
As we close the year and look toward 2026, I offer this final word: resolve to be patient, to be present, to understand others generously, to forgive often, and to cultivate a life that elevates not only yourself but everyone around you.
May joy and happiness find you in the New Year!
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M
About the author
With a 25-year background in print advertising sales and publishing, a love for art and design, and steadfast determination, William has helped develop and execute the successful launch of three publications over his career; METROMODE being his own. As the Creative Director, he sets the brand's vision and leads a talented team of writers while bringing his creative abilities (16-years in graphic design) to designing each issue.
Since 2004, METROMODE has been a beacon for the LGBTQIA+ community and our allies. We’re a publication built on quality, not only in our advertising clients but in the look, feel, and editorial pieces of each magazine. METROMODE speaks to the entire community with thoughtful analysis of local, national, and global events affecting our community; developments in business, finance, the economy, and real estate; interviews with emerging and seasoned artists, musicians, and writers; appealing new opportunities to enjoy Colorado’s rich culture and social atmosphere; quality aesthetic experiences from film, to food, to music, to art, to night life; and challenging social and political thought.
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