PUBLISHER'S NOTE
Summer Pride 2025
Welcome to the Summer Pride Issue. As Pride heats up across our state, we dedicate this issue to the stories, art, politics, and faith that shape who we are—boldly and unapologetically.
June 9, 2025
Summer Pride issue 2025, Muchachomalo* Cover Image
Michael Bennet
Sundance Film Festival 2027
Summer Pride issue 2025, Muchachomalo* Cover Image
USE ARROWS TO MOVE THROUGH IMAGES
By William Cameron
Welcome to the Summer Pride Issue. As Pride heats up across our state, we dedicate this issue to the stories, art, politics, and faith that shape who we are—boldly and unapologetically.
We arrive at this Pride season with joy in our hearts but also with renewed fire in our souls. With President Trump now in his second term, his administration has wasted no time targeting some of the most vulnerable in our community. LGBTQ+ healthcare protections are being stripped away at the federal level, with proposed rollbacks to gender-affirming care, HIV prevention access, and vital provisions under the Affordable Care Act. Even Medicare and Medicaid—lifelines for many LGBTQ+ Americans, especially elders and those living with chronic illness—are under threat. These moves are not just policy shifts; they are acts of erasure. In this issue, we dig deep into what’s happening, who’s being affected, and how we can resist and organize to protect our rights and our lives.
Our Exclusive Interview with Michael Bennet
In contrast to that looming shadow, hope and leadership emerge at the state level. We sat down with U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, now a candidate for Governor of Colorado. In our exclusive interview, Bennet shares his commitment to LGBTQ+ equality, rural healthcare access, and preserving the hard-won rights that Coloradans have come to expect. It’s a candid, compelling conversation that signals a race to watch.
Culture and creativity also take center stage in this issue. We’re thrilled to spotlight Boulder’s historic win to host the 2027 Sundance Film Festival—the first time the iconic 48-year-old event will be held outside of Utah. This decision has been hailed across national media as a major victory not only for Boulder but for the entire state of Colorado. With it comes a wave of economic incentives, tourism investment, and an anticipated surge in creative industry jobs. Many are calling it a golden ticket to revitalize Colorado’s long-stagnant professional film scene and elevate our state as a serious player in the national arts economy. It’s a transformative moment—one that reaffirms our place in the cultural conversation and positions LGBTQ+ creatives at the forefront of telling bold, groundbreaking stories.
Among the voices we’re celebrating is sculptor Paul B. Lotz, whose interview in this issue offers a deeply moving look into the emotional and spiritual narratives embedded in his bronze work. His pieces reflect both vulnerability and power—qualities that resonate strongly with queer identity—and we’re proud to feature them here.
But not all of Colorado’s LGBTQ+ journeys unfold in city centers. In Salida, Rocky Ford, Canyon City, and Trinidad, queer folks are forging lives of resilience and quiet courage. We’ve gathered their stories—of finding community in unexpected places, of navigating small-town traditions, of carving out space for love and authenticity. These voices are often overlooked, but they are no less vital to the heart of Pride.
Sundance Film Festival -Boulder's Golden Ticket to Sundance
We also explore a growing movement of LGBTQ Coloradans reclaiming their faith, rediscovering sacred texts, and creating affirming spiritual spaces. In these pages, you'll find reflections on queerness and belief that are as healing as they are revolutionary.
And finally, we bring you something delightfully summer: our exclusive Muchachomalo Underwear shoot—bold, artistically painted, and brimming with confidence.
Happy Pride, Colorado. Here’s to every shade of who we are.
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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.