Salida became a “Queertopia” the weekend of May 31-June 2 with the annual Ark Valley Pride celebration, organized by Ark Valley Pride and Partnership for Community Action, among many others.
The Pride Village June 1 in Riverside Park included many health resources and giveaways, including sex health and mental/emotional health. One attendee, Jerry Trumble of Buena Vista, said, “Testing for dangerous types of STDs, that’s really necessary for these types of events.” Some of the stands included Solvista Health, The Alliance, Planned Parenthood of the Rockies, Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center and the Episcopal Church of Ascension.
Deborah Kline, a member of the organization Free Mom Hugs, said, “I’m a parent of two LGBTQ kids, and I just want there to be mom love … and I want that to be for all kids and all people.”
One attendee, Leym Ham, 15, said they liked “just walking around, seeing all the booths,” and the general support from the community. Attendee Izzy Forrest said, “Pride means being comfortable in who you are. I love how family-friendly (the event) is and how it’s all weekend long and there’s so many things to do.”
Youth community awards were presented in the morning in Riverside Park. The Youth of the Year award was given to Danica McFadden, recognizing someone who has overcome adversity and demonstrated character and accomplishments.
Family & Youth Initiatives and Chaffee County Youth Alliance received the Youth Ally of the Year, which recognizes commitment of individuals or organizations to help the LGBTQ+ youth community.
Daniel Borkowski, recipient of the “Big Bear” youth award, given to those who have shown commitment to youth equality, said, “I feel really grateful I’ve had the opportunity to be in Salida and have the opportunity to be a force in their lives (that) I wish I’d had in mine. … Pride is literally the opposite of shame – getting the chance to be around people … who accept every aspect of us.”
The Rising Star Award was given to Mars Hanifen and Jay Helmer, recognizing emerging youth leaders. Helmer, 13, said, “I believe it is so important to have this space.” This year, Helmer said, “I know I started expressing myself more; I have gotten a lot more outgoing.” Of their contributions, they said, “I believe it would be encouraging to our little kids to dress the way they want and to be themselves.”
Elliot Harrison received the Rainbow Award, given to emerging leaders showing ongoing growth in contributions.
In the afternoon, a Purple People Powered Pride Parade traveled from Alpine Park to Riverside Park. One participant, Joshua Fleming of Buena Vista, said pride is all about bringing the community together. “There’s not a lot of availability to freely express yourself except pride.”
Frank Winberley, 84, participated in the parade with an activist flag from the 1990s, along with his son Erik Sengel. Winberley has marched in pride parades in Washington, Denver, Los Angeles and San Francisco since the 1960s. “Pride for me is the ability to be who I am, where I am, no matter what,” he said. “It used to be you didn’t walk around like this.” His son, an ally, said, “I grew up in the gay community because of him. I feel it’s an obligation on my part to come out and support.”
Community awards were held following the parade. Susan Matthews and Salida Regional Library were awarded Ally of the Year. The Cornerstone Award, recognizing individuals or organizations showing consistent commitment to race, gender and age equality, was given to Shelley Schreiner and The Alliance.
The Elevation Award, honoring those who lift up the LGBTQ+ community and the community as a whole through faith and mindfulness, was given to Hanna Bingham.
Topo Coffee was named Business Ally of the Year, and the Community Superhero was awarded to Jordan Pollack.
Chaffee County Commissioner Keith Baker also spoke at the awards ceremony. About participating in pride parades, he said, “It was something I felt so strongly about, I felt if there were any negative outcomes, so be it. … I’m proud to stand here today and say I support LGBTQ rights because I believe in basic fundamental human rights.
“When people say our rights are eroding, they’re not eroding – they’re under attack,” he said, and he encouraged people to “be engaged, be active, be prepared.”
In the evening, a group from Durango performed a drag show, “Queertopia Nights,” featuring Aria Pettyone (Jake Riggs), O’Plenty (Bailey Carlson), Chad (Mary Quinn), Lily Claire (Caleb Lasley), Miss Gaymatte (Matt Hughes) and Mixtrix (Ryan Garcia).
Carlson said, “This crowd is just so amazingly energetic. It was honestly one of the best crowds. This year was just a different level.” Hughes said, “It’s a really cool cast, a friendly and supportive pride.” It was Hughes’ first drag show in Salida.
Tres Litros Beer Co. hosted a Queertopia wrap-up party the evening of June 2.
Pride events will continue June 9 at A Church, 419 D St., with a Share Your Pride potluck from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., a family-friendly gathering with dance, art workshop and a performance by Salida Circus, followed by the one-man play “I Am Harvey Milk” at 5 p.m., starring Ben Beasley. The show is for ages 16 and older.
