Power surges through Colorado LGBT community

Power comes in many shapes, sizes and colors. And when we set out to do our first Power Issue, we knew we wanted the most diverse group of individuals and organizations. To do that, we called on our readers to help. More than 70 people submitted nearly 250
nominations featuring almost 100 unique and influential persons. Some are executive directors. Some are volunteers. But they all have one thing in common: they’re not waiting for equality. They’re making it happen.  

Alexander Foundation
This all-volunteer board couldn’t be more important in this rough economy.
The Alexander Foundation provides financial assistance to members of the LGBT community who have fallen on hard times. Whether you’re struggling to decide between paying rent and purchasing medication for HIV, or you just lost your job and need to go to the doctor, this group finds a way to make your life a little better.

Sydney Andrews

Denver has always had a strong presence on the board of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. But when Sydney Andrews joined, she took it to a whole new level. For the last two years Andrews has been responsible for the SummerFest, a weekend of entertainment and fundraising for the Task Force. The weekend will no doubt grow in 2012 and Andrews’ national presence and influence will too.

Anthony Aragon
When Anthony Aragon changes jobs, he doesn’t have to go very far. In fact, he just has to walk across Civic Center. Whether he’s working for the mayor of Denver or the governor of Colorado, Aragon is a champion for LGBT rights and making Denver and Colorado a better place. Currently the director of Board and Commissions under Mayor Michael Hancock, Aragon is also the former board president of Equal Rights Colorado and a board member of One Colorado. Aragon has served nationally as a board member to the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force and served as the co-chair for the Task Force’s Creating Change Conference here in Denver in January of 2009.

Katina Banks and Leslie Herod
Be prepared for a healthy serving of social justice if you attend a dinner party hosted by Katina Banks and Leslie Herod. This couple of seven years, have devoted themselves to making a difference. Banks, an intellectual property lawyer, and Herod a program director at the Gill Foundation, serve on numerous boards and donate their time and money to organizations like One Colorado, the Matthew Shepard Foundation and Urban Peak. But what got them on our radar was their moving statements at One Colorado’s kick off press conference for civil unions. Oh, and if civil unions don’t pass in 2012, you can count on them knocking on your door to help elect a Democratic majority in the House.

U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet
The November 2010 election was a nail bitter. Democrat Michael Bennet, who was first appointed to the seat by Gov. Bill Ritter, edged out Republican Ken – homosexuality is like alcoholism – Buck. Since then, Bennet has signed on as a co-sponsor for the Respect of Marriage Act that would repeal the federal definition of marriage between one man and one woman. Something we’re sure Buck would never do.

Erin Bennett and Shannon Masden
This dynamic duo is a double dose of progressive politics. Bennett is the Colorado director of 9to5, an organization set to improve the workplace for women. Bennett’s group helped lead the fight on the Denver paid sick day initiative on the upcoming November ballot.  Masden is the organizing director for One Colorado, a statewide LGBT advocacy group. As the organizing director, Masden supervises a team of four across the state. Their job is to organize, mobilize and energize the group’s LGBT base. Fate brought these two women together during – what else? – the 2008 election season. After spending weeks working closely together to defeat a ballot initiative, their relationship quickly ignited.

Corky Blankenship
This 67-year-old isn’t letting retirement get the better of him. You can find him dancing most Saturdays at Tracks. But dancing at his age isn’t what got him on the list. It’s his passion for fundraising and his epic Pride pool party that this year raised more than $5,000 that was split amongst the Colorado AIDS Project, Project Angel Heart, Kisses for Kenna and Lady Gaga’s charity. While most youngins reject the elders, Blankenship has a huge fan base. And he’s inspiring them all to give back.

Kate Bowman
As president of the Gender Identity Center of Colorado, Kate Bowman is responsible for one of the largest organizations dealing with gender identity this side of the Mississippi. Under her direction the GIC has expanded its hours, and its annual conference, Gold Rush, continues to attract more trans folks each year.

Brad Clark
This Iowa native has nested well in Denver. Executive director of One Colorado, Clark has done what no other LGBT leader has been able to do: build a statewide infrastructure of community members to mobilize for equality. While Clark’s legislative agenda was dealt a major blow when state House Republicans killed a bill that would have formed civil unions, his team has rebounded and grown even stronger in numbers. And when the legislature wrestles with civil unions once again in 2012, you can bet Clark will be in the front row
ready for the fight.

Jessica Cook Woodrum
Much to the chagrin of Out Front Colorado, One Colorado’s spokeswoman Jessica Cook Woodrum never goes off message. Originally from South Carolina, 28-year-old Cook Woodrum was responsible for each message the statewide LGBT advocacy organization pushed during the 2011 legislative session. If you’ve ever had a conversation with her, you know she’s out to “change hearts and minds” for the “critical legal protections” Colorado same-sex couples need.

Kelly Costello
After leaving the Colorado Anti-Violence Program, Kelly Costello (aka Kelly Short-and-queer) took on three part-time jobs. First, he’s working at The Gill Foundation on the Movement Advancement Project. Costello is studying and analyzing what works where for the LGBT rights movement. He’s also working for Denver Public Health on the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance. He’s also an administrative assistant at The Sixth Avenue United Church of Christ. When Costello isn’t working on advancing LGBT rights, he’s square dancing with the Rocky Mountain Rainbeaus.

Matt Derrington
While some kids watched ESPN, 21-year-old Matt Derrington was glued to CNN. Now he works for OnSight Public Affairs and helped elect get Gov. John Hickenlooper. And before that, Bill Ritter’s campaign. Denver Democrats have taken Derrington under their collective wing and you can count on him to be involved behind the scenes electing pro-LGBT officials for many years to come.

Dennis Dougherty
Repealing the government’s ban on homosexuality has been a lifetime goal for Dennis Dougherty, 68. Dougherty founded his own business in 1978. Dougherty, who fought in Vietnam, was one of the original organizers for the Colorado AIDS Project  and has been supporting gay youth for more than 20 years. Dougherty helped secure financial scholarship dollars for The Alexander Foundation to be awarded to younger members of the LGBT community. Dougherty has two questions he lives by, “What do you want to do? And how can I help you do it?” Since retiring, Dougherty has pledged his time and money to nine
nonprofits advocating on LGBT issues.

Amy Drayer
You can call Amy Drayer “Ms. Pride.” This lesbian is the force behind PrideFest, which for her, is a year-long job. The 2012 PrideFest will be Drayer’s seventh. On her watch, PrideFest has expanded to two days and become more family-friendly, all while remaining free.

Andrew Feinstein
You can always count on at least one straight man to be at Tracks. That would be part owner Andrew Feinstein. The son of one of the original owners, Feinstein gave up his life in Los Angeles to return to the family business, which included the LGBT nightclub. Since involving himself at Tracks and the EXDO Event Center, Feinstein has become a prominent ally for the LGBT community. He’s pledged to keep the club  a safe place for LGBT teens on Thursdays, raise funds for out lawmaker Jared Polis and teamed up with Keshet, an LGBT Jewish organization.

State Rep. Mark Ferrandino
Denver Democrat Rep. Mark Ferrandino must have had one of the hardest jobs under the gold dome this year. And 2012 doesn’t look much easier. But he hasn’t shied away from the challenge yet. Whether he’s trimming (or should we say slashing?) the budget on the Joint Budget Committee or persuading Republicans to support a civil union bill, Ferrandino always makes sure his
fellow lawmakers never forget they’re working for the people of Colorado, not themselves.

Dede Frain
If anyone deserves the title of “HBIC” (Google it), it’s Dede Frain. This woman has built a legion of followers – Babes Around Denver – with her inviting smile and epic First Friday parties. But if that isn’t enough, Frain continues to give back. She’s working
with four charities and makes regular donations.

Tim Gaudette
Being in business can be tough right now. It can even be more difficult if you’re the chairman of a chamber of commerce. But Tim Gaudette has taken the challenge on and by most accounts, faired well as chairman of the Denver Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerece. He’s increased membership, revamped programming, launched a new website and has made the chamber more politically active by hosting politicians running for office at their luncheons and breakfasts.

Courtney Gray
After turning several people who were transitioning away at the GLBT Community Center, Courtney Gray knew she had to change things up. Gray, who was transitioning herself, had begun volunteering at The Center after attending her first PrideFest. And she knew The Center had to provide more support for others transitioning. So she came up with some ideas, presented them to the board and now she’s the volunteer manager for the transgender programs. She created the transgender resource area at PrideFest and hosted the first trans job fair earlier this year. Now a full-time trans advocate, Gray speaks on a regular basis to college classes and works with governmental agencies like first responders to educate the public on trans issues.

State Sen. Lucia Guzman
When her fellow Democrats appointed Lucia Guzman to the Colorado Senate to fill a vacancy, she became a record-breaking fourth out lawmaker. Since then, she’s gone on to win her seat outright and champion for the homeless and women’s health.

Barbara Harrison
Consider Barbara Harrison a goodwill ambassador. Though she’s co-chair of The Center, Harrison is the first person to talk up another group while she’s out and about. Whether she’s advocating for Project Angel Heart or The Alexander Foundation, this lesbian believes in giving back and working together for a better Denver. Getting her start in the 1990s, Harrison volunteered for Frederico Peña’s campaign and sat on the board of Safe House Denver, a shelter for women and children. Most recently she’s chaired one or two Mile High Gala dinners and was instrumental in securing The Center’s new home and creating that fabulous rooftop patio.

Nita Henry
If there is one woman in Colorado you don’t want to bullshit, it’s Nita Henry. She won’t have it. Known for her deep love of community, political savviness and no nonsense attitude, this executive director isn’t shy when it comes to telling you the truth: she knows what discrimination looks like and she’s determined to repeal it. Founder of The Kaleidoscope Project, a community-based health organization, Henry also went on to establish Girlz Pushing the Button, a group of 300 black lesbian and bisexual women. As a board member for One Colorado, Henry gave an impassioned speech prior to the final committee hearing on civil unions. Call on Henry for anything and she’ll make sure it happens.

Imperial Court of the Rocky Mountain Empire
One of the first LGBT organizations formed in Denver, The Imperial Court of the Rocky Mountain Empire isn’t without its drama. But there isn’t another grassroots program around that raises and donates as much money to nonprofit organizations. From inception, The Court’s two goals that are still carried out today are providing a safe place for LGBT community members and to raise money. And if you happen have a good time at one of their shows, it’s an added bonus.

Frank Kaven and Christopher Kukich
Running a restaurant doesn’t exactly meet the criteria for being in OFC’s Power Issue. But running a restaurant that raises more than $50,000 in a single night for charity is. And that’s exactly what Frank Kaven and Christopher Kukich do. Owners and operators of Martini Bistro in Longmont, this couple (together for three years) not only hosts an annual fundraiser for A Woman’s Work, they give back every month to the nonprofit that provides financial assistant to families when they donate proceeds from the first Wednesday.

John Kelly
It’s 1995 and John Kelly joins the American Veterans for Equal Rights to end Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. He served four years as a local chapter president but had to retire due to health problems. But this soldier made a good enough recovery in time to not only see the repeal but organize an LGBT color guard for this year’s PrideFest and Veteran’s Day Parade. But that’s not all. At 70, Kelly splits his time between volunteering at The Center and with various nonprofits.

Robin Kniech
As the first out lesbian to win a seat on Denver’s city council, Robin Kniech is living history. While she neither ran on an LGBT platform nor has any pressing equality issues to handle, her simply being a part of the governing body is symbolic enough for us. Kniech and her partner, raising a child together, sends a clear message to all Denverites: we’re here and queer and making the city better. Not to mention, Kniech is in a unique position to serve as a needed role model to young LGBT children and teens everywhere.

Esther Lobato
Growing up homeless changes a person. And for Esther Lobato, it was for the better. Lobato has pledged to make sure no child is homeless. As a board member of the Lambda Center in Fort Collins, Lobato has raised money, created community partnerships and served as a mentor to LGBT teens.

DJ Markie
Boy by day, girl by night. DJ Markie is no “drag queen.” He’s a T-Girl. While she hasn’t run for office, or made a generous donation to a nonprofit, Markie at Tracks has served as a defacto-figure head for a number of T-Girls in the Mile High City. Simply being present and out, Markie has created – all on her own – a safe place for those who wish to express their individual gender identity.

Justice Monica Marquez
Sworn in as a justice of the Colorado Supreme Court late last year, Monica Marquez became the first Latina and lesbian to serve on the state’s highest court. Appointed by Gov. Bill Ritter, Marquez previously served as deputy attorney general at the Colorado Attorney General’s Office. Marquez shattered a glass ceiling for all LGBT persons in Colorado.

Mari Newman
As a civil rights lawyer Mari Newman has fought employment and public accommodation discrimination. A partner at Killmer, Lane and Newman, this legal eagle has represented a number of LGBT clients including Marriage Equality USA’s Colorado Chapter. She currently sits on the board of ACLU Colorado, the Colorado Trial Layers and the Faculty of Federal Advocates.

One Colorado
There isn’t a single organization out there that has done what One Colorado has done in its 20-month lifespan: connect LGBT Coloradans from across the state for one common purpose: equality. Whether it’s a safe-school bill or the relationship recognition, One Colorado has a legion of supporters in neighborhoods in every corner of the state. While the group suffered a serious setback in its fight for civil unions, the momentum is still strong and growing. In the coming months, this group has plans to assign every single legislator a new gay, lesbian or trans best friend.

Rick Palacio
When this native Puebloan returned to Colorado from Washington he became the second out-gay man ever to run a state political party in the nation’s history. Democrat, liberal, progressive, all titles Rick Palacio wears with pride. Prior to taking over the Colorado Democrats’ headquarters, Palacio worked for Democratic whip U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer and fought tooth and nail to pass the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. His goal for the next year is fundraise and get Democrats elected.

U.S. Rep. Jared Polis
A gay man representing Colorado in Washington? Perhaps a decade ago it would have seemed impossible. But a lot has changed in Colorado over the years. And Polis played a huge role in turning the state from red to purple and blue. Upon going to Washington in 2008, Polis took a seat as co-chair on the LGBT caucus and in the coming months will attempt to pass a federal anti-bullying law. Polis also became the first out-lawmaker to be a father. He and his partner Marlone Reis welcomed their first child Caspian Sept 30.

Silke Reuthlinger

This German always knows where the party is at, and chances are she’s one of the hosts. Whether it’s a HipChicksOut happy hour, a volleyball tournament, or a fundraiser, Silke Reuthlinger has not only created an active social network for women, she’s always thinking about how to bring boys and girls together for an exceptional evening. Moreover, Reuthlinger is always the first in line to promote another persons cause. Her infectious smile and dizzying laugh is the cherry on top.

State Rep. Sue Schafer
While civil unions dominated the news, state Rep. Sue Schafer authored an equally important piece of legislation aimed at reducing school bullying. Not only did she sponsor the bill with
a Republican, she also got it passed. It was the first major piece of legislation to pass with protections for the LGBT community since 2008.

Judy Shepard
Since the death of her son, Matthew, Judy Shepard has been a crusader to end anti-gay hate throughout the United States. As the president of the Matthew Shepard Foundation Shepard, she tours the country to share her story. Just two short years ago she simultaneously published a memoir and helped lead the passage of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.

Mauricio Shoup
A community connection genius and a social justice activist, Mauricio Shoup brings a unique perspective to Out Boulder as a bicultural immigrant HIV-positive gay man. During the last year he was influential in expanding Boulder’s PrideFest and locking in Frenchie Davis as a headliner. On a daily basis he over sees everything from the speaker bureau and the Bold Out Youth program.

State Sen. Pat Steadman
Respected as one of the most brilliant and well-spoken state lawmakers, Sen. Pat Steadman was the face of the civil union debate. But this staunch Democrat had plenty on his to-do list including his work on the Joint Budget Committee and medical marijuana regulations. This lawyer, turn lobbyist, turn lawmaker has been around the block more than his fair share and has no plans on calling it quits anytime soon.

Andy Szekeres
If you’re planning on running for political office or launching a ballot initiative, you might want to add Andy Szekeres on Facebook. This 28-year-old is the president and managing partner of 3PG Consulting. One example of Szekeres work: he was the finance director for the No on 1 Protect Maine Equality Campaign where he raised $5.9 million in fewer than four months.

Team Colorado
Securing your state as the host for a multinational sporting event is no easy task (even if you are the only finalists in the running). But that’s what Team Colorado did this year when it won the 2015 North American Out Games. Plan on hearing a lot from this coalition of LGBT sports teams as they begin to fundraise and lay the groundwork for the summer games. The next four years are going to fly by for this organization.

Jeff Thormodsgaard

If there was one person who embodied the civil union debate earlier this year it was Jeff Thormodsgaard. A partner at Mendez Consulting, the state’s first lobbying firm to work on LGBT issues (30 years ago), Thormodsgaard worked night and day at the Capitol to secure votes and explain the bill to lawmakers. While that debate might not have ended up the way we all hoped, it hasn’t deterred Thormodsgaard from working on other issues like state funding for people living with AIDS. Colorado is one of a handful of states that doesn’t have a waiting list for its drug assistance program and Thormodsgaard is largely to thank for that.

Ted Trimpa

One of the most important (and wealthiest) leaders in the LGBT equality fight is Colorado’s Tim Gill. And Ted Trimpa is his lawyer, lobbyist and confidant. Often considered Colorado’s progressive Karl Love, this consultant was one of the chief architects behind multiple Democratic victories since 2004. Trimpa loves bringing together strange bedfellows like natural gas executives and environmental activists. And while he represents a handful of corporate clients, the majority of Trimpa’s agenda is helping secure rights for gays and lesbians. A fight he takes very personal.

U.S. Sen. Mark Udall
Colorado Sen. Mark Udall was one of the most visible supporters for repealing Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. And with his help it finally came to an end. But Udall’s unwavering support for the LGBT community hasn’t stopped there. Not only did he produce one of the most captivating “It Gets Better” videos, he also publically came out for same-sex marriage equality.

Jamie Van Leeuwen
Few people, and even fewer LGBT people, have a direct line to the Governor. But Jamie Van Leeuwen does. As Senior Policy Advisor to Gov. Hickenlooper and Lt. Gov. Garcia, Director of Community Partnerships – Van Leeuwen has an unparalleled voice at the Capitol. Van Leeuwne’s career has largely focused on ending homelessness among LGBT youth. Oh, and did we mention his extensive volunteer work in Africa?

State Sen. Jean White
The civil union debate was perhaps one of the most emotional issues the Colorado General Assembly had to wrestle with in 2011. And no one moved the Senate chambers like Republican Sen. Jean White. Her impassioned speech brought tears to many eyes. White, who was under no obligation to share her feelings, told her fellow lawmakers her vote for civil unions was for her gay niece and nephew. White stood up for love.

Correction: An earlier version of this story reported Matt Derrington worked on the Udall campaign. He did not.