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Queer Elder Corky Blankenship Passes

Queer Elder Corky Blankenship Passes

OFM is sad to report that one of Denver’s longest standing queer elders has passed away. Corky Blankenship lost his fight with COVID-19 on February 12, 2021. As many members of the community mourn, some took to Facebook to share their memories and thoughts.

“Today The Center on Colfax mourns the passing of Denver native and longtime LGBTQ activist, Corky Blankenship. Corky will be remembered for his love of life and his devotion to causes like homelessness and human rights.” The Center posted along with a photo of Corky.

“One of my heroes found his wings today. There are few people in this world who can touch the lives of so many in such a positive way. Corky did just that by being an authentic, unique, and loving person. He experienced a life full of love and dedicated himself to the LGBTQ community. He was a true example and will forever be etched on the Denver community and the many souls he touched. I hope you’re dancing, Corky. I will miss you dearly. We love you.” wrote local podcast host, Ken Young.

Blankenship, a Denver native returned to Colorado from living in San Francisco, in the 70s. At one point in his life, Corky described himself as introverted. But once he had a taste of Denver’s queer night club scene, there was no turning back.

“So I started going out dancing once a week,” Corky told OFM in an interview back in 2012.

“Back [in the ’70s] I got a lot of negative attitudes – now I get no negativity at all,” Blankenship said of the decades younger club-goers. “[Young people] are happy to see an older gay person who is still vibrant and having fun,” Blankenship said. “People say ‘oh you’re an inspiration.’ But I’m just doing my thing.”

Corky’s activism, career as a DJ, and legendary pool parties were pillars of the LGBTQ community, and will surely continue to live on through the people he touched.

*Photos by Charles Broshous

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