The Winning Team: Blanca Leos leads PFLAG Denver

Our lineup of winners for this year’s — as every year — Power Gala made of truly extraordinary people. Without giving too much away before the party, we decided to sit down and get to know the nominees on a more whimsical level. Enjoy! 

Blanca is such a sweet soul. She completely emanated that “Great Mom” vibe as we sat around a table and shot the breeze. She’s quick to laugh and loves talking about her son, Leo.

Blanca is the President of the Board of Directors for PFLAG Denver. Over the years, she’s enjoyed helping other people by volunteering with several organizations. During her time with PFLAG Denver so far, she’s had the opportunity to work with our community and help our families when they truly need it. She counts her son as her inspiration in this undertaking, and believes in the unity and strength of family — for today and tomorrow.

What were you like in high school?

I was silly and goofy. I played soccer, but was very girly-girl. I had a lot of friends in high school who are still my friends to this day.

What’s the best part about your day?

I enjoy kissing my son every morning. I know he’s 20, but since he was little, that’s just the thing we do everyday. We wake up, get ready for the day, and before he leaves the house, he always kisses me goodbye. It’s the best way to start the day.

If you could choose to live in any era, which would it be?

Definitely the ’20s! I love the atmosphere, the outfits! I find it fun and flattering. I love all the decor. I feel like people dressed up so much, where nowadays, people just wear tshirts and flip-flops. It looks slouchy!

What keeps you busy when you’re not at work?

I volunteer for PFLAG, which keeps me very involved in the community. Our main focus is keeping the family together. We offer lots of support groups and work with people who are struggling. It’s important to stay together and to be there for your kid no matter what. I work a full-time job and I volunteer, so that keeps me really busy.

What TV show are you addicted to?

I hate to admit this, but I love Real Housewives. I can’t pick one season over another. I think because sometimes my life can be considered boring, that drama just draws me in! They always have something going on, so it’s like wow! I could never deal with half the things they go through.

What movie do you know all the words to?

My Best Friend’s Wedding. It’s a movie me and my girlfriends watch. I just pop it in, watch it, and know every word. Julia Roberts is one of my favorite actresses.

What’s something in your house you can’t believe you paid that much for?

My TV. My son and I went looking for a new TV, even though I thought my old TV was fine. He was like, “There are all these TVs with lots of cool stuff” and he sold me on it. It’s 65 inches and I can’t believe it. He’s a little salesman. I still don’t even know how to use all the things it comes with. And no, my son won’t watch Real Housewives with me!

What’s something ridiculous you believed as a kid?

I’m from Mexico and when I was growing up, parents wanted us to stay out of the dark and be careful. I don’t know if you’ve heard of La Llorona, but it’s a witch tale about a woman who threw her kids in a river and killed them. She’s all dressed in white and she screams out their name in the middle of the night. She gets other kids and kills them. So my mom used to say, “Don’t go out or you’ll see La Llorona!” And I swear I wouldn’t go out! It wasn’t until I was about 12 or 13 that I stopped believing in that. I have to laugh, but I can’t believe I fell for it for so long!

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For 2016, OUT FRONT joined forces with the Denver Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce for our annual Power Awards ceremony. Traditionally, we’ve called it our Power Party, but this year’s one-two combo makes it more of a gala, so we’re excited to announce a slight break in tradition to bring our community the Power Gala Awards! We’ll be holding the party at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel in the grand ballroom. (We’re so stoked.) Our musical interludes are provided by none other than Ty Herndon, Alpha the Musical, and Spinphony.

Be sure to reserve your spot today, before all the seats are accounted for!