Celebrating a Successful 1st Year at Queer Futures

Program Story

Queer Futures opened its doors in January 2024 after grassroots LGBTQIA2S+ organizers in the Yampa Valley recognized a need for a dedicated resource center. The center was created to provide a safe space, foster a sense of belonging, and advocate for culturally responsive services for LGBTQIA2S+ individuals. These services range from public safety to youth recreation and healthcare.

Serving LGBTQIA2S+ individuals of all ages, their families, and allies, Queer Futures creates spaces and opportunities where people can be open about who they are, advocate for themselves and others, and inspire the community to do the same.

Program Impact

1. Community Response to Hate Crime: Recently, Queer Futures became a trusted resource after a hate crime threatened the safety of a local drag show. Queer Futures provided critical support by:

   • Connecting performers to mental health resources
   • Helping navigate the criminal justice system
   • Developing safety plans for future events
   • Building rapport with law enforcement
   • Fundraising for additional security measures
   • Assisting with media coverage and more.

2. Mental Health Services: After its first year of operation, Queer Futures identified a need for in-person mental health services from LGBTQIA2S+ providers in the Yampa Valley. In partnership with the Health Partnership Serving Northwest Colorado and the Parent & Family Wellness Center, Queer Futures brought a therapist to the center once a week. Even before the service launched, there was already a waitlist, demonstrating a strong need for this resource.

3. Impact by the Numbers:

   • In its first year, Queer Futures served over 200 individuals, 40% of whom identify as transgender or nonbinary.
   • A 2022 Survey and Roundtable Report showed that nearly half of LGBTQIA2S+ people in Routt County didn’t feel like they were a part of the local community. In contrast, 94% of participants reported a sense of belonging at Queer Futures.

4. A Personal Story: One young transgender person regularly attending Queer Futures shared that coming to the center is “like coming home.” They had felt isolated and struggled to make friends, but through leadership opportunities at Queer Futures, they developed social skills and now have a close friend group. Safe spaces like Queer Futures have a significant impact on the mental health and wellbeing of transgender youth, potentially even improving life expectancy.

How Donations Help

As a new and growing program, financial sustainability is critical. Every donation makes a difference:

• $25 a month covers the cost of snacks for after-school drop-in hours.
• $4,000 covers one month of rent to keep the center open.

Every contribution helps Queer Futures continue providing a safe, affirming space for LGBTQIA2S+ individuals in the Yampa Valley to gather, connect, learn, and lead.