June is Pride Month! During this month, we celebrate the contributions of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community, and learn the continuing history of moving toward equality for everyone, no matter their gender expression or sexual orientation. Boulder County is a great place to learn about LGBTQ+ history—it has been the site of some major moments in the history of LGBTQ+ rights in the US. Some of these events have been local but also colorful and creative. Other local events have had far-reaching impacts, having literally changed the national picture for LGBTQ+ people and their rights.

The Museum of Boulder’s new exhibit, “Bending the Arc,” celebrates the 50th anniversary of six marriage licenses issued to same-sex couples in 1975. The exhibit, which will be on display through September 29, showcases the history of LGBTQ+ rights in Boulder County and Colorado. The Museum is excited to report that panels about LGBTQ+ history that were on display at the Louisville Historical Museum last year are now in a new exhibit at the Museum of Boulder called, "Bending the Arc." These panels were created by a Louisville resident, Dr. Glenda Russell.

The Louisville Historical Museum will have a pin maker set up during June and visitors are invited to create their own pin for free whenever the Museum is open. Create your own design to express your unique identity or choose from pre-made designs like the one featured at the Museum of Boulder, “Museums are for Everyone,” ally pins, and more!

This photo shows the Boulder County Courthouse circa 1930. In 1975, Boulder County Clerk Clela Rorex issued the country's first legally administered marriage licenses to same-sex couples out of the Boulder County Courthouse. This courthouse was designated a National Historic Landmark last year by Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, in recognition of its pivotal role in advancing LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. Photo courtesy Boulder Historical Society/Museum of Boulder.

This photo from the Carnegie Library in Boulder shows the Boulder Municipal Building, where the Boulder City Council adopted the Boulder Human Rights Ordinance in 1972. In a progressive move for the time, the City Council added protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation. Unfortunately, this part of the ordinance was removed in 1974 by referendum and not restored until it was readopted by Boulder voters in 1989. The Municipal Building, designed by Boulder architect James Hunter, was dedicated on August 9, 1952. In 2021, it was renamed the Penfield Tate II Municipal Building in honor of Tate, who introduced the sexual orientation amendment to the ordinance, for his service to the city.