Bethel Plaza was filled with the full spectrum of colors and expression for its second annual Glenwood Springs Pride Celebration.

Adults and allies painted their faces in glitter and rainbow, wearing colorful tutus, headpieces and any other self-affirming representation that made them feel like their most authentic self. 

“We are so grateful for how many people showed up this year,” said Kaleb Cook, founder of Cook Inclusive Company and the main organizer for the family-friendly Glenwood Springs Pride Celebration. 

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Children and parents were covered in rainbow colors, sequins and glitter dancing next to a bubble machine at the front of the stage while cheering and waving their mini pride flags as high as they could reach for the different speakers and performers.

Pride is a celebration, but also a protest to maintain equality and visibility, reminding members of the LGBTQ+ community that they are supported, loved and not alone, Cook said.

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Glenwood Springs Pride is also a safe space of full inclusivity.

“We need people who are going to fight and protect our values,” Rep. Elizabeth Velasco said in a speech during the celebration. “We are stronger together.”

A group of young teenages enthusiastically showed love and support for each performer and everyone near them, making sure not to miss a single second of the celebration. For a couple of them, it was their first pride celebration ever.

August Rogers and Adeline Fishbein said they both attended last year and were happy to bring more friends this year.

“There were so many more people here than last year,” Fishbein said.

Older attendees stood back, letting the younger ones get a front row seat at a show filled with music, laughter and vibrant costumes. Other children played with sidewalk chalk and watched the performers with their noise-canceling headphones, enjoying the show without being overstimulated by the sound. 

One older man was wheeled behind the stage, smiling ear to ear from his VIP seating.

To provide as much inclusivity as possible, each performance and speech had Spanish and American Sign Language interpretation, so no one who wanted to be there would miss out. 

David Hood and his friend Amy Wray had no idea the pride festival was happening, but they were happy to see all Bethel Plaza full of people and excitement.

“Love and friends makes everything better,” Hood said.

In addition to Velasco, fellow state and local leaders who showed up in support were Gov. Jared Polis and  newly-elected Glenwood Springs Madam Mayor Ingrid Wussow. 

Polis and Velasco spoke of their experiences of being proud members of the LGBTQ+ community and how they will continue to work with local legislation and law to protect and support every member of the community.

Speakers like Velasco and Polis spoke as representatives of both the LGBTQ+ community and politicians fighting for visibility and safety of members of the community. 

This year, Polis signed a law providing gender-affirming care for transgendered people, while also protecting them and their providers. Colorado is now considered a safe haven for trans individuals, according to state officials.

One young speaker from the Roaring Fork Valley, Emit Brown, who represents as nonbinary spoke of their frustrations of not feeling seen or supported in who they prefer to be.

“I want to make my own expectations,” Emit Brown, one of the young speakers said in a speech to the crowd. “I want to break the borders that wrongfully stop transgender individuals at their feet. I want so much that I could never achieve because as long as I am stunted by my own community, this valley and my own school I will continue to be the person I can never be.”

After a live performance from Party Party, came a family-friendly drag show with performers of all kinds. From musical performances to songs from artists like David Bowie, Tina Turner and Selena Gomez, everyone was able to sing and dance along. 

“Drag is a form of art, expression and visibility,” Cook said. “Everyone should be able to enjoy drag.”

Since visibility is such an important aspect of the LGBTQ+ community, pride and LGBTQ+ events do not end on June 10. Denver Pride will be June 24 and 25, while Aurora Pride is set Aug. 5. 

Cook Inclusive Company, PFLAG Roaring Fork Valley, Mountain Pride, Gay 4 Good and the Bluebird Cafe all helped to make Glenwood Pride happen this year.

Inclusive nights of queers and coffee, American Sign Language club and Spanish Intercambio! Will be at 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday night at Bluebird Cafe in Glenwood Springs by @AspenOUT! 

Connect and Climb happens 5:30-6:30 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of every month at the Glenwood Springs Community Center, 100 Wulfsohn Road.

For those who don’t feel heard or supported and need additional support, especially if they think they might harm themselves, contact The Trevor Project Lifeline or call 866-488-7386.

Post Independent city and business reporter Cassandra Ballard can be reached at cballard@postindependent.com or 970-384-9131.