LGBTQ+ people in Boulder have long been and continue to be valued and important members of our community.

The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia is observed on May 17 each year to celebrate sexual and gender diversity and to draw attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans persons, and more broadly against all people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics. This date marks the anniversary of the World Health Organization’s decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder.

The city welcomes and embraces our LGBTQ+ community members and will continue to uphold our shared values of belonging, inclusion, and equality by creating an inclusive community and not tolerating acts of violence or discrimination against LGBTQ+ people. Learn more on the city’s website.

LGBTQ+ people are often discriminated against in the areas of housing, employment, and healthcare. Below you can learn more about filing a claim through the city’s Human Rights Ordinance to report discrimination within city limits.

Protecting Against Discrimination

The Human Rights Ordinance exists to protect against discrimination in Boulder and assist people who have been discriminated against in three areas, including:

  • Housing
  • Employment
  • Public accommodation in places such as stores, restaurants, health clubs and movie theaters

Within these areas, the ordinance prohibits discrimination based on ancestry, color, creed, gender variance, genetic characteristics, immigration status, marital status, mental disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and source of income. In housing, it also prohibits discrimination based on custody of a minor child, parenthood and pregnancy. In employment, it also prohibits discrimination based on age, specifically 40 and older.

City Council enacted the Human Rights Ordinance in 1972 to create prompt, local protection and for classes not protected at the state or federal levels, such as sexual orientation, gender variance and genetic characteristics.

If you or someone you know has been the target of discrimination within city limits, you can file a claim through the City of Boulder’s Human Rights Ordinance. These services are available in any language. Learn more on the city’s website.

Community Resources

  • Rocky Mountain Equality (formerly Out Boulder County) - Since 1994, Rocky Mountain Equality has educated, advocated and provided services, programs, and support to Boulder County's LGBTQ+ and ally communities. Learn more and find resources on the Rocky Mountain Equality website.
  • Boulder County Chapter of Colorado LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce - Founded in 1992, the Colorado LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce champions the success and economic impact of the LGBTQ+ business community to promote, connect, and advance commerce, diversity, and equality for all. Learn more about the Boulder chapter on the chamber’s website.
  • One Colorado - One Colorado is the state’s leading advocacy organization dedicated to advancing equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) Coloradans and their families. Find resources on the One Colorado website.

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