Help Keep Queer Futures Thriving

Program Story

Queer Futures opened its doors in January 2024 after grassroots LGBTQIA2S+ organizers in the Yampa Valley recognized a clear need for a dedicated resource center focused on safety, belonging, and culturally responsive support. The center serves LGBTQIA2S+ community members of all ages, along with their families and allies, by offering connection, advocacy, and affirming spaces.

Since opening, Queer Futures has become a central hub where people can be open about who they are, find community, develop leadership skills, and access resources that are often unavailable anywhere else in Northwest Colorado.

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Program Impact

A Growing Lifeline in the Yampa Valley

In just two years, Queer Futures has supported more than 240 LGBTQIA2S+ individuals across the region. Young people rely heavily on this space. In 2025, 73% of the people served were ages 24 or younger.

At a time when transgender and gender expansive communities are facing rising hostility nationwide, Queer Futures provides a safe environment where people can breathe. The majority of those served in 2025 identified as transgender, nonbinary, or gender expansive. More than half of participants identified as bisexual or pansexual, a reminder that many identities continue to be erased or misunderstood even within queer spaces.

Life Changing Mental Health Support

Access to affirming mental health care in rural communities is rare. In partnership with the Health Partnership Serving Northwest Colorado and the Parent and Family Wellness Center, Queer Futures offered more than 200 low or no cost therapy sessions in 2025 with an LGBTQIA2S+ identified therapist. These sessions filled quickly with a waitlist even before the program launched.

Crisis Support When It Matters Most

In 2025, Queer Futures walked alongside 21 community members facing urgent crises including housing instability, employment discrimination, mental health emergencies, and sudden financial barriers. Staff helped each person navigate systems, find stability, and stay connected to community.

Community Gathering and Belonging

More than 170 people participated in Queer Futures gatherings, support groups, and workshops a combined 400 times throughout the year. Volunteers played a huge role in making this possible. Forty eight volunteers contributed more than 500 hours to build belonging, safety, and joy for LGBTQIA2S+ people in Northwest Colorado.

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Personal Stories

These stories have been adjusted for privacy.

• A transgender teen arrived struggling with depression and isolation. Through the Youth Leadership Committee, they gained confidence, built friendships, and eventually stepped into advocacy. They are now thriving in college and still reach back to let the youth committee know how much the program shaped their life.
• A young adult experiencing a housing crisis after coming out received emergency support, connection to resources, and ongoing emotional care. Despite significant barriers, they graduated and are now in stable housing.
• A teen who faced intense bullying found strength through opportunities for public speaking at Queer Futures. With support from staff, they delivered a powerful speech that shifted how their peers understood their experience.
• A transgender teen shared that attending the Youth Leadership Summit was the first time they had ever met thriving transgender adults. Seeing themselves reflected in respected professionals gave them hope.
• A transgender woman recognized early warning signs of trafficking because of skills she learned in a Queer Futures workshop, allowing her to safely leave a dangerous situation before harm occurred.

Community Testimonials

• “I felt very accepted at Queer Futures... a place where I can spend time with like minded people and not worry about being harassed or dead named.”
• “Walking into Queer Futures and finding community so quickly was a godsend after everything I had been through.”
• “Queer Futures provides lifesaving resources and support to our community. The impact is tremendous.”
• “Queer community is everything. Being surrounded by people who understand you is affirming and essential. Queer Futures is a vital pillar in our valley.”

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How Donations Help

Queer Futures is still young and growing. Sustaining this work requires steady support from people who believe that LGBTQIA2S+ individuals deserve safety, joy, and a place to belong.

Every contribution has a direct impact.

• 25 dollars a month provides snacks for after school drop in hours.
• 4,000 dollars covers one month of rent to keep the center open and accessible
• Any gift helps expand mental health services, crisis support, youth leadership programs, and community gatherings

Your support keeps this space alive for the hundreds of people who rely on it. You help create a future in the Yampa Valley where LGBTQIA2S+ people can gather, connect, learn, and lead with pride and safety.