The Garden Party
Save the Date: June 2, 2024
Stay tuned for more updates to come!
Reach out to Juan Moreno (he/him) with any questions at jmoreno@outboulder.org.
Do you know someone who has made a big difference this year for the LGBTQ+ community in Boulder County? Nominate them for one of our annual awards!
The Jack and Jean Hodges Big Hearts Award:
Each year, Out Boulder County recognizes a member of the LGBTQ+ community who has made outstanding contributions to the queer community in Boulder County. This award is inspired by Jean and Jack Hodges, whose big hearts compelled them to found PFLAG Boulder. The award was first given to them in 2005 and has been given in their honor each year since.
The Clela A. Rorex Allies in Action Award:
This prestigious award honors allies to the LGBTQ+ community in Boulder County. It is named for the woman who set the bar for equal rights in Colorado — Clela Rorex. In 1975, Clela, who at the time was the Boulder County Clerk, issued the country's first legal marriage license to a same-sex couple. As you can imagine, this courageous act created widespread publicity and criticism for Ms. Rorex, but she never once wavered. Since then and for the remainder of her life, Clela continued to be a vital ally for the LGBTQ+ community. She passed away in 2022, but her legacy lives on.
Deadline for nominations is April 30th, 2024.
Please email Juan Moreno (he/him), at jmoreno@outboulder.org with any questions.
Congrats to our 2023 award winners!
Rep. Karen McCormick
Clela Rorex Allies in Action Award
Dr. Karen McCormick is a veterinarian, small business owner, mom, and legislator. She is passionate about our state and working for policies that will strengthen our community. With the opportunity to advocate for families, health care, education, LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive rights, economic opportunity for all, the future of our planet and more – Karen is the current State Representative for House District 11. Rep McCormick has been the House sponsor on both of OBC's bills to pass through the legislature ensuring LGBTQ inclusion in data and accommodations.
Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis
Jack & Jean Hodges Big Hearts Award
Sonya Jaquez Lewis has lived in Boulder County for 25 years and is a past Board President of Boulder Pride, now known as Out Boulder County. While on the Board, she recruited the first transgender Board member, established the first transgender support program, and added 2 more annual fundraisers to ensure fiscal stability for the organization.
But her impact goes beyond OBC. Sonya has worked to improve public safety for our LGBTQ+ family in Boulder County, organized some of the first gay pride protest marches in the South, and is currently serving in the Colorado General Assembly where, as the State Senator for Eastern Boulder County and Southwest Weld County, she has sponsored many statewide laws to guarantee access to HealthCare and to promote social justice and equality for LGBTQ+ folks and allies.
Check out the amazing photos from the event!
Our annual events keep growing, and we want to make sure to provide our LGBTQ+ community with the best experience possible. It's through the generosity of our sponsors and partners that we can make our events a reality. If your company is interested in becoming a sponsor today, contact Juan Moreno (he/him) at jmoreno@outboulder.org.
