Denver Pride: Remembering the Roots, Recognizing Bisexual & Trans Erasure, and Questioning Corporate “Rainbow-Washing”

By Caitlin Bovard, LPC, Certified Couples Therapist, Dual-Certified Sex Therapist (AASECT CST)

Ah, Pride Month! That glorious time when the world lights up in rainbows, parades fill the streets, and queer joy is absolutely contagious. Whether you’re sashaying around the Gayborhood, rocking a glittery outfit at home, or just loving the vibes online (I see you, introverts, and you're valid!) — Pride is our time to shine.

But before we get too carried away with the confetti, let’s take a sec to remember where Pride actually started, give a big shout-out to the bisexual folks who sometimes get left out of the party, and have a little chat about those slick corporate logos popping up everywhere.

Pride’s Roots: More Than Just a Parade

Picture this: It’s June 1969, New York City. The Stonewall Inn—a cozy, if not slightly rebellious, spot for queer folks—gets raided by the cops. But instead of going quietly, the people inside say, “Nope, not today!” and push back hard. That spark kicked off the whole Pride movement, turning protests into joyful marches demanding respect, rights, and visibility.

So yeah, Pride isn’t just about glitter and rainbows (although, hello, those are awesome)—it’s about fierce resistance and community strength.

Speaking of history and erasure: Despite trans people — like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera — being key figures in the birth of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, trans folks still face exclusion and disproportionate violence. Pride spaces sometimes fail to center trans voices or provide safe, affirming space.

Many are pushing for Pride to explicitly include and uplift trans people, not just with hashtags, but with real visibility and support.

Bisexual Folks: Often Overlooked, Always Fabulous

Let’s get real. Bisexual people have been rocking their identities quietly (and sometimes not so quietly) for ages. But here’s the catch: they don’t always get the spotlight at Pride. It’s like showing up to the party and realizing the DJ forgot to play your favorite songs.

This is called bisexual erasure, and it happens when people act like bisexuality is just a “phase” or they ignore it altogether. It’s frustrating, and honestly, it stinks.

Bisexual folks face unique challenges, from feeling unseen to getting skeptical side-eyes from all sides. So during Pride, it’s super important we celebrate every shade of the rainbow, including that beautiful, bold bisexual stripe.

Corporate Pride: Love It, Question It

If you’ve noticed companies slapping rainbows on everything from sneakers to snacks come June, you’re not alone. Corporate America loves a good Pride moment — and hey, it can bring visibility and funds to LGBTQ+ causes.

But sometimes it’s just about the profit. This thing called rainbow capitalism is when brands use Pride to look good without backing it up with real support. They slap on a rainbow in June and then ghost the community the rest of the year.

So let’s cheer for the companies that walk the talk, and keep calling out the ones that don’t. And if this doesn't feel sufficient, check out this article from Denver's own Westword on alternatives to the more-corporate Pridefest.

Kink at Pride: A Valid Part of the Party

Okay, let’s talk about something that sometimes stirs the pot: kink at Pride. This pops up every year. Some want Pride to be “cleaned up” to be more “appropriate” for kids or mainstream audiences. But that often means shaming expressions of queerness — especially around kink, drag, or sexuality — which have always been part of Pride’s roots. This conversation is often coded in respectability politics and leaves out people who don’t fit into a sanitized version of queer life. You’ve probably seen the debates — leather, pup hoods, harnesses — and maybe even heard folks say, “That’s not family-friendly!” But here’s the deal: kink has always been part of the queer liberation story.

From the early days of Pride, kink communities have marched, protested, and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with others in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Why? Because the struggle for sexual freedom and the right to exist without shame is deeply intertwined with the queer movement. Pride is about pushing back against shame and celebrating the fullness of who we are — and for many, that includes kink.

Is it for everyone? Nope, and that’s totally fine. But calling for kink to be excluded from Pride often ends up reinforcing the very same norms that once told queer people to hide, tone it down, or be more “acceptable.” And we’ve come too far for that.

Pride is big enough to hold joy, protest, glitter, quiet reflection, and yes — kink too. Let’s make space for all the folks who helped get us here, leather and all.

Police Presence at Pride

Some folks feel safer with a police presence at large events, especially after recent targeted violence. But for many in the LGBTQ+ community — especially Black and brown queer folks, trans people, and those with a history of being criminalized — police represent trauma and oppression, not safety.

Pride began as a protest against police brutality, so having law enforcement in uniform at Pride events feels like erasure to some. This debate often leads to calls for no-police or community-led safety measures instead.

Let's Talk about Inclusion of Allies, Performative Allyship & Tokenism

Allies are important — no question. But sometimes, their presence can overshadow the LGBTQ+ folks Pride is for. There’s a tension between celebrating supportive allies and ensuring queer voices stay centered.

Basically: Allies are welcome, but not as the main characters.

From influencers to celebrities to corporations, a lot of folks show up during Pride Month and then go quiet. That rainbow logo? It better come with receipts — like actual support for LGBTQ+ employees, donations to queer orgs, and year-round advocacy.

More people are asking, as they should: Are you here for the party, or for the people?

What about the youth?

With rising anti-LGBTQ+ legislation — especially against trans youth — Pride has become a crucial space for young queer people to find community. But that’s also made it a target.

Debates rage around what’s “appropriate” for young people, when in reality, LGBTQ+ youth need support, affirmation, and visibility more than ever.

So, What Now?

Pride is a big, beautiful, messy mix of history, joy, struggle, and love. This month (and every month), here’s how you can keep it real:

• Listen up and lift bisexual voices — they deserve the mic too.

• Support local and grassroots LGBTQ+ groups who do the real work.

• Be curious about the companies you support — are they really here for the community or just the rainbow stickers?

Pride isn’t just a June thing. It’s a whole vibe. So let’s celebrate all the colors, all the stories, and keep fighting for a world where every queer person feels seen and loved.

Ready to work with a therapist who gets it without having to educate? Learn more about my online therapy services for LGBTQ+ folks here and book a free consultation with me, a Colorado-licensed sex therapist specializing in queer-affirming therapy today.

What's next, blog-wise:

Next Tuesday, July 1st will be a bonus blog (think of it as part 3b) to this series: Sex Coach vs. Sex Therapist: What’s the Difference—And Which One Do You Actually Need?

In two weeks, July 8th, I will tackle the topic of What AI and ChatGPT Can—and Can’t—Do in Therapy and Sex Therapy.

Bookmark this blog page or follow me on instagram so you don’t miss the rest!

Just a heads up: This blog is for informational purposes only and isn’t meant to be taken as medical or mental health advice. Always talk with a licensed provider about your specific situation.