Marking the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, Out Boulder County hosted its annual pride fest on Sept. 8, 2019. Rainbow colors flooded Central Park as over 7,000 attendees participated in a day of self-expression, inclusive activities and support.
Ensuring fun for all ages, OBC creates sections dedicated to different aspects and interests. Here, in the family and youth section, friends encourage each other to create and wear colorful accessories to proudly sport around the festival. Sept. 8, 2019. (Juliana Abbrescia/CU Independent)
In the Central Park Amphitheater, crowds of people follow along to cultural dance tutorials. A section of the amphitheater dedicated to a shaded beer garden allows adults a chance to escape the heat and enjoy a beverage. Sept. 8, 2019. (Juliana Abbrescia/CU Independent)
Families, allies and LGBTQ+ community members play a game of Jenga. Sept. 8, 2019. (Juliana Abbrescia/CU Independent)
Since 1994, the non-profit Out Boulder County has been educating, advocating, supporting and providing services for the LGBTQ+ community in Boulder. Reaching about 15,000 people a year through activities, support groups and events, the center carries out its vision of serving as Boulder County’s model of equality, respect and well-being for LGBTQ+ people.
Pridefest attendees break sweat under the sun following a Zumba dance class in the amphitheater at Central Park. Sept.8, 2019. (Juliana Abbrescia/CU Independent)
Face painting, a popular tent stop at Pridefest, encourages connections with artists in Boulder. Pridefest attendees often paint rainbows and hearts on their skin to proudly wear throughout the day. Sept. 8, 2019. (Juliana Abbrescia/CU Independent)
CU’s Center for Inclusion & Social Change talks to attendees about LGBTQ+ support, giving out rainbow CU apparel and encouraging community involvement. Sept. 8, 2019. (Juliana Abbrescia/CU Independent)
“The world is not a safe place, most of the year we are struggling, so this one day is to celebrate exploring and expressing different parts of the soul to continue the grind and the struggle with strength.”
Michal Duffy, Out Boulder County education & program manager
Attendees enthusiastically shop LGBTQ+ fashion, flags and styles. Sept. 8, 2019. (Juliana Abbrescia/CU Independent)
Attendees learn about life-saving resources like queer therapy groups. Sept. 8, 2019. (Juliana Abbrescia/CU Independent)
Youth don miniature Pride flags and facepaint during Boulder’s Pridefest. Sept. 8, 2019. (Juliana Abbrescia/CU Independent)
Families take a stroll down a street of pop-up stands. Sept. 8, 2019. (Juliana Abbrescia/CU Independent)
A group proudly parade their flags while socializing, laughing and celebrating. Sept. 8, 2019. (Juliana Abbrescia/CU Independent)
Attendees in front of stands in Boulder’s Central Park. Sept. 8, 2019. (Juliana Abbrescia/CU Independent)
Pridefest attendees make a bold statement through their unique and colorful outfits. Sept. 8, 2019. (Juliana Abbrescia/CU Independent)
Attendees wear different LGBTQ+ flags as a way to express individuality while showing camaraderie and support for the community. Sept. 8, 2019. (Juliana Abbrescia/CU Independent)
A group poses while showcasing their decorative wear. Sept. 8, 2019. (Juliana Abbrescia/CU Independent)
Out Boulder County Resources can be found below:
https://www.outboulder.org
https://www.outboulder.org/out-youth
https://www.outboulder.org/transgender-resources
Contact CU Independent Staff Photographer Juliana Abbrescia at juliana.abbrescia@colorado.edu
