Diversity Equity & Inclusion
We are dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion of all people. We are committed to giving access to quality health care to the LGBTQIA+ community.
Pride Month
We celebrate Pride Month each June. We honor the impacts LGBTQIA+ people have made on history.
In the 1960s, LGBTQIA+ people in New York City mostly went to gay bars and clubs. This was so they would not have to worry about getting arrested. At the time, it was illegal for gay people to hold hands, kiss, or dance with someone of the same sex.
Stonewall
The Stonewall Inn was a gay bar in New York City. On June 28, 1969, police did a violent raid of the inn. Bar customers, staff, and neighbors rioted on nearby Christopher Street.
The riots went on for six days. They were led by Marsha P. Johnson. She was a Black, trans, bisexual woman. The rioters wanted to be able to go to bars without being afraid they might get arrested for being LGBTQIA+. This was the 1969 Stonewall Riots.
In 1970, bisexual activist Brenda Howard held events to remember Stonewall. Both later turned into the New York City Pride March. This started other events like it around the world.
In 1978, gay politician Harvey Milk asked Gilbert Baker to design a symbol for the San Francisco Pride March. This was the first design of the Pride rainbow flag. Today, there are more than 20 flags in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Now, more than 50 years later, we are still working toward equality. Colorado became the first state to include gender-affirming care in its health care plan in 2023.
2024 Denver PrideFest
We are excited to sponsor another year of Denver PrideFest! We are proud to support the heritage and culture of the LGBTQIA+ community. We are excited to celebrate 50 years of Denver Pride!
Stop by our booth to celebrate our community. Make sure to catch us in the parade. Caring for you and your health is what we do, and we are excited to be part of the largest PrideFest in the Rocky Mountain Region. We can’t wait to see you there! Learn more here.
Inclusive Health Care in Colorado
Gender-Affirming Care Coverage
In 2023, Colorado was the first state to include gender-affirming care in its health care plan. This makes sure that everyone in Colorado has the health care they need. This includes the LGBTQIA+ community.
Gender-affirming care is unique to each person. We can help our transgender members access the essential care they need. This can mean things like:
- Mental or behavioral health help
- Hormone therapy
- Gender-affirming medical care
Inclusive Health Care in Colorado
Our Pledge for Access and Equality
All transgender Coloradans deserve health care and support. Parents of transgender children can also get their children the health care they need.
More Coverage
Colorado covers gender-affirming care with Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+). This meets the needs of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive residents.
Help at Each Step
At Colorado Access, we’re caring for you and your health. No matter where you are on your journey.
Learn more at coaccess.com/members.
More Support
- The Center on Colfax: Transgender program
- Colorado Health Institute
- Denver Health
- Envision: You (part of Mental Health Colorado)
- Extension for Community Health Outcomes (ECHO) Colorado
- One Colorado
- Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains: Gender-affirming care
- Transgender Center of the Rockies
- TRUE Center for Gender Diversity: Children’s Hospital Colorado
- YouthSEEN
Colorado Access Land and People Acknowledgment
At Colorado Access, we recognize that the lands on which we provide care are the traditional homelands of past, present, and future generations of Indigenous peoples, including the Tsitsistas (Tse-sis-tas, Cheyenne), Nuuchiu (New-chew, Ute), and Hinónoʼeitíít (Hi-no-no-eit-iit, Arapaho) peoples. We also acknowledge all tribal nations historically tied to the land that is known as Colorado. Together, we are committed to improving health outcomes and expanding access to care for all Native American communities.
We seek to understand the history of genocide and the ongoing systemic inequities that impact Native Americans. We are dedicated to strengthening our relationships with the Native community and are committed to respecting Indigenous sovereignty, and honoring Native American presence, resilience, and culture. We remain mindful and appreciative of this history in our lives and as we gather today.
This land and people acknowledgment was drafted in collaboration with Native American employees of Colorado Access and tribal elders from the community.