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Out Boulder County welcomes community to Pridehouse

To close out Pride month, Out Boulder County threw a long awaited “grand opening” celebration at their office and community center in Boulder.
Matt Maenpaa
Matt Maenpaa

Dancing and laughter filled the air on a warm Boulder evening as Out Boulder County, or OBC, welcomed the community to its Boulder Pridehouse. To close out Pride month, Out Boulder County threw a long awaited “grand opening” celebration at their office and community center in Boulder.

On June 30, community members, Out Boulder County staff and allies gathered at the Pridehouse, located at Fourteenth Street and Spruce Street in Boulder. Though OBC moved into its current space at the beginning of 2020, the COVID pandemic put a halt to in-person gatherings.

“We moved into this office two months before the pandemic, so we’re finally settling back in,” said OBC Executive Director Mardi Moore. “It’s such an exciting day and a tremendous turn out, being able to hug people we haven’t hugged in too long. It’s wonderful to have supporters here with us.”

Food and drinks were provided by OBC as staff and community members mingled on the lawn behind the office. 

Representatives from local education and governmental bodies were on hand to lend support, including Boulder County Commissioners Marta Loachmin and Claire Levy, as well as representatives from St Vrain Valley School District, Front Range Community College, city of Boulder, HOPE and more.

Mark Harben, director of pathways advising and the career center at Front Range Community College, or FRCC, came to the celebration, along with his wife and FRCC director of TRiO Student Support Services Rebecca Chavez, to support the organization and check out their new location.

“We’re in a time now where community is really important, and it’s great to see the turn out for a great organization,” Harben said. “I’m really excited to see how they will keep making such a positive impact for the county.”

There was no formal program for the gathering, just an opportunity for staff and community to mingle and relax after almost a year and a half of COVID restrictions.

“I think people are really thirsty for that in-person interaction. We’re so lucky to have this beautiful yard and office,” said OBC Education and Program Manager Michal Duffy. “It’s past time to open our doors and welcome the community, I’m so glad we can finally do that.”