Denver LGBTQ Businesses Targeted in String of Vandalism Incidents

Over the past several days, Denver’s LGBTQ community has faced a wave of targeted vandalism affecting several businesses and organizations that serve and advocate for queer people. These incidents, which included broken windows and damaged property, have heightened concerns about the safety and visibility of LGBTQ spaces in the region. Community leaders, business owners, and allies are rallying to support those affected and to underscore the importance of solidarity and resilience in the face of adversity .

The incidents began late last week and continued into the weekend, with at least five businesses and organizations reporting acts of vandalism. Among those targeted were salons, a boutique, a queer gym, and The Center on Colfax, which is recognized as the largest LGBTQ community center in the Rocky Mountain region. Windows were smashed, and in some cases, glass littered the floors. The attacks spanned across Denver, affecting businesses from Washington Park to Colfax Avenue and the River North Art District .

Styler Ells, the operator of Joy Movement Collective, a wellness business serving the queer community, described arriving to find broken garage windows and damage throughout the property. The gym provides sliding-scale fitness classes, a food pantry, and a clothing closet, all dedicated to supporting LGBTQ people in Denver. Upon speaking with other business owners, Ells learned that four friends’ queer-owned and queer-positive organizations had been similarly vandalized in the same time frame. “We're very loud and proud,” Ells said. “We're very out in the community. We do a lot of organizing. We do a lot of activism. And a lot of the businesses that did get hit are also the same” .

The Parasol Patrol, an organization dedicated to shielding young people and families from anti-LGBTQ attacks, was among the first to publicly address the incidents. Executive director Pasha Ripley stated, “These attacks do not resemble random vandalism. They are intimidation designed to push LGBTQIA+ people, families, and especially youth-serving organizations back into fear and isolation.” Ripley’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among Denver’s queer business community that the timing and concentration of the attacks suggest something more than coincidence, even as law enforcement has not yet issued an official statement regarding motive .

The Denver Police Department has declined to comment on the incidents, and there is as yet no conclusive evidence linking the attacks to an organized anti-LGBTQ effort. Nevertheless, affected business owners like Ells express concern that these acts are part of a pattern of intimidation. “I think somebody is definitely targeting the queer community, and I don’t know what the motives are, but I do know that there’s far too many of us that got vandalized for it to be a coincidence,” Ells told reporters .

The attacks have had immediate financial and emotional impacts on the businesses involved. Many owners now face repair costs, increased insurance premiums, and the need to install new security measures such as surveillance cameras, which some previously considered unnecessary for community-focused spaces. The Center on Colfax, a hub for LGBTQ resources, events, and advocacy, is among those affected, amplifying concern for the safety of staff, visitors, and the broader queer community .

Beyond the material damage, these incidents threaten the sense of belonging and visibility that LGBTQ businesses strive to foster. For many, their establishments are more than commercial enterprises—they serve as safe havens where people can gather, seek support, and celebrate their identities. The sense of vulnerability and fear created by targeted attacks runs counter to the inclusive ethos these businesses promote.

The recent vandalism in Denver fits into a broader national context of rising anti-LGBTQ sentiment. Across the United States, LGBTQ spaces and organizations have reported increased threats and harassment, even as communities continue to push for greater inclusivity and legal protections. The attacks in Denver have galvanized local leaders and residents to rally around affected businesses, offering financial support, volunteer labor for repairs, and public affirmations of solidarity.

Parasol Patrol and other advocacy groups have intensified their efforts to shield vulnerable community members and provide resources to businesses facing intimidation. They have called on city officials and law enforcement to investigate the incidents thoroughly and to ensure that Denver remains a safe and welcoming city for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities .

For Denver’s LGBTQ business owners, these attacks underscore the importance of visibility and collective action. Many have emphasized that they will not be driven into hiding or deterred from their advocacy and community work. “We’re not going anywhere,” said a representative from one of the affected businesses. “If anything, this makes us more determined to build spaces where everyone is valued and protected” .

The incidents have prompted conversations within the community about security, resilience, and the role of queer-owned businesses in advancing social justice. While the immediate focus is on repairing physical damage and ensuring safety, advocates are also using this moment to highlight the ongoing need for inclusive policies, education, and support systems that enable LGBTQ people to thrive.

As investigations continue, Denver’s LGBTQ business community is leveraging its networks to share information, coordinate responses, and advocate for systemic change. Organizations like Parasol Patrol are offering training to law enforcement and other businesses on how to recognize and respond to hate-motivated attacks. Community members are organizing fundraising efforts and public events aimed at reinforcing solidarity and affirming queer identities.

Local leaders have also called for increased visibility of LGBTQ businesses and organizations, emphasizing that inclusivity drives both social and economic vitality. By refusing to be intimidated, these businesses are not only repairing their storefronts but also strengthening the foundation of Denver’s diverse and resilient queer community .