Newsletter Issue 1
Hello and welcome to the first issue of the Colorado Springs Queer History Archive newsletter! Through this newsletter, the Lambda History Committee will share exciting new materials and research dug up through the committee's research.
News
Freedom to Thrive Exhibition Opening
Saturday, August 1
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum
The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum's upcoming exhibition will include contributions made by members of the Lambda History Committee. It will also highlight other movements of resistance forged by historically marginalized people of the Pikes Peak Region. You won't want to miss it!
The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum is pleased to announce the opening our new exhibit, "Freedom to Thrive: The American Experiment in Colorado Springs" on Saturday August 1, 2026. Coinciding with Colorado Day, "Freedom to Thrive" is an important contribution to the 250/150 commemoration. Reflecting on both the Semi-quincentennial of America and the Sesquicentennial of Colorado’s statehood, this exhibit centers people and stories to examine opportunities and obstacles to freedom in our community.
Featuring over two dozen contemporary and historic changemakers/advocates/activists who work(ed)to make Colorado Springs a community where all residents have equal opportunity to live healthy, safe, and prosperous lives, this inspiring exhibit asks guests to consider the power of personal stories – including their own – while challenging us all to find common ground for the common good in 2026. Finally, inspired by the connection, conversation, and meaning throughout the gallery, a “call to action” section provides an opportunity to get involved in the ongoing work shaping our community today.
Lambda History Committee Seeking Queer History Enthusiasts
If you are interested in local queer history and want to join the Lambda History Committee, we'd love to have you join! To join the committee, fill out this form. Meetings are bi-weekly, Sundays at 3pm online, but work can be done asynchronously.
Article Highlight
Nico had the pleasure of speaking at Dr. Rushaan Kumar's recent LGBTQ+ Social Movements class at Colorado College this past spring semester. A group of Dr. Kumar's students opted to research and contribute to the archive, and we will be sharing those articles over the coming newsletters. This time, we're highlighting the articles by Beau Teopfer, who applied his interest to outdoor recreation to uncover the stories of LGBTQ+ outdoor recreationalists.
Notable Queer Outdoor Recreationalists and Affinity Groups in Colorado Springs by Beau Toepfer
Beau shares the accomplishments of recreationalists such as Jamie Logan, Madaleine Sorkin, Zivia Berkowitz, and beyond.
On this Day
On this day (July 25th) in 1988, The Gazette published an article titled AIDS apathy blamed for wane in local services; Lambda House administrator quits, S-CAP loses free office.
This article by Terri Cotton details the struggles Lambda House was facing. Lambda House was a living space for HIV+ people that operated on the west side of Colorado Springs in the 80's.
You can read the full article through PPLD Digital Collections.
Archive Highlight
A few months ago, Donaciano Martinez, gay Chicano activist, and co-founder of the Colorado Springs Free Clinic, the Gay Liberation Front of Colorado Springs, and the Lambda Services Bureau, found this photo on a CD-ROM in his home. It depicts the Gay Liberation Fronts of Colorado Springs, Denver, and Fort Collins marching in an anti-war protest in Denver on November 6, 1971. The archive is incredibly grateful for Donaciano's contribution of his time, stories, and photos such as this one!
