Celebrating queer history at Regis

Over half a century ago, the New York City Police Department raided Stonewall Inn, a now pivotal location, in a routine attempt to enforce the prohibition and persecution of homosexual expression. Instead of complying, the clubgoers retaliated, leading to a six-day demonstration throughout the city, unknowingly turning the tide for the gay rights movement in the United States.  

Now, lesbian, gay and transgender Americans commemorate the month of June, lining the streets – not in protest, but in celebration of the progress pioneered during that night. This month, Regis University joins in this celebration of queer history on June 28 and 29 as a returning guest to Denver PrideFest 2025, at Denver Civic Center Park. 

Kate Partridge, director of the Women’s and Gender Studies program and member of the Queer Resource Alliance (QRA) at Regis, described how this year’s appearance at Denver PrideFest is only a small part of the work that Regis has done to recommit to the University’s mission. 

“There are half a million people who come to Pride, so it's a really big statement to make, to say we're not going to back down from our commitment to thinking about social justice, diversity and inclusivity,” Partridge said. “The fact that it comes from our Jesuit mission, to me, is something to be really proud of.” 

For over a decade, Regis University has made strides to document the living history of queer students, faculty and staff. The Regis Library has stepped up to create the Regis Inclusive Archives Program, housing the LGBTQIA+ Queer Experience Archive.  

This archival project seeks to fill in the “missing gaps” in academic and institutional recordkeeping. The collection includes both physical and digital ephemera, logging on-campus events and Regis’ involvement with local queer communities. 

Kate Burns, Archives Librarian at the Regis Library and member of the QRA, shared how the archive inspired her to take on a larger organizational role for this year’s event. 

“We’ve archived this really fascinating email conversation from after Pride last time that just showed how wonderful it was for people, and that's why I thought I really wanted to get on the bandwagon to do Pride this time,” said Burns. “So many people stopped by and said: ‘we are so glad to see that Regis is here.’” 

The Regis community’s dedication to queer history is paramount as queer monuments and archives are being overturned and rewritten. 

In this shifting social landscape, celebrating queerness in America is more important than ever. In conclusion, Partridge emphasizes the importance of expressing queer positivity in the face of adversity. 

“We sometimes only have the opportunity to think about queerness on campus when something bad happens,” said Partridge. “It's really nice to be able to have a time to just celebrate queer folks at Regis with other groups of activists, nonprofits and educational institutions in Denver.” 

The Queer Resource Alliance and the Community for Belonging are still looking for faculty, staff and students to volunteer at the Regis Festival Booth! Times are available for both June 28, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and June 29, from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.  

Volunteers will be contacted with day-of logistics and training materials.  

Register to volunteer here.