LGBTQ Community Events in Aurora, CO

Join us for a conversation with Professor Christopher Hunt as they discuss the queer spirituality of James Baldwin. Join us for a public conversation with Baldwin scholar and professor Christopher Hunt (he/him and they/them), as they discuss their book, Jimmy's Faith: James Baldwin, Disidentification, and the Queer Possibilities of Black Religion. In this book, Hunt describes the ways in which Baldwin queers traditional religious language and symbols, reimagining them in such a way as to put forward his own unique Blackqueer religious vision. Hunt will offer a public talk/book reading, followed by a Q and A with the audience. We encourage everyone to prepurchase their books before the event as we cannot guarantee book availability without prepurchase. ABOUT THE BOOK The relationship of James Baldwin’s life and work to Black religion is in many ways complex and confounding. What is he doing through his literary deployment of religious language and symbols? Despite Baldwin’s disavowal of Christianity in his youth, he continued to engage the symbols and theology of Christianity in works such as The Amen Corner, Just Above My Head, and others. With Jimmy’s Faith, author Christopher W. Hunt shows how Baldwin’s usage of those religious symbols both shifted their meaning and served as a way for him to build his own religious and spiritual vision. Engaging José Esteban Muñoz’s theory of disidentification as a queer practice of imagination and survival, Hunt demonstrates the ways in which James Baldwin disidentifies with and queers Black Christian language and theology throughout his literary corpus. Baldwin’s vision is one in which queer sexuality signifies the depth of love’s transforming pos­sibilities, the arts serve as the (religious) medium of knitting Black community together, an agnostic and affective mysticism undermines Christian theological discourse, “androgyny” troubles the gender binary, and the Black child signifies the hope for a world made new. In disidentifying with Christian symbols, Jimmy’s Faith reveals how Baldwin imagines both religion and the world “oth­erwise,” offering a model of how we might do the same for our own communities and ourselves. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Christopher Hunt is a Blackqueer scholar of African American Religions. Their research seeks to disrupt disciplinarity, bringing African American religious history, Black studies, contemporary theology, and queer studies to bear in exploring the relationship of religion to varying socio-political phenomena, particularly gender, sexuality, and race. These diverse academic disciplines converge in Hunt’s book entitled, Jimmy’s Faith: James Baldwin, Disidentification, and the Queer Possibilities of Black Religion (Fordham University Press). This work explores the ways in which Baldwin utilizes and queers religious language and symbols in offering his powerful vision a world made new. Hunt is Associate Professor in the Department for the Study of Religion, Culture, Power at Colorado College. EVENT SCHEDULE 4:00pm Welcome to MATTER 4:15pm Hunt discussion/reading from Jimmy's Faith 5:00pm Audience Q&A 5:30pm Book Signing ACCESSIBILITY Parking: Metered street parking is available (parallel parking) on Market St. Paid lots are available within a few blocks. The closest one is on 21st and Market St. Entrance Access: Our front door is at street level and manually operated, accessible for wheelchairs and mobility aids. The rest of the block has sidewalks raised by five steps; however, the bike lane offers a step-free route down the block with minimal car traffic. Restrooms: All-gender restrooms. Just like at home. Communication: All staff on site speak English. There will be one Spanish speaking staff member. We welcome communication via translation apps (Google Translate is available). While we do not use ASL, we’re happy to communicate through apps or other tools that work for you. Alcohol Policy: No alcohol will be served or permitted at this event. Masks: Masks are encouraged and supplied. We encourage everyone to prepurchase their books before the event as we cannot guarantee book availability without prepurchase.

DU OUTLaws is a student organization at the Sturm College of Law in Denver, Colorado, dedicated to building community and fostering inclusive relationships among law students. The organization operates within the University of Denver's robust student organization framework, which encourages students to form groups around their interests and values. Since its establishment, DU OUTLaws has been part of the law school's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion—core values that define the Sturm College of Law experience. The organization provides its members with opportunities to connect with peers, participate in meaningful events, and develop lasting professional relationships. Denver Law has been an innovator in legal education for over 130 years, pioneering experiential learning and establishing the first legal aid clinic in the nation in 1904. This legacy of innovation and community engagement extends to student organizations like DU OUTLaws, which contribute to the vibrant campus culture. Members benefit from being part of a law school community that prioritizes practical skills, professional development, and personal growth. The Sturm College of Law's focus on creating practice-ready graduates translates into a supportive environment where student organizations can thrive. DU OUTLaws exemplifies the law school's dedication to fostering an inclusive community where all students feel welcomed and valued. Through networking events, social gatherings, and professional development opportunities, DU OUTLaws strengthens the bonds among its members and contributes to the overall well-being of the Denver Law community.

Based in Denver, Colorado, the Colorado LGBT Bar Association is a voluntary professional association that has established itself as an essential voice for LGBTQ+ legal professionals and their allies. The organization brings together attorneys, judges, paralegals, law students, and supporters who share a commitment to advancing civil and human rights within Colorado's legal community. CLBA's mission centers on promoting recognition of LGBTQ+ rights, fostering sensitivity to the unique legal challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, and ensuring equitable treatment for all community members within the justice system. The association creates meaningful opportunities for LGBTQ+ legal professionals to connect, collaborate, and support one another in a professional setting. Beyond internal community building, CLBA actively strengthens Colorado's legal landscape by building alliances with other diversity bar associations and legal organizations, amplifying the collective voice for justice and equality. Members find value in a supportive community of peers who understand both the professional and personal dimensions of being LGBTQ+ in the legal field. Whether you are seeking professional community, looking to deepen your commitment to LGBTQ+ advocacy, or simply wanting to connect with like-minded legal professionals in the Denver area, the Colorado LGBT Bar Association offers a welcoming space for collaboration and shared purpose.

Founded in 1994 by software entrepreneur Tim Gill, the Gill Foundation represents a deep commitment to the principle that all people deserve equal treatment regardless of who they are or whom they love. Based in Denver, Colorado, the foundation has spent three decades building a movement for LGBTQ equality across America, while maintaining special dedication to improving opportunities for all Coloradans. The foundation believes that transformative change requires more than government action—it demands passionate philanthropy, bold risk-taking, and collaborative partnerships with other donors and organizations. At its core, the Gill Foundation serves as a catalyst and agenda-setter, working alongside nonprofit partners to remove barriers to economic opportunity and create communities where everyone can thrive and live openly without discrimination. The foundation's team consists of mission-focused individuals committed to advancing equality for LGBTQ Americans while strengthening their home state of Colorado. Through both direct grantmaking and the OutGiving network, the Gill Foundation engages donors as partners in the movement, believing that informed and committed philanthropists are essential to achieving full equality. The foundation's watershed victories over its 30-year history demonstrate the power of strategic philanthropy combined with community partnership, positioning it as a trusted leader in the ongoing pursuit of justice and equal opportunity for all Americans.