Standing with Pride, Every Day of the Year
A vibrant Pride flag waves against a bright blue sky.
from Amber Ptak, CEO
As Pride month comes to a close, it’s tempting to see our displays of support—the flags, parades, and celebrations—as sufficient acknowledgment of our LGBTQ+ neighbors. But true allyship means supporting the LGBTQ+ community year-round, not just when it’s convenient or expected. It means understanding why visibility and vocal advocacy matter every day, and actively working toward a community where everyone can feel safe, respected, and free to live openly.
This need for ongoing advocacy has never been clearer or more urgent. Across the country, LGBTQ+ people face rising hostility, discrimination, and efforts to erase their identities. In 2025 alone, nearly 600 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced nationwide, targeting everything from education and healthcare to basic human rights.
Most recently, it was announced that specialized suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth provided by the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline will end. This is a devastating loss. Last year alone, nearly 40% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide, and one in ten attempted it. Its removal is more than a policy decision; it’s a matter of life or death.
Here in Colorado Springs, we've witnessed firsthand the consequences of hate, violence, and indifference. ChangeLine established Prism Community Collective following the Club Q tragedy, a devastating event that took the lives of five beloved individuals and profoundly impacted countless others. Prism was born not only from grief but from a deep conviction that community and action are our most powerful tools to combat hatred and build understanding.
Prism exists because ongoing support and solidarity matter. LGBTQ+ individuals need safe spaces, trusted resources, and, most importantly, the consistent backing of their community—every day of the year. It provides services, counseling, connection, and advocacy to ensure LGBTQ+ residents feel supported and empowered to live authentically.
Yet Prism is just one part of the solution. We each have a role to play. Standing with the LGBTQ+ community means speaking up clearly and courageously against hate and discrimination. Silence in the face of injustice sends a message, intentionally or not, that this community does not matter. Our neighbors, colleagues, friends, and family members deserve better.
Here’s how you can take meaningful action today and all year round:
Contact your elected representatives to express your support for LGBTQ+ rights and advocate for restoring specialized mental health services through 988.
Write letters to the editor or share your advocacy on social media. Visibility matters.
Educate yourself and others about the challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community and what true allyship means.
Listen and learn from LGBTQ+ voices directly, centering their experiences and perspectives in your advocacy.
Let’s commit to making Colorado Springs (and our entire nation) a place where Pride isn’t confined to a single weekend or month. Let’s commit to true allyship and consistent action, every single day. Together, we can build a community where everyone feels safe, valued, and celebrated.