Out Boulder County Honors Representative Karen McCormick and Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis for their Leadership and Service to the LGBTQ+ Community at their Annual Garden Party on Sunday, June 4, 2023

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In a National Political Climate that is Increasingly Anti-LGBTQ, Out Boulder County Honors Representative Karen McCormick and Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis for their Leadership and Service to the LGBTQ+ Community at their Annual Garden Party on Sunday, June 4, 2023

BOULDER, CO – With more than 630 pieces of anti-LGBTQ legislation introduced across the country and efforts to ban books that include information about LGBTQ people or LGBTQ characters there has never been a more important time for elected officials to show leadership and stand up for our community and equality. Out Boulder County is proud to award State Representative Karen McCormick the Clela Rorex Allies in Action Award and State Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis the Jack and Jean Hodges Big Hearts Award.

“Representative McCormick and Senator Jaquez Lewis are dedicated champions for the LGBTQ community and led Out Boulder County’s successful efforts to ensure that our community is counted in public health data and that government buildings have restrooms that are safe and accessible for everyone regardless of gender identity and expression,” said Mardi Moore, Executive Director of Out Boulder County. “They are engaged community members and relentless fighters for equality and fairness. I am proud that we are recognizing their ongoing contributions.”

The Clela A. Rorex Allies in Action Award honors allies to the LGBTQ community in Boulder County, who embody the spirit of Clela Rorex who issued the first same-sex marriage licenses in the country. The Jack and Jean Hodges Big Hearts Award recognizes a community leader who has made outstanding contributions to Boulder County’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) communities. It was inspired by Jean and Jack Hodges whose big hearts compelled them to found PFLAG Boulder.

About State Representative Karen McCormick

Dr. Karen McCormick is a veterinarian, small business owner, mom, and legislator. She is passionate about our state and working for policies that will strengthen our community. With the opportunity to advocate for families, health care, education, LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive rights, economic opportunity for all, the future of our planet and more – Karen is the current State Representative for House District 11.

About State Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis

Senator Jaquez Lewis has lived in Boulder County for 25 years and is a past Board President of Boulder Pride, now known as Out Boulder County. While on the Board, she recruited the first transgender Board member, established the first transgender support program, and added 2 more annual fundraisers to ensure fiscal stability for the organization.

But her impact goes beyond OBC. Sonya has worked to improve public safety for our LGBTQ+ family in Boulder County, organized some of the first gay pride protest marches in the South, and is currently serving in the Colorado General Assembly where, as the State Senator for Eastern Boulder County and Southwest Weld County, she has sponsored many statewide laws to guarantee access to HealthCare and to promote social justice and equality for LGBTQ+ folks and allies.

More information about the 2023 Garden Party can be found here.

About Out Boulder County

Working independently and in collaboration, we facilitate connection, advocacy, education, research and programs to ensure LGBTQ+ people and communities thrive in Boulder County and beyond. www.outboulder.org

Press Contacts:

Mardi Moore, Executive Director