Bending the Arc; A Uniquely Boulder story of LGBTQ Rights

An exhibit recognizing the 50th anniversary of six marriage licenses issued to same-sex couples in 1975. 

In the 1970s, a significant amount of activity was stirring in Boulder around the rights of people to love and marry the one they love. Some of these actions were significantly ahead of their time and much of the rest of the country.

On March 26, 1975, a marriage license was issued at the Boulder County Courthouse to Dave McCord and Dave Zamora by the County Clerk, Clela Rorex. This was nearly the first time in the country two men had been granted a marriage license. More LGBTQ+ couples approached Rorex for licenses and five more were granted before the Colorado Attorney General ordered her to stop.

Over a year prior, Mayor Penfield Tate II and City Council member Tim Fuller had amended the city’s Human Rights Ordinance to include protection from workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation. Amid backlash, Fuller was recalled and Tate narrowly stayed in office.

Community and activism had been stirring in pockets of Boulder’s LGBTQ+ communities. Community members approached these elected officials, at great personal risk. Their support opened doors that some had not even considered could be opened.

Join us for a celebration opening night on March 14.