Sponsored by Unique Venues, the annual award recognizes one venue in the U.S. that “caters to the LGBTQ community and offers specialty services that would make them feel more comfortable ... and that have new developments and enhancements related to this category.” Nominees were selected by local community members, vendors and peers.

“So many of the events we host are celebrations of people's important life moments, and we have taken significant steps to ensure that everyone feels welcome to celebrate their most special days with us,” said Rita Rollman, director of the Grant-Humphreys Mansion. “This award is a powerful affirmation that we are doing work in ways that are truly inclusive and are meaningful to our community.” 

The Grant-Humphreys Mansion became a certified, LGBTQ-friendly vendor, after the staff completed training classes that included sensitivity awareness, business coaching and facility features for an accepting event location. Specifically, the Grant-Humphreys Mansion won the “Best Venue for an LGBTQ-Friendly Event” award for its open venue and for the following distinctions:

• Shares an inclusive, judgement-free environment for all of its attendees;
• Features a zero-tolerance policy against homophobic language or behavior;
• Works with local and national LGBTQ organizations;
• Has gender-neutral changing rooms and bathrooms;
• Works with preferred LGBTQ-friendly vendors for catering, flowers, music and other functions;
• Uses paperwork and contracts that are gender-neutral (e.g., says “name 1” and “name 2” instead of “bride” or “groom”);
• Publishes same-sex photos in its publications;
• Displays the #OpenCO symbol on its website and social media pages; 
• Hosts a LGBTQ wedding show for the community, whimsically called “Pride and Unprejudice”; and
• Receives certification by the Purple Unions directory as a LGBTQ-friendly vendor.

Denver is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in the nation, according to a study by the financial literacy website NerdWallet that rates each community’s laws, opportunities, safety and tolerance. In fact, in 2016, the Grant-Humphreys Mansion participated in the first-ever national LGBTQ bridal show, which selected Denver as the groundbreaking location, providing a safe place for open-minded vendors with shared values.

The Grant-Humphrey Mansion is a historic property of History Colorado, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and an agency of the State of Colorado under the Department of Higher Education. History Colorado strives to be a place of belonging for all Coloradans and to serve as a platform for community connection and diversity.

According to Steve Turner, executive director of History Colorado, “History Colorado is not just about where we’ve been – it’s about where we are going. We are moving toward a future that’s better informed, enlightened and inclusive. And, this national award lets us know that we’re succeeding, when more voices, perspectives and experiences are being accepted and are taking place within our venues.”

About the Grant-Humphreys Mansion

Built in 1902, and located at 770 Pennsylvania St., in Denver, the historic Grant-Humphreys Mansion has been home to two different families with significant ties to Colorado and American history. Visit GrantHumphreysMansion.org or call 303-894-2505 for more information. 

About History Colorado

History Colorado creates a better future for Colorado by inspiring wonder in our past. We serve as the state’s memory, preserving the places, stories and material culture of Colorado through our museums, educational programs, historic preservation grants, research library, collections and outreach to Colorado communities. Find History Colorado on all major social media platforms. Visit HistoryColorado.org or call (303) HISTORY for more information.