Queer Joy Persists at Afterglow Fashion Show and Fundraiser for The Center on Colfax

“Rebellion — it’s knowing you are loved exactly as you are,” declared Kim Salvaggio to cheers from fellow queer people and allies. 

Salvaggio is the CEO of The Center on Colfax, a safe space and community center for LGBTQIA+ people in Colorado. She spoke on Saturday, Sept. 26 at “Afterglow,” a fashion show and fundraiser produced by Denver Pride and benefitting The Center. 

Attendees milled around the rooftop of the Catbird Hotel in RiNo, enjoying signature cocktails and bites. The event served themed drinks, including “Safer Sex on the Beach” with vodka and cranberry mango juice and “Golden Hour” with whiskey and ginger ale. Guests snacked on mini crab cakes, chicken tenders, and veggies as they took in the sunset casting pink and purple hues over the city.  

The rooftop was decorated with sweet, colorful floral arrangements and oversized plastic flower installations for whimsical photo ops. Everyone rocked their unique styles, from glittering ballgowns to tailored suits with corsets and harnesses. 

Fairy lights weaved up and down the roof of a white tent where a catwalk ran through rows of white chairs and standing tables. Following “Gimme More” by Britney Spears, MC Zarah Misdemeanor kicked off the evening with a few words about The Center on Colfax. She explained that the center is “building a home where our community can be safe, seen and exactly who they are.”

Misdemeanor invited Salvaggio to the podium to share more about the importance of Denver Pride and the center’s work. Attendees stood up, clapping and cheering, as she made her way to the front of the room. 

She began by sharing Christi Lane’s story, pointing her out in the audience. In 1976, Lane secured the first Pride parade permit in Denver and started what became PrideFest. 

Salvaggio also acknowledged the struggles of moving this past Pride from Civic Center Park to 16th Street because of construction. She explained that the queer community persists, and the event still drew in 300,000 people. 

“We refuse to disappear, and that is part of the beauty of us,” she said. “We proved that Pride is and is always going to be rooted in rebellion.” 

Salvaggio took a moment to urge audience members to vote “No” on Proposition 134 and 135. The ballot measures would bar transgender children from engaging in school sports and undergoing gender-affirming surgeries. She explained that she wouldn’t be here without being allowed to play sports and stated that every child deserves the same access. 

The theme of the night was rebellion, and Salvaggio explained that The Center on Colfax works to continue the rebellion that Lane started 50 years ago. 

“This fabulous space we’ve created, it’s a reminder our community is beautiful,” said Salvaggio.

Along with an online silent auction, Misdemeanor collected live paddle donations with one audience member pledging $10,000 to The Center on Colfax. Others gave gifts ranging from $2,500 to $25 to help fund programming. 

“Who’s ready to see some queer creations, baby, on this runway?” said Misdemeanor before an unfortunate 15 minute break until the fashion show. 

However, it was well worth the wait. 

Iconic tracks, including “Rush” by Troye Sivan and “It’s Raining Men” by The Weather Girls, played as models of all identities took the runway. 

Drag artist and costume designer FUPA created incredible androgynous looks with vibrant colors. A model strutted out in a football player-inspired look with bright orange hardplate shorts and heels. They wore blue face and body coverings with swirling shapes. 

Güera Artistry crafted stunning delicate lace dresses. Their models looked ethereal with woven patterns dripping down their bodies. Indica Von Trease designed a haunting genderless creature from yarn. Their model crept along the catwalk with a horned mask and spiky points trailing their arm.

One of the best looks of the night was by software developer and performance artist LeeLee. She wore a gorgeous rain-themed costume with crystal droplets cascading down her legs. A blue translucent umbrella perched on her deep blue wig as she floated down the runway. 

Guests cheered and smiled as the models paraded past. Attendees of all ages saw themselves and the bold expressions of others on the runway. Whether wearing a graceful gown or psychedelic suit, the models fearlessly showed the audience who they were. 

The models and designers captured the ethos of The Center on Colfax as a place where everyone can be themselves, loud and proud. Guests were left feeling inspired to be braver and more rebellious in their individuality. 

At the end of the official show, Salvaggio invited Lane to walk the catwalk with her. It was a beautiful reminder of the strength of queer people working with those who came before them and uplifting the next generation continuing to create change.