Denver LGBTQ Businesses Hit in Hate Crime Spree

By: Paul Goldberg, Senior Editor | JRL CHARTS – LGBT Politics – Hate Crimes

DENVER, CO — (October 29, 2025) — A wave of vandalism targeting multiple LGBTQ-owned and LGBTQ-affirming businesses across Denver has community leaders on high alert, with several organizations calling the incidents a pattern of intimidation — not random mischief.

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Over the past week, windows were smashed at a queer-owned gym, salons, a boutique, and The Center on Colfax, one of Colorado’s largest LGBTQ organizations. According to Parasol Patrol — the well-known volunteer group that shields LGBTQ youth and families from anti-LGBTQ harassment — the attacks spanned several Denver neighborhoods, including Washington Park, Southwest Denver, Colfax Avenue, and the RiNo district.

Surveillance image of suspect allegedly smashing windows at The Center on Colfax during anti-LGBTQ vandalism incident in Denver

Security footage shows the individual who allegedly slammed a rock against The Center on Colfax’s windows. (Image: The Center on Colfax)

While police have not announced a motive or confirmed whether the incidents are connected, those impacted say the timing and specific targets are difficult to ignore.

“This Doesn’t Feel Random — It Feels Like a Message”

“We at Parasol Patrol are deeply alarmed by this escalation in violence toward queer spaces in our city,” said Executive Director Pasha Ripley, who described the recent attacks as “intimidation designed to push LGBTQIA+ people, families, and especially youth-serving organizations back into fear and isolation.”

Business owners say they are shaken — and bracing for possible repeat attacks.

Queer Gym Targeted — Glass Everywhere

At Joy Movement Collective, a queer-owned gym and community hub in RiNo, garage windows were shattered overnight, leaving glass scattered across the floor. The gym provides sliding-scale fitness classes for LGBTQ residents and also operates a food pantry and clothing closet for those in need.

Founder Styler Ells initially assumed it was a one-off incident — until they learned several of their fellow queer-owned businesses had been hit within days.

“We’re very loud and proud. We do a lot of organizing and activism — and a lot of the businesses that got hit are those same voices,” Ells told JRL CHARTS. “It’s hard to believe this wasn’t coordinated. The timing is just too coincidental.”

The gym had no surveillance system in place but is now installing cameras and added security.

The Center on Colfax: “You Won’t Break Our Souls”

Surveillance footage captured a suspect striking the front windows of The Center on Colfax with a rock five times before triggering the alarm and fleeing. In a public statement, CEO Kim Salvaggio said:

“As a community, we know these moments are not simply random acts of mischief. We understand this within a broader history of attacks and intimidation aimed at silencing LGBTQ voices.”

Staff boarded up the shattered windows and painted the wooden panels with empowering messages including:

“You won’t break our souls” and “Broken windows never break community.”

The Center has hired security during operating hours until permanent repairs are made.

Community on Edge – But Refusing to Retreat

While a suspect has not been identified, images of the attack are circulating online. The Center’s Vice President of Development & Communication, John Taylor, urged the community not to take matters into their own hands.

“The community is coming together. The building feels secure — and that’s what matters. If someone recognizes the suspect, they should contact police. We don’t want vigilantism.”

Notably, at least two of the vandalized organizations were involved in the campaign to bring the Gay Games 2030 to Denver — a bid the city recently lost to Perth, Australia.

Whether coincidence or targeted retaliation, LGBTQ advocacy groups say the pattern fits a national spike in anti-LGBTQ harassment, vandalism, and politically driven hate crimes throughout 2024–2025.

Investigation Ongoing

The Denver Police Department has not yet released a statement or confirmed whether the incidents are being investigated as bias-motivated crimes. Community watchdogs and business owners are urging law enforcement to treat the spree seriously and increase patrols around queer-owned establishments.

Stay with JRL CHARTS — Your Trusted LGBTQ+ News Leader — for breaking updates on this developing hate crime investigation and ongoing reports impacting LGBTQ safety nationwide.

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