Photo credit: Lee Stiffler-Meyer, Let the Light in Studio
From Edgewater Pride: Written by Craig Bailey
It is with great PRIDE that we introduce you to Edgewater’s 1st Pride Parade Grand Marshal, Edgewater’s own, Jude Gassaway!
The inspiration for Edgewater Pride and the Inaugural Edgewater Pride Parade blossomed from a conversation among a few neighbors in the small community located immediately west of Denver. The group not only wanted an event to celebrate LGBTQ+ acceptance and pride, they also wanted it to be Edgewater centric. It’s no surprise that when the discussion turned to the Grand Marshal, Edgewater’s own Jude Gassaway came up.
Gassaway, a retired United States Geological Survey field geologist, has been a beacon of light in the Denver LGBTQ+ community since she came out 36 years ago. She’s a founding member of the Denver Women’s Chorus, which is open to all regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity and focuses on building community through music. Her life has been the subject of several documentaries, which tell about her colorful life and explores her coming out story.
After growing up in San Diego, CA, Gassaway made her way to Edgewater. This year marks her 40th year in the tiny lakeside municipality, which she now considers her home town. It is, after all, where she came out and discovered herself.
During her time in Edgewater, she doesn’t recall any LGBTQ+ events taking place but she always felt accepted and welcomed by the community.
“I’ve always been open about who I am and often introduce myself as the block lesbian,” said Gassaway jokingly while sitting under a shady tree with her two dogs. “It keeps people from talking. Joking aside, our town is very diverse and welcoming but we’ve never had an event in town to celebrate us.”
That will all change on Saturday.
“When I heard about the parade, I thought this is great,” continued Gassaway. “It never crossed my mind to hold an event, but I glad my neighbors did. The fun part is how many straight neighbors are supporting this. It’s kind of neat to see how inclusive our event is. I’m very excited for this parade and to be the grand marshal.”
The Edgewater Pride Parade is a car parade that complies with all COVID-19 restrictions. It starts at 1:00 pm on Saturday, June 20 at the Edgewater Civic Center. For more information, including the parade route, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/2617646085156781
Joel has been a resident of Edgewater, Colorado with his family since 2012. He is the Executive Director of local education nonprofit Edgewater Collective and Editor of the Edgewater Echo.
Thank you for honoring Edgewater’s own Jude Gassaway. I’ve known her since 1986 when she held a the banner high for the Second Altos in the Denver Women’s Chorus. She’s wry, kind, and smart. Looks like she made a terrific Grand Marshall. Happy Pride!