Small town,
Lyons Pride is a youth-led, family-focused organization in Lyons, Colorado that provides opportunities for the celebration and inclusion of LGBTQ+ people, and is dedicated to building community and a sense of belonging for all. We are a 501(c)3 organization.
big heart
The Story of Lyons Pride
Lyons Pride was founded in 2022 when two separate community efforts came together around a shared goal: Creating a lasting Pride celebration in Lyons and standing up to homophobia in our small town.
Beginning in 2020, then-15-year-olds Jane Harker and Grace Farrell organized friends and family to hold Pride marches through Lyons. Armed with homemade signs, rainbow clothing, and plenty of courage, they stepped into the public eye not knowing how their community would respond. Their marches continued in 2021 and helped spark important conversations about LGBTQ+ visibility and acceptance.
At the same time, volunteers with the now-defunct Wide Spaces Community Initiative were working to increase LGBTQ+ representation in Lyons. In 2020, they successfully urged the Mayor of Lyons to proclaim June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month, and the Town began flying a Pride flag at Town Hall for the first time. Before then, Pride had received no official recognition in Lyons. That same year, rainbow flags placed around town were repeatedly stolen and replaced. In 2021, Wide Spaces hosted a Pride coffee gathering at the Stone Cup and welcomed author Paula Stone Williams to speak at the Lyons Regional Library about her book, As a Woman: What I Learned About Power, Sex, and the Patriarchy After I Transitioned.
Since 2022, Lyons Pride has hosted an annual Pridefest celebration in Sandstone Park featuring live music, food, arts and crafts, speakers, and a resource fair connecting LGBTQ+ youth and families with local organizations. Participating groups have included RISE Against Suicide, Rocky Mountain Equality, Boulder County AIDS Project, Boulder County Public Health, Free Mom Hugs, Parenting the Rainbow, Lyons LEAF, and the Lyons Regional Library. Lyons Pride also hosts a family-friendly drag show and, in partnership with the Lyons Middle/Senior High School Gay-Straight Alliance and the Town of Lyons, helps maintain the rainbow crosswalk connecting Sandstone Park and the Lyons Regional Library.
What began with a few brave individuals determined to make a difference has helped transform Lyons into a more welcoming and inclusive community, where LGBTQ+ people are increasingly visible, celebrated, and embraced.
Lyons Pride in the Press
Lyons Pride Testimonial & Activities List
(Lyons Recorder, June 18, 2026)
Partners join youth-led Lyons Pride for amplified celebration
(Longmont Times Call, June 13, 2022)
Board of Directors
Bryn Long (he/him)
President
Bryn and his wife Yvonne have lived in Lyons since 2021 after moving from Longmont. Yvonne grew up in Boulder and Bryn grew up in Tennessee near the Smoky Mountains. He moved to Colorado from Texas in 2017. Bryn is the former President of the Board of Rocky Mountain Equality (RMEQ) and serves as Secretary on the Board of Rocky Mountain Equality Action Fund, the advocacy arm of RMEQ. Both he and Yvonne have volunteered with Boulder County Aids Project for numerous years. Bryn has been involved with Lyons Pride since 2021.
"It has been an honor to participate in Lyons Pride and witness the evolution and growth of the event started by local youth and supported by many caring adults. They have been leaders in bringing this celebration to our small town, and empowered the LGBTQ+ community to experience belonging and the joy of Pride." - Bryn
Ellen Keane (she/her)
Secretary
Ellen has lived in Lyons since 2007. She and her husband raised their son in Lyons and were active volunteers in the Lyons schools, Lyons Volunteers, town commissions, and LEAF. She has worked with Lyons Pride since it began in 2020. Ellen has endeavored to create connection and mental wellness both professionally and as part of the communities where she has lived or worked. Using her Public Health training, Ellen has collaborated with Native American tribes across the west, primarily to support efforts that champion positive behaviors among youth. In addition, Ellen has worked as a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in treating trauma and sexual abuse.
"A Pride festival in Lyons gives everyone an opportunity to connect with, honor and celebrate our LGBTQ+ neighbors. Working with LGBTQ+ youth, allows them to create a meaningful event and understand that Lyons sees and values both our LGBTQ+ youth and our queer community of all ages." - Ellen
Jackie Hibbard (she/her)
Treasurer
Jackie has lived in Lyons for 10 years with her wife, horses, chickens, dog and cats. Professionally Jackie is an Ordained Minister, Chaplain, Spiritual Director and Equine Learning Coach. She serves as Associate Pastor at Community UCC in Boulder, is a chaplain at Tru Community Care, and has her own business, Dancing Spirit. She has been involved with Lyons Pride since its inception in 2020.
"Why is celebrating Pride important? It’s important to celebrate the diversity of who we are in this community and to show our queer neighbors that they are seen and welcomed here. I love that Lyons Pride is a collaboration with local teens and adults to plan and host the event. Bringing people together for fun and celebration is queer joy at its finest!" - Jackie