Essays – Diverse Fort Collins

Announcement: Share Your Story

Diverse Fort Collins elevates the voices of people who live, work, and play in our community.

In partnership with Diverse Fort Collins, Northern Colorado Writers will continue our work in sharing diverse voices.

Community Voices: Diane Jones

From “Transitioned” by Diane Jones.

…when you are trans, there is nowhere to hide. Not that I want to hide, I am out and proud, but a large part of the status quo does not agree with it or understand it. I get pointed at, stared at, laughed at, whispered about, or just plain ignored. I hear comments like, “You see her over there? That’s a dude!” or simply a head shaking “Damn!”

Community Voices: Karen Wong-Brown

Karen Wong-Brown at two years old and her mother

“The Evolution of An Immigrant’s Dream” by Karen Wong-Brown.

Almost three decades ago, a naïve 19-year-old came to Colorado State University in Fort Collins as a first-generation college student. My mother brought me to America for a better education. This was my first time away from home and I carried my mother’s dream of her daughter earning a degree…

Community Voices: Bridgett Neff-Hickman

Community Voices: “The Colors of Our Rainbow” by Bridgett Neff-Hickman

…People are always stunned when I tell my experiences of being routinely assaulted by homophobic comments, thrown drinks, and judgmental eyes as I exist a queer woman. “In Fort Collins?!” they exclaim. It almost shocks me that they’re shocked. Almost.

This is my reality as a white, cisgender, college-educated queer woman living in Fort Collins.

Black History Month Events, Plus Listening Sessions on City’s New Equity and Inclusion Office

The month-long Black History Month festivities include more than a dozen events and activities designed to educate, enlighten and celebrate Black culture.

The City of Fort Collins will host two online listening sessions to help inform the creation of a new Equity & Inclusion Office, Feb. 10 in Spanish and Feb. 12 in English.

Community Voices: Judge Juan G. Villaseñor

Larimer County’s First Latino District Court Judge: Juan G. Villaseñor

Growing up in Guadalajara, Mexico, I never imagined that I’d be the first lawyer in my family or the first Latino district judge in Larimer County.

While my grandmother wanted me to be an architect or an engineer, she would’ve been proud that I became a judge! …

Community Voices: Author Teresa R. Funke

When my husband and I moved to Fort Collins in 1992, we experienced very little culture shock. Fort Collins was a lot like Boise, including a lack of diversity. After a few months here, I asked a new friend, “Why doesn’t anyone here ask me if I’m Basque?” To which she replied, “What’s a Basque?” I was shocked.