Queer Asterisk began as a grassroots vision in downtown Boulder, and has grown into one of the nation’s leading queer- and trans-led mental health organizations. This year, Queer Asterisk celebrates its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of affirming mental health care, community connection, and education serving LGBTQIA+ individuals and families across the Front Range.
Founded in 2016 by alums of Naropa University’s Graduate School of Psychology, Queer Asterisk was built around a simple but powerful idea: gender-affirming mental health services, led by and for queer and trans people.
“From the start, we had a vision of queer and trans-led mental health care,” said RP Whitmore-Bard, Clinical Operations Director. “It started pretty small, very grassroots, in our little basement studio in downtown Boulder. But we quickly found that the interest and the need grew and grew.”
Today, Queer Asterisk serves approximately 600 active clients and delivers between 1,000 and 1,200 therapy sessions each month, with a team of more than 30 clinicians.
At the heart of the organization’s approach is a commitment to what Whitmore-Bard describes as “queering therapy” — bringing authenticity, lived experience, and a culture of community into the therapeutic relationship.
“It’s a mix of not only serving queer community, but also thinking about life, mental health and clinical work through a distinctly queer lens,” Whitmore-Bard explained.
For many LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially young people, therapy can provide much more than clinical support.
“Some of the clients we work with don’t only need a therapist,” said Whitmore-Bard. “They may also need a role model, a friend — a safe, trustworthy adult in their life who has lived through some of the experiences they’re living through right now.”
This philosophy has shaped Queer Asterisk’s growth and impact over the past decade. The organization offers outpatient counseling for individuals across the lifespan, from young children to older adults, as well as support for families, and a variety of relationship structures. Group therapy offerings evolve to meet community needs, and have included groups focused on substance misuse recovery, eating disorders, art therapy, and more.
Accessibility has remained a priority throughout the organization’s growth. Queer Asterisk works with all major insurance providers, including Medicaid, allowing most clients to access ongoing, identity-affirming care through their insurance benefits.
“We knew it had to be financially accessible from the start,” said Whitmore-Bard. “People can be here for as long as they need. Almost everybody uses their insurance.”
Beyond counseling, Queer Asterisk creates connections through a variety of free community programs. Its longest-running offering, Queer Conversation, has met weekly for the past ten years, creating a welcoming space for LGBTQIA+ and questioning individuals to gather, share experiences, and build relationships. The organization also hosts a Queer and Chronically Ill support group and seasonal community gatherings throughout Boulder and Denver.
Education is another focus of the organization’s work. Through professional training and consultation offered to schools, hospitals, employers, and social service agencies, Queer Asterisk helps organizations better understand and support LGBTQIA+ individuals. Topics range from foundational concepts around gender and sexuality to advanced clinical considerations for working with queer and trans communities.
As the organization enters its second decade, Whitmore-Bard is particularly excited about strengthening how Queer Asterisk gathers and shares client stories and outcomes.
“I’m a storyteller and a writer,” they said. “I’ve been waiting for us to have the capacity to do some really comprehensive outreach and conversation with clients, so we can better understand the breadth and depth of our impact in our clients’ words.”
The past year has also brought important organizational milestones. Increased insurance reimbursement rates have helped strengthen Queer Asterisk’s financial sustainability, creating opportunities to expand pro bono services, improve staff compensation, and invest in long-term organizational health.
“For us, that allows more space for low-cost therapy, being able to pay our counselors better, and sustaining the organization’s overall well-being,” Whitmore-Bard said.
Like many nonprofits, Queer Asterisk continues to navigate challenges. Recent changes affecting Medicaid coverage have impacted many clients, forcing difficult decisions around access to care. At the same time, increasing stress and uncertainty within the broader political climate have affected both clients and mental health professionals alike.
“We’re all navigating this moment,” Whitmore-Bard said. “How do you continue to show up and help other people when you are also scared and stressed? A part of how we’ve been approaching that is by being truthful about where we’re at. Being able to look at each other and say, ‘This is really scary. This is really hard.'”
Despite those challenges, Queer Asterisk remains focused on building a strong foundation for the future.
A major highlight of the year will be the organization’s first-ever in-person gala on October 24th at the Boulder JCC. The event will celebrate Queer Asterisk’s 10th anniversary while helping raise resources to support the organization’s next chapter.
“Our team is focused on fundraising and building a stable foundation for the next 10 years,” said Whitmore-Bard.
Community members can support Queer Asterisk by attending events, participating in programs, volunteering, partnering through local businesses, or making a one-time or recurring monthly financial contribution. Those seeking services can also connect directly with the organization to learn more about counseling, support groups, and educational opportunities.
Ten years after its founding, Queer Asterisk continues to demonstrate what is possible when mental health care is rooted in authenticity, belonging, and community. As Whitmore-Bard reflected on the organization’s growth, one thing remains clear: the need for affirming, accessible care has never been greater—and neither has Queer Asterisk’s commitment to providing it.
To get involved or to learn more: https://queerasterisk.com/
