about queer asterisk

our story

In 2014, while studying Somatic Counseling Psychology at Naropa University, Sorin Thomas and two other graduate students envisioned Queer Asterisk. Their idea was to create a different kind of mental health organization; rooted in social justice advocacy, devoted to compassionate counseling and education, and run by queer and transgender friendly professionals.

While we are fortunate to have had many queer and transgender community resources available in Colorado for years, there was yet to exist a mental health organization where the structure and leadership was informed by queer and trans lived experience.

“The vision I hold for myself, this organization, and everyone we touch is to be brilliant; to claim and reclaim, if we have to, our gifts as queer and trans folks and to bring those gifts into the world. Though we will continue to learn and grow throughout our lifetimes, at a certain point we must allow ourselves to be ‘good enough’ and stop letting fear hold us back from putting forth something truly amazing.” -Sorin Thomas (Executive Director)

“A revolution of the heart is emerging and we are witnessing a profound shift in our worldview. Categorization and conformity no longer serve the well-being of individuals with complex and intersecting identities or communities that are expanding the collective consciousness. A brave new culture that embraces ambiguity, vulnerability, and authenticity is taking form; and Queer Asterisk is at the forefront of this inspiring movement.” Diane Israel (Board Chair)

Queer Asterisk 2023 Annual Report (PDF)

Queer Asterisk 2022 Annual Report (PDF)

Queer Asterisk 2021 Annual Report (PDF)

Queer Asterisk 2020 Annual Report (PDF)

Queer Asterisk 2018-2019 Annual Report (PDF)

Queer Asterisk 2017 Annual Report (PDF).

our vision

We envision a vibrant community that embraces authentic expression and transformation, where individuals with dynamic and intersecting identities can thrive.

our team

Directors

Sorin Thomas of Queer Asterisk

Sorin Thomas

Executive and Clinical Director

Brett Adamek (Freeda Be)

Creative Director

RP Whitmore-Bard

Director of Client Care & Communications

Clinical team

Clinical leadership & supervisors

Anya Garvey

Associate Clinical Director

Dianna Cordero (D.L.)

Supervisor & Counselor

Andy Sethi

Supervisor & Counselor

Counselors + interns

Alexander Gore

Counseling Intern

AM DiGiacomo

Counselor

Blake Nordstrom-Wehner

Counseling Intern

Cil Burr

Counseling Intern

Clare Roca

Counseling Intern

David Audelo

Counselor

Eric Hansen

Eric Hansen

Counselor

Elise Knowles

Counseling Intern

Gena McLaughlin

Counselor

Jake Booth

Counselor

Jean Harkreader

Counselor

Jennifer (Jen) Elswick

Counselor

Laura Sims

Counselor

Lily Shapcott

Counseling Intern

Lizzie Hildebrandt

Counseling Intern

Lucas Staples

Counselor

Lukasz Broszkiewicz

Counselor

Marc Gutierrez

Counselor

Max Lasher

Counseling Intern

Paul Montgomery

Counselor

Rafi Daugherty

Counselor

Robert Perez

Counselor

Sabrina Cardinal

Counselor

ShawnT Stone

Counselor

Shemar Magee

Counseling Intern

Steven Vigil-Roach

Counseling Intern

Yun Chung

Counseling Intern

facilitators

Flora-Sae Kim

Group Facilitator

Mellie Davis

Group Facilitator

Administrative Team

Heather Newhouse

H Newhouse

Community Relations & Programs Coordinator

Judith Blair

Non-Profit Consultant

Luce Gibbs

Undergraduate Intern

Rebecca D'Strana​

Fund Development Manager

Ren Rojas

Assistant Operations Manager

Thea Shaw

Non-Profit Consultant

Board

Ashley Cook

Board Treasurer

Jeff Neering

Board Secretary

Meg Stocker

Board Member

Will Butler

Board Member

Sun Ramocan

Board Member

Interested in serving on our board?

in memory

Diane Israel

Sorin Thomas of Queer Asterisk

"When I founded this organization, I wanted to create a sense of home for everyone who knows the pain of looking and not finding themselves reflected in community."

join our team

Are you interested in joining our team?

We are always accepting applications! Click below to find out how to get involved.