Denver Through a Local’s Eye: Kate Ivy
City Living Network and Kate Ivy are proud to launch Queer Denver Living, a safe place for Denver’s LGBTQ+ community, the curious, and their allies.
Kate Ivy is a Denver native and multi-faceted creator who currently resides in Sunnyside with her partner, Taylor. As a professional *adventure* wedding photographer at KateIvyPhotography.com, Kate fell in love with photographing love.
All types.
It’s her hope that with Queer Denver Living she can create a safe space to showcase all the various forms of love in Denver’s LGBTQ+ community — whether it’s highlighting a passionate couple, showcasing an inclusive business, or learning how to love yourself.
Kate’s own sexuality has been a journey and she’s only recently begun to immerse herself in Denver’s queer community. She has loved the connections she’s made thus far and looks forward to bringing you along as she explores all the fun, all the feels, and all the thoughts.
Here, she shares some of the things she’s vibing on most at the moment…
‘We Can Do Hard Things’ Podcast
We Can Do Hard Things is my weekly counseling session. Glennon is my lesbian godmother — I resonate so much with the journey she has been on with Abby Wambach. If you haven't listened to this podcast yet I am so excited for you to start. My favorite episode to date is "Queer Freedom" (make sure to have tissues nearby)! *If you are reading this and go to a non-affirming church, prepare to be challenged.
Postino Wine Cafe Happy Hour
I love going out for a good drink, but we all know inflation is crazy these days so I’m definitely a sucker for a good happy hour. My fave? Postino Wine Cafe. Drinks are just $6 till 5pm! There is one in my neighborhood (Lohi) and one on Broadway and Colorado Blvd. Of course you’ll have to get a bruschetta board as well because it’s the perfect early evening snack. Most of the time I go here it is full of 30 something bad ass women — which, if we’re being totally honest here, is exactly why I love it.
Cart-Driver Pizza
I recommend Cart-Driver to everyone — their pizza is some of (if not THEE) best in town (there, I said it). With locations in Rino and Lohi, the popular pizza joint is known for their great drinks, service, and (duh!) pizza! And, they even have an early happy hour — so if you want to start drinking at 4pm on a Tuesday, it's a judgement-free zone at Cart-Driver. Cheers!
Honey Mamas
This is vegan chocolate, which — full disclosure — I would not normally be interested in but Honey Mamas is THAT good. You can find them on their website or at Natural Grocers or select Whole Foods. My favorite flavors are Tahini Tangerine and Ginger Cardamom… or at least that’s what I love this week.
Pochitos Tortilla Factory
I’m a big believer in supporting the places in your neighborhood that have been here the longest. Pochitos Tortilla Factory is right down the street from me and is a family-owned Tortilla Factory. Yes, their tortillas are great, naturally — but they also have amazing house-made tamales, enchiladas, refried beans, green chili, and tortilla chips. Yes, please!
South Broadway
Anytime a friend visits from out of town or we have a free Sunday afternoon we venture over to South Broadway. It's my favorite part of Denver — with lots of cute boutiques, dive bars, and good food. Bonus: pride flags are in most windows.
Better Buzz Yoga
Located in Sunnyside, Better Buzz has framed their business towards equality and what it means to be anti-racist. Wanting to make yoga inclusive for everyone they offer 30 days for $30 if you haven't been before, and right now they even offer some free classes on Sundays!
Hiking
If you live in Denver hopefully you’re making some time to get to the mountains. Some of my favorite hikes that are less than 30 minutes away are North Table Mountain, Matthew Winters, and Mount Falcon (the East Trail). One of the best things about this city are all the outdoor activities and taking a break from the hustle to be in nature. During the pandemic I realized how important it was for me to spend just 15 minutes outside in the morning (usually watering the plants or going for a walk). It was almost as important as my cup of coffee and really made me thankful to live here.
Visit Queer Denver Living and show Kate some love: