Celebrate Colorado’s disabled arts community during federal censorship
Locally owned queer dance collective Full Expression is hosting a festive day of advocacy, art, community and love at their Fort Collins studio from 2-8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. The day promises incredible live performances from artists from across Colorado while being in community with storytellers as they share short stories with small groups about their experiences, identities and who they are beyond labels in an intimate space.
Advocacy in the Arts has been a pillar of Full Expression’s programming since their first event in June 2023, and they are so excited to announce their next event in partnership with Cripple Punk Alliance and SPLASH NoCo. Celebrate Disability Pride with a full day of storytelling, community building, food and live performances. This event is a celebration of Northern Colorado artists who live at the intersections of the disabled and LGBTQIA+ communities.
“It’s a privilege to be partnering with NoCo community leaders that are actively pushing back against the targeted attacks on the arts, those with disabilities and the LGBTQIA+ community,” says Savannah Svoboda, founder of Full Expression. “Even with our years of highlighting Colorado artists from an array of mediums, I’m proud to continue to platform such talented and too-often overlooked performers through the lens of our mission.”
Full Expression is a collective dedicated to creating more safe and equitable experiences through movement, education and community investment. Ticketholders will enjoy food from Bigglesworth Sausage Party after stories are shared and before being dazzled by artists as they watch live music, drag and dance performances and learn more about the crucial resources Northern Colorado has to offer marginalized people. Cripple Punk Alliance is a mutual aid group based in Fort Collins with a mission to build a more accessible world.
“Accessibility starts with the ADA. We want to strive for better because we see a world where complete accessibility is not only possible; it is inherently beautiful,” says Peter Bachland, founder of Cripple Punk Alliance. “Disability Pride at Full Expression aims to uplift disabled queer artists and demonstrate what futures are possible through collective liberation.”
SPLASH NoCo supports LGBTQIA+ youth and their families to enrich and affirm their identities by creating positive social experiences, advocating for their rights and building communities of belongingness so that young people can thrive. Their programming provides family, peer and individual protective factors against self-harm, suicide, substance misuse and youth homelessness through engaging young people in their future and connecting them with resources they need.
“At SPLASH NoCo, we believe that true Pride comes from celebrating every part of who we are,” says Kimberly Chambers, executive director of SPLASH NoCo. “Disability Pride reminds us that our differences are not barriers, but powerful sources of identity, creativity and resilience. As an LGBTQIA+ youth organization, we stand among and alongside disabled members of our community in affirming that every young person deserves to belong, connect and thrive in spaces where all of their identities are celebrated.”
Space for the event is limited, and ticketholders will be given first access preference. Full Expression stands boldly and proudly as community leaders and will continue to fight for those who are being targeted. They do not back away from the hard conversations and actions taken every day to protect Colorado artists.
