Ethan Moore Founds Queer Spirit Program in Edwards

Ethan Moore stands in the new Mountain Pride space in Edwards, surrounded by the quiet murmur of conversation, the scent of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air. He's listening, as he always does, to the stories of those around him. This is the heart of Queer Spirit, a program he co-founded with Mauri Cummins to provide a spiritual outlet for the LGBTQ+ community and others in Eagle County.

The idea for Queer Spirit was born out of Moore's own journey, one marked by a deep desire to understand and connect with others. He and Cummins reached out to Mountain Pride, and in Fall 2025, they began hosting gatherings, inviting people from all backgrounds to share their spirituality. These events, held without a set schedule, focus on discussion and exploration, centering around three key elements: sharing spiritual struggles, exploring personal belief, and reflecting in gratitude. On a typical Monday evening, like May 4, the space is filled with people from all walks of life, each with their own story to tell.

Kai Burner, education and outreach manager at Mountain Pride, believes Moore's unique background and personal journey make him an exceptional ally. "Ethan's drive to understand is what creates this opportunity for healing," Burner says, as they reflect on the program's impact. "There is so much hurt to fix, and we can't do that until we confront the pain. Ethan's deep well of empathy, compassion, and understanding is a perfect vehicle to help people heal and find support." Burner's words are laced with a sense of hope, a feeling that this program can bring about real change.

Moore's vision for Queer Spirit is not about pushing a specific faith, but about creating an environment where people can heal and find validation. He's seen firsthand the harm that certain religious teachings can cause, particularly for queer individuals who have been forced to choose between their faith and their identity. "They're told that in order to be acceptable to God, and in some cases... to truly be accepted in a spiritual community, they must bury this beautiful truth of who they are," Moore explains, his voice filled with a sense of sadness. "This is a choice that no one should have to make." The weight of his words hangs in the air, a reminder of the long and difficult journey that many have faced.

As the program continues to grow, Burner's hopes are clear. "Our biggest hope is that it can continue to grow and be a space where folks of all walks of life can access... community, discovery, and healing," they say. "Through engaging in thoughtful and intentional group conversation, we hope that our community can come together to heal the hurts that haunt." The goal is ambitious, but the sense of community and connection that permeates the space is palpable.

In a world where spirituality and identity are often intertwined, this initiative offers a unique and necessary outlet. It's a space where people can explore what it means to be spiritual, not just religious, and find ways in which faith can affirm their identity. As Moore listens to the stories around him, it's clear that this program is not just about healing, but about celebration – a celebration of the beauty and diversity of human experience. The room falls silent for a moment, as if the weight of this realization has settled upon everyone. Then, slowly, the conversations begin again, a gentle hum of connection and understanding that fills the space.

The sun sets over the mountains, casting a warm glow over the landscape. In this moment, it's clear that Queer Spirit is more than just a program – it's a community, a safe space for people to come together and find healing, validation, and connection. As the evening draws to a close, the sense of hope and possibility that fills the room is a reminder that, even in the darkest times, there is always a way forward, always a chance to create something new and beautiful.