Randy Hardwick Oral History

Randy Hardwick Oral History

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2022

Tracks, Bars, LGBTQ History

Randy Hardwick’s oral history traces his role in Denver’s LGBTQ nightlife, politics, publishing, and education. He discusses the founding of the Colorado Tavern Guild, the growth of Tracks, tensions between gay bars, police relations, racial and gender exclusions, Amendment 2 activism, and the impact of AIDS on community life. Hardwick also reflects on later ventures including Colorado Gambler, Quest, FatMag, the Snake Pit, and his eventual reinvention as an international educator through Peace Corps service, teaching in Mexico, and university work in Chicago. The interview captures both institutional memory and personal transformation across decades of LGBTQ history.

David Duffield

Randy Hardwick