Break-in forces closure of Denver LGBTQ youth support hub

A prominent LGBTQ youth centre in Denver has shut its doors indefinitely after a break-in resulted in the theft of its entire emergency fund.

YouthSeen, a non-profit organisation providing mental health and wellness services for LGBTQ young people, confirmed that the burglary occurred on Sunday afternoon at its premises on the Clayton Early Learning campus near East Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Colorado Boulevard. According to police reports, the suspect forced entry through a side door before stealing a safe containing nearly $10,000.

Security footage shows the intruder walking through the office, removing the safe, and leaving swiftly. Executive Director Dr Tara Jae described the incident as “targeted”, noting that very few people knew about the safe’s location. In addition to the safe, the suspect allegedly took a second cash box, an iPad and vehicle keys.

Denver police arrested 58-year-old Stephen Guerra on Monday. Officers reportedly found him in a stolen Toyota RAV4 containing two damaged and empty cash boxes. Guerra, who has a lengthy criminal history including convictions for sexual assault and drug offences, is being held on suspicion of second-degree burglary. Authorities have not disclosed a motive.

Dr Jae said the theft has forced YouthSeen to close indefinitely, calling the incident “the straw that breaks the camel’s back”. She emphasised growing concerns over safety following recent break-ins and vandalism at other LGBTQ+ organisations in the city, including the Centre on Colfax in late October.

“This is a moment for the community to come together,” Jae urged. “We need protection and solidarity.”