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For many Coloradans, especially in rural areas, access to lawmakers and the legislative process can feel out of reach.

Today marks One Colorado’s 15th LGBTQIA+ Lobby Day, a gathering at the State Capitol to help remove barriers between lawmakers and their constituents.

Heidi Hess, Western Slope field organizer for the advocacy group One Colorado, said participants will learn the basics, like how to find your representative and other skills to make sure they know where you stand on issues most important to you and your community. She noted participants are coming from all four corners of the state.

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"We have over 400 people that registered," Hess pointed out. "We have folks coming in from Durango, from Grand Junction, Mack. There are folks that are driving six hours, one way, just to get there to participate in this event."

Hess noted One Colorado is especially concerned about protecting the state’s most vulnerable residents as lawmakers grapple with an $850 million budget deficit. She argued any cuts to Medicaid should come with assurances people with disabilities, low-income Coloradans and other marginalized communities can get health care.

Colorado lawmakers are considering a number of policies which could affect LGBTQIA+ communities, including creating a fund to ensure people can access gender-affirming care. A bill to extend the statute of limitations for "conversion therapy" survivors is also expected.

Andrew Ortiz, senior policy attorney at the Transgender Law Center, said making your voice heard at the state level is especially important.

"Colorado has done a lot of work to put laws in place that protect the rights of LGBTQ and all Coloradans and we all want that to continue to be the case," Ortiz emphasized. "Showing up to lobby is one way that you can have a direct impact on what’s going on in your state."

Hess added practice makes perfect, so people attending the lobby day will try out their top talking points with each other before meeting their representatives. She stressed it is important to keep comments short and to the point.

"'I live in your district, and here’s how this bill that you’re considering is going to impact me and my family. And this is why I have concerns, and this is what I want you to do,'" Hess outlined.