At Council meeting, Peak News contributors allege sexual fetishism, abuse at Manitou Pride

Jordan Scott and Yolanda Edwards – contributors to Peak News, which describes itself as a “broadcast and internet news source” for “liberty-loving people who want to be informed about local news” – spoke during public comment regarding concerns about Manitou Springs Pride Fest, which took place July 12 at Soda Springs Park.

“Forced to see sexual fetishism is not [a] family-safe or friendly event,” said Scott. “It felt like exploitation if anything. So what I’m asking and calling for is that going into next year you re-evaluate these permits because this is certainly only behavior that you would see in an adult-zoned business for adult performance and this is not a family-friendly event.”

Edwards described abuse she experienced at Pride Fest. “We have been attending these Pride events for the last couple years,” she said. “Last year was a bit bizarre. I will say I was harassed, stalked, attacked at Pride Manitou last year, and then when I did defend myself, it was the police asking me to leave.”

Both Scott and Edwards have been active in anti-LGBTQ activism. Edwards, who posts on X with the handle “yola_the_TERF[trans exclusionary radical feminist],” regularly chalks anti-trans messages outside LGBTQ venues and events. In 2023, Edwards and activist Christina Goeke were asked to leave Colorado Springs’ Territory Days festival in 2023 after posting anti-trans messages with stickers and chalk on the grounds of the street fair. Scott, who also uses the name Jordan Baldwin, is a regular presence at anti-LGBTQ protests in the region. During a February event in support of transgender people, Baldwin was confronted by members of Parasol Patrol, the group providing security and serving as marshals for the march. At one point, Baldwin brandished a can of mace. Weeks later, Baldwin testified in support of Rep. Scott Bottoms’ (R-Colorado Springs) bill to make bringing a minor from another state to Colorado for abortion or gender-affirming care a class 2 felony.

Manitou’s elected officials had much different impressions of Pride Fest. “I was able to participate in Pridefest this weekend and it felt really good to see so many residents and community members coming together, hugging one another and sort of connecting,” said Council member Natalie Johnson during a July 15 Council meeting. “It's just really nice that we have these opportunities in our community.”

Mayor John Graham also had a positive report of the event. “It actually got mentioned at the Kiwanis meeting last night,” he said during the July 15 Council meeting. “Some of the members had gone and they had a good time and they thought people were having a good time, they were using the park the way the park’s supposed to be used. They’re having a good time. Kids are playing. The new playground is getting heavy use. Things seemed to go well. So it looked like that was a success story for that day.”

Peak News recently announced a partnership with Colorado Springs School District 11, where the group will be teaching a class on “journalistic ethics” to students.

Please consider making a donation to our nonprofit newsroom.

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter!