Meet Whitney | Psychologist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Whitney and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Whitney, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
It honestly started out of necessity and a desire for connection. I had just moved to Denver in 2021 and didn’t know anyone. I was craving queer community but didn’t see a lot of spaces that felt casual, inclusive, or easy to access, especially for someone new to the city. So I started meeting up with people one-on-one through dating apps, just looking for friends.

That naturally grew into small group hangouts like dinners, park days, or nights out. As more people wanted to join, it became clear there was a real need for this kind of space. People kept asking where I was posting events, and that’s when I realized it could be something more.

The thought process was really: “How can I make this easier for others who are also looking for community?” So I created Mile High Queer Club as a way to make queer social events more visible, more accessible, and more consistent. What started as a personal need grew into something that now supports hundreds of people each month.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I earned my doctorate in psychology in 2022 after a decade of hard work, and I now serve as the Clinical Director for Jail-Based Restoration for the state of Colorado. My role involves overseeing admissions for individuals needing inpatient restoration treatment.

The journey here wasn’t easy. I grew up in a place of privilege, and it wasn’t until I pursued higher education, especially a year-long diversity course in my doctoral program, that my perspective really shifted. That experience challenged my worldview, deepened my empathy, and made me a better psychologist and person.

At the core, I’ve always wanted to help people. That’s why Mile High Queer Club means so much to me. Outside of my clinical role, it’s another way I can build community and create space for connection, healing, and joy. What sets me apart is that I bring both professional and personal passion into the work I do, and I care deeply about making a real impact in people’s lives.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Denver for a week, I’d make sure they got the full Mile High experience—equal parts food, fun, and a little mountain magic.

We’d kick things off with happy hour at B&GC, one of my favorite hidden speakeasies tucked away in Cherry Creek. Afterward, we’d walk over to Le Colonial for dinner, it’s chic, cozy, and the food is always incredible. I’m a big foodie and love a great cocktail, so we’d definitely make the rounds at a few other cocktail bars throughout the week like Room for Milly or Death & Co.

I also love hosting, so one night we’d stay in and grill out at my partner and I’s new home, maybe end the night in the hot tub catching up! We’d plan a little day trip to the mountains for a scenic hike, nothing too intense, just something to get outside and soak up the beauty Colorado has to offer.

Denver has such a cool mix of city energy and nature escapes, and I’d want to show off both. We’d balance chill nights with vibrant ones, hit a drag show or a Mile High Queer Club event!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely. My partner, Emma. We started dating right around the same time I launched the Instagram for Mile High Queer Club, and she’s been my biggest supporter from day one. She believed in the vision before it was even fully formed and has been such a grounding presence through it all.

Emma now serves as our treasurer on the board and has played a huge role in helping grow the organization into what it is today. More than that, she’s constantly encouraged me to show up authentically as a leader, a partner, and a queer person navigating community. I couldn’t imagine doing this without her.

Website: https://Milehighqueerclub.com

Instagram: @milehighqueerclub

Other: TikTok: @whitnasse