Betsy Lay’s Colorado Favorites: Friends of Lady Justice Brewing edition
June 20, 2025
Note: Direct quotes were edited for typos, to observe AP style guidelines and to fit the listicle structure.
Lady Justice Brewing regularly spotlights organizations that contribute to their local efforts, and Betsy Lay, the brewery’s co-founder and co-owner, is continuing that practice in this week’s “Favorites” list.
In a recent interview, Lay highlighted three local businesses and organizations that Lady Justice Brewing has connected with over the years.
1. Shea Mobile Bespoke Bar
Lay spoke about Shea Mobile Bespoke Bar, a transportable, Denver-based, bespoke cocktail catering business.
According to their website, the queer-owned business offers drink catering packages for a range of events, and owner Shea Wasson teaches cocktail-making classes for 5-40 people.
Lay said she has known Wasson since the beginning of her time with the Marines and noted that Lady Justice collaborates with her frequently. “We have her out to Lady J about three or four times a year to do her beer cocktails out on the patio for different events, and she's wonderful.”
Those interested can find out more about Wasson’s work and inquire about booking the mobile bar for an event here.
2. Atrevida Beer Co.
Lay also mentioned Jessica and Richard Fierro, the owners of Atrevida Beer Co., a Colorado Springs-based brewery described on their website as “veteran-owned” and “the first Latin-owned brewery in Colorado ran by a female Head Brewer.”
“They're just really wonderful allies who are building a really cool community with their brewery down there, and I've also known Jess and Rich, the owners, basically since we both started our breweries. We launched them around the same time, and they've been good friends for a long time, so I'd like to shout them out because they're a great example of what allyship looks like in the queer community.”
According to their website, Atrevida Beer Co. has 16 rotating beers on tap. Information regarding what’s on tap, upcoming events and any specials is often posted on their Instagram page.
3. Joy as Resistance
Lady Justice Brewing operates on a philanthropic model, enabling them to donate to and collaborate with local causes and nonprofits; Lay said Joy as Resistance is one of these organizations.
“They are more of a youth-focused nonprofit that really tries to focus on using happy experiences, and using joy as a way to be a part of the queer community and to sort of resist all the bad stuff that comes at us sometimes.”
Founded in Denver, the organization provides resources and support for LGBTQ+ youth and guides schools, parents and nonprofits in doing the same.
According to their website, Joy as Resistance focuses on offering accessible and affordable mental health counseling, mentorship opportunities, consultation guidance and educational resources.
