Clayton Davenport: A Lifelong Advocate for LGBTQ+

Clayton Davenport’s path to one·n·ten, a nonprofit organization dedicated to LGBTQ+, began with a life-changing experience. In 2011, Clayton and his husband relocated to Denver after spending 12 years in San Diego, where Clayton had established a successful career in the financial sector. Eager to build connections in the new city, Clayton began volunteering at The Center on Colfax, Denver’s LGBTQ+ center. There, he met three young people—aged 14 to 16—whose families had rejected them after coming out. They had nowhere to go and were seeking refuge for the night in the center’s stairwell.

This heartbreaking experience left an indelible mark on Clayton, revealing the harsh reality faced by so many LGBTQ+ youth. It was a moment of deep realization for Clayton: He had the privilege of stability, but for these young people, survival was an everyday battle. The experience moved him to leave his finance career and dedicate his life to serving the LGBTQ+ community.

Since then, Clayton has spent nearly 15 years in the nonprofit sector, most notably at one·n·ten, where he has helped raise millions of dollars to support LGBTQ+ youth and their communities. Clayton’s work is driven by the belief that true success lies not in the dollars raised but in the lives transformed. one·n·ten provides LGBTQ+ youth with life-changing programs that offer safety, dignity, and empowerment, such as CareerQueer, which prepares youth for meaningful employment, and Camp OUTdoors, where they develop leadership skills and build confidence.

What inspires Clayton most is the resilience and authenticity of the young people he serves. He is constantly amazed by their ability to lead change in their own communities and the world. For Clayton, the key to successful leadership is listening to the youth, understanding their needs, and creating spaces where they feel seen, heard, and celebrated.

Through his leadership at one·n·ten, Clayton has fostered inclusive and supportive environments where LGBTQ+ youth can build the skills and confidence they need to not only survive but also thrive. He believes that young people today are leading change, not waiting for it. His role is to provide them with resources and opportunities to continue their work.

As a counselor at Camp OUTdoors, Clayton experiences firsthand the transformative power of community. Many of the campers, especially those from rural communities, arrive with fear and uncertainty, but by the end of the camp, they leave with confidence, strength, and a renewed sense of belonging. At camp, young people don’t have to hide who they are. They can simply be.

For Clayton, this work is personal. He explains, “If I can make a positive impact on those coming up behind me, my hope is that they will carry that knowledge forward, breaking down even more barriers for the next generation.” This deep commitment to service and advocacy drives Clayton to continue his work despite the challenges the community faces.

His humility and emphasis on collaboration characterize Clayton’s leadership. He understands that real progress happens when diverse voices come together. His work at one·n·ten is built on partnerships with other community organizations, including Spark Community Schools, where LGBTQ+ youth can attend the Queer Blended Learning Center—a safe, affirming space where students are supported academically and socially.

Clayton recognizes that LGBTQ+ youth today still face many challenges, that’s why one·n·ten’s work remains as crucial as ever. Clayton is committed to creating spaces of belonging where LGBTQ+ youth can be supported and empowered to lead the change they want to see in the world.

As he reflects on his journey, Clayton’s message is clear: “True leadership isn’t about standing in front. It’s about bringing people together, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and valued.” He understands that the fight for equality, inclusion, and dignity is ongoing, and he remains dedicated to supporting young LGBTQ+ individuals in their journey to live authentically and unapologetically.

Clayton Davenport is a true Community Icon. He has dedicated his life to advocating for the youth of his community, amplifying their voices, and providing them with the tools to build a better future for all. His leadership, passion, and unwavering commitment inspire everyone who shares his vision of creating a more inclusive and compassionate world.