PUBLISHER’S CORNER PUBLISHER
C.C. De’Ore contributors Ladycat Travis Walgreen Morgan Mercer XXandar Star Kirkland Sable West Lamar
THis month’s Issue of factor hits home for me in many ways... Not only is it the celebration of our country, but we recently overcame the issues of DOMA and Prop 8. It remenids me of how historical moments that happen in our lifetimes, like the overturn of Amendment 2 and Stonewall are the reasons we celebrate Pridefest around the country. This month we talk to a few of our heroes. Both family and ally alike. Also in this issue, someone who raises funds annually and has been a powerhouse in the Denver drag circuit sat down with me to discuss the Apocalyptic Ball and what it means to her, so you get to hear from GInger Douglas. Also we have two new clubs in Denver to enjoy! First is Denver Rodeo, and the New Lipstick Nightclub! Lastly, the drag community lost three family members in the last three months. Erica Andrews, Kenneth Kerr and Whitney Paige. We celebrate them and let you, the reader know their accomplishments. Happy 4th of July EVERYONE!!!! I hope that you stay safe and stay out of the heat and hopefully these fires die out soon!!!!! Love and Kisses!!!!!
Ask XXandar
Entertainer of the Month 2
To Lost Loved Ones photos by
4
Norman Dillon Rod Alan Wildeman Jesse Hernandez
3
Gay Pride of All Colorado Contest
We are Lubed in America 5 7
American Heros 11 APOCLYPTIC BALL
Ding Dong DOMA’s DEAD and PROP 8 TOO!
17
Fetishes:
THe Foot Monster
Wigs in Heat! 21 22
14
NEW TO THE SCENE
July is here and it is a time for celebration of our Nations Independence, With the historical news from the Nations Supreme Court, That DOMA was unconstitutional and struck down. this was a major boost to our community. The fight is not down and yes it will be getting worse from the other, side.
ENTERTAINER OF THE MONTH
We as a community need to come together as ONE, all the “High School” clicks have to work together for the better, to be one! When there is a break in the ranks, then there will be a break in our efforts to be recognized as full equals in this country. It amazes me that some of the oldest countries in Europe have no problem with gay Marriage. We are the Land of the Free, but with all this one sided me me me attitude, I want to control you, I’ll let you have this but what do I get out of it and ..... I don’t like what you are so No you don’t get anything.....It doesn’t feel very free. We are a Nation as one, then lets show it, but starting in our own community, this is where we have to start. It is time we start the final Journey in our fight to be Americans with full rights! XXandar, Dear XXandar, I’m trying to wrap my thoughts around the positive of this but am unable to keep things up. My partner just informed me that he slept with one of our friends at a party they had and out of revenge I want to go sleep with someone else. Should I do this or just break off the relationship? Dear Unpositve, I might be in Bitch mode, but I don’t find anything positive about this, when it is done behind your back. Now, was this an open relationship, but your not going with it? Did it happen all of a sudden? If so then your feelings were not being addressed, just his, then I would move on! If this was a one time mistake then there needs to be a lot of talks and come to an understanding. He should not expect you to be alright with it and move on in a short time. If there is true love there, then you might be alright, you just need to work it out. If you feel you need to sleep with someone else, then do it but, I don’t feel that would make it even, doing something out of revenge is not a good thing, even with his permission. An open relationship might just be what you need. Just be safe and you two might just be together for a long time, Find each other and truth first fully BEFORE you make any decisions, Hard talks are the best! Xxandar
Ask Xxandar will be here monthly but can also be found on our Facebook page, Ask Xxandar!
Jade Naya
Runner up of the Ultimate Queen Contest 2013 at Tracks this year, Jade’s looks change each time she takes the stage... From Beauty to Evil and back again, she has a different look for every number she does... Talent to the sky, this is definitely one to look out for!!!!!!
Tribute to Three Stars in the sky
DIED: March 11, 2013 Andrews actively participated in beauty pageants. She was a celebrated multi-national and international titleholder. According to an article in the Houston Chronicle, she was considered “one of the most decorated queens on the pageant circuit”. She was called “the most beautiful drag queen in captivity”. The first pageant title that Andrews won was Miss Just Us. She was a promoter for the Miss Texas Continental franchise. Andrews won numerous pageant titles 1997 Miss Texas USofA 1999 Miss Gay USofA 2001 Miss Texas Continental 2004 Miss Florida Continental 2004 Universal ShowQueen 2004 Miss Continental 2006 Miss International Queen 2006 Miss National Entertainer of the Year In 2010, Andrews was the first model for the Faces of Life photographic project that originated from Dallas, Texas.
Died: April 28, 2013 Legendary Las Vegas entertainer Kenny Kerr died in his sleep at the age of 60. Kerr was one of the first female impersonators to perform on the Las Vegas Strip. His show “Boy-Lesque” opened on May 13, 1977, at the Silver Slipper Casino. He was known for his impersonations of Barbara Streisand and Cher and Streisand even became a huge fan. Some of his other celebrity fans included Joan Rivers, Rich Little, Debbie Reynolds and Sammy Davis, Jr. Kenny was the first female impersonator to ever be inducted into the Tropicana’s Las Vegas Hall of Fame in 1999. Kenny also performed at the Sahara, Stardust and the Debbie Reynolds Hotel & Casino, and in 2002 wrapped a five-year run at the Plaza, which was his 25th year as a Las Vegas headliner. He later released a CD titled “Songs From The Heart” that year. During 2006, he went on tour and appeared in several cities across the United States. After he performed in Palm Springs Calif., Kerr decided to move across the desert and opened a show titled “CopyKatz Revue.” After a few years, he decided to return to Las Vegas in 2012 to be closer to family and friends. Kerr also appeared in several movies and made many television show appearances. Most notably with Whoopi Goldberg in the film The Associate, playing Charlie, the drag performing neighbor.
Died: June 25, 2013 Whitney Paige was in the Art of Female Impersonation for quite a few years. Originally from Tennessee, she set her sights on Dallas, TX as a way to help boost herself to stardom. She became known around the scene as “The Eyes of Texas.” Whitney performed all across the United States and captured several local, state, regional, and national titles along the way. Always striving for the best, she constantly and consistently pushed the envelope and brought her own style and flare. Whitney had added another city she called home to her resume Little Rock, AR. She was seen hosting, performing, and entertaining crowds at The Rainbow Lounge on Sundays in Ft. Worth, Club Levels on Mondays in Dallas, and Club Pulse. Triniti , and Discovery on Wednesday through Saturday nights in Little Rock. She was the proud Mother and Grandmother to several Stars of the Impersonation World, and would continuously help those that are up and coming on a daily basis. Whitney was truly a symbol of the Impersonation World and always pushed herself to be the best through persistence, motivation, and dedication. Awards: Current Reigning Miss Continental Plus All American Goddess at Large Miss Gay Texas America Miss Gay World Miss Gay Texas USofA 1st Alternate Miss Gay USofA (3 times) Miss Texas Entertainer of the Year (Twice) Miss Gay Texas USofA At Large Miss Gay USofA At Large Miss Gay USofA Classic
Gay Pride of All Colorado Pageant A Pageant that now has stood for 26 years as one of Colorado’s premier contests is gearing up for the next installment on July 20, 2013.
Contest Promoter and Empress 39 Martini
Monroe says that she has handed out over 18 packets and hopes to see all of them turn up for the meeting a week prior to the contest. “If they all turn out it’ll be very exciting! I can’t wait to see what each contesant has to bring to the table.”
The contest, started by Brandi Roberts in 1988-1989 has been noted as the paving way for an entertainer to join the ranks of Empress in ICRME as most of the winners have gone on to win that title as well. Each year the contest is held at The Ramada Inn on Zuni and everyone in town attends it to see who will take the title of Ms., Miss, Mr., or Mister. This years contest promises to be one of the most interesting ones as the theme of the night is The Seven Deadly Sins. Each contestant has to choose which sin they want to represent and interpret it in their own way. So who would you be? I know I’d probably go after sloth with as big as I am, eating a pie going down the aisle would be about right. Since I have been known to dust off a cheesecake or two in my past. But alas, I will be there watching this one with all of the audience wondering which contestant brings the Beauty, grace, talent, and insanity that Gay Pride winners possess. This title also held a youth pageant for a few years, but because of issues with the law (being 21 to enter a bar) it was too hard to continue the youth title to continue, but the winners of the youth title have all become well known performers today. There is only one person who has won both the youth title and the Miss title so far to date, and that’s Miss Ginger Douglas. But is she the only one who’s running for the Miss title? You’ll have to come to the contest and see who’s coming out for the win this year. Also, as a youth our National
Entertainer of The Year 2011 Miss Aurora Sexton started her contest
run as Miss Youth Gay Pride of All Colorado in 1998. The pageant is scheduled for July 20, 2013 Doors open at 7:00 PM Pageant begins at 8:00 PM at The Ramada Inn, 2601 Zuni St. Denver, CO Cost is $15.00 at the door.
The History of Gay Pride winners: YEAR Mr. 1988 - 89 Adam Gregory 1989 - 90 Danny Spanuzzi 1990 - 91 Dana Laessle 1991 - 92 Scott 1992 - 93 Charles 1993 - 94 RJ Lobato 1994 - 95 Kurt Schultz 1995 - 96 Jeff Clark 1996 - 97 Lonnie Brewer 1997 - 98 John Lazo 1998 - 99 Bryan K YOUTH Sean Allen 1999 - 00 John Herndon YOUTH Ben Santisteven 2000 - 01 Miguelito YOUTH Jim Babb 2001 - 02 Blake Kleeberger YOUTH Seth 2002 - 03 John Crenshaw YOUTH Chris 2003 - 04 Matt Tracy 2004 - 05 Jeff Hoppe 2005 - 06 Bryan Vamer 2006 - 07 Manuel Sexton 2007 - 08 James Arneach 2008 - 09 Bryan Whitmore FORMAL TITLE GIVEN: 2009 - 10 Alex Alba 2010 - 11 Jim Carnes 2011 - 12 Jiovanni 2012 - 13 John Menchaca
Miss Stephanie Starr Nina Montaldo Rosa Marie Sugarbaker Alyssa Del Rey Armani Sydney Andrews Marissa Marlowe Janelle St. Christopher Chablis Lee Love Naomi Larell Barbie Blake Aurora Royalle(Sexton) Jamie Lynn Unique Adams(LiDivine) Crystal Fairchild Alize Joey Lane Ginger Douglas Charis Loren Venus Michaels(Sexton) Heada Lettuce Ginger Blake(Douglas) Kiera Sexton Iman DeSante Chardonnay Thomas SueAnn Michaels Morgan Craig Janae Bordeaux Miroslava Sexton Marlena DiMarco Sasha Andrews
Ms. Mister Karen Sandra Graves Kimberley Diane DeHerrera Rita Sandoval Danette Cardenas Mary Martinez Jackie Moreno Pauline Chavez Tina Morales Toni Mexicali Rose Mercury Sarah O’Connor Crystal Stanley Amber Lee Victoria Joey Cassanova Courtney Carolyn Herbert Christian Ticey Robin Eryn DC Shasta Michaels Brett/Chocolatini Candace Workman Misty McIntyre Kris Karen Phillips
Don Lamar
We are lub
WHO Okay, so now Pride month has drawn to a close. Right now, people are looking back on several dirty sexual experiences they had fondly or at least, the ones that they can remember. Others are looking at the pictures that were recently posted on Facebook or Growlr and living out there regrets… I mean... Looking at the side tables and wondering what was used during that amazing moment to make it all so smooth. It’s called lubricant or lube for short since I know that most of you don’t use the full words for anything anymore. Whether it is for vaginal or anal it is great for every one of several “adult” ages. As Doug Fisher will let you know,
“Sex is easy as long as you have 4 shots of vodka and some Flexeril.” Now for the rest
of us that don’t want to get arrested… *eyes Doug* There is always foreplay and lube. Remember, when it comes to lube please spare no expense. It is about you and your body after all. Usually, the warming ones go from feeling good to can someone please pour cold water on my burning parts and the cooling ones can make you feel cold, lifeless, and frigid. Don’t use these as starters if you don’t already know anything about lubes. They can be expensive and end up a complete waste in the end. Here are some of our favorites: For you beginners, there is the starter lube for all ages: KY Jelly. Once again, I will warn you about the warming and cooling ones of this form. It runs anywhere from $5 to $10 once you get into the natural feeling ones, but I will let you know that this one has a serious tendency to be sticky and ends up making you feel nasty and fumbling with the bottle in the dark can add to injuries. Don’t ask… Just trust me on this one.
My friend, Marvin’s favorite for his sexy date nights tend to be Astroglide. Not too sticky, no extra fluffy. This is the get down to business lube. It runs anywhere from $7 to $11. They even make it in the Wrestling Party Kit. If that doesn’t say it all then I don’t know what does. It is still a chemical based lube though so it night cause a burning/stinging sensation for a while at the start of sex. Go slow, relax, and the pain will soon pass. Or so we hope…
The Natural the best a person can get. Well, there are others, but let me say that this is top of the line if you are wanting a good time for good money. It is made with Aloe and Agave and leaves the skin soft and smooth when you are done. If I had my way, I would probably lay in a bath of this stuff just to keep my skin Real Housewife soft. Let’s make it better; it even has vitamin c and e in it too. Just for the extra refreshing feeling and skin nourish. This and Sliquid have “Carrageenan” which is extracted from plants found in the ocean and may be linked to protecting against HIV and HPV. BONUS!!!! Right now, if you buy it from their website you get a free bottle of their sensual massage oil too. Slogan: “It’s what sexy feels like.” Sexy also feels like it might cost $15 for a 1.9 Oz bottle and move up from there depending on size. Notice that this is a smaller bottle for the same amount as the one above. It just takes a little though since you don’t have to rehydrate it and you feel better in the morning.
bed in America!
by Ladycat De’Ore
OA!!! Sliquid is wonderful and even I have used it several times. It is an all-natural water based lube. Even this after too much fun does have the tendency to make you a little sticky, but you won’t have that burning sensation and you won’t have that I think that they are stuck inside of me feeling. It is made right here in the USA. Since the 4th of July is coming up; if you feel like being patriotic, this is the way to go. It comes in 10 different products including a satin form for those more romantic situations. These little 4.2 oz bottles start at $15 and move up from there. Upon further research there are places that you can get it online for cheaper, but not by much. I’m going to let you know this. Make sure that before you break out with this stuff that you are going to be having the time of your life or you will be angry about spending so much money for 10 seconds that you can’t get back.
My personal favorite is System
JO. When you ask me what you
should get I will always tell you to GO JO!!! Mainly cause when this came out on the market it was so under rated and I was there in the adult stores making people rub it on the back of their hand and it feels like satin. This is lube for people that still love that tender feeling without breaking the bank to get it. No oil, no wax, no silicone and you can get an 8 Oz bottle of this for $11. See the drastic difference. After the tester went away and more people got to use it; this stuff came
flying the shelves. For the people that actually enjoy a lube with flavor, this is the way to go cause for some reason their stuff taste closer to the actual flavor and less like rubber bands and butter on your tongue. Their personal H2O line of products that have come out more recently are the expensive ones running from $18 for a 16 Oz bottle.
The last one that I’m going to review for you is one that you all might know well. We call it the night club lube due to the fact that when you go out and they are handing out condoms and lube this is the one that they use.
Gun Oil! It was made to turbo
charge your sexual experiences. Made popular in the gay scene, it is now being used in houses all over the world. It is so big that they will charge you out the ass for it… Get it… That was a joke… Out the ass… Oh never mind. An 8 Oz bottle of this stuff starts at $21 and their H2O line starts at $40, but they can do that cause who is going to say no to a name like that.
This is was originally the manly man’s lube, but since has moved on to be used for and with women too.
There is just a short review of some of the more well known and loved lubes. I hope that you all enjoyed it. Now get out there lube it up America and have a Happy and Safe 4th of July!
In Honor of July being the Nations Birthday, We here at FACTOR thought it was appropriate the cover story should be about our Military, especially our Gay members in the Military. John Kelly, he served before DADT, Now an Activist with AVER local chapter. Thomas Cavaness is currently deployed overseas, open and proud. Luiza Fritz who had the misfortune to be kicked out of the Military and now with the overturn of DADT, has been reinstated to serve with the Military once again proudly. We even have an interview with Mike Lambott, currently serving and a straight friend. On the cover, I went down to the staging area to meet with the Color Guard and to take pictures, they headed the Gay Pride Parade here in Denver 2013, a very proud moment for all.
Thomas Cavaness
MC: Before joining the military, what type of person were you and what was it that helped you make the decision to join? TC: Prior to enlisting, I was very involved politically. I had worked on Jared Polis’ Congressional campaign and volunteered with several progressive groups to elect like-minded individuals to public office. Having been around all of the hustle and bustle of the election season, I was highly motivated to go into politics for myself. When I sat down with the recruiter, he asked me why I wanted to enlist. I told him I wanted to be a politician and I thought military service would give me great experience in leadership, service & responsibility. MC: Did you join before, during or after DADT? TC: Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was repealed more than eighteen months after my enlistment and shipment to Basic Combat Training. I was activated for both Basic Combat Training & Advanced Individual Training under DADT. I feared that I would lose my job in the Army National Guard if someone, some how found out that I was gay. MC: Were you out before joining? TC: I was out before joining the military - and had been out for less than two years. It was quite a shocking experience to finally be liberated in my self to being thrown back into the closet where I risked losing my job and even a dishonorable discharge if I was outed. It was so bad that I had to resort to seeing a military psychologist just to have someone that I could be myself with, knowing that our conversations were obligated to be confidential. MC: Was it hard to keep it a secret or did people know, were you being harassed or were there supporters? TC: While in Advanced Individual Training at Fort Gordon, Georgia, I came out to four of my close friends. I knew that they were aware that
TRUE AMERI I was gay. They were very supportive and my coming out strengthened our bond as friends. MC: You are currently deployed overseas, How is that for you there? TC: I am currently deployed with an Aviation Support Battalion in Southwest Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Honestly, I can not complain about this deployment. I am so much more fortunate than most others that deploy. I have air conditioning, internet and running water. It gets hot here and the winds are strong, but it’s been a great time for me to grow in my military career. It’s funny to see people back home complain about the heat it’s been as high as 128F here and winds have been as strong as 55-60 MPH. MC: I was told that you were asked to create a Pride day on your base, who asked you and what was your feeling when you were asked, how did that make you feel? How is the planning going and what is everyone’s reaction to the news? TC: Currently, I volunteer in my down time for the USO on base. We are partnering with the MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation) as well as the Equal Opportunity Office for the 4th Infantry Division to commemorate LGBT History Month. I am honored to be part of this historic event. The USO will be unveiling a painting that I had completed for them during this Pride event. MC: What was the reason for DADT, What was it really like for Gay People during it and now what is it like without it? TC: While I won’t speculate on President Clinton’s intentions with DADT, I can say that I am glad that it is history. I know of too many good soldiers that were relieved of their duty in all branches of the military because of who they love. So many of these DADT discharged soldiers are true heroes that served their country bravely and with honor. Serving in a post-DADT military is great. I have not personally experienced any discrimination because of my orientation. The military seems to be ahead of society in terms of social progression - at least at some levels. I applaud each of the branches in their professionalism and efficiency in repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. MC, What did you do to help over turn DADT? TC, Personally, I can’t take credit for the overturn of DADT. So many brave service members that came before me fought tirelessly to ensure equality among the ranks. Lt. Daniel Choi comes to mind as the figure head and consequently near-martyr for the movement. He is a true hero.
Now that DADT is gone, I believe it is important for myself and other gay, lesbian and bisexual service members to come out. The only way we will win this fight towards full equality for the LGBT community is to come out - to let those that know us and love us that we are really no different than they are. We strive for the same things. We want careers, families and friends around us that build us up. MC, Conclusion, What are you wanting out of the Military now, what is your future and what is your words of encouragement for someone who is Gay and thinking of going into the Military? TC, Once I return home from deployment, I will go back to college and finish my degree. I am working towards commissioning as an Officer for the Army where I hope to be a Blackhawk helicopter pilot. I plan on retiring in the service. For those that identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual that are curious about enlisting or commissioning - I say do it. Do your research to determine what path is best for you, contact a recruiter and research what they tell you. The military can afford you the opportunity to grow, to travel and to learn. Take advantage of these things. Be you.
ICAN HERO’s John Kelly I was transferred to Wheelus AFB, Tripoli, Libya in early 1961 following training and a years stint at Andrews AFB, Washington, DC. Roughly 1.5 years into my Air Force career. Had just turned 20 years old. Had been celibate since enlisting. My only experience sexually prior to enlisting had been with guys. It wasn’t enough that would make me think I was queer.....the word gay didn’t exist back then. Started at 13, but it was limited and was something I knew society didn’t approve of. In those days there was no one to talked about it, there were no role models, no books in the library worth reading. You sure didn’t discuss it with your parents and a counselor would probably faint. Hell, you didn’t discuss it with the person you were having sex with. I shipped out to Tripoli with someone I met during the enlistment process, we had been buddies and roommates all along. We had double dated, but there was never anything questionable about our friendship. When we arrived, we were assigned to temporary rooms, with different roommates. It wasn’t long after we arrived, that one night I headed out to the common shower, wrapped in a towel as was our practice. On my way back, a senior airman invited me into his room for a drink. Seeing nothing out of the ordinary, I accepted. What he and I didn’t know was his room had been wired. He was under investigation as a major player in a group of homosexuals. You could say that a sexual encounter did take place. It was one sided and I did not reciprocate. It was some months later that I was called in to the Commander’s office and advise that I was under investigation for being a homosexual. Keep in mind the terminology was different in those days. I was shocked, but quickly realize what they were talking about. DADT didn’t exist. They were looking to bring me up on criminal charges for Court Marshal. It took months for the investigation to process. I underwent hours of questioning, my former and current roommates were interviewed. Everyone in my Squadron was aware of what was going on. Oddly enough, there was no uproar or bullying. I went about my job as a medic without issue. My friends were still my friends. Strange when you think about it. Eventually, I was called back into the Commander’s office. Charges had been dropped. My previous and current roommates had backed me up and oddly enough the wiretap also helped clear me. The Commander, assuming I had been under pressure, offered me a reassignment anywhere in the Command, to get me away from the talk of my peers. A reassignment out of Tripoli was tempting, Spain, Germany? But, I didn’t feel pressured, my job nor my friends had not be affected. I decided
to stay where I was, with my Squadron. He
told me that if I had any problems, to come to him. It was over. Ironically, my current and former roommates and I ended up taking an R&R trip to Naples and Rome over New Years. They made a point of hiring me a prostitute in Naples so I could lose my ‘cherry’. Some time later, a new member of the unit started giving me trouble. Apparently the rumor mill was still active. It got nasty, and I reported him to the Commander. He and I were summonded to the Commander’s office. It was fun watching the Commander chew his ass on my behalf and order him to apologize and shut the hell up. I eventually returned to the states and even reenlisted. Viet Nam had started becoming real and there was a shortage of male nurses. I signed up for a commissioning program and was set to attend Syracuse University for my degree. (I’m from that area) As it turned out, I was hand picked to be assigned to the US Air Force Academy Hospital. It was while there that my gay instinct started to take hold. It was like putting a young college kid in the Playboy Mansion. I started actively looking for people like me, and found out there were plenty of them available. Despite my previous quick climb in rank, I was noticing I was being held back. The handwriting on the was on the wall, and kept getting bigger and bigger. I knew I couldn’t survive another investigation. It was time to go. Despite the unit’s last minute effort to retain me, I think I went running out the Front Gate. Safe. Within a couple of years I had become a high profile hotel-resort marketing executive and found myself still in the closet. Obviously I wasn’t threatened by Court Marshal but I knew my newly found career could end very quickly. I was so naive. I eventually came out when I was 40. Only to have my peers tell me “tell us something we don’t know”. That’s when I finally realized that people accepted and respected me for who I was professionally, and didn’t care what I did in the bedroom. And here I am at 72, a gay activist, so says OutFront. I co-founded the Colorado GLBT Color Guard and the local chapter of AVER. I’m on my second appointment to the Mayor’s GLBT Commission and their representative (and vice-chair) on the Agency for Human Rights and Community Partnerships Advisory Board. I served as last years Chairman of the Mayor’s Diversity Awards. Oh, and in my spare time I spend 15 or so hours a week volunteering at The Center.
Story By: Morgan Craig
Members of the color Guard Luiza Fritz, Colorado Army National Guard Sarah Alder, US Army Keith Fitch, US Navy Cassie Drake, US Air Force Doug Denslow, US Marines Jenna Senza, US Air Force I was also corrected by one of the people who always marches behind the color guard... I always say going back as far as Korea...he advised me he is WWII! I’ve always thought he was one of the Korean War Vets. And he walks it at 86, never needs a car. If you followed our Facebook page you saw that we got good coverage from the Denver Post and were popular with several other photographers. This was our third Denver Pride Parade but our 15th actual appearance. We’ve done Pride in Colorado Springs and Fort Collins and will add Boulder this year. We presented colors for the National Flag Football Championships and the Denver Mayor’s Diversity Awards last year as well.
Mike Lambott
MC: Tell me about yourself and your life? ML: I am 36, from Colorado. Father of 2 boys, been married for 13 years, and have been serving in the Military for over 10 years. Deployed 3 times. MC: Being a Straight Man in the military and a supporter/friend of Gays, is this a strain on you or have you had to defend someone who is Gay by someone that is not a supporter? ML: Well, I have not served with anyone who has been openly gay, as that subject was taboo and meant the end of a soldiers career if they were found out. It has not really been a strain and I don’t see it as one in the future. MC: What was your view on DADT as it was in place? ML: I never agreed with it because I believe that anyone should be able to serve their country, regardless of their personal orientations, just as religion doesn’t play a factor, neither should who you love. MC: Now that DADT has been overturned, are you seeing a different feeling from people, like more stress or less stress? ML: To be honest, I have not really seen any major differences in behavior in either direction of the spectrum. MC: Has someone openly come out to you since DADT is no longer and how did you handle it, if not how would you think you would handle it when it happens? ML: I have not had anyone come out to me as of yet, but if I did, I would not think any less of or view them in any different of a light, as they would still be the same friend to me that they were prior to DADT. I still feel that even though DADT has been changed, it is still a touchy subject. I believe the fear is still deeply rooted. MC: One of our Gay Military, who’s story is being featured here too, has been asked to create a Pride Day on the base where he is stationed, would you be a proud Straight man and support and go to it and why? ML: I would have no problem showing my support, as I am a firm believer of all are created equal. MC: What would you want to tell someone that is a straight non supporter of Gays in the military? ML: If you are scared of someone who is gay making a move on you, or giving you “the look”, Relax, they can tell if you are gay or not, (gaydar) and chances are, if you are not, they will not waste their time trying to hook up. What matters to me, and what should matter to you, is in a combat environment, will this person/soldier have my/your six. If you can honestly say yes, then nothing else matters.
MC, In conclusion..... What do you want to tell someone that is Gay and thinking about going into the military from a straight mans perspective? ML, Think long and hard before making this choice for your life. Not just because of being gay, I would say this to anyone, gay or straight. Because the military is a stressful life. This career choice is hard on relationships, hard on your body and on your mind. It can change who you are and it can affect those around you. I take great pride in the uniform I wear and all it represents. I am very lucky to have the support system I have with my friends and family. It makes my job worth the sacrifices. If this is the path you choose, I would welcome you to join and serve as my brother or sister in arms.
MM: Before joining the military, what type of person were you and what was it that helped you make the decision to join? LF: I was in High School, during my senior year, trying to decide if I wanted to continue on to college, join the Army, or both. I was fairly solid in the decision to join the Army but needed guidance as to how I could go to school and serve at the same time. My mother had served in the Army in the 60’s in the Women’s Army Corp and I found myself captivated by her stories and experiences. She instilled in me the spirit of Patriotism and Honor in serving our great country. But at the same time pressured me to go on to college. After meeting with a Marine Corp recruiter and an Air Force recruiter, I spoke with a National Guard recruiter who gave me the information I needed to make a decision. I enlisted in the Colorado National Guard 30 days prior to my 18th birthday and left for basic training 3 days after graduating from high school. MM: Did you join before, during or after DADT? LF: My initial enlistment date was February 28th, 1995. DADT had just been passed but on my enlistment documents the pointed questions of homosexuality had to be crossed out with black ink. I wasn’t sure if I was a lesbian but had the inclination, so seeing and reading those questions turned my stomach. I really wasn’t sure what to expect and honestly was a little scared. MM: Were you out before joining? LF: I was not out as a lesbian but had the eeling that something was different about me, I just couldn’t figure it out. It was in Basic Training at Fort McClellan, AL that I realized I was a lesbian after being approached by another female in my training company. MM: Was it hard to keep it a secret or did people know, were you being harassed or were there supporters? LF: Once I had made a connection with another female in training, I was scared we would get caught. We managed to stay under the radar for some time until we were caught by another female in the barracks. She vowed to keep our secret but advised that there were rumors about our relationship starting to surface. It wasn’t long after that that my “battle buddy” was medically discharged and sent home. I completed training with no further incidents and returned home to report to my National Guard unit. Not long after returning to Colorado, I transferred to the Iowa National Guard and moved to Iowa to be with the girl I had been involved with in Alabama. It was there that I served the majority of my career. I served as openly as I could with the 186th Military Police Company for almost 14 years. I had many commanders and enlisted leadership that supported me and my advancement and never looked at my personal life as something that I should be ashamed of. I was well respected by my peers and as I rose through the ranks I gained the respect of my subordinates as well. MM: What was the reason for discharge from the military? LF: I was discharged while on an active duty tour to Baghdad, Iraq in August 2008. I was a platoon sergeant in charge of 42 soldiers without a job. My platoon was taken out from under our unit and reassigned to a unit from Oklahoma. The leadership of the Oklahoma unit did not agree with my strict policies for my soldiers and rather preferred a more lax environment. I butted heads
with the leadership and they started digging for a reason to get me relieved of duty or worse. The First Sergeant of that unit ordered one of my soldiers to pull up my myspace page on her personal computer and he stuck his thumb drive in her computer and saved my personal page. He then turned in a paper copy of my page to the Inspector General’s Office in Baghdad. A formal investigation was started and the investigating officer found public record of my partner at time and my Committed Partnership in Denver County. This was considered attempted marriage and I was formally processed under the DADT policy and given a General Under Honorable discharge after serving almost 14 years with 2 deployments to Iraq. MM: How were you able to get back into the military? LF: It was only after the repeal of DADT that I thought I ever had a chance of getting back in. So immediately following the repeal I contacted the Army recruiting station at Tivoli and began paperwork to reenlist. They were very supportive and worked diligently to get me reinstated. We had completed most of the paperwork and were ready to schedule me for the Military Entrance Processing Station when their command found a policy letter from the Department of the Army stating that former soldiers discharged under DADT could reenlist only if they had been given an Honorable Discharge. The door slammed in my face and I had to begin the process of upgrading my discharge. I applied to the Army Discharge Review Board for the upgrade, sent in supporting documents of my decorated service and waited. It took a year to get a response, but in February 2013 I received a packet from the Board containing documentation that stated it was a unanimous decision of a 5 member board of Sergeants Major to upgrade my discharge and reinstate any benefits owed to me. I contacted the Army recruiter immediately and began the process again. I officially reenlisted in the Army Reserve on March 26, 2013, 4 and a half years after being discharged from the service that I loved.
LF: I was deeply hurt by my discharge and felt the need to educate people on the absolute injustice that I had received. I wanted everyone to know that homosexuals are quality service members and deserve to wear the uniform as much as anyone else. I became a local spokesperson during the repeal process and gave a number of interviews to local media. During one interview I met John Kelly and we formed an alliance. I wanted to do more and posed an idea to John that we form an all gay and lesbian professional Color Guard and march in the up-coming Pride parade. I found a handful of like-minded people in the community and had them put their dress uniforms on and lead the 2011 Pride parade. We marched very proudly and professionally and have since become a reoccurring staple at Pride events throughout Colorado. I would like to think that through our publicity, we have helped changed attitudes towards gay and lesbian service members as a whole. MM: In conclusion, What are you wanting out of the Military now, what is your future and what is your words of encouragement for someone who is Gay and thinking of going into the Military? LF: I want to finish what I started so many years ago and retire from military service with as many years as they will let me serve. I love serving in uniform and I love the environment it provides. It is a brotherhood and sisterhood that has no equal and I am so proud to have the honor of continuing my service. I have grown to love training and developing future leaders and will soon have my certification to instruct Army leadership courses on multiple bases throughout the country. My words of encouragement to our future gay and lesbian service members is to always put the service first. Being gay or lesbian does not define our ability to serve, it only makes us unique in the fact that we love our country enough to serve while there is still inequality.
MM: What was the reason for DADT, What was it really like for Gay People during it and now what is it like without it? LF: While I served under DADT, I came to understand that it was necessary at the time and it was a stepping stone to open service. It served as an umbrella that we (homosexuals) could serve under as long as we kept our sexuality to ourselves. However, it was also my demise because I felt that I should be able to serve openly and gain the respect of my peers and subordinates through stellar leadership and honorable service. I feel as if DADT was used as a tool for leadership to get rid of service members that they didn’t want around. Homosexuals have served honorably for decades all while having to keep their mouths shut and private lives a secret until someone had a problem with an individual and found an easy way to humiliate them and terminate their service. I have only been back in the uniform for a few months, so I feel like I’m still getting used to serving openly. I have only come out to a few individuals in my unit as I still feel like my sexuality should have no bearing on building professional relationships and gaining the respect of my peers. I hope that with time I will feel more comfortable with my peers and be able to speak openly about my private life without worrying about a recourse. MM: what did you do to help over turn DADT?
To those serving in our Armed Forces,
WE SALUTE YOU!
SIGN OF THE APO
CC: So tell me all about Ginger. Where she came from and where she’s going?
CC: What was your reaction as to the response you received from doing the show?
GD: Oh wow, all about Ginger huh? My dream interview! Lol. Well let’s see Ginger has always been the little mermaid that was trapped inside me. I used to watch that movie over and over pretending I was Ariel while singing “Part of Your World” with a towel wrapped around my head pretending it was long glowing locks that glistened in the light. She started off as a timid character who wanted very much to be loved. She has evolved throughout her journey and quest in life. Within the last 4 years Ginger has really changed as a whole. Her physical appearance is not the normality of drag; she continues to be a forefront of looks and imagination when it comes to her style. I don’t know what the future holds for Ginger; however I do know that she is a force to be reckoned with and will continue to surprise and ever change throughout her existence as a performer. There have been a lot of changes in my life in and out of drag. Some were good, and some were lessons that were meant to be faced in the time frame that I needed them. Last year was a year that I will never forget. From falling off a stage and not being able to perform for a few months to taking back a last name that I started with. I took back my life, my way and made it to where I am now. Much like a phoenix, I have risen from the ashes and will continue to do so, as I never give up on any of my dreams and I encourage all of my friends, family and fans to think the same way. Dreamers are believers, and without dreams the world would be a dreary, dark place. I promise to continue to be the voice for the underdog, and the crazy never the same twice girl I have always been.
GD: The reaction from this show is nothing short of a miracle. Our Colorado community embraces and supports this cause year after year. I truly am humbled by how many people come together for one night of fashion, drag, burlesque, hair, makeup, dance, and art of all kinds just to raise money for those who need that more in this moment of life then we do. I can say that we have raised nearly $40,000 before corporate funding and will continue to press the times and raise a hell of a lot of money.
CC: Tell me where you got the idea for Apocalyptic Ball? GD: The idea for the Apocalyptic Ball was an easy one for me. After I found out that I was diagnosed HIV positive, I went through a whirlwind of emotions. For me it was much like the seven stages of grief letting go of my old life, and welcoming/ fighting the new one that was dealt into my card deck. I remember crying, being angry, being suicidal and all the while still wanting to help others. When I finally came to again, I realized that I needed to open my heart and story to hopefully help others who were going through the same thing. The Ball for me is much more then just a once a year show, it’s the existence of life, it’s the rawness of my being and the love and support of human kind to one another. This is now our 4th year doing the ball, and we have gone through many emotions in the last 3 years, and will continue to do so for 3 more years to come. After that I am going to have to re-vamp everything and see what the next journey is.
CC: Tell me about AP4. Why is it called the Awakening? GD: As stated before the ball is an evolution of emotions intertwined with stages of grief and anxiety that I felt while dealing with the knowledge of becoming HIV positive. The first year was called Apocalyptic
Ball1-
The Aftermath. This year was angry
and confused much like that of a society that survived after the world’s apocalypse. The next year was Apocalyptic
Ball 2- The
Masquerade. This was a year when you
hid behind so many raw emotions that no one knew what you were dealing with or going through. It was a time when I painted and did drag almost nightly to hide the scars that were left on my face, in my eyes and through my soul. Year 3, Apocalyptic
Ball 3- The
Rage was well, just that. It was a point when you have to let out your frustrations, speak to the fact that you are pissed off, and let out all anger and aggression that you have dealing with this “new life.” This year, year 4 the Apocalyptic Ball 4- The Awakening is a transition period in ones life. It’s when all the bad you knew existed, cocoons itself and through a metamorphosis of love and light, you start to see the rainbow at the end of the storm once again. CC: What would people who have never been to the show experience? GD: This show is an experience of true love, devotion hard work and sacrifice. The show gives you live acts, comedy, fashion shows, a hair show and the best drag entertainment west of the Mississippi. The cast is always changing year to year, depending on theme and to spark new interests of parts of our communities that haven’t been to this kind of event. CC: I know your working directly with Colorado Aids Project with this experience, how has the fundraising efforts gone in the past and what are you hoping for?
OCOLYPTIC BALL
By C.C. De’Ore
GD: Fundraising for CAP I swear is my life’s mission. I have always worked hard to raise money and be apart of various shows and fundraisers for various non profit organizations however CAP has always held a very special place in my heart, even before I was diagnosed as HIV positive. Fundraising efforts have been nothing short of a miracle. The Denver community as a whole has done nothing but pour love, and donations into the ball which is why we have reached amazing heights the past 3 years. As stated before we have nearly reached $40,000 with a silent corporate donation matching cent for cent. Our hope this year is that we raise a minimum of $15,000 to the community here in Colorado. CC: Are there any surprises this year that we haven’t seen in the last three experiences? GD: There are always plenty of surprises at the ball EVERY year. However if I gave you a clue on what that was, how would it still be a surprise. ;) CC: It seems that you have the who’s who in drag, hair, and fashion involved each year. Anyone coming in this year that’s new to your experience? What do you look for from these individuals?
And lastly we finally have our own website that you can donate and or purchase
tickets and VIP tables, go to:
www.apocalypticball.com If anyone has any questions or wants to donate time, money or anything in between please have them contact me at apocalypticball@aol.com 10. Where is the event taking place this year? Why did you choose that venue?
GD: Every year the best of the best is truly what I look for. And no I don’t mean the prettiest girls, or the girls who have been doing it the longest. I look for someone who is passionate, who will bring all different walks of life into the venue and performers that really get what the mission is. I look for individuals or groups who have a passion for people as well as a passion for their art. We have had artists body paint, we have hair artists, we have live paintings we have tattooing and we have live animation art, all of those people involved are amazing people who have touched my life, and who I know will touch yours as well. As the ball is ever changing, so is my cast. I want to keep new blood, new hope and new light at the end of our tunnel. Most of the performers who have been in the past shows do come back and watch the show to support, and that’s why I love what I do. We as a family come together for one night to raise money for those who can’t do it themselves. It’s truly a work of humanitarian art at its finest. CC: Where can people get in touch with you to donate? GD: There are several ways to get in touch with me. There is a face book event page : https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/ 130762177095095/?fref=ts There is a face book community page: https://www.facebook.com/#!/ pages/Apocalyptic-Ball/ 248493028624544?fref=ts
I am proud to say that we are taking the ball back to the grass roots of the fundraising efforts. We have decided to go back to The Denver Mart (formerly the Denver Merchandise Mart.) as they have gratuitously donated space time and effort to make the ball as big of a success as the first year. They also are proving a 10% donation of all food and beverage that is sold that night, so that we can raise even more money for the cause. We enjoyed the ball there so much the first year, and after talking to them again, well we HAD to go back. Plus in this venue we can have it as an all age’s show, which to me sends an even bigger mission statement to the community abroad. It shows our next generations how important it is to care for one another, and hopefully bring out some future leaders of our Denver community. CC: How much are the tickets to this experience and what are people getting for their buck? GD: Tickets are $15.00 presale and $20.00 at the door. You can either purchase them online or some of the entertainers do have paper copies for a keepsake. There are also VIP tables that seat 10 people and come with Absolut bottle service. What are they getting for their buck, well that’s simple they get to be apart of one of the most incredible nights Denver has. The love, the dedication and the atmosphere in
itself
is worth that and more, however they also get to say that they were apart of making money for those less fortunate all while getting to dress up and be apart of Colorado’s largest fundraising efforts for AIDS Walk Colorado. CC: When is the event and what time do you want people to start getting in line? I heard that the lines can be quite long at times, is there anything happening outside while people wait or are you making them wait until they enter to get the experience? GD: Doors open at 7:30 this year as we are having food for people to enjoy while they watch the show. We try to make the coming in experience as grand as the ending number, however lines can be longer due to people who come and purchase tickets the day of (cash handling can take more time due to volunteers wanting to be spot on with donations and such.) so I do suggest that people pre-order their tickets online as it does generate us a list of who has purchased what. However there is a cool experience this year when doors open, so hopefully everyone will love the added drama to the event. CC: Lastly, Ginger, tell me where else you can be seen before this event for people to get tickets or if they want to talk to you about different things going on with the event. GD: The best way to reach me is thru my email apocalypticball@aol.com or thru face book as it’s attached to my hip 24-7. My face book is: https://www.facebook.com/ TheGingerDouglas?ref=tn_tnmn
www.apocalypticball.com
THE END OF DOMA AND PROP 8 June 26, 2013
A big day in history for the GLBTQ population as The United States Supreme Court Held the fact that The Defense of Marriage Act. “Today’s historic decisions put two giant cracks in the dark wall of discrimination that separates committed gay and lesbian couples from full equality,” said Chad Griffin, president of the Human Rights Commission. He called the rulings “a joyous milestone.” He went on to say, “While we celebrate the victory for Californians today, tomorrow we turn our attention to the millions of LGBT people who don’t feel the reach of these decisions.” The only issue is that the 35 states that have the rulings are still unaffected by the decisions. Right wing opposition is feeling the effects of the decision today. “We’re disappointed in the short-term results and the short-term questions that remain unsettled, but the public conversation continues and that’s a good thing,” said the Rev. Rob Schenck, president of the Evangelical Church Alliance, which opposes same-sex marriage. Here are some facts on the current situation and what is going on: Currently, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. (The law goes into effect on July 1, 2013 in Delaware and on August 1, 2013 in Minnesota and Rhode Island.) Same-sex marriage is banned by constitutional amendment or state law in: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. New Jersey and New Mexico have no laws either banning or allowing same-sex marriage. Worldwide, 15 other countries: The Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Canada, South Africa, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, Iceland, Argentina, Denmark, Brazil, France, New Zealand, Uruguay (bill will be signed soon) also have laws (and parts of Mexico) also have laws
allowing same-sex marriage and domestic partnerships. Most of these are in Europe and South America
laws allowing same-sex marriage and domestic partnerships.
same-sex marriage, the first state in the U.S. to do so.
The only places allowing civil unions at this point are: Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois and New Jersey.
July 14, 2004 - The U.S. Senate blocks a proposed Constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage from moving forward in Congress. (48 votes out of 60 needed)
There is a timeline as to the beginning of this fight. There has been a long standing fight for equality, however the right to marry has only been in the eyes of the American Public for the GLBTQ Population since President Clinton’s Office. And here’s how it has played outa;
August 12, 2004 - The California Supreme Court orders San Francisco officials, including Mayor Gavin Newsom, not to license additional same-sex marriages, pending resolution of the constitutional challenges to state marriage statutes
September 21, 1996 - President Bill Clinton signs the Defense of Marriage Act banning federal recognition of same-sex marriage and defining marriage as “a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife.” December 20, 1999 - The Vermont Supreme Court rules that gay and lesbian couples should be given the same rights as heterosexual couples.
September 30, 2004 - The U.S. House of Representatives votes against amending the Constitution to prohibit same-sex marriage. October 5, 2004 - A Louisiana judge throws out an amendment to the state constitution banning same-sex marriage, because the ban also includes civil unions.
November 18, 2003 - The Massachusetts Supreme Court rules that a ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional.
November 2, 2004 - Eleven states pass constitutional amendments defining marriage as being between a man and a woman only: Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon and Utah.
February 20, 2004 - Sandoval County, New Mexico, issues 26 same-sex marriage l icenses, but they are nullified by the state attorney general the same day.
March 14, 2005 - A Superior Court judge rules that California’s law that limits marriage to a union between a man and a woman is unconstitutional.
February 12-March 11, 2004 - Nearly 4,000 same-sex couples get marriage licenses in San Francisco, California.
April 14, 2005 - Oregon’s Supreme Court nullifies the same-sex marriage licenses issued there in 2004.
February 24, 2004 - President George W. Bush announces support for a federal constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.
May 12, 2005 - A federal judge strikes down Nebraska’s ban on protection and recognition of same-sex couples.
February 27, 2004 - New Paltz, New York, Mayor Jason West performs same-sex marriages for about a dozen couples. March 3, 2004 - In Portland, Oregon, the Multnomah County Clerk’s office issues marriage licenses for same-sex couples. Neighboring Benton County follows, on March 24. June 7, 2004 - Jason West, the mayor of New Paltz, New York, is issued a permanent injunction by the Ulster County Supreme Court against marrying same-sex couples.
August 5, 2004 - A Washington judge rules the state’s law defining marriage is unconstitutional. January 18, 2005 - The Louisiana State Supreme Court reinstates the constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage that was thrown out in October 2004. September 6, 2005 - The California Legislature passes a bill to legalize same-sex marriage. The legislature is the first in the U.S. to act without a court order to sanction same-sex marriages.
March 11, 2004 - The California Supreme Court orders San Francisco to stop issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
September 14, 2005 - The Massachusetts Legislature rejects a proposed amendment to its state constitution to ban same-sex marriages.
May 17, 2004 - Massachusetts legalizes
September 29, 2005 - California Governor
Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoes the same-sex marriage bill.
April 3, 2009 - The Iowa Supreme Court strikes down a state law banning same-sex marriage.
October 7, 2005 - The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court hears a case challenging a 1913 law prohibiting nonresidents from marrying in Massachusetts if the marriage is prohibited in their home state. The law has been used in recent years to prevent same-sex couples from getting married.
April 7, 2009 - Vermont legalizes same sex marriages after both the state Senate and House of Representatives overturn a veto by Governor Jim Douglas. The Senate vote is 235, while the House vote is 100-49.
November 8, 2005 - Texas becomes the 19th state to adopt a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. January 20, 2006 - A Maryland judge rules the state’s law defining marriage is unconstitutional. March 30, 2006 - The highest court in Massachusetts rules that same-sex couples who live in other states cannot get married in Massachusetts unless same-sex marriage is legal in their home states. June 6, 2006 - Alabama voters pass a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage. July 6, 2006 - The New York Court of Appeals rules that a state law banning same-sex marriage is legal, and the Georgia Supreme Court upholds the state’s constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. November 7, 2006 - Constitutional amendments to ban same-sex marriage are on the ballot in eight states. Seven states: Colorado, Idaho, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin, pass theirs, while Arizona voters reject the ban. December 21, 2006 - Civil unions are legalized in New Jersey. The law goes into effect on February 19, 2007. May 15, 2008 - The California Supreme Court rules that the state’s ban on same-sex marriages is unconstitutional. The decision goes into effect on June 16th at 5:01pm. October 10, 2008 - The Connecticut Supreme Court in Hartford rules that the state must allow gay and lesbian couples to marry. November 4, 2008 - Voters in California approve Proposition 8, which will amend the state’s constitution to ban same-sex marriage. Voters in Arizona and Florida also approve similar amendments to their state constitutions. November 12, 2008 - Same-sex marriage becomes legal in Connecticut. March 23, 2009 - The Vermont state Senate votes 26 to 4 to legalize same- sex marriage. It goes before the state’s House of Representatives on March 27. Vermont Governor Jim Douglas says he will veto a same-sex marriage bill if it comes across his desk.
April 27, 2009 - Same-sex marriage becomes legal in Iowa as the court ruling comes into effect. May 6, 2009 - Same-sex marriage becomes legal in Maine, as Gov. John Baldacci signs a bill less than an hour after the state legislature approves it. May 6, 2009 - New Hampshire lawmakers pass a same-sex marriage bill.
a measure to legalize same-sex civil unions. Gov. Neil Abercrombie says that he will sign the bill, which will take effect January 1, 2012. February 23, 2011 - The Obama Administration instructs the Justice Department to stop defending the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act in court. April 25, 2011 - King & Spalding, the private law firm hired by House Speaker John Boehner, backs out of defending the Defense of Marriage Act. June 14, 2011 - Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York proposes the Marriage Equality Act, a bill to legalize marriage for same-sex couples.
May 26, 2009 - The California Supreme Court upholds the passage of Proposition 8, banning same-sex marriage. However, 18,000 such marriages performed before Proposition 8 will remain valid.
June 14, 2011 - U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California upholds a lower court ruling invalidating California’s Proposition 8’s ban on same-sex marriage as unconstitutional. The ruling had been c hallenged when the lower court’s judge was found to be gay.
June 17, 2009 - President Barack Obama signs a memorandum granting some benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees.
June 24, 2011 - The New York Senate votes to legalize same-sex marriage. Governor Andrew Cuomo signs the bill just before midnight.
July 7, 2009 - A new District of Columbia law recognizing same-sex marriages performed elsewhere takes effect.
July 24, 2011 - Same-sex marriage becomes legal in New York.
September 1, 2009 - Same-sex marriage becomes legal in Vermont. November 3, 2009 - Voters in Maine repeal the state’s law allowing same-sex marriage. December 15, 2009 - The city council of Washington, DC votes to legalize same-sex marriage, 11-2. January 1, 2010 - Same-sex marriage becomes legal in New Hampshire. March 9, 2010 - Same-sex marriage becomes legal in Washington, DC. July 9, 2010 - Judge Joseph Tauro of Massachusetts rules that the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional because it interferes with a state’s right to define marriage. July 15, 2010 - A federal appeals court upholds the DC law, rejecting an anti-same-sex marriage referendum. August 4, 2010 - Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker from the United States District Court/Northern District Of California decides that Perry v. Schwarzenegger (Prop 8) is unconstitutional. January 31, 2011 - Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signs the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act. It goes into effect June 1, 2011. February 16, 2011 - Hawaii’s Senate passes
September 30, 2011 - The U.S. Department of Defense issues new guidelines allowing military chaplains to perform same-sex ceremonies. January 1, 2012 - Civil unions become legal in Hawaii. January 30, 2012 - Legislation to legalize same-sex marriage in the state of Washington passes a House committee vote and heads to the Senate. Governor Christine Gregoire is in favor of the bill. February 1, 2012 - The Washington state Senate passes a bill to legalize same-sex marriage, by a vote of 28-21. On February 8, 2012, the House approves the measure by a vote of 55-43. February 7, 2012 - A three-judge panel with the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco rules that Proposition 8, the voterapproved same-sex marriage ban, violates the Constitution. February 13, 2012 - Same-sex marriage is signed into law in Washington by Governor Christine Gregoire. February 13, 2012 - The New Jersey state Senate passes a bill to legalize same-sex marriage by a vote of 24-16. February 17, 2012 - New Jersey Governor Chris Christie vetoes a bill legalizing same-sex marriage. New Jersey lawmakers have until the legislative session ends in January 2014 to override Christie’s veto and will need a two-
thirds majority in both houses to succeed.
midnight.
February 23, 2012 - The Maryland Senate passes a bill to legalize same-sex marriage. The bill passed the Maryland House vote earlier in the month, and Governor O’Malley has promised to sign it into law. The law goes into effect in January 2013.
January 1, 2013 - Maryland begins issuing marriage licenses to and performing ceremonies for same-sex couples as the new law goes into effect.
May 8, 2012 - North Carolina voters pass a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage, putting a ban that already existed in state law into the state’s charter. May 9, 2012 - Excerpts from an interview with ABC air in which President Barack Obama endorses same-sex marriage, the first such statement by a sitting president. He feels that the legal decision should be up to the states to determine. May 30, 2012 - A lawsuit is filed in Illinois by nine same-sex couples challenging the constitutionality of a state law that denies same-sex couples the right to marry. May 31, 2012 - The 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston rules that the Defense of Marriage Act, (DOMA), discriminates against gay couples. June 5, 2012 - The 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in San Francisco denies a request to review an earlier court decision stating that California’s Proposition 8 violates the Constitution. A stay on same-sex marriages in California remains in place until the issue is exhausted in the courts. October 18, 2012 - The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rules that the Defense of Marriage Act, (DOMA), violates the Constitution’s equal protection clause, deciding in favor of widow Edith Windsor, an 83-year-old lesbian who sued the federal government for charging her more than $363,000 in estate taxes after being denied the benefit of spousal deductions. November 6, 2012 - Voters in Maryland, Washington and Maine pass referendums legalizing same-sex marriage. This is the first time same-sex marriage has been approved by a popular vote in the United States. Voters in Minnesota reject a ban on the issue. December 5, 2012 - Washington Governor Christine Gregoire signs Referendum 74, the Marriage Equality Act, into law. December 6, 2012 - Same-sex marriage becomes legal in Washington. December 7, 2012 - The U.S. Supreme Court announces it will hear two constitutional challenges to state and federal laws dealing with the recognition of gay and lesbian couples to legally wed. Oral arguments in the appeal are held in March 2013, with a ruling expected by late June. December 29, 2012 - Maine’s law to legalize same-sex marriage goes into effect at
January 25, 2013 - The Rhode Island House of Representatives passes a bill legalizing same-sex marriage. It now goes before the state Senate for consideration. February 14, 2013 - The Illinois Senate votes to legalize same-sex marriage. The bill now moves to the House for a vote. March 12, 2013 - Colorado lawmakers pass legislation to legalize civil unions for same-sex couples. Governor John Hickenlooper signs it into law on March 21. May 2, 2013 - Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee signs a bill legalizing same-sex marriage after the state legislature approves the measure. It will go into effect in August 2013. May 7, 2013 - Delaware legalizes same-sex marriage. It will go into effect in July 2013. May 14, 2013 - Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton signs a bill giving same-sex couples the right to marry. The law will go into effect in August 2013. June 26, 2013 - The Supreme Court rejects parts of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in a 5-4 decision, dismissing an appeal over same-sex marriage on jurisdictional grounds and ruling same-sex spouses legally married in a state may receive federal benefits. It also rules that private parties do not have “standing” to defend California’s voterapproved ballot measure barring gay and lesbians couples from state-sanctioned wedlock. The ruling clears the way for samesex marriages in California to resume. Another issue that is becoming a big topic of debate today is the immigration marriage debate. In other words, if your partner is from another country and you want to marry what legalities does that create? Specifically if that person is from a country that doesn’t allow gay marriage and is in fact anti-homosexual where if the person returns to their country, would they be punished by law because of their homosexuality or even killed because of it? Here’s an example: Melanie was living the All American dream. She had a six-figure salary as an executive with Wells Fargo, a Jaguar and a three-bedroom house in sunny Southern California. But then, she fell in love. with someone from Brazil. That’s where it got hairball crazy... Melanie’s partner, a woman named Claudia. Now if Claudia were Claudio, the two could get married and Melanie could apply for Claudio
to be admitted to the US and gain permanent residency. But current immigration laws do not allow for a U.S. Citizen to sponsor his or her spouse or partner. THere’s over 25,000 couples in the US who are dealing with this issue. The hurdles may now come to an end because of the strike down of DOMA. What is helping this issue is that Democratic Senator, Patrick Leahhy from Vermont is sponsoring an amendment to an immigration reform bill in the Senate that would give gay couples equality in immigration sponsorship. Steve Ralls, spokesman for Immigration Equality, an organization that has been working on this issue for two decades, said for the first time, the LGBT community is optimistic that immigration policy will become less discriminatory. “As of today, we are stuck in a race to see who’s going to solve the problem first,” Ralls said. “If the Senate bill is about to receive its final vote and either we do not have a court ruling or we have a bad court ruling, then (Leahy’s) amendment becomes absolutely critical for binational couples.” The amendment, however, doesn’t sit well with the conservatives and even with more liberal lawmakers who believe it could potentially derail the entire immigration reform bill. The chances of Leahy’s amendment passing, say immigration activists, are slim to none. In any case, since the Supreme Court struck down DOMA, the immigration amendment should be moot. A bill to recognize same-sex partners for immigration purposes was first introduced in Congress in 2000. Since then, countless couples have been separated or have had to make the same difficult decision as Melanie and leave home. There are 31 countries that recognize samesex relationships for immigration purposes. Some, like Great Britain, don’t have legalized same-sex marriage but still recognize same-sex couples. So we can only hope that America, the Melting Pot can begin to recognize what so many other countires are and become a leader in the fight for equality for all it’s people.
FETISHES: Men and th My pick to write about for July is fetishes. Everyone in this world has a fetish of some sort, some are basic, some are quirky, others are scary and some are taboo or seem to be to those that don’t understand. A lot of people feel theirs is a taboo one, therefore they will never mention it and explore in secret. One of those is the Love of feet, a lot of people hate feet and think they are gross, but for the ones that love and admire them, they are the strength of the body itself. The structure and what they do and mean to everyday life and of course the man or woman attached to them. For a lot of people it is just not the feet, it can be the socks and footwear to cover them. This can range from clean nice structured feet to rank and stinky, clean nice socks to rank and falling off because they were worn to the max and never washed, the foot wear can be loafer/dress to sneakers and boots of all kind, from nice to falling apart. Then again there are some that like to destroy footwear. Why did I pick this topic, well I share in this fetish, let me clarify that I like a nice structured well taken care of feet, perfect long toes with a slight odor. but, my main desire is socks, clean nice socks, dirty white socks just drive me mad with rage LOL! now if they are clean and WHITE like NEW socks then I have no problem! Summer lovin is always bad for sure, because of all the guys out on their motorcycles, yes this is a problem for sure, especially if they are going the opposite way from me. If we are going the same way I try to keep up along side of them and if I see them coming up behind me then I will slow down just enough for them to catch up, just so I can see their socks. If they are wearing boots, well then it becomes a game to see if they pant leg hits right above the boot, to see if the wind will lift it so I can view. Don’t worry I know when they might be out of reach so you don’t have to worry about me on the streets and causing havic LOL! My Fantasies are wild as anyone would have that has a strong fetish of any kind, I usually keep it to myself, but for this article I have let it be known and I am alright with it. I would say 1 out of 10 I am more disappointed in seeing the feet of people around me, I am just not attracted at all so don’t freak out around me lol! The following I have asked some guys that share in this fetish in a Q&A, had to do it this way because some are not even in the states, just my luck!!
Matt was the first guy I sat and talked to about foot fetishes. Here’s his story. MM: When did you realize, at what age, that this was something that turned you on? Matt: Looking back, I used to dream about men in nothing but their socks from about the age of 4 but by about the age of 5 I’d internalized the idea that feet were disgusting because of the smell of blue collar, adult male, daddy feet. But when I was about 11 or 12, I realized I used to like seeing boys in the changing rooms stripped down to their socks and underwear. It wasnt until I was about 13 that sweaty socks became part of my wank fantasy material and have been ever since. MM: With all the different types of foot fetish, where do you put yourself and why? Matt: I like big, wide, very sweaty/cheesy feet that I associate with blue collar masculinity. I think my previous response answers this question about what I like, which is very specific but I am not really big into the look of shoes/boots/ trainers and would never lick them though I like the smell of them. So, I am a sweaty sock and feet man. I guess I have eroticized (not consciously) what many others find disgusting but that’s how fantasies work - getting off on what society might find distasteful, unusual, deviant etc. But, we are all deviant. As Freud said ‘perversion’ is the norm. I also fantasize over 2 brothers (who I went to school with) and their father who all had very sweaty feet. Their living room always stank nicely of cheesy socks. I fantasize about them stripping me down to my socks and forciong me to sniff theirs but sometimes I do this to one of them. I also like sock suspenders worn underneath a suit and have some myself when I dress up. I remember seeing a film in the 70s where some women grabbed hold of a nice-looking besuited young man and forcibly stripped him down down to his socks and suspenders. I sometimes reprise that fantasy too but men figure more in my sexual imaginary. MM: What kind of experiences have you had to fulfill your fetish? Matt: I have meet with various guys since about the early 1980s (I am now 55) and their last person I met for sock and foot sex must have been about four years ago. I have always been careful to negotiate with someone with similar fantasies - no use meeting up with someone into trainers, wooly socks, white ones or very clean feet. I have to say that few of them have been satisfactory. The fantasy is always nicer than when I put it into reality/practice. MM: You do have a life partner, does he share in your fetish? Matt: Yes and he knows about my fantasy but doesn’t share it. It does not appeal to him but he doesn’t judge as he is quite into S&M stuff
that I don’t share with him and after 5 years we decided to have an open relationship. 23 years later we have been civil partnered (married) for 7 years. He did indulge me when we first got together but it is something that I have that is separate from him. MM: I find it hard to find someone that share in my fetish in the states, do you find or know of, this to be the same in England? Matt: Probably easier to meet if you live in a city with a real critical mass of gay men and a scene. There is a profusion of men in the UK on the internet especially as part of fetish sites but not many of them want to meet and I don’t think it is always an age/gay ageism thing. Some are just scared or are in a monogamous relationship so will flirt over the net and share fantasies etc... and even have cam sex involving socks/feet but don’t want to meet up - won’t take that step. Because most of my actual encounters have not been that satisfying, I tend not to be that enthusiastic about meeting up anyway these days. If it happens, it happens. My favorite idea is just s pontaneously to meet that ‘straight acting’ or even straight identified guy who HAPPENS to have smelly socks/feet. Well, it IS a fantasy MM: Of all the notable men in the world, who are your top 3 that you would like to worship their feet and why? Matt: I prefer the word ‘work on’ rather than worship. And it can be mutual too if that’s what a guy likes. I don’t like celebrities and imagine them to be too clean anyway. I tend to fantasize about the smelly socks/feet or cute but approchable guys in my orbit or guys I have known and most of them do tend to be straight as gay men are so ‘particular.’ So more ordinary guys like builders/workmen appeal to me. Let’s not forget that it is NOT all about feet but this is for me a mainstay of my fantasies that co-exist alongside others. Fantasy is complex and multi-dimensional. It is seldom I think a monomania. MM: What one fantasy that you have, that has not been done with you yet, can you share with everyone? Matt: Id love to go to a sweaty socks/feet orgy but the guys would have to be hand-picked I’m afraid. Different ages and sizes are ok as long as the men there were reasonably good-looking and had sweaty feet and wire the right kind of socks. MM: Conclusion..... What do you want people to know about this fetish, fix any misconceptions and what do you want to let someone know who thinks they are alone? Matt: Maybe answered this but the main thing as Freud said is that perversion is the norm.
he feet they walk on And if anyone - gay or straight - wrinkles their nose disappovingly just tell them to get the fuck over themselves - it’s their problem. Just enjoy. SadisticSouth another person in the fetish world sat with me to discuss his ideas.
SS: Yes, I am Dominant by nature and do not play around with the lifestyle i have chosen to live. No one will find a heart worn on my sleeve because i feel that showing emotionsmeans you show your weakness... it may be alright to cry, to me.. no.
MM: Are you a sub or Dom? and what do you like, socks/feet or sneaker /shows or worshipping?
Dwayne was another person who I talked to about his love of feet.
SS: I am a Dominant male that likes to show off nice shoes (Osiris or Supra brands) or a sporty style sock (usually black in color). There are many other guys that I dom that drool over each of these to versatility is a must in this type of environment. MM: When did you know this is a fetish you liked, when did present itself to you? SS: When I was about 18, I started looking into this kind of fetish, it was only recently that I became comfortable letting others actually serve me in many ways whether it be paying tributes or purchasing the equipment for their enjoyment at home, spending hours, days sniffing my socks/shoes. MM: How does it make you feel when you know that someone is wanting your socks and shoes for this purpose? SS: I’m fine with (slaves also known as subs) owning socks that i’ve worn. I would say it feels good to show your power and let subs know that I am superior to them and they will worship me because they feel that strong connection that is established. We all get what we want through a simple trade, if you will :) MM: Have you ever been a sub to know what that is like? SS: I would have to say that as a young teen, you experiment. I recall liking a friends foot once on a dare... other than that, nothing else has happened and i wouldn’t be able to justify one lick in a dare game to one who is a sub. MM: Is there anything you want to make a point on, that you want people to know about this fetish, fix a misconception if need be? SS: I know this type of fetish may sound weird at first but everyone does experiment in life and people that are involved whether it may be the dominant that likes to be or the submissive person that likes to worship those that seem on edge.. are no different than others. People in general just likes different things, some more than others. MM: In your daily life, Do you have a Dominant nature about you outside of the Foot Fetish? What is your daily life like?
MM: Your love to worship socked feet, what gets you excited, is it a certain sock, color? D: It the smell, because I can’t get that excited if there is no smell to them, even a mild musky scent would get me excited. It also has to do with the thought of being dominated by the person. The first thing I do when I see a guy is try to see what type of shoe and color of socks he is wearing, then I get excited just thinking about it. MM: How long have you known of your fetish, when did it start for you can you pin point a time? D: I’ve known since I was a little boy around 7 years old, even before I realized what being gay and a fetish was. I started to realize when I would have to sit on the living room floor to watch TV. I’m the youngest out of fourteen children (10 boys, 4 girls) and the boys would all get to sit on the chairs and couch while I had to sit on the floor. They would have their shoes off all around me and I started getting use to the smell. I then started to pretend to fall asleep and lay down beside their feet. Some of them would just leave me lying next to their feet; other brothers would kick me and hold me down with their feet. MM: Do you wear what you desire?
by Morgan Mercer asks me where I was going. When I tell them they said they are going that way and they can give me a ride. I get in the back and two guys are sitting in captain chairs that swivel around. I’m on my knees facing forward when one of them swings around to chat with me. I tell them that I appreciate it very much and if there is anything I can do for them to just let me know. I also tell them that I don’t have any money to help with gas, but don’t hesitate to ask me for anything. We talk a little chit chat and all the while I am glancing at his feet. He notices it and he tells me that one thing I can do is take his shoes off, because he’s been working in them all day. At first I give a little protest, and that’s when he grabs me and say that it’s either that or be put outside in the middle of the highway. So that’s when I begin to worship his feet. I have a sock fetish, so when I have to massage someone’s feet they always ask me to take off their socks. That’s when I tell them that I am afraid of athlete’s feet and would do anything for them if they can just leave their socks on. Most of them agree and then they realize that they have total control over me and I’m under their command all the way home. MM: Your write stories involving your fetish, how many have you written and are more in the works? D: http://www.myfriendsfeet.com/preview/stories. htm The Businessman’s Master Plan, Part I and 2 Tennis or Dress Shoe The Neighbor, Part 1 and 2 A Guy Name Russ
D: I do, in matter of fact I like to take my own shoes and socks off so I can enjoy the smell while I masturbate. During those sessions I imagine on of my fantasies occurring.
http://www.daddyshere.com/
MM: Have you ever done the Dom role to someone else or was it a mutual play?
Some of the ones that I have in the works are:
D: I have never done the Dom role, but have always done the sub role. I do make subjective hints, or put myself in certain scenarios or positions that hopefully allow the other partner to begin teasing me with his feet. When I respond in a submissive way, that’s when they start to get aggressive and begin their dominance over me.
I have The Businessman’s Master Plan and My Neighbor at this website.
My Weekend Master The Cable Connection Computing 101 MM: Out of all the Men in the world that are well known, who are the top 3 that you would like to worship their socked feet and why?
MM: What is the best fantasy you have that has not been done yet with you?
D: Enrique Iglesias – since I saw a video of him at a bar talking about his foot fetish. Whether it’s a straight or gay foot fetish, I have had a fantasy ever since I saw that video.
D: I’m waiting at the bus stop for the bus to pick me up which is a long bus ride. It’s raining outside when suddenly a van stops and
Robert Downey Jr. – I always liked his character in Ally Mcbeal. He seems very quiet, but very forceful.
The last one would be Simon Cowell – because he is definitely a very dominant person and would able to make me do whatever he wants. He has the attitude to make me feel like I am beneath him and that I belong under his feet.
I Sat and talked with another person who does Foot fetish videos on youtube. His name is BootMan 540.
MM: Conclusion..... In your words, what do you want people to know about this fetish?
BM: You can use Bootman540 for the interview. A lot of the guys I correspond with through YouTube either start off with a generic greeting ( Hey Dude, Hey Buddy) and use a fake name. The few that become regular corresponders or friends end of fessing up eventually. It’s totally understandable. It’s a crazy world out there. Most of the times I will respond with “Hello My Friend” and that usually softens the correspondence. For some reason I get a stirring in my crotch when someone addresses me “Hey Mate” . Must have been something to do with a past lifetime. Mate does not exactly fit my rural cowboy image. LOL As far as what is my fetish. Boots. The styles have changed over the years but it’s always been boots.
D: I think that the reason why people think that having a foot fetish is disgusting is the way we are raised. All through life people have always had that disgusting look when ever they would smell bad foot odor. All the kids have always placed their feet in other kid’s faces to either 1) show their dominance, 2) show how smelly they are, or 3) to punish you for something because it’s the worst punishment that you can give. As adults they still have the same attitude that you have to be disgusting to like the smell of feet. Some people like the aroma of leather, the smell of a new car, certain body odors, while some like foot odor. Also everybody has a dominant or submissive impulse to them whether they are straight or gay, and foot/sock worship is just part of roll playing.
MM: What shall I call you and what is your fetish?
MM: I was under the age of 10 when I first noticed I had an attraction to feet/socks, When did you take notice of your fetish? BM: I can remember random memories of me focusing on other guys boots during elementary school age. The first actions I took with my fetish occurred during my teen years. I use to baby sit for a lot of the neighbors. After the kids went to bed, I would immediately search the house for the husband’s footwear hoping for boots. The closet, under the bed and garage were the guarantees. Jacking off in the mirror wearing them was my thing. Once in college, I found the men’s stalks to be the ideal boot place. I would sit and wait until a guy came in wearing boots. The eruption was soon to follow. MM: What is it about it that makes you feel? and How does it make you feel? BM: This is a hard question. Not sure of the answer. I feel more sexual. I feel more masculine. I enjoy walking through a restaurant and seeing a guy look down at my boots then up to my wrangler jeans and shirt. Over the years I have gone from being a bottom to being a top so I enjoy seeing other guys enjoying my boots whether as a visual walk by or with their tongue. MM: When making your videos, what is the process, from thought to finish, are they your ideas or someone else’s? BM: In the beginning all of the videos were totally my undertaking. Within a month after starting on YouTube the requests started flooding in to include gold toe socks, bare feet, dress shoes, etc... Now most of the videos start with a request and then somehow out of nowhere comes the idea, the theme or the “catch” to the video. When I do nail the video I get a smirk on my face and a bulge in the wranglers...no underwear of course. I visualize the requestor watching the video
and chuckling or getting off on it. Making other’s days a little brighter, guess you could call it selfish service, seems to be the theme of this lifetime for me. I just never thought it would take this twist! I do have a difficult time filling requests that are abusive to my foot gear or just destructive. I have made it a policy if you want that you have to pay for the boots/shoes or you have to send me a pair. I have received a few angry replies back on my stance. I never reply back but think to myself that they need to find another YT channel. http://www.youtube.com/user/bootman540 MM: I think Your videos are Hot, Sexy, Funny and Arousing, is there something else that you are trying to show in them? BM: Well you just about summed it up. If I can entertain you, make you laugh and give you a hard on at the same time....can’t ask for more than that! I do enjoy teasing and putting guys on the edge in my videos. I might go two or three videos before I meet their request just to fuck with them...opps..am I allowed to say that? MM: In your videos, you show us you, as a viewer, I picture you as a fun guy, is this you in the real world, away from the web, are you more serious in the real world? BM: To most of the world I might seem conservative and serious. To ANYONE that knows me sees the other side of me. I am a fun guy...I actually get in trouble for not taking life too seriously. I have that humorous and polite sarcasm tone. Again, if you can make the world laugh or forget about their problems for awhile...what else is there? MM: What do you subscribe to on YouTube? BM: Not much. I have a handful of boot video channels and a few close YT “mates” that I subscribe to but that’s about it. That reminds me...when I started making videos less than two years ago, I had no idea what a subscriber was. All of a sudden I started getting emails with comments and emails stating guys were subscribing to me. WTF! I learned fast...it snowballed very fast. This whole YT thing and media stuff is new to me. I gave up the TV and newspaper ten years ago as part of my personal spiritual journey of avoiding anything negative. I refuse to have a facebook account. So this YT thing snuck up behind me and crept in the in the backdoor so to speak. Every time I try to quit and run away I get bombarded by emails from YT friends asking for me to come back. Guess I am a sucker for punishment. MM: How has this fetish made who you are today? BM: Not sure how to answer that. I don’t identify with my fetish. I see it as the icing on the cake. It’s the dessert...the yummy ending to a meal. You can’t live on dessert alone, you need the main course. But then again
every meal needs dessert! I think it has made me more sexual and added more spice to my life. Plus over the past 18 months on YouTube I have made some life time friends. MM: In conclusion, what do you want people to know about and understand about your style of Fetish and You? BM: I hope, if anything, people realize that they are not alone with their fetish. I would also suggest not to try to figure it out, not to bother and try to figure out its origin. Who cares. It’s a turn on to you. It gets you excited. It makes you happy. As long as it is not hurting others and it does not consume your daily life just enjoy it. I am shocked by emails I get from guys that state it took them a year to email me or to make a comment on one of my videos. I would also suggest don’t be shy in sharing ones interests with others but make sure you use the right avenue. YT is a great avenue to connect with others and to feel comfortable with oneself. Telling everyone at work is not the best avenue. I would suggest if you have a partner or are married and in a comfortable relationship to go ahead and share your interests with them. You just might be surprised of the outcome.
Another person I sat with was Shoelover10, he sat and told me his story, and here is what he had to say. I first took notice of my fetish when I was fairly young. I would say I was probably between 7 to 10 years of age. Most men usually have more of a thing dealing with barefeet in general, however my attraction is more towards a combination of the feet and their footwear. This is very true concerning sneakers and boots mostly. I do have other types of shoes that I love to see men wearing besides sneakers and boots though. They usually consist of various causal shoes and business work or dress shoes. I mostly enjoy when those shoes or boots are not new, but broken in from wear. This is because I really love to watch a man wiggle and flex his toes inside his footwear. For me, it is such an erotic turn on just simply watching him doing that. Over the years, I have noticed how some men have more flexible, stronger toes than other men and usually the more flexible his toes are in bending the toe box of his shoes, the more excited I become. I really have no idea where this comes from, but I know what it does to me and how it makes me become. As I grew into my “teen” years, I would confide my interests with a few close friends my interest in footwear, usually sneakers back then. I would ask if I could touch their shoes and rub them. I would also ask if I could lay head down on their feet and ask them to wiggle their toes inside them for me. This was about as far as I went with any of my interest throughout my teenage years because I never found anyone else who shared these feelings I had at that time. It really wasn’t until I started attending college that I found one man who could actually relate to my fetish slightly. At this point in life, I was roughly about 20 years old and discovered my attraction to men and fully embraced that. However, I also figured out how my love for men and my foot fetish went together. Over the years since then, my preference in sexual gratification comprises watching a man wearing his footwear and wiggling his toes inside them and I masturbate until I’m satisfied.
In the videos you mentioned of me torturing socks, those were requests that I was fulfilling for others, usually in exchange because they made videos requests I had asked them for. However, I really don’t have any attraction to socks. See, I also love to see men wearing sneakers without socks at times too. When I make videos that aren’t requests from others, I usually make them that comprise of my interests. Those interests can include anything from stomping stuff, pedal pumping and just shoe play. With any of those things, wiggling my toes is always involved in it. One of the biggest fantasies I have had since my teen years has been a bit a strange one. It involves me somehow being able to have my penis inside a man’s shoe along with his foot. I would love to feel his toes moving against me and to finally cum like that. I have attempted to do something similar to this with some of my closest friends, but I have never been able to actually cum with anyone. I really don’t have any specific public figure that I necessary would like to play with his shoes, however, any man that I would play with; I really hope that he has facial hair. Besides feet and shoes, a man with facial hair is something that I find very attractive to me. For so long, I really thought that I was alone with these feelings and it really wasn’t until I was 24 or 25 that I met a very close friend, who shared a very similar fetish for feet like I. Then I realized that I wasn’t alone. It was such a relief to find out others really had feelings like these. Even though this is hind sight now, I know that I was never alone. Things and life has changed and maybe if I had the social connections I do now back then, that possibly could have helped the situation. With all this, it has really opened my eyes that all people are unique. We all have different likes and interests and no one needs to belittle others because they are different. It might be something that doesn’t interest me, but just because of that doesn’t give me the right to say that it is right or wrong. Here’s his youtube page to check out his idea of what he has to offer. http://www.youtube.com/user/shoelover10
WIGS IN HEAT by Star Kirkland Wigs! Wigs and More Wigs! How do we keep our Wig in place???? With the Summer months coming to play lords know those our wigs need to stay on and be a little more secure. You can be tearing it up during your number and the wigs slides right off your head like melting butter in a pan. Shoot, you have glued, pinned, sprayed your wig to your head and it still falls of during your number. We can whip our Hair Back and Forth and the audience member has a new animal to play with. Do you feel embarrassed when this shit happens? Of Course you do! Do you keep performing wigless? Hell yeah! I have had everything happen when it comes to wigs falling off my big head during my number but I keep going! Here are couple simple ways that I have learned to tack on a wig regardless what size your head is (not the junk in the trunk lady boys).
Next thing up is, people have used
bonding glue
make sure you apply either the edges of the front and loose, use some bobby time for the glue to dry. go on stage. Then you head holding onto that
SPIRIT GUM or hair as well. If you go that route please on the inside of the wig cap. Go along back of the wig cap. If it still feel pins. Please! Please! Give it enough Don’t do it 5 minutes before you have will have a falling to the back of your little piece of glue that dried.
Spray Ahesive
Lastly, . All I have to say on that, is it’s great for holding to your wig. Spray the inside edges of the wig cap or piece you use.
Do not spray the whole wig.
If you use a hair piece or decoration of the sort and you have a bald head, spray adhesive does wonders.
Fisrt thing that comes to mind is
Duct tape or a wig cap.
Before you put you wig on the use of a wig cap or duct tape to create a bond in holding you wig in place. When you use duct tape, please do no duct tape your whole entire head. See the example of how the duct tape is placed on your head. Then place the wig on your head and use bobby pins to tack into your real hair and duct tape. From there you should have no problem. To get the duct tape off if you have a full head of hair, rip it off quickly or use the oil sheen on the sticky part of the duct tape. It creates a lubricant.
Oil Sheen or Goo Gone creates a lubricant and it helps the ease the pain when removing the glue off of your body. If you like pain and you rip off your head, then you a sexy kinky bitch!!! What’s your number?
Everyone has their own method of tacking on that wig. Just find the one that works for you. Remember if the wig or piece still comes off your head, finish the number. No matter how long you have been doing drag people still make mistakes when constructing your look, you just practicing to master your craft. Just don’t remove you wig when you are done performing while you are still on stage!!!!!!!
Its TACKY!
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iF YOUR LOOKING TO BOOK A SHOW AT DENVER RODEO, CONTACT MANDI MONROE!!! THERE IS A TON OF SPACE AND A DRESSING ROOM THAT FITS PEOPLE COMFORTABLY!
Denver Rodeo welcomes all groups, gay, Lesbian, Transgendered, pink, purple or blue! Everyone always is made to feel welcome! The spacious bar has everything from a Dance floor, pool tables, gaming machines, a VIP section during shows, a full sound and light system to fit your needs.
Denver Rodeo is looking to host different events, so contact them and schedule your event today! DO IT QUICK because the calendar is starting to fill up!!!!!
Nightly specials and a country vibe that’s new and happening, stop on over to the Denver Rodeo. Every other Sunday they host
Beauty and A Bitch,
it’s full time resident show emcee’d by C.C. De’Ore and they offer line and country dance lessons all week long. They have nightly specials for men, women AND the have a liqour bust on top of a beer bust during the weekends! Make sure you go check them
never a cover
out! There’s and Warren and Kyle are amazing! Located on 7800 East Colfax!
EVENTS AROUND TOWN WEDNESDAY’S AT BROADWAYS
SUNDAY’S AT CHARLIE’S
SUNDAY’S AT DENVER RODEO