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QUEER BUDDHISM • SPIRITUALIT Y IN SCIENCE • agnosticism • Paganism • DISCOVERING PAST LIVES • DENVER’S ALTHEA CENTER
F r ee
Presented by
Historic Downtown Littleton 2450 West Main Street
May 19 - June 18, 2017 Tickets $20-42 303-794-2787 x5 TownHallArtsCenter.org
CONTENTS
MAY 03, 2017 vol40 no27
10 9 queer buddhist 12 discovering past lives
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18 denver’s althea center
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23 agnostic 25 we’re here, we’re queer, & we’re dead 29 paganism 31 repurposing old clothing
46 I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X Recent winner of 8 awards from the Society of Professional Journalists, an Excellence in News Writing award, and an Excellence in Feature Writing award from the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association.
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OU TFRO N TMAGAZINE.COM
Serving the LGBT Community of the Rocky Mountains since 1976 Phone 303-477-4000 • Fax 303-325-2642 Web OutFrontMagazine.com Facebook /OutFrontColorado Twitter @OutFrontCO Instagram /OutFrontColorado FOUNDER Phil Price 1954-1993 ADMINISTRATION info@outfrontmagazine.com Jerry Cunningham Publisher J.C. McDonald Vice President MaGGIE Phillips Operations Manager Jeff Jackson Swaim Chief Strategist EDITORIAL editorial@outfrontmagazine.com Ryan Howe Editorial Brent heinze Senior Columnist arianna j. balderrama Editorial Intern Jeremiah ntepp Editorial Intern SARAH FARBMAN Copy Editor Contributing Writers Addison Herron-Wheeler, Mike Yost, Rick Kitzman, Denny Patterson, Yvonne Wright ART art@outfrontmagazine.com Lisa Force Art Director CONTRIBUTING artists Charles Broshous MARKETING + SALES marketing@outfrontmagazine.com DUSTIN KRIER Director of Sales & Marketing TOPHER LA FLEUR Marketing Executive Trevor Hoyt Marketing Executive National Advertising Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 | sales@rivendellmedia.com DISTRIBUTION
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O u t f r o n t ma g a z i n e . c o m
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A CHAT ABOUT GOD & SPIRITUALITY WITH
REV. MARK FELDMEIR OF ST. ANDREW METHODIST CHURCH
SPONSORED
Q: Why is inclusivity important? A: I wish the word inclusivity wasn’t even necessary. The phrase “inclusive church” should be a redundancy. But the truth is, churches are widely perceived as exclusive, judgmental, and hypocritical. As a pastor, I’ve lost count of the number of people who have confided in me that they’re gay, or parents who’ve confided in me that their children are gay. They’re not sure if they’ll be welcomed. It’s heartbreaking to think that they have to even ask this question, but I’ve heard too many stories of judgment by churches.
Q: Can you be gay and Christian? A: I guess it depends on whom you’re asking, and what
you mean by “Christian.” There are plenty of pastors who will tell you that homosexuality and Christianity are incompatible, according to the Bible. They can point to a small handful of verses in the Bible that condemn certain behaviors. These authors were speaking to a particular audience, at a particular time in human history, addressing the needs and challenges of their day. Our challenge is to interpret God’s revelation in our own historical and cultural context. Even Jesus did this, in his own time. In Matthew 5 he says, “You have heard that it was said in the Hebrew Law, but I say to you…” What he was saying was “Real people come before archaic rules. Love transcends the Law.” To be a Christian is to follow Jesus’ lead on this. What do we know today about God, and humanity, and sexual orientation that our biblical ancestors did not? What do human reason, the advances of behavioral science, and personal experience have to say about this issue? I absolutely believe you can be gay and Christian. I don’t think the question, “Are you gay or straight” will be on the final exam. But Jesus told us what will be on the final exam. “Did you feed the hungry, clothe the naked, heal the sick? Because when you did it to the least, you did it to me.” I seriously hope I’m right on this one, because I can’t imagine spending eternity with a bunch of boring straight people talking about Costco, minivans, and Golden Doodles.
As a father of a gay daughter, it hits close to home for me. When our daughter first told us that she was gay at sixteen, the principle of inclusivity became deeply personal. I wanted to make sure she felt safe in a church and I want to make sure that inclusivity is non-negotiable.
Q: What are ways the Church can become more inclusive? A: I think it starts with being very clear in your messaging
that the doors are wide open and to actually say the words, “You can be gay and Christian,” and “You’re welcome here, regardless of who you love.” Too many churches like to say that they’re “inclusive,” but they’re often cryptic in their messaging because they don’t want to offend those who aren’t quite there on the issue. I’m a fan of being clear and upfront. It makes vulnerable people feel safe.
Q: St. Andrew is known as a reconciling Church. Can you explain what it means to be reconciling? A: To be a reconciling church is to publicly affirm that all
people are of sacred worth, and that our sexual orientation is a gift from God meant to be celebrated. It means that you can be your whole self and that you don’t have to hide or pretend to be someone you’re not.
Q: Do you pERform same-sex weddings? A: While our denomination prohibits pastors from
performing same-sex weddings, we are not going to allow that to stand in our way of loving and serving people. I’ve been performing same-sex weddings for many years. Our policy is that, if we’re truly inclusive as a church, then we’ll marry anyone who happens to be in love. O u t f r o n t ma g a z i n e . c o m
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TJ DeZauche: Being LGBTQ & B u dd h i s t
D en n y P a tt er s o n
TJ DeZauche of Denver is a college adjunct instructor who specializes and teaches courses in diversity and religion studies. For the past 18-19 years, he has been practicing a religion that more people throughout the United States are being drawn to — Buddhism. In addition, DeZauche is gay. Religion can be a touchy subject when it comes to the LGBTQ community, but according to DeZauche, Buddhism is one of the most open and accepting religions out there. OUT FRONT had the opportunity to chat with DeZauche about the benefits of Buddhism and why the LGBTQ community should give it a chance. What is it about Buddhism that you find appealing? I guess Buddhism is more interested in asking questions about the nature of suffering. I know there could be a better word, but that is usually how they translate it. You know, it’s more interested in what your daily life is like, rather than worrying about blame or guilt when things go wrong. Buddhism wants you to look at why doesn’t something work and how do you address the fact that it’s not working. It’s geared towards personal responsibility and proactive engagement with your own experience, proactive engagement on how your mind works, and an attempt to take a realistic approach to the way things are. Buddhism really encourages people to let go of how they wish things could be and make peace with how things are. That requires a lot of investigation on your own part. How has Buddhism been beneficial and rewarding to you? It has helped me take more responsibility for the things in my life I can control. I have developed a deeper sense of empathy and compassion. I think people assume Buddhism turns you in mini version of the Dalai Lama, and that’s really not the case. Most people that get drawn into Buddhism in this country, or at least in western culture, gravitate to Buddhism because they are unhappy or grouchy. That’s something that doesn’t necessarily go away, but you learn to understand those parts of yourself and learn how not to buy into them so much. They’re not as unworkable as you might have thought they were. The goal is not to pretend that we don’t have a human spirit, but we don’t have to buy into it as much as we normally do. I have been able to accept part of myself that I don’t find so positive. I don’t have to work on these problems today, but I can work on it little by little. Before Buddhism, were you apart of any other religion? No. I was raised in the deep South, so I tried to avoid it all. Do you think practicing Buddhism is increasing? To some extent I think there is a lot of interest, especially around this area because of some of the influences.
What is Buddhism’s stance on homosexuality? That’s a really hard question to answer because there’s no such thing as universal Buddhism. Buddhism in Tibet looks very different than Buddhism in Japan. Both look different than Buddhism in Bhutan. Every culture is different than how Buddhism is expressed here in the United States. Different countries in different points in time have had different reactions to the reality of LGBTQ people, but I would say Buddhism in America is largely accepting, and the longer it stays here, the more accepting it seems to become. The difficulty arises from the fact that Buddhism was originally a very monastic religion. All the practitioners were monks and nuns. That’s no longer the case today. In the modern world, what it means to be a monk varies from culture to culture. For example, Japanese monks were priests but not expected to be celibate, but Tibetan and Sri Lankan Buddhists are. Today, most Buddhists have day jobs, partners, and what is known as a householder life. At least here in America, many practicing Buddhists have come to terms with the LGBTQ community because lots of LGBTQ people end up feeling drawn to Buddhism. They find it to be more open and accepting than the traditions in which they grew up. Do you think LGBTQ people might be afraid to try Buddhism because so many religions are anti-LGBTQ? I don’t know. Maybe. I think, from what I have seen and experienced, people in the LGBTQ community want to avoid religion in general, but I find more than anything that people are hesitant about Buddhism because people don’t know much about it. What advice do you have for those who are LGBTQ and want to become a Buddhist? Well, especially in Denver, there’s plenty of Buddhist communities that you can visit. Those communities have open sessions or open sittings at least once or twice a week. No meditation experience necessary. There’s usually a little bit of Dharma talk connected. Go try it. You won’t know unless you try, and I find that most groups in this area are pretty comfortable with new faces. People who have no previous experience with Buddhism are great because they will have no preconception of what it should be like. Have an open mind. Do you have a strong support system among family and friends? Yes, I would say so. My folks don’t really know what to think of the Buddhism thing, but they are learning. My family is not typically religious, so I am far more spiritually oriented than my parents.
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Finding
in
Science Addison Herron-Wheeler
S
ome secular-minded folks find the ideas of religion and spirituality unappealing because they think they are simply too practical to find the concept of religious belief appealing in their own lives. For some, the idea of some kind of deity in the sky or higher power guiding our lives is a little too far-fetched to hold any merit. But for some scientists, the mysteries of the universe often offer up enough wonder and
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glory to serve as a type of religion on their own. There is so much of the universe left unmapped and unexplored: as far as we know, it is boundless and infinite. Whenever we do explore out into the universe, we uncover all kinds of wonderful new things, such as the existence of chemical patterns that could suggest a type of life, or planets in other solar systems roughly the same size and dimension as the planet earth.
Science is not only compatible with spirituality; it is a profound source of spirituality. One doesn’t even have to look as far as the solar system to feel a sense of wonder and power close to having a religious experience. Biologists often find the actual existence of life just as mysterious and fantastic as any creation story involving gods or mythology. Earth is so far the only planet that we know of that supports life, and the fact that life managed to evolve from single-celled, asexual organisms to the complexity we see around the globe today is nothing short of miraculous. Many scientists have professed this kind of spiritual feeling for their scientific pursuits. Often they claim to be atheist or agnostic but feel that the wonders on Earth and in the heavens are pretty much all you need to have faith and feel a sense of awe.
Renowned cosmologist, astrophysicist and scientific believer Carl Sagan spoke on this topic often, most famously in his nonfiction book The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark. “‘Spirit’ comes from the Latin word ‘to breathe,’” he wrote. “What we breathe is air, which is certainly matter, however thin. Despite usage to the contrary, there is no necessary implication in the word “spiritual” that we are talking of anything other than matter (including the matter of which the brain is made), or anything outside the realm of science. On occasion, I will feel free to use the word. Science is not only compatible with spirituality; it is a profound source of spirituality.”
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Neil DeGrasse Tyson, the modern version of Sagan and a student of the late astrophysicist, has been known to share similar sentiments regarding the majesty and mystery of the cosmos. “It’s quite literally true that we are stardust, in the highest exalted way one can use that phrase,” he wrote in Beyond Belief: Science, Reason, Religion and Survival, a paper penned for the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. “I bask in the majesty of the cosmos. I use words, compose sentences that sound like the sentences I hear out of people that had revelation of Jesus, who go on their pilgrimages to Mecca.”
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It appears that Tyson and Sagan share a wonder for the universe that is akin to religious feeling, even though they mostly shun religion because of the doors it closes to understanding and asking questions.
TITLE SPONSOR
The mystery and wonder that the universe provides is enough for many to feel closer to some kind of god or spirit, even if they don’t have any sort of religious belief.
PRESENTING SPONSOR
ASSOCIATE SPONSORS
To attain your own sense of wonder with the world, learn about the expansive universe or the origin of life on Earth. It will give you a completely new perspective on the importance of understanding the world around us.
O u t f r o n t ma g a z i n e . c o m
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My
Surprising
Travels
yvonne
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into
wright
Past
Lives
twirling something on fire. Later, I saw what I believe was a big, brown cat pounce on me. Interestingly, I wasn’t afraid. I believed — really believed — I was becoming a part of the animal when it killed me. In another life, as a Native woman, my death did not come happily. I was dying alone (I don’t know why) and was angry about it. Or perhaps my imagination was unhappy about it. Regardless, new research suggests past lives may be more than imagination.
“I’m on the cutting edge of an industry that’s going to be very big in the future.” Nanette Davidson isn’t what I picture when I imagine the metaphysical. A former business executive with intense blue eyes and soft, honey-brown hair, she speaks about former lives so matter-of-factly that even I, a skeptical journalist, am inclined to believe. “When our physical bodies die, our energy still exists. Mediums connect with energy,” she said.
Jim Tucker is a professor of psychiatry and neurobehavioral sciences at the University of Virginia. In his book Return to Life, he outlines findings from a study he did of more than 2,500 children who reported memories of past lives. The aim of his research was to try and match the stories told by young children with actual people from the past.
Energy is what Davidson is all about. She uses it in her work as a reiki teacher/master, a life coach, and an international speaker. “I conduct groups for sensitives, I teach people meditation and to read auras, I’m a minister, and I do past life regressions,” she said.
He acknowledged to National Public Radio that a child’s imagination is a powerful thing.
When I first went to see Davidson, it was to do energy work at her business, The Serenity Room. Reiki is considered a natural form of healing that’s gaining popularity around the globe.
So far: Five past lives and counting. Here is how it works. Davidson works with your breathing and visualizations to bring you into the trance-like state. “You’re connected to the divine, and through that channel you can travel to the past, if you’ve had a past,” she said. Also, people experience it in different ways by using one or more of the senses. Some people feel things. Some people hear things. Some people see things. Me? I see them. I first saw myself in an old kitchen. I was a poet and a book of my work was sitting on the sideboard of the house that was under renovation. My shoes were brown and laced up. I was a man. A man! (I am the least masculine person I know.) Davidson said it’s normal to experience different personas in different lives so you can learn new things. She then guided me through, asking questions to help ferret out information. Finally, she took me to the end of that life and back to this one. Because my first in-person experience was so spontaneous, our phone sessions varied a bit. During those, she began by taking me back to an early childhood memory. From there, I was guided through an “in between” — that space between lives. I can’t speak for others, but for me, what felt like memories of past lives came fairly easy. Every time, I was surprised. During one session, I saw myself in a fire ceremony in Papua New Guinea. Again, I was a man. This time a warrior, wearing a red and green headdress. I pictured myself
But he did find matches. Some of them were rather obscure. One well-known study focused on a young boy who began talking about being a World War II fighter pilot shot down over Iwo Jima. He knew the name of the pilot, the name of his friend, and the name of the naval aircraft carrier where he was stationed. Tucker said he confirmed all names and events. NANETTE DAVIDSON
Lying on the table, I didn’t expect to pop back in time. Davidson, however, was not surprised. In order to do past life regressions, she said you need to be in “a calm, meditative state. It’s really a trance. You’re not asleep and you’re not awake.” That’s pretty much the state I was in when the 1920s came roaring in. I’m still not sure if I’ve lived past lives or if I have a particularly active imagination. Either way, it sparked an interest, and I’ve now followed up with over-thephone sessions from my Colorado home (she works out of the D.C./Virginia area).
“If we had never been able to verify that what the child said matched somebody who died, then you could certainly just mark it down as being fantasy,” he said.
Davidson said she was “able to find myself” in one of her past lives the same way. “I’ve been having memories of that lifetime my whole, entire life,” she said. She knew her name, her husband’s name, and the street she lived on in France during the 1700s. When more advanced methods of genealogy were developed, she found that woman. In this life, she says she has the same birthdate and a derivation of that woman’s name. How do you know if you had a past life? Davidson said you’ll often be drawn to a certain time period or you might find yourself knowing about something and not know how you obtained the knowledge. “I think Earth is like a school,” she said. “We really are spiritual beings and we’re here to advance our soul.” Some of us travel together. “In the spiritual world you make agreements about how things are supposed to play out for your benefit,” Davidson said. “There’s free will, so things don’t always work out this way.” She added that older, more experienced souls often choose more difficult lives. “Older souls are here to teach us,” she said. They often do that by showing others how to handle tragedy with grace. Like acupuncture, Davidson believes past life regressions and other metaphysical beliefs will soon gain the same type of acceptance. “The world is full of old souls” she said. “A greater percentage of young people were sent here to change the paradigm.” You can contact Nanette Davidson at: serenityroom.nanette@ gmail.com O u t f r o n t ma g a z i n e . c o m
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What is TRUVADA for PrEP (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis)?
TRUVADA is a prescription medicine that can be used for PrEP to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection when used together with safer sex practices. This use is only for adults who are at high risk of getting HIV-1 through sex. This includes HIV-negative men who have sex with men and who are at high risk of getting infected with HIV-1 through sex, and male-female sex partners when one partner has HIV-1 infection and the other does not. Ask your healthcare provider if you have questions about how to prevent getting HIV-1. Always practice safer sex and use condoms to lower the chance of sexual contact with body fluids. Never reuse or share needles or other items that have body fluids on them.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
I What is the most important information I should know about TRUVADA for PrEP? Before taking TRUVADA for PrEP to reduce your risk of getting HIV-1 infection: u You must be HIV-negative. You must get tested to make sure that you do not already have HIV-1 infection. Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 unless you are confirmed to be HIV-negative. u Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently become infected. If you have flu-like symptoms, you could have recently become infected with HIV-1. Tell your healthcare provider if you had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting TRUVADA for PrEP or at any time while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin. While taking TRUVADA for PrEP to reduce your risk of getting HIV-1 infection: u You must continue using safer sex practices. Just taking TRUVADA for PrEP may not keep you from getting HIV-1. u You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP. u To further help reduce your risk of getting HIV-1: • Know your HIV-1 status and the HIV-1 status of your partners. • Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months or when your healthcare provider tells you. • Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Other infections make it easier for HIV-1 to infect you.
• Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior. • Have fewer sex partners. • Do not miss any doses of TRUVADA. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 infection. • If you think you were exposed to HIV-1, tell your healthcare provider right away. u If you do become HIV-1 positive, you need more medicine than TRUVADA alone to treat HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time. TRUVADA can cause serious side effects: u Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious medical emergency. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, nausea, vomiting, stomach-area pain, cold or blue hands and feet, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, and/or fast or abnormal heartbeats. u Serious liver problems. Your liver may become large and tender, and you may develop fat in your liver. Symptoms of liver problems include your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, and/or stomach-area pain. u You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or serious liver problems if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking TRUVADA for a long time. In some cases, these serious conditions have led to death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of these conditions. u Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you also have HBV and take TRUVADA, your hepatitis may become worse if you stop taking TRUVADA. Do not stop taking TRUVADA without first talking to your healthcare provider. If your healthcare provider tells you to stop taking TRUVADA, they will need to watch you closely for several months to monitor your health. TRUVADA is not approved for the treatment of HBV. I Who should not take TRUVADA for PrEP? Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP if you already have HIV-1 infection or if you do not know your HIV-1 status. If you are HIV-1 positive, you need to take other medicines with TRUVADA to treat HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time. Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP if you also take lamivudine (Epivir-HBV) or adefovir (HEPSERA).
Please see Important Facts about TRUVADA for PrEP including important warnings on the following pages.
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Have you heard about
TRUVADA for PrEP ? TM
The once-daily prescription medicine that can help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 when used with safer sex practices. • TRUVADA for PrEP is only for adults who are at high risk of getting HIV through sex. • You must be HIV-negative before you start taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Ask your doctor about your risk of getting HIV-1 infection and if TRUVADA for PrEP may be right for you.
I What are the other possible side effects of TRUVADA for PrEP? Serious side effects of TRUVADA may also include: u Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests to check your kidneys before and during treatment with TRUVADA for PrEP. If you develop kidney problems, your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking TRUVADA for PrEP. u Bone problems, including bone pain or bones getting soft or thin, may lead to fractures. Your healthcare provider may do tests to check your bones. u Changes in body fat, which can happen in people taking TRUVADA or medicines like TRUVADA. Common side effects in people taking TRUVADA for PrEP are stomach-area (abdomen) pain, headache, and decreased weight. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away. I What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking TRUVADA for PrEP? u All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis virus infection. u If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if TRUVADA can harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking TRUVADA for PrEP, talk to your healthcare provider to decide if you should keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP.
Pregnancy Registry: A pregnancy registry collects information about your health and the health of your baby. There is a pregnancy registry for women who take medicines to prevent HIV-1 during pregnancy. For more information about the registry and how it works, talk to your healthcare provider. u If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. The medicines in TRUVADA can pass to your baby in breast milk. If you become HIV-1 positive, HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk. u All the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. TRUVADA may interact with other medicines. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. u If you take certain other medicines with TRUVADA for PrEP, your healthcare provider may need to check you more often or change your dose. These medicines include ledipasvir with sofosbuvir (HARVONI). You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
visit start.truvada.com
O u t f r o n t ma g a z i n3:22 e . cPM om 3/28/17
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IMPORTANT FACTS
(tru-VAH-dah)
This is only a brief summary of important information about taking TRUVADA for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection. This does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your medicine.
MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TRUVADA FOR PrEP Before starting TRUVADA for PrEP to help reduce your risk of getting HIV-1 infection: • You must be HIV-1 negative. You must get tested to make sure that you do not already have HIV-1 infection. Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 unless you are confirmed to be HIV-1 negative. • Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently become infected. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include flu-like symptoms, tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting TRUVADA for PrEP. While taking TRUVADA for PrEP to help reduce your risk of getting HIV-1 infection: • You must continue using safer sex practices. Just taking TRUVADA for PrEP may not keep you from getting HIV-1. • You must stay HIV-1 negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP. • Tell your healthcare provider if you have a flu-like illness while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. • If you think you were exposed to HIV-1, tell your healthcare provider right away. • If you do become HIV-1 positive, you need more medicine than TRUVADA alone to treat HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time. • See the “How to Further Reduce Your Risk” section for more information.
TRUVADA may cause serious side effects, including: • Buildup of lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, nausea, vomiting, stomach-area pain, cold or blue hands and feet, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, and/or fast or abnormal heartbeats. • Severe liver problems, which in some cases can lead to death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms: your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, and/or stomach-area pain. • Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you have HBV and take TRUVADA, your hepatitis may become worse if you stop taking TRUVADA. Do not stop taking TRUVADA without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months. You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver problems if you are female, very overweight, or have been taking TRUVADA for a long time.
w
ABOUT TRUVADA FOR PrEP (PRE-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS) TRUVADA is a prescription medicine used with safer sex practices for PrEP to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection in adults at high risk: • HIV-1 negative men who have sex with men and who are at high risk of getting infected with HIV-1 through sex. • Male-female sex partners when one partner has HIV-1 infection and the other does not. To help determine your risk, talk openly with your doctor about your sexual health.
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Do NOT take TRUVADA for PrEP if you: • Already have HIV-1 infection or if you do not know your HIV-1 status. • Take lamivudine (Epivir-HBV) or adefovir (HEPSERA).
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF TRUVADA FOR PrEP TRUVADA can cause serious side effects, including: • Those in the “Most Important Information About TRUVADA for PrEP" section. • New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. • Bone problems. • Changes in body fat.
Common side effects in people taking TRUVADA for PrEP include stomach-area (abdomen) pain, headache, and decreased weight. These are not all the possible side effects of TRUVADA. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with TRUVADA for PrEP.
BEFORE TAKING TRUVADA FOR PrEP Tell your healthcare provider if you: • Have or have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis infection. • Have any other medical conditions. • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. • Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you become HIV-1 positive because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take: • Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist. • Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with TRUVADA for PrEP.
HOW TO TAKE TRUVADA FOR PrEP • Take 1 tablet once a day, every day, not just when you think you have been exposed to HIV-1. • Do not miss any doses. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 infection.
• You must practice safer sex by using condoms and you must stay HIV-1 negative.
HOW TO FURTHER REDUCE YOUR RISK • Know your HIV-1 status and the HIV-1 status of your partners. • Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months or when your healthcare provider tells you. • Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Other infections make it easier for HIV-1 to infect you.
• Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior. • Have fewer sex partners. • Do not share needles or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them.
GET MORE INFORMATION • This is only a brief summary of important information • Go to start.truvada.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5 about TRUVADA for PrEP to reduce the risk of getting • If you need help paying for your medicine, visit HIV-1 infection. Talk to your healthcare provider or start.truvada.com for program information. pharmacist to learn more, including how to prevent HIV-1 infection.
TRUVADA, the TRUVADA Logo, TRUVADA FOR PREP, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, and HEPSERA are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. All other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. Version date: April 2016 © 2017 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. TVDC0087 03/17
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The Brooks trio based their church on New Thought teachings, an American spiritual movement begun in the mid-1800s and embraced by wild west Denver in the early 1900s. The philosophy incorporated metaphysics, positive thinking, affirmative prayer, creative visualization, and personal power. Together they declared Infinite Intelligence, Spirit, or God, is everywhere. Without exception, everyone is a divine manifestation of this Intelligence.
The Althea Center is preparing for the next revolution, a natural evolution. “Divine Science is our foundation and the history of our community,” Executive Director Jonathan Ellerby said. “But our community — our world — is ready for the next step.” That step is to embody religious pluralism, an ecumenical belief that no religion is an exclusive source of spiritual truths. Variations are universal and can coexist as alternative paths to discovery. During an Althea service, you are more likely to hear texts from Sufi mystics, Ralph Waldo Emerson, or Zen Buddhism than the Bible. Althea means wholesome, from a Greek verb meaning to heal. Personal illnesses compelled the Brooks sisters and many other New Thought ministers to find successful alternatives to ineffective medical practices. Phineas Parkhurst Quimby (1802-1866), credited with founding the New Thought movement, suffered from tuberculosis. 1 8 \\ M A Y 0 3 , 2 0 1 7
He discovered that he felt better when he directed his mind toward feeling better. Quimby taught his healing methods to others: Mary Baker Eddy (Christian Science), who taught Emma Curtis Hopkins, whose teachings led to Divine Science, which led to the Unity Church founded by Charles and Myrtle Fillmore, and Religious Science founded by Ernest Holmes, an ordained Divine Science minister. (Holmes’ legacy may be witnessed at the Mile Hi Church in Lakewood, where yours truly became a practitioner in 2000, embracing Holmes’ “philosophy, faith and way of life.”) The word science in the above branches links New Thought to the Industrial Age, the nineteenth century explosion of science and technology. Believers applied scientific discipline to spiritual principle, for example, praying with a consistent repetition of steps to yield consistent provable results. Today’s science — quantum physics, Integral Theory, Higgs boson, or The God Particle — will be quoted comfortably alongside “Behold, the kingdom of God is within you. (Luke 17:21)” Semantics aside, science and spirituality are beginning to prove each other’s concepts. “We are no longer a traditional New Thought church,” Ellerby said. “We have become a place for all paths. We cater to the spiritual, not the religious.”
IN THE HEART OF CAPITOL HILL
The foundation of New Thought was not new, drawing upon ancient wisdom, mystical and global, that had been buried for millennia by controlling religions. It stripped dogma and superstition. It gave enlightenment back to the individual. It was revolutionary, a radical rethinking of traditional Christianity. When everyone has a divine connection to the Divine, who needs a priest, an imam, or rabbi? Questioning religious power bases unleashed the revolution, a reawakening of restricted spiritual knowledge.
THE ALTHEA CENTER: SPIRITUAL REVOLUTION
O
n the corner of 14th and Williams in Capitol Hill, one of Denver’s loveliest old neighborhoods, stands an architectural gem: the Althea Center for Engaged Spirituality (ACES). The neo-classical building with the angled, semi-circular portico has been a spiritual home since 1922, with roots reaching back to 1886 in Pueblo, Colorado. According to its website, three sisters, Nona, Alethea and Fannie Brooks, founded the First Divine Science Church of Denver in 1887, renamed the Althea Center about four years ago.
Rick Kitzman
Ellerby, with his long Woodstock locks, compassion, and sense of humor, has energized the Althea Center. He draws upon vast experience: his teenage quest for purpose, Jewish upbringing, work in healthcare and the business world, his deep connection to a Lakota tribe, a doctoral degree in Comparative Religion. Ellerby delivers heartfelt messages, urging us to let go of our attachments, experience inner freedom, and face whatever life delivers with love and compassion. At the Althea Center, attendees can participate however they want. Many churches claim inclusivity as long as you believe as they do. Ellerby extends the definition. “We are a place where you come as you are, not to be like us,” he said. “Be with us. Our responsibility is to meet people where they’re at, not where we want them to be.” No doubt the Brooks sisters — astonishing revolutionaries at a time when women could not vote — would agree. While New Thought can be a purely intellectual pursuit, real-life demonstrations depend on embodying its tenets from the heart through disciplined practice. Nona, Alethea, and Fannie would be happy: 100 years later in the heart of Capitol Hill, the evidence of their beliefs continues to welcome the hearts of a growing community. As Ellerby said in one his sermons, “It’s not about me. It’s about we.”
a spiritual perspective on abundance
Rick Kitzman
perspectives
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ I$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ n March, I began a ten-week series to live the spiritual principles of abundance according to Prosperity Plus, A New Way of Living. Requirements include attendance, daily contemplation, and tithing my time, talent, and treasure — specifically 10 percent of my income to the Althea Center for Engaged Spirituality (ACES).
At 14th and Williams in Capitol Hill, ACES is an accepting, spiritual community embracing the tenets of Divine Science, mysticism, visualization, and personal power.
I’ve done these seminars before and tithed religiously, but I’ve never had the breakthrough I saw so many others receive from the programs. I would listen to others say, “I gave 10 percent of my income and out of the blue I got a bazillion dollars!” while income plodded along in its expected way, and I felt grateful for my meager salary. The Biblical Abraham began the tithing tenth, but the declaration, “You get to keep 90 percent” rang flat. Religious institutions — businesses of a higher purpose and product, i.e., salvation — have a vested interest in promoting tithing — dollars from customers, i.e., congregants, for profit. That’s the doubter writing.
The believer in me asks, “How can I give cheerfully from the heart?”
From experience, I believe in spiritual laws, such as the laws of abundance, non-resistance, and forgiveness. Though I have an intellectual understanding, I know they mean nothing if I don’t embody them within my heart. But this Law of Attraction, then tithing to the Lord? It’s like a brick wall in my mind. You gotta give, says God, to get. And I want to “get” this.
My pitfall is equating riches with money. Visiting websites that analyze the world as a village of 100 people snaps me off my poor-me pity pot. I’ve never been without good food, clean water, sanitation, a soft bed, a comfortable home, nice clothes, excellent healthcare, a working car, the freedoms to vote, read anything, or travel anywhere — privileges many dream of and die for. “So why oh why do I feel lack?,” my inner self whines ungratefully.
I don’t want things. I want to feel secure, if that even exists. Who doesn’t? How many do? Though I’ve conquered many challenges, achieved many goals, lived — and live — an abundant life, money has been Outfrontmagazine.com
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my lifelong, exhausting struggle. I’m not alone: this battle is shared by billions. Contemplating my first-world problems, shame descends when I think of the diaspora in Syria or see the homeless on Colfax. Guilt gushes when I think of my depression-era parents who possessed practically nothing, prospered in the booming fifties and retired abundantly. I’m embarrassed. What gripes me is how cheaters and thieves prosper. Big time! Look no further than the subjugated White House, the gilded Tower in Manhattan, the grotesque Mar-a-Lago to disprove the idea that “cheaters never prosper.” The thing about spiritual laws is that they are neutral. “For He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5:45) Anyone can use the laws to any end for any purpose. This does not mean that the “evil” and the “unjust” will evade their sins. The Big Piper will be paid, unless you’re an atheist; then none of this matters. However, even atheism accedes a high moral code. But don’t look to Washington for a high moral code of anything but making money and keeping it. Did the rich boys and girls of the current administration — worth more than 15 billion dollars, by far the wealthiest in history — meditate, visualize? Can you picture Steve Bannon chanting, “Ommm...?” Maybe they just focused, took advantage of opportunities, and worked hard...to cheat and steal. Their demagogic leader tithes with his charity, rife with lies, litigation, and a lack of integrity. Yet they all prosper. Maybe I’m just jealous. Maybe I should mind my own business, not judge, trust the laws, embrace gratitude, and continue my service. So is tithing for gullible Christians, a way to purify guilt, shame, greed, or selfishness? If I tithe 10 percent, will I get a bazillion dollars? If I do, will I write a check to the Althea Center for a tenth of those bazillions? Bazillions are not my goal; fulfilling employment and organizing my finances are. I’ll let you know if I “got” it when I finish the series.
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The 24,000 square foot facility offers eight state-of-the art dental operatories, a food bank, syringe access program, case management, behavioral health counseling, HIV/STI testing, insurance assistance, and more. “We were so pleased to be able to create a beautiful, efficient space for clients, patients, volunteers, and staff and look forward to sharing it with the community at our grand opening event,” said Darrell Vigil, chief executive officer. Robert McDonald, executive director of Environmental Health for the City of Denver will be on hand to speak during the 6:00 p.m. program. The event will also include a formal ribbon cutting with members of the Denver Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. Self-guided and guided tours of the facility will also be available. RSVPs are appreciated by calling 303.837.0166 or by emailing Ben.Larison@Coloradohealthnetwork.org The new facility will provide services to more than 4,000 clients annually and support outreach and HIV/STI screenings to thousands of Denver metro citizens. “CHN’s board of directors is proud to have worked together to create a one-stop-shop for the delivery of services to people living with HIV and other health conditions in the state of Colorado through this centralized hub location,” said Bill Mead president of the board of directors for CHN. The majority of clients CHN serves face significant barriers to care including poverty, hunger, homelessness/unstable housing, and mental health and substance use conditions.
When basic needs are not met, medical care often takes second place to a person’s critical need for shelter and food. CHN’s programs include a variety of services designed to help meet basic needs including: • Emergency Financial Assistance and Housing Services • Behavioral Health Services • Substance Abuse Services – Outpatient • Food Bank • Medical Transportation • Psychosocial Support Services • Oral Health Care Howard Dental Center is a leading advocate of proactive, comprehensive oral health care rather than reactive emergency care. The dental center’s goals and objectives involve the health of the whole person. Each patient is provided with specific interventions, treatment and services needed to regain and maintain optimal oral and physical health. Howard Dental Center links dentistry, medicine, behavioral health care, and access to basic needs to remove barriers to dental care. “Purchasing and renovating CHN’s new building resulted in a more financially efficient option than leasing and will help ensure sustainability of services into the future,” said Darrell Vigil. Colorado Health Network (CHN) is a statewide charitable organization with offices in Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Greeley, Grand Junction, and Pueblo serving people living with HIV and other health conditions According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment a cumulative total of 11,411 cases of AIDS and 7,814 cases of HIV have been reported in Colorado and an estimated 13,052 persons were living with HIV through the end of 2015. O u t f r o n t ma g a z i n e . c o m
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FACING A DUI? YOUR “CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS” WILL NOT PROTECT YOU!
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BATTLING RELIGIOUS FREEDOM Religious liberty is a fundamental American value that we should respect and work hard to defend. But legislators across the country are fighting hard to pass bills through a number of states that would allow businesses to deny services to anyone based on their religious beliefs.
In 2016, more than 100 “religious freedom” bills targeting LGBTQ people were introduced in state legislatures. These bills reverse advances toward equality for LGBTQ Americans by portraying equality as inherently incompatible with religious beliefs. Nobody should be fired from their job, refused service by government officials or public accommodations, or evicted from their home because of who they are or what people believe. Seems logical, right? Wrong. The majority of Americans would agree. According to a poll from the Public Religion Research Institute, 61 percent of respondents said they were against giving faith-based groups or private individuals religious exemptions, effectively making discrimination permissible based on certain beliefs people hold.
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LGBTQ Americans may be discriminated against in renting or buying a home due to anti-queer religious beliefs held by landlords and property owners. Health care providers may harbor animus toward queer individuals and consequently deliver suboptimal care or even refuse to see patients who identify as such. And members of our community could experience an outright refusal of services when attempting to access a host of public accommodations including restaurants, parks, hotels, event venues, transportation, and elsewhere simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Remember the baker in Lakewood who wouldn’t bake a cake for a same-sex wedding? Yeah, it’s like that. In Colorado, religious freedom bills have continuously been shot down at the State Capitol every year, making it illegal to discriminate based on religious beliefs. If anyone, including individuals, employers, or organizations claim that they are entitled to e discriminate against you due to their religious beliefs, it might be time to seek the advice of an attorney that specializes in discrimination.
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perspectives
Mik e Yos t
Agnostic: Companions with Uncertainty
S
ome tell me I’m a fence-sitter. I’m a coward who won’t commit to a side. I’m an ideological weeble wobble. But when it comes to religious claims, I’ve always held to the ideals of Carl Sagan: “Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.”
If you can’t prove your claim with empirical evidence, it’s merely an opinion, not a fact.
baptized when I was only 5 years old, and I can still quote Bible verses verbatim that I knew by memory when I was just a child struggling to tie my shoes. As a teenager, I was well on my way to becoming a youth pastor. But I was also gay (deep in the closet), and God made it clear in the Bible that I was without redemption.
But of course, most religious doctrine is based on faith, not evidence. I just choose not to engage with any creed that requires the suspension of empirical evidence as an essential component of belief.
I started to question claims made by church leaders, asking why God hates gays so much that he would write out very specific execution orders in Leviticus 20:13, where homosexuals “have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.”
If I was forced to print a label across my chest for all to read and then make assumptions, it would read agnostic . . . which means what, exactly?
The more questions I asked, the more the reply was faith. I realized the Church’s certainty through faith was based on opinions, not absolute truth.
The biologist Thomas Huxley, who is credited for coining the term, wrote, “it is wrong for a man to say he is certain of the objective truth of a proposition unless he can provide evidence which logically justifies that certainty. This is what agnosticism asserts and, in my opinion, is all that is essential to agnosticism.”
And I don’t have the faith that atheists do, either. How do you prove a negative? The universe is just too weird for me to dismiss the possibility entirely that some other lifeform created humans. Perhaps the Earth is just a petri dish labeled human bacteria, stored in the back shelf of some extraterrestrial college lab.
Or if you want the bumper-sticker definition of agnosticism from Skeptic Magazine founder, Michael Shermer: “I don’t know, and neither do you.”
I try to think more in probabilities than absolutes. It’s highly improbable that there is a God who thinks gays should be put to death, just as it’s highly improbable that Thor once harnessed the power of lighting.
For me, being agnostic means being okay with uncertainty. Is there a God? What happens when we die? Why is melted Havarti cheese on toasted bread so addicting? Well I don’t know, and neither do you. There was a time I once held onto the certainty of faith. I grew up in a Baptist home where church was on Sunday mornings, Sunday nights, and Wednesday nights. I was
Ultimately, these questions are indeterminate, as no one has come back from the dead with a smartphone video revealing what happens after we take that perpetual dirt nap. Being agnostic means living this brief, precious existence in uncertainty, and that’s okay with me.
O u t f r o n t ma g a z i n e . c o m
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Halloween may be in October, but ghost hunting is all year round. For centuries, the paranormal has been a hot topic with more questions than answers. From contacting a deceased loved one to demonic possession, there are millions of ghosts with a story. However, has anyone ever considered LGBTQ ghosts? Queer people have always existed, so why wouldn’t there be queer ghosts? Listed below are some of the country’s popular and famous homo haunts.
Corpsewood Manor – Summerville, Ga.
Being openly gay in certain parts of the United States, especially rural parts, has always been risky. Tony West and Avery Brock proved this true after Dr. Charles Scudder and his partner Joey Odom were brutally murdered one night in the winter of 1982. Thinking that Scudder and Odom were wealthy, West and Brock hatched up a plan to be invited inside the manor and hang out. That is when Scudder, Odom, and their two dogs were shot to death. Various rumors surround this story, including that Scudder and Odom were Satan worshipers, child molesters, constantly high on LSD, and that their manor was considered an erotic castle. Events of that night are still debatable. Those who now visit Corpsewood Manor and the surrounding area are said to feel an unbearable amount of dread. In addition, people have also reported disembodied voices, phantom dogs, and feeling as though they are being watched.
Denny Patterson
we’re here, we’re queer, and we’re dead
If Scudder and Odom were truly into Satanism, who knows what dark entities are lurking about.
The Jimani Bar – New Orleans, La.
The Jimani Bar, a popular sports bar located in the French Quarter of New Orleans, was once the location of a gay club called the Upstairs Lounge. On June 24, 1973, at approximately 7:56 p.m., a fire was discovered in the stairwell leading up to the club. Blocking the main escape route, the fire quickly spread throughout the lounge. A number of people were able to escape, but 32 were killed. Contorting their bodies, these individuals tried to squeeze through the bars that protected the windows. In the early ‘70s, many New Orleanians expressed the attitude, “those perverts got what they deserved.” Even the investigation into the fire was never really pursued. A man by the name of Rodger Dale Nunez was suspected of setting the blaze but was never convicted. In 1974, he committed suicide. Before the Orlando Pulse Nightclub shooting, the Upstairs Lounge murder was considered to be the most violent and deadliest attack on the LGBTQ community in United States history. It has been reported that patrons and employees of the Jimani Bar have encountered the spirits of those who died in the fire. Paranormal groups have recorded numerous EVPs, or electronic voice phenomena. These voices tell investigators everything from their names to the fact that they feel forgotten. O u t f r o n t ma g a z i n e . c o m
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They want people to never forget what happened in the Upstairs Lounge. There is even a story about a fullbodied apparition, which has been seen walking the second floor in the kitchen area.
Lizzie Borden House – Fall River, Ma.
Lizzie Borden was a woman who attracted fame in a notso-positive manner. On Aug. 11, 1892, she was arrested for the gruesome axe murders of her father and stepmother. Although tried for the crime, she was acquitted. Many believed she literally got away with murder. Lizzie chose to remain in Fall River for the rest of her life, despite facing significant ostracism. In addition to her unfortunate notoriety, it was often speculated that Lizzie was also a lesbian. She never married and formed a close and long-term relationship with stage and silent screen actress Nance O’Neil, who was known to be gay. It was also rumored that Lizzie had a torrid love affair with the housekeeper, Bridget Sullivan. Currently a Bed and Breakfast and museum, the Lizzie Borden House is open to anyone who is brave enough to spend a night in the actual house where the murders took place. Visitors have claimed to hear the sounds of a woman weeping, phantom footsteps running down the stairs, doors mysteriously opening and closing, and muffled conversations coming from vacant rooms. There have also been reports of a full-bodied apparition wearing Victorian-era clothing dusting the furniture.
Rose Bed Inn – Cape Girardeau, Mo.
Built in 1908 as a private residence for the family of William and Ella Schrader, the Rose Bed Inn is said to be haunted by a
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spirit named Alex. When the Schrader family put the house up on the market, the still-living Alex expressed interest. He did not have the money to buy the house at the time but was engaged to a wealthy woman and would soon have the funds. Alex moved in with the Schraders to start fixing up the house, and that is when the Schraders realized that Alex was gay. He had a lover he was hiding from his fiancé. When the two found out about each other, Alex disappeared. It wasn’t until later that a foul odor led the Schraders to find Alex’s body hanging in the attic. Alex now lives harmoniously with the current owners and has made his presence known through various means, including moving objects, turning off lights, and opening and closing doors. Guests have also smelled cigar smoke, which is strictly not allowed inside the premises, and heard a disembodied voice. It has been reported that Alex even likes to show himself to guests who share the same name with him.
The Underground Bar – Colorado Springs, Co.
The Underground Bar is one of the most popular gay bars in Colorado. It is also one of the most haunted. Although the spirits may not be LGBTQ themselves, many paranormal investigators and thrill seekers are keen to visit this location. Before this bar was a bar, it was located next to a mortuary. The bar was often used as extra storage when the morgue had an excess of dead bodies. Behind the bar, known as the pit, employees have reported items being broken and thrown around. The same would happen in a locked storage room. On the upper level, which is now offices, it has been reported that a young female ghost often roams the halls and plays near the elevator.
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gripe that secular people have with religion is that some of the techniques and teachings of today’s faiths conflict with feminist ideals. For example, many find fault with the basic idea that Eve was only created when a rib was taken from Adam, or that women must wear more conservative or covering clothing than men. Some also feel that the rise of Christianity and the father gods is synonymous with the rise of the patriarchy. This is why many women, nonbinary individuals, and feminists turn to Paganism as a way to stay in touch with their faith but also embrace ideas more in line with their day-to-day beliefs. According to Gender Across Borders’ article “Pagan Feminism: An Introduction,” Pagan feminism is made up of neo-Paganism, Wicca, feminist goddess worship, and secular feminism. Most of these movements were revived in the ‘70s, at a time when it was fashionable for feminists to get in touch with the earth and their connection to it. Since many early Pagan faiths worshiped goddesses, installed women into positions of religious power, and believed that female sexuality and childbirth were sacred things, Paganism serves as something of a feminist manifesto. During recent years, there has been some resurgence of the desire to connect to the earth and embrace Paganism as feminists. This influence can be seen in pop culture, where being “witchy” is again considered a compliment, and pagan or occult symbolism is featuring heavily in clothing, jewelry, album covers, and TV shows. There are many kinds of witches today, since like everything else, Paganism has become as diverse as the people who practice it. Some feminist Pagans are secular and consider their practice to be more meditative, or a way to connect to themselves through ritual. Others put more literal stock into the belief of a goddess deity or other spiritual forces.
Alia Denny, who is a practicing feminist Pagan involved with Hearthstone Community Church, originally came to paganism because of her love for feminism. “I found Paganism through my learning about feminism to begin with,” she explained. “The equality and the presence of the Goddess as the primary deity were very appealing to me.” Hearthstone Community Church is a nonprofit in Colorado, and Denny has been running it for 25 years. The church is Wiccan, and meets once a month on the Friday of or before the full moon to celebrate the lunar cycle. “Our groups are usually led by women,” she explained. “There is even one branch of Wicca, Dianic Wicca, that doesn’t allow men at all. Since I’m married to a man, I prefer to work with him, so I don’t know a lot about the Dianic tradition. But we do tend a little to wishing for more women running things, and many of us consider being involved in politics to be part of our beliefs. We are very supportive of taking personal responsibility and being active in our communities.” Becca Williams, a secular ceremonialist, organizes and participates in ceremonial practice in order to “focus on the soul.” “At its core, Paganism to me is more of a way of life than a religion,” she said. “It’s about having impeccable reverence for the Earth. Yet in order to fully embrace the sanctity of our beautiful planet, we each have to first and foremost find those wounded places within ourselves that need healing and do that work. As we remove the obstacles that stand in the way of our own self-love, self-respect and self-trust, the more love and compassion we will have for our Earth and all its creatures.” There are many paths to Paganism, but they all seem to lead back to the Goddess. During a time when many are experimenting with their religious beliefs and embracing feminism, the path of the Goddess is still alive and well.
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Summer means you want to wear less clothing and enjoy the summer sun, maybe even get some attention. But most people don’t have the time or money to invest in an entirely new wardrobe when summer comes around, and warm weather clothing tends to wear out after about one season. Reusing last summer’s clothes may be completely out of the question. A great solution to this is to repurpose old clothing items into summer clothes. Here are a few tips and tricks.
Cut up pants to make capris and shorts.
No one wants their legs completely covered in summer, but shorts can be expensive or hard to find in the right style and length for your body. Fortunately, all you have to do is take a pair of scissors to old pants and you’ll have a brand-new pair of shorts or short pants. “Mom jeans” that cut off just above the ankle are in style this season, and hacking away at a pair of old, oversized and faded pants will instantly give you the look that many are foolishly paying for. You can add a cut at the knee or a couple of rips to make them look even more authentic. Old, unwanted pants can also make great Daisy Duke shorts or generally any kind of cut-off.
Hack up graphic tee shirts and get creative.
You can add a little bit of extra breathability to your wardrobe by cutting off the sleeves of a beloved graphic tee or cutting out the neck to make a stylish scoop neck. These are easy fixes for old shirts and can be done in a matter of seconds by anyone, no matter the level of crafting skills. If you want to get even more funky, try cutting up a tee shirt into a unique pattern that will flatter and draw positive attention. There are numerous tutorials online for different styles, but some simple, ideas are to cut a low dip in the back and braid the two sides of the shirt together, cut out a striped pattern on the sides after removing the sleeves to make for some sexy breathability, or cut the tops of a sleeveless shirt and tie them together to make a classic summer look.
Experiment with dresses.
If you wear dresses, this is another great area where you can get creative pretty easily. For starters, figure out which of your dresses can be worn without tights or leggings and still look good. You may be surprised — the dress you thought was too short for anywhere but the club might actually work as a stand-alone item. For pieces that are too long or
too warm and expansive for summer, try cutting up some of your dresses. You will probably need to hem them, but that can be done pretty easily. To repurpose a long dress, carefully measure where you want to cut, make some light pencil marks a little below how short you want it to be, and neatly cut off the fabric. To hem, fold over the fabric and neatly sew along the folded line. This will be easier with a sewing machine, but with patience and attention to detail, you can also do it by hand. As a bonus, the cut-off material can be reused for other projects, such as patching ripped items or making a scarf in the fall.
Consider bike shorts or cut-off leggings.
These can be the perfect items underneath dresses or with a slightly longer shirt on a cool summer day. Bike shorts work super well in the summer because the light yet clingy material doesn’t feel suffocating, and they are normally sleek, black, slimming garments. The same effect can be achieved by cutting off and hemming some leggings. Hint: If you are self-conscious about a little extra weight from the cooler months, a pair of bike shorts can help keep things in check and in place while wearing a tee shirt or dress. This is ideal if you normally rely on leggings or tights under dresses to do the same thing.
Make some fun jewelry.
Remember making friendship bracelets all summer as a kid, because you were bored or stuck at summer camp? Well, with the major ‘90s revival going on in fashion this year, you can brush off your old summer habits and make some new jewelry for the season. Friendship bracelets and chokers can easily be made with string, and hemp necklaces and bracelets can be woven with special pendants or beads to make for some awesome jewelry. And you definitely don’t have to break the bank to do it. You can often find old string, unused beads, and other material lying around the house. You can also get a bunch of colored string or some hemp for dirt cheap, and beads can be found in thrift or vintage clothing stores. With all that in mind, summer doesn’t have to be a stressful time filled with worries about fashion faux pas, weight, body image, or breaking the bank when money is tight. It can simply be about looking good and having fun. So don’t wait; look around the house for those old clothing items and get started! O u t f r o n t ma g a z i n e . c o m
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Addison Herron-Wheeler
Repurposing Old Clothing for Summer
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Strike a Pose! Vogue, Vogue, Vogue
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Big, bold stripes? Check! Corseted tops? Check! Off-the-shoulder shirts Flashdance style? Check!
Show Me Some Skin
Some of the top trends we’re watching this summer:
We’re not going as sheer as the ‘90s peep shows. But we’re pretty darn close. Again, lots of unstructured looks in sheer materials. Bralettes are back and more ornate than ever. Throw a see-through top over a dressed-up bra. If you’re not that daring, sheer shirts over t-shirts is a thing. Or fully sheer sundresses over a beautiful slip (or even lingerie). Anyone can take part in the sheer sensation – even if it’s layering something see-through over something solid.
More is More
Bohemian Rhapsody
Same goes for fabric. Look for less-structured gauze and other cotton shirts, dresses, and skirts. The corseted waists from the fall are still around, but go for a lighter material lace-up corset over a sundress or oversized t-shirt.
Shoulder Drop
If you missed the free-for-all ‘80s fashion the first time around — or even if you missed its renaissance this past fall — it’s not too late. Summer fashion trends are still going ‘80s strong, with a bit of updating and some softening for summer.
In true ‘80s style, nothing is too big or too loud. Accessorize large! Bangle upon bangle upon bangle. Replace those dainty gold chains with big, bold, chunky necklaces. This summer we’re seeing lots of different accessory colors and textures, from long, plastic earrings to colorful, silky chokers.
The simple summer T-shirt is no longer simple. Big, bold t-shirts are splashed not only with color, but with messages. Look for lots of political statements on what used to be summer’s simplest piece. Don’t be afraid to mix and match. Color upon color. Design upon design. Texture upon texture. Just about anything goes this summer, as long as it makes a statement.
Less in More – Kind of
If you’re not into big and bold, you can still be on the cutting edge of fashion. Designers are calling this trend the “new minimalist”. Instead of the classic minimalist look of jeans and t-shirts, the new minimalist fashions are unstructured and flowing. Instead of splashing color upon color, you can stay monochromatic. We’re still looking for interest, perhaps by layering lots of sheer materials or throwing on oversized beach coveralls. It’s a minimal style with maximum impact.
Flowers and Stripes
Whether big and bold or small and delicate, florals and stripes are all over the place. Don’t be shy. Mix a horizontal striped shirt with a vertical striped pant. Same goes for florals. Pattern over pattern is big this season. Patterns don’t need to match and neither do colors. Head to toe, shower yourself with one or the other.
Yep. We’re backing it up all the way to the ‘70s this summer. If it’s fringed or faded, it’s in! I’m talking wellworn cut-offs to leather purses with fringe to the floor. Crochet tops and lots and lots of lace are also making a comeback. And don’t forget about the maxi. Maxi dresses are about as summary as you can get. Look for updated styles with lots of patterns and/or sheer materials.
One or two. Doesn’t matter. When it comes to shirts that bare shoulders, both are in style. This summer’s shirts and dresses can be worn completely off the shoulders, or just off of one. And don’t feel like you have to go out and buy a specially made shirt. Look for an oversized t-shirt and let it droop to the side. (This is nice if you’re into a more masculine look.) Unstructured styles are a big part of this summer’s shoulder-baring look.
Lemonade
Pink or yellow? How about both? The two biggest colors this summer are, you guessed it, lemonade pink and lemonade yellow. (Thank you Beyoncé.) I know what you’re thinking. “Yellow doesn’t look good on me.” For some reason, lots and lots of people seem to think that. It’s not true. As long as you choose a shade that doesn’t wash you out, you’ll be fine. Yellow comes in lots of shades, so don’t be afraid to try one this summer.
Rainbows
We’re here, we’re queer, and we’re takin’ over summer! From the LGBTQ Freedom Flag to the runways. Rainbows are in, in a big way. This season, expect to find rainbow shoes, shirts, hats, and all kinds of accessories, from rainbow heart emojis splashed across t-shirts to platform shoes with rainbow heels. They’re a symbol of fun, luck, and positivity. What more could you ask for this summer? O u t f r o n t ma g a z i n e . c o m
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TYLER’S SUITE Denver’s LGBTQA Harmony chorale presents Tyler’s Suite, a nine-piece choral movement dedicated to Tyler Clementi, a young musician who died by suicide in 2010 after being bullied by his roommate during his first weeks of college. Created under Tony award-winning Composer Stephen Schwartz and Dr. Timothy Seelig (San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus), the concert will be performed May 5th at the Broomfield Auditorium and May 6th at the Denver Central Presbyterian Church. Visit HarmonyChorale.org for more info.
5/15-9/11 FILM ON THE ROCKS
Film on the Rocks is back with a stellar lineup for 2017. The collaborative production of the Denver Film Society and Denver Arts & Venues was created to provide an affordable opportunity for the community to enjoy films and live entertainment at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. This year’s films range from Superbad to Twister to The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. So grab those blankets, and get out to Red Rocks! For more information visit Film.RedRocksOnline.com/FOTR.
THRU 5/21 THE GIRLS ARE BACK IN TOWN The Avenue Theater and Theatre Out Denver are presenting all-new episodes of their hit serial comedy The Golden Years:Thank You For Being a Friend – In Drag. After a successful run of the first three episodes of this Golden Girls Tribute, the “girls” have put together three new episodes for a run from April 28 through May 2 on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. There will also be three performances of the original three episodes on Sunday, May 7 and Sunday, May 21 at 6:30 p.m. Individual tickets are $20, and tickets to BOTH of the episode evenings are $30. Visit AvenueTheater.com/tickets for tickets!
EVERY FRI ULTIMATE QUEEN @ TRACKS Now that RuPaul’s Drag Race has taken over our Friday nights, there’s no better time to head over to Tracks and watch the episode alongside some fierce competition between local queens. Every week, some of the freshest faces of Denver drag duke it out in a lip sync battle like no other. Bring your ones and support these fabulous queens! For more information visit TracksDenver.com.
i want to be a cowgirl’s sweetheart
6/3
The Denver Women’s Chorus is dusting off their cowgirl boots and trekking down the country music trail for a special performance. In celebration of the pioneering women of country music, the chorus will cover tracks from Patsy Cline all the way to Taylor Swift. These brave women’s songs range from feisty and fiery to solemn and sincere with a smidge of camp thrown in for good measure. For more information visit RMarts.com.
DENVER PRIDE It’s here, y’all. Break out those short shorts, nipple pasties, temporary tattoos, dancing shoes, and sunscreen, because Denver PrideFest is less than two months away. The summer staple for Denver’s queer community is one not to be missed … obviously. This year’s lineup includes performances by Peppermint, AB Soto, Jennifer Holiday, and Dave Audé. Gather your girls and start planning now. It’ll be here sooner than you think. For more info visit GLBTColorado.com/PrideFest.
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heinzesight
I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X
BRENT HEINZE
THE QUEER TEN COMMANDMENTS Regardless of which religion, philosophy, or morality you follow, most guiding tenets of these focus on setting ethical standards that are geared towards developing a healthy society. These directives are important to ensure fairness and mutual respect while supporting positive interactions. The following queer commandments weren’t sent down on a beam of bright light with a triumphant angelic fanfare but rather surrounded by glitter and a thumpy drum track. Our queer gods have passed these words of truth and wisdom down to us in hopes of guiding us to a kinder, more fulfilling future full of exuberant fun and fabulousness.
I. Thou Shalt Have No Relationships That Cause Isolation From Your Friends
It is extremely frustrating to lose an amazing friend just because they begin a new relationship with someone. There is enough time to go around, and there is nothing wrong with carving out opportunities to spend time with important people in your life. Even if the current fling does not last, your buddies will still be there for you, unless you push them out of your life.
II. Thou Shalt Not Make Impulsive Decisions Based on Something Bright and Shiny
There will always be something new and interesting that catches our eye. Regardless of whether it is someone handsome or a new gadget, be careful not to become fixated on needing to grab it without doing a little research and approaching it cautiously.
III. Thou Shalt Not Take Others for Granted Unexpected things happen to us often and people can come into and out of our lives quickly. Be careful not to put off spending time with people you care about or telling them that you love them.
IV. Remember to Celebrate Your Strengths, Experiences, and Accomplishments
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throughout our lives. Be proud of yourself. Keep this in mind when life gets challenging. Now get out there and kick ass.
V. Honor Thy Chosen Family For many of us, the people whom we choose to become key players in our lives are often not from our biological family. Celebrate the cast of characters that you love in your life.
VI. Thou Shalt Not Treat Others Badly Based on Their Physical Characteristics, Socioeconomic Status, or Other Perceived Differences
We all have qualities that we find attractive, but there are very few instances in which being rude to someone is necessary. Think before you write something discriminatory in your dating profile or sneer at someone.
VII. Thou Shalt Not Make Your Drama a Public Spectacle for Others
We all struggle with difficulties in life, but putting it out on social media or creating a Jerry Springer moment in a club makes you look tragic and can be extremely uncomfortable for others. Keep it private.
VIII. Thou Shalt Not be ASHAMED OF Your Desires, Hopes, and Dreams
Take pride in what you enjoy and those things that get you off. Figure out what you want out of this life.
IX. Thou Shalt Not Lose Faith in Others Don’t give up on someone just because you have an argument. Working through conflict and disagreement is important. We all have fights with people. Be careful of throwing out a great relationship because of some grumpy feelings.
X. Thou Shalt Not Lose Faith in Yourself You are amazing. If you don’t believe that, there are many methods to aid you in finding your inner strengths and talents. Don’t give up hope in becoming confident about yourself.
Shadows struggle to hold on.
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