May 20, 2015 :: I Heart Colorado by OUT FRONT Magazine

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CONTENTS MAY 20, 2015 VOL39 NO4

06 THE COLORADO CONTRACEPTION DEBATE 12 MARRIAGE EQUALITY SIMPLIFIED! 16 MY LOVELY VISIT TO THE CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY

I LOVE COLORADO 20 50 FACTS ABOUT THE CENTENNIAL STATE

28 SO YOU’RE THINKING OF MOVING TO COLORADO

QUEENS + ANSWERS 30 DJ TATIANA TAKES US FOR A SPIN 34 THE NOTORIOUS C-H-O 38 CALENDAR free stuff: summer edition 42 MARKETPLACE 46 THE CURSE OF TOO MUCH SUPPORT 48 BAR TAB 54 CAN YOU PAINT WITH ALL THE COLORS OF THE RAINBOW FLAG? 60 GO WITH YOUR GUT 66 BACKWORDS

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SERVING THE LGBT COMMUNITY OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS SINCE 1976 3535 Walnut Street, Denver, Colorado 80205 PHONE 303-477-4000 • FAX 303-325-2642 WEB OutFrontOnline.com FACEBOOK facebook.com/OutFrontColorado TWITTER @OutFrontCO INSTAGRAM /OutFrontColorado Out Front is published by Q Publishing, Ltd., a Colorado corporation and is a member of: Denver Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and Denver Drama Critics Circle.

FOUNDER PHIL PRICE 1954-1993 ADMINISTRATION info@outfrontonline.com JERRY CUNNINGHAM Publisher J.C. MCDONALD Vice President MAGGIE PHILLIPS Operations Manager JEFF JACKSON SWAIM Chief Strategist EDITORIAL editorial@outfrontonline.com BERLIN SYLVESTRE Editor NOAH L. JORDAN Digital Content Manager CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Daniel Alvarez, Chris Arneson, Bil Browning, Janet Corniel, Candice Dyer, O’Brian Gunn, Brent Heinze, Rick Kitzman, Gary M. Kramer, Kelsey Lindsey, Scott McGlothlen, Kelly Morris, Betrearon Tezera, Robyn Vie-Carpenter, The Cycle Sluts

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Through the program, women had access to long-term birth control, such as intrauterine devices (or IUDs), at low or no cost to them. The success of IUDs can be attributed to their virtually maintenance-free nature. Additionally, IUDs have a failure rate of 0.8 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The device can last up to 10 years, which makes it one of the most cost-effective forms of contraception despite its price tag of $1,200. This is in contrast to a monthly commitment to birth control pills that can exceed $50 per month.

NEWS / OP INIO N

THE COLORADO CONTRACEPTION DEBATE

During the last six years of the initiative’s institution, the state has saved each taxpayer $5.95 dollars in Medicaid costs. According to Gov. Hickenlooper’s office, the initiative saved the state $42.5 million in 2010 alone. Funding will deplete by June of this year and the program needed bipartisan support for the state to continue fund the program through taxpayer dollars.

THE REPUBLICANS IN THE SENATE APPEAR TO DIG TEEN PREGNANCY WHEN IT COMES TO PROVIDING medical assistance, statistics have

consistently shown: It’s cheaper to invest in prevention before issues requiring costly medical attention get out of hand. In Colorado, this strategy has been incredibly successful in preventing teen pregnancy by offering affordable or no-cost contraception to men and women in the state. However, with funding for the initiative drying up, the debate to keep the program alive came down to a vote in our Republican-controlled Senate. (Hint: They killed the program.) Daniel Alvarez

But let’s go back and take a look at the hugely successful program, to reminisce on ways that keeping fewer teens pregnant is actually a good thing. (Since we actually have to explain that to certain people in our Senate.) In 2009, Colorado instituted The Colorado Initiative to Reduce Unintended Pregnancy. The program was funded through a $23.6M grant from the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation,

and it gave Title X clinics across Colorado the ability to give men and women access to longterm, reversible contraception. The initiative gained immense popularity and produced significant results. Over the last five years, it successfully reduced unexpected teen pregnancy by 40 percent, bringing Colorado from 29th in the nation for teen pregnancy in 2008, down to 19th by 2012.

This is what reportedly posed such a problem with a Republican majority in the state Senate: they appear determined to use this legislative session to make their case for the 2016 elections, and have no intention of sullying their image by passing controversial contraception legislation. (Ditto any legislation that even remotely appears compassionate to LGBT issues.) Overwhelming evidence has shown that access to contraception not only reduces the rate of unexpected pregnancies, but, in turn, it also lowers the rate of abortions. The abortion rate in Colorado plummeted 35 percent between 2009 and 2012 in places where long-term contraception was available. Allowing this program to expire derails the progress we’ve made here in Colorado and makes it harder for women to access contraception. While men and women still have access to contraception through other outlets, such as Planned Parenthood, without the state on board to fund the option of low or no-cost contraception, it won’t be as readily available. Way to go, guys.

CATFEST!

LEO

Meet Leo! New pals here say he’s a very sweet dog who walks well on leash and knows commands like “Shake!” and “Sit!” He was housetrained in the past, according to his previous owner, and seeks a no-child household.

MEMPHIS

Memphis here! I may be small, but I have a big personality and lots of love to give! I’m looking for a home with kind people who will love and cherish me! I enjoy going for walks and cuddling in laps! I hope you’ll visit me soon!

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July 11, 2015 e DFL in CatFest at th people attend inspires 00 pm 20 –3 an am th 10 e Mor event, from ur out the ho ab es fiv es is en Denver. Th d raises awar an ity offer rs un m so m ndors & spon a sense of co s enjoy ting a cat. Ve ee op nd ad te of at s d fit bene rvices, an d oducts and se ns, and waive cat-related pr demonstratio ng ni ai tr tca . food, music, for adult cats adoption fees 772 St | (303) 751-5 80 S. Quebec DDFL.org | 20

LEGAL DIRECTORY WEIGHING YOUR OPTIONS: TAKING YOUR PARTNER’S LAST NAME

BACHUS & SCHANKER, LLC 866-277-6711 • www.ColoradoLaw.net 1899 Wynkoop St., Suite 700, Denver Personal Injury • Auto Accidents Worker’s Compensation • Wage Disputes

Sheila P. Carrigan If I enter into a civil union and I want to change my last name to my spouse’s last name, how do I do that?

hyphenated last name. If your child does not have a second parent now your partner can adopt via a step-parent adoption after the ceremony.

After your civil union license has been recorded at your local county clerk and recorder’s office, obtain a few certified copies of your union license. Take a certified copy to the driver’s license bureau to obtain a license in your new name and to the local social security office to obtain a new social security card. Do not forget you will need to change your name with your banks, credit cards, utility bills and all other such entities. You will also need to change your passport. If you are honeymooning immediately after the nuptials you may wish to get your tickets in your pre-ceremony name to be sure your travel plans are not delayed.

What if I want to keep my last name? Or hyphenate it?

What if I want to change my children’s last name? If you already have children you will need to go through a name change process and have birth certificates reissued. If you have children after your civil union you can name your partner as the child’s second parent and give the child either name or a

If you want to keep your name you don’t need to do anything. Hyphenating it is the same process as changing it. What else should I know before entering into a civil union and how can a lawyer help my family prepare? You may want to consider a consultation with a family law or estate planning attorney before you enter the civil union, especially if you have significant assets or either of you have children from previous relationships. Individuals considering civil union should be aware under the current law, many common provisions that apply to spouses will not apply to parties in a civil union if the unions later dissolve. For example, dividing retirement and other benefits at the time of divorce cannot be accomplished under federal laws.

BLOCH & CHAPLEAU, LLC 303-331-1700 • www.BlochChapleau.com 1725 Gaylord St., Denver Family Law • Civil Union Dissolutions Pre-Union Agreements • Auto Accidents

LAW OFFICES OF LISA E. FRAZER, LLC 303-861-7717 • www.FrazerFamilyLaw.com 936 E. 18th Ave, Denver Family Law/Civil Unions • Divorce Child Custody

LAW OFFICE OF BYRON K. HAMMOND, LLC 303-501-1812 • www.BKH-Law.com 3900 E. Mexico Ave., Denver Wills • Trusts • Estate Planning Probate • Elder Law

WOODY LAW FIRM, LLC 303-968-1711 • www.WoodyLawLLC.com 1407 Larmier St., Suite 300, Denver Dissolution of civil unions & marriages Legal Separation • Second Parent Adoption

The opinions expressed in this article are general in nature. For specific legal advice about your particular situation, please contact an attorney.

outfrontonline.com/legal-directory | To advertise here, please call 303-477-4000.

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NEWS / O P INIO N

SB268: PRO-LIFE EXTREMISM & THE BATTLE FOR WOMEN’S REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS IN COLORADO SENATE BILL 268, a bill concer ning “offenses against an

unbor n child,” was introduced in the Colorado Senate on April 14. For tunately, the bill was prevented from being ratified into law this legislative session. But while its rejection is just cause for celebration, the battle between its proponents and adversaries was embittered, and is far from over. Betrearon Tezera

In its own terminology, the bill “defines ‘person’ for the purposes of homicide and assault offenses as a human being and includes an unborn child at every stage of gestation from conception until live birth.” Championed most notably by State Senate President Bill Cadman and State Representative Polly Lawrence, the bill insists its focus to be solely on “reckless and criminal” acts against pregnant women in Colorado and not on actions taken by women regarding their own pregnancies; by physicians performing medical procedures at the request of pregnant women; or by dispensers of prescribed medications acting as part of routine or specific medical issues regarding a woman’s pregnancy. SB268 is only one in a string of state bills proposed in recent years around the US in the name of introducing “fetal personhood” into state law under specific situations where

criminal or reckless acts infringe on pregnant women’s wellbeing. Of course, establishing fetal personhood as a precedent in Colorado law complicates the very real concern many have for respecting a woman’s inalienable right to safe, legal, and affordable reproductive health care — including abortions. It’s interesting to note the evolution of the fetal personhood debate in Colorado in particular, especially in the last two years. Remembering House Bill 1154, which was eventually codified as the “Crimes Against Pregnant Women Act” in the summer of 2013, it’s questionable what proponents of SB268 could have hoped to add to the debate, especially when HB1154 expressly forbids “altering established Colorado law to confer legal personhood upon an embryo or fetus.” If Colorado already has an incredibly comprehensive law protecting pregnant women

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and their unborn children from potentially lifethreatening acts of others, what precisely was SB268 meant to accomplish? I interviewed Cathy Alderman, Vice President of Public Affairs at Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains (PPRM), to try and better understand what one can glean from the language of SB268 and its legislative precursors. According to Cathy, many state senators and representatives “tried to reach out to the sponsors of the legislation and see if there was a way to draft the language so that it wouldn’t have fetal personhood implications.” Cathy adds: “They were not met with openness to that. Again, there were several amendments brought to specifically remove those implications, and the sponsors and supporters of the bill just didn’t feel they could vote for something that wasn’t fetal personhood.” That there has been difficulty in reaching a phraseological compromise is unfortunate, since the lives and livelihoods of many people — women in particular — hang in the precarious balance. In general, it’s dangerous at best to have a bill that can be so vague and widely interpreted. “We felt that [HB1154] was an additional protection for women who might suffer a miscarriage or have complicated pregnancies and have to make some very difficult decisions about those pregnancies, as well as women who are accessing abortion services,” Cathy says. The difficulty with SB268 is that while it establishes fetal personhood — purportedly

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on the grounds that no legal actions shall be taken against women who may want or need to terminate a pregnancy for various reasons — equivocal language could potentially lead to the obstruction of legal and health care services for the women who need them most. Cathy adds: “By establishing separate fetal personhood, you are essentially separating a woman from her pregnancy. You are giving rights to something other than her, even though she is the one carrying the pregnancy [and] nurturing that pregnancy. We wanted to be very respectful of the fact that when someone causes the loss of your pregnancy, that is a crime against you as a woman, and a crime against your family — not a crime against something separate or outside of you.” “[SB268] is one in a string of many antichoice extremist attacks on women’s equality,” Colorado Representative Jessie Danielson notes in our interview, “and elevating the status of the fetus to a ‘person’ from the time of conception all the way to birth makes things extremely tricky.” SB268, in the weeks since its introduction, has incensed feminist and pro-choice groups across the state of Colorado and beyond. In addition to jargon that undermines the real concerns of women, SB268 also clearly denounces the fact that men and women simply don’t have the same relationship to reproductive health care, thanks to the many misogynistic mainstays of family planning and parenting. Rep. Danielson notes: “This bill is about imposing restrictions on access to reproductive health care for women, and when women aren’t able to make decisions about their health care, they’re limited in the decisions they can make about their lives.” This incisive critique is all the more prescient because it gets to the heart of the matter: Fetal personhood ordinances will always affect women disproportionately, and judging from the fact that most of the officials in federal and state legislative positions are male, the danger of legalese is all the more ominous. Cathy notes: “We have to amplify the voices [of dissent] because otherwise, there are going to be these conservative, ideologically-minded, oftentimes male legislators who want to place restrictions on women making their own health care decisions,” when in reality, “[pro-life] legislators really have no understanding of exactly how pregnancy works or how a woman feels when she’s pregnant.” Indeed, we saw this same nonchalance on a federal level with House Resolution 492, or the “Ultrasound Informed Consent Act,” in which transvaginal ultrasounds were mandated as a necessary source of medical information prior to a woman’s decision to have an abortion being medically “cleared.” Cathy reminds us: “The

idea that this bill would require a transvaginal ultrasound, and how intrusive that can be for a woman, was a notion that was lost on some of the supporters.”

of SB268] could not support the program based on ideology, based on how they believe birth control to work — despite the fact that science tells us otherwise.”

Of course, it’s not as if feminism and a woman’s irrevocable right to exercising bodily agency are insufficient reasons to decry SB268, but for those who still need some convincing, it might be worth looking at the track record of Colorado’s voters

Yet another bill, the “Teen Pregnancy and Dropout Prevention Program” bill (HB1079), was defeated in the Colorado Senate this legislative session. Sponsored by State Reps. Danielson and Donald Coram and State Senator Ellen Roberts, the bill aimed to “allow the general assembly to appropriate general fund moneys to implement and administer the teen pregnancy and dropout prevention program created in the department of health care policy and financing.” In addition, the bill accounted for financial support for the program through “local contributions” and “grants and donations from private entities.” While it is encouraging that Rep. Danielson and her colleagues will continue to work to secure the bill within the coming year, it’s difficult not to notice a troubling hesitation in the general assembly’s conservative wing when it comes to allocating state financial and logistical support for public reproductive health programs for women. With negotiations around the language of SB268 at a stalemate, and HB1079 tabled, the general assembly saw yet another resistive response to the prospect of a robust and diversified financial and conceptual repertoire for Colorado, one that lends itself particularly well to collaboration between policy makers, activists, community members, and philanthropists. It is unfortunate indeed that the potential for such rich cross-disciplinary dialogue and solidaritybuilding was thwarted with so little regard.

Before [SB268], Colorado has rejected fetal personhood issues on the ballot three times all across the state by an overwhelming majority. This is not something that the voters in Colorado want.

”

— Rep. Jessie Danielson

and activists in past personhood measures. “Before [SB268], Colorado has rejected fetal personhood issues on the ballot three times all across the state by an overwhelming majority. This is not something that the voters in Colorado want. This is not something that the women and families in Colorado need. And it will put up big barriers to accessing reproductive health care,” Rep. Danielson remarks. PPRM was heavily involved this legislative session in fighting for the sustained funding of multiple programs dedicated to improving access to long acting reversibly contraceptives, in the form of HB1194. “This program has been in Colorado for five years and it’s been wildly successful, dramatically decreasing unplanned, unintended pregnancy rates, especially among lower-income women and younger women,” Cathy says. “The data is just shockingly great for how well this program works. When the state senate finance committee had the opportunity to continue the funding — and the funding had already been set aside by the governor for a $5M-program — [the backers

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The nature of dogma is always one of imposition. If science can so easily be refuted by ideological belief systems grounded in religious virtue and what are essentially sexist approaches to birth control and women’s reproductive rights, there needs to be a serious reevaluation of the ways in which state and federal congresses work toward identifying and bringing into fruition the needs and desires of their constituents. State and federal legislative bodies don’t exist so that personal ideologies should be entertained or validated in the guise of bills and resolutions. The issue should never be about what is morally “acceptable” or “appropriate” in as many different ideological approaches as are represented by legislators; it should be about how our elected officials should work tirelessly to uphold the freedom and liberty of as many of their citizens as possible, especially those who have been disprized for as long as this country has existed, in the name of nothing more than a colossal (and colossally embarrassing) battle of egos.

VOTE FOR

WAYNE NEW RUNOFF DATE – JUNE 2 C A N D I D AT E F O R D E N V E R C I T Y C O U N C I L , D I S T R I C T 10

WHAT I BELIEVE The City Council campaign has focused on the critical issues of over-development, traffic, parking, and the voice of the people in key City decisions. Just as important is sharing with you what I believe.

I BELIEVE IN: • The economic growth and prosperity of Denver…but…how we grow is key. You and your neighbors must be involved in shaping decisions that affect your quality of life. • Equality for all of our citizens – the full rights, recognition, and respect for our LGBT community. • A woman’s right to choose, ensuring that women have access to all reproductive healthcare services. • Enhancing and maintaining the quality of our parks and open space – places that are safe for our children and provide green space for all of us to enjoy. • Denver must be a leader in conservation, requiring recycling, sustainable materials for new buildings, LEED certification, electric vehicle recharge stations, and facilities and services for bicyclists. • Supporting the arts because they bring vitality to life; educate and entertain; and support tourism. • Most of all, I believe in a city government that listens to you, welcomes your ideas, provides quality services, protects our people… and is transparent and accountable on every level.

www.WayneNewforCouncil.com Paid for by Wayne New for City Council

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The Obergefell case is actually a total of four cases, consolidated into one: Obergefell v. Hodges (OH) Tanco v. Haslam (TN) DeBoer v. Snyder (MI) Bourke v. Beshear (KY)

“Hodges is being sued in his official capacity as the director of the Ohio Department of Public Health, which is the government agency responsible for taking the action that the plaintiff claims is unconstitutional,” says attorney Tawny Mack. “In Obergefell, [the agency] was the Department of Health, because Obergefell wanted to be listed as the surviving spouse on his husband’s death certificate.”

Why is he a namesake in the case?

Richard A. Hodges is the director of the Ohio Department of Public Health.

Who is Hodges of Obergefell v. Hodges?

No stranger to the Supreme Court — this is his ninth appearance! — Bursch is new to the fight against marriage equality. That doesn’t mean, however, that he isn’t passionately defending the ban on same-sex marriage: His main argument is that same-sex couples aren’t fighting for the right to join the institution of marriage — they’re fighting to redefine it.

JOHN BURSCH

Does the Fourteenth Amendment require all states to honor other states’ marriages?

two things!

Does the Fourteenth Amendment (which addresses citizenship rights and equal protection under the laws) require a state to marry two people of the same sex?

A seasoned attorney and civil rights activist, Bonauto helped her homestate of Maine pass a marriage-equality law. She was the lead counsel for Goodridge v. Department of Public Health, the case that made Massachusetts the first state where gay couples could marry. Connecticut can also thank Bonauto for its passage of samesex marriage. On a federal level, she assisted in having Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act ruled unconstitutional, meaning same-sex couples can enjoy federal marriage protections. As she argues on behalf of gay couples in the Supreme Court, she’ll contend with ...

As his boyfriend of two decades, John Arthur, lay dying of Lou Gehrig’s disease, Jim the Ohioan asked for his hand in marriage and was rewarded with a yes. They traveled to Maryland, tied the knot, and returned home to a state that refused to recognize their marriage. So they sued, and the case — now consolidated with three other same-sex marriage cases from around the nation — is being decided by the Supreme Court. The case for same-sex marriage is being argued by ...

so what will the case determine?

MARY BONAUTO

JIM OBERGEFELL

let’s meet the players

OBERGEFELL V. HODGES

the name of the case is

NEWS / OP INIO N

THE SUPREME COURT FIGHT FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY

SOTOMAYOR A newer justice who, in liberal fashion, usually votes with Ginsburg and Breyer.

JUSTICE SONIA

“[One man/one woman marriage] has been the law everywhere for thousands of years, among people who were not discriminating against gay people. And, suddenly, you want nine people outside the ballot box to require states (that don’t want to do it) to change what marriage is to include gay people. Why can’t those states at least wait and see [if same-sex marriage] is harmful to marriage?”

BADER GINSBURG A feisty liberal, the “Notorious RBG” is a hit with millennials and long-time lovers of racial and gender equality.

JUSTICE RUTH

“What about Article IV? I’m so glad to be able to quote a portion of the Constitution that actually seems to be relevant. Full faith and credit shall be given in each state to the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state. Now, why doesn’t that apply [for samesex marriage]?”

JUSTICE

“All the incentives, all of the benefits that marriage provides will still be available. [Same-sex marriage] won’t be taking away anything from heterosexual couples; straight couples will have the very same incentive to marry, all the benefits that come from marriage that they do now.”

SAMUEL ALITO A conservative with a liberal streak, Justice Alito can get playful when he pipes up.

JUSTICE

“How does withholding marriage from one group — same-sex couples — increase the value to the other group? I’m sorry, [but] nobody is taking that [liberty] away from anybody. Every single individual in this society chooses … who to marry or not marry. I suspect even with us giving gays rights to marry that there’s some gay people who will choose not to.”

“In all [SCOTUS’ right-to-marry] cases, we didn’t try to define the right more particularly. Is there a right to interracial marriage? Is there a right to marry if you’re a prisoner? We just said there’s a right to marry that is fundamental and that everybody is entitled to it unless there’s some good reason for the state to exclude them. So why shouldn’t we adopt the exact same understanding here?”

JUSTICE ELENA KAGAN The newest member of SCOTUS, she’s an Ivy-Leaguer who served as policy adviser under Clinton, and is most likely a liberal ally.

JUSTICE

Justice Thomas was characteristically silent during arguments.

CLARENCE THOMAS Arguably the most conservative justice, he usually aligns with Justice Scalia, and hardly speaks during oral arguments — especially to press.

“It’s very difficult for the court to say, ‘We know better’ after barely a decade of experience with samesex marriage in the United States. Same-sex couples say, of course, ‘We understand the nobility and the sacredness of marriage. We know we can’t procreate, but we want the other attributes of it in order to show that we, too, have a dignity that can be fulfilled.’”

ANTHONY KENNEDY Often the swing vote, Justice Kennedy sides more with liberals on gay issues, and is considered an ideal libertarian by many.

JUSTICE

The nine justices don’t always reveal their hand during hearings, since they’re … y’know … going to need a minute to deliberate and all that jazz, so the outcome is anyone’s guess. In case you’d like to join in on the Educated Guessing Game, we’ve provided some quick facts about each justice, as well as some of their April 28 responses during the oral arguments on same-sex marriage.

who are the justices of the supreme court and how are they expected to rule?

The Supreme Court is expected to rule on the legitimacy of same-sex marriage by the end of June.

when are they going to decide?

how will these be determined?

There are nine Supreme Court Justices who have heard the arguments from both attorneys. Now, they must deliberate. Because there are an odd number of justices, the hope for all in favor of same-sex marriage is that at least five of them will make marriage equality the law of the land.

“There have been cultures that did not frown on homosexuality. That is not a universal opinion throughout history and across all cultures. Ancient Greece is an example. It was well accepted within certain bounds, but did they have same-sex marriage in ancient Greece?”

“You say join in the institution [of marriage]. The argument on the other side is that they’re seeking to redefine the institution. Every definition that I looked up, prior to about a dozen years ago, defined marriage as unity between a man and a woman, as husband and wife. Obviously, if you succeed, that core definition will no longer be operable. You are not seeking to join the institution. You are seeking to change what the institution is. The fundamental core of the institution is the opposite sex relationship, and you want to introduce to it a same-sex relationship.”

STEPHEN BREYER Often liberal and pragmatic, he’s not inclined to interpret the U.S. Constitution in literal, rigid terms. That’s why this stunned us:

JUSTICE ANTONIN SCALIA Staunchly conservative, Justice Scalia is inquisitive and (curiously) BFFs with Ruth Bader Ginsburg. But don’t let that fool you: He wasn’t feeling Bonauto’s arguments concerning same-sex marriage rights on a federal level.

JOHN ROBERTS A conservative (but not rigidly so) with an encyclopedic knowledge of the law.

CHIEF JUSTICE

SIMPLIFIED! Berlin Sylvestre

NEWS / OP INIO N

LOG CABIN REPUBLICANS GET SCRAPS OFF RELIGIOUS RIGHT TABLE AS REPORTED APRIL 16 BY Lynn Bar tels on the

front page(!) of The Denver Post, the Wester n Conser vative Summit, a gathering of religious right movers and shakers sponsored by the Colorado Christian University in Lakewood and its think tank, the Centennial Institute, disinvited the Log Cabin Republicans (LCR), a conser vative LGBT nonprofit. Rick Kitzman

LCR were dissed, all right. Summit chairman and Institute director John Andrews acted as he did because LCR “advocate contrary to our agenda and our core beliefs.” OMG! The Religious Right has an agenda! I thought it was just us gays. Rats! Andrews must know little about LCR. According to their website, it supports conservative causes dear to most Republicans. The 15member leadership panel of a dozen men and three women, all appearing to be Caucasian, accurately reflects the predominantly white male party. (I may be wrong about the board’s

ethnicity, but neither pictures nor bios depict a minority representative.) The Spirit of Lincoln 2014 convention banner links to the “historic” (oh brother!) keynote address by Mary Cheney, lesbian daughter of the anti-Christ Dick (great rock-band name), former V.P., current demagogue, and future American traitor should anyone write an accurate account of the Iraq War. On April 17, Bartels reported (in a sidebar on page 4) that the Colorado GOP will share space at its booth with LCR. Andrews was “fine” with this agreement, but “not fine with the

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The man equated the presence of a conservative gay advocacy group at its hallowed summit with anti-Semites, pro-Nazi psychos, vicious atheists, anti-abortion zealots, and one of the most hateful churches in American history.

”

shaming and bullying pressure tactics,” and quoted about fairness from both sides. Well, whoop-de-doo! Pretty nervy of him to whine about shame and bullying and unfairness when that’s all Republicans offer anyone who doesn’t fit their straight, white, Religious Right, misogynist mold. Unfortunately, Andrews got a megaphone. On April 18, he wrote an opinion piece for The Denver Post, opening with this paragraph: “Did you hear about the Jewish festival selling an exhibit table to the Holocaust deniers? Or

the Catholic conference where opponents, after pitching a fit, were allowed a poster saying the Pope is the anti-Christ?” All I could hear was Henny Youngman — “Take my wife. Please!” — throwing out one-liners at the Comedy Works. Andrews’ second paragraph continues in the same vein using Planned Parenthood, gruesome photos of abortions, LCR, and Fred Phelps as his punch lines. The man equated the presence of a conservative gay advocacy group at its hallowed summit with anti-Semites, pro-Nazi psychos, vicious atheists, anti-abortion zealots, and one of the most hateful churches in American history. This leader of “Christian” organizations defies logic, but then, logic was lobotomized from the Republican and Religious Right mind long ago. Andrews preached patriotically about the American way and suggested to LCR supporters, “Get a ‘Coexist’ bumper sticker.” He also didn’t appreciate being compared to the Taliban. The shoe fits. Either wear it with pride, stop bitching, or change. Bartels reported on April 21 in The Denver Post (front page banner headline!) that the National LCR fought back on Facebook. According to executive director Gregory Angelo, responses numbered in the hundreds from both Democrats and Republicans, and

shares numbered more than 1000. I’d expect those numbers from an Ann Coulter nakedselfie posting, probably fewer. But Angelo was “stunned” with the reaction, adding “it really feels that at long last we have the wind at our backs.” LCR, you did have something at your back: a boot. Why do you affiliate with a party where you’re not wanted now, have never been wanted, and never will be wanted? At best, you’re the black sheep in the family who must be tolerated, third-class members who get scraps off the banquet table, watching the fat cats gorge themselves. This shared-table compromise may have been reached via The Indiana Factor. I playfully imagine Steve House, state GOP chairman calling Andrews: “Hey Johnny, how’s it hangin’? Also: ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR FREAKINIG MIND!? Are you ignorant of what happened in Indiana last month? Do you want the same hail/fire storm, lightning strike, f lood, avalanche — pick any disastrous weather metaphor you like — to dump on Colorado?!” Here’s an oxymoron: Christian Republicans. Tempting as it is to call them simply “morons,” they’re not. However, they are blind to their own hypocrisy, insulting the religions and

LCR: Why do you affiliate with a party where you’re not wanted now, have never been wanted, and never will be wanted?

”

traditions they purportedly believe, as well as the individuals who truthfully live those beliefs. Right or wrong, Andrews and his ilk spray a stink on the group as a whole. The summit begins June 26. I imagine billionaires like the Koch brothers shopping around to buy their party’s boot-licking cronies and candidates. The summit’s Facebook page says, “Come one, come all.” Let’s buy tickets and attend. Call it PrideFest Part 2!

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NEWS / OP INIO N

MY LOVELY VISIT TO THE CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY REAL TALK: THE EXTENT OF my knowledge about

Scientology comes from that well-known South Park episode. And Tom Cruise. Chris Arneson

We have a Scientology church downtown. (Did you know that?) It’s been right across from Blake Street Tavern since the summer of 2012. Currently, its sign calls it the “Church O Scientology.” (Apparently, no one gave an F, yuk yuk.) Anyway, Scientology’s one of those gatherings that doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to me, which is exactly why I took my boyfriend to it on a Thursday afternoon! (By took, I mean dragged.) First of all, the Church of Scientology offers tours, and not the kind a guy should take holding hands with his boyfriend. (Founder L. Ron Hubbard thinks homosexuality is an illness and has allegedly used it as a platform to promote homophobia.) I wanted to plan ahead, so I went to the website to plot our outing. On their site, you can RSVP to a film showing, sign up for a free personality test, and set up a tour of their Public Information Center. Those forms didn’t work, though, so we just showed up. We arrived around 4pm to desolation — the receptionist wasn’t even there. When he realized

On their site, you can RSVP to a film showing, sign up for a free personality test, and set up a tour of their Public Information Center. Those forms didn’t work, though, so we just showed up.

”

people had entered, he came scurrying over and introduced himself. Bless him; he was probably just so excited to see people. The giddy little Scientologist led us over to the info center, which is essentially just a room filled with several paneled screens, like a museum. This place is fancy. Not regular fancy: fancy fancy. Scientologists must be really rich. Like, this is nicer than most of Denver’s museums and way larger than it needs to be. I zoned out while he stumbled through his pitch, but I did catch him say, “It’s freakin’ mindblowing, man!” That was probably the most apt phrase spoken. It was a self-guided tour, but he kept popping up front behind the panels to check up on us as we wandered around aimlessly trying to look stimulated. We were already prepped to jet at this point. I had to hold back a snort-laugh when he enthusiastically asked, “Hey, would you guys

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like to watch a movie … in a theater?” We declined. Instead, I asked if he could show me the strange machine that lived under a sign reading: See A Thought. He explained it was an e-meter … essentially a device that reads your negativity by analyzing your body’s reaction to certain words. He played with some knobs while I held two metal cups in my hand and tried not to look at my boyfriend’s face. He told me not to move. Nothing happened. Then he told me to squeeze. Nothing happened. Then he realized the machine wasn’t plugged in. This fella was really selling me! After we finished with the e-meter, we were ready to escape. That crap was weird. As our tour guide wandered out of site, we literally ran out the entrance, not looking back. If you’re looking to check out Scientology: You do you, but that shit is uncomfortable. And we didn’t even get to meet an alien.

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you sexually, but these abilities are often also affected by booze, rendering his penis functionless.

NEWS / OP INIO N

BLINDING BANDIT Using his powers of deception, he can put you under a spell that may compel you to give him money or emotional support. He will use you for all he can, then act surprised when his power to pull your strings disappears as you vanquish his hold over you. Unfortunately, it’s generally after a long period of successful hypnotism.

MR. IMMEDIATE This villain acknowledges you only when you can fulfill a need for him. It may be that he is horny or could benefit from your advice. Maybe he needs help moving his secret lair to a new, undisclosed location, or it may be 2am and he needs someone to fulfill his frisky needs after exhausting all of his other options.

SUPER VILLAINS TO AVOID OR DEFEAT Brent Heinze

THE SHADOW He lurks in the dark corners waiting to make his move. The heavy breathing and piercing stare signals impending doom for his victims. This villain probably won’t attack you, but his superpowers are still kind of creepy and make us feel uneasy.

THE SCARLET BEYATCH

IN A WORLD PLAGUED WITH socia l atrocities, these gay super v i l lai ns at tempt to destroy our happy way of life for their ow n self ish benef it. T heir a bi lities ma ke them appear powerf u l, but their actions are v i le. It’s i mpor ta nt to recog n ize these i nd iv idua ls q uick ly a nd d iscover their associated K r y pton ite which ca n render them powerless. Become your ow n superhero by lear n i ng how to ta ke these v i l lai ns dow n before they have the oppor tu n it y to cause negativ it y i n our lives.

His bitchy powers d irected at us unfortunately have the ability to diminish our own self-esteem superpowers if we don’t put up our defenses.

SUPER SUCKER Not only does this villain suck all the fun out of a room, he also has the ability to drain the enjoyment out of peoples’ lives. His evil powers are replenished by those who allow themselves to be bled dry emotionally or while listening to Super Sucker’s long, drawn-out, whiney stories.

HASTY HUSBAND CAPTAIN CRITICAL He infiltrates your parties to talk-trash the food and the people in attendance. No matter the event or situation, he could have done it better. He also uses his powers to provide psychic commentary on everything wrong with people and the lives who surround him. Unfortunately for us, his power of entitlement shields him from seeing all the messed-up qualities about himself.

PROFESSOR PERFECTION He’s one of the most attractive villains in

town and appears to live the perfect life, especially because he tells everyone how amazing he is. In reality, these powers of false image are most likely covering up some large insecurities and a need to overcompensate.

DR. DRUNKIE His powers of bad alcoholic breath and overpowering verbal attacks can bring you to your knees or can stealthily consume your favorite bottle of adult beverage at your party behind your back. He may attempt to use his other powers to subdue

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He can go from a pleasant social exchange to getting on one knee with flowers, a ring, and smothering powers that cause instant feelings of discomfort.

THE CANCELER This villain makes fantastic-sounding plans, then either proceeds to cancel five minutes before he’s supposed to show up or just blow off his commitments completely. His powers are replenished by absorbing the emotional energy of others who are unfortunate enough to make plans with him.

BELIEVE IN PINK.

Mark your calendars now for… Susan G. Komen Race Colorado for the Cure® September 27, 2015, Denver Pink Tie Affair Saturday, November 7th, 2015, Denver

Komen Colorado is proud to announce the 2015 recipients of our local community impact grants! Aspen Valley Hospital District Clinica Tepeyac Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN) Colorado Foundation for Public Health and the Environment & CREA Results Community Health Services Denver Health and Hospital Authority Grand River Hospital District Inner City Health Center Native American Cancer Research Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains Poudre Valley Health System Foundation Project Angel Heart Ray of Hope Cancer Foundation Rocky Mountain Rural Health Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation Sense of Security St. Anthony Health Foundation Yuma District Hospital

www.KomenColorado.org 50 S. Steele St. Suite 100, Denver, CO 80209 • 303.744.2088 The Running Ribbon is a registered trademark of Susan G. Komen.

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FACTS 0

Colorado means “colored red” in Spanish — a reference to the sediment-rich Colorado River.

3 Our state motto is

“Nil sine Numine.”

ABOUT THE

CENTENNIAL

After our first bid for statehood was vetoed by President Andrew Johnson, the next Prez (Ulysses S. Grant) came along and proclaimed CO an official state.

Berlin Sylvestre

We have the highest mean elevation of any state with more than 1000 Rocky Mountains more than 10,000 feet high, and 54 looming from 14,000 feet above.

We have more craft breweries per capita than any other state.

The CO state dance is the square dance. For real!

(Nothing Without Providence.)

Because statehood was granted less than a month after the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we’re nicknamed The Centennial State.

8 The white in our state flag symbolizes Colorado’s snow capped mountains, the blue symbolizes clear blue skies, the red symbolizes the reddish soil, and the golden yellow represents the sun.

The CO state dinosaur is the stegosaurus.

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STATE

Butch Cassidy committed his first bank robbery in Telluride in 1889.

The stegosaurus was the first dino discovered in the state. (In Grand Junction, no less.)

12 A golf ball flies 10 percent farther in Colorado than in other states, and goes even farther at altitudes of 7000+ feet.

Denver’s Colfax Avenue is the longest continuous street in America.

People in Fruita celebrate Mike the Headless Chicken Day. Apparently, a farmer named L.A. Olsen cut a chicken named Mike’s head off in 1945 in anticipation of a chicken dinner — and Mike lived for another 18 headless months.

CO’s state pets are rescue dogs and cats.

An 1893 trip to the top of Pikes Peak inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write the America the Beautiful.

17 Denver introduced the nation’s first locked hotel doors in 1872.

In the late 1800s, mountain mailmen delivered parcels with homemade wooden skis and a simple toe strap, braving harsh conditions, avalanches, and whiteout storms. Dying in the line of delivery duty was common.

The United States federal government owns more than 1/3 of the land in Colorado.

20 The coldest temperature ever recorded for May in the lower 48 states was

-10°

at Climax, Colorado in 1896.

21 The Colorado State Capitol owes the red marble known as “Beulah red” for its unique splendor. Shaping, shining, and fixing the marble in the Capitol took six years: from 1894 to 1900. All the Beulah red marble in the world was used in the creation of the Capitol.

Due to the expenditure, contamination, and population explosion it would create, in 1976, Colorado became the only state in history to decline to host the Olympics. O U T F R O N T O N L I N E . C O M | M AY 2 0 , 2 0 1 5 | 2 1

0 FACTS

ABOUT THE

CENTENNIAL

STATE

The 13th step leading to the main entrance hall of the Capitol building is precisely one mile above sea level.

CO has the world’s largest zip line, and it’s in Royal Gorge Bridge and Park.

The mile-marker at the Capitol used to be the 15th step, but a more accurate measurement was taken in 2003.

25 Red Rocks amphitheater took

300 million years to create.

In Arvada, any place that sells alcohol must have enough lighting to read text inside the establishment without having to “resort to other lighting.”

The Smuggler II Mine near Aspen produced the largest silver nugget in the world in 1894. It weighed more than a ton.

30 Denver stakes its claim as the origin of the cheeseburger. The brand for the term “cheeseburger” was granted to Louis Ballast of Denver’s Humpty Dumpty Drive-In in 1935.

Denver collects more money for the arts per capita than any other US city.

FUEL

KINDLING

TINDER

camping: how to build a campﬁre

For more how to infographics, check out our May 06 issue online at OutFrontOnline.com

1 Bend the tinder in half and light the center.

Get good tinder from dead twigs found on the lower branches of trees and shrubs that snaps off easily when bent.

Around the size of a pencil lead.

No shorter than your outstreched hand.

Enough to fill a circle made with your hands.

2 Kindling should be dry. Don’t gather wet wood! Get branches that are dead and on the ground.

No thicker than your thumb.

Add kindling, keep piling it on loosely, then give the fire plenty of kindling to keep it growing.

About as long as your elbow to your fingertips.

Enough for a generous armload.

Fuel should be dry and formed into a nice-sized stack before you light the fire.

About as thick as your wrist.

About as long as your arm.

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A stack about as high as your knee.

3 As the kindling begins to burn, start adding your fuel.

11-year-old Antone Woode became our state’s youngest prisoner after he was convicted of murdering a neighbor in 1893. He served 12 years.

The Buckhorn Exchange (est. 1860s) was the recipient of Denver Liquor License #1. The restaurant, still open, has the license on display.

William McGaa, an original Denver settler, named several downtown Denver streets. Wewatta was named for his original Sioux wife; Wazee was named after his mistress. #Player

The tallest building in our state is the Republic Plaza in Denver. It’s 57 stories high. O U T F R O N T O N L I N E . C O M | M AY 2 0 , 2 0 1 5 | 2 3

0 FACTS

ABOUT THE

CENTENNIAL

STATE

35 Our state has nearly as many ghost towns (~500) as live ones (650).

The first permanent structure in Denver was not a hospital, bank, or residence — it was a saloon.

In Cripple Creek, it’s illegal to bring your horse or pack mule above the ground floor of any building.

The Denver mint is the largest producer of coins in the world. (Check your coins for a D just beneath the year marker to see if we made that bad boy.)

In Boulder, boulders may not be rolled on city property.

In Pueblo, it’s illegal to let a dandelion grow within the city limits.

We are one of only two states in the United States in which all the water flows out but none flows in. (The other is Hawaii.)

In Louisville, residents can’t own chickens, but may own up to three turkeys.

Old Town in Fort Collins was the inspiration for California’s Disneyland Main Street.

The 16 th Street Mall was designed by I.M. Pei, the architect famous for the glass pyramid outside the Louvre in Paris.

Led Zeppelin played their first show in America at the Denver Auditorium Arena on December 26, 1968.

In Logan County, it’s illegal for a man to kiss a woman while she is asleep.

44 Between 1763 and 1848, Colorado belonged in varying proportions to France, Spain, Mexico, and the Republic of Texas.

Colorado is landlocked twice over — not only does it not touch the ocean, it doesn’t border any states that touch the ocean.

A 1000-pound triceratops skull was found during the construction of Coors field, inspiring the Rockies’ mascot.

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50 The aluminum beer can was introduced in 1959 by Coors of Golden, Colorado.

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WHY OUR

POLITICIANS

LOVE COLORADO

Bil Browning

“I love Colorado because

“Colorado is a beautiful state that encourages healthy lifestyles and offers great cultural and recreational opportunities ranging from world-class skiing to professional sports to performing arts. Our businessfriendly policies and good schools make Colorado a great place to start a business or find a job. Colorado’s live-and-let-live culture helps us stay ahead of the curve in ensuring that LGBT Coloradans are safe and secure in our lives and jobs.”

JARED POLIS UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE

“I am proud to be a fourth-

DIANA DEGETTE UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE

generation Coloradan, but I also chose to make Colorado my home because — in addition to its unrivaled beauty — this place is among the most vibrant and interesting places to live anywhere. I am honored to serve this place and its people in public office because for all of the nastiness that we see in politics sometimes, the ability to make our communities better and promote our shared values is incredibly rewarding. I count many of the advances we have won for LGBT rights among my proudest professional accomplishments.”

it’s my home. It’s where I was born and raised. I love that we are independent and often ahead of much of the country on many things. The first marriage licenses were issued to gay couples in Boulder in the 1970s. We were one of the first states to give women the right to vote. I ran for office to advance Colorado’s history of respecting individual liberty and equality for all.”

DOMINICK MORENO STATE REPRESENTATIVE

JOHN HICKENLOOPER GOVERNOR

Governor John Hickenlooper, in office since 2011, has been a staunch LGBT ally for years. As the mayor of Denver, Hickenlooper proclaimed a “marriage equality day” in 2009 at the request of a 3rd grader. In his 2012 State of the State address, Hickenlooper announced that passing civil-union legislation was a top priority for his administration and in 2014, he evolved to fully support same-sex marriage.

State senator Jessie Ulibarri was the first legislator to marry his partner during Colorado’s rocky road to marriage equality. While the media made a spectacle of the couple’s wedding, Ulibarri’s grandmother stole the hearts of the public when she handed him his grandfather’s wedding ring. She had always been supportive of their relationship and wanted him to have the important token because it meant so much to her. Ulibarri’s grandparents were married for 61 years; his grandfather had died the year before.

JESSIE ULIBARRI STATE SENATOR

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PAT STEADMAN

State senator Pat Steadman has been fighting for LGBT rights for more than two decades. An openly gay man, Steadman entered the battle in 1991 when he fought against Denver’s Ordinance 1 — a general election campaign on whether or not to keep the city’s sexual orientation inclusion in the human rights ordinance. When he sponsored the state’s civil-unions bill in 2013, he made sure it was Senate Bill 11 as a tribute to his late partner, Dave Misner. Misner, who had died shortly before the bill’s introduction, was born on May 11 and the couple had been together for 11 years.

STATE SENATOR

MICHAEL HANCOCK MAYOR

“ I grew up here in a big family without a lot of money, and I dreamed of one day being Denver’s Mayor. It was an audacious dream, but the people in my life believed in me. Denver believed in me. This city gave me a chance to succeed. Today, I see that same promise in all of Denver, in all of its people. And I believe we can make Denver a city of opportunity for everyone. We have the made great strides toward bringing down the walls that divide to become a place where everyone matters and we will keep moving boldly in that direction, together.” “Colorado was a fresh start for me, a

PAUL ROSENTHAL STATE REPRESENTATIVE

chance to go to grad school, buy a condo, make a career, pursue politics, and come out of the closet. Besides the fact this place is beautiful, open, and has so much sun, the people here palpably thrive in that environment. Remarkably, I found it easy to get into politics in Denver. To be sure, I put in a lot of work and made a lot of sacrifices, but new leaders like me were welcomed. I always knew I had particular ideas and ways of doing things no one else did, so running for office was a natural goal. I feel I am accomplishing what I had set out to do: help people and small businesses, work on climate change, criminal justice reform, and promote our state internationally.” O U T F R O N T O N L I N E . C O M | M AY 2 0 , 2 0 1 5 | 2 7

SO YOU’RE OF MOVING TO

COLORADO? Do it! Janet Corniel

There are many reasons why folks have come near and far to settle in this beautiful frontier state. As any transplant will tell you, they came to visit or work and fell in love with all that Colorado offers.

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LOVE THE OUTDOORS?

ENTREPRENEUR?

Colorado offers the most scenic and rugged landscape to explore. There’s a reason why folks come here to vacation and stay. This beautiful landscape is enjoyed year round. From skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking and fishing, just about anything you can think of can be enjoyed here.

Entrepreneur at heart? Colorado is the place for you. Between Boulder and Denver, there are many incubators that will help you transform your idea into reality. The entrepreneur community is very supportive. In addition to incubators, there are professional organizations that support education and entrepreneur events throughout the year.

ATHLETIC? There’s a reason why the Olympic Training Center is located here in Colorado. You will find that even if you’re not a competitive athlete, it will bring out the best in any exercise regime. Living in high-altitude has its benefits, after you get used to it. Give it at least two weeks and lots of water and your body will transform. I must admit: The first two weeks will be challenging even if you are fit, but once you acclimate, the results are impressive. You’ll be able to go down to sea-level and blow away your competition.

NIGHT LIFE? Colorado has the most unique microcosm of people and places. Each city here has its own vibe, which will appeal to a wide variety of tastes. Whether you’re into the club scene, country western music, or live bands, you’ll find a cool and unique venue to enjoy.

EDUCATION? Thinking of moving with the kiddos or looking to pursue additional education? Colorado offers school choice. Therefore, you can find the school that best fits your child’s needs. Further, CSU and University of Colorado both have campuses that can help you further your education and professional development.

COST OF LIVING? Overall, Denver has a reasonable cost of living compared to other cities. However, recent demand for housing and employment has created a growing economy, which has impacted the cost of rent and housing. Denver is 6.5 percent above the national average (Forbes 2015). According to Forbes, Denver is 4th when it comes to the best places for business and careers. Here are some interesting stats from Forbes that help explain why:

Metro Population: 2,687,300 Major Industries: Aerospace, Telecom, Technology

Gross Metro Product: $157 B Median Household Income: $62,222 Median Home Price: $278,400 Unemployment: 5.7% Job Growth: 3.6% College Attainment: 39.9% Net Migration: 7,510

CITY LIFE? If the city life is your thing, Denver offers you a plethora of choices. Each area of the city offers a unique personality that awaits your arrival. From the Highlands to LoDo, every place has its own local vibe, and discovering the right fit for you is a fun adventure.

COUNTRY LIFE? The country life is alive and well here in Colorado. Approximately 45 minutes from the city center will give you the country lifestyle you crave. Prairie and Alpine forest offer you a unique opportunity to live on the land and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

HIGH LIFE? Colorado is one of five states in the country that has legalized medical and recreational marijuana. Transplants have come from near and far to take advantage of this opportunity, especially for medicinal purposes. The influx of dispensaries accommodate the growing demand. Therefore, if this is of interest to you, Colorado is definitely leading the way in this growing industry.

After moving 13 times in 20 years and living abroad, my boys and I have settled in Denver. Based on the statistics and the growing economy here, we are not the only ones who have chosen this city to call home. Colorado offers a perfect combination of active lifestyle, quality of life, education, and affordability. Although Denver is a large city, it doesn’t feel like it. People here are warm and friendly. Further, this city is clean. The grit you find in other older, industrial cities is just not here. Rather, you have a unique mixture of culture, art, and activities along with hamlets that reflect these interests. If you are going to do cold, Denver is it. Denver ranks sixth amongst the sunniest US cities. Therefore that gloom that accompanies winter doesn’t last long here. On average, Denver has 163 days under 32 degrees, which makes it palatable. I should know. Being originally from Hawaii, this hot-house flower is not a big fan of extreme cold. This city that I now call home is thriving and I am fortunate that my boys and I are here to be a part of it. I welcome you to consider the opportunities it has to offer and join us in the growth of this remarkable city.

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And do it she has. Recently, in under two months she traveled to Spain, Puerto Rico, Chile, Argentina, Miami, NYC, and back to Denver. Whew.

Q+ A

“In every country, every crowd is different. It’s a bit more nerve racking when you go to a country or a dancefloor you don’t know very well, but you’ll never see those nerves on my face. You have to keep it together. For me, it’s adrenaline. You step on that stage and you see the people there, and you just think, ‘Game on.’” What’s that learning curve like? I’m an observer. I’m a sociologist at heart. I like seeing how crowds react to certain things. At the beginning, I throw something out and see if they pick it up. Later, when you’re feeding them hard on the prime time, you know exactly where the party’s going. You have to be skilled enough to deal with what’s going to happen.

DJ TATIANA TAKES US FOR A SPIN I GET THERE EARLY. CREMA, like the smooth coffee they serve, feels warm inside; the shop’s windows are fogged by a cold Denver day. The gaudy gold chandelier lights the exposed wood and brick as the sweet, soulful pleading of Al Green quickly fades into Beach House’s atmospheric lull. Someone at the table next to me has a unicorn head mask splayed out as two girls talk about their plans for the weekend. Its eyes stare at me, bulging, saying something between RIDE ME and SAVE ME. Before I can say boom-badoom-boom, my phone rings and a bright, “Hello, I’m here!” greets me on the line. I walk to the front door and know right away DJ Tatiana has arrived, wearing those perfect black boots and a soft, lumpy sweater underneath a sleek leather jacket. She’s got intricate braids on one side of her head, falling into a loose ponytail in back. She looks like someone you could be best friends with.

Her story, like all of ours, begins at home. The oldest and only female in a family of four children, she grew up in Spain and spent her formative years traveling the world, music always included. “My family had restaurants that had live music. In Madrid, in Bogota, they all had a similar flavor. People [would] go there and have some drinks, some food, and there was always a stage — a guitar player, a band, something! It was a lot of fun. So I’ve always loved music, since I was very, very little.” Tatiana left for the US to start college, double majoring in international business and computer

That’s the beautiful thing. DJs used to be in the shadows, up in some room. You didn’t know there was a DJ — you just knew there was music playing and you’d just dance. Now, it’s an art. You’re center stage and people are looking at you to know when to start the party. We’re on a five-hour trip together. What does that feel like, when you’re on top of your game and you know the crowd’s really feeling it? *laugh and long sigh* It’s like the best orgasm ever.” [Author’s note: Sign us up!] “It’s all about the love and energy that you feel. If I’m feeling like I wanna dance, I wanna jump, I’m in heaven. The most beautiful part of the night is when somebody comes up dripping in sweat, and they tell me they really enjoyed the set. If you come to me and your hair is all perfect, no, no, no! If you’re a hot mess, then I want to talk to you. Do you ever meet women at work?

Stefanie Cochrane

Tatiana’s a touring performer with regular sets around town, a former Billboard DJ and chart panelist, an LGBT advocate, a Capricorn, an avid horse rider, and red wine drinker. She has a real love for Denver and our mountains, but not hiking. “I’m not that kind of lesbian.” Tatiana is cool, and will only prove to be more so as we sit down to chat.

So you have to trust your audience to get it, and they have to trust you to get them there.

information. She returned to Spain to get an MBA and went corporate. “But,” she says, “DJing was always there.” She worked ‘round the clock, peddling away at a desk by day and spinning records by night. “My body just couldn’t take it anymore and I was like, ‘You need to choose one.’ I would get up at 7am to be fresh for the office after staying up until three or four in the morning. I had to take off all the glitter — it was all over my face, my hair, everywhere! I think at the end of the day, it wasn’t an easy choice. You have to choose between security and money, but [office work] lacks the creativity and passion.” She thinks for a quick minute and I try to imagine this fireball in a cubicle rather than a DJ booth. “As for the big picture,” she says, “there are many artists in the world, you know, many people have been blessed with artistic ability. Very few people can actually live off of it. So if I can manage to somehow live off my art, I owe it to myself and the rest of the world to do it.”

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All the time. No complaints there! Single? Complicated. I would never put anyone between me and my crowd. That’s difficult for a lot of women be ok with. Jealously definitely becomes an issue. I’m all about the people. I love the happiness. There never can be a bad show because I need to bring happiness to these people so I can’t let anything detract from that. Has any negativity associated with the club scene affected you on a personal level? Like maybe the drug use at raves? I’ve been lucky enough not to have any addictive personalities. You must give more freedom to the people because we’re adults. Anything in life in excess is not good, but as long people know what they’re doing and they’re taking care of themselves, I won’t promote it, I don’t condone it. After working in the night life for so many years, I know what exists within it. As long as you’re a responsible individual and you’re not gonna

It’s all about the love and energy that you feel. The most beautiful part of the night is when somebody comes up dripping in sweat, and they tell me they really enjoyed the set.

”

hurt yourself or others, go ahead and party. I’d wear that t-shirt. So what’s the worst part? The art form is beautiful. I even like when people make requests, as long as they’re nice about it. There are a lot of politics behind this and sometimes people only see the glamour and the glitz, but they don’t see what goes on behind the stage. Music is moving to a superficial point. You have a computer, you have somebody who is very cute behind the computer — that’s it. We’re not looking closely at the music or the artists themselves. We need to be very careful as an industry. We have to make sure that we

don’t go too far out from quality and make sure we don’t lose the basics of our art. Anybody can open their computer and hit the spacebar and have a beat and wave their arms and be a ‘DJ.’ We can’t go in that direction or we’re gonna lose it, and that would be very sad. Speaking of politics, has it been difficult breaking through the industry as a woman? In the corporate world, the woman is always seen as the secretary. In music, it’s been challenging, too. They expect a Playboy Bunny, you know: with things hanging out. Don’t get me wrong, when I walk onstage, I know I’m an entertainer and I will dress accordingly, sometimes sexier than others, but I don’t let that be the only attribute I’m bringing to the table. If you have it, flaunt it. That’s great, but you should also be a very good musician. Now, though, the industry is starting to change, and it’s a little more all inclusive and I’m glad to see that happening. I think we’re starting to overcome those old stereotypes as a community. Is there any tension or more competition between female DJs? Good female DJs believe that, if you have any [tension], take it to the dance floor, take it to the decks. Speak with the music. Then I will respect you — you’re badass! There are some fantastic DJs out there. What sets you apart?

For one, I think my flexibility. I can do Latin, hip hop, house, tribal house, diva house, circuit. It’s a question of what my crowd wants or — really — what my crowd needs. Playing in a lot of different communities, I see how expectations are different across them. I’ve played for straight, gay, lesbian crowds, everybody! Sometimes I think we forget how lucky we are to live in a country like this where we can be ourselves as women, as individuals, as gays and lesbians, to be able to say, “This is what I want to do today. This is what I want to do with my life. These are my dreams.” A lot of people cannot do that so I think it’s our duty to live our lives the best way possible for others who cannot. Like when women look at me, I hope they see that I can be whatever I want to be. In certain communities, things can be a little more closed minded. When I play for those communities, the most important thing for me is to be an empowering woman.” Tatiana’s resume speaks for itself. She’s been instrumental in organizing local community parties for a wide array of charities — the Colorado AIDS Program and the Urban Latino LGBT Foundation to name a few. You can find her this year performing at Miami’s AquaGirl, the world’s largest charity event for women. She doesn’t just play music, she aims higher in hopes to inspire and bring people closer together because, she says, “We really are like a rainbow.”

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Q+ A

There aren’t many people who go through life without trouble. I turn my pain into compassion, and in order to do that, I had to learn to accept what happened, that I am in the right place, doing the right thing. What can you say about the characters you play? Your role in Downloading Nancy affected me deeply. Are the characters you play an extension of your life? Downloading Nancy was one of my favorite films. I do believe all the parts I play are some other person. There are hundreds of crevices of pain and joy from my past. I draw on the pieces that character possesses. For Nancy, I’m sure I drew from my suicidal experiences and from my bipolar disorder. I didn’t create her; I was her at some point. You often mention shame. How do you feel you’ve been able to transform your shame into pride?

THE FALL AND RISE OF MARIA BELLO MARIA BELLO MAY BE KNOWN for her roles in films such

as Coyote Ugly and The Cooler, but she garnered considerable attention for her essay Coming Out as a Modern Family, when it appeared in the Modern Love column in The New York Times. In the essay, Bello explained how she told her son Jack about her relationship with Clare, her best friend. His response: “Whatever, Mom: Love is love.” Bello uses this phrase as the title of her new book, a collection of essays that question labels and identity. In a recent phone interview, Bello spoke about her life, work, and family. Gary M. Kramer

How did the success of your story about being “whatever” change your life and visibility?

of restriction. I see that with a lot of traditional

After the New York Times article, I had so many people saying, “I’m a whatever” or “I have a whatever family.” It was a duty or responsibility; I think people want to talk about labels to see if they empower us or disempower us. “Whatever” identifies as anything. There’s a lack

especially in terms of family and partnership.

labels, which don’t fit a lot of people anymore, You write rather painfully, and quite candidly, about the struggles you’ve experienced over the course of your life. What coping skills have you found effective?

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Let’s go back to the old adage that the truth will set you free. Not everyone is going to like you — including, perhaps, your own mother and father. But if you get to your true essence, you can change the people around you, and change policy. The opposite of shame is pride, and by owning the labels that empower us and getting rid of the labels that disempower us, we create pride. The only thing I can say to folks is, “Be your own self.” Everything positive comes from that. The basis is love. I wanted to belong to a club based on love. You look for signs throughout the book. Why do you place such emphasis on fate, or is it faith? That’s not something I learned from growing up Catholic. I learned it from my mother, who taught us about signs. Angels were looking out for us. If you look for signs, they will be there. Turn superstition into super. I talk about being “enough” in the book. I realize my only soulmate and partner is myself — and God whoever you call God, even if you don’t believe in God. The universe is so much bigger than we are. You write about Haiti as your mistress. What is it about that country that appeals to you? As soon as my foot hit the ground in Haiti, I knew this was my place. I belonged there in some way. And Haiti knew I belonged to her. And the friends I met before the quake — whoever and whatever we were, we experienced something together that no one will understand. We saw a lot of pain, seeing friends suffer, and we had joy. There is a life force in Haiti that is like no other I know. I would encourage people to go and see the beauty of the island. Most people think of it as poverty and ghettos, but there is celebration in the streets everyday — music, dancing colors, and art.

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Q+ A

THE NOTORIOUS C-H-O MARGARET CHO WILL BRING HER c a n d i d , c o n f e s s i o n a l , and socially conscious comedy to Boulder on J u n e 2 6 a s p a r t o f a n a t i o n a l t o u r s h e ’s b i l l i n g “ T h e re ’s N o ‘ I ’ I n Te a m , B u t T h e re I s A ‘ C h o ’ I n P s y c h o.” T h e a c t o r, a u t h o r, t a l k s h ow h o s t , a n d t h re e - t i m e E m my a n d G ra m my n o m i n e e s l owe d d ow n j u s t l o n g e n o u g h t o a n s we r a f ew q u e s t i o n s a b o u t h e r m o s t re c e n t p ro j e c t s. Candice Dyer

Without giving away any spoilers, what can you tell us about your new material? I’ve really been in a writing mood, and this is my most exciting show to date, I think. It’s about all of the insanity in the world. As a straightidentified, straight-acting bisexual — at least, I think that’s how I’m identifying myself these days — I naturally will focus on gay politics and identity, including transgender issues. And, yes, I also will include some jokes about my family. There will be a lot about standing up against violence against women. It’s the next wave of protest. But I also want to celebrate the funniness in the world and pay tribute both to Joan Rivers and to Robin Williams who were major influences on me and so many others.

Police brutality is confusing and sad and scary. Every week, there’s a new video, a new death — and this is nothing new. My new material addresses [this].

”

You recently honored Robin Williams with a campaign you called “Be Robin,” which has been described as “pop-up comedy” around San Francisco. Tell us about that project.

money, and supplies, and we had people offering services such as giving haircuts. People who were formerly homeless showed up to speak. The outpouring was generous and amazing.

I found I couldn’t stop grieving Robin Williams and I spoke to my friend Michael Pritchard, who is a mutual friend of mine and Robin’s and he said, “Don’t grieve Robin, be Robin.” So this is what I thought I should do. I should go and make a little Comic Relief [the nonprofit organization recently renamed the Tahoe Institute]. Robin was a street performer who raised millions for the homeless, so I thought a fitting way to honor him would be to help the homeless. I performed at shelters and other spots where people gather, and donors showed up with food, clothing,

How would you argue for gay marriage in front of the Supreme Court?

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Well, this is something I’ve been working for for at least eleven years. It’s an equal-rights issue that is just so obvious, and it’s finally going to happen now. I think celebrations will take place all over the country in the form of weddings everywhere. It’s been a long time coming. I’m just glad it’s here. How do you feel about all the “religious freedom” legislation in the news, and why do

you suppose some heterosexual, conservative people feel so threatened and unhinged by people who might be different? The religious freedom stuff is just another way to, again, justify homophobia and bigotry; it’s not about religious freedom at all. It’s all about a power balance. Inequality serves those in power, and those people get disturbed when the status quo shifts. Power traditionally went one way forever, it seemed, and now it’s shifting out of their favor to be more inclusive. How are gay people treated in Korea and within the Korean-American community? I think it’s still illegal in North Korea. In South Korea, there are pride parades, but people are discouraged from taking photographs of those because there’s a fear that someone will be embarrassed. In this country, gay people are more accepted, of course, but the more traditional elements of the culture still have a problem with it. What are your thoughts on racism today, and to what extent have relations improved between African-American communities and Korean business owners in their midst? First, the police brutality is confusing and sad and scary. And these slayings by police keep continuing, almost weekly, it seems, despite massive protests. Every week there’s a new video, a new death. And this is nothing new — there was Rodney King, Amadou Diallo, so many. My new material addresses race because I think we’re in the middle of one of the most important conversations about it in the world today. When violence erupts, Asians and Mexicans get caught in the crossfire — it’s a logistical thing because we’re not really white. Where do we fit on the spectrum between black and white? So many Korean businesses were looted during the King riots, which was unfair because they’re not responsible for police brutality. I want to see an end to police brutality, and I’m all for peaceful protest and police accountability.

The religious freedom stuff is just another way to justify homophobia and bigotry. It’s not about religious freedom at all — it’s all about power.

What is your social life like these days? Really, I’m not doing that much socializing or dating. After doing so much writing, I’m in the mode of work, rest, travel, work, rest, travel. That’s it. How do you relax in your down-time? I love musical comedy and sketch comedy. I like supporting other female comedians. I really enjoy Amy Schumer. I think she brings a very real kind of feminism to her work. There are so many good female comedians, but it’s still hard for women in comedy because we don’t get a lot of support from males. We don’t get as many chances to shine. I also watch a lot of old movies. I just recently watched Sunday, Bloody Sunday, which is an excellent film about bisexuality. You recently hosted a very frank late-night talk show called All About Sex. What was the most surprising thing you learned?

PHOTOS BY MARY TAYLOR

A lot of people don’t understand that sex ultimately is about the relationship you have with yourself. It’s a kind of being as opposed to just relating to someone else. So much of sex depends on the relationship you have with yourself, how you relate to your own being. People don’t realize that.

”

What’s the wildest, most reckless thing you’ve done? I bought a pair of Italian boots for a thousand dollars and didn’t keep the receipt. Catch Margaret on June 26 at the Chautauqua Auditorium in Boulder.

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Q+ A

BIANCA AND BEYOND BIANCA DEL RIO, BEST KNOWN for winning last season

of RuPaul’s Drag Race, is coming to Denver for her comedy show Rolodex of Hate on May 28. Out Front spoke with Bianca about her life since Drag Race and what it’s like being a queen of mean. Chris Arneson

I had all the makings to be a drag queen, and then it just evolved into my life. I didn’t plan it. Originally I wanted to quit at 40 because at the point it would be 20 years at one level. Then I did Drag Race…and it all shifted.

”

Tell me a bit about your show!

from RuPaul’s Drag Race at the very end. It’s a nice little journey we go on.

Basically, it’s called my Rolodex of Hate, and it’s an inside to my life and how I became this tight, symbolistic bitch through my nasty sense of humor and hateful ways. It’s like a true bio (but, you know, not that serious) filled with stories and tales that got me to this point.

So what’s the most offensive joke you’ve ever gotten away with?

You’ve got history in stand-up comedy. I’ve done stand-up before, but it’s one of those things that kind of blends together. I decided to do a show and I’ve been traveling with it since November of last year. I’m hoping by the fall to be doing something different. Is Rolodex of Hate something you came up with on Drag Race, or has that been in your arsenal for a while? It’s something that’s always been in my brain. I’d always thought of it, and Ru asked me on the show where my sense of humor comes from. I explained to her my Rolodex of Hate. We toyed with other names, but I thought that would be the most fitting because it was a nice umbrella where I could do whatever I wanted without being too specific or calling it The Bianca Del Rio Story. It was just easier to be able to incorporate anything, and that’s what usually happens in the show. The first 5-10 minutes is just me doing whatever is in front of me. Then I get into my life, a Q&A with the audience, and then a recap of the queens 3 6 | M AY 2 0 , 2 0 1 5 | O U T F R O N T O N L I N E . C O M

Oh god, I don’t know! Everyone is always pissed off at something. I can’t think of anything specific off the top of my head, but it’s fascinating: When people have something to say, they typically never say it to your face — but it’s always something in print or social media, they’re very brave. But no matter what I say, someone is always pissed off by it. Like, you’re watching a f*cking drag queen for Christ’s sake … calm down. Where do you get the most hate on social media? I don’t really read any of that sh*t. I do have a friend who sends me the nasty stuff people say on Reddit, but I don’t get into it. I get too aggravated and pissed off, and when I stop responding, it comes across really hateful. I always say it doesn’t affect my pay, it doesn’t affect my work. And luckily, I’m almost 40 … I ain’t worried about that. It doesn’t change my life. You’re hitting 40 in a month, right? Anything special planned for it? I’m going to Puerto Vallarta! My first vacation ever. So me and a gaggle of gays are heading there for the week to hang out. I’m quite excited. I’ve been traveling so much, and the traveling’s not bad … but taking all this drag everywhere. I told all my friends I’m just packing a speedo and a sun visor and saying, “F*ck it … if I need anything else, I’ll just buy it there.”

Have you been to Denver often?

What’s your favorite role you got to tackle?

I have not. I think I’ve only been there twice before, or maybe once at clubs, so I’m excited to get to do my show. It’s really nice because on social media, everyone is like, “Come to Denver! Come to Brazil!” I don’t pick where I go, but I’m excited.

The Emcee in Cabaret. I’ve done it three times. He’s an evil man in makeup, so it’s kind of fitting. Definitely one of my favorites.

You’ve also got a movie, Hurricane Bianca, in the works. How’s that going?

No, always as a male, but he’s basically in drag. At this point, I just want to be Sally. *laughs*

We started funding for that right before I did Drag Race. Then I did the show, and I couldn’t tell anyone. And then I came back, we did another round of crowdfunding, and we are actually finally ready to go into production in July! We’re filming for three weeks. It’s a project that’s been in the mix for a couple years now. My schedule this past year has luckily been very tight, but we reserved a block to make it happen. Describe Bianca in three words. Oooh ... Nasty. Hateful. C*nt. (But that’s just the exterior, you know?) You’ve got a bit of a theatrical history, right? Well that’s how it all started: Theatre and costumes and wigs and makeup. I had all the makings to be a drag queen, and then it just evolved into my life. I didn’t plan it. It’s just amazing. I didn’t expect all this great stuff to happen later in life, but since it did, it helps me mentally. I think if I were 20, I would have lost my mind.

Have you ever played him in drag?

What’s the best costume you’ve ever crafted? There’s tons of stuff I’ve made (I used to work for a big Broadway costume company in New York.) It’s always fascinating because you’re in the shop and you’re making all this stuff, so when you have to see the show, there’s a ball gown that’s kind of fabulous, and everyone is ooh-ing and ahh-ing … and you realize you’ve made it. It’s that moment of wow. Just being in New York is really amazing. Having stuff on Broadway or a Victoria’s Secret runway show is overwhelming. What’s your costume like for the show? I’ve been wearing it since I started the show, and I wear it the entire time. It’s a red sequin dress — I like to keep it simple. It’s not necessarily a drag show ... so I didn’t want [too many] costume changes. I’m just doing stand-up and I happen to be in drag. The drag is definitely secondary as opposed to being the reason. So if Roy weren’t doing Bianca, would he just be working on costume stuff? I don’t know. I’ve done both for so long, it’s just been a part of my life. Definitely costume work is my passion. I do miss it terribly with the schedule. But it’s something I can always come back to. I’m not going to be doing drag for the rest of my life … so, we shall see. I didn’t plan this far. Looking back, you appeared on MTV Mardi Gras 2002. Was that Bianca’s first big TV appearance? You know, it kinda was. Those years are blurry for me in timelines. That was something cool. They actually filmed it the week before the real Mardi Gras with Britney Spears and Carson Daly and Molly Sims. We did a drag makeover thing. That was the first national thing I was able to do. It was exciting, it was very early in the morning ... and freezing. That’s what I remember. So you’re just stopping in for Denver for a day and you’re out? That’s how it is. Always. In and out, like a cheap hooker. For deets on Bianca’s show, visit AltitudeTickets.com.

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CAL E N DA R

BROUGH T TO YOU BY T HE DENVER GAY & LES BIAN C HAMBER OF COMMERC E

FREE STUFF TO DO IN DENVER UPCOMIN G

ALL SUMMER LONG Calendar written by Kelly Morris

CHAMBER EV E N TS

MAY 26

FARMERS MARKETS @ MU LT I P LE LOCAT I ONS • T I ME AND DAT ES VARY

DOWNTOWN NETWORKING BREAKFAST

@ HOT CAKES DINER, 1400 E. 18 TH AVE, DENVER • 7.30AM

Cherry Creek is home of the largest farmers market in Denver. At the “Cadillac of farmers markets,” you can find freshly made tamales, flowers, artisan cheeses, gourmet wines, farm fresh eggs, and vegetables and more. Dogs are always welcome! The City Park Esplanade has many of the same vendors at the Cherry Creek farmers market, but is generally much less busy. With more room to roam around and tables and chairs set up, it’s the perfect place for a morning picnic. ColoradoFreshMarkets.com

JUNE 06+07

MAY 27

MAY 29

ART FOR LIFE

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

@ AB END GALLERY F INE ART • 226 0 E COLFAX AVE, DENVER • 6 :30 PM

PRESENTED BY THE DENVER BRONCOS FOOTBALL CLUB IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE MINORITY CHAMBERS

More than 100 pieces of art by well-known local and national artists will be auctioned to benefit Project Angel Heart’s home-delivered meal program. Enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres and cocktails and watch some of our area’s most well-known artists create paintings and sketches of live models during the event. ProjectAngelHeart.org

@ SPORTS AUTHORITY AT MILE HIGH, EAST CLUB LOUNGE • 5 - 7PM

THRU SEPT 25 JUNE 04

MONTHLY BREAKFAST SERIES An exciting and informational breakfast with a breakfast buffet and featured speaker.

@ WARWICK HOTEL, 1776 GRANT ST, DENVER • 7.30AM

CHALK ART FESTIVAL @ LARI MER SQUARE • DENVER More than 200 award-winning artists come together to chalk up the streets of Larimer Square for a weekend. You can watch the artists spend hours on their hands and knees transforming the four blocks into an art gallery. The event has live music, a place for kids to create their own chalk masterpieces, wine pavilions, and beer stations. Chalk on! LarimerArts.org

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FRIDAY NIGHT BAZAAR @ 3530 B RIG H TON BLVD • DENVER Located in an art warehouse space, the Friday Night Bazaar hosts local talent from chefs to artists to musicians. Come hungry and thirsty because the Bazaar offers Colorado-native craft beers, cocktails, and local food. No money for beer? Now you can trade cool unwanted vintage items for beer at the Beer Pawn! TheBigWonderful.com

Denver Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Promote. Advance. Connect.

Since 1992

JUNE 20+21

MAY 23

PRIDEFEST

@ CIVIC C E NTE R PA R K • D E N V E R Obviously, we can’t forget to include the 40th annual PrideFest. The free two-day event is recognized as one of the top ten Prides in the country, bringing in more than 365,000 people for the parade, entertainment on three stages, and 200+ vendors. The weekend is filled with events from the Big Gay 5K to the Denver Dyke March to the PrideFest Parade. Plus this year, local artist Lonnie Hanzon is creating a 20-foot-tall wedding cake for the event. GLBTColorado.org

DENVER DAY OF ROCK @ 16T H STREET M ALL • DENVER

25 bands will congregate at the 16th Street Mall across five stages to bring Denver free concerts all day long on May 23. This year, the lineup includes local, regional, and national artists from Mat Kearney to St. Paul & The Broken Bones and Modern Suspects. Foodtrucks and alcohol booths will also be set up with proceeds benefiting Amp the Cause, a Denver-based nonprofit that raises critical health and education funds to generate awareness of local charities. DenverDayOfRock.com

SUNDAYS JUNE 07-AUG 09

MUSEUM FREE DAYS CITY PARK JAZZ @ CIT Y PA RK • D E NV E R Each Sunday in the summer, local musicians come to City Park pavilions to bring Denver free jazz music from 6pm–8pm. Come early, bring a picnic, or dine at the foodtrucks and enjoy the sweet sounds of jazz. CityParkJazz.org

JUNE -AUG

The Denver museum and zoo offer free days each month. Always wanted to check out the wildlife exhibits or space odyssey but couldn’t fork over the cash? Now’s your chance. DMNS.org

JUNE 06+07 @ CI VI C CENT ER PARK • DENVER

CAPITOL HILL PEOPLE’S FAIR

The 44th annual People’s Fair will be held the first weekend in June at Civic Center Park. Last year, more than 200k people attended the festival for music, arts & crafts, food, and more. The fair aims to bring together people from all backgrounds to kick off the summer. PeoplesFair.com

FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK @ SANTA FE • DENVER

More than 60 art galleries, restaurants, and shops in the Art District on Santa Fe open their doors to let in the crowds of people from 5pm–9pm every first Friday of the month. Free guided shuttle coaches can pick you up at the light rail station at 10th Avenue and Osage Street between 5:30pm and 10pm, or you can navigate the streets yourself. Every third Friday, the Art District offers a preview event, allowing you to meet the artists and owners before all the chaos on first Friday. ArtDistrictOnSantaFe.com

O U T F R O N T O N L I N E . C O M | M AY 2 0 , 2 0 1 5 | 3 9

Q +A

ALL DOLLED UP: MISS FAME YOU PROBABLY KNOW MISS FAME as a competitor from

t h e c u r re n t s e a s o n o f R u Pa u l ’s D ra g R a c e. Fa m e exited the competition in 7th place after unsuccessfully creating an ugly dress. Out Front recently talked with her about her life after D ra g R a c e as well as her evolving music career. Chris Arneson

When was the last time you were in Denver? I actually filmed Rubber Doll in Denver. I was really impressed. Colorado is stunning. Flying in, it’s so beautiful and spacious, and growing up on the farm and in nature, I really appreciate big open spaces (and I don’t mean that with any pun attached). Why did you decide to film Rubber Doll in Denver? Actually, I was looking at other videos from artists I respect, and I noticed the same company, Geek Mythology — they’re the company that works with Adore and Alaska — I loved the production quality of their work. I contacted them, we started conceptualizing the idea, and they loved it. I wanted the video to look like an editorial if you screenshotted it. They were awesome. You always want to work with people who bring out your vision. How did you develop Rubber Doll? I work with a lot of clientele as a makeup artist, so I have clients who are models, TV

personalities, celebrities, and drag queens. I was requested to do a drag transformation on a client, but I kept thinking: “This relationship is a bit different. There’s a different energy to the person.” When I discovered the cross-dressing community and these men that have normal lives, I began realizing this is like Superman and Clark Kent. They have their daily lives, and then they have this superhero that resides within, and that’s where we get to live the fantasy. I relate to that as a drag queen, but it was a bit different. The allure of these men toward Miss Fame, I was almost like this unattainable superhero that they were drawn and maybe attracted to, so I started writing down my experiences. I started going to fetish events and a really learning about the fetish community, and I thought this would be a great editorial to shoot. Tell me about your upcoming album. The beauty of the album is I was able to [use] my journal entries, which I’ve been writing for the past ten years. I worked with the production company who worked with Adore and Sharon

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I didn’t want you to hear my album song for song and think, ‘That’s a drag queen album.’ I wanted you to never think of me as a drag queen. Just hear it as music you really enjoy, and not have it covered in glitter and wigs.

”

Needles on their albums, so they really knew how to make music that people who love Drag Race will enjoy. We approached the album differently. I didn’t want you to hear my album song for song and think, “That’s a drag queen album.” Just hear it as music you really enjoy, and not have it covered in glitter and wigs. For me, I wanted to make it about stories, up-tempo tracks, some glamour, but really focused on my artistry and my way with words. Has a music career been something you planned on, or did you just fall into it? I was not originally planning on doing that direction, but when it was presented to me, I had a big contemplation. At first I thought, ‘I don’t know if this is the brand of Miss Fame. Is this something I could be attaching to my evolution?’ And I realized: if I don’t try this, I’m going to regret it. Once I participated in it, putting in my words, heart, and soul, and living through it, I felt so much more alive. Is there anyone you model yourself after artistically? My inspirations were drawn from the supermodels of the nineties. I was obsessed with Linda Evangelista. I just couldn’t get enough of the presence and iconicism she carried as a supermodel. You could run one of her photographs in Vogue and it would still be legitimate. I looked at the visual artistry of the supermodel and I embodied that as Fame.

I also looked at the golden age of Hollywood when there was a standard of beauty that is not necessarily executed today. I wanted to recreate that style of beauty that almost seemed unattainable. I’m in a lot of pain when I do drag, but I think it’s worth it because the end result is images and experiences that are so profoundly beautiful. I take it seriously. If you can’t tell, I’m obsessed with drag. Every waking breath and moment is a thought on what I can do to better it, to make it more interesting, to give my fans a bit more because they give me so much. I want to make them happy. This season on Drag Race, what was your favorite look? I had a few. Leather and lace was one standout. I thought it was a different take on what I do. I don’t usually wear long wavy hair; I usually do a very classic look. I thought that was a very powerful, sexy, modern look. I actually loved my ugly dress. Even though it was so ugly for me, I thought it was a take on fashion. It was almost like ugly-beautiful, like a Vivienne Westwood fantasy. The story on that dress is it was from the Met Opera. It was the Wicked Stepsister’s dress from the costume department. I knew it was from an ugly character. When I get a challenge, my challenge is how I wrap my mind around it. I know that this has history. But it didn’t translate, and obviously I didn’t stay past that episode, but I still really appreciated the entirety of that look. Unfortunately they said I can’t do ugly, but hopefully it pans out for me to have amazing modeling opportunities. What was the most important thing you discovered about yourself on Drag Race? My perseverance. I’ve learned, living in New York, you’re going to get rejected hundreds of times. Basically, your life is always going to be on blast. They’re going to tell you what you don’t do. So when I hit that wall repeatedly with modeling as a boy, I worked it into Miss Fame. She was able to book bigger jobs and more beautiful opportunities because I wasn’t willing to say, “You told me no, I’m going to have to quit my dream.” Just because your storyline ends on reality TV doesn’t mean your storyline ends as an artist. You’ve been doing tutorials on YouTube since before Drag Race, right? I just started because the fans were asking. I

Just because your storyline ends on reality TV doesn’t mean your storyline ends as an artist.

PHOTOS BY CRYSTAL ALLEN

always loved watching YouTube tutorials and watching other artists create looks, so I did the first one, which was really well-received, and I created a few additional. I would do those all the time, it’s just with timing lately — it’s been a little harder to do all of it. I wish I had eight arms and legs. I wish I was Ganesh. Now that Drag Race is over, what’s next for your career? I’m going to be evolving and pushing myself with this album, and artistically. I have amazing dancers that I get to work with. I’m looking forward to doing more music videos. People like to watch my YouTube channel, so I feel giving it my music with beautifully executed visuals — that’s my most passionate part. So you

”

get to discover more about me as an artist and what I do as a queen. We don’t have restrictions. People say, “This is what drag is,” but we set trends. People are following our vision of what is trending based off the queens from the show because we are showing the future of drag. My focus is to show this is the evolution of what drag is, from my perspective. Are you planning to stop by Denver in the future? I am! I’m actually going to be filming my next music video in Denver. I can’t give a specific date, but it’s coming up. I’m utilizing the landscape because I thought it was such a beautiful environment. Ideally, I’m going to make content you have never seen a queen do before.

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VINTAGE THEATRE GETS UNMARRIED IN AMERICA THE TIMELY AND DRAMATICALLY RELEVANT production

of UnMarried in America is truly a must see — even for those non-theatergoers out there. A poignant, beautiful, and sobering reminder that our battle for full marriage equality is not over ser ves as the backdrop of the latest Vintage Theatre production. Though Colorado is only one of 37 states to have won the war, the play reminds us that there are still many of our fellow warriors out there fighting the good fight. Jerry Cunningham

This is a show everyone can appreciate. Playwright Kristin (K.D.) Carlson was inspired to pen the masterpiece after reading the Proposition 8 trial transcripts. She explained that Proposition 8, known informally as Prop 8, was a confusingly written California ballot proposition and a state constitutional amendment on same-sex marriage. The amendment passed in 2008 and when the state courts affirmed the amendment, two couples filed a lawsuit against the initiative. The ensuant case transcripts is from whence Carlson drew her inspiration. “I was sitting in a coffee shop in Glenwood Springs, poring over the trail and the more I read, the more I wanted to learn,” she notes. “When I first started reading the trail, I was most inspired by all of the testimonies.” Those very testimonies gave life to Carlson’s UnMarried in America, which lead to its first stage reading at Colorado Mountain College in September of 2011, and then again in January of 2012 at Aspen’s Wheeler Opera House. From there, the piece gained unsurprising momentum and was staged at the Colorado Community Theatre Coalition Festival in Salida, where it won nine awards, including Best Ensemble, Best Director, and 4 4 | M AY 2 0 , 2 0 1 5 | O U T F R O N T O N L I N E . C O M

UnMarried in America will forever hold a place in history as the reminder of what was once not even a dream for many of us in the LGBT community.

”

the People’s Choice Award. In March 2013, the play was staged at Thunder River Theatre Company and then advanced to the national American Association of Community Theatre competition that June at the Tarkington Center in Carmel, Indiana. There, it won four additional awards — more than any other play in the competition. Artistic Director Craig Bond, of the Vintage Theatre in Aurora, took notice, adding the play to the 2015 season lineup. “After listening to and watching a one-hour version of the script, I knew I wanted to produce the play in its entirety,” Bond says. “This play spoke to my heart and will resonate with many people on many levels.” Gay marriage and this very moment in time will go down in the history books as a major shift in equality for all LGBT families. As support for full marriage equality marches “down the aisle” and across this amazing state and nation, UnMarried in America will forever hold a place in history as a reminder of what was once merely a dream of equal rights for the gay community. Artfully executed, UNMarried in America is an intriguing concept for

the stage, a play that puts its audience in the action of the actual Prop 8 hearings. Her work moves through the court of law and — simultaneously — through the court of public opinion. Through an angular approach, the story is told through the eyes of the court reporter and stenographer, played by the masterful Julie Wolf Butters. She sits at what seems to be a kitchen table as the play opens … or is it Dad’s old beater-car? (You’ll have to see the show to understand that non-spoiler.) She and her selfish, illiberal boyfriend, played by Tom Auclair, are discussing the case, and throughout the play she shares her empathetic revelations garnered from listening to and transcribing everyone’s testimonies. Maintaining variety throughout her artistic rhythm, Carlson gives us testimonies from the witness stand, and moves her audience through others via flashback vignettes. Wendy Moore, who’s been with the production from the outset, directs most (if not all) of the stage shows — and if practice makes perfect, it shows. The play is extremely well cast. Zach Nick plays the lost, young, and very mindful preacher’s son, trying to fit in and find his way. Dan Kopper, the preacher, is his tyrannical and pious father. Suzanna Wellens plays the doting ignorant Mom to a convincing, endearing degree. The cast of nine take on multiple roles throughout the play, with subtle costume changes to help differentiate the characters. It’s important to say that a few of character-shifts are very impressive but (to avoid spoiling it for anyone), I’ll just say that Gina’s mother, Gary’s wife, and the Lutheran priest were very, very well done. Kelly Uhlenhopp plays Karen, the mother of two biological children from a previous “legally recognized” marriage, who now lives unmarried, but happy with her life partner Gina, who is played by the talented Missy Moore. Christian Munck plays an instantly loveable Chet, and his partner Gary, a somewhat stubborn outer-shell kinda guy, is played by Jeff Jesmer. Jesmer has some very meaningful and memorable moments throughout the play — especially in the second act. Well done all around, cast and crew. It’s worth repeating: This show really is a must see! PS: My favorite scene is the folding laundry scene, probably because it reminds me so much of my own relationship. Go see the show and let me know if you agree. UnMarried in America plays at the Vintage Theatre through June 21. For tickets, visit VintageTheatre.com.

O U T F R O N T O N L I N E . C O M | M AY 2 0 , 2 0 1 5 | 4 5

THE CURSE OF TOO MUCH SUPPORT GETTING AN HIV DIAGNOSIS CAN, oddly enough,

result in a loss of friendships. Personally, a lot of my friends became uncomfor table around me after I got my test results. My constant sadness bummed them out and they weren’t comfor table with it. But t h o s e wh o s t u c k a ro u n d t o h e l p m e t h ro u g h t h e hellish nightmare had a new-found place in my heart. Scott McGlothlen

...when I got my HIV diagnosis, it somehow came as no surprise that Zach was one of my biggest supporters. He had taken an entire course on HIV in college.

”

Zach and I met through a mutual friend and developed our own camaraderie fairly quickly. It seemed natural since we made each other laugh hysterically and agreed on practically everything. And when I got my HIV diagnosis, it somehow came as no surprise that Zach was one of my biggest supporters. After all, he had taken an entire course on HIV in college.

have to stick to them in order to have a long and healthy life.”

A few weeks into my diagnosis, I called Zach crying, once again terrified of my own new-found sense of mortality.

I couldn’t believe what I just heard. My resurfacing optimism immediately took a nose-dive. I tried to challenge him on it because frankly, it just didn’t make sense. Why would scientists be searching

“You aren’t going to die,” he said. “When you go on meds, you’ll just 4 6 | M AY 2 0 , 2 0 1 5 | O U T F R O N T O N L I N E . C O M

“Yeah,” I sighed out some relief. “Plus who knows? I bet they’ll find a cure in my lifetime.” “Oh no, that won’t happen,” Zach said abruptly. “HIV is a virus and viruses cannot be cured.”

You can’t date him,” Zach said, practically giving me an order. “He’s HIV negative. You’d always be putting him at some kind of risk. How could you do that to someone?

”

for a cure if, as a fundamental scientific rule, viruses could never be cured? But when I pushed back against Zach’s discomforting words, he became frustrated with me. Our conversation became an argument. If anything, I just wanted him to understand that saying such a thing doesn’t help console someone. When he refused even that much, we simply had to agree to disagree. From then on, I decided not to rely so heavily on Zach for support. A few months later, my future partner, Luke, and I began getting very close. As we stepped into relationship territory, I felt a sense of hope and security in life. Zach didn’t see it that way. “You can’t date him,” Zach said, practically giving me an order. “He is HIV negative. You’d always be putting him at some kind of risk. How could you do that to someone?” But I pushed back again and explained that Luke and I had met many other mixed-status couples who completely made it work, especially while being undetectable. But Zach just let out a condescending laugh. “Scott, remember: I took an entire class on HIV for a whole semester in college — you’re just going through a crash course. I think I know a bit more than you.” With what seemed like the billionth reminder of this damn class, I lost my final nerve. Remembering that Zach had a few years on me, I asked him when exactly he dropped out of college. He estimated that it was about eight years ago. That would have been back in 1999, still an uncertain time for HIV and AIDS. This gave me more relief than anything he’d ever said. The field of HIV treatment had advanced at rapid pace, offering new knowledge and hope on a nearly monthly basis. How could he think his 8-year-old knowledge could still hold true for someone like me? I asked him never to contact me again and hung up the phone. He tried calling back but I refused to answer, immaturely stealing that last and final word. And just like that, I ended our friendship. I realized that Zach was only a great friend as long as we saw eye-to-eye. The moment I disagreed with him, I got a wrathfully opinionated lashing. His need to be right superseded my need for comfort. And perhaps Zach’s desire to be “too supportive” was just as difficult for me to cope with as those friends who weren’t supportive enough. SO WHO DO YOU THINK IS RIGHT: SCOTT OR ZACH? Get the facts at DenverHealth.org O U T F R O N T O N L I N E . C O M | M AY 2 0 , 2 0 1 5 | 4 7

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CAN YOU PAINT WITH ALL THE COLORS OF THE RAINBOW FLAG? IT’S NO SECRET THAT ALL colors on the rainbow f lag

aren’t given an equal level of treatment. Some would call it preference while others call it blatant racism. Rather than offer up another ar ticle about how ethnic minorities are cast aside and seen as undesirable in the gay community, I think it’s much more productive if I instead offer up my personal experience of what it’s like being a black gay man in Denver. O’Brian Gunn

Sometimes It’s Not More than Skin Deep Awkwardness was my main superpower when I was younger. I was acne-ridden, overweight, quiet, and coming to terms with my sexuality — all while living in the South, where we know all too well how popular minorities are. Fast forward to now, where my skin has cleared up, I’m getting in better shape, and have finally embraced the man I’ve become and the brown skin in which I journey through life. While I’ve gotten several compliments about my looks, there’s still a part of my old image that clings to my skin and won’t slough off no matter how much facial scrub I use. When it comes to dating, I sometimes can’t help but wonder if the guy is only going out with me because of my skin color, because of my African-American physical features, or because

he’s genuinely interested in me and everything else is either a bonus or something he’s willing to overlook. I remember one date I went on where the guy couldn’t stop talking about how much he loved black men. While he might’ve had the impression he was flattering me, it only made the date more awkward than it already was. Would he have dismissed every notion of dating me if my skin had been a different color or shade? Did he even care whether we had anything in common when he agreed to go on a date? Would I have had any of these thoughts churning through my head if I were Caucasian?

Cut to the Ethnic Chase Take a look at any Grindr, Scruff, or OKCupid profile and you’ll see that our potential suitors

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aren’t shy about telling us the ethnicities they prefer and those they don’t. Some have more class about it while others seem to go out of their way to be insulting to “everyone else.” I recently joined OKCupid, and sometimes I find myself seconds away from sending the guy a message until I see that he answered yes to the question: “Would you strongly prefer to go out with someone of your own skin color/racial background?” While I understand this is simply to help narrow down potential partners, I can’t help but wonder what would happen if the guy were to find out the love of his life and every reincarnation of him is of a different ethnicity? Where is the line that divides idealistic from realistic?

Blackout and About As far as my experiences as a gay black man out and about in Denver’s gay bars and clubs, I have to say they’ve been nothing but pleasant. While I’m not one to pick up a guy in a bar or club (that’s what the library and bookstores are for), my interactions with guys have been free of any indications of prejudice, and I’ve never been made to feel as though my company was unwanted. This hasn’t lulled me into thinking I have a chance with every gay guy out there or that my looks aren’t a factor when it comes to interacting with guys. It’s simply shown me that you can’t let what you’ve read and heard about prejudice in the gay community sully your experiences or expectations. Everyone’s dating experience is different, no matter the color of your skin, your physique, or your overall appearance. What’s similar is that we all have the opportunity to realize the “standard” is just as fluid as sexuality.

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DON’T FEAR FEAR DEAR BRETT, I get so freaked out in social situations. Having chats online is a little better, but I still don’t know what to say to people or how to keep a conversation g o i n g. M y f e a r o f b e i n g s e e n a s we i rd o r re j e c t e d by someone keeps me from going out and tr ying to meet people. How can I get over being afraid and star t having more fun?

Don’t let fear keep you from going after something you want. Much like that monster that lived under our beds or in our closets growing up, fear exists in the darkness and is generally a figment of our imagination.

”

Brent Heinze

Fear is definitely a normal part of our everyday life. We pay attention to how fast we drive for fear of a speeding ticket, or set our alarms in the morning because we afraid of being late to work. Some fears keep us safe from harm; others exist to reinforce our insecurities and keep us from pursuing activities that intrigue us. Social interactions can be extremely challenging for many people by bringing up our own feelings of inadequacy, discomfort, and awkwardness. Don’t let fear keep you from going after something you want. Much like that monster that lived under our beds or in our closets growing up, fear exists is a figment of our imagination. We need to turn on the lights and realize that these fears keeping us from forming relationships and meeting people are really just our own insecurities. I’m not suggesting you immediately attempt to conquer your fear of socializing by throwing yourself into a big gay circuit party right now, but there are some smaller steps you can do to start addressing your concerns in social situations. It doesn’t matter if a person is standing in front of us or typing online, similar fears exist. Basically, we’re afraid of rejection and people being mean to us. 5 6 | M AY 2 0 , 2 0 1 5 | O U T F R O N T O N L I N E . C O M

Don’t let disinterest or a non-response from someone destroy you. Realize that some people online are there to hook up or check out pictures. If someone doesn’t respond to your message or says they’re interested, it is not the end of the world or a reflection on your own self-worth. Don’t wait for a perfect moment to approach someone or waste time on cheesy pick-up lines. Take a moment to breathe deeply and not let your stress levels get out of control. Regain control of your anxious thoughts and increased heart rate. Think about how courageous you are by facing your fears. Get ready to put on your best game face and enter the situation with confidence. Work on developing skills around small talk and putting out confidence without being cocky. Just be authentic, honest, and nice. In public, be aware of your smile, body language, eye contact, and fresh breath. You can proceed with caution, but don’t stop trying new things. Getting knocked down is just a part of life. We get back up, learn from the situation, and try again. The worst-case scenario is that they act like a jackass to you by rolling their eyes or turning their back. Those people can piss off and you can move on to finding a great person to hang with. Through practice, these social interactions become easier to start and our techniques to keep them rolling get more refined and effective.

CYCLE SLUTS BINGO AT CLUB M The Denver Cycle Sluts hosted their monthly Bingo gathering at Club M on May 8th. Two dozen people turned out to socialize, enjoy a few cocktails, play a little bingo, and help a good cause. The charity benefitted by the May event was HIV Retreat. HIV Retreat is an annual retreat for people living with HIV at Shadowcliff Lodge near Rocky Mountain National Park. The Denver Cycle Sluts host Bingo at Club M the second Saturday of every month (except for June). Doors open at 7pm, balls drop at 8. Photo by Charles Broshous

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WHAT GIVES? PHILANTHROPY I’VE BEEN WRITING THIS COLUMN in my head for months.

It’s been percolating since the Oscars. Although I didn’t get invited to the Vanity Fair par ty this year, I did get invited to the Millennia Scope Enter tainment Fo u n d a t i o n ’s f i rs t O s c a rs a f t e r- p a r t y, t h e A n n u a l Millennia Scope Gala. I didn’t know anything about the organization; I just knew it was an LGBTQ nonprof it that celebrates the effor ts of our community in the enter tainment industry. Considering the contributions the queer community has clearly made in Hollywood, it seems extraordinary that this hadn’t happened sooner. Robyn Vie-Carpenter

Shahid Manning, who founded MSEF, writes: “Images matter. They affect us all, shape who we are collectively as a culture, and help define our personal values. With so many LGBT people working every day in the entertainment industry, it’s time to celebrate our efforts.” The organization is “fostering the careers of a community of artists traditionally underserved and underrepresented in mainstream media … embodying diversity, innovation, [and] uniqueness of vision.” I love this. This is my favorite thing about the queer community: We’ll look for a way to celebrate one another, fill a need, create an opportunity for our community.

We are community organizers. What we now need are community philanthropists. One of the best sessions I attended during the National LGBTQ Task Force’s Creating Change conference was of community engagement and board activation. The breakout session discussed finding ways of getting (and keeping) peoples’ participation in fundraising for organizations. My big takeaway was that you must find the way to engage your audience … make them care about your organization, hit them in the feels. While I agree that hitting certain people in their emotional center works — cue Sarah McLaughlin

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and pictures of neglected animals — I resent feeling manipulated. However effective this kind of appeal is, there’s another way to get people to give — raise them that way. Say what you will about the moneyed class, the one thing they really know how to do is make money, keep money, then give money away. One of my favorite issues of Town & Country Magazine has always been The Philanthropy Issue. This year was no exception. Happily, the faces of the people being celebrated are much more diverse than they used to be. Equally as happily, this issue is still dedicated to the people doing their best to be in service to others through gifts of money. While this magazine may be about a lifestyle very different from your own, the thing we can learn is how to create philanthropists. It’s important for LGBTQ people to teach their children and youth about giving. Queer couples raise some incredible children. They’re often the most compassionate, well-adjusted, socially aware children. While we teach them how to give of their time and talent to organizations, it’s also important for them to observe you giving of your treasure. They need to understand that part of being a good steward of your blessings is by allowing them to bless others. If you want to help your children be great citizens, teach them about giving of their treasure as well as their heart to your organization of choice. If they’re old enough to get an allowance, teach them about setting aside a small percentage for giving. Much is required for those to whom much is given, for their responsibility is greater. Luke 12:48 MSEFoundation.org

DGLCC BUSINESS EXPO The Denver Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce held a Business Expo at the University of the Rockies in the Bridgepoint Plaza Building on May 12th. The event allowed DGLCC members to promote their businesses and for community to learn more about the Chamber’s members. The DGLCC is a statewide, equal-opportunity chamber comprised of GLBT and GLBT-supportive business owners and professionals. Photo by Charles Broshous

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H EA LTH

GO WITH YOUR GUT WHAT IF I TOLD YOU that the secret to good health

could be all about following your gut — or at least the tiny bacteria occupying that space? Kelsey Lindsey

Scientists only discovered in the past decade that microbes — bacteria, viruses, and fungi — outnumber cells in the human body 10 to one, inhabiting every part of you, including your skin, mouth, inside your nose, urinary tract, and intestines.

”

While the research of gut bacteria is fairly new, scientists have been studying the relationship between gut bacteria and almost every disease that humans experience, from diabetes and obesity to cancer and autism.

makeup of bacteria that can identify certain diseases, some evidence suggests that a diverse makeup of gut bacteria could help mature your immune system, perhaps a benefit over a less diverse gut microbiome.

While it’s been historically accepted that gut bacteria help humans break down plant fibers in the intestines, scientists have only begun studying the roles of these microscopic microbes have beyond digestion.

Scientists have also found the difference between more diverse gut bacteria and less diverse bacteria might be linked to obesity. In a study looking at the gut bacteria of twins, one set that were both lean and one set that were both obese, scientists found that the gut bacteria in lean people was very diverse when compared to the gut community in obese people.

Scientists only discovered in the past decade that microbes — bacteria, viruses, and fungi — outnumber cells in the human body 10:1, inhabiting every part of you, including your skin, mouth, inside your nose, urinary tract, and intestines. This vast collection of microbes collectively forms our microbiome, which is partly inherited from our mothers as we pass through the birth canal (thanks, mom). As we move through life, touching every surface with our grubby fingers and pretending that we wash our hands after every trip to the bathroom, we collect new members in our little internal microbiome gang. Looking at these the microbes in your intestines, scientists will most likely look at the bacteria, as they are the most abundant microbes in humans’ intestines. When looking at bacteria of people with certain diseases, scientists have realized that their bacteria is very different from that of healthier people. While scientists haven’t identified a certain 6 0 | M AY 2 0 , 2 0 1 5 | O U T F R O N T O N L I N E . C O M

While these findings are interesting, researchers are quick to point out that they have yet to figure out the direct relationship between bacteria and these diseases. Is a person obese or unhealthy because they lack a lot of gut bacteria diversity, or is this scarcity when compared to healthy people caused by their ailments? Scientists have made a link between highly processed foods and a less diverse gut community in people, and continue to look into that relationship. And while there is a lot to learn, scientists hope that future research in the field can help them treat and prevent obesity and a number of other ailments.

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H EA LTH

BEING YOUR OWN FRIEND WITH BENEFITS [WARNING: GRAPHIC]

IT’S BEEN A HELL OF a day at work. Rather than reach

for a bottle of wine or star t filling the bathtub for a relaxing dip, perhaps consider something more moodboosting, something more healthful, something more … sensual. Or, thinking about it, supplement this activity with that bath and wine and you’ve got a home run. Kelsey Lindsey

Masturbation. Worshiping the bishop, choking the chicken, flicking the bean. Whatever you call it, the act itself can have many benefits to your self-esteem, and physical and mental health. In a more obvious observation, people who masturbate are more likely to protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases, says Planned Parenthood. And (almost) everyone is doing it. According to the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior from Indiana University conducted between March and May 2009, 78 percent of Americans age 14 and older have masturbated at some point in their lives. 93.4 percent of men in their 30s surveyed said they’ve masturbated alone at some point

of their lives, and 80.3 percent of women in their 30s have masturbated alone. So join the party, if you haven’t already. Like I said before, the benefits of masturbation are pronounced. They include, for males: • reduced stress. • the ability to prevent premature ejaculation while engaging in regular intercourse, as you might be able to train yourself to last longer. • a reduced risk of developing prostate cancer. A 2003 Australian study that compared the sexual habits of men with prostate cancer with the sexual habits of healthy men found that the men who had ejaculated more

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than five times per week in their 20s were less likely to develop “aggressive prostate cancer” later in their lifetime — one-third less likely. While this study did include sexual intercourse as an “ejaculation” with masturbation, it does warn that intercourse has the potential to cause infections, and thus the risk of prostate cancer. “Had [researchers] been able to remove ejaculations associated with sexual intercourse, there should have been an even stronger protective effect of other ejaculations,” the report reads. For the ladies out there, masturbation is also a pretty sweet deal. Using a tool or our magic digits, masturbating can: • increase the likelihood to orgasm during partner intercourse and oral sex. • help you sleep. (Orgasms are known to help relieve tension and chill out, with the help of calming hormones that are released after the climax.) • increase pelvic floor strength, which reduces the chance of uterine prolapse. So go on! Help yourself, and take advantage of those “feel good” endorphins like dopamine and oxytocin after a self-love sesh.

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GET HIM ON THE LINE

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distinguish friend from foe, love from hate. But if that weapon is unsound, it is by no means disarmed ... for the mind is all the more dangerous when damaged and there’s no guarantee that it won’t choose itself as its next victim.

BACKWO R DS

SAGITTARIUS: As children, we flinch at the sight of blood not yet realizing it means family, loyalty, and is the essence of life. But for all its virtue, there is the unavoidable reality that blood is often the child of pain, and a violent reminder that anything can be taken away in the blink of an eye.

WHICH ABC’S REVENGE QUOTE SUMS UP YOUR MISSION FOR THIS MONTH? GEMINI: Doubt is a disease. It infects the mind, creating a mistrust of people’s motives and of one’s own perceptions. Doubt has the ability to call into question everything you’ve ever believed about someone, and reinforce the darkest suspicions of our inner circles. CANCER: When on a mission of revenge, one must maintain total control, over risks, emotions, and one’s enemies. The single greatest threat to success is losing control of your allies. LEO: They say that he who is without sin cast the first stone and to be without sin requires absolute forgiveness. But when your memories are freshly opened wounds, forgiveness is the most unnatural

of human emotions. Over time, we commit acts with intentions both good and bad that require forgiveness. VIRGO: In order to regain control, we must sometimes relinquish it. By doing so, we believe we are protecting the ones we love, the ones we cannot live without. But the most dangerous truth of all is that control is merely an illusion. LIBRA: When facing your enemy, no amount of training can trump nature. It separates the strong from the weak, and sometimes tells us that surrender is the strongest move of all. SCORPIO: Of all the weapons we take into battle, there is none more powerful than the mind. It holds our instincts and our training. It allows us to

CAPRICORN: Victory can never be achieved alone — allegiances must be forged to overcome superior forces ... some born from a shared goal, others out of desperate need. But for a union to succeed, one must determine if an ally is truly a friend, or merely an enemy in disguise. AQUARIUS: We spend our lives struggling to hold on to the things we value most ... to the people and things we believe we could never exist without. But our memories are often an illusion protecting a far more destructive truth. PISCES: In the art of war, if you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the approaching battles. But if you know only yourself and not your enemy, for every victory, there will also be defeat. ARIES: For the innocent, the past may hold a reward, but for the treacherous, it’s only a matter of time before the past delivers what they truly deserve. TAURUS: They say vengeance taken will tear the heart and torment the conscience. If there is any truth to it, then I now know with certainty, the path I’m on is the right one.

“Daddy” the whole time we were doing it in the bathroom. Omg, it was so annoying I finally just left. (Wait. Are you the one I walked out on?) LaTexa: Not all older guys like to be called Daddy. Some prefer Master or Sir. (You should really discuss this before you stick it in.) BEA

ZOEY

ASK A SLUT Dear Cycle Sluts, My man can’t cook, how do I teach him the basics before he gives us both botulism, or how do I just get him of the kitchen completely? Signed, CHEF BARFY-ODEE Bea: If you make things in the rest of house more fun, then you can teach him how to eat something else. You know the old saying: A disaster in the kitchen is a nightmare in the sheets. Zoey: You sign both of you up for a naked couple’s cooking class. He’ll either learn to cook or you’ll just have to eat him in the bedroom. Cookie: If he can’t cook, dump him. In this day and age, he should be the one in the kitchen. If you want to keep him out of the kitchen, lie on the bed naked. That usually does it too.

LATEXA

LaTexa: Men are basically children so you have to teach him like you would teach a child hover over him and tell him what he’s doing wrong and what he’s doing right and when he makes a good meal you give him oral sex

I hooked up with an old guy last weekend and during sex I called him Daddy. He stopped what he was doing and just left. Has that ever happened to you before? Signed, DADDY’S ABSENTEE Bea: My last daddy treated me very well. Then again, I was so good he didn’t have to run away. Btw: Sluts do it for free … but we do accept gifts. Zoey: I’m sure your father was a bit freaked when he found out the nelly twink he was pounding in the bathhouse was his son. (Father’s Day is gonna be awkward this year.) Cookie: This one time in Iowa, I was called

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I was out with a friend and met a guy who I’m think was a total douchebag to my best friend. Long story short, I ended up in bed with “the douche” that night, and I know he’s the one, the love of my life. What do I do? Signed, PERPLEXED IN LOVE Bea: I’m so glad you figured out a way to fix him. No matter how much this screws up your friendship, the cool thing is that you’ll both have so much to talk about when the fun is over. Zoey: I am sure your BFF won’t mind you having a new BF. You know how understanding and forgiving gays can be. (Just don’t be around him when there are any sharp objects, open windows, or great heights. Just saying.) Cookie: This just goes to prove that it takes one to know one. Best of luck to you both. LaTexa: If I had a nickel for every douchebag I thought was “the one,” I’d probably have a $1.15. Give it six months — it’ll be over with the douche him and you’ll have your best friend back.