July 1, 2015 :: Pride 2015 Wrap-Up

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Pride 2015

That’s A Wrap! + park pics galore

CAITLYN JENNER & THE LCR \\ JANE FONDA & LILY TOMLIN



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CONTENTS JULY 01, 2015 VOL39 NO7

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08 CAITLYN JENNER, THE GOP, AND THE JEALOUS LEFT

SPILLING THE T 14 A FEW THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT TRANSGENDER AMERICA 20 THE GREAT TRANSGENDER HEALTH INSURANCE DEBACLE 22 HER OWN LANE

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PRIDE IN REVIEW 29 PRIDE IN PHOTOS 00 MIKEY ROX’S MINIGUIDE TO SATISFYING SUMMER READS

H IG H WATER

38 CALENDAR 40 DO I SOUND GAY? 44 THE EMBOLDENED GIRLS 48 BAR TAB 50 INSIGHTS TO IMPACT YOUR LIFE 54 SLOW DOWN, SPEED RACER!

Photo Credit: JohnTsiavis

58 BACKWORDS

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ON THE COVER

2015 PrideFest Parade by Charles Broshous.


SERVING THE LGBT COMMUNITY OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS SINCE 1976 3535 Walnut Street, Denver, Colorado 80205 PHONE (%("),,")%%% 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.

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N E WS

US SUPREME COURT LEGALIZES SAME-SEX MARRIAGE THE US SUPREME COURT MADE A NEW VOW ON FRIDAY, JUNE 26. Kyle Thornburg

With a 5–4 vote, the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. Members of the court in dissention with the vote included Chief Justice John Roberts, Justice Antonin Scalia, Justice Clarence Thomas, and Justice Samuel Alito. In a ruling covering four cases, including Obergefell v. Hodges, the landmark Supreme Court decision renders state bans on samesex marriage unconstitutional. The matter of same-sex marriage has been all but concrete in courthouses across the US. Friday’s decision paints without an abstract stroke on the issue, and comes on the two-year anniversary of United States v. Windsor in

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which key elements of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act were struck down. Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote in the 28-page statement from the Supreme Court Friday morning: “The Constitution promises liberty to all within its reach. A liberty that includes certain and specific rights that allow a persons within a lawful realm to define and express their identity.” Also included in the official ruling, Justice Kennedy struck down arguments surrounding potential harmful effects of same-sex marriages on families saying those decisions are based solely on “personal, romantic, and practical considerations.”

According to the statement written by Chief Justice John Roberts, he and the dissenting voters relied on the Constitution to navigate “what the law is, not what it should be.” For 13 states where state law formerly banned the right for same-sex couples to marry, federal courts will take action to align state laws with the Supreme Court’s ruling. For 37 states and the District of Columbia, this ruling reinforces otherwise unchanged laws placed by state action or federal court rulings. For same-sex couples planning to marry in one of the 13 states where marriage bans previously existed, no immediate action can be taken. It is expected that federal courts will move quickly to apply the Supreme Court’s decision, but the legal process can involve some delay. President Barack Obama spoke in the wake of the ruling Friday morning from the Rose Garden at the White House. “This decision will end the patchwork system we currently have and it will end the uncertainty hundreds of thousands of same-sex couples face from not knowing whether their marriage, legitimate in the eyes of one state, will remain if they decide to move or even visit another. This ruling will strengthen all of our communities by offering to all loving same-sex couples the dignity of marriage across this great land.”


want to be a woman. Womanliness, that soft, warmly glowing refuge — a mother’s bosom; the warmth of the womb; a font of kindness, understanding, and caregiving … all of these things so diametrically opposed to what men have cherished for so long: the aggression and brute force of the Alpha, strength, control, and dominion.

OPINION

THE AGONY (AND THE ECSTASY) OF MODERN MANHOOD “[CAITLYN JENNER] MOST CLOSELY RESEMBLES a mentally disordered man who is being manipulated by disingenuous liberals and self-obsessed gay activists,” writes one male blogger. Another put on his bathrobe and wrote this gem: “If it’s truly possible that a male body can be born with the wrong brain … it forces the left to concede that gender is not merely a product of societal construct, but biology. We’re required to recognize the inherent biological, scientifically measurable differences between genders which creates incredible contradictions for feminism, gay rights progress, and ultimately, yes, transgenderism.” Another self-identified conservative male blogger writes, “The transgender movement is but one small branch of the immense, selfregarding tree of the sexual revolution, and it shares the same logic as such cultural catastrophes as no-fault divorce and abortion on demand.” Topher La Fleur

From pundits (who can, at the very least, form complex, sometimes-logical arguments) to their ilk in the ‘comments’ section (who cannot coherently or rationally form any reasonable argument), there are examples aplenty floating around the internet. Regardless of what you or I may think of her, Caitlyn has done what very few people are capable of doing: She’s captivating the national press and provoking a serious social commentary about the nature of sex, sexuality, progress, happiness, and perhaps even existence. In her wake, I discovered another trend, not necessarily new, but certainly more vocal than before: the radicalized male critic. Radical in the sense that terrorist cells can be radical. Radical in the sense that some expressions can be hurtful. Radical in the sense that someone was desperately defending an ideal. Here they are, these men, desperately groping in the dark for something, anything. Yet I also

thought to myself, Why would Caitlyn Jenner’s transition draw so much ire? Does her transition undermine the meaning of masculinity or femininity, or does it expose the stark, painful truth of the gender spectrum — something so many men have taken for a constant in their lives? More importantly, could it be that these men felt something for the woman gazing back at us from the cover of Vogue? In not so many words — “Call Me Caitlyn” — she’s literally and figuratively turned the traditional definitions of masculinity on their heads. This is nothing new for those well-schooled in gender theory, but for the culturally lay observer, the realizations must be a lot to grapple with. First, the idea that any man should reject manhood. Second, the idea that manliness, sacred manliness (!), is so mutable and undefined as to be transitory. And finally, perhaps the worst sin of them all, that any man might possibly

At least, that’s what’s been marketed to these men. Perhaps the most terrifying realization is what many (if not all) men have grappled with since boyhood: the nature of manhood, and whether or not it exists. It’s that niggling question in the back of every man’s head: Am I man enough? We’ve been socialized in a way which understands masculinity as that which is not feminine, that which is lacking all feminine traits, an idea which likewise underpins the necessity of heterosexuality. Adherents to the cult of masculinity have so fetishized what it means to be a man, fashioning it into something both ornamental and symbolic, that the necessity and utility of traditionally manly traits have been all but eliminated. In place of those values we’ll find the insubstantial marketing ploys used to sell automobiles, tequila, and home furnishings. These days, manliness is to be put on like a tee-shirt or fragrance and taken off when it’s no longer needed. There are those who (mistakenly) believe, with increasing frequency, that advancing the rights of sexual minorities will erode what it traditionally means to be a man in society. Is it true that Caitlyn Jenner’s transition from male to female endangers both feminine and masculine values? Is it also true that advancing LGBT equality endangers the entire nature of manliness? While the answer may seem obvious (no, it won’t), there are some who need convincing. Yet, these pundits seem to have a vested interest in rigidly enforced gender stereotypes. Unfortunately, the belief in gender binary archetypes has become almost pedestrian. The suggestion that men should stick to a rotten playbook of rules and codes completely summarizes the true nature of the problem at hand: In an era of dramatic upheaval, the inadequacy of gender stereotypes is underscored by the need to innovate beyond them. We need men to be and embrace more. While iconography of the ideal woman seems to change every half decade, what it means to be a man has not changed since the late 1800s. The need for a modern man in a (thoroughly) modern world has never been greater. It’s not a crisis of manhood we’re experiencing — it’s a crisis of creativity. I’m not kidding when I write that, either. Traditionally, manly forms of employment continue to get outsourced to low-cost labor nations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 15.3 million jobs will be created in the next decade, the majority of which will be in fields dominated by women. CONTINUED ON PAGE 08 OUTFRONTONLINE.COM

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THE AGONY (AND THE ECSTASY) OF MODERN MANHOOD

OPINION

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 06

CAITLYN JENNER, THE GOP, AND THE JEALOUS LEFT [Editor’s note: I asked George, a Log Cabin Republican, to pen this piece after hearing the GOP — Log Cabin Republicans, in particular — being referred to as “pandering bastards” concerning rumors that they were attempting to get Caitlyn Jenner to rep for them before the 2016 election cycle. This is his reply.] George K. Gramer, Jr.

When Berlin asked me to write this article, I went straight to the National Executive Director of the Log Cabin Republicans. Gregory T. Angelo clearly told me that the idea we (LCR) are trying to get Jenner to rep for the GOP this election cycle is totally false. So much for the snarky Democratic whispering mill of Colorado’s capital city. Angelo has been in contact with Jenner’s agent to arrange meetings with Republicans on Capitol Hill (the one in DC). In Jenner’s interview with Diane Sawyer, she said she was willing to advocate for transgender issues with conservative politicians, so clearly there is no harm in asking. Two of the baker’s dozen of GOP presidential contenders have been rather gracious to Caitlyn. Both Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and former Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) welcomed Jenner as an out transgender Republican. We will have to see where the other 11 fall on the spectrum of acceptance. The general public seems content with the transformation of a former Olympic gold medalist, yet the gay left (around three-quarters of the LGBT population identify as Democrats) was outraged by Jenner’s conservatism. (Gasp! She is a Republican!) Representative Steve Cohen (D-TN) questioned whether Caitlyn Jenner was still a Republican after transformation from male to female — as though it’s impossible to be a trans and Republican. Like it or not, both parties use celebrities to raise awareness. On the Democratic side, a recent 8

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example was the blatant exploitation of actor Michael J. Fox in support of the campaigns of Senators Claire McCaskill (D-MO) and Benjamin Cardin (D-MD). Moreover, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s (D-NY) speech on New York City’s Roosevelt Island has a same-sex couple obviously planted in the background directly over her right shoulder to kiss one another on cue when she advocated for marriage equality. Log Cabin Republicans of Los Angeles used a blow-up of Jenner’s Vanity Fair cover at the L.A. Pride Festival June 13–14. Pride attendees posed for photos in front of the 7-foot-tall banner. The Los Angeles Log Cabin Republicans chapter president stated: “The fact that Caitlyn Jenner is a very high-profile Republican who is also transgender made this the perfect time to point out the diversity within our party.” Angelo concurred that it was entirely appropriate to use the picture at L.A. Pride. He told Buzzfeed: “There is a sentiment among much of the media and the left — especially the gay left — that if you are part of the LGBT community, you are required to be a Democrat because only Democrats are pro-equality. The fact that there are members of the Log Cabin Republicans that identify as LGBT shows that is not the case.” Bottom line: Caitlyn is very welcome in the Republican Party. We would be very pleased to have her at our booth in PrideFest 2016. George K. Gramer, Jr., is the President of the Log Cabin Republicans of Colorado.

And yet, even as I write this, I wonder to myself what a traditionally manly form of employment is. I wonder, quite frankly, what manly is in the sense that no woman can be or do such a thing. Quite frankly, there is nothing a woman can do or be that a man cannot also do or be. As our understanding of sex and sexuality evolves, we also recognize the legitimacy and necessity of transgenderism. High-profile transgender celebrities continue to shine a light on the most underserved, underemployed, underrepresented segment of the LGBT community. There are those who argue, perhaps fairly, that Caitlyn Jenner is not the right spokesperson for the trans community. Laverne Cox has also publicly stated that, “I have always been aware I can never represent all trans people.” In all fairness, no one can and no one should. When faced with the astounding diversity and overwhelming complexity of humanity, could we possibly pick just one representative? It seems all the more ludicrous that Caitlyn Jenner should call into question the nature of masculinity when we consider the two-spirit nature of transgenderism. With experiences as both men and women, we ought to be (rightfully) afraid of their wisdom, intelligence, and understanding of human nature, not their presentation or superficial appearance. When we evaluate the contents of an entire life, what is of face value matters much less than the sum of all experiences. Even so, the critics will continue to criticize. While the most vociferous are so often the most radicalized, we should be wise to worry about those among us who are so eager to cannibalize the voices who do not echo (word for word) their battle cry. It is perhaps more tolerable to weather the volleys of our ugliest critics than it is to be silenced by our closest friends for disputes of verbiage. If Caitlyn has fractured the public, issues of transgenderism and the sexual spectrum continue to rattle the LGBT community. The White Knights among us are almost always more eager to claim their allies with friendly fire than they are to truly educate and empower. In a way, perhaps we are all like those embattled male critics (or perhaps those critics who perceive they are embattled): We have all forgotten that it is not how a person presents oneself, be it masculine, feminine, or otherwise. It is what a person does with the life they are given. Joan Williams wrote, “Men have a choice: Either feel more inadequate or get a lot more creative.” Are we ready, culturally, sexually, and socially, to innovate beyond the binary? It’s time to get a lot more creative.


LEGAL DIRECTORY

DO I REALLY HAVE TO PAY THOSE TRAFFIC CAMERA TICKETS? If you drive in the Denver metro area, odds are you have (or will soon) receive a photo radar ticket. This ticket will include a picture of you (or someone) driving your car, a picture of your license plate, and an explanation that you were photographed while allegedly speeding or running a red light. So what should you do if you receive such a ticket? The ticket itself will have several payment options and reference the easy ways to pay your fine, and will allude to the more difficult options of contesting your identification in the photograph or pleading not guilty. There is another option. Under Colorado law, if the only witness to the traffic offense is a camera, you have to be officially served with the penalty assessment notice or summons and complaint. Being mailed the original ticket has no legal effect.

Being served means the document is handed to you by a police officer or process server, left at your home with an adult (18 or older), or mailed to your last known address via certified mail, return receipt requested. If you haven’t received the ticket by one of the formal methods listed above, service has not occurred and you have no duty to respond. If 90 days pass from the date of your alleged offense without service, your violation will automatically be dismissed. Within those 90 days, though, there is some risk to ignoring the ticket. Although points cannot be assessed against your license, if the city does move forward with personal service, you would be liable for the costs of that service, which could substantially increase the cost of the ticket. Different cities are more aggressive with moving forward with the more formal service methods, so drive carefully and remember — even empty intersections could have eyes on you.

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

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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its rights. This is not a case in which the State was unaware of the litigation or blindsided by the result.” Long story short, Texas didn’t turn its paperwork in on time.

OPINION

DIVORCE IS DIVORCE, OF COURSE OF COURSE … UNLESS, OF COURSE, THAT divorce is between two

members of the same sex who were in love and got married and then stopped communicating or whatever and had to separate and their state would not only NOT recognize their marriage but put them through the wringer to actually divorce, which, c’mon, is hard enough already. Stefanie Cochrane

Angelique Naylor and Sabina Daly were married in Massachusetts in 2004 and later moved to TX, where, some say, everything’s bigger. The state’s maxim would also seem to include the large (and let’s face it, invasive) arm of the court system. Aware of the difficulties in facing divorce under a state that never legally recognized their union in the first place, the couple was initially granted a valid divorce by district courts in 2010. But that would be too easy. The state quickly appealed the decision in order to “defend the

DAISY

Daisy is an adorable little dog looking for her forever home. She’s very affectionate and loves nothing more than lounging in the lap of her favorite person. According to her previous owner, she’s housetrained and has done well with other dogs in the past. 10

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constitutionality of Texas and federal laws,” and the case has been bouncing around the murky tunnels of legislation ever since. Until now, count ’em, five years later. On June 19, the Texas Supreme Court upheld the decision in granting a divorce between Angelique and Sabina. Justice Jeffrey Brown wrote in the decision that the “record reveals that the State, while fully aware of the public import of this private dispute, had adequate opportunity to intervene and simply failed to diligently assert

JUNIOR

Junior is an energetic, sweet gal who may have run in the Iditarod. She loves to go for walks and knows some basic commands. Junior would do best in a home without children. If you’re looking for a new best friends come meet her soon!

Then Attorney General, now Governor Greg Abbott, called the decision “disappointing.” Mr. Abbott filed the original appeal against Angelique and Sabina, but his failure to file on time lost him his case and threw a wrench into the systematic debasement of marriage equality by the state of Texas. Perhaps if he hadn’t spent so much energy trying to enforce outdated and unfounded readings of the law in order to oppress a whole collective of US citizens, he might have remembered to cross his Ts and dot his lower case Js on the way to meeting this deadline. Or, maybe, he was just busy watching too many Dallas reruns. The 5–3 ruling was not based on any interpretation of the constitution, but was instead based on this technicality. Perhaps this was a swift little linedance on the way to creating equal LGBT rights in marriage and in divorce. Because the marriage of Angelique and Sabina had to first be recognized in order for it to be dissolved, you could say that this was a step forward for the Lone Star State. BUT, you could also say that this decision sent a message that keeping same-sex partners apart was valued over the protection and acceptance of their union. This ruling is hung on a rusted nail of detail rather than on an enlightened decision. As you know, SCOTUS was presented with four now-famous cases involving US Constitutional clauses and has ruled in favor of same-sex marriage. The clauses in question were umbrella-ed under the 14th Amendment’s due process and equal protection, which grant all Americans the right to life, liberty, and property. Every human has the right to fall in (and out) of love in the legal arena and now ... SCOTUS agrees.

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When it rains, it pours, and girl: It rained like crazy in select spots around the state! We’ll be the first to admit we weren’t the hippest on what to do when the floodgates opened, so let’s get down to some flash-flood tips that hold water.

If there is any possibility of a flash flood, child, you need to move immediately to higher ground — especially if your area is known to go under water. Do not wait for instructions to move or you might be too late.

Floods are the most common natural disaster in the US. Flash floods can form in seconds, and though they’re not as sensational as tornadoes and hurricanes, they’re definitely dangerous. If a flood is likely in your area, you best get serious.

Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams, rivers, or creeks, particularly during threatening conditions. Be aware of streams, canyons, drainage systems, and other areas known to fill up and go under. Flash floods can happen with or without the typical warning signs, like rain clouds or a heavy downpour.

Do not walk through moving water, holy cow. Six inches of moving water can sweep you off your feet. If you absolutely have to walk in water, walk in spots where the water is still. Also, use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.

KNOW THE JARGON! H IG H WATER 12

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FLASH FLOOD WARNING

A flash flood is occurring. Seek higher ground on foot immediately.

Do not drive into flooded areas. If waters are rising around your car, abandon it and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You can be swept away quickly in that vehicle. In fact, a mere two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including SUVs and pickups.

FLASH FLOOD WATCH

Flash flooding is certainly possible. Have some shoes on and be prepared to move to higher ground. Keep the radio or television on for updates.


Brian had his HIV under control with medication. But smoking with HIV caused him to have serious health problems, including a stroke, a blood clot in his lungs and surgery on an artery in his neck. Smoking makes living with HIV much worse. You can quit.

CALL 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

#CDCTips

HIV alone didn’t cause the clogged artery in my neck. Smoking with HIV did. Brian, age 45, California

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SP I L L ING THE T

A FEW THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT TRANSGENDER AMERICA PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA HAS QUIETLY done more to

advance rights for transgender people than any other president, but they remain among the nation’s most misunderstood minorities. Let’s touch base with a few common no-nos and see if we can’t get society on a better track to understanding. The Associated Press

WHO YOU ARE VS. WHOM YOU LOVE Sexual orientation and gender identity are not the same thing. The first refers to a person’s physical and emotional attractions to another person. Gender identity is a person’s strongly felt sense of being female, male, or perhaps neither. That’s why transgender rights advocates are pushing for nondiscrimination laws that cover both sexual orientation (gay, lesbian, or bisexual) and gender identity (transgender). It’s not often discussed, but lots of transgender people also identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual.

WATCH YOUR WORDS Terminology is constantly evolving. Words once tossed around casually are now considered offensive. RuPaul’s Drag Race was successfully urged to stop using the words “tranny” and “she-mail.” (Drag queens, such as RuPaul, are not usually considered transgender because their act is based on performance, not innate identity.) “Sex change” has fallen out of polite use for 14

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the medical treatments that some, but not all, transgender people undergo to bring their bodies into alignment with their identities. Until recently, “sex reassignment” was the favored alternative, but it is giving way to “gender reassignment” and “gender confirmation.”

MANNERS MATTER Katie Couric was called out after she pressed model Carmen Carrera for details about her gender transition and “private parts.” Such questions are considered rude and intrusive. As Washington Post etiquette columnist Steven Petrow has noted: “It wouldn’t be appropriate to ask a non-transgender person about the appearance or status of their genitalia, so it isn’t appropriate to ask a transgender person that question either.” Asking transgender people what their names were before they transitioned is similarly considered ill-mannered, as is failing to make an effort to use the pronouns they prefer.

Transgender people make up .3 percent of the American adult population, according to estimates by The Williams Institute, a think tank at UCLA.

BY THE NUMBERS Transgender people make up .3 percent of the American adult population, according to estimates by The Williams Institute, a think tank at UCLA. In a 2011 survey by the Public Religion Research Institute, 11 percent of respondents reported having a close friend or relative who was transgender, compared with 58 percent who had a close relationship with someone who was gay or lesbian. And transgender people — especially women — remain vulnerable to violence. The murder of our transgender brothers and sisters comprise the large majority of bias-related killings of the LGBT community.

INTERESTING TO NOTE When he was president, George W. Bush hosted a White House reunion for his former Yale classmates, including a transgender woman who had lived as a man when Bush knew her. Another guest told reporters that the president grabbed the classmate’s hand and exclaimed fondly, “Now you’ve come back as yourself.” During his boyhood in Indonesia, Obama’s nanny was a transgender woman who told The Associated Press three years ago that she didn’t dress as a woman around her young charge, but that the Prez “did see me trying on his mother’s lipstick, sometimes.”


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KYE ALLUMS Kye Allums is the first athlete in the NCAA Division I to be openly transgender. His accomplishment is also noticeable for the fact that Division I is the highest echelon of college athletics. In 2010, Allums played for George Washington University’s women’s team.

CANDIS CAYNE If you’re a fan of ABC’s Dirty Sexy Money, then you might already be familiar with Candis Cayne. Cayne is the first transgender actress to have a recurring role on a primetime television show as a transgender character.

FALLON FOX Fallon Fox delivered a one-two combo to the world of mixed martial arts when she became the first openly transgender athlete in MMA history. Before becoming a mixed martial artist, Fox served as an operations specialist 2nd class on the navy’s USS Enterprise.

CHRISTINE JORGENSEN

CHANGING THE COURSE OF AMERICAN CULTURE, ONE GENDER REASSIGNMENT AT A TIME WHILE THE TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY IS star ting to gain more positive recognition in society thanks in par t to public figures such as Caitlyn Jenner and Laver ne Cox, there are several more transgender individuals who are making histor y for the LGBT community but aren’t receiving the same level of exposure. This isn’t to say that the contributions of Jenner and Cox should be in any way discounted; I simply mean there are more transfolks making headway on the airwaves. O’Brian Gunn

CAROLINE COSSEY

LYNN CONWAY

James Bond is well known for his ability to melt panties from twenty paces away. In 1981, Bond set his sights on actress Caroline Cossey, who played a Bond girl in For Your Eyes Only. Cossey is a transgender actress who is also notable for having what’s known as Klinefelter’s Syndrome, which gave her an XXXY genotype instead of the

Tech geeks might already be aware that Lynn Conway made digital waves after spearheading microelectronics chip design at the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center. What they might not know is that Conway is transgender and an activist for the transgender community. In addition to Xerox, Conway has also worked for IBM and DARPA

typical male XY chromosome pattern.

(Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency).

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The first step on the path to recognition for the transgender community was made by Christine Jorgensen during the 1950s. Jorgensen became the very first publically known individual to have sex reassignment surgery. Born George William Jorgensen, Christine served in the US Army during World War II before beginning her transition after experiencing a “lack of male physical development.” During the time, Sweden was the only nation in the entire world with doctors who would perform sex reassignment surgery. Jorgensen entered the public eye by becoming a spokesperson for the transgender and transsexual community.

ISIS KING Isis King made history on America’s Next Top Model when she became the first transgender contestant. King first began transitioning in 2007 when she started hormone replacement therapy. It would be another two years before she had her sex reassignment surgery. Since the show, King has gone on to become American Apparel’s first openly transgender model.

LANA LAWLESS Transgender golf fans can thank Lana Lawless for the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) eliminating the requirement that participants be born female. The change was made in 2010 after Lawless brought a lawsuit against the LPGA. Lawless first made headlines in 2008 for taking the top slot in long-drive golf in the women’s world championship.

No matter your sexuality or gender, knowing more about every community’s history and influential figures shows how all anyone wants is to be treated with respect and not feel ostracized because they aren’t considered “normal.” History and influence is all about change, and no one knows more about change than the transgender community.


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THE GREAT TRANSGENDER HEALTH INSURANCE DEBACLE WHILE HAVING ACCESS TO PROPER health insurance

is essential for ever yone, it’s especially impor tant for transgender people, mainly due to their need for special medical procedures and medication. Some health insurance providers are either f lat out refusing to provide proper coverage for transgender individuals or are seemingly unwilling to understand why transgender people need special care in the first place. Now not only is the transgender community not wanted in public restrooms, they’re not wanted in health insurance offices either. O’Brian Gunn

A SEVERED LIFELINE Just as many of us can’t start the day without that first cup of coffee, many transgender individuals are unable to truly start living without special medical procedures and medication. Another reason proper and affordable healtcare is important to trans people is so they can ensure their hormone treatments aren’t causing health complications. For many, the need for gender reassignment surgery and hormone replacement therapy is so great that they are driven to suicide without them.

MEDICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL, EMOTIONAL, AND FINANCIAL FALLOUT Not having access to affordable or proper healthcare coverage isn’t a deterrent for every member 18

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of the transgender community. Like everyone else, some members scour the internet to find what they need. Instead of receiving the wrong product or having their financial information stolen, transgender individuals are sometimes the victims of a different kind of identity theft, if they receive treatment from an unscrupulous physician or hormone provider. Other ways transgender people are disenfranchised by health insurance providers is by having to pay more for procedures insurance companies don’t cover because such procedures are considered transrelated care. There’s also a possibility of having to pay penalties and taxes and even having to utilize a retirement fund or savings account to pay for a procedure.

For many, the need for gender reassignment surgery and hormone replacement therapy is so great that they are driven to suicide without them.

NO PORT OR PROVIDER IN THE STORM It seems as though there is no end to the way health insurance providers can make life even more difficult for the transgender community. Even if a provider covers gender reassignment surgery, it might not cover a mastectomy or a procedure that feminizes a transwoman’s face. There are also providers that cover hormone treatments and mental health therapy but not gender-reassignment therapy. Those who are trying to get coverage might be denied if the provider considers gender dysphoria to be a pre-existing condition. Thankfully, there are some health insurance companies that are starting to include transgender individuals with their coverage. Cigna and Aetna have changed their policies so that it’s easier for the community to receive proper coverage. There are many of us who go without health coverage simply because we’re unable to afford it, but trans individuals who are able to afford medical insurance are sometimes denied access, much like they’re denied by their family, friends, and society. The only pre-existing condition a transgender person is stricken with is the one that’s the most common — the human condition.


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LAWS THAT ARE TRANSFORMING RESTROOMS AROUND THE STATES WHILE MANY OF US MAY have trouble finding the

restroom in a public place, we don’t have to question which side to use. In fact, most of the general public doesn’t experience the same fear and uncer tainty the transgender community endures ever y time they answer the call of nature. Making the matter even more complicated is the fact that lawmakers in various states are now taking legal action to make it even more difficult for a transgender person to feel comfor table and free in his or her own skin. O’Brian Gunn

“EXCUSE ME, CAN YOU TELL ME WHERE MY RIGHTS ARE?” One of the reasons “bathroom bully bills” have originated is that some believe they help prevent rape and voyeurism. As for such laws being put in place at schools, Kentucky State Senator C.B. Embry states that “parents have a reasonable expectation that schools will not allow minor children to be viewed in various stages of undress by members of the opposite biological sex.” Texas State Representative Debbie Riddle feels that bathroom bills targeted on transgender individuals are intended to safeguard women and children from going to use a restroom and discovering a “man who feels like he is a woman that day.” No matter the reason why bathroom bills are being drawn up, the truth of the matter 20

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is transgender individuals have more to fear than anyone else. Imagine not being able to use a public restroom without a permeating fear of being attacked either verbally or physically. This fear of attack might soon be coupled with the fear of legal punishment, as a result of bills being proposed in Nevada, Minnesota, Kentucky, Florida, and Texas.

A VOLATILE VIOLATION Not only do these laws limit the choices and rights of the transgender community, they harm the process of transitioning from one gender to another. Some transgender individuals don’t feel comfortable using the men’s restroom if they identify as female and vice versa. For those who choose to use the “correct” restroom when they first start to transition from one gender to another, they might be both verbally and

No matter the reason why bathroom bills are being drawn up, the truth of the matter is transgender individuals have more to fear than anyone else.

physically assaulted. What do you do when you’re taking a huge risk no matter which restroom you use?

BATHROOM BRAWL There are some transgender individuals who are not only fighting back against restrictive laws, but winning. The family of Coy Mathis won a lawsuit against the Colorado school district back in 2013 that allowed Coy to use the girls’ restroom. Coy was in the first grade at the time and was told she could either use the boys’ restroom or the unisex faculty restrooms but not the girls’ bathroom. Her parents argued that the Fountain-Fort Carson School District was in violation of the state’s anti-discrimination act. In 2009, Nicole Maines was a fifth grader when her family deemed the Orono school district to be in violation of the Maine Human Rights Act. The case was the result of a complaint made by the grandfather of a male student who didn’t agree with Maines’ use of the girls’ restroom. The court found the school district to be in violation of the state’s human rights act, which marked the first such ruling in the state of Maine. One of the reasons the subject of transgender bathroom laws and rights is such a delicate issue is that the restroom is a delicate place where you conduct delicate business. While some believe the transgender community is being made into a target and scapegoat, there’s no doubt as to the graffiti scrawled on the bathroom wall.


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HER OWN LANE Chris Arneson

EDEN LANE IS THE CREATOR, host, and producer of In

Focus with Eden Lane, a Colorado Public Television weekly program celebrating ar ts and culture. Her weekly primetime series just completed its seventh season and has already featured more than 250 original episodes spotlighting local and national ar ts, theatre, and music, ear ning Eden many accolades, including a recent Westword “Best Of ” TV personality award. She has made recent appearances on CNN and Entertainment Tonight, and was also profiled by People. She is the first transgender reporter and TV host on mainstream television. We spoke with Eden about her views on the recent influx of trans coverage in the news. How did you handle coming out as transgender? Is there anything you wish you would have handled differently? If you mean as a media personality, it was never a secret, so in that sense I didn’t “come out.” When my trans identity/history became part of the story, I wish I had spoken up more loudly in calling it out as irrelevant. When you went through your transition, were healthcare practices different than today? Healthcare continues to be challenging for many transgender men and women. Access for even basic care that so many people take for 22

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It remains to be seen how public conversations will impact transgender people who are not living and working in a celebrity bubble.

granted is often nonexistent. Race, employment, and education are often fundamentally connected to access; that hasn’t changed much. Transitionrelated healthcare can be out of reach for anyone lacking privilege. Of course we see improvement in healthcare and insurance policy [in general], but implementation is reportedly slow to reach most transgender people. Who are some other transgender people you think should be recognized more? There are some fantastic transgender men and women for journalists to spotlight. Angelica Ross is the Executive Director and CEO of TransTech Social Enterprises. TransTech is a training academy and apprenticeship program that educates and employs trans the community. CONTINUED ON PAGE 24


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HER OWN LANE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

Monica Roberts (aka the TransGriot) is an award-winning blogger, historian, and a fierce advocate on trans issues. Photographer, writer, and publisher Amos Mac who co-created Original Plumbing, a publication documenting the culture of transgender men. GLAAD Senior Media Strategist Tiq Milan is an inspiring speaker and his personal blog is on my must-read list. Colorado’s Nicole Garcia works as a mental health counselor and she is also a candidate for ordained ministry in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Alisha Brevard was an actress in 60s and 70s movies and TV, but she didn’t reveal herself as transgender until later in life. Frankly there are impressive and inspiring transgender people across the country; we as journalists must begin to tell more diverse stories. When was the last time you remember transgender issues being covered so much in the news? I can’t recall transgender lives receiving this much media coverage. Have others in the trans community reached out to you? In what ways do you think you’ve helped them? Over the years, many young LGBT people and have reached out to me. Often, they simply want to be seen by someone. Transgender youth, and often their parents, contact me seeking information or referrals. Sometimes they just want to tell me that my work on television provides evidence that they can reach out for a bigger life. Do you think Caitlyn Jenner’s transition is putting a positive light on the trans community? Have you noticed a change in the way it’s been discussed? The most important development from Caitlyn Jenner’s media attention seems to be new conversations. The dialogue has been more respectful in more places than many anticipated. It remains to be seen how these polite public conversations will impact transgender people who are not living and working in a celebrity bubble. We must report on the rampant violence against transgender people in every community. For example, Mercedes Williamson was the ninth trans woman murdered in US in 2015; we know the conversation must go deeper than celebrity. Do you think the Caitlyn Jenner and Rachel Dolezal stories should be compared? Being transgender, what do you think about the term “transracial”? In my experience, the term “transracial” refers to adoptees raised in a family of a different race. It was jarring to see it appropriated by Ms. Dolezal. It seems like a dangerous stretch to compare Caitlyn Jenner, or any transgender life, to this sensationalized scandal. A lot of people still don’t seem to understand the process. Do you believe it should be kept personal, or does the media have a right to know about the transition of someone in the public eye? Each person should decide how to tell their own story. When journalists focus on surgeries it’s reductive. We serve our audiences best when we get beyond the sensational. As for the media’s right to know, that needs context. What advice do you have for someone who feels like he or she should transition but doesn’t know when? Each transperson’s experience is so unique, there isn’t a template for anyone to follow, so I wouldn’t presume to offer that kind of advice.

You can catch InFocus with Eden Lane weekly on Colorado Public Television as well as online at InFocusTV.org. Follow her on Twitter @edenlane. 24

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FASHION

HOW TO BE AS NAKED AS POSSIBLE STEFANIE COCHRANE PrideFest was filled with love, great memories, good music, fierce attitudes, and a whole lotta skin. Y’all came dressed less to impress. It got us thinking: How naked can we actually get around here? Depending on how bold and ballsy (pardon the pun!) you may be, Denver municipal laws allow for a bit of wiggle room in terms of showing some skin. There are no laws against female toplessness — a win for feminine equality and for your tan lines! Thongs are also legal so feel free to flaunt what you got. #BubbleButtsUnite. Basically, as long as you keep the P and V on lockdown, the Mile High City is ready for your most extreme and freeing sartorial choices. Here’s a round-up of our favorite picks for a sexy summer season. Note: Do NOT forget to

DAMAGE IS DONE BIKINI ~ $48 each Slightly more modest, but still H Oh Double T. NastyGal.com

PRIDE FLAG SWIM TRUNKS ~ $46 Yay! NuWear.com

sunscreen up. Nobody likes a beet-red ass.

RUNNING SHORTS ~ $20 Sweat it out and let it out. NuWear.com

METAL BRA ~ $50 Trust us — you need this. Even if you just wear it while watching Game of Thrones by yourself. Etsy.com

SHINY BODYSUIT ~ $30 I just wanna look like a disco ball. All the time. AmericanApparel.net

NIP COVERS ~ $16 Your nips are so money. RickySnyc.com

CHINO SHORTS ~ $40 As short as shorts will go. Unless you cut ‘em yourself. Which we’re way into. Us.Asos.com BODYSUIT ~ $20 Sweetened up buns of steel. AliExpress.com 26

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MESH HEART DRESS ~ $30 Katy Perry worthy. AmiClubWear.com


Don’t miss the CinemaQ Film Festival as we share the stories and experiences of the GLBTQ community by presenting a slate of films from the important and inspirational, serious and fun, and recent and classic. Schedule, tickets & pass information coming soon!

Sie FilmCenter

2510 E. Colfax Ave.

July 23-26, 2015 denverfilm.org OUTFRONTONLINE.COM

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PRIDE IN PHOTOS

photography by charles broshous + nikki kushner

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PHOTOS BY CHARLES BROSHOUS

PRIDEFEST’S HIT PARADE Chris Arneson

DENVER’S PRIDEFEST PARADE OFFERS A fierce immersion into Denver’s gay community. (But that’s really nothing new for Colfax.) Here are a few of my favorite things to come out of this year’s cavalcade from Cheesman to Civic Center. COSTUMES

LOVE FROM RELIGIONS

Oh, the silly costumes. Here it’s okay to dress up as a condom. Even children will love you because you’re a variety of rainbow colors, you’re dancing, and you’ve got a grinning face. (Personally, I thought they were veggies.) There were also a few people dressed up as PrEP.

Christians. Jews. Mormons. Spiritual living. They all showed up with some divine blessings for their LGBT brethren.

MUSICALS La Cage was there. Mary Poppins, too! The Denver Center even provided an eclectic mix of showtunes and gay anthems. You can’t have a gay parade without that.

CHARLIE’S PIRATE SHIP Thar she blew…my mind! Captained by Shanida Lawya with special guest Alaska Thunderf*ck 5000, that ship was easily was one the coolest floats this year. 30

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CORKY’S FOAM PARTY If there’s a float to be on, it’s probably this one. Reppin’ the Corky Cares Foundation’s Pride Party at Club Q in Colorado Springs, Corky proved he brings the party wherever he goes.

TRACKS BROUGHT A DINOSAUR Their Pangea theme was awesome enough, especially with the brilliant timing around the Jurassic World release. But then they brought a freaking dinosaur to Colfax … and I peed a little.


PHOTOS BY NIKKI KUSHNER

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MIKEY ROX’S MINI-GUIDE TO SATISFYING SUMMER READS YOU’VE GOT THE ESSENTIALS PACKED

in your bag for a relaxing day at the beach — except a good book. Take your pick from these new releases, all with an LGBT angle. SWEET TOOTH Tim Anderson

HOST OF MEMORIES: TALES OF INEVITABLE HAPPENSTANCE Peter Rupert Lighte From his Jewish New York upbringing to discovering his sexuality to becoming founding chairman of J.P. Morgan Chase Bank China, Lighte wanders through diverse social and cultural landscapes, finding niches into which he fits along the way and embracing the circumstances in which he’s a square peg.

ON HURRICANE ISLAND Ellen Meeropol As a hurricane threatens New England, lesbian protagonist and math professor Gandalf Cohen is abducted by federal agents, whisked away to a secret civilian detention center off the coast of Maine, and violently interrogated in this terrorist-weary political thriller set in the days leading up to the anniversary of 9/11. 32

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SERVED HOT Annabeth Albert Self-employed barista Robby throws caution to the wind when he works up the nerve to take his slow-brewing relationship with one of his customers from simmering on the surface to piping hot when they meet at a Pride festival — which ultimately begs the question: Will someone get burned?

TAKE THIS MAN: GAY ROMANCE STORIES Edited by Neil Plakcy Released on the anniversary of Congress’ repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act, this anthology aims to put the passion back into married sex with 16 stories celebrating the commitment of what it means to be gentlemen in the streets and freaks under the sheets.

Winner of the Gay/Lesbian Nonfiction category of the 6th Annual International Book Awards, Sweet Tooth describes in uproarious detail how a gay, Southern, junk-food-loving 15 year old copes with the onset of Type 1 diabetes — and his hormones — in the 1980s.

BEST GAY ROMANCE 2015 Edited by Felice Picano In this diverse collection of scintillating stories, readers will experience the highs of love, lust, and pleasure with elaborate tales of sweet romances, secret trysts, and erotic encounters.

I LEFT IT ON THE MOUNTAIN Kevin Sessums From the underbelly of New York society and celebrity journalism to the peaks of Kilimanjaro, Sessums chronicles his postMississippi Sissy (his first memoir) adolescence in a poetic recollection of decidedly adult explorations and experiences — like casual chats with Andy Warhol, a mind-bending trek through Camino de Santiago, and the drug addiction that almost cost him everything.

WILD PITCH Sloan Johnson In the spirit of author Peter Lefcourt’s The Dreyfus Affair, this baseball-focused gay/bi love story follows hopeful Sean Tucker through the ranks — from farm team to the major league — as he tries to keep his sexual orientation and his love for a fellow player a secret on and off the field.

AFTER WOODSTOCK Elliot Tiber Author and humorist Elliot Tiber helped start the gay liberation movement and saved the Woodstock Festival from cancellation, but the renowned writer and entertainment producer didn’t start really living until after the summer of ’69.

FIN & MATT Charlie Winters Fin MacAuliffe returns to Missouri after graduation to start the traditional life his parents intended for him — land a good job, find a good girl — when he’s thrown off track by chiseled-andcharming Matt DiFiore, setting both private school teachers on an as-yet-unbeaten path.

TOP ME MAYBE? Jay Northcote On the outside, tall, broad, and brut police officer Duncan is the quintessential power top, but when he confesses his desire to flip the script to boyfriend Tyler, it’s game on for a night they’ll remember forever.

TOO LATE … I LOVE YOU Kiki Archer Connie Parker doesn’t believe in real-life love, but when she starts fictionalizing her version of it in a new book she’s set out to write, she’s left scratching her lonely head when the hero begins to resemble her best friend Maria.


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I’m reading Deep Truth by Gregg Braden and re-reading Esther Hicks’ books. They’ll send you down the rabbit hole! What’s on your iPod? Oh my god, I’ve got thousands upon thousands of songs on my iPod. What would surprise us? Probably the rap, and that I listen to J. Cole and Drake. I appreciate the musicality of what they’re doing and the lyrics and the soul of where it comes from. I love it very much. You have so many songs! Where do you find your inspiration and is there a song that you wish you had written?

A LITTLE BIT OF M.E. MELISSA ETHERIDGE IS COMING TO Colorado armed with a brand new album and her unyielding loyalty to her fanbase in the Centennial State. She gave us some glorious facetime to reveal her inspiration, her lessons from cancer, and to shout out Drake. Heather O’Steen

Are you excited about this new album? I’m loving this so much. I’m enjoying these new songs. The fans are embracing them and loving them as much as they love the old stuff. I’m having a great time. You’ll be in Denver in August. I am all over Denver. Is there anything we can expect? Well, you know, Colorado was one of the first places that embraced my music. The radio station there, KBCO, really just pounded my first album and so I have had just incredibly loyal fans there from 1988 on. So I always love coming back to Colorado. It’s a real favorite part of mine [which is] why when I’m there, I play in Denver, I play in Boulder, I play in Aspen — just all over. You just created your own record label. How was that? Well, actually, nowadays, with the help of technology we can do it ourselves. It’s more work, more responsibility, and sometimes you have to put a little bit of money out to get money back, but it’s the best situation I’ve known — I have complete artistic freedom. I always have artistic freedom, basically … Island Records have always been good to me. I now have the freedom to make some of the business decisions, too. I 34

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can say the album is not over. It came out a few months ago yet I’m still working it. I’m not a big corporation that only has so much time for something; I can work this as long as I want. And I do enjoy that. Are you going to have any new and upcoming artists on your label? You know, I don’t know. I haven’t had any time to concentrate on any other artist. I hope that when I do get to settle down I’ll start looking to other artists and other venues so I can release other stuff. I would love to do that. Have you read Sheryl Sandberg’s book Lean In? Oh, I haven’t. My wife told me I must read that and it’s on my list but I haven’t read it yet. I didn’t know if that book influenced you to start your own record label. I have been about women’s empowerment for well … since the beginning so it’s really important. Especially in my business, seeing in the last 25 years how many women have come up and have done it and done it very well. I understand the philosophy behind Sheryl’s book Lean In and helping women and working together and now I find that I’m very much gender blind and I want to work with who can make this happen. What books are you currently reading?

I started believing early on in the 70s that songwriters are to experience life, then find a way to musically include that, to create something musically from that. So I really believe inspiration comes from life. And of course there’s songs I wish I’d written — one that I’ve always thought about that was Peter Gabriel’s In Your Eyes. It’s been 10 years since your cancer diagnosis. Is there anything you took for granted that you don’t now? My body. I know that my health is my responsibility and so much of it has to do with the food that I eat and how I take care of it and the stress that I have. That’s what it’s all about. I never take that for granted. I watch what I eat every single day. It’s a real personal responsibility, my health. So what do you not eat now? I don’t eat red meat, dairy, sugar, gluten. I eat from the ground. I eat real whole foods. And fish. What are some of the coolest things you’ve received from fans and do you keep them? I’ve gotten some amazing things from fans. I have a big storage space, because there are just some things that people create that I don’t feel right giving away. Probably my favorite was one fan, her father worked on the NASA program that went to the moon and she brought me a little piece of moon rock. So my fan gave me the moon. What’s the best part about being a celebrity? The best part is restaurant reservations probably. Being able to get a table wherever I want to go. And then, you know, it’s when people meet me. If they recognize me, they have nice these to say, how much the music meant to them. Or they know someone going through cancer or is gay or something, and there’s usually a personal, uplifting story that I get to hear. That’s the relationship I have with people. And she’s coming to Colorado soon! Catch her at one (or all) of her three CO tour dates: 8/3 Swallow Hill Music Association, Denver Botanic Gardens @6:30pm // 8/4 Belly Up Aspen @9pm // 8/5 Chautauqua Auditorium @9pm


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and infidelity are universal and viewers can identify with. The character of Dinah finds some of what Sin-dee and Alexandra admit to doing as being sad. How do you see the characters and their situations? I can’t concern myself with audience members who are closed-minded and have no empathy or sympathy for those characters. I’m not trying to teach or preach, I’m making films for people of similar sensibility. I can’t concern myself with those who look down on these characters. I would have to play to the lowest common denominator. You shot the film entirely on an iPhone. What can you say about that decision and that process? It certainly adds an immediacy to the film.

TANGERINE IS A DREAM TANGERINE, OPENING JULY 24 IN Denver, is director/co-writer Sean Baker’s funky little comedy. Shot entirely on an iPhone, this film is full of dram-ah as motor-mouthed transgender prostitute Sin-dee (Kitana Kiki Rodriguez) finds out from her BFF Alexandra (Mya Taylor) that her boyfriend Chester (James Ransome) has been cheating on her while she’s been in jail. As Sin-dee wanders around Los Angeles on Christmas Eve, trying to find Chester, Alexandra wants to focus on her performance that night. Meanwhile Razmik (Karren Karagulian), a cab driver, seeks out both ladies for personal reasons. The film thrives on its characters’ manic energy, but it is ingratiating because Sin-dee and Alexandra have tremendous heart. Gary M. Kramer

Baker spoke with Out Front via Skype about making Tangerine.

What can you say about the portrayal of the transgender prostitute characters?

You tend to make films about marginalized, struggling, and/or disenfranchised characters. Why do these kinds of stories appeal to you?

Mya told us something early in the process that made us make a comedy. She was enthusiastic about the film, but asked me to promise to show what the transgender women of color who do sex work go through out here with brutal honesty, even if it’s un-PC. And she wanted it to be funny, and “made for the girls,” not [portray it] as a National Geographic-style film. She said, “Humor is how we get through this.” I said it was going to be a balancing act. These women are images we’ve all seen before in cinema or TV, but for me, they were always caricatures, or used as butts of jokes, never developed, or fleshed out. I wanted to humanize these women and give them a story that, while it might play out only in that world, the themes of friendship

I try to stay away from being too self-analytical. In all four of my films, I dealt with subject matter I didn’t know about. I think those were small cultures I was interested in exploring. Each project began a different way and lead to what it became. With Tangerine, it was a street corner in LA that was infamous as a chaotic, red-light district. I had just explored sex work in my previous film, Starlet. I think I’m doing a trilogy. It was pure curiosity that led me there. The collaboration of befriending and getting the trust of the people from that world is how the stories were developed.

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It began as a budgetary constraint, and it became more than that. At first it was because we didn’t have the money to shoot with other equipment. We said we’re going to embrace this and exploit the benefits from shooting on the phone, and suddenly the benefits revealed themselves to us. I knew we could be more clandestine, but I was much more mobile; the camera moves became more fluid. The most important thing was that these first-time actors had their inhibitions stripped away. Mya and Kiki were never intimidated by the “camera.” There’s a fantastic scene in a car wash. Can you discuss your concept for the film? I wanted to shoot a long take in the car wash. I didn’t know what I would do and when Mya told me that women take their clients into the car wash for a quickie, that’s what led us to write that scene. The language in the film — the use of terms like “b*tch” and “fish” — is very precise. How much of the film was improvised? For the girls’ dialogue, improvisation was encouraged. Chris [Bergoch, the co-writer] and I recorded every interview we did. We used the interviews as a guide for the dialogue. I gave the characters the script and told them, if you don’t like it, put it into your words, and that’s what they did. They sometimes said the script, or came to the table with their own wording. The only time we couldn’t deviate from the script was during the Armenian dialogue because I don’t know Armenian.

MARY POPPINS May 16 th to September 5 th, 2015 **%& 6gVeV]dZ 6kZ# 7djaYZg BDTStage.com


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CA L ENDA R

BROUGH T TO YOU BY T HE DENVER GAY & L ES B IAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

JULY 03-05 UPCOMIN G

CHAMBER EV E N TS

JULY 07

CHERRY CREEK ARTS FESTIVAL Painting. Music. Aerialists. Booze. (And more, of course.) The weather’s most likely gonna be amazing this weekend, so get in where you fit in, lovers of all things art! Bring the kids and let them show their inner Picasso! CherryArts.org

DOWNTOWN NETWORKING BREAKFAST

JULY 09

JULY 31

@ HOT CAKES DINER, 1400 E. 18 TH AVE, 9:CK:G ,#(%6B

JULY 02

MONTHLY BREAKFAST SERIES

PSYCHO BEACH PARTY

An invigorating, informational breakfast focusing on intellectual property issues for the small business.

5 8GDHH GD69H I= :6IG: ,EB The Denver ELEMENT and Out Theatre Denver are presenting Psycho Beach Party at Crossroads Theatre select dates in July. Psycho Beach Party is 60s beach-romp meets 80s thriller and is full of mistaken identity, gender bending, and hilarious outcomes. Proceeds benefit Denver ELEMENT community programming. TheDenverElement.com

5 L6GL>8@ =DI:A! &,,+ <G6CI HI! 9:CK:G ,#(%6B

JULY 14

FILM ON THE ROCKS’ PRETTY WOMAN 5 G:9 GD8@H 6BE => I =:6I G: ,E B &'

DOWNTOWN NETWORKING BREAKFAST

@ HOT CAKES DINER, 1400 E. 18 TH AVE, 9:CK:G ,#(%6B

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We’re all familiar with the story of a hot, rich Daddy and his younger, supersexy escort, right? (Not the story of your early 20s, boo — Julia Roberts actually got paid.) Join the Out Front team as we kick it at Red Rocks and watch the 1990 classic starring Richard Gere and Julia Whatserface. Don’t miss out. It’d be a big mistake. Huge! Film.RedRocksOnline.com/fotr

FAMILYFRIENDLY FOURTH OF JULY

JULY 04

5 ;>99A:GÈH <G::C 6BE>I=:6IG: ,/(%EB The Colorado Symphony Orchestra is at it again. They’ve been practicing like mad people to bring you live jams from the movie Frozen, classic cuts from the magical worlds of Pixar, Harry Potter, and Star Wars, and (of course) patriotic, July 4th favorites. Come down and strike up the band with us! ColoradoSymphony.org


JULY 25

THRU AUG 02

COLORADO RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

5 E: GGN E6 G@ GD6 9 ™ A 6 G @H EJ G ™ & %6 B ID +/ ( % E B! H6I J G96N HJ C96N Doth m’lady want the description straight from the armored horse’s mouth? “Immerse yourself in a lovingly recreated slice of 16th-century heaven, with minstrels, merrymakers, and maidens aplenty wandering about, eating enormous turkey legs.� (Sounds fun, actually.) And let’s be honest — they had us at enormous turkey leg. ColoradoRenaissance.com

THRU JULY 26

THRU SEPT 07

MYTHIC CREATURES: DRAGONS, UNICORNS, & MERMAIDS CIRQUE DU SOLEIL 5 E:EH> 8:CI:G E6G@>C< ADI ™ 96>AN :M8:EI BDC96NH Denver’s so playful right now! All the mythical business and the dressing up — so fun. Typical for Cirque, they’re adding an intense layer to the madness with their latest installment of athleticismmeets-storytelling. Set in the Industrial Revolution and inspired by the great inventions of that era, Kurios is a steampunk, sepia-toned fantasia guaranteed to leave your jaw on the floor.

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This health fair is an opportunity to talk with, and sample the services of, a wide range of alternative healthcare practitioners about aches, pains, internal illnesses, and/or emotional troubles. No entry fee and all ages are welcome! Delicious herbal brews & treats, low-cost Auricular Acupuncture, and Chair Massage Special offers of future treatments.

JULY 10

@ DENVER MUSEUM OF NAT U RE AND SCI ENCE An interactive display of creatures straight out of Poseidon’s nightmares, the exhibition will steep you in a bit of fact and a bunch of fantasy. DMNS.org/ Mythic-Creatures

THRU SEPT 07

WATER WORLD

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Unlike the big parks (think Six Flags and Wet ‘n Wild), Water World is publicly owned and not for profit. Pretty incredible that they’re able to compete, honestly. And compete they do. LViZg LdgaY ^h ^c ^ih (+i] nZVg and is still ready to float the masses for aqua-laden hijinks and cool, grassy picnics.

We’re not exactly sure how Tracks keeps coming up with these killer party ideas, but we’re not complaining. On our radar (because, like you, we actually read books growing up) is a party centered around our favorite characters from Narnia, Hogwarts, Oz, Fantasia (we’re coming for you, Atreyu!), and more. Those of you who still want to rock that Comic Con gear (and those who missed it this year) get a redo. See you there, fellow bookworms. TracksDenver.com

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OUTFRONTONLINE.COM

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DO I SOUND GAY? FILMMAKER DAVID THORPE THINKS HE “sounds gay.” So he

made a documentar y about it. Opening July 17, the film chronicles him hiring speech and voice coaches to help him lose his sibilant S, gain confidence and get rid of his vocal effeminateness. His film nimbly chronicles this mission, and features clips of Paul Lynde and Boys in the Band as well as inter views with Dan Savage and David Sedaris, among others to address queer stereotypes, adjusting/covering, camp, “performing gayness,” and even the advantages of sounding gay. Gary M. Kramer

You describe being “out of sync” with your voice and feeling a lack of confidence. Why do you — and so many other gay men (and women) — associate those feelings with sexuality?

the only person celebrating gay femininity, but I had to learn to re-embrace my own femininity.

When I was growing up, I was made to feel gay people were worthless. When I’m vulnerable or insecure, it automatically connects to my sexual orientation — that part of my worthlessness comes from being gay. That’s what happens in the beginning of the film and in my life. I’m single, middle aged, and unlovable: What’s wrong with me? One of the answers is: You’re a fag. I don’t rationally believe that, but when you grow up with that notion drilled into you for so many years, it’s a reflex.

I think men feel anxiety about feeling effeminate because we live in a sexist culture that devalues women and men who have feminine traits. We’re on the cusp of change, but it will take a couple more generations for widespread change.

Do you think your film breaks down or reinforces queer stereotypes? I hope it breaks down stereotypes. I have a straight guy who sounds gay and a gay guy who sounds straight. But it’s about embracing who you are and your femininity. It’s time to re-appropriate the feminine stereotype. I’m not

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Why do you think there is such shame associated with feminine-sounding men?

You emphasize and even embrace the visibility of gay icons like Paul Lynde and Liberace, but also seem to be rejecting this kind of behavior in your own life. Isn’t that talking out of both sides of your mouth? That’s the journey of the film. When I began the project, I was keenly aware of not wanting to be flamboyant anymore, because I felt it was a reason why I was alone and unhappy. I wanted to be really honest about those feelings. I’m not the only one who has them. I was out for 20 years, and an AIDS activist, and I was still not comfortable with it. Maybe I needed to be a different kind of

person? At the same time, I didn’t think that I could learn to accept myself in middle age. I felt like I was cooked. It was just as valid a path to change, the way gay men go to the gym or dress to be more masculine. I didn’t think there was anything wrong with shaping my voice. I knew that that was coming from a place of shame. I went down both paths simultaneously, but it was answering all the questions about why people sound gay and hearing other’s stories, and looking at our culture. I found a path I didn’t know was out there for me. How did you respond, growing up, to kids who were effeminate sounding? When I was growing up I wanted to reach out to feminine boys, but I stayed as far away because I knew that effeminacy was “catching,” and the safest thing to do was not hang around effeminate boys, and boys who sounded gay. You are told in the film that you started sounding “more gay” after you came out. Did you recognize an increase in that behavior around that time as well? I think everything about me got gayer. But I think my voice was probably what changed most, and certainly my friends noticed it. When voices sound gayer, it rankles people. The voice is an essential part of who someone is. When it’s changed, people wonder why. You hired speech pathologists and voice coaches to change your voice. Did you feel that was a good investment? It was a great investment at the time, because it helped me get in touch with my voice, and sound more authentically myself, but I don’t need to do it anymore. When I’m relaxed now, my larynx settles into vocal home base, and I hang out in that place, which gives me the most ease. If you are uncomfortable with your voice, you should find out why that is, and find out how to use the one you have.


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THE EMBOLDENED GIRLS A CANDID CONVERSATION WITH JANE FONDA AND LILY TOMLIN LILY TOMLIN IS WATCHING JANE Fonda weep.

As the showbiz icon releases a steady stream of waterworks — she’s “wiping tears away,” Tomlin notes — Fonda pauses slightly to collect herself before answering. The question: Why gay men have forever revered older women even when the rest of the world — and Hollywood — have not?

Older women tend to be more audacious; they’re bigger and bolder and, god knows, gay men love big and bold, right?

Chris Azzopardi

“I find the question so moving that it makes me cry,” says Fonda. It’s one revelatory moment among many during this candid conversation with the 77-year-old actress and Tomlin, 75, who appear together in the new Netflix original series Grace and Frankie. The beloved pair play two golden girls forced to start anew after their husbands drop a big truth bomb: They’re in love with each other.

already love Grace and Frankie, we love our Chers and Bette Midlers. Why do you think, despite Hollywood’s reputation for ageism, there has always been a place for older women in the gay community? LILY: I may be terribly wrong and cutting my tongue out for this: It’s like, well, we’re women of a certain age, and maybe we’re considered more audacious.

This isn’t the actresses’ first time working together, of course. In 1980, Tomlin and Fonda memorably joined forces with Dolly Parton to put misogynistic men in their place in Nine to Five. Decades later, the film is a feminist-celebrated comedy classic.

JANE: I find the question so moving that it makes me cry. I had never thought of it before, and it makes me so moved. I think Lily put her finger on it just now. Older women tend to be more audacious; they’re bigger and bolder and, god knows, gay men love big and bold, right?

Will Dolly make a cameo on Grace and Frankie? During our freewheeling interview, the two longtime friends talked about the possibility of a Nine to Five reunion on their new series, but they revealed plenty more too. Fonda opened up about her own experiences dating high-profile gay men, one of whom proposed to her. Tomlin recalled the time she lashed out at Chita Rivera. But first, the crying.

Does it go any deeper than that, do you think?

You’ve both addressed aging in Hollywood, and this show deals a lot with aging as well. Historically, gay men, we love our Golden Girls, we 44

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LILY: It’s like (drag performer) Lypsinka. I knew he was from Mississippi, and he’s like a little kitten in a way; his hair is so soft and pale red, and he’s got a big, high, very white-skinned forehead. When I first saw Lypsinka, I could just see this little boy — 4 or 5 years old in Mississippi — growing up around all these Southern women. My family’s Southern too. I just saw him seeing through them and into their hearts. He saw the women being oppressed and being pigeonholed and how they act kind of audaciously


BEARRACUDA More than 1500 big, burly men and those who admire them kicked off their Pride weekend at Bearracuda. The largest attended bear dance party in Colorado was held at City Hall on June 19. The event featured the musical stylings of DJ Wayne G, Go-Go bears, and a laser light show. Photo by Charles Broshous

OUTFRONTONLINE.COM

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Watching [Lily’s] take on not just the scripts but life is a pleasure.

wondering, “God, I wonder whatever happened to Pat Johnson?” Because everyone in the class knew that Patty Johnson was gay, or at least we thought that she was. But no one talked about it. Not even among ourselves. Nobody ever said anything. And she was at the reunion — there were only four of us at the reunion. LILY: Four out of the whole class?! Awww.

JANE: And Pat Johnson was there, with an oxygen tank, mind you. It was the first time she’d been out to dinner in five years because she had some allergies to — Jane Fonda chemicals. And there she was with her wife! An amazing woman violinist! And I thought, well, this is very great. I never ever would have imagined back in the day that Pat Johnson would be able to get married to her lady friend.

just to free themselves. I just could see that little boy, and he satirized women’s behavior so brilliantly, all the stuff, the travails they have, and I just wept when I saw him because he was so brilliant. I think there are hinges between those two things. Jane is wiping tears from her eyes. JANE: How she said that, that he sees through them into their hearts. And also: the notion of surviving. LILY: And him making up this incredible creature who’s just so much fun to watch, and yet it’s painful. I could feel his little boy pain all through those years. You both have had a profound influence on the LGBT and ally movements. Can you share a moment in your lives as LGBT activists and trailblazers that stand out as particularly memorable to you? JANE: Campaigning with Harvey Milk in the Castro District in San Francisco for Prop 6. He was the most joyous. He was like Allen Ginsberg. He was always smiling and laughing, and he was beloved and he was funny. The most lovable person. I was so happy when I was with him. And it was just so much fun going into those gay bars with him — oh my god! LILY: I never got to meet Harvey Milk. I knew (LGBT activist and historian) Vito Russo; he was my good friend. I used to exchange so many stories with him. I was up on the Strip one night when I was not on Laugh-In yet. I was unknown and a woman that I was friends with who was a publicist had brought Chita Rivera to meet me, and Chita talked with a Bronx accent, and she’s talking really fast and you don’t know what she’s saying. I kind of zoned out for a minute because I could hardly understand her at that point, and then I suddenly heard her say, “purse nelly.” First she had said my “boy dancers” and the skin on the back of my neck bristled up, and that’s when she said “purse nelly” and then I just went ballistic. I said, “What did you say?!” You lashed out at Chita Rivera? LILY: I lashed out. She said, “I dunno! WHADISAY?” I said, “You said, ‘purse nelly.’ I wanna know what that means. What you meant by that?!” “I don’t know. Whadisay? Pursenelly? Personally.” She was saying “personally!” JANE: Personally! (Laughs) LILY: And I didn’t even cop to it. I was so embarrassed. I just doubled over laughing and fell on the floor. JANE: I just went to my 60th high school reunion. I went four years to an all-girls boarding school, and in the days leading up to the reunion I kept 46

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Let’s talk about your friendship with each other. Was it smooth sailing from the very beginning? LILY: Yeah, we hit it off right away. I was so excited when Jane came to see one of my shows way back in the day. JANE: This was pre-Nine to Five! LILY: Yeah. I was all excited. She came backstage and was very complimentary, and then next thing I knew… JANE: I was offering her a role in Nine to Five, which was originally going to be a serious movie until I saw Lily’s one-woman show called Appearing Nightly. I decided I didn’t want to make a movie about office workers until she was one of them. And it had to be a comedy. It took me a year to convince her and Dolly to be in it! During that year we kind of saw each other because we’d be talking about different ideas and stuff, and so we kind of became friends before Nine to Five. What is different about working with each other on Grace and Frankie compared to when you worked together on Nine to Five 35 years ago? JANE: We’re together more! I mean, it’s four months, almost every day for almost 15 hours, which is a real treat for me. You know, Lily is very unusual. She has a real funny bone. So, watching her take on not just the scripts but life is a pleasure. LILY: Thank you, Ms. Fonda! After doing the first season of Grace and Frankie, what advice do you have for women who are romantically involved with a gay man? JANE: Try to stay friends. You know, it happened to a friend of mine when I lived in Atlanta, and she told me about it and it was very hard for her because she really loved him a lot. Because she loved him, she was able to understand that he needed to become who he really was, and they remained very, very close friends and they still live in the same building. I think that’s the way to do it. Compassion, empathy, love, understanding — we need more of it. Have either of you dated a gay man before? JANE: Oh yes! Oh my god. When I was young, I was the female that gay guys wanted to try to become heterosexual with. A very famous actor who’s gay — and I will not name names — asked me to marry him. I was


very flattered, but I said, “Why?” This was 1964. And I mean, he wasn’t the only one. It’s very interesting. And I lived for two years with a guy who was trying to become heterosexual. I’m intimately acquainted with that. Did that come to mind as you were shooting this show, where you are married to a gay man? JANE: (Laughs) No! Not until you made me think of it right now. Lily, have you had any similar experiences? LILY: No, I didn’t; but I had girlfriends who dated gay guys in college and they couldn’t understand why so-and-so didn’t, you know, take them into their arms and sweep them away. Because they danced together so well! They were beautiful, tall blonde people! They were just kind of breathtaking, and they did make a nice looking couple, but that was about as far as it would go — looks. I had a girlfriend and we got into a big fight about being gay when I first moved to New York. She was watching Lust for Life with Anthony Quinn, who is so macho as Gauguin in that movie, and I said something like, “Look how macho this guy is — he’s unbelievable!” She said, “If I were gay, I’d beat down the door of the nearest psychiatrist.” I said, “If I fell in love with my refrigerator, I’d give it lamb chops!” Netflix has really been a pioneer in reaching beyond LGBT stereotypes and being LGBT inclusive, and it’s done it again with Grace and Frankie. How do you feel about the state of gay characters on TV as a whole? And what is it about this platform that allows Netflix to tell LGBT stories without getting gimmicky or exploitative? LILY: I think it’s been a long time coming. Although, it’s happened because of so many things that have gone before, and this culture has changed. Large parts of the culture have changed. Not the culture as a whole. You know, there’s still a lot of – JANE: Homophobia. I lived in the South for 20 years, and, unfortunately, homophobia is all too alive and rampant, but because there are so many more gay men and women in mass media and they’re very lovable — and more and more people are coming out — Americans know somebody who’s gay and lesbian. Once that happens, it’s a lot harder to remain homophobic. Did you ever think that gay marriage would be a reality in your lifetime?

OUT IN THE

PEN

LILY: No, I did not. JANE: No, I didn’t either. LILY: I mean, I began to suspect. The last generation or two that have come along, they so demanded to be visible and they’ve taken for granted everything that the gay community had fought for so hard for a long time — it was wiped away from their minds that they were not accepted or not loved. I mean, they may have known it but they didn’t own it. JANE: I agree, and I’m very optimistic. I found what Justice Kennedy said — that it should be looked at as sex discrimination — cause for optimism. I remember when this show was announced, everyone was really hyped about you two getting back together, but they were also hoping for a Dolly Parton cameo. Has that been discussed as a real possibility amongst showrunners? LILY: Well, it’s been discussed because so many people inquired about it and thought about it. Of course Dolly’s a good friend and the three of us really like each other and we’ve been friends all these years, but because Grace and Frankie is set apart, we want to establish our identity before we think about dragging the Nine to Five life into it. JANE: It’s a different style. It’s a different animal. We wanna keep it that way. For now, anyway. What do you think your Nine to Five characters, Judy and Violet, are up to these days?

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INSIGHTS TO IMPACT YOUR LIFE OUR EFFORT TO BECOME HEALTHIER and happier people is a life-long journey that can be full of painful lessons, challenging catastrophes, and phenomenal successes. Through introspection, goal setting, and pushing ourselves to expand beyond our current actions and abilities, we create more opportunities to take control of our lives to feel more fulfilled, confident, and powerful. Here are some of some important beliefs that I feel can propel this process forward. Brent Heinze, Senior Columnist

EVOLUTION Though not always pretty, quick, or easy, transformations in our lives can take a long time and tons of energy, focus, and planning. It’s important not to get demotivated because things take longer than we hope for or expect. This process takes as long as it takes, but there are things you can do to prompt these changes to happen quicker.

CLEAN OUT YOUR CLOSET Look at the attitudes, beliefs, and people who do not support your efforts to improve your life. Some things we hold onto are unnecessary or counterproductive. You can keep these types of items in the back of your closet forever, but consider throwing them away if they’re ugly, don’t fit, or if you’re just tired of looking at them.

GET OUT OF YOUR RUT Doing things the same way doesn’t necessarily mean you’re doing them the right way. Sometimes we just get stuck in a moment and need to change up our processes. If the same activities aren’t getting you what you want, disrupt the status quo and see what happens if you do it differently. If it doesn’t work, stop doing it.

DIVERSIFY Healthy relationships exist in many forms, regardless of whether you’re looking for new friends or someone who’s into the white-picketfence lifestyle. Amazing people are all around us, but it’s important to be open to inviting the fantastic ones into our lives. Having a diverse group in our lives for a variety of types of relationships helps to keep things interesting. 50

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BUCK THE VICTIM MENTALITY The majority of limits placed on us are put there by us, so be careful thinking you live in an oppressive environment where you can’t change a thing. Many times we may feel powerless, but often it’s caused by feeling insecure about multiple failures in our attempts to gain something. Don’t let the fear of disappointment stop you from trying to be successful.

LIVE IN THE NOW Don’t get stuck in the past. Learning from failures, challenges, and successes is extremely important so we are better equipped to kick ass in the future.

KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE Evaluate what you are doing and why you are doing it. If you are wasting energy on tasks, people, or situations that don’t serve to improve your life or make you a better person, determine if this is really worth your time and efforts. There is nothing wrong about changing your tactics or surrounding yourself with a different support network.

KNOW THYSELF This really should be the primary goal of our existence while we are living on this planet. It is the simplest idea that takes a lifetime to achieve. This knowledge of ourselves changes over time as we experience new and creative things. Sometimes slowing down to allow time to ponder possibilities or become unapologetically honest with ourselves is difficult for us. Achieving this type of personal enlightenment provides us additional motivation to go after our goals and dreams.


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H EA LT H

Rest doesn’t mean sitting on the couch eating tortilla chips and watching a marathon of Grace and Frankie.

POST-PRIDE DETOX WENT OVERBOARD? NOT TO WORRY. We got some tips to get back to Pre-Pride form, cour tesy of Matrix Fitness & Spa.

Janet Corniel

Pride’s food, festivities, and late nights can add up. So you went hog wild — it’s ok. Give yourself some grace. “The most important thing to keep in mind is to let go of the guilt,” Steve Allen, a professional trainer from Matrix, offers. “The biggest problem I see with my clients is guilt, which can cause a negative spiral. It’s hard to get back in it if you’re beating yourself up.” So be kind to yourself and keep it moving. Start here to get back into the pre-Pride groove.

WATER Aqua, H2O, whatever you call it: Make sure you hydrate. After all the festivities and indulgences, the best way to flush the junk out of your system is to drink tons and tons of water.

CONSISTENCY Making healthy choices consistently is key. This helps you condition your body and set yourself up for success rather than failure. The more consistent you are, the easier it is to pick up your routine and continue with your workout and diet. This way, events like Pride make less of an impact to your overall health. 52

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DIET The old adage that abs are made in the kitchen is true. Processed and high-fat foods are the biggest culprit, but limited time often gets the better of us and we go for fast and convenient. Those choices will make an impact. “Pack yourself healthy snacks ahead of time that’re easily accessible,” says Steve. This will help you forgo the temptation to hit the drive-thru. Leave some raw nuts in your car, pack a protein bar in your gym bag, get some carrots and hummus in your fridge. Preventing drops in blood sugar and not eating when you’re famished will make a huge difference in weight management and maintaining lean body mass.

EXERCISE Keeping fit and making exercise an important part of your lifestyle not only offers tremendous health benefits, but allows you to indulge on occasion with minimal impact. The more lean body mass you have, the more calories you burn at rest. Making time for exercise on a regular basis helps you train your body and increase muscle memory. It’s much harder on you and your body to have extended periods of time

without exercise. “It’s better to exercise 20 minutes a day, three to four times a week than do a hard workout for an hour and only do it once a week.”

REST Who knew rest was a part of a healthy lifestyle? This is where I fall short constantly. Keep in mind, rest doesn’t mean you can sit on the couch eating tortilla chips and watching a marathon of Grace and Frankie on Netflix, not that I’m talking about myself or anything. “Consistent, restful sleep is so important,” Steve affirms. Your body needs time to recover and recharge its batteries. Regular rest and sleep not only help your body but your mind and mood. Find ways to decompress after that long day and train yourself to get the rest you need. Read a book, listen to some relaxing music, meditate, journal. Find things that work best for you and fit them into your routine.

Make positive use of your cheat days. Let them motivate and get you back to your healthy lifestyle — or start one!


CORKY’S POOL PARTY The 8th Annual Corky’s Pride Pool Party was held in the parking lot of the Wrangler on June 20. Corky’s corner featured three above ground pools, a foam pit, and a fashion show. Proceeds from this year’s event benefit AIDS Walk Colorado, The Turner Foundation, and The House of Gaga. Photo by Charles Broshous

Detox from Pride? Get the BODY you’ll be proud to show off!

No enrollment fee Complimentary fitness assessment 303.863.7770 925 Lincoln Street, Denver matrixfitnessandspa.com

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H EA LTH

SLOW DOWN, SPEED RACER! TIPS FOR SAFELY COMMUTING VIA BIKE I’VE BEEN KNOWN TO EVANGELIZE the benefits of

ditching the car for two wheels — heck, my preaching can even be found in this publication. And while my love of bikes is right up there with bees and alliteration, there are some spoilspor ts that give us bi-wheel travelers a bad name.

Ride like every car is going to kill you!

Kelsey Lindsey

You know the type: The Lance-wannabes, bike-lane aggressors, or trafficlight disregarders. While the rest of us are trying to form a safe and cohesive world where bikes, cars, and pedestrians commute in peace and harmony, these speed demons are tarnishing this utopia with every car-swerving pedestrian mow down. Don’t be that guy. Here are some tips and must-knows to stay safe and not be a douchebag while traveling on the two-wheel express.

STAY ON THE ROAD While Denver is not 100 percent bicycle friendly — the League of American Bicyclists recently classified Denver as a silver level city for bikers; the best is gold — bikers should always avoid the sidewalks and ride on the road. Under Denver’s Revised Municipal Code, bicycles are prohibited on sidewalks, unless the sidewalk is part of a bike route or you are within one block of mounting or dismounting your bike.

DON’T GO CRAZY Weaving in between cars and doing some cool Brink-esque tricks over gutters may be the clichéd image of city bike messengers in every movie, but please, leave those antics to the big screen. Ride with traffic while on the road and obey the same laws as motorists, including every stop sign, 54

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traffic light, and lane marking. Avoid unpredictable movements and keep to the right lane always.

CARS ARE NOT YOUR FRIENDS One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received is “ride like every car is going to kill you.” While this is a bit dramatic, it gets to the point: Not every driver is paying attention while on the road, meaning you have to be vigilant of your surroundings. Don’t assume a car can see you, or knows what that hand signal means.

USE YOUR HAND SIGNALS Even if a driver isn’t well versed in bike hand signals, most of them are fairly intuitive. Plus, your fellow bike commuters sharing a bike lane will be appreciative of the heads up.

BE VISIBLE AT NIGHT Equip your bike with a front- and backlights to make you visible in the dark. The front light should be white and visible from 500 feet, the back red and visible from 600 feet.

WEAR A HELMET Because, duh.


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BACKWO RDS NOW THAT SAME-SEX MARRIAGE IS LEGAL, IN WHICH AMERICAN CITY IS YOUR SIGN COOL WITH TYING THE KNOT? CANCER: You belong near the water, but you’re not the flash-and-sizzle, Miami type. Because you’re of the chill persuasion, Cape Cod in Massachusetts — with its laid-back, high society business — is a good place for you to put a ring on it. LEO: Even though the world is your playground, your wedding is an exercise in ‘think globally, act locally.’ You’ll hold the event of the century in Aspen. VIRGO: Earthy as all get-out, you need a city as grounded and stable as you are. When you’re ready to make it official, take that relaxed affair to Boston and add even more history to a city steeped in it.

LIBRA: As cliche as it sounds, New York City is all you — but that’s in spite of the fast pace. Your love of art (and your ability to sweet-talk your way into exclusive places) lands your wedding in the halls of MOMA. SCORPIO: Face it: You’re sin incarnate. We hope Vegas has enough tolerance for your variety of having a good time, Scorpio — your wedding is gonna be most turnt. SAGITTARIUS: Hilarious, gregarious, and brows on fleek, you’re practically Hollywood royalty to your friends. Peep out Los Angeles for your big day.

CAPRICORN: With all the trimmings of a perfect California city, San Diego is the place for the hardworking (and hardplaying) Cappie to get hitched. AQUARIUS: Beautiful, easygoing, and easy-onthe-eyes, you have a lot in common with Seattle, water-bearer. Take your gorgeous self to the Emerald City with your love and say you do. PISCES: What’s more crunk than Mardi Gras? (Your New Orleans wedding!) Get that highstep goin’ down the aisle, you rowdy, romantic thing, you. ARIES: At the foothills of California’s lovely little mountains is the hamlet known as Palm Springs. After a gorgeous wedding, let your ram flag fly and head skyward for the honeymoon. TAURUS: You’ll need a city that’s socially conscious in the day, and freaky as hell at night. That’s why you and your love should head to San Fran when you hear those wedding bells calling. GEMINI: With enough rural backdrop to make your wedding both beautiful and uninterrupted (and enough city life for you to get crunk afterward), The City Too Busy To Hate is all you. (That’s Atlanta, child.)

Cookie: He may be nice to look at, but it’s the quality of the lawn care that matters. Take a close look. Does he trim around the edges? If he just comes in a riding and zips around the place, he will do the same thing to you and be off? Honey, if he gets down on his knees and trims with precision and pays close attention, that’s the guy you want taking care of your man-a-topiary.

I’m really a cute twink and guys are always buying me things. I know it’s proper, but do I really need to pretend to reach for my wallet at the end of each meal? Signed, WHY BOTHER TRYING?

ASK A SLUT

[WARNING: GRAPHIC]

Dear Cycle Sluts, My boyfriend sometimes gets too rough during sex! When he jacks me off, he squeezes so hard it hurts! I don’t want to hurt his feelings. How should I tell him? Signed, SORE SUBJECT Bea: Don’t be a baby! If you really don’t like it you’ll say something about it. Since you haven’t, just enjoy it, you little bitch! Zoey: Don’t hurt his feelings — hurt him. Match him squeeze for squeeze and I bet he catches on. Latexa: Some men just don’t know how to give a Handy-J. Try the “Let’s do something new and different” card for a little while. When you get to what you want, let him know you like it, and no one gets hurt. Your willy will thank you. 58

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Our complex has a HOT lawn guy. How do I get him to notice me? Signed, NEEDS TO BE MOWED Bea: (Ooh, which complex do you live in?) Kidding. You can always offer him some iced tea and “forget” the ice — he’ll have to walk back to your unit. If he’s of an ethnic tan, offer him salsa … and something to dip into it.

Bea: Oh honey, we all have to pretend. Like right now: I’m pretending I really give a sh!t about your sad, insignificant problem. Bless your heart. Write back when you’re out of middle school. Zoey: Why not? Then your tricks will think there is some depth to you — other than your bottomless ass.

Zoey: Lay down naked in front of the lawn mower. If he stops, there’s a good chance he noticed you.

Latexa: You’re cute? I’ll be the judge of that. Remember: Youth is wasted on the young, and one day you’ll find that there’s always someone younger and cuter than you. Then you’ll have to start paying for your own meals. So yes, at least offer to pay for your food. It’s just polite.

Latexa: Offer him a cold beverage for all the hard work he does. Make small talk about lawn care and maintenance, and make sure to always say hi when you see him. A little kindness can go a long way. If that doesn’t work, dress slutty and offer him a BJ. (Always works for me.)

Cookie: Gurl, you must continue at all costs. You are living the dream that has died for many of us. Not me, though — others. You must carry on the flame of sincerity for those sugar daddies. It boosts their ego. Be the trophy. Shine brightly in your vapidness. You go, gurl.


Together is beautiful

At Wells Fargo Advisors, we celebrate the social progress that allows more and more LGBT couples to legally marry and form civil unions, and we robustly support change that helps LGBT individuals live, love, work, and succeed with equality. We are purposefully and supportively positioned to help LGBT couples and individuals succeed financially. We’re proud to have been among the first in the industry to earn the Accredited Domestic Partnership AdvisorSM designation — a distinction of expertise in the area of understanding and advising on the unique financial needs of the LGBT community. Let’s talk more about how we can work beautifully together. Marc J Beshany Managing Director 1200 17th Street, Suite 2000 Denver, CO, 80202 (303)628-8000, (800)525-3286 Marc.Beshany@WellsfargoAdvisors.com www.RockyMountainMarket.net Investment and Insurance Products:

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