October 3, 2018 :: Power by OUT FRONT Magazine

CO LO R A D O'S LG B TQ M AGA ZINE | F R E E

CONTENTS OCTOBER 3, 2018 VOL42 NO12

IT TAKES A VILLAGE: PEOPLE FOR POLIS 17 COLORADO'S FIRST TRANS ASSEMBLY CANDIDATE WANTS YOU TO KNOW HER ISSUES 22 MATTHEW SHEPARD: 20 YEARS LATER 28 SURGERY WITH LOVE 30 ALEXIS CHAVEZ HEALS HEARTS & MINDS IN COLORADO 32 FORESTERS FINANCIAL HELP MAKE SENSE OF MONEY 34 CHARLES JORDY BUILDS UP HIS COMMUNITY

36 CRISANTA DURAN, SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE 38

ONE COLORADOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DANIEL RAMOS 40 THE DROP REIMAGINES HIV CARE IN THE MILE HIGH CITY

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SERVING THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS SINCE 1976 PHONE 303-477-4000 FAX 303-325-2642 WEB OutFrontMagazine.com FACEBOOK /OutFrontColorado TWITTER @OutFrontCO INSTAGRAM /OutFrontColorado FOUNDER PHIL PRICE 1954-1993 ADMINISTRATION info@outfrontmagazine.com JERRY CUNNINGHAM Publisher J.C. MCDONALD Vice President MAGGIE PHILLIPS Operations Manager JEFF JACKSON SWAIM Chief Strategist EDITORIAL editorial@outfrontmagazine.com RYAN HOWE Editor ADDISON HERRON-WHEELER Associate Editor KEEGAN WILLIAMS Copy Editor BRENT HEINZE Senior Columnist INTERNS: Arianna Balderamma, Veronica Holyfeld, Madeline Espinoza WRITERS: Caitlin Galiz-Rowe, Yvonne Wright, Denny Patterson ART art@outfrontmagazine.com DESIGN2PRO Graphic Designer CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS Charles Broshous Cover photo by Jeremiah Corder MARKETING + SALES marketing@outfrontmagazine.com BENJAMIN YOUNG Director of Sales & Marketing BRENNAN GALLAGHER Marketing Executive QUINCEY ROISUM Marketing Executive National Advertising Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 | sales@rivendellmedia.com

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LeslieHerod: Herod: LOOKING FORWARD By Caitlin Galiz-Rowe Photo by Nicole Daniels

ressed in a plaid shirt and fishing-themed baseball cap, Representative Leslie Herod sat at a small table in Coffee at the Point. She had just come from a trip to Lincoln Hills—one of the first resorts for African Americans in the country—where she had participated in a fly fishing event focused on providing support and leadership mentoring for women. Although she learned a new fishing technique this time, she’s no stranger to these kinds of events. Herod is always looking for new ways to help others find guidance and support as they attempt to make a difference in their communities. Herod is the first openly queer, black person to serve in the Colorado General Assembly, receiving the highest number of votes of any state house candidate running a contested race in 2016. She is now the incumbent for District 8 seeking re-election. OUT FRONT sat down with her to discuss what re-election might look like, and how she feels about the issues we’re facing two years after her election. YOUR LAST TERM FOCUSED ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM, REPRODUCTIVE CARE, HOMELESS YOUTH, IMMIGRATION RIGHTS, AND SUPPORTING COLORADO’S ENTREPRENEURS. ARE THESE SAME SUBJECTS GOING TO BE THE FOCUS OF YOUR NEXT TERM IF ELECTED? Yes, the work is not over. I want to keep serving on judiciary and financial boards to work on these issues. Criminal justice reform is nowhere near done. I want to get rid of private prisons in Colorado and look into carceral reform so that people who don’t belong in the system don’t end up there in the first place. My scope will also widen to address mental health issues and addiction

issues within the criminal justice system. That’s really important for me and for the state of Colorado, because right now our jails and our prisons are our main mental health facilities. That is a problem, and we have to address it.

minority entrepreneurs—are able to grow and thrive in our economy.

Additionally, there are just some good government bills that I’m looking at running: making sure our elections are safe, making sure we have access to the internet through net neutrality, and making sure that Colorado entrepreneurs—especially women and

SINCE WE WERE JUST DISCUSSING THE PRISONS AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM, WHAT DO YOU MAKE OF THE RECENT PRISON STRIKES THAT HAVE BEEN HAPPENING AROUND THE COUNTRY?

I’m also looking at bills that will specifically impact the LGBT community, including gay panic defenses, trans rights, and LGBT families.

Well I haven’t heard of one here, but I think it’s part of a much larger problem. OUTFRONTMAGAZINE.COM

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Inmate pay is extremely low. I have actually worked to increase inmate pay and was able to increase it last year through the budget cycle. Conditions in our correctional facilities can be improved. I worked to make sure women had access to tampons in our correctional facilities two years ago, and last year I worked to make sure young women had access to bras and undergarments, which they didn’t have before in our youth facilities. They only had access to training bras at age 17 and 18. So those things need to change, but people are also in the system for the wrong reasons. We have to do something about that. I think it’s part of a bipartisan effort; it’s not a democrat or republican issue. It’s a bipartisan issue that’s costing the taxpayers money, not keeping our communities any safer, and it’s just not the right thing to do. I SAW IN YOUR ISSUES ON YOUR WEBSITE THAT YOU’RE REALLY FOCUSED ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND RENT CONTROL. WITH ALL OF THESE TECH GIANTS LIKE GOOGLE AND AMAZON COMING HERE, AND STORIES ABOUT JEFF BEZOS MAKING BILLIONS WHILE HIS EMPLOYEES ARE UNDER THE POVERTY LINE, HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT MAKING THOSE COMPANIES PAY THEIR FAIR SHARE? Absolutely. If those companies create large campuses here, where they’re bringing in employees, where they’re basically bringing in their own mini cities within the city, they need to make sure they’re investing in Denver’s infrastructure and Denver’s people. I believe that is something we must do. We are in a day and age where I believe we need to incentivize financial businesses less. Denver is a great place; come or don’t. And we need to put more directive on them, like, “What are you going to do to improve our public transportation system if you are going to be adding thousands of people to it? What are you going to be doing for our schools to ensure that our young people, especially our young people of color, have access to those jobs that you are creating? What are you doing to truly invest in and support and grow the Denver way of life?” 8 \\ O C T O B E R 3 , 2 0 1 8

That also means embracing the culture that currently exists here. YOUR WEBSITE SAYS YOU WANT TO “FOSTER A CULTURE OF INCLUSIVITY AND FAIR TREATMENT WITHIN THE CAPITOL HALLS.” NOW THAT YOU’VE BEEN IN THE CAPITOL HALLS, WHAT DOES DOING THIS LOOK LIKE PRACTICALLY? Making people understand that identity is important. Visibility and vocal visibility should be embraced. I model that behavior. I check it when I need to with people if there’s a problem, but I ensure that people understand that I am a proud black, queer woman, and that I respect their identifies as well, and that our unique perspectives do influence policy for the better. But I also want people who come into the Capitol or who look at politics, to see me and realize that they have a place there, that they don’t have to fit into some kind of mold in order to be effective leaders or legislators. We just have to do the work for the community, and we have to care about it and be authentic in our leadership. If you do that, I believe you do foster that sense of inclusivity. It also means holding people who think it’s okay to be sexaul harrassers accountable. People who say homophobic things or engage in locker room talk are called out. You know, and that everyone who walks into the building, regardless if you’re the janitor or the governor, is treated with the same amount of respect. I started out as an aide, as an intern. I walked in with no job and a resume. We have come a long way, and we can continue to do better. YOUR WEBSITE SAYS YOU PLAN TO “SUPPORT ICE’S STATED POLICY TO FOCUS DEPORTATION EFFORTS ON INDIVIDUALS THAT PRESENT A SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC SAFETY OR NATIONAL SECURITY RISK TO COLORADANS.” DOES THAT MEAN YOU SUPPORT KEEPING ICE AS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT? Well, I don’t have any control over ICE. My focus is on making sure that people don’t get into automatic deportation for a minor mistake and that people feel safe in their communities. People

who are trying to support their families, live their lives, should not have to live in fear of deportation or harassment from their neighbors, community, or law enforcement. That’s what I’m going to fight to protect. IS GUN CONTROL AN ISSUE YOU’RE FOCUSING ON FOR THIS CAMPAIGN? It’s an oversight, but I’m glad you brought it up. My dad is a hunter from Southern Colorado, so I get it. I believe that we need to have common-sense gun laws. I was actually talking to a fisher guy today about it, and he’s a rural guy, raised in a republican household, that I just don’t get why we can’t have common sense gun safety laws. He felt like he would abide by them; he already does abide by them. We want to keep guns out of the hands of people who want to do bad things or could do bad things. We can and must do more to save lives from gun violence. I know that we can prevent gun deaths without any interference to our Second Amendment right, a right I deeply respect. Taking actions, such as enacting an extreme risk protection order law like the Zachari Parrish Violence Prevention Act and the reporting of lost and stolen firearms, can substantially help save lives in Colorado. Additionally, we must take every step to ensure that our schools are gun-free zones and defeat attempts to require that teachers carry firearms. DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? I mean, I’m the first African American, out LGBT person to hold elected office in Colorado. I don’t think I’m the first African American LGBT person to hold office in Colorado. I actually don’t think that’s true. We can be out; we can run; we can lead, and we can win. In fact, we tend to win by big margins. We know how to fight, so don’t let your sexual orientation or identity hold you back from what you want. The thing that I would say, the number one thing that undermines your leadership or your ability to achieve, is when you’re hiding things. People want authentic people leading them. Things have changed, and they’re gonna find out. So be visible, be out, inspire others, and win.

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Scales Fights Stigma at The Pharmacy Going to the pharmacy is a universal necessity. Everyone gets a sniffle from time to time, and everyone gets a headache. If your needs are simple, then convenience is key. But what happens when your needs go beyond bandages, condoms, and tissues? How comfortable are you talking with the white coat behind the counter about some of your most intimate health needs? Studies have estimated that 50 percent of LGBTQ people have experienced healthcare discrimination, and it is part of The Department of Health and Human Services’ Healthy People 2020 to improve this at the pharmacy level. The mechanism suggested by these guidelines and studies is to “improve rapport” between the pharmacists

and the patients, but isn’t that type of lip service the real problem at hand? In order to really battle stigma and discrimination a health care company has to selectively hire professionals that understand the community needs, which is a difficult or even impossible task for a large

corporation. But what about the independent pharmacy (and yes, they exist)? What about a pharmacy that primarily focuses on LGBTQ health? What about pharmacists that risk everything because you deserve better care? That’s Scales Pharmacy.

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Matthew

Shepard 20 YEARS LATER By Denny Patterson

“H

e was a smart, funny guy who liked to talk about anything all the time. He never met a stranger. He loved being around people and was always involved.” That is how Judy and Dennis Shepard remember their eldest son Matthew, an openly gay university student who was found beaten and tied to a fence outside Laramie, Wyoming. The news of his attack and eventual death conquered the airwaves and rattled the country to its core. As the 20th anniversary of Matthew’s murder approaches, Judy and Dennis will not let their son’s memory be forgotten. They continuously advocate for hate crime legislation and anti-violence activism and began the Matthew Shepard Foundation on Dec. 1, 1998, what would have been Matthew’s 22nd birthday. “We received thousands and thousands of letters, and many of them included some money to help us pay for medical bills,” Judy said. “We didn’t feel that was an appropriate way to use the money, so a friend suggested we file a nonprofit status to maybe help Matt’s community in some way. So, that’s what 2 2 \\ O C T O B E R 3 , 2 0 1 8

we did. The Foundation and the work we do gives me a purpose and a reason to get up every day. It makes me feel like Matt is still a part of my life.” “You got to get up every day, so we might as well use it for positivity,” Dennis added. Judy and Dennis were in Saudi Arabia the night Matthew was attacked. It took them almost two days to finally be by Matthew’s bedside at Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins, Colorado. “When we first heard about it, I thought it was a car accident, because all that was said was that Matthew had severe injuries, and we should get back,” Dennis said. “I don’t know how Judy got through that day. We couldn’t leave 'til 2:00 a.m. the following morning, because you can’t leave from Saudi Arabia and land in Europe 'til dawn. The seven-hour flight, then the eighthour layover, and then another eight-hour flight to Minneapolis, all I could do was think about Matt. Once we go to Minneapolis, that was when we found out a little more about the true story.” Judy continued, “We couldn’t really even call anybody to find out anything

because of the time difference,” Judy added. “We didn’t know anything until we landed in the states. Because of the severity of Matthew’s injuries, he was moved from Laramie to Fort Collins.” Matthew was pronounced dead six days after the attack at 12:53 a.m. on Oct 12, 1998. Donna Fisher, Casper Theatre Company artistic director and Matthew’s childhood theatre teacher, was crushed when she first heard about Matthew’s death. “I didn’t really believe it,” she said. “I couldn’t believe it. Who would want to hurt this shy, wonderful kid? It was a real blow. After all this time has passed, I am still not over it, and I probably never will be.” Fisher first met Matthew in 1989 when she directed a children’s theatre group called Latch Key Players. “He was most enthusiastic about acting, but nevertheless, shy,” Fisher said. “He was like a sponge, always gathering information, observing but not talking much. He had a very sweet personality, got along very well with anyone and was ever-so-kind. All the wonderful things that were said about him during

October of 1998 were true. They were not just things made up because of the situation. I really liked him from the very beginning.” The last time Fisher saw Matthew was during the summer of 1998 at a grocery store check-out. “Matt came to me very excited,” she remembered. “He told me he was back in town and if I had anything going on, he wanted to be a part of it. He said he missed us all, and he thanked me for casting him in his first production. After we left, I never saw Matthew again.”

attorney with the proposition that if we took the death penalty off the table for McKinney, then he would take the same sentence as Henderson and never appeal, which meant we would never see him again. No courtroom, no media, nothing. He would just be gone, and I just wanted it over with. I didn’t want to deal with it anymore, and I certainly didn’t want our younger son Logan to have to deal with it either.” However, Dennis was initially in favor of the death penalty for McKinney.

Not only did the news of Matthew’s death make headlines across the country, but so did the trials of his killers, Russell Henderson and Aaron McKinney. Henderson received two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole. McKinney, on the other hand, was facing the death penalty. The Shepards brokered a deal where he would receive the same sentence as Henderson.

“I wanted to fry the bastards myself,” he said. “Judy convinced me otherwise, and rightfully so. If McKinney was on death row, you’d have the appeals. Two, there’s always a chance he could get off with a technicality. Three, while he’s on death row, he’s considered a folk hero. Four, if he is snuffed out, then he becomes a martyr. Five, if something like this happens again, there will by copycats. This way, he is buried deep in the system, and no one really knows or cares.

“It wasn’t any kind of mercy or forgiveness for them,” Judy said. “I just wanted it to be over. I had to do some convincing. Dennis and I had quite lengthy and heated discussions. Then the defense approached the prosecuting

“All of us believe in the death penalty, and we talked about it the summer before Matt’s incident,” he continued. “After what happen to James Byrd Jr., the four of us were talking and agreed that there are certain times that certain people need

to be eliminated because they are a total detriment to society, and the best thing that could happen is to remove them.” “Especially when there is absolutely no question of guilt and a total lack of remorse,” Judy added. For the past 20 years, Judy and Dennis have shared not only Matthew’s story but a message of love with thousands of people. Their platform has helped several families who have lost loved ones to hate crimes, and their advocacy ultimately led to President Barack Obama signing the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crime Prevention Act to mandate increased reporting of anti-LGBTQ hate crimes and encourage state and federal investigation of violence in 2009. “There is a big number of people who have at least observed or absorbed their message once,” said Jason Marsden, executive director of the Matthew Shepard Foundation. “When people in the progressive moment and the LGBTQ community start talking about hate crimes and bullying and other forms of victimization, Judy and Dennis are the first people who are thought of. They are some of the first to be invited to sit on a panel and be part of project of some sort.” OUTFRONTMAGAZINE.COM

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GRANDOOZY

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Photos by Veronica L. Holyfield

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Su ge y with Love

DR. CHRIS CAREY MAKES A DIFFERENCE WITH TRANS SURGERY By Addison Herron-Wheeler Photo by Veronica L. Holyfield 2 8 \\ O C T O B E R 3 , 2 0 1 8

themselves and the way they feel about interactions with other people. There is still an immense amount of learning that has to go on, so what we are doing is offering those services post-op and helping people through the transition.”

This look is exactly why Carey does what he does. He doesn’t deliver babies anymore, but he’s still very much involved in the women’s health world. As director of obstetrics and gynecology at Denver Health, he could have focused on a lot of different areas of women’s healthcare. However, when he noticed the startling lack of resources available to trans women looking to undergo surgical transition, he decided to dedicate his work to their treatment.

In addition to offering post-op counseling and other traditional follow-up services for those who have just received surgery, Denver Health also provides physical therapy for the new vagina post-surgery, including dilation and other services to keep it functional. They also help explain to patients what sensations they should be expecting to experience, and how these sensations should feel. Although all the same nerves are present, they are now functioning in entirely new ways, and they provide patients the tools to know how to deal with this.

octor Chris Carey has delivered thousands of babies as a gynecologist, and every time, the reaction is the same. The smile on the mother’s face, no matter her circumstances, is pure joy. This is the same look, Carey claims, that trans women have on their faces the first time they see their new genitalia after bottom surgery.

He began learning about sexual reassignment surgery and vaginoplasty early on in his career, when he realized how few surgeons were studying it. Carey took courses to become more proficient in counseling folks with gender dysphoria and travelled around, honing his skill and working at different hospitals that needed his guidance. Eventually, he made his way to Denver. “I came here in 2005, and about four years ago, I began to focus more on patients here and identified a large number of transgender patients in our practice here who we felt like we really weren’t providing the care they needed. Some of that was the surgical care, so I said I could do the surgery.” Carey updated his education on providing sexual reassignment surgery and sought help from some other prominent surgeons who were already familiar with the procedure. His goal was to be able to help with trans healthcare every step of the way. Carey realizes the hurdles that trans people face every day with their identities. “This is not a choice,” he said. “No one chooses to be transgender. It happens. And the condition of gender dysphoria needs treatment. Being transgender and having gender dysphoria means different things. The dysphoria is the dis-ease, the bad feelings, the condition, and that condition needs treatment. Not everyone needs a surgery, but some do.” Carey has been interested in the treatment of sexual conditions like dysphoria since his career began, and he has noticed a trend in the way people facing issues with sex and identity are treated. While there are a lot of resources for those who are pregnant or just seeking advice about cis women’s sexual health, there are not a lot of resources for those with specialized needs like sexual reassignment surgery. Furthermore, even when surgery is an option, it is often expensive and not accompanied by proper follow-up care. This is where Denver Health strives to be different. “The surgery is one step in transition for patients,” Carey explained. “It’s a really big step, and it’s important that when it occurs, patients realize they still have to deal with issues that they had before, and they now have to learn how to act and interact. It changes the way they feel about

“Learning to have a vagina, learning to have feelings inside a vagina, everything is different,” Carey explained. “You have to learn, and it’s all unconscious learning, but we have to help patients learn those things, learn that the muscles around the vagina are different; the space was not there before. So we are offering that service. It is a little different than most other surgical services where people fly to a city and have the surgery and then leave. We are continuing to follow patients for months and learning to work more on the counseling, the post-up counseling. You’ve had the surgery; now what? How is this changing your image of yourself, your relationship with other people?” While these are all very important components to a successful surgical transition, many trans women feel that vaginoplasty is out of their realm of possibility. Even if they could find someone who is able to perform the surgery, they would never be able to afford it. At Denver Health, this isn’t a concern, as Medicaid can be used to pay for sexual reassignment surgery. In fact, Colorado state law mandates that surgery for trans folks be covered by Medicaid, as this is deemed a necessary surgery. Denver Health embraces this progressive policy and makes sure that everyone has fair access to the surgery. A recipient of one of OUT FRONT’s Power Awards for 2018, Carey is being honored for doing more than just proficiently performing a surgery that is difficult and not available most places. By choosing to spend his life performing such a tricky procedure, and one that many people still don’t recognize is a necessary and needed service, Carey is making Denver into a safe haven for trans women who wish to transition and then get used to their new bodies. He doesn’t see this as some heroic act, or major political statement in favor of human rights or trans advancement. As a sworn healthcare professional, he saw a need and a lack of provided care, and he is now filling that niche. “To me, the most important thing is, these are people, patients, who need treatment, and we have an obligation to treat them,” he said. “That’s why we are doing it at Denver Health. We have people that were not getting care, so that’s why we decided to go down this path.” OUTFRONTMAGAZINE.COM

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“The heights by great men reached and kept Were not attained by sudden flight, But they, while their companions slept, Were toiling upward in the night.” –Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

his is the quote that Dr. Alexis Chavez revisits when she needs inspiration. It’s a reminder for her to keep fighting. It also provides comfort when she’s tired, because sleep is not something that Chavez knows a lot about. Chavez works as a self proclaimed “mild-mannered psychiatrist by day,” specializing in the LGBTQ population, especially queer youth. But most of her work in the community falls outside of her nine-to-five job. Rather than rest, Chavez spends her time doing trainings on curriculum developments for therapists for the LGBTQ community to make them more competent. She’s creating new curriculum to make therapists more trans-competent. She sits on the board of directors at The Center. She gives trainings at different hospitals in the area. She’s the treasurer of the national orginzation of LGBTQ psychiatrists. She’s on the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Issues Committee at ACAP, a national organization of child psychiatrists. She’s on the council of research at the American Psychiatric Association.

Alexis Chavez HEALS HEARTS & MINDS IN COLORADO By Ryan Howe Photo By Jeremiah Corder 3 0 \\ O C T O B E R 3 , 2 0 1 8

“I probably spend at least the equivalent of two more jobs’ worth of time on extracurriculars,” she said. “I spend 60 to 80 hours a week doing things in LGBTQ advocacy work or trainings, but we always find time for the things that are really important to us. “For me, this is one of the most important things in my life,” Chavez continued. “I sacrifice a lot for it. I sacrifice free time. I sacrifice time with friends and family. I sacrifice personal time, and when people ask me what my hobbies are, my answer is simple—LGBTQ advocacy, training, and research. This is what I do.” Her passion for the LGBTQ community stems from both experience and empathy. As a trans woman, Chavez has experienced discrimination from many people in her life, including healthcare providers. Even during periods when she had insurance, she sometimes couldn’t use it because anything dealing with trans health was denied thanks to an exclusionary clause. Some insurance companies even took it the extreme and refused to cover primary care visits. At the same time, Chavez recognizes her privilege.

Chavez grew up in Wichita, Kansas, in a very conservative, very religious community “that wasn’t conducive to people that are sexual or gender minorities.” For her undergrad, she didn’t wander too far and graduated from Kansas University with two majors and a minor in four short years. She trekked across the country and landed in Washington D.C. for a while where she worked on research at the National Institute of Health on childhood schizophrenia. She made her way up the coast to Boston for medical school, took a year off and worked at an art center, graduated with a doctorate, and eventually found a residency here at CU Health with Dr. Robert Davies. “With all of the privilege that I have—I’m white; I’m a doctor; I’m very versed in the healthcare system—with all the privilege that I have, I can’t even navigate healthcare. How is a trans person of color, who is going to have more difficulties obtaining employment because of discrimination, going to do this?” Chavez said. During her time at CU Health, Chavez was already working on ways to make competent healthcare available to the mental health community. Alongside Davies and a few other residents, Chavez helped set the foundation and open the doors of the Imagine Clinic, an LGBTQ Mental Health Clinic. Imagine Clinic was the first of its kind in Colorado, providing comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, pre-gender confirmation surgery evaluations, psychiatric medication management, individual and group therapy, and wellness assessments and referrals. In the few short years since its doors officially opened, Imagine Clinic has become a hub for queer folks in Colorado. “I really wanted to do give back to the LGBT community and make sure they were getting the help they deserved,” Chavez said. “Mental health is a big issue in our community, and I want to make sure everyone is on the same page about how to treat LGBT people—especially our youth.” According to the National Alliance of Mental Health, LGBTQ individuals are almost three times more likely to experience a mental health condition, such as major depression or generalized anxiety disorder. Fear of coming out and being discriminated against for sexual orientation and gender identities can lead to depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, thoughts of suicide, and substance abuse. For LGBTQ people aged 10 to 24, suicide is one of the leading causes of death. LGBTQ youth are four times more likely, and questioning youth are three times more likely, to attempt suicide, experience suicidal thoughts, or engage in self-harm than straight people. Between 38 to 65 percent of transgender individuals experience suicidal ideation.

Colorado’s upcoming legislation is. She’s working with The Center to roll out LGBTQcompetent trainings. And right now, Chavez is putting together a grant proposal to start a study measuring the brain development in trans youth taking hormone and puberty suppression therapies.

An estimated 20 to 30 percent of LGBTQ people abuse substances, and 25 percent of queer people abuse alcohol.

“We know that these are treatments that are definitely needed for these kids, but we don’t know all of the effects it has. I think it's something important we should be focusing on," Chavez said. "Each of us have to ask what is important to us. Once we figure out what that is, fight for it. Forget about the barriers. Forget about who is going to try and stop you. Forget when people tell you it won’t work. Just go out and do it.”

There’s still no sleep in sight for Chavez. She’s going to continue travelling and training throughout Colorado. She’s co-authoring a book about depression in LGBTQ youth. She’s working with One Colorado to evaluate how trans competent

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Fo este s Financial HELP MAKE SENSE OF MONEY

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By Addison Herron-Wheeler Photo by Veronica L. Holyfield

or many folks in the LGBTQ community, “finance” is a dirty word. Money is often something that feels out of control and hard to manage in queer relationships, especially in cases where things like not being officially married, non-traditional relationship dynamics, or lack of family ties can make financial planning difficult. At Foresters Financial, the goal is to make everyone feel supported, no matter their situation in money or in love. “Everybody needs education in the financial arena, and I think one of the things that makes Foresters so unique is, we are willing to provide that access truly to anyone who needs it,” explained Koren Vining, president and branch manager at Foresters. “One of the things that I’ve observed is that, in a lot of cases, our friends in the LGBTQ community maybe haven’t been given that help, maybe have been shut out from some of those resources, so we are seeking to open those doors and make sure that everybody gets what they need.” Foresters provides counseling for anyone who wants to look at their current monetary situation, plan for the future, or get things in order, whether they are wealthy and looking to invest or scraping to make ends meet. Not everyone they work with has a lot of money, and they stress that their job is to help clients set goals and make plans, not to judge clients on their financial choices. Established in 1874, the financial organization has a lot of experience working with people of all kinds, and their strategy is to take things slow and give people the tools they need to manage their money. “We talk a lot about goals before we even touch the money part of things, and I feel like that’s a really big thing, helping people understand that I understand the goals and why they are important to them,” explained Ashley Brown, registered representative with Foresters. “That kind of thing helps to build trust, and to work with people in the community, as a member of the LGBTQ community, I know a lot of what they’ve gone through.” As an LGBTQ individual who identifies her community members and coworkers as being like family, the supportive and connected aspect of Foresters is huge for Brown. Not only does she seek to be part of an organization where she feels welcomed and supported, she

is happy to be able to help those who may not regularly get financial advice. Foresters also understands that finances are a vastly misunderstood realm. Many are afraid to get their money looked at because they fear they are behind or living paycheck to paycheck, and wealthier people often underestimate the power of a good financial plan. “What we’ve found is that a lot of our clients come to us because of the concerns or fears they might have about their finances, and we try to help them put a strategy in place so they can thrive,” explained Matt Quinn, assistant manager of Foresters. “It really doesn’t matter the type of people that we work with; it’s about being able to help every type of person.” Beyond just making their financial services available for those who don’t normally get help, they are actively involved in volunteer work. Foresters has set up booths at Pride and helped out in the community, including assisting OUT FRONT with bag stuffing and running food drives. “We really seek to engage and connect with every community, especially here in Denver. There are so many great communities to be a part of, and it’s really an honor for us to be included," Vining explained. “I think the reason we have connected so well with the LGBTQ community is because we really seek to get involved. We don’t just want to do business, but we want to show up and be a part of things.” “We definitely get a strong sense of pride by being able to go out there and help the folks we work with and elevate the communities we are a part of,” Quinn said. “When I think about what power means to me, it is what allows our organization to thrive. I’m proud that we’re able to help so many different people. Quinn feels similarly when it comes to the pride he takes in his work. Between the work they do for the community and the financials services they provide, Foresters is committed to making sure they leave Denver, and their LGBTQ family, with the tools they need to succeed. “Everybody has financial concerns, goals, people in life they care about,” said Gavin Jones, investment advisor representative with Foresters. “What I try and do is put them in a position to live the life they want and care for the people who are important to them. There’s not a happier moment than when I get to the end of a meeting with a client and they hug me and thank me for what I’ve done.” OUTFRONTMAGAZINE.COM

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Charles

Jo dy BUILDS UP THE COMMUNITY By Arianna Balderrama Photo by Jeremiah Corder

harles Jordy has been in the construction business for more than 40 years, which is not an easy feat for an gay man in a very hetero, masculine environment. Jordy Construction and Jordy/ Carter Furnishing have made it their goal to provide spaces that meet the individual

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needs of every, single client. Their message thrives off of the moral code provided by Jordy’s father—be honest, be ethical, and treat people with respect. Throughout his projects, such as adding additional support for the emergency room of the University of Colorado Hospital and a kitchen for Project Angel Heart, Jordy crafts vibrant places for all his clients. He aspires to expand his business nationally to mentor young entrepreneurs on business. Jordy’s businesses have transformed old buildings into functioning spaces for the unique needs of their customers. For example, the Asian Pacific Development Center in Aurora was reconstructed into a community center, derived from an old school building. The center was built with the health of our planet in mind. It was given energy-efficient windows and disability access. Multiple nonprofits reside in the building. The facility includes mental health and behavioral health services. This is accompanied by a class for community-goers to learn English, as well as a variety of other services. Being a member of the LGBTQ community, Jordy has introduced other members to the construction world in order to achieve greater recognition and more clients. Many of their projects are supported by queer people across the state. WHAT IS YOUR CONNECTION TO THE QUEER COMMUNITY? It goes back quite a ways. I got our business certified with the [Colorado LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce] about five or six years ago and got involved with them. In doing that, I had the opportunity of working with a lot of companies that were interested in working with a diverse supplier. On a local level, we’ve had a real blessing in that we have been able to work with a couple of really great community members, first building the headquarters of Project Angel Heart and then, most recently, building the Colorado Health Offices. My partner and I have been breadand-butter members for many years of Project Angel Heart. They raised money and wanted to have a facility. Primarily,

it was a kitchen for all the amazing food they serve to the community. Through a series of interviews, they selected Jordy Construction to be their general contractor. We were very happy to participate financially and in soliciting all our contractors and suppliers. It really was a great team effort. The building used to be a 50-year-old meat processing plant out at 50th and Washington. Power to Health Network were also in search of headquarters. We interviewed for the job and let it be known we wanted to financially participate. The community got behind both of these projects. WHAT DOES POWER MEAN TO YOU? Power is not a word I use very much. Sometimes it can have a negative connotation to me: power for the sake of power. In its best sense, it would be a sense of inner power that you have within yourself to do good and to help people. I think strength is a better word. WITH WHAT YOU DO, WHAT INSPIRES YOU? The artistic aspect of building. I’ve always been fascinated by architecture and good design, historical design, maintaining design, and what design could bring to the whole experience, and the opportunity of working on welldesigned projects, whether it’s going out to dinner or in the workplace. The other thing is creating a space for people that really works for them and the functionality to succeed and prosper. Also, for nonprofits to do their work. In some ways, I think we can create an environment that really enhances the mission of our customers. HOW HAS YOUR COMPANY ASSISTED THE COMMUNITY? When we organized Project Angel Heart, I had an idea of rounding up people who could maybe work on the project. Of course there are bidders bidding on a job, but my idea was a lot of these folks I work with probably had a limited access or knowledge to the community. I thought, ‘Why don’t we open some eyes here?’ We did a series of coffees and happy hours. We’d invite these folks and let them explain who their clients were. I saw a lot of light bulbs go off. I

just think they didn’t really know about this and who these people are. It was gratifying. I’ve been in construction in Denver for 40 years, and our business has been there for 60 years this year. In my personal experiences early on, I was absolutely not out. In the field of construction, I remember jokes directed to gays and lesbians; in those days, they were crude on a lot of levels. As time went one, I thought, ‘This is who I am, and this is what we do, and if my customers have a problem with it, then they have a problem with it.’ WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR DENVER AND THE COMMUNITY? To bring out the young entrepreneurs. I remember when I first started out, and it’s not so easy. I’ve had the opportunity to meet with young folks in town who are starting their businesses. In a way, I mentor and help with my experience. On the national level, I participate with the NGLCC (National LGBT Chamber of Commerce) leadership conference annually. I had the opportunity to meet with many companies that want to do business with diverse customers. WHAT DO YOU THINK THIS WILL LOOK LIKE 10 YEARS FROM NOW? You hear soundbites of negativity now and then, but I believe the sentiment of the country is moving in the right direction. I think the young people are carrying the banner. I think that’s where a lot of the change comes, in equality and general respect for others. That’s where it’s going, and I’m pretty positive about it. IS THERE A CODE OF CONDUCT FOR CHARLES JORDY? I must say, so much of what I am is a result of my parents. My dad and I had the opportunity to work together for a number of years before he retired. Money is great, and we want to be successful, but beyond that, you have to be honest and be ethical and treat people with respect. We try really hard to run our business based on that. I hope these next few years I can continue to contribute a little bit more and really help some folks along the way. OUTFRONTMAGAZINE.COM

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Crisanta Duran

SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE REFLECTS ON EIGHT POWERFUL YEARS AT THE CAPITOL By Ryan Howe Photo by Veronica L. Holyfield

uring her formative years, Crisanta Duran, Colorado’s current Speaker of the House, was instilled with the idea that the government continuously failed to stand up for hardworking and disenfranchised people. She would sit through hours and hours of her father, the labor union boss of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7, and her mother, who worked on affordable-housing development for the State of Colorado, bashing the local government and those who filled the seats under Denver’s golden dome. Those conversations sparked something in young Duran—a drive to fight for equality. That spark followed her through her time in undergrad at University of Denver, through law school at CU Boulder, and through eight years of sitting in the Capitol. In 2010, 29-year-old Duran jumped into state politics and filled the House District 5 seat vacated by Representative Joel Judd. Since then, the sixth-generation Coloradan was re-elected three times and is the first Latina to be appointed Speaker of the House in state history in 2016. “It’s been the honor of my life to serve as the first Latina speaker of the house,” Duran said. “Not only in Colorado but in the country.” WHAT IS IT LIKE GOING INTO WORK EVERY DAY AS THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE? My day-to-day work is to figure out what issues [people are facing,

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and] make sure people have opportunities to be able to have economic security and provide for themselves and their families. For the last several years, I’ve worked to produce results so we can make sure we have an economy that works for all and not just those at the top. I’ve worked on a lot of measures when it comes to education or transportation, fighting for equal pay and equal work, and of course fighting to protect Coloradan’s civil rights. That is something that has been very, very important to me in this last legislative session. We had quite the debate and we fought for, and won, [the opportunity] to reauthorize the Colorado Civil Rights Division. THAT WAS A SHOCK TO SO MANY PEOPLE. CAN YOU TALK ABOUT WHAT THE ATMOSPHERE WAS LIKE WHEN THAT WAS HAPPENING? I think we have to be very careful, and we push back against the elevation of hate and fear. We are seeing that elevation in ways that we have never seen before in this country. And it has been very disturbing to me, to see some people who try and cast others out based on their background, their religion, their race, their sex, or who they love. What is so great about America and Colorado is that we are an inclusive state and country. Now, more than ever before, we need to make sure we are standing up to continue having an inclusive country.

When you think about our democracy and our country as a whole, we are a very young country. We cannot take that for granted, that we are going to continue having the freedoms and rights that we have had in years past. We are seeing, like never before, such an attack on people’s fundamental rights—including who they choose to love. We are in the moment where we need to make sure people are part of the political process. Too often people think that there is nothing they can really do to make a difference, but the first step in making sure we go where we need to is believing in ourselves and believing in our ability to create change. In this last legislative session, there was a vote by some of the republicans on the Joint Budget Committee to defund the Colorado Civil Rights Office. We wanted to make sure that all workplaces are free from harassment and discrimination, and we stood firm to make sure that the civil rights division was funded and that it was reauthorized. But, that was not easy. We had several moments and tough, tough negotiations that we didn’t know which direction the conversation was going to go into. But there are times that you have to have the courage to lead and stand firm. We need to make sure that we never, ever lose sight of civil rights protections in our state and in our country, because they are needed now more than ever. WHAT SHOULD COLORADANS TAKE AWAY FROM THE MASTERPIECE CAKE SHOP DECISION? IS THERE ANYTHING POSITIVE WE CAN TAKE FROM THIS? One thing we take away from the decision in that case is that there are many civil rights protections that are still in place. That said, politics is all about power. When I first ran for office, I was 29 years old. When I got elected in the state House, I thought I was going to come forward with the best bills, with good data, and best arguments. I was a young attorney at the time. But when you get there, you soon realize that politics is all about who has power and who doesn’t. Because whoever has the power is able to set the agenda and determine which issues can actually come forward in a meaningful way. As we are going into this upcoming election, we can’t lose sight of the fact that we need people in power who truly represent us, who represent our values and our vision. Too often people think that their vote does not make a difference. Well, if there is anything that we have learned in the last couple of years, it is that we cannot take anything for granted. We need people to turn in their ballots to make sure we have the right people in office leading us forward. WHAT DOES POWER MEAN TO YOU? To me, there is so much frustration right now in politics. I know a lot of people feel frustrated and angry at what they see coming out of Washington, D.C. There is a Supreme Court nominee that is sure to take away the rights of many if he is seated. We’ve seen a tax break bill that would benefit the most wealthy in our country rather than the hard-working Colordans. There is a lot to be concerned about, but the only thing that is more powerful than this

special-interest money that is coming into our elections is the power of people. It is a right for us to be able to get involved with our communities, to vote for the right candidate, or run for office yourself. I think that we need to make sure we are exercising our power to make sure we are moving forward in the right direction in our state and that we continue to hold up the idea of being an inclusive state and country. The elevation of hate and fear that we have seen is awful; it is heartbreaking on so many different levels. We have to come together, whether you’re an immigrant or refugee, a member of the LGBTQ community, a woman, or a person of color, to unite around the agenda that will advance us all together. If one of us is able to rise, we must lift others up with us. IN COMPARISON TO THE REST OF THE COUNTRY, IS COLORADO A SPECIAL PLACE FOR PEOPLE? I think Colorado has an amazing quality of life. I grew up here in Northglenn, in all the hardworking communities. I went to University of Denver for undergrad and CU Boulder for law school. And our community is growing and changing in ways I would never even have imagined, and I think it is amazing. I think it is amazing so many people from all over want to come to Colorado because of our quality of life. I think in many ways it is a very, very special place. When we see some of the attacks that we have on people’s rights, we need to do what Colorado has always done: bring people together. Our strength is in being able to work together and fight to improve the challenges and struggles people face every, single day. AT THE CAPITOL, HOW IMPORTANT IS LISTENING? Listening is a great skill, especially in this day and age. Some may feel that there is a lot of divide in politics, so being able to find common ground and have tough conversations [is important]. You have to truly listen and focus in on what different people want to be able achieve in public discourse. By being able to listen to others, we all grow in different ways and evolve. We can truly get a better understanding of what others face. To be able to open yourself up and listen to those is key. I am a true believer that there is more that binds us together than that divides us. WHAT INSPIRES YOU? There is so much that inspires me. When I look back at the last eight years serving in the state house, the moments that have meant the most to me are when I met people that have been impacted by the work that we’ve done under the gold dome. When I met an undocumented student who said 'I would not have been able to go to college if you didn’t pass Colorado Asset,' or I’d meet somebody who has had a very challenging time finding a job and they tell me, 'I would have not been able to get a good paying job had it not been for the workforce development measures that you brought forward.' Those things inspire me. OUTFRONTMAGAZINE.COM

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By Veronica L Holyfield Photo by Jeremiah Corder

ONE COLORADO’S

Daniel

amos

AN INNATE PASSION FOR EQUALITY

hen Daniel Ramos took over the role of executive director in 2016 for One Colorado, the state’s leading lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer advocacy organization in Colorado, he knew one thing for certain: he was stepping into an oasis of the unknown. Ramos has been on the forefront of queer advocacy in Colorado, serving as the director of Safe and Inclusive Schools, the political organizer and director of statewide initiatives, and served as University of Colorado’s student body president. His robust resume, alongside his excitable diligence towards the advancement of LGBTQ rights and inclusivity, made him a perfect fit for the role. "It's been a great opportunity for me to take over One Colorado and probably the biggest challenge, yet most rewarding thing I will ever do in my life," Ramos said.

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“I think we never thought we would be in this place.” Ramos wears his passion for community, Colorado, and LGBTQ advocacy work on his sleeve—and in his smile. Whether he is addressing a room of a few or a few hundred, his confidence and air of personal responsibility for making Colorado a better place for all is genuine and innate. But, that wasn’t always the case. When the board of directors confidently elected Ramos to step in the role of executive director, Ramos wasn’t so certain he was ready to take the plunge. “I often joke with people that becoming the executive director was never my dream job,” Ramos explained. “I really loved doing the everyday work of expanding the protections of the LGBTQ folks in Colorado, but the opportunity presented itself for me to take over as leader of One Colorado.” While he didn’t know quite what to expect, the excitement and energy within his community was undeniable, as Colorado experienced its biggest win to date with the passing of marriage equality. After the victory, many activists considered their work was done, that equality had been achieved. Ramos knew that much of the battle had only just begun, and he was gearing up to take on the challenges that few knew lay ahead.

experience discrimination. This is exactly the reason that One Colorado exists. “We’ve built a robust statewide network,” Ramos said, “with over 70,000 supporters across the state making sure that LGBTQ Coloradans, their families, and their stories are influencing the decisions that are made. “Over the last couple of years, we’ve seen a number of victories. We’ve passed legislation in Colorado that specifically protects students from bullying and harassment in schools and have expanded protections for people experiencing harassment based on their sexual orientation or their gender identity.” Though these challenges refuse to cease, the organization continues to work daily to defeat the heavy pushback from conservative, anti-LGBTQ, and homophobic agendas. Religious exemption efforts from the Alliance Defending Freedom and Focus on the Family persistently usher money and support to weaken non-discrimination laws, such as in cases like the Supreme Court vs. Jack Phillips of the Masterpiece Cake Shop. The work of Ramos and One Colorado continues to be of dire necessity.

“After we won the fight for marriage equality, the movement was really about looking at, what are the experiences of LGBTQ people in other aspects of their lives,” he said. “Then November 2016 happened, and so much changed.”

“We’ve seen a number of bills, even some ballot measures, aimed at weakening our laws to allow people to say that their religion in fact allows them to ignore the law,” Ramos said. “Fortunately, we’ve been able to kill every, single one.”

No time to rest on laurels. Even with the huge strides of progress that marriage equality brought LGBTQ families, the short-lived sigh of relief quickly transitioned into massive steps backwards.

His roots are deeply planted in Colorado. Growing up in Sterling, Ramos takes on a personal responsibility. He understands how his influence and the decisions that he makes have a greater reach and impact.

“We are now seeing attacks on immigrants, on women, on people of color, and attacks on LGBTQ people like never before from the federal government,” Ramos said. “We are seeing our opposition as more aggressive than ever, and there have been efforts to undo protections on LGBTQ folks and their families.

“Growing up in a small town, it gave me this lens of what it’s like to grow up in rural, conservative Colorado,” he said. “To know that here I am, in this moment in history, leading our state’s largest advocacy organization. What’s really important for me is to understand the everyday impact that we’re having on people’s lives.”

“I think we never thought we would be in this place.” This shaky, new territory has instilled fear. Luckily, this energizes Ramos and keeps him going every, single day. It’s his primary purpose through his position within One Colorado to ensure that individuals and families know their rights and are continually serviced under those protections.

Ultimately, Ramos believes that every, single person wants the same thing at end of the day: to be a part of something greater than themselves.

In Colorado, LGBTQ people have a lot of protectiosn. The state has comprehensive, non-discrimination protections in housing, employment, and public accomodations.

“To be in the community, to hear the stories and the struggles and successes of LGBTQ people living their lives all across the state, is the most inspiring thing for me,” he said. "All of us want to belong. When we can come together and find what we share, and we can appreciate why we’re different, I think that’s the most important component of a community.”

There is a massive gap when it comes to the protections available and what people are actually informed about, knowing exactly what to do and what happens when they

That is why he takes his work and his service to the LGBTQ community so seriously.

OUTFRONTMAGAZINE.COM

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The

D O

REIMAGINES HIV CARE IN THE MILE HIGH CITY

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By Ryan Howe & Addison Herron-Wheeler Photo by Jeremiah Corder

nyone who approaches the small cove in the alley adjacent to Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountain Region is first met by a giant rainbow triangle pointing straight to the sky. If they turn to the left and ring the doorbell, they’re greeted by a large room littered with tables, chairs, a few snacks, and a couch. Then, they’ll see one of four smiling faces. Thera Marshall, Pauly Maldonado, Theariale StCyr, and Fabian Molina are the four queer men of color who have successfully launched The Drop. The Drop, also known as the PPRM Denver Central Health Center, is the first clinic of its kind. It serves as a hub for a variety of Denver’s communities in search of HIV prevention, treatment, and education—no easy feat. “We are never hardly working; we’re always working hard,” said Marshall, HIV program manager at PPRM. “It takes a lot of dedication and passion to do what we do over here. All four of us really care about the community we are fighting for, and all of us are ready to share what we know with others. We all work really hard together to get stuff done.”

The Drop That hard work is paying off. The Drop offers free rapid HIV testing, assistance in getting on Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), education on sexual health, outreach into marginalized communities, and a place to kick back, talk, and—most definitely—laugh. Boasting as a community hub in the heart of Capitol Hill, anyone in Denver can reach out to The Drop to find a safe space for clubs and organizations to gather, host meetings, and get educated. The clinic’s main function is to provide HIV resources, but community is directly related to that mission in Marshall’s eyes. With 15 years as a radio journalist, connecting with people and spreading awareness and education was not new to Marshall. That’s why he jumped at the offer to give back to the community. He wasn’t the only one. Knowing he wanted to reach the Latinx community, Marshall approached Fabian Molina, who was working at the Denver Children’s Museum, to be The Drop’s bilingual HIV program specialist. Without hesitation, he joined the team. “I’ve been here less than a year, but it definitely feels like

we’ve all put in way more than year’s worth of work,” Molina said. “But, what I do here and the people I help is all worth it.” During his time at the The Drop, Molina has set up relationships with organizations such as Servicios De La Raza to help spread awareness through the Latinx community. He is also the face you see if you prefer to communicate in Spanish. In one case, Molina helped an undocumented citizen navigate the journey of finding out they were HIV-positive and which programs could help them in their journey. “It doesn’t feel like work in that moment,” Molina said. “I put all my stressors and stuff aside, and I was there for someone in one of the most vulnerable moments in their life. I was able to get him connected to the right people—the people I knew could and would help him. That’s why we do what we do.”

The Tough Conversations “I’ve definitely learned I’m not the b*tch I thought I was,” Theariale StCyr, HIV prevention specialist, said. “I was an only child, and I never learned how to share or how to make people feel comfortable. But I’ve been told many times that I’m easy to talk to, that I’m the only person they would want in that room with them. That’s when I know I’m doing a good job.” StCyr has a face you may, or may not, notice. For nearly two decades, he has entertained Denver as one of the best drag queens in the Mile High City: Felony Misdemeanor. As a staple in Denver’s queer scene, StCyr knows how important it is to spread awareness and resources surrounding HIV. “This is still very much considered a ‘gay disease,’” he said. “Most of the conversations and advertising are still pointed at our community, but the conversation has started to dwindle, while the problem has not.” Denver is one of the many major cities nationwide that made a pledge to end AIDS by 2030. By 2016, the city’s public health department reported that Denver was two-thirds of the way to its goal. It also reported that 9,950 people were living with HIV—with 310 new cases in 2016. Eighty-eight percent of those living with HIV in the Denver Metro Area are male, with 74 percent of those males contracting the virus by male-to-male sexual contact. “This virus has been around since the 80s, and it’s not going away anytime soon,” StCyr said. “It says a lot that this program is just starting. We’ve come a long way, and we’ve got a long way to go. I hope my voice, which reaches a wide audience, can help with that.” OUTFRONTMAGAZINE.COM

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Branching out into HIV care is a huge step for Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, but it’s not the only step they are taking to help LGBTQ folks. In Colorado, Planned Parenthood is active in the political community and major provider of all sexual healthcare.

Planned Parenthood: Not Just for Birth Control When Trump was first elected into office, many people reached out to PPRM. A lot of them were women looking out for their sexual health, trying to get birth control prescriptions refilled or score a “Trump-proof” IUD to provide birth control through his four-year term. But others were reaching out to try and provide help to the organization. Despite the trying political times, PPRM is doing really well in the Mile High City and beyond. And while the organization may be typically associated with birth control for women who sleep with men, Planned Parenthood in Colorado is a lot more. In addition to generalized sexual health like STD testing and wellness exams, they offer hormone therapy for trans folks. This service is available at their main location on 14th Ave. All of their clinicians are trained in inclusive language to provide healthcare no matter how patients identify. They even provide training for trans folks to administer their hormone injections themselves, or have their significant others do the injections for them. Through all of this, they feel they are changing how Planned Parenthood is seen in the local community, especially with LGBTQ folks. “Not only has expanding our care been much more intentional, and we are offering care of all kinds, but I feel we are being more welcomed into that community as well,” said Whitney Phillips, vice president of communication and brand experience with PPRM. “We have an incredibly diverse staff, and people don’t really go to work at Planned Parenthood by accident. People who work there are very intentional and passionate and push us to be a better healthcare provider and organization from the inside and out.”

“They come to us because they need healthcare. We already know that the Planned Parenthood brand is extremely trusted, and I think that folks are coming to us and asking questions that are really a little more than just for health. We make sure we are a safe space for people, whether that has to do with immigration or housing or their healthcare. We try and provide the care they actually need.” “We are not just fighting anti-abortion legislation, but we are able to provide support and staff for any kinds of other bills that aren’t targeted specifically to Planned Parenthood, but that relate to anything in the community, anyone we serve, and others who are doing this good work,” Swank said. “We provide help with testimony, and our allies do the same for us. We have tons of activists knocking doors, and we are really hoping to flip the Colorado Senate. Right now, we don’t have a pro-reproductive health majority; we are down by one, so we want to flip it, and it’s doable. In the days after Trump’s election, the callers weren’t just calling for services, but because they were worried Colorado’s Planned Parenthood chapter would be shut down. They were calling in to ask about the situation with funding, make a donation, or volunteer their time. “I think our activist base is the strongest it’s ever been,” said Molly Swank, director of community engagement with Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains. “Our volunteer base is ready to fight whatever comes up; our activists are contacting their senators all the time. People are really taking it upon themselves and doing things on their own to help us out.”

For the Community That’s something The Drop is working on. Since the grand opening on July 21, the four men behind the drop have worked tirelessly. In the coming months, they will be doing more community outreach to break into new communities and spread the word about the community center.

Part of this push to be a better healthcare provider means getting outside of examination room and into the courtrooms, helping with lobbying and legislation that supports women’s healthcare rights, LGBTQ equality, and human rights in general.

“We want everyone to know about this place,” Pauly Maldonado, HIV prevention specialist, said. “We want this room to be filled with people gathering and having a good time. We have high hopes for The Drop. I can’t wait to see them come to fruition.”

While standing up for queer rights and access to healthcare is extremely important in 2018, many of the people going to Planned Parenthood are simply turning to the name they know and trust to get professional, confidential help.

As The Drop navigates their first year open, they’re inviting any and all to drop by, chat, get tested, learn about PrEP, or just give in to the laughter that fills the room every weekday evening.

“When our patients come to us, they aren’t necessarily making a political statement,” explained Phillips. 4 2 \\ O C T O B E R 3 , 2 0 1 8

The Drop is located at 921 E. 14th Ave. Ste. A. Reach out by calling 303-813-7794 for facility hours, activity and education information, and health services.

Mrs. Kasha

DAVIS

ON SOBRIETY, ADVOCACY, & THE FUTURE

By Denny Patterson

OUTFRONTMAGAZINE.COM

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uPaul’s Drag Race Season Seven queen Mrs. Kasha Davis may have left the competition early, but there is no way in hell she’ll fade into the shadows. This queen is here to stay and made a lasting impression on the Drag Race community. From her infamous catchphrase, “There’s always time for a cocktail!” to serving face during the Glamazonian Airways challenge, Mrs. Kasha Davis is a queen that will forever be in our hearts. This year, she and Season Two alum Pandora Boxx will host the annual Power Gala, an event celebrating advocates for the LGBTQ community, on October 13 at the History Colorado Center. We had the pleasure of chatting more with the notorious MKD about her upcoming visit to Denver, her time on Drag Race, and future projects. She’s got the power!

HELLO, MRS. KASHA DAVIS! IS IT TIME FOR A COCKTAIL? Well there’s always time for a cocktail! Or, I mean at this point, there’s always time for a cock!

WHAT IS YOUR COCKTAIL OF CHOICE? Currently, it’s a nice Drift coffee with soy milk. I’m one of these gals who’s sober, going on for a little over three years now, but I used to love a good boxed wine.

WELL, CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR SOBRIETY! Thank you so much. It’s just a joy, and I’m glad to be able to talk about that too, because I know there are many people out there wondering if I can have a life if I quit my drug of choice, whether that be alcohol or etc. You can have any life you want, as long as you believe it.

YOU ARE HOSTING THE DENVER POWER GALA WITH PANDORA BOXX. WHAT CAN AUDIENCES GENERALLY EXPECT FROM A MKD PERFORMANCE? Well, first of all, Pandora Boxx, I’ve known that old b*tch for so long, and we’re just so glad she’s still standing upright! But at any rate, I digress. I think what most people would expect from Mrs. Kasha Davis is just, you know, their auntie or their favorite crazy mom or grandmother and just a lot of love. I find that I like to do top 40 songs like Captain & Tennille that were top 40 40 years ago, minimally. So, you know, I will perform songs you either know, or you will know them after I do them.

SO, YOU HAVE WORKED WITH PANDORA BEFORE? WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP LIKE WITH HER? Oh my gosh. Pandora and I originally did the skit from her YouTube sensation, which is now probably on like the dark, dark web or X-Tube, and it was called the “Gay Means Happy Show.” She and I met, and she said, what if we brought Mrs. Kasha Davis and she was doing these cooking shows, and by the end of the episode, she was always drunk? So, basically at the time that was the story of my life. Life imitating art or whatever it may be. So, that is where “there’s always time for a cocktail” first came into play, because we were doing this skit and were just totally improvising. Every once in a while, in the midst of the recipe, I’d say, 'Well, there's always time for a cocktail!' It was ridiculous. 4 4 \\ O C T O B E R 3 , 2 0 1 8

WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR OTHER FAVORITE DRAG RACE QUEENS TO PERFORM WITH, AND WHY? Well of course I absolutely adore Darienne Lake. I think she is just an absolute brilliant performer, and she, Pandora, and I just recently did our show in P-Town together called “Three’s Company,” and we’re all from Rochester, New York. We were all on RuPaul’s Drag Race. Those two placed well, and you might remember me from the opening credits of Season Seven! Anyway, I think Darienne is an absolute pleasure. I really have not had any horrible experiences with the gals. I really enjoyed performing with all of them. Delta Work is just one of the funniest queens out there, so she’s probably another one of my favorites.

POWER GALA HIGHLIGHTS AND CELEBRATES LGBTQ ADVOCATES. IS THERE AN ADVOCATE YOU ADMIRE THE MOST? You know, I guess the best way I can put it is, when we have an ally of any type, when we have people who can come together and listen to one another and stand with one another in any type of situation where people are feeling singled out, then I’m their biggest fan.

WHAT KIND OF LGBTQ ACTIVISM HAVE YOU PERSONALLY BEEN INVOLVED WITH? I remember the time when Mr. Davis and I were never even imagining that we could possibly get married legally. I mean, we thought of course the rulings would make some sort of a difference where we could get closer to it, but being a part of some of those marches, even in Rochester, and being downtown, Steve and I were like, 'Wow, this could really happen in our lifetime.' So, it’s obviously very important for us now as we progress pass that. Of course, we live in such an odd climate politically; it is so important for us to be out and involved and participate in Pride events, or, you know, really any place where we can and give kids of all ages that person to look to that maybe we didn’t have when were kids. I absolutely love doing Blackfriars Drag Story; it’s not necessarily activism, but it is, in a sense, something that was never there for me as a child or even a teen. So, to be able to do this and be out and about and present in this day and age when there now seems to be so much more hate boiling to the surface. It’s up to us to go out there and show there is love.

I’M GLAD YOU MENTIONED DRAG STORY HOUR. I WAS HOPING YOU COULD TELL US A LITTLE MORE ABOUT THAT. I got to tell you, if there’s anything I can do daily or on a consistent basis, it would be Drag Story Hour. I believe if you think of your dreams as something that will happen versus want, I will have a children’s live show or television show at some point. I think it’s necessary. We have so many kids, but more so parents, wondering 'How do I navigate this child, who is a little bit different?' I joke in my one-woman show that I was a boy-girl-gal-girlfella. It was okay to say I was a fella. I was different, and they didn’t know exactly what to do with me. It took some time for

all of us as a family to figure that out. Now, we can make and provide these different examples. It’s OK to let kids explore, and more so than that, it’s never necessarily blatantly about gender or sexuality or something like that with Drag Story Hour, although it may come up. It’s more about some kid out there, and they are different than other children, and we need to treat that child, or adult, with kindness. It’s just, that’s the world we live in now. People feel freer to express themselves, and it’s not up for anyone else to judge them. It’s best to support one another.

LET’S TALK ABOUT DRAG RACE FOR A HOT MINUTE. HOW HAS THE SHOW CHANGED YOUR LIFE? Oh my God, it has completely changed my life full circle. When I was auditioning for Drag Race, I auditioned all seven seasons, so they had to put me on because I wouldn’t stop begging, but you know, I was desperately wanting to find a way to be the artist I knew I always was. I was working in this career which was successful and I enjoyed for 18 years at Dial America, the call center that’s nationwide, but I wasn’t following my passion. So, by auditioning and being cast, and then of course touring, it gave my husband and I a chance to sit back and think, 'Wow, this could really be a career for me.' Like any business that has its ups and downs, when I started to first go full-fledged Mrs. Kasha Davis, I was then forced to take a look at my drinking, and it changed my life. By taking this career choice, I had to look at myself and say, 'Wow, I have a problem.' More so than that, now, through sobriety and clarity, I’m finding I can even be better as Mrs. Kasha Davis. So, it has changed my life in every way possible. It’s funny, I go to a city and I meet the other performers or audience, and they say I was robbed, and they’re sorry I didn’t go further. I’m like, I wouldn’t be here now if it weren’t for the opportunities I had while there. It probably would have been good for me to watch previous seasons to know what to expect when I got on the race, but at any rate, we won’t go down that road!

DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOUR AESTHETIC HAS CHANGED SINCE YOUR TIME ON THE SHOW? Oh, well I am always known for my rollercoaster weight, but at any rate, I did learn a lot with makeup; you learn different techniques. Not just from the girls on the show, but from other people you meet while on the road. There are amazing people who have never had any interest in auditioning for Drag Race that you meet and get to perform alongside with. Also, your confidence level from continuously performing gets better and better.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE AND LEAST FAVORITE SONGS TO LIP SYNC TO? Well, I started this conversation out talking about all my divas, my ladies, my Liza Minellis, you know, Tina Turner, Captain & Tennille, the songs that I grew up with. I think if the song has too many words, we’re sticklers to make sure we know all the words, so if it gets a little bit too tongue twisty, I get a little ahead of myself, and I don’t like to lip sync that. Other than that, I mean, listen, it’s a matter of rehearsal. You got to do what

you got to do, but you must feel passionate about it. You got to love it. If you’re out on the road and wondering what you should do, do what you love, and the audience will love it too.

IF THE OPPORTUNITY PRESENTED ITSELF, WOULD YOU COMPETE AGAIN? F*ck yes! Of course! With All Stars, there is obviously a higher expectation because you are supposed to, quote unquote, already know what’s going on, but the fact of the matter is, it furthers your story. It gives you the opportunity to have your fans see you and maybe other people who haven’t seen you. It furthers your platform. We are lucky to have this platform to talk about not just drag and the performance aspect but also our personal lives. I think what the show does, it does so much for our community and for others out there in the straight community who are just wondering if they fit in.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO IS THINKING ABOUT AUDITIONING FOR DRAG RACE? It’s the worst advice because everybody says it: just be yourself. When Trixie Mattel’s makeup seemed to be really popular, many people were trying it. And guess what, so did this b*tch. When I first came off Drag Race, my lashes looked like they were at the bottom of my nostrils. Darinenne was like, 'What the hell is going on with your makeup?' I was like, 'I don't know; isn't this the trend?' She said, 'Girl, that's their trend; it's not working for you.' So, we’re lucky to have the internet and television and other girls who can give you tips, but remember who you are and why you are making these choices. Is it that you have a beard and you don’t shave? It’s part of your aesthetic? You know, go for it! You don’t have to copy and emulate others. You do sometimes along the way to define yourself, but that really comes down to the point. You don’t have to go there. And you don’t have to be a bully either just to get noticed.

WHAT ARE SOME UPCOMING PROJECTS WE SHOULD BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR? WHAT’S THE NEXT BIG THING FOR THE NOTORIOUS MKD? Aw, you’re so sweet! Well, first of all, I had mentioned Drag Story Hour, so I have a fellow that I’m working with as an illustrator, and I have my children’s book coming out, called Little Eddie P, and that will be available starting at Drag Con. Of course, Mr. Davis wants to make sure that you know that’s also available on our website, mrskashadavis.com. So, that will be available at the end of September. I am also very proud to say Professor Angela Washko from Carnegie Mellon has been putting together a documentary, and I believe that the working title is called Workhorse Queen, and it’s following me all around the world, delving into these stories of me about now, my home, my past, and certainly where things are headed. So, that should be out and about, and she’s shopping it everywhere. Netflix, film festivals, etc. And of course, we must keep those good vibes out there for All Stars 5. Let’s go! OUTFRONTMAGAZINE.COM

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ook out Denver, because a RuPaul’s Drag Race legend is hitting the Mile High City. Season Two and All Stars contestant Pandora Boxx is known for her comedic timing, her likability, and her infamous Carol Channing impersonation of the first ever Snatch Game. Although we’ve seen a lot of comedy queens on the Emmy award-winning reality show, few compare to Pandora— who was also crowned Miss Congeniality of her season. She’s a fan favorite, and she will be in Denver hosting the annual Denver Power Gala, an event celebrating advocates for the LGBTQ community, on October 13 at the History Colorado Center. We had the pleasure of chatting more with Pandora about her upcoming visit, her time on Drag Race, and her feelings about the show’s transformation throughout the years.

Pandora Boxx

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HELLO, PANDORA! YOU ARE HOSTING POWER GALA WITH MRS. KASHA DAVIS. WHAT CAN AUDIENCES GENERALLY EXPECT FROM A PANDORA PERFORMANCE? I would hope you can expect to be entertained. Something a little different, offbeat, and funny.

THE DENVER POWER GALA HIGHLIGHTS AND CELEBRATES LGBTQ ADVOCATES. IS THERE AN ADVOCATE YOU ADMIRE THE MOST? Oh gee, I don’t know. There’s so many who are doing so many great things; I can’t think of just one. I think, especially right now, there are a lot of people standing up and speaking out, and I think it’s great. It’s at a time we need it the most.

WHAT KIND OF LGBTQ ACTIVISM HAVE YOU PERSONALLY BEEN INVOLVED WITH?

song that sent me home on Drag Race. Love Debbie Gibson, but not that song.

I think that just being a drag queen makes you a spokesperson for the gay community, because you’re out there and you’re loud; you’re in people’s faces. Even if your number is not political, you’re still making a statement just by being out and being in drag and going to Pride parades and just being a vocal part of the community.

SINCE YOU WERE ON SEASON TWO AND ALL STARS, HOW ARE YOU MAKING SURE YOU STAY RELEVANT WITHIN THE DRAG RACE COMMUNITY AND NOT FALL INTO THE SHADOWS?

WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP LIKE WITH MRS. KASHA DAVIS? YOU’VE WORKED AND PERFORMED WITH HER BEFORE? Yes. She is a rotted b*tch! No, I’m kidding. Kasha and I are from the same city of Rochester, New York. We’ve been performing together for a very long time, and we have a great working relationship. We’re friends, and we get along. We have a similar sense of humor, but they are different enough where we can kind of compliment each other.

WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR OTHER FAVORITE DRAG RACE QUEENS TO PERFORM WITH, AND WHY? I like all of them pretty much. I think I have my favorites, those I work with a lot living in L.A. I work with Ongina, Morgan McMichaels, Mariah Balenciaga, Jessica Wild; they are all really fun to perform with, especially like my Season Two queens, Jujubee and Raven and all of them. We have that Season Two bond. I just did a show with Darienne Lake and Kasha Davis in Provincetown, which was really fun.

LET’S TALK ABOUT DRAG RACE FOR A HOT MINUTE. HOW HAS THE SHOW CHANGED YOUR LIFE? Well, I was able to be an entertainer full time because of Drag Race. So, it’s been great in that aspect. I guess that’s the biggest change that it did.

YOU HAVE BEEN QUITE BUSY SINCE YOUR TIME ON THE SHOW. WHAT ARE SOME MAJOR PROJECTS YOU HAVE BEEN INVOLVED WITH? There have been quite a few. I have done a ton. The latest thing is, I have a new music video parody that came out on September 24. It’s called, “Oops, I Think I Pooped.” It’s something that everybody does, and I’m just speaking out about it.

DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOUR AESTHETIC HAS CHANGED SINCE YOUR TIME ON THE SHOW? Yeah, I think I still tend to go a little bit campier, and I think I have improved. I think when you see yourself on TV, you want to make changes, and because it’s been so long, I think you naturally change your aesthetic and look.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE AND LEAST FAVORITE SONGS TO LIP SYNC TO? My favorite song to listen to is “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” which anybody who has been to my shows would be like, 'Oh yeah.' They've seen me perform it like a thousand times.' I like doing comedy songs and making a mix of something more than just doing like a regular song. My least favorite song to perform to? I don’t know. I wouldn’t do them. I probably wouldn’t want to do “Shake Your Love,” because that’s the

I guess that is the trick of it all. I am constantly questioning that. What should I do? You know, you need to stay busy and do things and go with other projects. That’s why I have a poop song coming out. I had a podcast for a little bit, and I’m considering doing it again. I took some time off. So, it just depends on the number of projects, and if you don’t find the projects, you just have to create them.

YOU HAVE ALSO BEEN ABLE TO WITNESS HOW THE SHOW HAS TRANSFORMED OVER THE YEARS. DO YOU LIKE THE DIRECTION IT’S HEADING? I mean, I certainly would love to be on another season of All Stars and get the publicity that’s behind it. That would be amazing! My time on All Stars was not the greatest. I don’t think anyone really liked the idea of teams. But yeah, I like where the show is headed. However, the only thing I kind of don’t like about it is just that the queens all know the game, so they come in overly prepared. Designers have all made their costumes, and they come in with their catchphrases, so it’s lost some of the organic feel, but it’s still an amazing show, and they are doing a great job. RuPaul just won another Emmy, which is amazing. She is an amazing host.

SO, IF THE OPPORTUNITY PRESENTED ITSELF, YOU WOULD COMPETE FOR A THIRD TIME? Yeah, I would. I think if you asked me that question years ago, I would’ve been like 'absolutely no.' I just didn’t have a great experience on All Stars, but enough time has passed, and I’ve thought about it. I would go in with a different mentality than I did that time.

ARE YOU AND MIMI OKAY WITH EACH OTHER NOW? DID YOU PATCH THINGS UP? We were never really on the fritz. We were fine on the show; you just never saw that because that doesn’t make good TV. I mean, I’m not some raging assh*le. I realized I had said some things, and I didn’t say them to be mean. I was upset, and I think we were all kind of like, 'Oh sh*t, well, we're on these teams, and we have to deal with it.'

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ANYONE WHO IS THINKING ABOUT AUDITIONING FOR DRAG RACE? You have to make a really good audition video, and that’s really it.

BESIDES YOUR POOP PARODY, WHAT OTHER PROJECTS SHOULD WE BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR? WHAT’S THE NEXT BIGGEST THING FOR PANDORA BOXX? I am working on a couple of things, but nothing is really set in stone yet. So, I’m figuring it out. You can always go to my website, pandoraboxx.com, and you can catch up on everything there. OUTFRONTMAGAZINE.COM

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