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november 7, 2012 | outfrontonline.com
november 7, 2012 | outfrontonline.com
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Vol. XXXVI • Issue #15 • NOVEMBER 7, 2012 Columns and Departments
Contents COVER STORY:
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focus 6 letter from the editor 7 SPEAKOUT 9 PANEL voices 11 @nicgarcia 12 out in colorado “People wanted my cookie boxes, but I was just baking for fun. But they knew what I was making was more than just your average cookie – they were really, really good. And they wanted to buy them.” – David Bondarchuck
23 FEATURE: Cirque du Soleil performer Adrienn Banhegyi has successfully made the transition from ropeskipping competitor to rope-skipping performer, bringing international respect to a craft often dismissed as a child’s pastime.
On the cover: David Bondarchuck. Photo by Anthony Norris, www.AnthonyNorrisPhotography.com. Makeup by Ariel Kitchy Ami.
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november 7, 2012 | outfrontonline.com
body and mind 15 BEAUTY 16 THRIVE 19 faith & spirit Social 24 food for thought 26 ON THE SCENE WITH CHARLES 30 bar tab 31 QRAVE living 35 fashion 36 TRAVEL 38 SHOW & TELL 42 BACK IN THE DAY 45 HEINZESIGHT
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Serving the LGBT Community of the Rocky Mountains since 1976 3535 Walnut Street Denver, Colorado 80205 Phone: 303-477-4000 Fax: 303-325-2642 Email: info@outfrontonline.com Web: OutFrontOnline.com Facebook: facebook.com/OutFrontColorado Twitter: @OutFrontCO Out Front Colorado is published by Transformation Communications Group, LLC, a Colorado limited liability corporation and is a member of: Denver Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and Denver Drama Critics Circle. Phil Price / Founder, 1954-1993 Jerry Cunningham / Publisher Email: Jerry@outfrontonline.com J.C. McDonald / Vice President / Director of Circulation Email: JC@outfrontonline.com Nic Garcia / Associate Publisher Email: Nic@outfrontonline.com
ED ITORI AL Jeff Jackson Swaim / Editor-in-Chief / Creative Director Email: Jeff@outfrontonline.com Holly Hatch / Executive Editor Email: Holly@outfrontonline.com Matthew Pizzuti / Junior Editor Email: Matt@outfrontonline.com m.N. salam / Copy Editor Contributing Writers: Brent Heinze, Maya Salam, Misty Milioto, Robyn Vie-Carpenter, Scott McGlothlen, Jeff Steen, Josiah Hesse, Gary Kramer, Mike Yost, Michael Pearson, Ashley Trego, Nuclia Waste, David Marlowe, Steve Cruz, Chris Azzopardi, Christine Mcmanus, Shanna Katz, Max Oliver, Amy Lynn O’Connell, Jonathan McGrew, Jasmine Peters. Editorial Intern: Lauren Archuletta
ART Sara Decker / Art Director Email: Sara@outfrontonline.com Crystal Hatch / Freelance Designer Charles Broshous / Photographer
SALES jordan jacobs / Marketing Executive Email: Jordan@outfrontonline.com
DISTRIBUTION: Out Front Colorado’s print publication is available semi-monthly, free of charge in Colorado, one copy per person. Additional copies of Out Front Colorado may be purchased for $2.95 each, payable in advance at Out Front Colorado offices located at 3535 Walnut Street, Denver CO, 80205. Out Front Colorado is delivered only to authorized distributors. No person may, without prior written permission of Out Front Colorado, take more than one copy of Out Front Colorado. Any person who takes more than one copy may be held liable for theft, including but not limited to civil damages and or criminal prosecution. COPYRIGHT & LIMIT OF LIABILITY: Reproduction of editorial, photographic or advertising content without written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited. Advertisers are responsible for securing rights to any copyrighted material within their advertisements. Publisher assumes no responsibility for the claims of advertisers and reserves the right to reject any advertising. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles or advertising is not to be considered an indication of the sexual orientation or HIV status of such person or organization. Publisher assumes no responsibility for the loss or damage of materials submitted. OPINIONS EXPRESSED are not necessarily those of OUT FRONT COLORADO, its staff or advertisers.
november 7, 2012 | outfrontonline.com
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from the editor
Being kind to each other As I am writing this, the election is still a few days away – polls revealing an evenly divided nation and an uncertain outcome. There are some good guesses about who’s in the lead, but nobody knows for sure who will be president, who will control Colorado’s state House, who will control the U.S. Senate and whose judicial philosophies are destined for federal court appointments come 2013. In that case, it doesn’t matter If you are reading this, though, whether you’re a member of a the Nov. 6 election has passed. winning majority or a defeated Maybe President Obama won minority – we all have power a second term, or maybe Mitt over that. Romney is now president-elect. Next on our calendar is the Maybe the vote was so close that holiday season, and its focus is the results are still being tallied family and friends. The theme of and we’re in for weeks of acrimothis issue’s cover story is another nious re-counts. The sentiment universal: Food – not as physical might be elation, heartbreak, sustenance, but as something anxiety or rage. that bonds us when we share it Maybe Democrats have won with those we care about. This is control of Colorado’s House and also a spiritual season for many, Senate, and there’s a compelling so I’ll offer some wisdom from hope that a bill for civil unions the Dalai Lama, who says that in will pass this year. Or maybe Retimes of uncertainty and change publicans were able to squeak Matthew Pizzuti – which Buddhism’s central out a narrow victory, and we’re theme insists is all the time – the headed for another tough and unlesson is the same as it is in times of triumph and in certain fight in the legislature. If your “side” claimed some significant vic- times of loss: The most important thing we can do, tories, you might be gracious and humble – you in any situation, is be kind to one another. You won’t find a major religion that doesn’t should probably be gracious and humble – or you might want to revel in it. If your “side” faces advocate that. “Be kind to one another, tendermostly disappointing realities, you may have a hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ sense of wistful resignation, ready to mend rifts forgave you,” reads the New Testament’s Ephewith ideological adversaries – or you might just sians 4:32. “Be good to parents, and to relatives, be angry and shocked. You might feel defeated, and orphans, and the needy, and the related skeptical that the other “side” cares about you neighbor and the unrelated neighbor, and the or understands what’s at stake for the poor, the close companion and the traveller” – a translaeconomy, same-sex couples, the national debt, the tion from Sura 4, verse 36 in the Qur’an. The book jobless, America’s role in the world, the dignity of of Micah, shared among Jews as part of the Torah and among Christians as part of the Old Testaseniors, the middle-class or the environment. Whatever the election’s outcome means for ment, contains the verse: ““He has told you, O you, the tremendous sense of agency the elec- Man, what is good and what the Lord requires of tions offer citizens is over until the next one. you: only to do justice and to love goodness, and After so many months thinking about the future to walk humbly with your G-d.” Of course kindness is a virtue also among those of Colorado and the nation, your greatest power who have no religion or spiritual beliefs at all. So is now over yourself. The last months have revealed a deep division: as the election emerges in the rear-view mirror, Over whether the free market answers all questions, we can be thankful in this: While we disagree over or if the economy won’t improve without more what constitutes “justice,” whose facts are facts, public investment in education and infrastructure. what’s science or opinion, what’s an appropriate Over whether it’s paramount that we have leaders role for government, what ideologies are vindiwho support LGBT rights, or if equality is on the cated by history and what the future holds for this country’s material wealth, you can surely come up horizon no matter who wins elections. But there’s one thing all sides can universally with some examples in which all of us agree about what’s kind. ] agree is a good thing: Love.
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CONNECT WITH MATTHEW
Reach junior editor Matthew Pizzuti by email at Matt@outfrontonline.com or call (303) 477.4000 ext. 712.
november 7, 2012 | outfrontonline.com
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ABOUT THE COVER Photographer Anthony Norris is a professional photographer who lives and works in Denver. With a background in fine art photography combined with a strong studio emphasis, Anthony takes a stylized creative approach to photography. Anthony spends his free time drawing and doing photo shoots with his 8-yearold daughter, venturing outside, running and watching shows like American Horror Story. See more of Anthony’s work online at www.AnthonyNorris Photography.com.
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR Noelle LeavittRiley reports for the New York Post, Evergreen Newspaper, Venues Today and various local publications. Beyond her love for writing and reporting, Noelle runs the Forget Me Not Foundation, an organization that delivers flowers to seniors in nursing homes. She covers news, health and travel for Out Front. Her motto is by Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Read Noelle’s editorials in this issue: getting fit for ski season on page 16 and local getaways on page 36.
speakout
Councilmom Kniech:
On Living, Parenting and Governing in Denver What does Denver’s gay community really want? “Are you the lady running on the gay agenda?” the woman on the other end of the phone asked politely. “Well, I am a lesbian, yes, but my focus is on the economy, housing and quality of life in Denver. Can I count on your vote?” I replied. “No, I’m sorry, we just can’t support anyone running on the gay agenda.” “I’m sorry you feel that way, thanks for your time.” Back in 2010, I decided to run for a citywide seat on work left to do at the municipal level in Denver, where the Denver City Council, with more than 30,000 voters employment non-discrimination prompted Amendment electing me to office. My volunteers and I sent mail to 2 more than two decades ago, and a domestic partner registry and benefits for same-sex partners of more than 70,000 households (sorry, trees!), and employees have long been on the books. Represpoke to thousands of voters in person. I had sentation isn’t just about big policy, however, it’s the above conversation only one time. Really. also about having someone who understands Once. I had hundreds of conversations about differing perspectives, is willing to dig into trash, taxes, transit and traffic. But thanks to Jen pieces of the system that aren’t working, and Viega, Mark Ferrandino, Pat Steadman, Lucia who can inspire and support community prioriGuzman, and decades of community leaderties. I also suspected that having an out Denver ship and advocacy, my sexual orientation really leader might be a conduit for even more LGBT wasn’t an issue to Denver’s electorate. residents to engage with their city. But I suspected it might matter to members Robin Kniech And you have. At long last, I know what the of the LGBT community. I didn’t run for office because I was gay, but I did feel it was past time for the “gay agenda” – long a mystery to me – is all about. It’s about the safety of kids at risk for substance abuse, LGBT community to have representation on a body that, to our knowledge, never had. I am honored to serve with as I partnered with a gay doctor who sought to impact many strong allies on the City Council who have served youth attending concerts at Red Rocks. It’s about street maintenance and quality of life, as one the LGBT community successfully for years. And thanks to those allies who came before, there wasn’t a lot of policy of my gay constituents alerted me to semi-trucks improp-
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erly driving on residential streets in his area. It’s about libraries, as many of my gay and lesbian neighbors fought to make sure increased library hours were a component of Denver’s recent 2A ballot measure. It’s about the environment, as lesbian leaders educate me on alternative energy and transportation policy. It’s about the most vulnerable among us, as LGBT community members advocated for Denver to do more to help the homeless find housing and services while City Council debated the ban on camping. It’s about business, as several out business leaders work with me to advance manufacturing in Denver. And it’s about kids, as my family and others meet up at Denver parks to talk about our children’s future. Every day LGBT people contribute to making Denver a better place to live and do business for everyone. If I were to sum up what I have heard from you so far, it’s that you want a great city; a clean and safe city; one that is diverse and cares for the vulnerable; and that you’re willing to put your time and effort behind these efforts. That’s an agenda I’m proud to be a part of. Thank you. If you haven’t yet gotten involved, there’s no time like the present. Consider serving on a Board or Commission, volunteer with your neighborhood organization, or speak at a Council committee or public hearing when we are debating a policy you care about. And stay informed and connected. ] Robin Kniech is the City Council’s first openly-gay council member. Her goals include: affordable housing options, a more sustainable budget, and renewed retention and development of light industrial and manufacturing jobs. Robin and her partner of 10 years have a young son.
november 7, 2012 | outfrontonline.com
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NEWS
Fundraiser combats bullying in Denver public schools By Mike Yost
A Nov. 12 anti-bullying event at Thomas Jefferson High School takes a novel approach to empowering youth: It’s an “AntiBullying Anti-Luncheon” for anti-bullying programs in Denver schools. The 11 a.m. event will support Challenge Denver, a nonprofit that works with Teach for America and Challenge Day National to help students connect with classmates and establish a sense of respect for individuality. “The program began as a concerned parent seeing a lot of bullying,” said Betsy Leighton, founder of Challenge Denver. “My daughter grew up in a culture where she was scared to go to school. It is a reality to these kids. Feeling bullied. Feeling isolated.” Challenge Denver cited stompoutbullying.org, which reported that one out of four teenagers are bullied in America, that at least 160,000 students nationwide stay home from school each day due to fear of harassment, and nine out of 10 LGBT students are bullied in class or online. “If we’re not really looking into hearts, and we’re not looking into how they [students] are being treated, then we’re missing a major piece of the puzzle,” said Leighton, referencing the low graduation rate in Denver. Denver Public Schools reported that 56 percent of high school students graduated on time in 2011, with a dropout rate of 6.4 percent (a total of 2,292 DPS students). When a student from her daughter’s high school committed suicide, Leighton worked with the principal to bring in a mentoring program called Challenge Day. “Here is a program where I can bring together every student from every walk of life and teach them what’s really happening between each other.” Challenge Day was founded in 1987 by Yvonne and Rich Dutra-St. John to cultivate tolerance and acceptance through programs that “demonstrate the possibility of love and connection through the celebration of diversity, truth, and full expression.” More than one million students have participated as of 2010, and Challenge Day has sprung up in the Netherlands, Amsterdam and Uganda. Leighton is now the executive chairman of Challenge Day National. “To see the level of acceptance that
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can happen with a program like Challenge Day coming in was really beautiful. Challenge Denver is a place to have kids feel safe enough so that they can really excel in all areas of human development.” Since 2006, Challenge Denver has reached more than 15,000 DPS middle and high school students, and has been implemented in more than 23 Denver public schools. “Challenge day, in short, is a party for the human heart,” said Sean Flikke, a Challenge Day leader. “It’s a seven-hour experiential workshop designed to weave in social emotional tools for both adults and students. It builds community and compassion between people.” Flikke explained how Challenge Day begins with activities designed to create a sense of inclusion. “We create a safe container and allow people to be honest about who they are and what they go through; and it’s amazing to see what happens.” An afternoon activity invites students to gather in small circles called “families” that consist of about five students and one adult volunteer. Each student opens with the line, “If you really knew me,” followed by something the student would like to share. “There are some very powerful opportunities for genuine emotional connection between people,” Flikke said. Leighton added, “I’ve never walked out of a Challenge Day where everyone didn’t get something from it or feel more connected.” She cited an example of a DPS transgender student. “It was amazing, the transformation. After Challenge Day, to see her singing show tunes in the hallway and really coming outside of herself.” A following activity involves students to step forward over a line if their answer is yes to a particular
november 7, 2012 | outfrontonline.com
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question – such as if they or someone they know has been a victim of bullying. One of the categories includes harassment of LGBT people. “The wording is really crucial,” Flikke said, “because it says, ‘Please cross if you or any friend or family member that you know of is gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender.’ What it does is it creates a real sense of safety. Some people are crossing for family members. Some people are crossing for friends. Some people are crossing for themselves.” Flikke added that he’s seen as much as 90 percent of students cross the line to a single category. The impact of seeing so many affected by bullying “leads into the real powerful teach of the language that we use, where the term gay is used as an insult or a put down. It’s not just one or two people who might be seen as different. All of these hearts in this room are affected.” Leighton added, “Every Challenge Day I can say, we save lives.” Family members are encouraged to volunteer for Challenge Day; the next events are scheduled for Nov. 28 and 29 at Thomas Jefferson High School and Nov. 30 at West College Academy. The upcoming fundraiser features State Sen. Michael Johnston and is sponsored by the restaurant Smashburger. Leighton organized the event in a high school cafeteria to remind participants “what it is like to be in a school again. Let’s get back in here and remember who we’re serving,” she said. ] Online registration, volunteer information or tickets can be purchased online at http://challengedenver.org/event. Tickets for the event are $50.
PANEL: VOICES
From individual rights to civil rights: Has the LGBT movement moved away from the argument that ‘what two adults do in their bedroom their own business?’ place in this world. There Interestingly enough, when is no judgment inside I first read this question it those four walls. There is seemed somewhat foreign the peacefulness of sleep. to me. I just hadn’t heard There is love made there. the expression for such a What I am so encourlong time. From my peraged by is the expansion spective we are far away of our community, who from this argument. Not is now finding focus on that it’s not at the foundaprotecting the rights of tion of everything we fight Jo Niblock everyone along the LGBT for each day, but the focus is no longer sexually focused – it’s spectrum. This includes developabout equality, marriage, raising ing resources for the aging comchildren, and mostly being able munity, building and educating to love who we want to love, how our youngest members, transgenand when we want to love them. dered support, marriage equality The LGBT community has so many and LGBT parental rights. We have wonderfully strong examples of moved way beyond the bedroom. where drive and determination can We teach children, we are emergenlead us. Many have sacrificed and cy service workers, we are CEO’s, fought in this war to be equal. The and we are famous actors, athletes war carries on, however the battle and musicians. We even hold confor our bedrooms we have won. I gressional seats. We understand our believe the world has realized what power now is not what we do in our we do in our bedrooms will never bedrooms, it’s what we continue to be regulated successfully and it’s a accomplish outside. ] losing battle. We have embraced the power and sanctity of our bedrooms Jo Nibblock is a corporate fraud superas an LGBT community. Most days visor, photographer and transgender my bedroom feels like the safest male who lives in Denver.
Hey Out Front!
then my record as a prophet is I should hope so. The repeal of poor. I am thinking that Justice the Defense of Marriage Act is Kennedy would join the liberals still in the future and should resulting in a 5 to 4 decision be our next goal. There are two in our favor, which is all want cases currently winding their or need. With my optimism way through the courts that running amok, I am thinking involve DOMA, and already Chief Justice Roberts might two federal appeals courts remember that the Constitution have decided in our favor. Now is to protect the citizens from we shall have to see what the Cecil Bethea the government. Another facet Supreme Court does. The French have had a much differ- of my optimism concerns the three conent situation – to have a relationship rec- servative justices: Thomas, Sacilia and ognized legally in France, the couple can Alioto. Any or all of them could write a fahave a civil ceremony for a civil solidar- vorable opinion based upon conservative ity pact. For those couples, if they want a principles, but that would be pathological church wedding, that is no business of the daydreaming. What will be the reaction amongst state. This separation of the legal aspects from the religious has made it easier for gays when we win? No doubt crowds will celebrate. Speakers will orate about a new them to enact gay marriage. We Americans have had difficulties day a-coming. Booze will flow like milk and making the separation. The case in New honey. Gays without number will line up to York involves an inheritance tax levied by buy marriage licenses. A month or two later, the Federal Government. The survivor of some will line up to file divorce papers. a straight marriage would not have to pay After all: We are gay, but also Americans. ] an inheritance tax whereas the survivor of a gay marriage in New York does. The Cecil Bethea was raised in the South I.R.S., not recognizing the gay marriage, before joining the Air Force and now calls himself a Westerner of Southern has levied a whopping tax on the estate. My optimism of our success is high, but extraction.
Got something to say to us? You’ve taken the time to read Out Front and now we want to hear from you!
To dish your own answer to a panel question, respond to a story you read, let us know about something we missed or to toss your own two cents to our readers, send letters to the editor – please 200 words or less – or your query for a 650-word Speak Out column to holly@outfrontonline.com.
Interested in becoming one of the voices on Out Front’s PANEL?
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Contact Matt Pizzuti by email at matt@outfrontonline.com or call (303) 477.4000 ext. 712 to be considered!
november 7, 2012 | outfrontonline.com
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THE LEBANESE LESBIAN
Like it’s going out of style
Maya Salam Email Maya at mns.outfront@gmail.com
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It’s no secret that I love clothes. Like, love love. Ask my girlfriend, who’s currently trying to convince me to find a way to not take up all three of our closets with my beloved garments. But more than clothes, I love fashion, style, and the statements it can make, or not make. I get it when someone says, “Clothes don’t really matter. They’re superficial.” But even in that, you are making a style statement. There’s no way around it. You could go out fully naked, and that’s still a style statement. It doesn’t just exist in dresses, pants, ties and boots. It just exists. I was born and bred to love fashion and style by my mom, who is 10 parts a style dynamo to zero parts a “let’s make cookies and cross-stitch a wall hanging” kind of mom. One of my favorite mother-daughter bonding rituals was getting up on a Saturday morning, making tea and climbing into her bed (with one of my sisters sometimes) to watch Style With Elsa Klensch on CNN. The runway was one of the few places my mom and I overlapped in my formative years. I learned so much about fashion that I didn’t know that I had learned anything, assuming it was all common knowledge. I remember my mom making statements along the lines of, “I shouldn’t have had children; I should have been working in Paris for Dior.” And she really could have. Maybe she should have. She’s got the gift. These comments weren’t exactly heartwarming at the time, but now, I totally get it. And as an adult, I’ve made up for a lot of that disconnection with her in those earlier years. She also always pushed me to explore my fashion boundaries, which rocked. When I got suspended for my shorts and then for my pants, she picked me up and took me out to lunch. And this was not a person who took missing school lightly – at all, ever. She just thought their reasoning was out of line, or at least, not in line with her.
november 7, 2012 | outfrontonline.com
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So over the years, I’ve never shied away from trying a look: adventurous in life, adventurous in style. And over the years, my choices have on some level reflected my age, my body shape at the time, or my place in life. Mostly, though, they reflect my mood. Sure, when I was modeling runway in my 20s, my body shape permitted different style spaces than my more feminine shape does now, but I still swing from hyper-femme in a hot pink Lycra mini-dress to more tom-boi in skinny jeans, sweater vests and blazers. I wasn’t really aware of my style choices and my lesbianism converging in other people’s eyes until my straightforward sister made a straightforward comment. I was wearing gray tuxedo pants (that she bought me before my coming out), a floaty blouse and a gray blazer, and she said, “Well, you’re just a big ol’ lesbian now, aren’t you?” And I responded, “Yup. It’s awesome.” She said it kindly and in a playful way, but it got me thinking. Was my family worried that I was going to go butch? Were they just trying to get me to open up? I still have no idea; I just know that for the first time, I was acutely aware of how my family saw my style. They’ve always known me and encouraged me to dress ambitiously, but was it now somehow linked to my being gay? I actually thought, “Should I now dress only femme around them now that they know?” The answer lies in the one thing I’ve learned most in adulthood about my supremely opinionated family. They will respect me the most if I just do my thing with confidence. Style is a lot like any other conviction – have confidence in it, stand up for it, be comfortable in it, and others will be more likely to commend you, at the very least. ]
@NICGARCIA
Pueblo doomed to repeat history Nic Garcia
History may be on the verge of repeating itself – this time in Pueblo. The story so far: A Colorado municipality has extended a sliver of equality to the gay and lesbian community and an outraged citizen has decided to have it overturned by a vote of the people. More specifically, Pueblo’s City Council passed 6-1 an ordinance to extend partner benefits to employees in same-gender relationships.
The ordinance came to exist after a bit of controversy. The council was set to pass the ordinance Sept. 10 after vetting the ordinance at two previous meetings. But in a moment of hysteria and worry, supporters on council killed the bill because they believed there would not be enough votes to pass the new language. Members of the LGBT and allied community who worked with council members and city staff to draft the language, research the costs – less than one percent of the city’s total budget – and outline benefits for the city were incensed. They rightly felt betrayed. So they gathered to decide what to do next at a community meeting. Daneya Esgar, the organizer of Equality Pueblo, said three city councilmembers recommitted their support to the ordinance and it was decided they’d try again. An identical ordinance was proposed and had two readings leading up to public comments and a final vote by council Oct. 9. Nine people testified in favor of the proposed changes. Seven spoke against it. One of those individuals who expressed concern was Mark Aliff. “In reality, this isn’t about inclusion ... but fiscal responsibility and what the will of the people is.” He was referring to Referendum I, a 2006 proposal to extend domestic partnerships to Colorado’s gays and lesbians. Ref I shared the ballot with Amendment 43, a proposal to define marriage in Colorado between a man and a woman. Ref I failed. Amendment 43 passed. “I would assume my politicians would stand up for the legality,” Aliff said. It would appear that Aliff, like most of the others who spoke out against the ordinance, believe extending partner benefits to same-gender partners is just another point on the Gay Agenda to ruin the United States. He went on to argue that seven people (members of city council) should not have the audacity to override the voters. Aliff suggested the ordinance should be put on the ballot. If that sounds familiar, it should. It’s
one of the same arguments Republican leaders at the Colorado General Assembly made during session when they blocked the Colorado Civil Union Act. As I said previously, Pueblo City Council did finally approve extending benefits to city employees’ same-gender partners. But what should have been the end of it, seems to have only been the beginning. Still outraged, Aliff has drafted a petition seeking remedies to undo the council’s vote. He and a group of likeminded individuals are circulating the petition Sunday afternoons at various churches in Pueblo. One of those churches is the one my father attends. He was approached after the service. One of his fellow parishioners told him city council gave gays and lesbians “special rights.” I told my father the real “special right” at least in the state of Colorado, belonged to those in opposite gender relationships: the right, the privilege to marry. So here we are, 20 years almost to the day after Colorado voters passed Amendment 2, a law forbidding cities and counties from extending protections to the LGBT community. And it all started when a Colorado municipality extended a sliver of equality to the gay and lesbian community and an outraged citizen decided to have it overturned by a vote of the people. That municipality was Denver. You see, the story before Amendment 2, the story that is often forgotten, is that Denver’s City Council passed its own ordinance extending protectionsw to gays and lesbians under the established nondiscrimination act. A few locals didn’t like that, so they tried to have the voters overturn the new policy. Voters stood by city council and the gay community. That’s when Colorado Springs – and eventually, the Supreme Court – got involved. Watching the Pueblo City Council meeting, I found it rather poetic one of the opponents to policy, a Biblical scholar said, “He who will not read is condemned and confined to the present, for the past and the future will be unknown to him.” He suggested city council read the Bible. I suggest he read Romer v. Evans. ]
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november 7, 2012 | outfrontonline.com
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OUT IN COLORADO
COMING UP ... Colorado AIDS Project’s 4th annual Red Ball
The Denver Gay Men’s Chorus takes new direction By Mark Stamper I have accepted the position of guest artistic director of the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus and am elated to be a part of this organization. In addition to my responsibilities with the men’s chorus, I am the organist/choirmaster at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church in Littleton. During my career, I have taught and conducted two professional choirs, a university choir, a community choir and several church choirs. Within my experience, there are many different ages represented, as well as varying levels of talent. In addition to my choral experience, I have conducted in a variety of genres, including ballet, opera, oratorio, choral, orchestral and Broadway musicals. As I reflect on my first six weeks in the Denver community, I am overwhelmed with emotion, as it appears that the stars are aligning for all of us. I wrote to the singers in an initial letter before I arrived: “This is my time. This is your time. This is OUR time.” We all are chomping at the bit to get this party started. This organization is on the brink of greatness. Since its inception in 1982 under the leadership of Bob
“Melba” Moore, The Denver Gay Men’s Chorus has sung for thousands of people in concerts, outreach programs and other social events. The season has begun, and we have already sung for the Celebration Service of David Misner, Patrick Steadman’s partner. We just performed for the Out Front Power Party held on Oct. 6 and will be performing for the Live Telecast of the “Lighting of the City and County Buildings” sponsored and hosted by Channel 9 on Nov. 23. These are exciting times for the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus, and we are looking forward to fulfilling our mission, “Building Community through Music,” with an even stronger conviction than before. Our season, “Many Voices, One Song,” will consist of three concerts. The holiday concert, “Sing We Merry, Gentlemen,” will be presented at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 20. We are excited about presenting this concert at the aesthetically and acoustically beautiful Gates Concert Hall, located on the Denver University campus. Our March concert, “Music Down in Our Souls,” will be presented at 7:30 p.m., March 15 and 16 at the historic downtown Central Presbyterian Church. The season will close with our June 13 Pride concert, “Dance
Celebrate community At Out Front’s ‘Big Gay’ holiday party!
Join Out Front in celebrating the holiday season with a hilarious and feel-good performance of ‘Dixie’s Tupperware Party’ at The Garner Galleria Theater. Ticket proceeds benefit the Alexander Foundation. When: 6:30 p.m. cocktail gathering, show starts at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 24 Where: Garner Galleria, 1101 13th St. How much: Tickets start at $40 Purchase tickets: http://ofcnow.co/dixi More info: http://denvercenter.org
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A night to ignite awareness for World AIDS Day is a hip, chic, ultra contemporary alternative fashion and outrageous hair show that showcases 20 local designers and salons. Enjoy a cocktail reception, fire dancers, aerial artists, a silent auction and special guests. Funds benefit the Colorado AIDS Project.
Mark Stamper, guest artistic director of the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus
the Night Away.” We are thrilled to be closing our season at the stunning Gates Concert Hall. Working for the Rocky Mountain Arts Association and the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus is a milestone in my career. I am committed to making this season one of success. My goal is to bring DGMC to new levels of artistic development, as well as developing a more vibrant presence in Denver. I think the combination of the membership’s talents and commitment, coupled with my energy, motivational skills and talents, leads to an exciting future for all of us. ] More info on and tickets for upcoming concerts at http://rmarts.org.
When: 6 p.m., Dec. 2 Where: EXDO Event Center, 1399 35th St. More info: http://coloradoaidsproject.org Buy tickets: http://ofcnow.co/tQW
Trans Awareness Week with Out Boulder This year Out Boulder leads the 3rd annual Transgender Awareness week in Boulder County. From Nov. 11 through Nov. 20, community events are taking place across the county. When: Nov. 11 through Nov. 20 Where: Locations around Boulder More info: http://outboulder.org/content/ transgender-awareness-week
Denver Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce hosts annual Awards Dinner By Lauren Archuletta The Denver Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their 16th annual Business Awards Dinner from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 15. Tickets for the dinner, which will be held at the Mile High Station, are now available on the DGLCC website. Each year, the Denver Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce honor members of the Denver community who have positively impacted LGBT lives and made a difference. Among those recognized are businesses, organizations and professionals of Denver. Seven different awards will be distributed including: • Entrepreneurial Woman of the Year • Entrepreneurial Man of the Year • Nonprofit Organization of the Year
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• Corporate Community Ally of the Year • Individual Community Ally of the Year Among the award winners are: Mike Gaughan and Jeff Julin, MGA Communications and Mari Newman, Mark Ferrandino and Kate Bowman, Experience Software Inc. and The Gender Identity Center, Fran and Anna Simon, Better Business Bureau of Denver, and One Colorado. A silent auction will also be held at the awards dinner, with all proceeds going to the 2012 DGLCC Nonprofit Organization of the Year, One Colorado. Recent winners of the DGLCC Nonprofit Organization of the Year include Project Angel Heart, Urban Peak, The Center and Jewish Family Service of Colorado. ] Tickets to the event will be $99 per person when purchased online, and $125 at the door. For more information, visit www.denverglc.org.
RADIOACTIVE VISION
Final curtain call-toaction
Nuclia Waste Nuclia Waste can be reached through her website at http://NucliaWaste.com
A sad day in the Wastehold: Mr. Waste and I lost a dear friend to cancer. Most people have a long and extended battle with the disease – not our friend Dave Misner. He went to the doctor for a possible ulcer, and 91 days later, died from pancreatic cancer. That’s crazy sudden. That got me thinking about what I would do if death was standing there at my door, waiting to reap me off my feet. I would book a vacation to a far, exotic land and have one last adventure before taking the big dirt nap. I would squeeze in as many items on my bucket list as I could. The problem is my bucket list is getting pretty short. It’s not that I am growing old. It’s that I’ve done a pretty darn good job of making my dreams a reality. Here’s a list of items I’ve checked off: • Skydiving (a first date with ex-Mr. Waste). • Scuba diving with sharks in Fiji (followed by warm chocolate chip cookies on the ship’s deck). • Riding an elephant, (thank you, Barnum & Bailey’s Florida winter headquarters). • Riding a scooter all the way to Yellowstone and through a herd of bison, (thank you SQREAM Scooter Club). • Beekeeping – (The honey still flows from my hives in Gaypleton). • Competing in the Bourbon Street Awards in New Orleans on Fat Tuesday,
(and winning Best Overall Costume). • Traveling to Africa and Australia (lions and tigers and koalas, oh my)! • Going to Burning Man in Nevada (and meeting people more creative than me). And then there are things I ended up doing that were not on my list but should have been. • Standing before Michelangelo’s “David” (and having my breath taken away). • Meeting and marrying Mr. Waste (best wedding reception ever). • Competing in rodeo and owning a horse. (Thank you, Craig Laurita and CGRA). • Seeing the Eiffel Tower at night (tres bon). • Petting a Komodo dragon. (Thank you, behind-the-scenes-tour of the Denver Zoo). • Stilt walking in the Sweet Potato Queens Parade in Jackson, Miss. (Thank you, Jill Connor Browne). • Having lunch on the hillside of a live active volcano (oh, those crazy Costa Ricans). •B eing the first drag queen to appear in Forbes magazine (What were they thinking?) •S wimming with dolphins (Nothing’s illegal in Mexico). That probably is plenty for one lifetime. What could possibly
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be left on my list? • S cootering from Rome to see the excavated city of Pompeii (and eating gelato along the way). •V isiting Asia, South America and Antarctica (pandas and alpacas and penguins, oh my)! • Scootering the east coast of Australia (Kangaroo road kill, anyone?). •O wning a motorcycle (Once our wills are done with me leaving everything to Mr. Waste). ] What crazy things are on your bucket list? Send me an email and share. Our friend Dave was only 48 when he passed away. His laughter and love made quite a difference in the short time he shared our planet. Hundreds showed up at his celebration of life at the Denver Botanical Gardens, including Gov. John Hickenlooper and Mayor Michael Hancock. Sens. Mark Udall and Michael Bennett, along with Rep. Diana DeGette, were also there to share the memories of Dave. You might have been touched by Dave and never knew it. He was a “meter maid,” or as the City of Denver would say, “a right of way enforcer.” He handed out tickets all over town. Sometimes when he saw a friend’s car, he would put a yellow envelope on it with a note inside that said “Gotcha!” Dave had a sense of humor, and it got passed along to his daughter, who at the service, delivered the best line: “My dad always called me a princess. But not many daughters can say ‘My dad was a bigger princess than me.’”
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GAL ON THE MOVE
A lesson on
shifting to neutral
Robyn Vie-Carpenter Email Robyn at goddessofjoy1@gmail.com
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I was in a car accident. It was a horrible mess. I am still recovering. I look beat up and a little pitiful. Everyone has been kind and thoughtful. The thing that has struck me – besides the other car – is how much our priorities shift when circumstances force it. When unexpected things arise in our lives, we can either shift or suffer the consequences. The accident happened right before I was scheduled to go on retreat to work on my book. I had a whole schedule of events leading up to leaving town, plus a detailed agenda for my retreat. Everything changed when I sprained one of my hands in the accident. As a writer, having a sprained hand is a bit challenging. What came out of this challenge was a gift. Phone service was sketch, so no Facebook, Twitter or continuous email checking. Because I had three sprained fingers on one hand, typing was out of the question – no proposals, no book, no transcribing interviews. My thumb worked, so I could text and use the TV remote. My plan for my time went completely to hell. Let’s face it: Even at play, we like to organize ourselves – whether around sports, recreation or a hobby. As non-conventional as the LGBT community appears from the outside, we are some very “organized” individuals up close. We have recreational softball leagues, hockey leagues, rugby leagues, kickball leagues and flag football leagues. We’ve got pool leagues, dart leagues and bowling leagues. We’ve got camping groups, hiking groups, knitting clubs, running clubs, choirs – name a way people organize, and you’re guaranteed gay people have done it. I understand; I come from the land of doers, the East Coast. We are never sure how to behave if we’re not “doing”
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something. Remember, this is a place settled by the “idle hands are the Devil’s workshop” Puritans. One must never be idle. When we go on vacation, we don’t go camping, fishing or on any other kind of venture where you don’t do anything for long periods of time. We go on educational vacations to Williamsburg, VA. We travel as a pack from the city to the beach to socialize with our professional peers in an atmosphere that appears relaxed. We have Wi-Fi at our country houses so we can still keep in touch with our office. We turn our hobby of making soap into a side business with an etsy.com page. I battle all the time with guilt when I just sit around doing nothing. The thing is, I could spend hours watching snow fall and letting my mind wander. I keep note cards and notebooks around me at all times because I come up with some great ideas when I’m not doing anything or really thinking about anything in particular. When I allow myself the time to do nothing, amazing things happen. I get great ideas when I get my nails painted. I find really cool things for my wedding flipping through magazines. I take a nap and dream about things for my book. Each moment is refreshing and uplifting in its own way. Each is being idle while still accomplishing a lot. We must give ourselves permission to do nothing. The accident forced me to do nothing. Besides sprains and abrasions preventing me from doing basic things, I just didn’t feel like moving much. So, I gave myself permission to just sit. It felt good. I needed to heal. I needed to laugh and hang out with my mother. I needed to stop so I could shift gears. I actually got a lot worked out in my head. I am grateful for the time. Now I need to find a way to take that time without getting hit by a car. ]
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BOULDERITE BEAUTY
Kelsey Lindsey
Four beauty myths exposed These beauty fables that have circulated for years have led many to avoid practices, foods and products for fear that they’ll cause bad skin, bad hair or more. Thankfully, few are grounded in reality. Below are four beauty myths that I can’t wait to demystify, letting you live in that big, bad world of beauty without worry.
Myth: Shaving rather than waxing makes hair grow back thicker and darker. We’ve all gone through this irritating beauty predicament: You shave and/or wax, and a few days later, your hair seems to be growing back with the color and thickness of an overweight Italian’s chest hair. But no need to start tossing pizza dough yet; the truth is that hair grows all the same, no matter how you try to remove it. After you shave or wax, hair will grow out at full width, which is wider than the tip (enter inappropriate joke here). This may make your hair look thicker and darker in its first stages of returning, but it won’t grow back heavier than it was. Myth: Misting your face with water will hydrate it after a long flight. It’s a shame that this particular beauty myth is false, as I always thought that touting around mini bottles of Evian facial water was oh-so trés chic (and the only beauty practice all the stars rave about that I could afford). Unfortunately, though, this refreshing practice does more harm than good, as the water dries out skin after it evaporates. Look for a spritzer that contains glycerin or aloe vera, which will help lock in moisture, like MAC’s Fix+ Spray ($10, maccosmetics.com). Myth: Wearing nail polish constantly will turn nails yellow.
Unfortunately, this particular myth is true. But before you start searching for your bottle of nail polish remover, rest assured that a simple clear base coat under your favorite shade can help avoid discoloration. Nails are porous, so they absorb the pigment in polishes, especially from darker colors that contain more pigment than others. Applying Essie’s All in One Base Coat ($9.50, essie.com) before polishing will help you pack away yellow nails along with that witch hat and toy broom lying around from last Wednesday night. Myth: Eating chocolate causes acne. The fact that this is false may is the best news I’ve heard all week. While chocolate has been targeted for years as a source of many skin woes, it is shown to have no direct effect on skin conditions. Hormones, overactive oil glands and heredity are the key catalysts for acne, but a poor diet and dairy have been shown to flare and exacerbate this pesky skin woe. Recent studies have found that diets rich in omega-3 fats and raw vegetables, and avoid of dairy and processed carbs, have yielded better skin results than diets without any restrictions. ] Kelsey Lindsey, Out Front’s resident beauty columnist, is a senior English major at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Email her at Kelsey@outfrontonline.com
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THRIVE
Shape up for ski season By Noelle Leavitt Riley Athletes, sports enthusiasts and – yes – couch potatoes beware: Ski and snowboarding season is on its way. That means it’s either time to step up the current exercise routine or start a new one altogether in order to get those calves, hamstrings, glutes and abdominal muscles ready for the slopes. How to get stronger and build more endurance doesn’t have to be an expensive goal, especially with tips from local experts who pride themselves on staying in shape.
Easy ways to increase your endurance without much effort or money:
Getting in shape doesn’t mean spending tons of money on costly gym memberships or personal training sessions – it’s all a matter of perspective, said Jane Broida, a professor at the Department of Health Professions at Metropolitan State University of Denver. “What I really believe is that people need to build exercise into their daily lives,” she said. For instance, rather than taking the closest parking spot at the grocery store, park far away and walk the extra distance to burn more calories. “I do curls with my groceries,” Broida said. “Certainly as we get into the ski season, people should be building up muscle through more vigorous activity by walking greater distances or climbing stairs that they weren’t climbing before.” Taking the stairs instead of the elevator or the escalator – whether it’s at the office, the doctor’s office or visiting a friend in a high-rise condo – can help tone legs and glutes. “We all have busy lives, but we can build some of this into our daily routines,” she said. “I’m not saying it’s the sole part of your routine, but it certainly helps.” Additionally, rather than paying someone to rake leaves or shovel snow, do it yourself, she said. Both activities help strengthen the core muscles. She also suggests riding a bike to work, appointments or family gatherings. Now that Denver has a bike sharing program, people don’t need to actually own a bike in order to take advantage of the physical benefits.
Slow and steady helps build muscular and cardiovascular endurance:
Whether you’re already in shape or just starting a fitness regimen, it’s important to take it slow while building muscle and physical endurance, said Joseph Quatrochi, who has his Ph.D. and is a professor of human performance and sports at Metro State University. “One of the most important considerations for an exercise dropout, is when people try to do too much too fast,” Quatrochi said. “If you get too tired or you get injured, then it’s easy to say ‘I’m just going to forget the whole thing.’” For beginners, start by walking up hills or walk on the treadmill at a five percent grade to get your heart pumping, he said. After building cardiovascular endurance, work on muscle strength in the lower half of the body and the core. Lunges are extremely important to help build leg muscle in the areas that need to gain strength for skiing
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and snowboarding, Quatrochi said. Air squats and wall squats are also excellent in building proper muscle. “Both are just body weight, which is just what you’re doing while skiing or snowboarding (using your body as your weight to get down the mountain),” Quatrochi said. Quatrochi teaches adult exercise programs, cardiac rehabilitation and community fitness programs, along with many other sports-related classes.
Free trials and fitness classes:
Free is not a word our society hears very often, especially when it comes to fitness classes. But Joe Hendricks has embraced the idea for the last several years, offering free three-hour training sessions at Red Rocks Amphitheater at 8 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday morning. His fitness routine is so difficult that it’s called It Burns Joe Fitness – www.itburnsjoefitness.com. Another way to find a good fit is to try a class. Most companies offer the first class free. ]
Fitness websites for consumers recommended by Joseph Quatrochi, professor of human performance and sports at Metro State University: 1. Livestrong.com – The website gives health consumers an opportunity to create their own workout routines that fit their lifestyle and fitness level. It also maps fitness routes based around your zip code. For those who want to quit smoking, the site has a “my quit coach” option to ease the process. 2. Workoutz.com – Consumers can find free workout videos on this website. Each video has a certified personal trainer who walks viewers through fitness routines. It also shows men and women how to properly lift weights, and it gives exact exercises to do for specific sports. 3. ACSM.org – The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) is a popular resource for college professors, professional athletes and the general consumer. It provides information on healthy eating, overall wellness and fitness regimens. Ten-minute workout ideas and workout programs across the country can be found on this site.
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bleed like me
The ‘undetectable’ truth Anyone who enjoys a good scanning of online sex ads probably sees the word “undetectable” dropped frequently with HIV acknowledgement. In the modern times when HIV meds work well, it’s become a catchphrase. Unfortunately, the HIV-naïve don’t know what it means, and questions about the big u-bomb frequently arise. Does it mean that HIV is gone? Does it make sex safer? The scientific meaning behind “undetectable” is a measurement of the amount of HIV in a person’s blood sample. The measurement is known as the “viral load,” and the amount of HIV units are referred to as “copies” per milliliter of blood. When I was first diagnosed with HIV, my viral load was about 36,000 copies – actually a low number. By the time my doctor and I decided to go on medication, it was more than 300,000 copies, which was moderate if not somewhat high. If someone contracts HIV and goes untested, the immune system can battle it out for varying time periods, but eventually the virus will get the upper hand and the copies will increase. If gone too long without a diagnosis, the viral load can go into the millions, making HIV extremely infectious in a person’s bodily fluids. Medical technology is all about being precise. Tests can detect anything greater than 48 copies. Fewer copies cannot be detected, hence the phrase “undetectable.” One can imagine that if my initial viral load was low at 36,000 copies, then anything less than 48 copies would be considered practically nonexistent. So does this mean that an undetectable viral load is a pseudo-cure? The answer, unfortunately, is no. The virus still exists; it’s just hiding in parts of the body that medications can’t penetrate, such as the lymph nodes. But it does mean that available medications make for incredible treatment. If a high viral load equals high potency, then logically low viral loads mean low potency. The “undetectable” terminology made its way out of doctors’ offices and into our social culture of sexuality. Potency plays a role in safety: A certain amount of HIV has to enter one’s bloodstream in order to achieve infection. Ergo someone who tests at undetectable levels is also considered less infectious than someone who doesn’t. It has become a bit of a buzzword since it adds a sense of security. I started medications on a study of a new drug combination. My viral load went to undetectable in two weeks and has remained there ever since. This typically takes six months using other
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Scott McGlothlen common medication combinations. It gave me confidence not only in my sexuality and the sexuality of my partner, but also in the sense that the virus was no longer winning the war inside my body. Doctors have varying opinions on what “undetectable” means to sexual behaviors: Most agree condoms and safe sex practices should continue. Others argue that an undetectable viral load gives leeway in how “safe” sex can be carried out. Throughout my years as an HIV-positive man, I’ve met many poz/neg couples (also known as “magnetic couples”) who have confidence in this leeway. They consider an undetectable viral load to be an opportunity for the negative top to go condomless with the positive undetectable bottom. With some at their relationship’s 10-year mark or beyond, they verify that no transmission has occurred. But most of these same couples also confirm that the positive partner does use a condom if topping. When the “undetectable” tag arises in any sexy situation, it is most likely intended to assure the other person of safety. If this person were to use the term as a way to persuade a person of forgoing normal safety, their intentions or beliefs become highly questionable. When someone hears this word being offered to them, it is OK to ask questions in return – maybe about when the last blood test was done. It’s also good to ask if they ever happen to miss doses of medications, which can cause the virus to mutate and adapt to the medication and no longer be undetectable. Being “undetectable” can certainly increase safety but not necessarily increase certainty. Still, while “undetectable” doesn’t necessarily replace safer sex, there’s an amount of reassurance it can offer to back safer sex up (no pun intended). ] Scott can be reached by email at BleedLikeScott@gmail.com.
FAITH & SPIRIT
Family, faith and conflict over the holidays our children to know and experiFor many of us, the holiday season is ence the same warmth and joy that a cherished time of year. Whatever we did. However, in families where our cultural heritage, most of us being gay creates conflict, it can be have fond memories of holiday gathhard to decide which is the right erings with extended family, school course to take – attending family parties or special religious services gatherings where they may have (like caroling, midnight Mass or negative experiences, or opting out lighting the Chanukah candles). of family tradition to avoid conflict. As gay adults, we may have Perhaps this is the question: Is moved away from some of our it healthy for us as LGBT people, or childhood traditions and created healthy for our children, to be cut our own. Conflict with family over off from our families of origin and sexual orientation can alienate us Father Frank Quintana to have our identities and experifrom them. Intolerant religious ences absent from the extended teachings about the gay “lifestyle” can alienate us from the religious traditions we family? Or, is it better to not expose children to grew up with. As sure as we may be about our adult negative situations, and to cut ties for the LGBT decisions regarding religion and family, becoming a parents’ own emotional well being? It may be necessary to cut off contact with parent has a way of causing us to revisit these topics – especially around the holidays. I think this happens someone who cannot refrain from making to many people as they become parents, not just gay hurtful, negative remarks to you. Your children parents. Because of the possibility of family conflict, should not be around such a toxic person, and your children come first. many people forgo traditional family gatherings. I think these are very individual decisions that But when children become part of the equation, we become nostalgic about our childhood – the each family makes based on what is best for that joy of grandparents visiting, the aromatic holiday family. However, it helps to take into account that spices, the mutual expressions of love and the children will not benefit from seeing their parents overall ambiance of the holiday season. We want mistreated or excluded by family members. If a gay
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spouse or partner is not invited, it might be better to pass on the invitation. Children need to see their parents affirmed, validated, strong, united and proud of whoever they are. All families can expect minor conflicts to arise at family gatherings, but there are situations that are more serious. Religion in itself can create conflict around the holidays. We may have lapsed in the regular religious practice of our youth, yet we may want our children to understand some of the stories behind the holiday traditions. To relinquish negative feelings about church may be difficult if you’ve been excommunicated from your church or estranged from your family over religious beliefs surrounding gay issues. The good news, though, is there are now many welcoming religious communities. All families struggle between choosing family traditions or creating their own traditions. However your family chooses to celebrate, the most important consideration is that your family shares quality time together and your children learn that the holidays are a time of joy and inclusiveness to be shared with those closest to you – whoever they may be. ] Father Frank is priest in charge of Iago Dei Ministries, providing pastoral care, spiritual coaching, retreats, holy unions/weddings, couples counseling and rites for all sacred transitions. More info at http://imagodei-ecc.org.
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Photo by AnthonyNorrisPhotography.com. Makeup by Ariel Kitchy Ami.
From the streets to the White House through a kitchen door Local baker’s lifelong passion for food
By Jeff Steen
It began, as all good things do, with chocolate chip cookies – in David Bondarchuck’s earliest days, sifting, mixing and baking in his grandmother’s kitchen. As the story goes, Bondarchuck was something of a culinary prodigy, learning the basics of professional baking with his grandma and growing a passion of the culinary arts as far back as memory serves him. The story begins before his appearance on Martha Stewart and before catering the 2011 holiday party at the White House. “Growing up, I baked with my grandmother,” he said with a faint twinkle in his eye. “That’s how I learned the fundamentals. It wasn’t like baking cookies – it was real professional cooking.” Bondarchuck’s mother and father-in-law had moved to California when the budding epicurean was still young, and David decided to stay in Colorado and move in with his biological father, close to his grandparents. That was what afforded him the opportunity to spend hours in the kitchen with his grandmother, though his great-grandfather was an equally powerful culinary force: He owned a bakery near the University of Denver. While Bondarchuck’s euphoric childhood was lined with pastries and pies, it wouldn’t always be so delicious and happy. It wasn’t long before his grandfather was diagnosed with cancer, treatable only at a medical facility in Arkansas. From that point on, Bondarchuck’s grandparents were scarce, spending most of their time in treatments, or traveling to and from Little Rock. The kitchen adventures suddenly ceased, and while Bondarchuck was living with his abusive and alcoholic biologi-
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Being unwaveringly tenacious, the young Bondarcal father, things started to unravel. As Bondarchuck recalls, there was one night when it chuck seized the opportunities he had and devoted all came to a breaking point: “I remember when it got himself to books. Cookbooks in the Denver Public out of control. My dad was arrested because his temper Library. “I lost myself in those pages,” he said. “It was kind got the better of him. When the police came and got me of my escapism. out of the house, But it also made they asked if I had “There’s so much time, love, and care that goes into me remember my any family to go to. what I make. People notice a difference because grandmother. I My grandparents know when you were in Little Rock of it ... It’s genuine food ... At some point, I really cook and when at the time, but I just want to give back. Even if it’s just one person, I you bake, you have had no idea when want to inspire them the way I have been inspired.” control over things. they’d return. So I didn’t really feel they dropped me off at a youth shelter where I was going to wait. But they like I had control over anything in my life at that point, were gone for six months – and I had no way to contact and reading cookbooks offered me a measure of control.” At nights in the shelter, he would stare agape at the them. I just ended up staying there.” To most of us, this would be the ultimate defeat. television watching none other than Martha Stewart Suddenly, at age 16, Bondarchuck found himself create, cook and concoct. She came to be an idol for homeless and without parents. What could he possibly Bondarchuck – the inspiration to do what he had always wanted to do: cook and bake. hope to do?
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Photo by AnthonyNorrisPhotography.com
From that point on, things started looking up. Just as life sometimes takes us in directions we cannot expect or anticipate, it took Bondarchuck from the shelves of DPL to a rendezvous with his childhood friend, Peter Jones. A pact made between the two as children to be each other’s best men led Peter to search for David. In the middle of Bondarchuck’s worst years in the shelter and at the cusp of Jones’s nuptials, they had a most unlikely reconnection. “He came to the shelter to find me,” Bondarchuck recalled. “I guess some of my grandparents’ neighbors told him where I was. When he saw me, he told me right away that I wasn’t staying, that I was going up to where his folks were in Greeley. The Jones family heard my story and invited me to come stay with them – under a couple of conditions. One: I had to go back to school. Two: I needed to get a job. So, I got a job at McDonalds, rented a room in their house, and finished high school.” Bolstered and given new hope, Bondarchuck made his way to community college and further explored his culinary side. He moved from McDonald’s to Chipotle – a dramatic shift in the focus on local and sustainable ingredients. A keen interest in both cooking and baking grew in Bondarchuck, until, pushed to experiment by his own burgeoning creativity, he began creating holiday cookie boxes for friends and family. “People wanted my cookie boxes, but I was just baking for fun,” he said as he laughed and threw up his hands in disbelief. “But they knew what I was making was more than just your average cookie – they were really, really good. And they wanted to buy them. That’s how my catering company, Scratch Catering, got started.” That was 2007. Scratch drew in hungry devotees in droves, but for Bondarchuck, the impetus to grow was never about making money. It was about bringing people together and offering an experience they never had before. “There’s so much time, love and care that goes into what I make. People notice a difference because of it. I mean, I make my own butter using heavy cream from Weld County, for God’s sake. It’s genuine food.” And if that success wasn’t cause enough to celebrate, there was another chapter of success awaiting the baker. From Scratch’s earliest days, Bondarchuck longed to be one of the many employed to create the holiday festival at The White House – from decorating to baking peanut butter cookies. Every year, he would send letters asking to be part of the celebration, and for years, he never heard back. That is until last year. It was in October when he got the letter asking him to apply to be an official White House caterer. One form and two weeks later, an official invitation was sent asking David Bondarchuck to help the Obamas – and the entire country – make Christmas 2011 one to remember. And oh, it was. Not only did Bondarchuck relish the bustle of making the The White House walls shine with holiday joy, but he enjoyed yet another surprise: an interview with National Public Radio host Ari Shapiro.
The recipe for family: When cooking is about more than a meal By Matthew Pizzuti
You could travel across the Earth and still be hard-pressed to find a culture that disagrees: Food and family go hand-in-hand. Whether you’re sitting around the kitchen table on a quiet Sunday evening, spending Christmas night at a Chinese restaurant, or cozying up with a significant other on the couch in front of the TV with pizza and popcorn, meals are an intimate experience, shared most often with those you love.
Over the holidays, that’s especially true. LGBT people sometimes put a unique spin on ‘family’ – less about biology, and more about love and close friends – but the sentiment remains. Nita Henry grew up in the South – raised in Atlanta, where her earliest experiences of cooking began from watching her grandmother in the kitchen. “Sometimes she allowed me to help,” Henry said. “I think that’s where the love came from. I love to cook, and I have no idea how to cook in small quantities,” she said with a laugh. “It ends up an excuse to have a party.” “I’m not afraid to experiment, but what I love is soul food.” Soul Food – cuisine developed through generations by African-Americans in the South – is a tradition of abundance out of scarcity. Centuries of slavery followed by Jim Crow kept black Americans in poverty, left with the cheapest cuts of meat – like ham hocks and oxtail – and to plant crops – like sweet potatoes, green beans, greens, corn and okra – that could grow well in sweltering, humid Southern summers. Recipes passed down from generation to generation combined African, European and Caribbean influences into a tradition so rich and sentimental that even with modern adaptations, it continues to this day – the staple ingredients and recipes of soul food. And for Henry, who loves to invite big groups over for regular Soul Food Sundays, the meal is an experience of dedication. “I stay up the whole night cooking,” Henry said. “I don’t put it in containers; people get it from out on the stove.” Henry will invite about 20, or sometimes as many as 40, people to her home for the impressive meal. “I invite people who aren’t afraid to eat,” she said. Henry, who is a lesbian, said the feeling of family is intrinsic to Soul Food Sundays. “I do see it as a different kind of family. I have a daughter who’s 23, and when I was raising her, she was my family. But now if you substitute LGBT people for a traditional family, it’s the same feeling.” “It’s some LGBT people, but a mixed group. It’s really racially diverse and financially diverse, gender diverse,” Henry said. Henry, who has lived in Colorado for 18 years, invites her friends who don’t have family in the state each year for Thanksgiving “so they have somewhere to go,” she said.
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FEATURE
Clockwise from left: Quidam’s lead character Zoé, ‘Aerial Hoops’ and ‘Statue.’ Photos by Matt Beard.
From athlete to artist: Jump rope performer skips to Denver with Cirque du Soleil
By Josiah M. Hesse
Since the age of 12, Adrienn Banhegyi has been skipping her way around the globe. Before she became a rope-skipping champion with two world records under her belt – and before she became the charming, rope-skipping star of Cirque du Soleil’s “Quidam” – Benhegyi was the Hungarian daughter of an elementary school fitness teacher who was looking for a new exercise routine to introduce to his class. Known here in the States as “jump rope,” to the Europeans rope skipping has become a cultural phenomenon, spawning regional and international championship competitions. Though when Banhegyi’s father introduced the sport to her gym class, it was fairly new to the area. “The goal was to do a little performance to show the people what we learned,” Banhegyi said, discussing how she and her father turned rope skipping into a dance performance. “It was going to be a small Christmas show. Then it started to grow, and other schools wanted to try it. Then we found out about the Rope Skipping Federation in Europe and around the world.” Ten-year-old Banhegyi and her father went to a rope-skipping competition and were dazzled by an American team’s advanced skills. “They were very good. Since the sport originated there, they were doing all these crazy tricks. We saw where the level was, and it was a lot higher than we were at that time. So it was a nice motivation for me to learn.” Naturally competitive, Banhegyi began training regularly, entering local
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contests, and eventually moving to European events and making a name for herself. In time she would become one of the most recognizable faces in rope-skipping, taking home the European championship title five times and the World Championship three times. Currently, she holds the world record for most consecutive “triple-unders” (passing the rope underfoot three times without touching the floor), soaring past the competition with a staggering 330 passes. After spending 15 years dominating competitions in the U.S., Australia, Japan and all across Europe, Banhegyi had, by her mid-20s, seemingly climbed every mountain her field had to offer. After spending some time teaching children and other athletes the joys and physical challenges of rope-skipping, she came across a television performance of Cirque du Soleil. Seeing the transition from competitor to performer as the natural progression of her rope-skipping talent, Banhegyi submitted an audition video of herself to the organization.
[ [ FEATURE ] ]
Formed in Baie-Saint-Paul, Canada, in 1984 by street performers Guy Laliberté and Gilles Ste-Croix, Cirque du Soleil has become a cultural touchstone of the entertainment world, dominating the genre as one of the most recognizable names in the performing arts. Since its time as a humble, single-show Canadian operation, Cirque now boasts 21 shows in more than 40 countries with annual revenue of $810 million. It is estimated that 90 million people have experienced Cirque du Soleil, with a show going on somewhere in the world almost every day of the week. Assembling only the best physical performers in the world, Cirque du Soleil has developed a reputation of exceeding audiences’ ever-growing expectations. Not so much a touring show as a traveling city, any single Cirque operation requires a traveling coordinator to book 100 hotel rooms in each city, with 15 semi trucks moving just the equipment and a series of buses moving the performers. They perform for 10 weeks at a stretch – often doing two shows a day – with two weeks off, requiring the coordinator to book flights home and back for the performers, who are scattered throughout 23 different countries. Always on the prowl for athletes who have proven themselves the best in their field, the producers of Cirque du Soleil were sufficiently impressed with Banheghyi to place her in their “Quidam” show. In operation since 1996, ”Quidam” tells the story of a young girl named Zoé, who, disenfranchised from life with her stringent parents, disappears into a surreal world of imagination and adventure. During this odyssey, Zoé encounters “the skipping girl,” who introduces her to “a playground atmosphere, the joy and nostalgia of being a little girl, where you can play around and have fun jumping rope,” Banhegyi explained. As the skipping girl, Banhegyi is joined on stage by 20 other rope Assembling only the skippers, all but one of them having best physical performers no previous training in the craft. “Those guys look like they can do in the world, Cirque du anything in the world,” she said of training her co-stars to perform with Soleil has developed a a jump rope, “but it’s funny, you give them a jump rope and it’s real hard reputation of exceeding work for them. They’re super fit and audiences’ ever-growing can throw each other in the air, but it’s hard work to turn the rope inside expectations. Not so the rhythm and do their acrobatic moves inside the rope.” much a touring show as Facing down the challenge of a a traveling city ... They grueling tour schedule inside a demanding, world-renowned show, perform for 10 weeks at Adrienn Banhegyi, now 29, has successfully made the transition from a stretch – often doing rope-skipping competitor to ropeskipping performer, bringing intertwo shows a day. national respect to a craft often dismissed as a child’s pastime. Now that she’s conquered the world of performance skipping, Banhegyi is considering a return to competition. Six years ago, her record for most tripleunders was painfully close to being surpassed, with her challenger reaching 329 jumps, just one shy of the title. “When I did my 330, I didn’t stop because of a mistake, I wasn’t tired, I just had other events to do. And it seemed like a good number since the others were 200 jumps behind,” Banhegyi said. “At that point I was just breaking my own record each year. But now someone is getting close. I think I might return next year to put the number a bit higher. Just in case.” ]
EVENT DETAILS
Cirque du Soleil performances take place from Nov. 7 through Nov. 11 at the 1st Bank Center in Broomfield. More info at http://cirquedusoleil.com. [ [ FEATURE ] ]
Continued from page 21 ‘Bondarchuck’
Nita Henry Continued from page 21 ‘Recipe’
That has become a tradition for her, along with Soul Food Sundays. “The people who come are usually younger than me, so they call me ‘gay mom,’” Henry said. “They’ll call me up and ask ‘when are you gonna have Soul Food Sunday?’” An unexpected mishap last year gave Henry’s Thanksgiving tradition a new twist. “My power went out about five minutes after we took the turkey out of the oven,” Henry said. “Thankfully all the cooking was done; I’m so blessed it happened after I was done cooking. I invited so many people over, I don’t know what I would have done if it had gone out earlier.” The power stayed out the whole night, so Henry and her guests ate by candlelight. It was such a unique and enjoyable experience they decided they’d do it every year. “I always do three meats – pot roast, the traditional Thanksgiving turkey and baked ham,” Henry said. “This year, I’m going to do a fivecheese macaroni, candied yams, collard greens, a dish that’s called black-eyed pea caviar, pound cake, key lime pies…” the list went on. Henry’s partner is from Africa; “I’m going to surprise her with a Nigerian dish,” she said. Of course, Henry couldn’t reveal what it will be – that would ruin the surprise. But what she spoke freely about is plenty. “Because soul food has so much love in it, I like to have some care for the people there. There’s too much work that goes into it for it not to go to people I care about,” Henry said. “I love to just sit back and watch while everyone eats.” ] See Nita Henry’s famous Blackeyed Pea Caviar recipe online at http://ofcnow.co/soul
“That’s when I talked about Martha Stewart,” Bondarchuck gushes, “and how she did everything from scratch. He aired my interview on NPR, and someone from Martha’s show heard my story. Soon after, I got an invitation to appear on her show. I was on the air December 21.” David described the day of the show as the highlight of his life. “It almost makes me cry – even now,” he said, his eyes watering. “It meant so much to me to be with her. She was so lovely. There I was, this caterer, this guy, always striving to achieve that Martha status in whatever I did. When I was homeless, I felt like I was nothing. So I put my best foot forward to show the world that I was just as good as everyone else. And then, in that moment, on that show, I realized I had achieved that – and more. I can’t even describe how it felt. It was truly amazing.” Spending a show with Martha was, without question, one of the pinnacles of Bondarchuck’s life and career, but it wasn’t enough to absorb those surreal minutes in front of the camera and let it all go. It only charged him more – charged him to bake better, cook more, and bring people together in ways they had never experienced. “At some point, I really just want to give back. Even if it’s just one person, I want to inspire them the way I have been inspired.” It’s hard not to be. In the interview, we joked about the curious fame that has shaped Bondarchuck’s life of late, until I asked a question that has rested in the shadows for most of his life. I asked him about being gay. “You know,” he said with a deep sigh, “my homosexuality and professional career have been two separate things. My experience in high school in Greeley was tough – filled with taunting and people throwing things at me. Until, one day, someone threw a book at me in science class and called me a faggot. I stood up, turned around, and said, ‘Yeah, I’m gay, and what are you going to do about it?’ In that moment, the bullying stopped, and I became the most popular kid in the school.” Since that propitious day, Bondarchuck’s sexuality has never been a part – positive or negative – of his personal and professional success. It’s just a part of who he is – the happy-go-lucky, energetic caterer that just happened to cook in The White House. Seduced by his story, I asked Bondarchuck what’s next – what challenges can possibly offer excitement for someone who has already overcome so much. He looked at me and laughed, his lips curled up into a smile. “Just keeping cooking and baking,” he said matter-of-factly. Why would he do anything else? It’s what he does best – from scratch. ] More info at http://scratch cateringservices.com.
november 7, 2012 | outfrontonline.com
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT
al Lado: Creativity, freshness take the cliché out of tapas
Photos by Carmel Zucker By Jeffrey Steen A chef, a writer and a gay man walk into a bar. A tapas bar. The chef says to the writer, “Hey, you should review this place.” The writer says to the chef, “Yeah, you should cook like this.” To which gay man replies, “And we should all drink like this.” Nope, no punch line. But who needs one when you have dangerously tangy-sweet sangría to sip and bacon-wrapped Valdeon cheese-stuffed dates to taunt you? I’ve already forgotten I was telling a joke. First things first: the ambience. Al Lado, one of Denver’s newest culinary additions and the precocious child of eminent Chef Richard Sandoval (of Tamayo and La Sandia fame), is at once minimalist and posh, global and relatable. Sleek black booths and round-top tables grace the cozy dining space, many lining the expansive windows looking out on Millennium Bridge and the water feature at its base; a bar anchors the room with glowing bottles at its back; and photodecked wooden shelves stretch to the ceiling, backlit and warm. When it comes to the food, Chef Sandoval has turned the too-cliché trend of tapas dining back into a tradition worth enjoying – it’s both his mantra and history, after all. The menu is sleek and simple, encompassing ever-popular tapas dishes, such as patatas bravas, cazuelas (dished up in cast-iron pots) of slow-cooked lamb meatballs in garlicky tomato sauce, and cocas (Spanish-style flatbreads)
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that stole my heart with the likes of Gruyère cheese, rustic mushrooms and a healthy drizzle of truffle oil. For my palate, curiosity led me down a path of rich, dynamic flavor combinations and textures often left unexplored when I tackle one lonely entrée. I can’t say quite enough about the datiles con beicon (dates sporting a crispy blanket of bacon and a luscious interior of molten Valdeon cheese), nor would I dare to counter the seductive pulpo a la plancha, a deft melting of charred baby octopus, fennel, frisée, and blood orange chipotle. Let me be clear: I’m not a fan of octopus. I was very much a fan of this octopus. But Sandoval’s brilliance – while clear and clever in execution – relies on two key factors: ingredients and creativity. While I have eaten my fair share of meals, spanning many cuisines across the globe, there was a wealth of flavor combinations at al Lado that astounded me. I’m not sure I ever could have dreamed of the marriage of pickled beets and caperberries in the tuna crudo, sparked by a kalamata olive vinaigrette; nor would I have been able to envision the happy coupling of blood orange and chipotle. Whether I wanted it to be or not, my meal at al Lado was more than just a casual evening on the town, orchestrated by laughs and smiles – it was culinarily instructive. I learned something. Which calls to mind the wine that al Lado has amassed. My experience has often been soured in restaurants when I call on a server to suggest a wine pairing. Experi-
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ence lacks, and interest is feigned. Here, however, the choices were offered with panache and promise – an honest description and explanation that gave me leave to trust the capable decisions of the staff. The last three iterations of the meal I enjoyed – covering tapas, cazuelas, and cocas – were a delightful play between wine and food. Cheers to the entire team for that collaboration. My only qualm about al Lado is its tight coziness – a character both endearing and daunting. I know the Denver public lives for treasures like these, and when word spreads – and it will – the modest dining room will be buzzing every night of the week, and a spot tucked away in a booth might well be hard to find. For that assured success, my hat’s off to the entire team at al Lado – from Chef Sandoval down to the servers who made my night the best in recent memory. I just hope I can eke my way in again after a few months of explosive success. ]
Hamburger Mary’s 700 East 17th Avenue Denver, CO 80203 • (303) 832-1333 http://hamburgermarys.com/denver
Delizios Bistro and Wine Bar 2299 West Main Street, Littleton, CO 80120 • (720) 897-6550 http://delizios.com
al Lado is located at 1610 Little Raven St., Riverfront Park. Online at http:// richardsandoval.com/allado.
Wine Adventures
Naturally, one of al Lado’s charms is its investment in wine. For those eager to sip, sample and taste, the team at the restaurant offers weekly wine tastings so that guests can familiarize themselves with varietals bottled near and far. Here’s the scoop: Stop by every Monday night between 6-8 p.m. not only to sample some fine wines but also to meet the winemaker. A $5 fee covers a glass of wine, a delectable bar bite, and of course, chats with brand ambassadors and wine experts. Check out www.richardsandoval. com/allado for an up-todate schedule of tastings.
[ [ Social ] ]
Serioz Pizzeria 1336 East 17th Avenue Denver, CO 80218 • (303) 997-7679 http://seriozpizza.com
Little Dragon 1305 Krameria Street, G Denver CO 80220 • 303-322-2128 http://littledragondenver.com
HIGH SOCIETY
Images courtesy of Lez Zeppelin’s Facebook
Photo by Pat Benic
Lez rock band turns it up Lead singer takes cover band to new heights By Robyn Vie-Carpenter Led Zeppelin is arguably one of the most influential rock bands of our time. In 2004, Steph Paynes took a leap of faith and a belief in the music, and formed an all girl Led Zeppelin tribute band. The name? Lez Zeppelin. Could it possibly be anything else? Paynes opened up to Out Front about music as a religious experience, and the deep respect she and the rest of the band share for their audience and the music. You have performed in front of record crowds as a headline band. This is rather unprecedented for a tribute band. Why do you think your audiences are so different? People will travel to see [live music], whether it’s the Dead or anyone else. They want to see music being played, being sunk into by four people that are completely committed [to the music], and you never know what’s going to happen. That’s really the experience. It seems a band like Led Zepplin would be a real challenge musically, yet you stepped right up to the plate. That seems courageous. I guess; I don’t know what I was thinking. But, to our credit early on, it didn’t stop us [from doing it]. I realized, it really took years [for us to come together]. It happened pretty immediately, people responding to the band. Then it took many years before it became
this thing … all the times it took playing, to play it right. Once I realized, “Oh my God, this is really taking off,” it really became kind of scary. I was like, “Oh no, this is a little nuts.” This is really ballsy. This is probably impossible. Now you’ve been doing this for nearly a decade, and yet when you play this music you still find a way to make it fresh. How do you dedicate yourself to such a pure performance each time? At this point, there really isn’t much of a choice, at least for me. When you get on that stage. You’re there, the lights begin, and you’re in this religious space, you start the prayer. The incantation has happened, and you’re in it. Whatever happens at that moment, whoever you are then, [the music] is a true expression; it’s like you’re channeling something through this. And we still work on it, every show. It must be easier some times than others. There are shows that are more intense than others. Technical difficulties get in the way. You’re battling all sorts of other things, and you’re struggling to get to that place, despite whatever momentary, musical, technical difficulties [are happening]. But, you know, that’s your job, to somehow bring it, whatever IT is. It’s always changing depending on how you’re all interacting.
Your last concert you played here for Southpark Summerfest had its own challenges, and yet you were incredible. That seems a testament to your musicianship. That’s the whole ritual of it. It makes it a very special thing for them and us. It’s just great. This band just kind of takes it all and says, “These people came to see us.” We just need to bring it. And let them have it. It really has to do with respect. It’s a deep respect for your audience. And for the music, as it were, because it doesn’t matter who’s in the audience. You have to give them your ultimate best. That is the contract as far as I’m concerned, as far as any great performer is [concerned]. That’s just the deal. It can’t be, oh they’re in the audience. Or there aren’t 20,000 people, so I’m just not going to play as hard. It doesn’t matter who’s out there. You win people over one at a time, over and over again. And really you’re playing with a deep respect for the music and each other. It don’t matter who’s out there. I think that’s when you really get into what’s sacred and what’s real about this band. I am hoping to come and see you perform again soon. Come to Alaska! Can you get to Anchorage by tonight? ] For more info on the all-girl band and their upcoming tour season, visit http://lezzeppelin.com.
[ [ Social ] ]
The Nutcracker
November 24 – December 24 Ellie Caulkins Opera House 1101 13th Street Denver, CO 80204 More info: http://coloradoballet.org (303) 893-4100
Inspire Creative Presents: Footloose November 16 and 17 PACE Center 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue Parker, CO 80138 More info: http://PACEcenteronline.org
For more information on how to get your event listed, please call 303-477-4000
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On the scene with charles
10th Annual Bear to Make a Difference Gala
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november 7, 2012 | outfrontonline.com
[ [ Social ] ]
Lush
Wine, women, football: The triple-threat By Ashley Trego Certain things in life make me feel good to be alive. No, I’m not going on some dirty-girl rant about what makes me supa’ horny; that’s for another time. I’m talking about wine, women and football! It sounds random, but keep an open mind and read on. What’s not to love about wine? Bacchus – that fat, clever bastard of a wine god did us a solid when he came up with this beverage. It tastes amazing, it’s good for us, it gets us drunk (and more importantly gets our dates drunk), makes food taste awesome, gets better when it’s old and wrinkly, doesn’t make us piss every five seconds like beer does, and makes us feel pretty and romantic. Nothing against beer, which goes great with hotdogs, football and re-runs of Cheers. But the list of what’s great about wine goes on and on. Women! We’re beautiful and sexy, smell good, are smart, tough and can handle more physical pain than men (maybe not a good thing because we often endure too much of it), are master multi-taskers and are cleaner than most men (straight men that is). We can have babies, if we choose. (My sisters are the breeders in my family, so I get to be cool Auntie Ash, get ‘em drunk for the first time, teach them about wine and food, how to dance like a sexy mutha and how to stay out of jail.) We look amazing naked with all of our humps, our humps, our lovely lady lumps. I mean let’s face it: Boobs are awesome! It doesn’t make a damn bit of difference if you’re a gay boy or a straight boy, you all love boobies, the best accessory ever. I wake up so pleased with myself each day because I am a girl, daughter, sister, auntie and friend. The bottom line, ladies, is that we kick ass and deserve to be treated like it.
And then we come to football – it’s a new one for me. But my momma is a sports fan and has always subscribed to the paper for that section, the trick being we didn’t have TV growing up – reading scores, stats and highlights at bedtime may not be the best way to get a kid to sleep. My mother did, however, regale us with tales about an amazing and godlike man named Mike Ditka, and from that time on, I dreamed of one day getting Ditka fired so that I could be da coach of ‘da Bears. Football is actually a fun sport to watch: You start with a bunch of big, burley guys, all of whom have titles like fullback, wide-receiver and tight end! Then they get sweaty and jump on each other to the roar of the crowd, to touch downs, overtimes, and the real excitement of kicking the other team’s asses. Topping it off are hotdogs and beer, which on their own would get me to go just about anywhere. Why I love this trifecta to this extent is that I recently attended an event Oct. 9 in south Denver at the Palzzo Verdi. It was called just that: Wine, Women, and Football, put on by the nonprofit organization Volunteers of America. All proceeds from this event went to the VOF’s Brandon House, a shelter for battered and homeless women and their children. In addition to a fun and festive evening of wine, food, music and more, five awesome Denver Bronco players generously and graciously showed their support there. I didn’t get to talk to Rod Smith, which nearly made me cry, but I’ll continue to support Volunteers of America, and encourage you to do the same, for all they do. ] Ashley Trego is a Western Slope-based chef and food and wine writer. She works with the Black Bridge Winery, 5680 Vineyards, Alfred Eames Cellars, Lilliputian Winery and Garfield Estates Winery.
[ [ Social ] ]
come try our
all new brunch menu
november 7, 2012 | outfrontonline.com
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BAR EVENTS Main bar
“O Room” Upstairs bar
“O Room” Upstairs lounge
Bigger and better X Bar gets a facelift By Lauren Archuleta X Bar, a Denver gay bar on East Colfax, has recently made some changes. Not to worry – the shirtless bartenders are still there ready to throw you a $5 vodka lemonade, but now the entire bar has been spruced up to make the spot more welcoming. If you stopped by for bottomless brunch mimosas over the summer, you know that X Bar now features a huge private concrete patio. This new addition allowed customers to sip on their drinks while soaking up some sun. Now that the cold winter nights are upon us, however, the staff at X Bar assures us that with their new heat lamps, the temperatures will be bearable for customers to still enjoy their evening beverages. The owners of X Bar said that there is now a distinction between the daytime bar and the nighttime: It is a nice neighborhood bar during the day and a rowdy bar in the evening. For example, brunch on Sunday has become one of the most popular times of the week for X Bar. With $9 bottomless mimosas and a $5 Absolut Bloody Mary with more than 15 vegetables to top it off with, it’s easy to see why the 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. slot is hard to beat.
When the sun goes down and you’re looking to dance, X Bar’s “O Room” is open on Friday and Saturday nights. With the room’s new nightclub atmosphere, patrons can enjoy live DJs spinning hot new songs. When the weekend nights get crazy and the “O Room” is packed, the downstairs area of the bar will also have a DJ so customers can drink and dance on whatever floor they please. X Bar has revamped their menu and drink specials so no matter what day of the week it is, there’s always mouthwatering food and cheap drinks. A few examples include Drag Queen Bingo starting at 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, and the $8 beer bust from 8 p.m. to midnight on Thursdays. Of course, happy hour is still Monday through Saturday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Other modifications to the bar include the installation of a new bar floor and an overall new cleanliness to the place. With all of the bar’s new changes, X Bar staff encourages new and returning customers to come in, see the updated place and enjoy the new atmosphere. ] X Bar is located at 629 E. Colfax Ave. Online at http://xbardenver.com.
LGBT Bar Listings Denver Aqua Lounge • 1417 Krameria St. (720) 287.0584 • http://aqualoungedenver.com Covered patio, live entertainment, trivia, poker, karaoke, $2.50 happy hour M-F Barker Lounge • 475 Santa Fe Dr. (303) 778.0545 Patio, old Hollywood themed, neighborhood bar Black Crown Lounge • 1446 S. Broadway (720) 353.4701 • http://blackcrownlounge.com Patio, dartboards, game room, poker, piano lounge bLush Coffee, Bar & Lounge • 1526 E. Colfax Ave. (303) 484.8548 • http:/blushbardenver.com Bar, coffee, lounge, pool Boyztown • 117 Broadway (303) 722.7373 • http://boyztowndenver.com Male strippers Broadways • 1027 Broadway (303) 623.0700 • http://broadwaysdenver.com Neighborhood sports bar, weekend beer busts, BINGO, trivia, outdoor patio
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Charlie’s • 900 E Colfax Ave. (303) 839.8890 • http://charliesdenver.com Western and pop dance club, weekend beer busts, live music
Hamburger Mary’s • 700 E 17th Ave. (303) 832.1333 • http://hamburgermarys.com/denver Great food, big patio, weekend brunch, big screen TV’s, mixed crowd
Club M • 700 E 17th Ave. (303) 832.1333 • http://hamburgermarys.com/denver Karaoke, BINGO, trivia, drag, live DJ bar
Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret • 1601 Arapahoe St. (303) 293.0075 • http://lannies.com Burlesque, comedy shows, appetizers, desserts
Compound • 145 N Broadway (303) 722.7977 • http://compounddenver.com Neighborhood dance bar with edge, weekend beer bust
Tracks • 3500 Walnut St. (303) 863.7326 • http://tracksdenver.com LGBT dance club, BAD first Fridays, DJ, live performers
Decatur St. Grill • 800 Decatur St. (303) 825.4521 • http://decaturbar.wordpress.com Pool table, poker, smoking patio, women
The Bar • 554 S. Broadway Ave. (303) 733.0122 • http://itsthebar.com Burlesque, bingo, dance parties and comedy
Denver Eagle • 3600 Blake St. (303) 291.0250 • http://theeaglebar.com Leather, fetish, darts, heavy pours
Wrangler • 1700 Logan St. (303) 837.1075 • http://denverwrangler.com Men’s bar, patio, leather Fridays, pool tables, beer bust, darts, “Sweet Dance”
Eden • 3090 Downing St. (720) 545-4055 • http://edendenver.com Women’s lounge, patio, healthy bar food, vegetarian, gluten free El Potrero • 320 S Birch St. (303) 388.8889 • http://elpotrerodenver.com Mexican restaurant, patio, club, live shows
november 7, 2012 | outfrontonline.com
X Bar • 629 E Colfax Ave. (303) 832.2687 • http://xbardenver.com LGBT bar, karaoke, Drag Queen brunch, BINGO, DJ, beer bust, patio, food
Fort Collins
Choice City Shots • 124 LaPorte St. (970) 221.4333 • http://choicecityshots.com Mixed crowd, karaoke, poker, DJ, dancin’
Pueblo
Pirate’s Cove • 105 Central Plaza (719) 543.2683 • http://myspace.com/ piratescove1, Local bar, mixed crowd
CO. Springs
Bubbles Nightclub • 1010 E Fillmore Ave. (719) 473.0177 • http://bubblescos.com LGBT nightclub, DRAG WORLD, karaoke, poker, big screen TVs
Club Q • 3430 N Academy Blvd. (719) 570.1429 • http://clubqonline.com 18 and up, Military appreciation night, drag show, pool, darts, beer pong, ladies night The Underground • 110 N Nevada Ave. (719) 578.7771 http://underground bars.com, Pub style, BINGO, poker, karaoke, food, beer bust
[ [ Social ] ]
november 7, 2012 | outfrontonline.com
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Halloween at Charlie’s
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november 7, 2012 | outfrontonline.com
[ [ Social ] ]
Qrave
THE
A European hot spot in Littleton Up-and-coming Downtown Littleton is just a hop from Central Denver by light rail, and one of its anchors, only a block from the light rail stop on Main St. in one of the area’s historic buildings, is Delizios Bistro and Wine Bar. “Enjoy a casual lunch at Delizios with European style Panini’s, salads and homemade soups or come for dinner and select from an assortment of tapas and ever-changing entrée specials,” said Bob Mickus, owner. Mickus especially recommends the Margherita flatbread pizza, goat cheese stuffed mushrooms and organic wines. With a cozy patio overlooking the park, a mouth-watering menu, inviting fireplaces
indoors and out and live music on weatherpermitting weekend evenings, Delizios is a can’t-miss break from a day shopping or touring in the area. Delizios features an array of special events: wine tastings and wine dinners along with special deals, listed online at the Delizios’ website. Delizios also has a terrific weekend brunch on Saturday and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring both breakfast and lunch faire, and bottomless mimosas! ] Delizios is located at 2299 West Main St., Littleton. Online at http://delizios.com.
Check out BOGO’s and major discounts at qrave.outfrontonline.com Spas
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REVOLUTION
Qrave Card holders get a complementary glass of house wine with any food purchase and $10 OFF any bottle of wine $50 or more!
Love your VIP Card? Then you’ll be craving QRAVE. Coming soon from Out Front: A new way to experience all the wonders of the Mile High City. QRAVE and your QRAVE Card will be your pass to amazing deals from local businesses, restaurants and service providers. Discounts, deals and promotions are just the tip of the iceberg. We’ll have daily offers, year-long exclusive discounts and giveaways. Get ready to start Qraving.
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
Gigi’s Cupcakes Great Scott’s Eatery Hamburger Mary’s Hapa Sushi Keos Marketing LePeep Grill City Park Martini’s Bistro Rejuv Skin Spa Serioz Pizzeria Skoops Ice Cream [ [ Social ] ]
Out Front’s QRAVE program offers exclusive discounts at participating locations across the state. You choose the discount you want to offer to your QRAVE customers – then sit back and watch the people line up at your business! The QRAVE membership is free to Out Front readers who regularly check the QRAVE web page and printed participating business list to determine where to spend their hard-earned dollars.
Email advertising@outfrontonline.com or call (303) 477.4000 ext. 702 for details!
TO GET YOUR QRAVE CARD … Email promotions@outfrontonline.com november 7, 2012 | outfrontonline.com
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For information on placing a Marketplace ad, call 303-477-4000 [ CHIROPRACTIC ]
[ CHURCH ]
[ COUNSELING ]
[ DENTIST ]
Michael Holtby,
General & Cosmetic Dentistry
LCSW, BCD
Psychotherapy www.denverpsychotherapy.com
Heal, Restore, Improve, Correct, Relieve, Align
Serving All Including the LGBT Community Wedding • Holy Unions Baptisms • House Blessing End of Life Ministries Spiritual Couching & Life’s Transitions For more information 303-394-3034 • www.imagodei-ecc.org
[ CHURCHES ]
[ COSMETIC ]
Be fresher, younger looking today!
The United Church of Christ, Whoever you are and wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here. To locate a church near you, go to: www.ucc.org/find/
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Call today and schedule your Botox Cosmetic, Juvaderm and spider vein removal (sclerotherapy). AFFORDABLE PRICING www.cpcci.net 303-343-9500
[ COUNSELING ]
Rediscover the freedom to be yourself Positive and Practical counseling for the LGBT community
Jeremy Savage, MA, NCC National Certified Counselor
Preventative Care • Smile Reconstruction • Tooth Colored Fillings • Teeth Whitening
TERRY L. BREWICK, D.D.S. 700 East Ninth Ave. at Washington St. Denver CO., 80203 303-832-7789 govparkdental.com
Serving Denver’s Gay Community since 1977
303 722 1021
Accepting New Patients
[ COUNSELING ]
[ DENTIST ]
JAMEY COLLINS, LCSW PSYCHOTHERAPY Specializing in Gay/Lesbian, Stress/Coping, Anxiety, Depression, Couples, Dating, Spiritual Growth, Grief and Loss, Self-Esteem, Transitions, Aging, HIV
Offices in Denver and Boulder
303-641-6410
jameycollinstherapy.com
Dr. Albert Cardoso, DDS General & Cosmetic Dentistry Veneers Teeth Whitening
The right balance of understanding, guidance, and support
303-991-HILL (4455) • 3955 E. Exposition St. Denver CO., 80209 • caphilldental.com
[ DENTIST ]
[ EMPLOYMENT FOR REAL ESTATE BROKERS ]
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BEINSPIRED REALTORS AND NON-REALTORS NEEDED Join our team
Have you considered a career in real estate?
720-458-3150
jeremy@getcomplete.org 815 E. 17th Ave. (17th & Clarkson)
november 7, 2012 | outfrontonline.com
Competitive compensation Cutting-edge technology Superior education, training and mentoring
www.inspiredcolorado.com 303-225-9795 ext 701 or 702
[ EMPLOYMENT ]
[ INSURANCE ]
[ LEGAL ]
Stop Collection Calls Stop Garnishments Stop Wage Assignments
Save Money On Your Insurance
BARTENDERS WANTED Day and night shifts available. Apply in person at R&R Lounge. 4958 E. Colfax Ave., or email denverdik1@aol.com [ EMPLOYMENT ]
• Auto • Life • Fire Truck • Commercial Monthly Payments
“We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the bankruptcy code.”
Debbie Brundage
303-427-0355 dbrundage@ farmersagent.com
TRAVIS ALAN OCHS Bankruptcy Attorney
• Criminal Defense • Estate Planning • Real Estate
Flat fee for most cases Free consultation
303-830-1300 [ INSURANCE ]
[ MASSAGE ]
Over 10 years of experience
[ OUT FRONT ]
Norm Belson Agency 303-777-4690 x101 The DSC is looking for clean-cut, self-motivating workers. Medical and retirement available. Apply in person. Monday through Friday. $8 per hour. F/T. 6923 East Colfax [ FITNESS AND SPA ]
AUTO • HOME • LIFE • COMMERCIAL
Package Discounts Available 400 S. Colo. Blvd. #220 Denver, CO 80246
Rick Garcia, CMT Specializing in Swedish, Deep Tissue, NMT and Trigger Point Therapy
Located in Capitol Hill 720-838-6881
[ MASSAGE ]
INDIVIDUALIZED MASSAGE Michael Conti, BSPsy, LMT Check out our backside on page 46
An integrative approach to wellness $60/hour $75/90 minutes
nbelson@farmersagent.com
13th and Marion 303-832-1499 [ OUT FRONT ]
[ MASSAGE ]
[ MASSAGE ]
Experience the Unique Artistry of
CELTIC TOUCH Blending Extraordinary Body Therapies with Pure Relaxation
BASIL CARPENTER, CMT
For more information, call 303-477-4000
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[ INSURANCE ]
Mon-Fri: 10am - 5pm $60/hour 303-885-6382 (no blocked calls) keltic0409@gmail.com
[ MASSAGE ]
KRAIGER
www.kraigerworks.com Full Body Therapeutic Massage with Strong & Sensitive Touch $45 per session 7 days a week 10:30am - 7:00pm 303-477-9511
Human TOUCH MASSage
JERRY SHIVERS, CMT
1905 Sherman St., Suite 810 Denver, CO., 80203
720-837-5510
jershivers@yahoo.com
[ MASSAGE ]
MASSAGE FOR THE MATURE MALE Stress relief, Full Body, Therapeutic. $50 per hour. South Denver. Near Porter Hospital Brad, 303-915-4941
november 7, 2012 | outfrontonline.com
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[ MASSAGE ]
$
Want to have a really nice massage for
[ MASSAGE ]
[ REAL ESTATE ]
MATURE MASSEUR Stress, Pain Relief Massage. $59 per hour. 10 am to 9 pm daily. Capitol Hill. Call Dick 720-732-9447 [ MOVING SERVICES ]
CHEESMAN PARK TERRACE 1402 RACE STREET 1 bedroom units from $750, Dishwasher, fireplace, newly renovated. 303-668-5014 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• PARK GROVE 1280 LAFAYETTE STREET Large 1 bedroom units, $750-$950 Large 2 bedroom units, $1,000-$1,400 Balconies, dishwashers, parking garage, indoor pool, sauna, exercise room, and views! 303-830-1344 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• CHEESMAN PARK 1360 WILLIAMS STREET 1 bedroom units from $645 to $775. Rooftop deck, fireplaces, dishwashers. 303-830-1344 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• WASHINGTON PARK 960 S. LOGAN STREET 1 bedroom units from $615-$725 2 bedroom units from $775 720-205-0990 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• WASHINGTON PARK 10 S. PENNSYLVANIA ST. 1 bedroom units from $645 to $775. Rooftop deck, fireplaces, dishwashers. 720-205-0990 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• GOVERNOR’S PARK 899 WASHINGTON ST. 1 bedroom units from $645-$675/mo. Fireplaces, rooftop deck, dishwashers, fabulous remodel! 303-668-5014 Clean, Renovated and Friendly! Managed by Lloyd’s Apartments L.P.
[ OUT FRONT ]
[ RETAIL ]
Household, Apartment, Office and Fine Arts Moving – IMMACULATE and SECURED Storage. Denver’s most reliable moving and storage company serving the LGBT community for over 16 years. Selected “Best of Denver” four times by Westword. COPUC Mover Reg #HHG-00038 745 Lipan St., Denver CO., 80204
303-893-8200 [ PET SERVICES ]
[ SERVICES ]
Residential & Commercial Cleaning TRAVELIN’ CHIMP ANIMAL CARE
We work hard ... so you don’t have to
... the answer to all your animal needs
www.travelinchimp.com 303-915-7470 • travelinchimp@gmail.com Need a vacation or a weekend getaway? Let us take care of your pet and prevent separation anxiety. In-Home Overnights • Walks/Exercise Pet Visits • Administration of Meds Bonded & Insured • Accredited Member of Pet Sitters International
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november 7, 2012 | outfrontonline.com
Residential: 1 time only/Monthly bi-weekly/ weekly. Rates start at $75 or $25 per hour Commercial: By hr $10 or sqf .30c. Move ins/outs Oscar’s Premium Clean, LLC
720-276-6013
We’ve lost count of the number of ads that’ve been ripped out of our publication, but who’s complaining? For more information on the Marketplace, call 303-477-4000
FULL Body, FULL Hour Sensually Pleasing Massage. Given by Experienced, Mature Therapist. MEN of ALL Ages, Shape, Sizes, Colors. NEW Wide Double Padded Table. COOL Clean and Comfortable Surroundings. Bobby 303-831-8266
[ RENTAL ]
“MARKETPLACE ADS ARE A RIP-OFF”
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[ REAL ESTATE ]
Fashion
Best-bet blue jeans for the fellas By Misty Milioto
Finding the perfect pair of jeans is no easy task, so be prepared to dedicate some trying-on time. Don’t be afraid to ask for help (and honest opinions) both from your shopping buddy and the staff. That’s what Stephanie Brown, owner of Denim One on Larimer Square, says about proper jeans selection. “I want to help people find their own casual, cool style,” she said. “I don’t want a customer to buy jeans because they think ‘they’ll work’ or they only ‘kind of’ like them. I want them to absolutely love the jeans they buy. It is possible to buy simple wardrobe pieces, and still look put together and fabulous.” Here’s her advice on adding method to the madness of finding that perfect fit for your body type.
From left to right: 5011 by Fidelity Denim, Slim Jim by Fidelity Denim, Austyn by 7 For All Mankind, Camino by Fidelity Denim and Relaxed Boot Cut by Hudson.
well worn
JUST THE TIPS
• Keep it clean: Every guy should own – and regularly sport – a pair of clean, dark jeans. This means no pocket embellishments, fraying, fading or stitching. They should be simple, plain and dark.
• Ask for help: Any great denim store will have a sales staff that is educated on all of the styles and fits that they carry. Do not be afraid to tell them exactly what you’re looking for.
• Find a fine fit: No, this doesn’t mean we’ll put you in a skinny jean! For some reason guys have a tendency to buy jeans a size or two too large. When men actually buy jeans that fit, they look slimmer, sleek, grown up and more put together. • Straight and tailored: Men shouldn’t be afraid to wear jeans with slightly tailored and straight leg styles. They lie nicely at the foot and wear well with loafers, boots or a casual pair of Converse. Flared and boot-cut jeans are a thing of the past and can give a very messy look. • Bare it all: Don’t bling your booty! Guys should avoid embellished or overly large pockets. These styles will start to fade away soon. • Branch out: It never hurts to try on something new. You never know what may be your perfect match.
[ [ Living ] ]
• Try, try again: Don’t try to rush in and out. If men truly want to get a great pair of jeans, they will have to spend some time checking things out. You may not find your perfect pair on the first try; scope all your options. • Length doesn’t matter: It’s very hard for tiny boutiques to find jeans for guys that are not 34 inches long. If a man is between inseam lengths, it’s best to buy the longer length and have the jeans tailored. A custom hem will cost around $20 and is worth every penny – jeans dragging on the ground look sloppy. • Ask for what you want: Sometimes others see things that you do not, so ask for opinions. If men have a style or wash they love, and the store doesn’t have it in stock, it is perfectly fine to ask if it can be special ordered. A good denim boutique will be familiar with and willing to do custom ordering.
HAUTE HOOK-UPS • 5011 by Fidelity Denim: These jeans are clean and sleek, and a wardrobe must-have for every guy. • Slim Jim by Fidelity Denim: This style features a small frame and slimmer legs. It’s ideal for a businessman looking for a dressier pair of jeans to wear with loafers and a sports coat. • Austyn by 7 For All Mankind: With a classic straight leg that comes in numerous denims and washes, this pant is very versatile and can be dressed up or down. • Camino by Fidelity Denim: These jeans are built for guys with tiny waists and larger thighs and butts, so they’re great for athletes. • Relaxed Boot Cut by Hudson: Although boot-cut is on its way out, this jean is relaxed and casual – yet still fitted. It isn’t a huge baggy jean, but it provides a looser fit. In a dark wash, it can still be dressed up and worn out to party. Denim One is located at 1423 Larimer St. #090. Online at http://denim-one.com.
november 7, 2012 | outfrontonline.com
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Travel
A Rocky Mountain ‘staycation’ The Mountain Sage Inn offers Denverites a getaway nearby
hasn’t presented a problem to Thaxton and her partner. “They don’t seem to hold grudges against it,” Who needs Europe or Mexico when a relaxing and Thaxton said. “I’ve never gotten any backlash for being tranquil vacation awaits Denverites at a quarter of the a lesbian.” The Mountain Sage Inn gives anyone who booked cost right in our own backyard? The Mountain Sage Inn is one such spot for a “stayca- reservations through Purple Roof – an LGBT travel tion” – a vacation away from home that won’t break the website that highlights gay- and lesbian-friendly vacations – a 10 percent discount, Brodzinski said. bank and indulges in the nearby destinations. “We have marriage equality stickers. We have one “We’ve had people coming back year after year,” said Bootsie Brodzinski, who owns the property with her on our front door with a little rainbow,” she said, highlighting that they business partner are also happy to Lyn Thomson. make money off Estes Park is of Republicans. roughly an hour “Once, we had and 30 minute a whole bunch drive from Denver, of golfers and a and is the portal to whole bunch of Rocky Mountain gay people staying National Park – here [at the same home to some of time].” the most majestic The property is mountain ranges across the street in Colorado. from the Elk Horse Brodzinski purLodge, where chased the quaint guests can make 20-unit Mountain arrangements for Sage Inn nine horseback riding. years ago, offering In the winter, guests a little Mountain Sage Inn is an affordable option for a close getaway for Denverites snowshoeing and piece of mountain cross-country heaven with live animals, including herds of elk and bears that graze on skiing are also very popular. It’s very affordable to take guided hikes or rent snowthe property lawn. Despite the impressive wildlife, the lodge’s resident shoes and cross-country skis, Brodizinski said. Some places rent snowshoes for $2.50 to $5 a day, dogs – Wookie and Harry Pupper – are often a bigger she said, highlighting that the Mountain Sage Inn and attraction, Brodzinski said. “Visitors now send them treats in the mail at Christ- the local visitors bureau offer tons of information on the best places to rent equipment. mas,” she said. The Rocky Mountain National Park Rangers also Unlike some of the more commercial hotels in the area, the Mountain Sage Inn was a house built in the offer free snowshoeing tours in the fall and winter, according to the Estes Park Visitors website. 1940s, and in the ’70s, a motel was built over it. Estes Park visitors can also take the ghost tours at the Originally it was called Trappers Motor Inn, but when Brodzinski bought it, she had to make some im- Stanley Hotel, which became famous for being linked to the 1980 horror movie The Shining, starring Jack Nichportant changes. “It was too masculine of a name, so we changed it to olson. The Mountain Sage Inn is a much cheaper option Mountain Sage Inn,” Brodzinski said. Now, the small property has a hot tub for guests to than the famous Stanley Hotel, offering guests rooms as enjoy and has been deemed one of the cleanest places low as $75 for a king bed. It costs roughly $259 a night to stay at the Stanley, according to the hotel’s website. to stay in the area. The average daily room rate for Estes Park lodging “It’s unbelievably clean, and it’s one of the less expensive places in town,” said Teresa Thaxton, an Estes in September was $155.42, according to the Rocky Park resident who thoroughly enjoys mountain life Mountain Lodge Report distributed by the Colorado Hotel and Lodging Association. with her partner of 25 years. “September is our busiest month, because there are Thaxton and Ann Morris send holiday visitors to Mountain Sage Inn when they run out of room for festivals. Thanksgiving is really big up here, too. All the guests at their own home. It’s also their top pick to stay restaurants have huge buffets,” Brodzinski said. The Mountain Sage Inn property is very quiet and when they have work done on their home and need a located in a semi-residential area, which offers guest the retreat for a few nights. “It’s close to downtown, so you can walk every- true tranquility of Estes Park, she said. ] where,” Thaxton said. “Some of my best memories are being there in the winter time in the hot tub with the Mt. Sage Inn is located at 553 West Elkhorn Ave. Estes Park, CO 80517. On the web at snow falling.” Being part of the LGBT community in Estes Park http://mountainsageinn.com By Noelle Leavitt Riley
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[ [ Living ] ]
november 7, 2012 | outfrontonline.com
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SHOW & TELL
DeMarcio Ross Slaughter and Shane Patrick Hodges at their Oct. 6 ceremony.
Locals exchange vows in New York, celebrate in Denver Shane Patrick Hodges and DeMarcio Ross Slaughter were wed in a stunning, loving ceremony this year, Oct. 6. Hodges and Slaughter, both 36, were legally married in a private ceremony in New York this past April and were excited to be able to share a loving event with friends and family at The Magnolia Ballroom here in Denver. Longtime Denver residents, Shane works as a Child and Family Therapist for Arapahoe-Douglas County Mental Health Network. DeMarcio is the Director for Training and Leadership Development for the Denver hotel management company Sage Hospitality. Strong volunteers in the community, Shane donates time to Rainbow Alley, and DeMarcio is best known as the entertainment organizer and emcee for Denver PrideFest for the past nine years. The couple met five years ago at an event and have been together as a committed couple for three years. “It was very important for me to have this moment with Shane and make the strongest commitment I could to our relationship, even if the term marriage might not be accepted for same-sex couples in Colorado,” Slaughter said. The two became engaged more than a year ago and chose to venture to New York this past spring to experience their legal ceremony. “Getting married legally was important to me because it shows those of us in the gay community are considered equal to anyone else who has the love
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november 7, 2012 | outfrontonline.com
[ [ Living ] ]
and devotion that makes a marriage,” Hodges said. “It was also a way for DeMarcio and I to share that very special moment with each other, one on one!” Avid travelers, Shane and DeMarcio enjoy seeing new places. They also love spending time with friends and hosting fierce game nights at their Wash Park home. The October ceremony was truly a highlight for Shane and DeMarcio, with both sets of parents, family and 150 friends in attendance. The Magnolia Ballroom was decorated with various colors of purple and white roses as accents; candles, photos and a beta fish adorned every table. The grooms sported grey tuxedos with purple accents. Nita Henry-Mosby officiated. ]
Out Front’s Community Board! We want to publish your marriage announcements, civil unions, ceremonies, births, promotions, new pets, tributes and more. Email your announcement and photo to holly@out frontonline.com to have it considered for print!
Dont forget Tuesday is $15.00 Liters of House Margarita Silver or Gold!
FUN AFFORDABLE DELICIOUS
Not all green chili is created equal. Come in and get your Benny’s fix for the winter. 301 EAST 7TH AVE. • 303 894 0788 BENNYSRESTAURANT.COM
november 7, 2012 | outfrontonline.com
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REAL ESTATE
Your future awaits you If you have been thInkIng of buyIng and sellIng, call us today to learn the 3 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD ACT NOW
303-225-9795 x701 or 702 7100 E. Belleview Ave., Ste G12, Greenwood Village, CO 80111 www.InspiredColorado.com
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november 7, 2012 | outfrontonline.com
Affordable, gay-friendly
retirement cities By gayrealestate.com
Are you looking for an affordable, safe and gay-friendly town or city that offers a thriving housing market and an interesting lifestyle? Here is a look at some of the best places to settle down. Albuquerque, N.M., has good air quality, great weather, and wonderful adobe and colonial architecture. This well-known gay community also has many doctors and a below average cost of living. The area offers cheaper housing, but it also has high unemployment, so it is best suited for gay retirees. Another affordable place to live is Austin, Texas. Austin allows a more cosmopolitan lifestyle with many film festivals, music events and art epos. A perk to living here is no state income tax, below average cost of living and amazing year-round weather. If affordable housing in a place with good weather is a prerequisite of your retirement then Corpus Christi, Texas, is also certainly an option. This smaller city has a low cost of living, a growing economy and low housing costs. However, the area does have a slightly higher crime rate than some other affordable gayfriendly cities in the United States. If you prefer a quainter more rustic way of living, consider Bloomington, Ind., as a good place to live. It is a progressive-minded university town with a stable economic history and a lower than average cost of living. The average cost of a home is quite affordable. Bloomington is known for its very cold winters, so it is best for older ski-bunnies, skaters and winter sports enthusiasts, and those with an appreciation for four seasons. Fargo, N.D. is another very charming place to live that boasts a booming local economy (due to the natural gas industry), low cost of living and very cheap housing. However, the climate is cold. Outdoor sports are very much a part of living in this area, which also has a very low crime rate. If living in a place that is affordable with many doctors per capita then Columbia, Mo., is an option, reports http://www.gayrealestate.com. This small town boasts a growing economy and very low housing costs. The cost of living is way below average here, as well. The only drawback is that the winters again are quite cold, which can aggravate arthritis in older people. However, this is a university town with progressive attitudes that are quite gay-friendly and welcoming. Another city with many doctors, low living and housing costs, and a good economy is Knoxville, Tenn., which tends to enjoy warm weather in the summer and a good year-round climate. With Tennessee University and its 80,000 students, youth and progressive attitudes are abundant. For a hotter climate, Pensacola, Fl., may be ideal. The living costs here are a little higher, but the price of housing is lower. Insurance for homes is expensive because there is a high risk of hurricane exposure. There is an above-average quota of health care providers, and of course, sunshine. If you love hot weather, consider living in Las Cruces, N.M. This is a community located in a mountainous area that has beautiful mission-style Spanish architecture, good air quality and very affordable housing. The drawback of living here, however, is that there are fewer doctors per person available than in other gay-friendly retirement places on this list. ]
[ [ Living ] ]
BIG TOYS
Crosstrek: Image courtesy of Subaru Canada Inc
Impreza Sport: Image courtesy of TopSpeed.com By Jonathan McGrew
F
or many people, the automobile is just a form of transportation; two wheels and an engine that are meant to get you from point A to point B. If the buck stopped there, manufactures like Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Jeep, Nissan and Subaru would certainly be hurting. Why? Many manufactures, most in fact, design vehicles that they believe will speak to lifestyle.
Jekyll and Hyde: Subaru Impreza Sport vs. Subaru XV Crosstrek You might be an urban city dweller who dines at the hottest new restaurants and values the finer points of technology – a BMW or Mercedes could be in order then. You might be the outdoorsy type who likes to conquer the mountains in summer and winter, rain, snow or sunshine. The point here is that car manufactures have a tall order – catering to the desires and image of the consumer. How do they do it? Some go a little Jekyll and Hyde creating a single vehicle with vastly different images to appeal to different lifestyles. Perfect examples are two recent vehicles I tested from Subaru: The all-new 2012 Impreza Sport and 2013 XV Crosstrek. The Subaru brand is no stranger to the Rocky Mountains and has been very popular in Colorado due to its all-wheel drive and simplistic no-frills attitude. Vehicles like the Impreza and Forester have also gained the reputation for being vehicles family gravitates toward. Must be like a pair of sensible shoes. What’s new for 2013? The Subaru Impreza family now has a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder 148-hp engine, and a new exterior and interior appearance. Oddly enough, the engine in the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek matches that of the Impreza Sport. In fact, a lot of things are the same about the XV Crosstrek when compared to the Impreza Sport. Both vehicles share the same body and interior; is it an Impreza by any other name? Yes and no. This is no accident on Subaru’s part; the XV Crosstrek has been designed for a different person
[ [ Living ] ]
with different passions and desires. This is where Jekyll and Hyde comes in; both the Impreza Sport and the XV Crosstrek XV perform pretty much the same and even have similar looks. The difference is in personality and perception; the 8.7 inches of ground clearance is hard to miss on the XV and gives it a height advantage of about three inches over the Impreza Sport. The personality change starts with the aforementioned lift and continues with standard tinted windows in the base premium model. Then you add attention-grabbing colors, like the Tangerine Orange Pearl of our test car, and black alloy wheels; what you end up with is a car that appeals to a much different audience. Ironically, the basic car is the same right down to the interior look and feel, the engine and transmission. So which one do you go for? That really depends on your personality. The XV Crosstrek will tend to give more of a sway or wobble out on the highway as three inches makes a difference in height, but you can go over a lot of rough terrain. You will also see a couple miles per gallon less in the XV as compared to the Impreza Sport, which has a small appetite at 25/33 mpg city/hwy. You can also expect to add another “G” to the price to step up into the attention grabbing XV at $22,790 as tested. I am loud and proud, so I would have to have that Tangerine Orange Pearl and the super cool lift. What about you? ]
november 7, 2012 | outfrontonline.com
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BACK IN THE DAY
From Out Front Colorado’s May 13, 1983 issue … By Lauren Archuletta
I
n early 1983, it was almost impossible to turn the page in Out Front without seeing an editorial or advertisement for the May mayoral election in Denver. The race between Bill McNichols, Dale Tooley, Wellington Webb and Federico Peña was the first time in Denver history that the city’s gay vote could be organized enough to make an impact. Organizations like the Denver Municipal Elections Committee worked tirelessly to register gay and lesbian voters. Gay friends of Peña pitched in for ad space in Out Front, inviting readers to meet the candidate. Peña was the first mayoral candidate Out Front ever endorsed, and was active in addressing the LGBT community both before and after he won, and was sworn in that summer. He openly campaigned in gay businesses and events, and worked within the LGBT community on a number of issues post-election including combatting discrimination and police relations. Fast-forward nearly 30 years to when another election season was just in full swing. While the power of LGBT voters was once unaddressed, policies affecting LGBT people are now a significant component of local and national elections, and the community is routinely reached out to for votes. LGBT advocacy and get-out-the-vote organizations showed up all over the country to help lobby and support pro-LGBT candidates in the upcoming elections. Locally, Colorado has seen the emergence of Fight Back Colorado, a group determined to have pro-LGBT legislators in office and defeat the state House leadership that defeated a bill for civil unions in 2012. And who could forget that this summer President Obama became the first sitting president to publicly support same-sex marriage. Not only will Colorado residents be seeing pro-LGBT candidates on their ballot this year, a record number of out candidates – eight, to be exact – ran for state legislative races. In one race in Denver, a gay Republican, Michael J. Carr, faced off against incumbent state senator and gay Democrat Pat Steadman. What a long way we’ve come. ]
Cover from May 13, 1983
Back in MY day… Got a story, memory or reflection to share from way back when? Let us know about it! Email holly@outfrontonline.com with a 200-400 word story with “back in my day” in the subject line to have it considered for print!
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[ [ Living ] ]
november 7, 2012 | outfrontonline.com
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ask the sexpert
Gesundheit! Can I call you? Dear Shanna, This might sound slightly weird, but I think that when I get horny, I tend to sneeze a lot more. Is this a thing, or am I imagining it? If it helps, I am a transgender guy, and I do take testosterone shots. – Can’t Stop Sneezing in Stapleton
Shanna Katz
Dear Sneezy, Surprisingly, a fair amount of people notice an increase in sneezes, or at the very least, nose tickles, when they become aroused. Although there haven’t been a large number of in-depth scientific studies around this phenomenon, some folks in sexual health have come up with an explanation. As you get aroused, your blood flows more quickly to your genital region (regardless of your sex or gender), which then helps your genital tissue engorge with blood and feel pleasure better. While that is happening, the increased movement of blood in the vessels can actually move the small hairs inside your noses. In many people, they feel nothing; however, some people feel this movement of these hairs, and that can result in either a sniffly/itchy nose, or in some people, sneezing. It sounds like you’re part of the latter group. It shouldn’t be a big deal, but if it starts bugging you, just take a tissue or hanky with you when you’re ready to get it on. Best of luck! – Shanna
Dear Shanna, I’ve heard that having lots of sex can make you fat. Is this true? And if so, are there types of sex that won’t? – Size Centric in Glendale Dear Size Centric, I get a lot of questions about sex, but this is the first time I’ve gotten this one. Frequently, I’m asked how many calories you can burn during sex, or if it counts as cardio. Thanks for mixing it up! It boils down to this; the activity of sex itself (whether oral, anal, vaginal, kink play, etc.) will not innately make you gain weight. In fact, if you’re having sex fairly regularly, while it might not help you lose weight per se, you can definitely build muscles (including your PC muscles) and strengthen your core while you’re having sex. It’s true that most personal trainers and weight loss sites don’t include having sex as time spent for cardio training, but really, isn’t an hour of sexy time a lot more fun than spending an hour on a treadmill? If you combine time at the gym with the mattress mambo, you’ll be having a great time and still get the most out of your fitness membership. And honestly, even if having sex results in weight gain (which it doesn’t), would that be a reason to stop having it? Have fun doing the two-person tango, – Shanna Have a question you’d like to ask Shanna (anonymously)? Email shannakatz@gmail.com. Shanna Katz, M.Ed, ACS is a Colorado native, fierce femme and board certified sexologist. She believes strongly in open source, accessible sexuality education, and loves teaching adults how to optimize their sex lives. For more info, please visit www.ShannaKatz.com.
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november 7, 2012 | outfrontonline.com
[ [ Living ] ]
HEINZESIGHT
Queer up your city no matter how queer your city
Brent Heinze Brent Heinze, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor. Send questions and comments to PerspectiveShift@yahoo.com
In January 2011, I wrote my first Heinzesight column while on a trip to San Francisco. The city had always inspired me, but this time it also served as a fantastic backdrop for an aspiring writer trying something new. I had visited many times, woofed at hundreds of men, made out with many of them, and cultivated some amazing friendships. For the first time in my life, I felt that I was in a city surrounded by my tribe. Each trip to San Francisco impacted me in different ways: The first time I had a breakdown at the airport returning home and semi-frequently for the following few weeks after returning to “normal” life. For a long while, I toyed around with moving there or to another city that provided more of a central gay population, a wider social life and the opportunity to exist in a unified gay commune. Regardless if it was the right decision or not, I decided that it was more important to stay in Colorado to continue my personal and professional life. Yet, despite all of the fantastic people at home, I yearned for the no-holds-barred, down-and-dirty, no apologies gay life that I experienced throughout my visits. There were many times I felt the cliché statement about leaving my heart in San Francisco after coming home. Instead of uprooting my life, I made a promise to myself and my community in Colorado that I would bring back a little of the Castro and sprinkle it generously where I could. I would try to be a more confident, comfortable, social, daring, powerful, out and proud gay man. I would live my life in Colorado like I was in the most affirming and supportive city in the world. For better or worse, this is my home. To hear some people talk about their home gay communities, it sounds like they live in the center of oppressive areas, where there is no gay life due to fear of being threatened or worse. In most cases, there are gay bars, restaurants, businesses, parties and organizations within their reach, but also an infinite amount of other
[ [ Living ] ]
non-gay-identified cultural and natural opportunities to enjoy. Specifically in Colorado, multiple communities have created pride celebrations to commemorate our journey, give us opportunities to come together and challenge us to continue expressing our gay, however we feel best suits us. Denver and Colorado Springs have well-established festivals, while Pueblo, Fort Collins, Boulder and Freemont County have emerging queer events full of local flair and colorful people. These celebrations are fantastic, so why diminish them by comparing them to places like San Francisco? Go out, support these communities and celebrate that we have the ability to throw these parties. Sometimes the focus on negativity and what we don’t have causes us to be blinded to all of the queer amazement around us; think of ways that we are fortunate to have what we do. You don’t have to be in the middle of a disco dance party or a leather street fair to get your gay on. Even if something isn’t specifically gay, we have the opportunity to make it gayer. The energy and dynamics of the people around you can create a more festive situation. We can gay it up! Now get up, put on the most fabulous outfit you own and get out there to celebrate everything around you. If you spend all your time and energy bitching about the lack of great gay in our community or how it limits us enjoying life, you will most assuredly miss out on the amazement around us. If you really feel that Colorado isn’t gay enough for you, do something to start impacting it in a positive way. Get off your ass and change it instead of complaining about it. We can always use more! Hopefully we have had opportunities to travel to exotic queer lands full of handsome princes and muscled kings, but there are also so many things going on in our own kingdoms. Don’t focus so much on the limitations and negative aspects of where we live instead of searching out those aspects that make it beautiful and enjoyable. ]
november 7, 2012 | outfrontonline.com
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Envisioned by Boberto
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november 7, 2012 | outfrontonline.com
[ [ Living ] ]
MONDAY Flasback Mondays 5 Hour Lockers are $10 from 5pm to 10pm
TUESDAY Leather Group Meets the 1st Tues. of the month BearsandBellies.com meets the 2nd Tues. of the month
WEDNESDAY Half Price Rooms! From 8am Wed. to 8am Thurs. 8 Hour Rental. Specialty rooms not included
THURSDAY Hot J/O Show at 9pm
SUNDAY Hot J/O Show at 4pm Free Food & Beverages After the Show
Front Range Bears meets the 3rd Tues. of the month TWINK NIGHT is the 4th Tues. of the month Visit our website for a schedule of performers, Parties HIV/STD Testing Schedule and Special Events!
2935 ZUNI STREET • DENVER COLORADO 303-459-8902 • WWW.MIDTOWNE.COM
MIDTOWNE SPA
Daily Specials
november 7, 2012 | outfrontonline.com
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