August 2023 :: Disco Divas

Photo by Roxanna Carrasco

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Diversions Word Search - Histor ical Homos

Find the bold underlined words in the descriptive paragraph on the right hiding across, backwards, up, down and diagonally in the grid. The unused letters starting at top left and going down by row will reveal a tagline of the show Visit dekkoo.com for more info on this new series!

Historical Homos is a funny and provocative new LGBTQ h i s t o r y d o c u s e r i e s f r o m D e k k o o , a s u b s c r i p t i o n streaming serv ice dedicated to gay men. It was created by queer historian Bash and his sister Lucy Hendra as a coffee table book and then a popular I n s t a g ra m p a g e . T h e n t h e y m e t Z a c h a r y Q u i n t o ( o f Heroes, Star Trek and more) and expanded the project to a T V s e r i e s . T h e s h o w s a r e hilariously hosted by Bash and D o n a l B r o p h y ( a c t o r a n d w r i t e r f r o m T h e S h u r o o Process and more). The first e p i s o d e i s a b o u t m a l e h o m o s e x u a l i t y i n G r e e k m y t h o l o g y . T h e s e c o n d i s about transgender French spy L e C h e v a l i e r d ’ É o n N e w episodes set to stream every Friday through Pride Month!

Please visit Facebook.com/DiversionsPuzzles for more free puzzles & book info by Kerry Shatzer!

Disco Divas and Festival Season

Summer is winding down, but before it does, it’s time for our favorite time of the year—besides Pride, of course! It’s officially festival season, and there’s so much good music to check out.

Whether you frequent every metal or punk show that comes within a 50-mile radius of your home, follow jam bands around the country, dance yourself silly at all the EDM shows you can find, or live and breathe pop music, sound set to melody is one of the most beloved things in our society, and a tool of healing and unity for the queer community.

This issue, we celebrate music in all its forms, complete with a fun and sassy, disco-inspired photo shoot. From disco and roller rinks to EDM, these pages practically sing, so read on to find out about some new queer artists to follow.

We also have a special section to celebrate all things Aurora Pride, so don’t pack your rainbow decorations up quite yet, or your bathing suits. Hit the beach for one last hurrah, and then keep the Pride vibes going for the rest of the year. We can’t wait for fall, but we’re definitely going to savor the rest of summer.

-Addison Herron-Wheeler

Photo by Roxanna Carrasco

Aurora Pride

by Ray Manzari

Besides taking place in August instead of June, there are lots of things that set Aurora Pride apart from other celebrations across the front range. Aurora Pride was started in 2016 after the founders noticed that many of the requests for LGBTQ resources in the city were being redirected to Denver. Aurora is the third-largest city in the state after Denver and Colorado Springs, and the founders of Aurora Pride felt it was high time that the city received its resources and, of course, its own pride celebration.

Another way Aurora Pride is set apart from other pride celebrations in the state is its venue. Held at the Aurora Reservoir, Aurora Pride truly combines the city’s mix of urban and outdoor living. With a beautiful beach for picnicking and an array of water activities like kayak rentals, festival-goers will have access to the great outdoors that makes Colorado a spectacular place to live.

Aurora Pride makes it a point to work with as many local vendors and businesses as possible. While other Colorado cities rely on larger corporate sponsors, Aurora Pride sponsors are all locally owned and operated, including their continued partnership with Aurora-based brewing company Dry Dock Brewing. The festival also features a host of local food trucks with a wide range of cuisines and dietary options.

A new addition to the festival this year is the inclusion of a second stage where even more incredible local entertainment can be enjoyed all day long. It's just as important to Aurora Pride founders to hire local artists and entertainers as it was to work with various local vendors and businesses. While the big national acts do help draw in crowds, Aurora Pride is all about the community that is already here all yearround. From musical acts to drag, festival-goers will have a host of entertainment to enjoy the entire day.

“I just want to thank our queer representatives in the city of Aurora for fighting every single year to make this event happen. There's always a little push and pull, Aurora is a diverse community not just in terms of religion but also across the political spectrum. It is so important that we have those queer representatives that fight for us every year so that we can keep making this happen,” says Zander Oklar, executive director of Aurora Pride.

Don’t miss your chance to snag some early bird tickets online before the day of the event for $10 off various ticket prices. New for this year as well, the festival grounds will be open to the public by 7 a.m. for early access ticket holders who want to snag that perfect spot along the beach. Aurora Pride will be held this year on August 5 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Aurora Reservoir. Can’t wait to see you there!

Photo by Veronica L. Holyfield

Rainbow Rinks with Rainbow Dome

An Interview with the Co-Founders of Rainbow Dome

by Teague McDaniel

Rainbow Dome prove themselves, event after event, to be a team of artists capable of toting a mecca of creativity wherever they go. From flash mobs of people wearing white overalls dancing and gliding on roller skates to inclusive, queer, artful roller rink popup events, Rainbow Dome hosts events that are not to be missed. Artists Frankie Toan (they/them) and Therin Zimmerman (they/them) teamed up to realize their vision of being full-time creatives after working together in a queer art collective.

How did you come up with the idea for Rainbow Dome?

TZ: We worked together along with other people in an art collective called Secret Love Collective where we did maximalist art installations. We wanted to do something more permanent.

FT: We also wanted to turn the dream of working together, collaborating, and making large projects into something we could do fulltime.

TZ: As we brainstormed how to make this happen, we went through all sorts of ideas, from opening a gallery to a coffee shop. At some point, someone mentioned the idea of a queer roller rink, and we latched onto that idea.

FT: One of our goals for Rainbow Dome is to create an art space that is also a community space that gets away from the traditional notions of what an art space is. We want to create something that is a little more playful. It is also important to us that it is more accessible. The roller skating idea was fun for us because it gives people an activity to do in the space and facilitates an experience in the space; it also potentially gives people a way to socialize. When you are on roller skates, you can’t take yourself too seriously–It is kind of an equalizer!

TZ: We are not great skaters ourselves and love to engage with people of all skating abilities.

I know one of your goals was finding a permanent rink space. Where are you with that goal, and what kind of space do you have now?

FT: In 2019, we thought we would move directly to a brick-and-mortar location with a roller rink. We began to learn a lot about real estate and were taken aback. We realized that we could do events in other people’s venues, but that what we really needed immediately was a fabrication space. We were able to secure a warehouse in Denver. A lot of people didn’t want to rent to us because we were artists, and they thought we would be messy and loud. We landed at our current location just about two years ago.

TZ: We continue to pursue spaces that would allow us to have a permanent rink as well. We envision that this would act as a gathering space for roller skating, art, music, and events.

Photo by Kennedy Cottrell

What kind of art do you make in your own practices?

FT: I am a soft sculptor, and I do large-scale installation artwork. I have an ongoing series called Queer Gardens, which is an iterative installation that changes and grows every time. In that work, I am really focused on queer ecology and relationships between both humans and non-humans alike. There is self knowledge that comes from non-human relationships. I think about the world around me and how I am a part of the larger world and how I am somewhat unimportant in a lot of ways.

TZ: I am primarily a painter and illustrator. I am always looking for ways to make my work more accessible and make it into things like stickers and prints so that more people can collect it. My work has to do with the process of transformation within myself, within the environment, or the world in general, which also ties into queer ecology.

What drew the two of you to working together?

FT: What drew us together as friends, collaborators, and now business partners is that our art practices are both commu-

nity-focused. We both often show in nontraditional spaces, and we like that. We like letting go of some of the typical and inaccessible art rules and we like to have community around that. We also have four other people on our team that we love working with.

Where is the next place you can go to experience Rainbow Dome?

TZ: Rainbow Dome will be doing an installation for Meow Wolf's Vortex music festival taking place August 25, 26 and 27 at the Junkyard. We are working on a large overhead installation that is primarily fiber sculpture and papier-mâché and continues themes of nature and garden imagery that Rainbow Dome consistently works with. We love working with themes of gardens, animals, and harvest, as we find many lessons of resistance, mutual aid, and shared abundance here.

You can find out more on Instagram @therainbowdome or on their website, rainbowdome.com.

Queer Joy and Psychpop from Softee

Softee, the stage name of Nina Grollman, is a Brooklyn-based and Juilliard-trained pop artist paving her way in the experimental pop scene. Beginning her performance career on Broadway, Softee’s music style can be described as a danceable, feel-good, genre-bending psychpop that’s meant to make people feel happy and have fun.

Releasing her first album, Keep On, in 2020 and her second album, Natural, this past May, her newest EP is a DIY pop masterpiece that mixes early 2000s R&B, pop, dance, and electronica. Recorded in Berlin alongside producer sweetbbyj, Softee describes it as a personal and joyous record with each song representing chronological snapshots of her life.

For the readers who haven't heard about you before, what do you think is the most important thing they should know about you as an artist?

I would say that my music is feel-good queer pop that I hope makes people happy and want to dance. It's also a little bit angsty and a way for me to just really try to work out a lot of big feelings. I'm sort of ever-changing and fluid, and another part of the fun in my musical journey is that I've gone through a lot of different iterations, but it's always been danceable and the kind of music that gets stuck in your head. Have you always been passionate about singing and songwriting?

Yeah, I've always loved singing ever since I was really little. I'd literally sing karaoke and make my dad grade me. I didn’t start songwriting until middle school, and it was all really, really angsty. It was a lot of stuff about me pretending to like boys and writing songs about those feelings, and it was me trying to be this romantic, rom-com, angsty person when I actually didn’t feel that way. I would produce in GarageBand a lot in high school, and that was really the start of it all. I started Softee in 2019, and it really was a whole other universe to me because that's when I started writing under a persona rather than just myself, and it was really liberating and freeing to be able to do that.

How did your performing career on Broadway evolve into you creating music and entering the experimental pop scene?

I was making music alongside acting, but I wasn't really taking it super seriously. I hit a point in my acting career where I felt sort of creatively unsatisfied, and I was really only doing music as more of a hobby. That's when I decided to take it more seriously for myself because I felt quite powerless as an actor. Songwriting became a huge outlet for me and was very important for my spirit and creative life. I think that's how I segued into the pop scene because I truly was like, I can't just do acting. My life was just too much of a roller coaster, and

by Ivy Owens

Photos by Meghan Marshall

it's not that pop music isn't chaotic, but I think having both is really nice because if I just did one thing all the time, I think I'd go crazy.

Are there any challenges that you faced as a queer artist in the music industry?

Interestingly, I find that I'm coming up to a moment where queerness can be commodified in a way that sometimes feels strange seeing that queerness is a huge part of my identity. I definitely want to be visible in that way, and I pride myself on that and creating show environments that are super clear and community oriented. However, at the same time, I think that the challenge for me right now is that there's a lot of focus on my queerness to the point where it's like, well, there's other things about me other than my queer identity. As a musician, it sometimes feels like it's almost trendy, and that's the thing that's being talked about more than the actual music itself.

Do you have any advice for other LGBTQ artists who are in the industry or who are looking to get into the industry?

Trust your intuition; trust yourself; trust your taste, and trust your judgment. No one knows you better than you, and no one else can tell you how to do things. There's not one right way to do something, especially in music.

A part of being in the industry is that you're gonna get a lot of different people giving you a lot of opinions about what they think and what you should be doing. You just need to decide that if it's coming from someone else, that that’s not you. So the trick is to stay yourself. I mean, that's so cliche, but, like, the more you can listen to your gut—I mean, it took me so long to build up the confidence in myself that I actually have good taste, and once I actually believed that, it was a game-changer. Suddenly I didn't need anyone's validation to know that I was good, and I could just do the things that I liked to do without so much of a judgmental voice in my head.

Follow Softee on Instagram @softeepopstar and to stay up-to-date with live shows!

EMSKIII

on Rainbows and High Vibrations

by Brynne Popp

Electronic music is an incredible way to connect with people, express your identity, and share the love of being true to who you are. OFM got the opportunity to connect with the up-and-coming queer, femme, EDM artist EMSKIII to learn a little bit about the inspiration behind her music and her journey in the EDM realm.

Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas but now local to the Austin area, EMSKIII is a multi-talented artist who graces her listeners’ ears with high vibrational beats and showcases her skills as a drummer by performing live at her shows. As someone who struggled to fit in growing up, she is now embracing what it means to stand out while spreading that message of love to all of her listeners.

Who is EMSKIII?

EMSKIII is my solo, electronic music project. And it's also definitely still evolving. That’s kind of like the central theme around it, identity. So when I think about what that is, visually, I think of this amorphous blob. Something that can be constantly changing and forms as I grow and transition and change, and who knows what the heck that means, whether that's my identity or my sexuality. This is a project that’s hopefully going to morph and grow with me, but it’s also hopefully a music project that cultivates a safe space for people to, you know, just shake some ass and feel comfortable however they identify.

When did you first discover your love for music, and what was your inspiration?

Drumming was my main thing. I've always been a drummer. In elementary school, like 2nd grade, I went in to ask my music teacher a question after school about something choir-related. I had never touched or ever looked at drums, but being the annoying, sporadic child I was, I was banging on all the bongos and messing around while she was on the phone. Then she hangs up the phone and comes over and is like, “Can you do this pattern again?” So I played it for her, and then she was like, “I’m gonna put you in the 5th grade percussion group.” So I was like, cool. From there I just got obsessed and have been drumming since I was 8. It wasn’t until the pandemic that I really decided to pick up producing and electronic music and realized that drumming and producing go really well together, but it’s still a huge learning process.

Tell me a little bit about your style of music?

Definitely house music. But with this release single that's coming out, it has, like, a U.K. garage backbeat drum pattern so it's like, you know, a little bit infusing some other genres of house but definitely always house. But, you know, again, it's like another thing that might continue to morph and change, and that’s what I’ve been starting with, but who knows, I might morph into bass.

What has it been like as a queer, femme artist in a male-dominated field?

It's exactly what you would expect it to be. It's difficult to get the respect or just the benefit of the doubt whenever you tell someone, oh, I do this thing, and whatever. Normally it's just hard as a woman alone, like a woman drummer. And it took me during the pandemic, to be like, OK, screw this. I decided to start a little YouTube channel and just made some drumming videos here and there, more so as, like, resume pieces. It wasn't until it got circulated in the little small Austin community music scene that people really started to see some response. That is a common story for any female musician or female-identifying musician. So then lumping in the other intersection of being queer, it kind of continues to marginalize and narrow the spaces in which you feel like you can do anything.

How do you incorporate your queer identity into your music and as an artist?

I don't think I'm labeling my music as specifically queer music, but more so taking that idea that lives within the LGBTQIA+ community of acceptance and evolution and growth and trying to put that into my messages. So again, with the visual concept of the blobby thing, the central theme of, like, identity, and other subtle things using specific pronouns in my songs. Because, like, growing up, you always only hear songs where it’s a guy singing to or about a girl, so changing pronouns to make it fit, and trying to make it inclusive like that. Because I'm talking about my

own queer experiences in my music, so maybe sometimes it'll say she/her or he/him, but yeah, I’m just trying to keep it all around a safe, inclusive space.

What is something you want your fans and followers to know?

I want people to know that this is a place for you. You’re totally safe here, and you're accepted in whatever form, and this music is for you to interpret and feel and dance however you want and hopefully vibe with it. Maybe it’s something you can emotionally connect to; maybe it’s just some background music you have on when you’re learning a new skill or something. As someone who never really felt accepted, this music has been my thing. Like, this is the one thing that as a queer, redheaded woman, I can have. I want people to come to my show and say, “Oh hell yeah, I’m amongst my own people.” I want it to feel like a place of safety, acceptance, love, and the ability to just express yourself. Whether that’s dancing like a weirdo or just standing there and bobbing your head, I just want it to be that cool, accepting spot.

Streaming my music and hearing it live is also so different. I feel like the live experience is a really different thing, and I want to cultivate and create that cool environment. I sing; I DJ, and I also drum while I’m performing, so it’s this whole live experience. I create custom visuals behind me and have laser shows specific to the show and each song, so it’s a really different experience live. I want to bring and spread fun and love. That’s the dream, the goal, the mission of this project and music.

EMSKIII’s newest single “PSYCHO,” and accompanying music video will be released later this August. You can stream EMSKIII on Spotify and Apple music. Follow EMSKIII on Instagram @emskiiimusic, Facebook @Emskiii, and TikTok to stay up-to-date with live shows!

Photos coutersy of Emskii

FOR ALL A COMMUNITY

Aurora offers something for everyone! Explore the cultures and cuisines of the world with a dining adventure at one of the city’s 330+ ethnic and independent restaurants.

Conjure Geo

Photos: Roxanna Carrasco

Modeling: Geo Conjure

Assistant / Lighting: Luke Schott

Creative Direction: Rachel Galstad

Photoshoot Location: Disco Pig

Tinsel Outerwear: Tinsel Dreams by @Amanda_Pfeiffer

creativity with the world. Justy, a 28-year-old artist based in Brooklyn, has been using her online platform to create a positive space for love and acceptance.

What first began with Hannah Montana and the immediate thought of, “I need to be in a band” later launched into a musical journey that has continued to grow into something even bigger. Justy doesn't just write music. She compliments human expression with her innovative flow and soul-catching beats.

How do you use music to express your own personal perspective?

“A lot of my music is very transparent. I have a very hard time writing music that does not relate to what I’m actually ex-

JUSTY!

lows that vulnerability to show through and translate into a distinct relatability to bridge that connection. However, it’s not just her experiences that shape her music. Sometimes she draws inspiration from those close to her, believing that writing from her viewpoint alone can be perceived as one-dimensional. Allowing so many narratives to be told and still making them feel like our own makes Justy an expert storyteller and an artist with a message.

If you could share one message with the world, what would it be?

“I would love for the world to begin to uplift and honor the Black creative, specifically the Black, queer creative. It can be unfortunate when there are so many talented people, but they don’t ever get acknowledgement. Because of that, they

feel it’s better to give up rather than go forever unnoticed. I really want people to acknowledge these creatives who have so much to them but are constantly put on the back burner.”

It’s this love for the community and desire to see others succeed that makes Justy an inspiration. Crediting her success in music so far to her ability to stay persistent and be consistent, she has reached impressive milestones in the music industry. She has created a name for herself and continues to move forward.

Another tool she uses, which several young artists keep in their toolboxes today, is social media. Having a powerful social media presence is crucial in today’s world. While promotion and marketing yourself as a brand are

JUSTY

Be Global. Support Local.

Join us for the 10th year of our signature event, Global Fest! This unique multicultural event brings together the sights, sounds and flavors of nations around the world in celebration of the diverse cultures and communities that call Aurora home.

Saturday, August 19, 2023 | 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

at the forefront, what makes Justy stand apart is her dedication to using social media to build a bond with her listeners.

How do you use social media to promote yourself and your music?

“At the end of our crazy journey, it really isn’t about talent, and it isn’t even really about exposure. It’s about community. That’s always been at the top of my list when navigating my socials because community means so much to me. My TikTok alone has created so much support toward my music that I see how important it is to not only be seen but to make them feel seen.”

Justy uses her time on her social media to have as many one-to-one conversations as she can with her supporters. To her, it’s essential to make time for fans, whether it’s a comment back or asking about their day. In her eyes, they invest in her and it’s critical to invest in them.

With such wise words and a full-picture outlook on how to build a solid support system, Justy looks up to the rapper Noname for putting person and community first. While she acknowledges that may sound odd to some, she feels it’s crucial to focus on the collective you’re growing. She also feels it's worthwhile to use music as a vessel to accomplish what you need to accomplish for your community, including more representation.

It’s because representation matters. Being heard matters. Even when you feel like you’re looking adversity in the face, it’s imperative to dig deep, keep trying, and find strength within yourself. One significant aspect of honing that confidence is self-love.

If you could describe self-love in three words, what would they be?

“I actually wrote a song about this. I would say rinse, repeat, and regress. Rinse in the sense that sometimes you have to completely clear yourself to get a better look at what you want and what you’re lacking. Repeat: Sometimes you’re going to have to go through the process more than once. And regress is accepting the duality of it and sometimes you don’t love yourself that much. I think if you can acknowledge that you create more of a healthy relationship with what self-love looks like for you.”

You're allowed to acknowledge that not every day will be perfect. Some days will be extremely challenging. For Justy, she meets those days head on and channels her emotions into music. Transferring it from her head and heart to music and lyrics allows her to put those emotions into something that hopefully helps someone else. It’s her passion and positivity that make her an inspiration and an artist to watch.

Her second album is slated to be released in 2024, but her single ‘Familiar’ from the project is now streaming!

King Vaughnz

by Ray Manzari

Q&A with

Photo by Kendra Colleen Photography

I’m excited to be there, as I have several friends in the community, and I am very honored to meet and work with the other performers at the event.

How long have you been a drag performer, and how would you describe your drag?

I have been performing for a little over three and a half years. My first show was November 2, 2019, at CU Boulder’s annual drag show. I would describe my drag as an extension and exploration of myself in areas I never felt comfortable with. I delve into my vulnerability as well as sensuality and sexuality. King Vaughnz is a wholesome heartthrob that advocates for his communities.

Why do you think it’s important to showcase all forms of drag at Pride and community events (not just queens)?

If we didn’t showcase all forms of drag at pride/community events, I and many others wouldn’t be here. All forms of drag should be represented, but it is especially important at these big events, since they serve as a place of inspiration for queers to find themselves on a bigger scale. Like anything else, drag is a spectrum, and it is important to show everything in between. Drag is for everyone, no matter their identity.

How is Aurora Pride different from other Pride festivals on the front range?

Being as this is my first time at Aurora Pride, I don’t know how the event differs aside from the fact that it is being held in August, which I think is a wonderful way to expand pride festivities past the one month. Pride should be celebrated all year round.

In your own words, why is Pride particularly important this year?

Pride is a time and place where we can come together and experience the range of emotions that come with our successes and losses as well as our nonlinear progress despite adversity.

Support your local drag scene, especially your queer trans performers of color. I cannot reiterate enough that representation matters. Book drag kings. If anyone wants to reach out to me, they can @kingvaughnz on Instagram or at vaughnz. king@gmail.com

Aurora Pride Performer Spotlight:

Shirley Delta Blow

by Denny Patterson

Whenever Shirley Delta Blow enters a room, she makes sure to stand out for all the right reasons—It’s not just because of her six-foot-three stature and hot pink foam wig.

A staple within Denver’s drag community, Shirley Delta Blow is anything but boring. For her, drag is an outlet to explore an alternative persona, and she describes herself as a big city girl with small town dreams, who is positive and uplifting. She also doesn’t mind telling a fun dad joke from time to time.

In addition to entertaining and lip syncing for audiences on stage, Shirley Delta Blow is a resident bingo host at X Denver, and she conducts drag queen story time, reading some of her favorite children’s books at local bookstores and libraries. She is a third-grade teacher outside of drag and believes it is important for children to understand diversity in the world.

Shirley Delta Blow will be a headlining performer at this year’s Aurora Pride on August 5, and OFM caught up with the performer to talk more about the event, drag queen story time, and future goals.

How excited are you to perform at this year’s Aurora Pride?

Oh, I love Aurora Pride! Pride festivals are usually held in

the city, where everything is tight and smashed together, but with Aurora Pride, you're on this reservoir, and it feels like you're at the beach. It feels tropical, and it's just a lot of fun. It’s a unique venue, so I think it lends itself to making it a unique event as well.

Can you give us a hint as to what we can expect from your set at Aurora Pride?

I’m hoping to do a fun Broadway mix, and then I would love to do a little story time. I love reading books to kids. For my day job, I'm an elementary school teacher, so I do that on a regular basis, and I just really want to welcome kids and families with children to our event. For those youth who are questioning, letting them know that Pride is a celebration, a protest, and a safe place for people anywhere along that spectrum.

You have become well-known for your drag queen story hours. How did you get involved with that?

I was in a show at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, and a local bookstore said, “We want to do drag queen story time. We heard that this is very popular, and we want to bring it.” They didn’t know who to hire, so they looked at the Denver Center, which was doing a show called DragOn, a drag mashup for Comic Con, so they hired us to come and do this drag queen story time.

Photo by Christopher Cleary

It was funny because the rest of the cast are actors, but they were like, “How comfortable do you feel reading for kids?” They got to me, and I was like, "I'm an elementary school teacher. I literally do this every day. I'm going to be fine." It’s been great, and I love telling the stories. I pick really good books about identity and supporting diversity, and it's just so much fun to do.

Unfortunately, drag queen story hour, and drag shows in general, have been under attack by farright conservatism. What are your thoughts on the anti-drag sentiment?

If you're against drag queens, then you probably haven't been to a drag show. If you're against drag queens reading books to kids, you probably haven't been to drag queen story hour. A lot of these conservatives, they're the same people who are banning books, and most of them will say, “Oh, I just heard that this book is terrible. I haven't actually read it yet.” That would be the same as me saying, "Your church is full of sexism, racism, and homophobia, but I haven't even been there yet. That's just what I heard. I read it somewhere, or I heard about it from somebody." It’s an unfair judgment of an entire group of people, trying to demonize them and making them into the villains of the story. Drag queens are not the people who are harming your kids. Clean up your own house before you come sweeping mine.

What are some future goals you hope to accomplish with your drag career and platform?

Wow, that’s a good question. I’ve auditioned for RuPaul’s Drag Race a bunch of times, and I've never even gotten a thank you for auditioning email, so I guess I’m not quite what they're looking for. However, if I were to get on the national stage, I wouldn't do the lip syncing at bars, the fashion, or the red carpets. I would take story time all around the country. I would love to read these wonderful stories to little kids in Kansas, Michigan, Montana, wherever they need us to be. I think that would be such a fun opportunity.

I've got a couple picture books of my own in my head, and I would love to film a drag queen story time TV show for a network like PBS. Get some of these stories to kids and libraries in places where they don't have access to them. Stories about being yourself and loving your kids. There's one story that I read called My Shadow Is Pink by Scott Stuart, and at the end, the dad says, ‘Shout with your voice that this is me, and some, they will love you, and some, they will not. Those that do love you, will love you a lot.’ Kids need to know that it's OK to be yourself, and even though some people are not going to like you for that, that's fine. They're not your people. You don't have to like them back.

Stay up-to-date and connect with Delta Blow by following her on Instagram @shirleydeltablow, or visit shirleydeltablow.com. For more information on Aurora Pride, visit aurorapride.com.

Photo by Joanne Kappel

Queer Summer Goodies

Before it’s officially time for fall, here are some amazing options to make you feel fun, steamy, and sexy, from comfy underwear to cannabis goodies. Check out some of our top selections!

PINK Gravity Infuser by Stündenglas s

In college, did you hit a grungy gravity bong in the basement of a party? Well… forget that experience because those days are seriously behind you; Stündenglass introduces the PINK Gravity Infuser. This sophisticated technology will enhance your smoking experience tenfold. The 360-degree rotating glass uses kinetic motion and water displacement to create opposing airflow by the simple use of gravity. Use the infuser alone with cannabis or pair with the Connect or the Hyer by G Pen for the supreme concentrate experience!

Vacation Corner:

Edibles by Insa

Skull & Bones Underwear

It’s definitely not easy to find that one pair of underwear that checks all the boxes and has you coming back for more. Skull & Bones have obviously thought about that issue. Each pair I wore was extremely soft and provided the needed support where it matters most. Regardless if your style of choice is a jock, a brief, or even a boxer brief, each one is soft and hugs you in the best way possible. They offer so many print designs and cute color choices. I love this brand, and it has totally become a favorite!

If you prefer munchies to get your munchies, Insa has a wide variety of options, from sour and sweet drop gummies to all types of different chocolate bars. At 5 mg each piece, the treats are perfect for a light microdose, but if you want to feel more effects, just eat a couple of pieces. The flavor is so good that it will be hard not to eat the whole bar or tin! Products are available in Florida, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. They also have a retail store in Ohio.

Moose Labs Mouthpiece

If COVID left you feeling a little bit germ-conscious even today, you’re not alone! These mouthpieces are cute, colorful, and the perfect hack for if you want to smoke with friends but don’t want to swap germs or go mouth-to-mouth with folks who aren’t as careful as you.

Buttercrunch by 22 Red

This tasty hybrid strain clocks in at 21 percent THC and also some CBD, and wow is it tasty! An offshoot of Biscotti, this strain is fragrant and smells great, and the effects are amazing. Indica-leaning with a hint of CBD, this is the perfect strain for those who want to try a hybrid but prefer things a bit heady. We’ll definitely be going back for more! Products are available in Arizona, California, and Nevada.

Cannabis-Infused Seltzers by Levia

If you like to drink your THC, next time you visit the East Coast, you need to check out Leiva. These cannabis drinks aren’t super potent, but they’re just the right amount of kick to keep the party going if you choose to imbibe these instead of alcohol. We got hooked because of their special Pride can and their support for the queer community, but now we can’t get enough! Products are available in Massachusetts.

Watermelon Sativa Rings by Gelato

If you need to go on a cleaning spree and spruce up your place, these amazingly tasty sativa rings are just the thing! Try them out and taste the sugar and chewy goodness, then feel the effects! They taste better than most edibles and hit you with a nice body high that buzzes pleasantly as you settle in to get more done! Products are available in California and Michigan.

Horoscopes

by Alanna L.P.

Hello everyone! Let’s throw on some tunes and dance through this retrograde season. Venus will be stationed in Retrograde starting on July 22 and will station directly on September 3. Mercury Retrograde will dominate most of August with the Preshadow Period starting on August 3. Then Mercury Stations Retrograde on August 23 and direct on September 15. What does all of this mean? In short, less is more, honey. The cosmic garbage man is rounding up your emotional garbage, so throw on some music; get in the groove, and get to cleaning out your closet. I promise you’ll feel much lighter this fall if you do. And don’t forget to check out the Disco Divas playlist linked in the digital version of this article!

Song: “I Don’t Need You” – DJ Tiesto

Aries

Your shadow self is asking you to take time for yourself this month, Dear Aries. If you use this time to confront your fears, then let them go. You can overcome what is holding you back. And, of course, don’t forget to give yourself a pat on the back. You’re doing your best, and it shows!

Tarot Mantra: Guardian of Air — “Praying”– Kesha

Taurus

This is time to find inspiration for who you want to become. It’s great being a Taurus, so draw inspiration from Taurus energy—sensual, nurturing, and dripped out. Treat yourself.

Tarot Mantra: Guardian of Fire — “Material Girl”–Madonna

Gemini

If the gossip queens are getting to you, tighten your circle, and skip the parties this month. It’s OK to change even if the people in your circle wish you’d stay the same. There’s nothing wrong with leveling up.

Tarot Mantra: 9 of Wands — “Rumors”— Lizzo feat. Cardi B

Cancer

If your Mercury Retrograde gets into your bank account, know that losses now will come back to you later. Consult a loved one if you need advice, especially regarding finances and security.

Tarot Mantra: Two of Wands — “When the Money Goes” — Jay Z

Leo

Happy birthday, August Leos! We love how you radiate confidence and inspire us to do our best! Small, unexpected expenses could add up, so save when you can. Getting rid of things may help reinforce your finances. Whether it be an original painting or an old couch, if it can go, and you can get cash for it, do the hustle.

Tarot Mantra: The Hierophant Reversed — “Started from the Bottom”– Drake

Virgo

Happy birthday, August Virgos! We love your grounding energy. Everyone is admiring you, especially someone you’ve had your eye on. But don’t rush love. You have plenty of time. Take it slow, and see what happens in the fall.

Tarot Mantra: The Nurturer — “It’s No Good”–Depeche Mode

Libra

Romantic encounters should be playful and short-lived this retrograde season, Dear Libra. It’s all about the bedroom and not much else. Just make sure all partners are on the same page. Give yourself the rest you need when you’re not out there playing the field.

Tarot Mantra: The Star — “Padam Padam”–Kylie Minogue

Scorpio

This is a good time for personal and professional development, Dear Scorpio. Follow your dreams and ideals because doing so will pay off later. Letting go of something will help you look to the future because it will be time to celebrate soon… just not quite yet.

Tarot Mantra: Death — “Tears Dry on Their Own”–Amy Winehouse

Sagittarius

If you’re feeling tied down, Dear Sagittarius, don’t forget that you are a beautiful, wild, free soul. Freedom is what brings you joy! Big routine changes could bring you closer to the freedom you desire, especially financially.

Tarot Mantra: Ace of Pentacles Reversed — “Young Wild and Free” –Snoop Dog & Wiz Khalifa ft. Bruno Mars

Capricorn

Putting your energy into your career goals— especially in writing—can help relieve stress, Dear Capricorn. If you push your creativity a little more, you could attract attention from someone far away that may help you pursue your goals on a higher level.

Tarot Mantra: 9 of Swords — “Lean on Me”–Bill Withers

Aquarius

Sometimes people can only give you as much attention as they can handle, Dear Aquarius. Someone may be going through something that you have no idea about. Having a talk and setting clear boundaries could help you redefine an important relationship.

Tarot Mantra: Seven of Swords — “Telephone”–Lady Gaga

Pisces

Increased workload could lead to increased stress, so don’t be shy about delegating tasks. If you take time to make mundane tasks enjoyable, it will make this busy time flow.

Tarot Mantra: Ace of Wands — “9 to 5”–Dolly Parton

OFM

BAR TAB | Colorado Nightlife

BAD HABITS DENVER

3014 E Colfax Ave. Denver (303) 335-9690

badhabitsdenver.com

BLUSH & BLU

1526 E. Colfax Ave. Denver (303) 484-8548

blushbludenver.com

BOYZTOWN

117 Broadway St. Denver (303) 722-7373

boyztowndenver.com

CLUB Q

3430 N Academy Blvd. Colo Springs (719) 570-1429

clubqonline.com

CHARLIE’S NIGHTCLUB

900 E. Colfax Ave. Denver (303) 839-8890

charliesdenver.com

DENVER EAGLE

5110 W. Colfax Ave. Denver (303) 534-0500

Facebook @denvereaglebar

DENVER SWEET

776 N. Lincoln St. Denver (720) 598-5648

denversweet.com

• TUE: Solve That Puzzle 7p-9p

w/$5 House Margs

• WED: Music Bingo 7p-9p

w/$4 U Call It At The Bar

• THU: Karaoke 9p-1a

w/BOGO well & drafts to 7p

• SUN: Beer Bust 4p-8p & Showbears 7p-10p

EL POTRERO

4501 E. Virginia Ave. Glendale (303) 388-8889

Facebook @elpotreroclub

GOOD JUDY’S BAR & CLUB

103 N. 1st St. Grand Junction (970) 433-7115

www.good-judys.com

HAMBURGER MARY’S

1336 E. 17th Ave. Denver (303) 993-5812

hamburgermarys.com/denver

ICONS

3 E. Bijou St. Colo. Springs (719) 300-7863

Instagram @icons_colorado

LIL' DEVILS

255 S. Broadway St. Denver (303) 733-1156

Facebook @lildevilslounge

LIPSTICK DISCOTEQUE

5660 W. Colfax Ave. Denver (720) 669-3470

Facebook @lipstickdiscoteque

R&R LOUNGE

4958 E. Colfax Ave. Denver (303) 320-9337

Facebook @randrdenver

TIGHT END BAR

1501 E. Colfax Ave. Denver (303) 861-9103

tightendbar.com

TRACKS

3500 Walnut St. Denver (303) 836-7326

tracksdenver.com

TRADE

475 Santa Fe Dr. Denver (720) 627-5905

Facebook @tradedenver

THE TRIANGLE BAR

2036 N. Broadway St. Denver (303) 658-0913

triangledenver.com

WILD CORGI PUB

1223 E. 13th Ave. Denver (303) 832-7636

wildcorgipub.com

X BAR

829 E. Colfax Ave. Denver (303) 832-2687

xbardenver.com

#VYBE

1027 N. Broadway St. Denver (720) 573-8886

303vybe.com