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Vol. XXXVii iSSUe #3 May 1, 2013 t

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CONTENTS CoVeR SToRY: THe GAY BRAin

FeATURe: THe 40TH CoRonATion oF iCRMe

18 21 SO LIV FO CUS CIAL ING 6 Letter from Out Front 10 News 12 Panel Voices 13 Show & Tell 14 Out In Colorado 17 Bleed Like Me

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22 Food For Thought 25 PrideFest Preview 27 Bar Tab 30 On The Scene 34 Interview 35 QRAVE

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On the cover: Julian Kerr. Photo by Chad Chisolm Photography // www.Creationize.com 4

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39 41 44 46 48 50

Thrive The Gay Aesthetic Big Toys Back In The Day Metro Life Sexuality

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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 JEFF JACKSON SWAIM / Chief Strategist Email: Jeff@outfrontonline.com

EDITORIAL HOLLY HATCH / Editor-in-Chief Email: Holly@outfrontonline.com MATTHEW PIZZUTI / Junior Editor Email: Matt@outfrontonline.com KRISTIN ZIEGLER, ALEX MEYER / Editorial interns CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Brent Heinze, Robyn Vie-Carpenter, Scott McGlothlen, Jeff Steen, Josiah Hesse, Gary Kramer, Mike Yost, Ashley Trego, Nuclia Waste, David Marlowe, Jonathan McGrew, Chris Azzopardi, Shanna Katz, Noelle Leavitt Riley, Amy Lynn O’Connell, Kristin Ziegler, Steve Cruz, Jasmine Peters, Lauren Archuletta.

ART SARA DECKER / Creative Director Email: Sara@outfrontonline.com DENEE PINO / Production Assistant CHARLES BROSHOUS / Photographer

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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 $3.95 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.

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FRoM eDiToRiAl

ABOut tHE cOntrIButOrS:

Civil unions aren’t the finish line Join our call for full marriage equality in Colorado Let’s begin with some clarity: The fight to establish civil unions in Colorado was worthwhile.

While it might be easy for some to dismiss civil unions as an unequal “lesser-than” status, the real legal benefits and protections the law provides to spouses are consequential enough that supporting the bill was a no–brainer.

The benefits of civil unions – helping same-sex couples and LGBT families deal with their property, navigate sickness and loss, protect their children and care for each other – far outweigh the issue we take with the name.

We owe a deep debt of gratitude to state Sens.

Pat Steadman and Lucia Guzman, state Rep. Sue Schafer and Speaker of the House Mark Ferrandino, the four of whom introduced Colorado’s civil unions bill into the 2013 General Assembly.

We owe a deep debt of gratitude to the Republicans and Democrats in the legislature who fought for civil unions from the beginning, as well as those who voted against the bill at first but ultimately came around, sometimes at great political risk.

We owe a debt of gratitude to the Colorado activists and leaders who worked to move the banner forward, and to our fellow LGBT community members who got out and voted.

But civil unions are not full equality – and they are not enough.

Our concern is not only over nomenclature or rhetoric. An Illinois study found same-sex couples in civil unions – even with the statelevel rights and benefits almost identical to

c Publisher’s Corner

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known how much he’d love it he would have been doing it always.

Chuck told me the principal one day told him the school’s improving test scores in the were largely thanks to his motivating interactions with students.

Because recognition is not an expected part of the job it’s all the more genuine.

My new friend goes to work every day and gives. He gives love, protection and encouragement. His story reminds me that life truly is not about what we get – it’s about what we give – and that every person has a worthy and vibrant contribution.

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Corrections The April 17 issue of Out Front contained a misprinted date for the Alexander Foundation’s 2013 Spring Fling fundraiser. The Spring Fling will be held on June 7.

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I recently attended the season kickoff event for OUT Spokin,’ Colorado’s group of LGBT and allied bicycle enthusiasts, where I was expected to offer a few words. I struggled with what I’d say other than the usual “thank yous,” but the universe provided a story and lesson from an amazing individual there.

Chuck is the Facilities Manger at a Denver elementary school, whose job entails – as he put it – a lot of “cleaning up dead squirrels and vomit.” He shared that he’s immensely fulfilled by his role keeping a healthy and positive environment for students, and if he had always

marriage – are still failed because too many people, including state agencies and private employers, don’t recognize them, honor them or understand what they mean.

There are real benefits of having the most widely–recognized name for your union – marriage – which is still beyond a Colorado same-sex couple’s reach.

Since our community has existed, we’ve known that same-sex relationships are as worthy as opposite-sex relationships. And now, a majority of Americans believe that, too. Out Front supports efforts to enact full marriage equality in Colorado, and urges the community to settle for nothing less.

There are multiple potential paths to full marriage equality in Colorado and nationwide, but our Colorado community’s biggest obstacle is overturning a state constitutional amendment defining marriage between one man and one woman.

What to do about Amendment 43 will come into better focus this summer when the Supreme Court rules on two cases regarding marriage equality.

Until then, there is plenty to do: fight for safer schools for queer youth, strengthen health care access for trans people, implement penalties for employers and service providers who discriminate and find help LGBT seniors retire with dignity.

As one journey ends today, May 1, 2013, another begins. Let the jubilation of victory fuel our continued march toward marriage.

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AllieS

How mediators can help

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Welcome to the era of Civil Unions in Colorado. While this bill finally gives the LGBT community a legal process to declare a lifelong commitment to one another and extends benefits that honor that commitment, it also comes with new challenges and opportunities.

The push for civil unions was about recognizing that we have real relationships. And real relationships can have real difficulties. Stress, accomplishment, struggle and even joy impact our relationships every day sometimes leading to discord and strife.

Before a conflict turns hostile or ugly, consider engaging a mediator to help. Mediation provides a neutral third party to help people engage conflict and difficult issues. Mediation is voluntary, encourages honest communication, sets boundaries for “fighting fair” and is completely confidential. Ultimately, mediation is a cost-effective way to settle conflicts in a relationship without constant arguing or prolonged litigation.

You can engage a mediator to help with a dispute during any stage of your relationship: • At the beginning to develop an agreement for your civil union: address existing finances, property ownership future earnings and even how to make decisions together during your relationship; • During your relationship: anything from clarifying expectations regarding a joint business venture to raising children or dividing household responsibilities; • At the end of a civil union: divide assets and decide how to communicate with each other and co-parent effectively.

While most people think mediation is only about coming to an agreement, often the very act of being able to talk it out can be immensely helpful. Themediator helps us avoid the same old patterns of conflict that prevent communication and closure.

Remember that mediation can be helpful in other areas of our lives too. Human resource departments have turned to mediation to help negotiate solutions between employees or with supervisors.

Likewise, HOA and apartment complexes also engage mediators to help with landlord or neighbor issues. And mediation has been a great help for families who are in

By Janet Rose

conflict over the care of an elder.

I’ve even seen it used to help mitigate coming-out conversations between teens and their families.

While there are great resources for finding local mediators (try the Mediation Association of Colorado’s “Find a Mediator” database) there isn’t a single, surefire way to search for mediators knowledgeable about LGBT issues. Any qualified mediator will have at least 40 hours of specialized training in mediation and should have a background in the area of your dispute (family law, employment, real estate, etc.) When interviewing a mediator feel free to ask the how comfortable they are with issues of sexuality and gender identity.

Even asking questions about how they might approach a civil union case may help you determine their level of expertise and interest.

Mediators will be able to treat you with professionalism and will set aside any personal biases or judgment; in fact, it’s our professional duty to withdraw from a case if we cannot.

Finally, in the event you do not have a chance to choose your own mediator, don’t be afraid to use this opportunity to educate them about LGBT issues. This is your time to speak up about anything that can impact your mediation: pronoun preferences, a sense of responsibility to a community that fought hard for civil unions, the emotional burdens you carry. It may feel vulnerable, but truly each case is different and a good mediator will want to understand those differences.

Mediators are peacemakers and above all understand that words have meaning. Now that we know our voices matter, now is the time to take full advantage of this resource that ensures that we are heard.

Janet Rose is a Professional Mediator.

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NEWS

Long road ahead: Even with civil unions and possible Supreme Court axe to DOMA, Colorado’s bi-national same-sex couples will have to jump through hoops

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The couple’s luck ran out when Davis was denied a renewal of her work visa and the family returned to Boulder. Before she left for Ireland, the couple was legally married in Iowa in 2012.

Shortly thereafter, Davis applied for a green card and listed Dowling as her spouse, knowing that they would be denied because of DOMA. Though the couple’s story is incredibly unique, their problem is not. At the complicated intersection between state and federal law, civil unions and marriage, it is easy for same-sex couples to get lost on the fringe, especially when a sweeping repeal of DOMA looks unlikely. The probability that the Supreme Court will deliver, at most, a measured verdict in the Windsor case will mean that same-sex couples like the Davis and Dowling will continue to live in ambiguity.

And for families like theirs – requiring federal government acts to establish their family – that could mean severe consequences.

Things could be even worse for same-sex couples living in states like Colorado with everything–but–the–word–‘marriage’ laws for relationship recognition. According to Mindy Barton, who serves as the Legal Director for The GLBT Community Center of Colorado, same-sex couples in civil unions will still face the same discrimination from the federal government.

“There is only a small chance that I can see where the Windsor case could change Colorado civil unions because we have a constitutional amendment defining marriage, and civil unions are a separate state level recognition,” Barton said.

That state definition, according to 2006 voter– approved amendment to the state constitution, limits marriage and common-law marriage to opposite-sex couples. While the ban has no impact on the imminent civil unions law, it does mean that Colorado voters will have to once again amend the constitution before the state can recognize same-sex marriage. Because state law allows only fiscal initiatives to appear on the ballot in odd-numbered years, change can’t come in 2013; the earliest such an amendment is possible is 2014.

While the Colorado civil union law is designed to give same-sex couples the same state-level rights as straight married couples, federal benefits of marriage remain out of reach. For bi-national couples who rely on the federal regulation for spousal support in the citizenship process, little will change.

“It is our best guess that couples in a Colorado civil union would not be able to have rights to sponsor their partners citizenship until they would be in a legally recognized marriage in a state that recognizes it, and then also have the federal level recognition,” said Barton. Fortunately Davis and Dowling have taken every OUTFRONTONLINE.COM

possible step to protect their family, and were legally wed in Iowa in 2011. Barton added that same-sex couples in civil unions will still face the same risks as before, until marriage equality and recognition is extended nation-wide.

That sentiment was echoed by Zeke Stokes, spokesperson OutServe–SLDN, an advocacy group for LGBT members of the nation’s armed forces. In the wake of the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, the military is figuring out how to deal with openly gay servicemembers – and their families.

“For the first time we are seeing openly gay service members requesting benefits for their spouses and families. DOMA currently prevents the extension of healthcare, housing and numerous other benefits to those people,” Stokes said. While there are some loopholes, such as military personnel being allowed to extend some benefits to a person of their choice under a “member-designated benefit” guideline, those are not always guaranteed and are not as comprehensive as the benefits automatically entitled to spouses and children of service members.

Stokes said the repeal of DOMA and full marriage equality across the country are necessary to truly ensure protection for LGBT servicemembers and their families, or any couple that seeks federal protections.

“Because the question of civil unions is not before the Court, full marriage will be the only way for same-sex couples to get federal benefits and protections,” Stokes said. We should not get complacent. The battle for marriage equality will not end with a repeal of DOMA. It will not end until every state has full marriage equality.”

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ay 1 is the day that Boulder couple Cathy Davis and Catriona Dowling’s 2012 Iowa marriage will be recognized as a civil union before the State of Colorado.

That’s good news for them, but Colorado’s new law offering same-sex couples one step closer to equality cannot completely ease the Boulder couple’s minds – at any moment, their family of themselves and three adopted children could still be torn apart.

Davis and Dowling are one of countless same-sex couples living in America that don’t share U.S. citizenship. Both from Ireland, Dowling is a naturalized U.S. Citizen and Davis isn’t. Normally, being partnered to a U.S. citizen offers a path to citizenship through marriage, but the women’s relationship can’t be recognized by the federal government as long as the Defense of Marriage Act continues to stand, forbidding federal recognition of any same-sex union.

The couple is closely watching the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case United States v. Windsor, argued before the court in late March and due to be resolved by a Court decision in June. They’re working with the DOMA Project, a nonprofit committed to the repealing the law it’s named for, and sharing their story in hopes of raising awareness of the issue.

Davis and Dowling met in a typical Colorado fashion – trekking in the Himalayas. One of their first experiences together was summiting Imja Tse, a staggering 20,305–foot peak in eastern Nepal. But as Dowling noted, while most mountain climbing stories end at the summit, theirs was only beginning.

Three weeks after that first meeting in Nepal, the women were forced to part ways. Though they both grew up in small villages outside of Dublin, Dowling returned to Boulder, where she had been living for over 15 years. Davis returned to Ireland to continue her career as a nurse. Their connection withstood the challenge of geography and the couple began a long–distance relationship. Soon Davis began working to become registered as a nurse in the United States.

The process wasn’t that easy. Even though Davis already had a successful career in Ireland, the American job market and the difficult immigration process made it nearly impossible for her to get a permanent work visa in the United States. She was forced to travel in and out of the country several times on short–term visas, all while working to start a family with Dowling.

After Davis’s unsuccessful attempts at finding work in Boulder, the couple was then forced to move to Texas, where Davis had found a hospital that would sponsor her work visa. Over the next two years, she continued on short-term work visas.

By then they had adopted their three children.

BY ALEX MEYER

Follow Out Front’s coverage of the fight toward marriage and share your own stories on Twitter with #COmarriage and on Facebook at facebook.com/Out FrontColorado.

^

OBITUARY

Michael White Mountain: traveler, veteran was cherished by many

New York to Nebraska, Michael White Mountain, taking care of friends a former Denver resident and family members in known and cherished by need and broadening his many within the local career path and goals.

LGBTQ community, died White Horse worked for in his McLaughlin, South the banking industry Dakota home March 22, in Denver, the Lakota 2013. He was 52.

Times, the Chadron Born May 10, 1960, Native American Center, White Mountain spent the Boy’s and Girl’s Club his childhood in his of America, and the Teton hometown of Pine Ridge, Times.

South Dakota before Michael White Michael always had enlisting in the United Mountain a smile for anyone and States Marine Corps in 1979. White Mountain was honorably everyone he came into contact with. discharged from the services in 1983, He was helpful and respectful towards and began working towards a degree the elders, happy-go-lucky and very in business administration. Upon caring for his family. He was the best graduating from Nettleton College in uncle and grandpa to all his nieces, Sioux Falls, SD, White Horse relocated nephews and grandkids. He will be greatly missed by friends and family to Denver.

However, Denver was just the and all who knew him.

Graveside services for Michael start for this bright, ever–curious, and always–compassionate man. White Mountain were held Saturday, White Horse travelled around the March 30th at White Mountain country, living everywhere from Cemetery in McLaughlin.

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PANEL

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Does finding a biological or genetic cause of being transgender, lesbian or gay matter?”

Iowa native George K. Gramer, Jr. is the president of the Colorado Log Cabin Republicans.

Of course it matters a great deal!

Before DNA became all the rage to explain all mysteries biological, we used to argue that our orientation was “natural” for us. Few believed us. For them it was a taste, like preferring cherry pie to blueberry. Had we wanted to change we could have switched to blueberry.

Back in those golden days, we were torn psychologically as we began to recognize the significance of our yearnings. Some of us had to suffer being driven from our family.

Society declared us “persona non grata” and an open season upon us. We were beaten, robbed, and killed with the police being unconcerned. We had it easy compared to gays in Nazi Germany: There our brothers were sent to concentration camps. Even amongst the S.S. troops, on average one gay soldier was found every month. Considering what we had to survive, only the intellectually–bankrupt could argue that we just had aberrant tastes which we could easily change.

Scientists could offer us great support legally and perhaps psychologically were they to discover the DNA causing us to be gay. Such a discovery would have two edges: A woman could find out her child would be gay before and have an abortion. Sometimes an increase of knowledge brings blessings and problems in equal numbers.

Cecil Bethea

George K. Gramer, Jr.

To give proof to the disbelievers, I suppose so.

Some haters think we just live our lives out of choice instead of genetic determination. We know it is the latter.

To be able to tell Mom and Dad that it truly is genetic and not “this guy who means the world to me,” of course it matters. Yet the likelihood of funding such a study is unlikely in this period of huge budget deficits and attempts to rein in spending.

Still, there seem to studies conducted all the time with government (not only in the USA) funding.

(CNSNews.com) – The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded $1.5 million to study biological and social factors for why “three-quarters” of lesbians are obese and why gay males are not, calling it an issue of “high publichealth significance.” (www.guardian.co.uk) Scans reveal homosexual men and heterosexual women have symmetrical brains, with the right and left hemispheres almost exactly the same size.

Scientists at the prestigious Stockholm Brain Institute in Sweden also found certain brain circuits linked to emotional responses were the same in gay men and straight women.

Science is wonderful, and science can provide great insight. But with that insight comes a certain risk.

Many employers require periodic blood or urine samples, thus we need to ensure that certain privacy rights are always maintained.

Cecil Bethea was raised in the South before joining the Air Force, and now calls himself “a Westerner of Southern extraction.”

e Interested in becoming one of the voices on Out Front’s panel?

Contact the editorial department by email at editorial@outfrontonline.com or call (303) 477.4000 ext. 711 to be considered!

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SHOW & TELL

Sometimes you just gotta show off!

Big Moment in the Big Apple Local couple heads to New York to legally wed Marc Coulter and Patrick Soran tied the knot in New York City on March 26.

The couple, both Colorado natives, went to the Big Apple to celebrate Patrick’s birthday. Marc popped the question in Central Park. After a tearful “Yes!” from Patrick, Marc revealed that he’d already started paperwork at City Hall.

Monday morning, the two went to the courthouse and filed for a marriage license. After a 24–hour waiting period, the couple was married by Rev. Wade Adkisson at the First Church of Religious Science in Manhattan.

The celebration continued with dinner with friends and third–row seats to the musical Kinky Boots on Broadway. After the show, the couple was lucky enough to meet the writer, Harvey Fierstein, who signed their Playbill and wished their marriage “mazel tov!”

The couple, who have been together for more than eight years, live in Lakewood with their dog, Tucker.

Marc is a Psychotherapist in private practice and Patrick is a teacher at The Art Institute of Colorado and a ministerial student at the Holmes Institute. A celebration with family and friends is planned for the summer.

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t Submit pet stories and pix, wedding announcements, adoptions, births, funny stories or anything that has you beaming with pride – for our SHOW AND TELL section.

Email a query, digital image or 50-250 word writeup to editorial@ outfrontonline. com with “SHOW AND TELL” in the subject line, and we’ll consider putting your announcement in print!

MAY 1, 2013

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oUt In ColoRaDo

We will make your celebration look special within your budget!

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Charlie’s, Hamburger Mary’s and Broadways toast to servicemembers this month

By Kristin Ziegler

In May, active duty servicemembers and veterans can pay happy hour prices all night for drinks at any of the three locations.

In 1999, Congress declared May “Military Appreciation Month,” a time to honor those who have served. But as we celebrated the heroism our uniformed men and women, recognizing gay and lesbian servicemembers was a delicate effort.

Don’t Ask Don’t Tell was then five years old – but it’s now a thing of the past.

Since DADT ended in 2011 and noting the LGB servicemembers felt more free, one Colorado organization couldn’t be more pleased.

American Veterans for Equal Rights Rocky Mountain Chapter (AVER-RMC) was officially established just last year. “We want the community to be involved with what these guys do,” said Jeremy Watkins, the fundraising and events chair of AVER-RMC. Watkins, who works at Denver’s staple Western gay bar Charlie’s, thought up the way they’d connect the broader LGBTQ community of Denver with out servicemembers and to honor veterans with a month–long special deal.

Starting out at Charlie’s, AVER-RMC’s “drink specials for veterans” idea has branched out, with Hamburger Mary’s and Broadway’s now on board. In May, active duty servicemembers and veterans can pay happy hour prices all night for drinks at any of the three locations.

(See the website for additional participating bars).

To partake in the gratuitous libations, military members can present proof of service at any of the participating bars. A card will subsequently be issued, allowing the holder to enjoy discounted drinks and specials throughout the entire month. r For more information on AVER-RMC’s May bar specials, or to learn mor about the organization’s mission, please visit their website at aver-rmc.org.

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oUt In ColoRaDo

Gay rodeo rides Rocky Mountain high July 12-14

By Alex Meyer For us in Colorado, there’s no shortage of steers and queers. And no organization brings those two groups together like the Colorado Gay Rodeo Association does, with it’s highlight of the year, the Rocky Mountain Regional Rodeo, planned this year for July 12 through 14 at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Golden.

CGRA Spokesperson Bruce Gros said that he expects as many as 120 participants in the arena, plus thousands more spectators. Most participants come from the Rocky Mountain region, but Gros said that competitors will arrive from all over the United States.

Finalists will go on to compete in October in the International Gay Rodeo Finals in Forth Worth, Texas.

Founded in 1981 and celebrating its 31st year, CGRA is the oldest of more than 25 surviv-

ing gay rodeo associations in the United States. It was started after a group of local men attended the Reno National Gay Rodeo in Nevada. One of the attendees, Ron Lesser, returned home to Denver and asked John King, the owner of Charlie’s, if he could host an evening for men to talk rodeo. Before long, that little group had more than 90 members.

In August of the next year, the group returned to the Reno rodeo as an officially sanctioned chapter with 270 members.

The chapter had 43 contestants participating in the rodeo, and was by far the largest of any group there. The success at that first rodeo inspired the group to continue its development and today is the oldest, and one of the largest, in the country.

Beyond celebrating the Western lifestyle and the hootin’ and hollerin’ rodeo spectacle, one of CGRA’s core functions is benefitting local nonprofits and charities and raising funds through

OUTFRONTonlIne.COM

the royalty competition. Members begin campaigning as early as a year in advance of the competition, and are officially selected the December prior. Contestants are judged in various categories like horsemanship ability, rodeo knowledge and Western wear, and are then selected by officials from the association as well as past royalty.

Royalty for the 2013 Rocky Mountain Regional Rodeo are: Katrina St. Andrews as Miss CGRA, Karl Wesley as Mr. CGRA, and Miss Eryn as Ms. CGRA. Pauline Chavez was selected as first runner-up for Ms. CGRA. The title for MsTER Colorado Gay Rodeo Association is still open, and Gros said that the association is always seeking new candidates for royalty positions. The royalty will also go on to compete at the World Finals in Fort Worth, TX. The Rocky Mountain Regional Rodeo will be held in Golden at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds July 12-14. On the opening Friday, there will be an independent barrel racing competition that is open to the general public. r More info at cgra.ws.

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gal on the move

Dressing for the adventure

Robyn VieCarpenter r Email Robyn at GoddessOfJoy1@ gmail.com.

...if you want things to be different in your life, dress for it. Dress for the life you want to have.

If you treat flying like an adventure, it will be.

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Outfrontonline.com

Airports are without equivocation the best place to people–watch; folks are coming and going to and from all corners of the world.

I was on a flight recently, and my plane was delayed, so, I had a couple of hours to fill. I got settled in a central, highly populated location (the food court) and I people watched. Well, more specifically, I looked at what people were wearing. Maybe I should re-phrase that, I was appalled by what people were wearing.

There was a time when flying was a big deal. Generally families went on vacations and they drove there. Flying on a plane was special; so, you dressed appropriately, a lot like church. These days flying is treated as ordinary and people dress the same way. First rule, except for actual athletes, no one should be wearing sweats. I understand wanting to be comfortable, however, you look like you’re going grocery shopping as opposed to taking off on the adventure that flying can be.

I like to think of it like this: if you want things to be different in your life, dress for it. Dress for the life you want to have. If you treat flying like an adventure, it will be. Create drama and mystery about why you look so great.

My friend and I took a trip to Palm Springs about a month ago. It is very hot and very sunny in this desert resort town. So, she got us these great big hats. OK, she also got them because they were totally fun. The trip started out with a bang just from the reactions of the people at the airport. People stared, some pointed, we could

feel their eyes on us as we walked by. My friend took particular pleasure in telling people we were going to a big lesbian event. Eventually we just decided on, “it’s because we’re fabulous.” It was easier and people seemed to like it as an answer.

I generally don’t wear big hats and heels when I’m traveling. I do make sure that my clothing is comfortable, my shoes come off easily, my clothes are in good repair and, most importantly, I also dress like I have to meet someone that I want to have a good impression of me. I have met CEO’s, bank presidents, athletes, actors, new clients, the list goes on. I have never been concerned that I didn’t look appropriate when meeting them.

My buddy Alecia Hardesty struck up a conversation on a plane with a guy and now she’s begun a new business venture. When an opportunity for growth, understanding, knowledge, adventure, manifestation arises, don’t you want to look good? That shot that you’ve been asking for, it’s right now, on your way to vacation, a funeral, a weekend in Vegas. This is like a life interview, not for the job you want, for the life you want. What’s the first impression you want to make?

No matter what is going on in your life, when you get on a plane, a good portion of that life is left behind. You have a certain freedom of expression and openness for adventure when you fly.

Try it next time. If you wear a hat and sunglasses in DIA, someone could mistake you for a movie star. Maybe it’s not a mistake, maybe you just hadn’t been dressed for it.

BleeD lIKe me

Singing in the rain The ride shut down and everyone was ushered My carefully–selected cycling outfit The first day riding in the AIDS/Lifecybegan to get soaked. The sun wasn’t into a nearby church. I sat on a heater wrapped in cle, if nothing else, made me an expert making an appearance any time soon. blankets, sharing body heat with a stranger. The on California weather. The morning And the winds picked up, coating me instant I saw Luke walk in, I began to cry. He huddled started off cold while the afternoon got in even more cold wetness. The cycling up with me, wishing he hadn’t gone ahead. hot. Even though my little windbreaker By the time we got shuttled into camp, the sun gloves felt like bare ice over my hands. came in handy, once the sun came out Mud flew up my back with each crank finally came out. I made a beeline for the shower it suffocated me. At least I could tie my of the peddles. My predictions went trucks so I could warm up. As I walked to our tent, arm and leg warmers around empty I felt light headed, my ear hurt and one pinky was from mishap to misery. bar space on the bike.

I pushed myself too far. By then the sag numb. I knew I would have to visit the medics.

Some of the veteran riders scoffed “You’re still hypothermic,” a nurse told me. wagons were full. Pain surged through when camp announced that day two I never even knew my body as would have a 30 percent chance of rain.

Scott McGlothlen I had hypothermia. the winds got Just like I had predicted, that morning ‘‘ She wrapped me up in was cold which meant the sun would dominate colder. Alone and scared heated blankets. The any rain that may cross our paths. So I scoffed too, in a major rainstorm, I Pain surged through my body medics forced me to eat couldn’t think of anything stuffing my windbreaker in the duffle bag. as the winds got colder. Alone and salty snacks and drink Being one of the slower paced riders, I didn’t else to do but put my head scared i a major rainstorm, I couldn’t water for the dehydrawant to hold back any of my Colorado comrades. I down and sing. think of anything else to do but put tion. They threatened Only a few miles from told my partner, Luke, and the others to ride ahead my head down and sing. the possibility of an IV if the second rest stop, a and that I would meet them at lunch time.

I didn’t comply.

About 20 miles into the day, the clouds gathered fellow Coloradan pulled Luke and I spent the night with the medics until again. Sprinkles hit my handlebars and I smiled as up behind me and shouted that I had a flat back my one–day expert training told me this was the most tire. I pulled over only to realize that my front tire they cleared me to leave. The day felt like a dream precipitation we would get. But the clouds didn’t clear was flat too. I wanted to appreciate the irony of it but putting myself in danger was the reality. I may all but I could barely stand up. He flagged down not have learned how to be an expert on Califorand the sprinkles turned into drops. Lots of them.

Other riders began calling it quits, pulling over an emergency vehicle. Once I got in, they shoved nia weather. But I certainly knew to never push and waiting for the sag wagons to bus them the rest candy in my hands, telling me the sugar would myself like that again. of the way. But I refused to quit. I had too many dona- help. I couldn’t stop shaking as I tried eating 32 r Email Scott at BleedLikeScott@gmail.com. pieces of mini Reeses Peanut Butter Cups. tions sitting on the completion of my ride.

d

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The Gay Brain: WHAT MAKES US

L

G B T? THE LATEST RESEARCH SEEKING A BIOLOGICAL ORIGIN FOR SAME-SEX ATTRACTION OFFERS INTRIGUING AND EXCITING CLUES, BUT COMES WITH SOCIOLOGICAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL CONCERNS.

By Mike Yost Pictured: Julian Kerr. Photo by Chad Chisolm Photography // www.creationize.com 18

MAy 1, 2013

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C

Epigenetics, or epi-marks, are chemical compounds that bind to DNA and affect the way genes function by switching certain ones on or off. They affect how cells in the body take up different functions – why, for example, a liver cell is different from brain cell, which is different from a skin cell, though all those cells carry an individual’s entire genetic code. Epigenetics can also influence traits in individuals as a whole. A relatively new field in biology, epigenetics may hold the key in unlocking the mystery behind how sexual orientation is determined in the womb.

The science behind sexual orientation began in part with a 1991 study by Dr. Simon LeVay, then a neurobiologist at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California. LeVay measured the size of a group of cells called the nucleus within the anterior hypothalamus, a region of the brain previously linked to the regulation of sexual behavior in other animals.

This region is usually smaller in females, and is directly correlated to testosterone levels during early brain development.

LeVay’s findings indicated that, on average, this portion of the brain was smaller in gay men when compared to straight men.

“The discovery that a nucleus differs in size between heterosexual and homosexual men illustrates that sexual orientation in humans is amenable to study at the biological level,” LeVay concluded in his 1991 paper.

Similar studies followed, including a 2008 Swedish paper published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science. The brains of 90 healthy adults (50 heterosexuals and 40 homosexuals) were imaged with an MRI scanner. The results showed a similar asymmetrical hemisphere structure for lesbians and straight men, while gay men and straight women shared a similar symmetrical hemisphere structure.

ontrary to what you may have heard, scientists have yet to discover a “gay gene.” But there is scientific evidence that homosexuality has a hereditary component and usually runs in families.

“There’s no genetic evidence for homosexuality.

But there’s no gene for race determination either,” explained Dr. David Wagner, Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Colorado, Denver.

“It’s the way genes are managed and controlled.

It’s their epigenetics that make a difference.”

This evidence would suggest that there are indeed real structural differences in the brains of homosexuals when compared to heterosexuals of their biological sex – making the gay male brain a bit more like a straight woman’s brain, and a lesbian’s brain a bit more like straight man’s brain. But how do these correlations translate into a biological cause for sexual orientation?

A December 2012 study conducted by a team of evolutionary geneticists at the National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS) published a paper theorizing that epigenetics, not genes, were a possible factor in determining an individual’s sexual orientation.

“This paper is trying to address causation,” said Wagner. “Take the [LeVay’s] correlative study and try to look for specific epi-marks in those individuals so that we can then marry causation to correlation.”

To understand how this works, it’s important to first have a clear understanding of epigenetics.

Evolutionary Biologist Dr. Jeremy Byard Yoder of the University of Minnesota wrote about the NIMBioS paper in his aptly named blog, Nothing in Biology Make Sense!

Yoder outlines this helpful analogy: “You could think of epimarks as annotations to the genetic code, like notes in the margins of a book that help a reader remember what passages to return to, or how different parts of the text connect to each other.”

So how do epi-marks tie into sexual orientation? Depending on the sex, each embryo in the womb has a specific sensitivity to androgens – hormones, such as testosterone, which influence the development of male genitals and other characteristics.

A male embryo is more sensitive to the levels of androgens than

a female embryo. The NIMBioS study hypothesizes that epi-marks could potentially regulate the genetic code, which determines the embryo’s responsiveness to those androgen levels.

Normally those epi-marks are erased from genes shortly after the embryo begins to develop.

However, sometimes these epimarks are not entirely deleted.

“Epi-marks that escape erasure can be passed from parent to offspring, like marginal notes on a photocopied page,” wrote Yoder.

This means the epi-marks of a female embryo that made it resistant to androgens could potentially be passed on to the male embryo – from mother to biological son. The opposite would be true for father to daughter. These changes in responsiveness to androgens in the womb could then lead to changes in genital formation, sexual identity and sexual orientation.

“The possibility here would be that some epigenetic programming that made my mother a particularly fit and fertile human female,” Yoder told Out Front, “those markers could have been incompletely erased in the egg that became me, and so that contributed to the possibility that I developed as a gay man.”

It’s important to emphasize that the NIMBioS study is theoretical, using a mathematical model based on the data of previous studies. It does not claim to offer concrete empirical evidence.

But there is, however, evidence from other areas of study in biology that epigenetic markers can be passed from one generation to the next.

“We have really good data on this happening in plants,” said Yoder. “There’s a lab right down the hall from mine that does work on specific kinds of epigenetic markers in corn. We do know this happens in humans, but we have a much less complete understanding

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of how often it happens and what kinds of things might be affected by it.”

Wagner remarked the paper’s logic in linking epi-marks to sexual orientation was sound, but there were conceptual problems.

The study “seemed to imply that a female who would be homosexual, it’s because she got too large of an androgen level at some point of development,” he said. “And they imply that a male got too little of androgen. I don’t think there’s any evidence for that, directly.”

But Wagner added the study could potentially explain the wide diversity of human sexual expression – not limited to determining sexual orientation as distinct categories.

“This would be hypothetical, but maybe one person has 80 percent of a certain epi-mark, and that makes her a lesbian or a guy a gay guy.

But if they had 50 percent, maybe it can create bisexual status.”

Though the NIMBioS study offers new insight into how sexual orientation may be determined in the womb, some argue that the complexity of human sexuality reaches well beyond the scope of biological research.

“The whole search for a genetic connection (to sexual orientation) is one that I’m suspicious of,” said Professor Tamara Williams Van Horn, who teaches a course on the social construction of sexuality at the University of Colorado Boulder.

“I think it comes from a philosophy of science that is very positivistic and not necessarily a good use of our political dollars right now, nor is it a really good use of science in some ways because usually those kinds of studies attempt to essentialize what most social scientists agree is a least cultural, if not fluid along the life course.”

Continued on page 20 MAY 1, 2013

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cover story conT’D Continued from page 19 Van Horn did not discount the importance of scientific research.

He said there is an important interplay between biological and sociological factors. “I certainly don’t want to say all biology is bunk and that all of that genetic research is for nothing. I think that it is important that the disciplines stay in conversation with one another.”

But the university course Van Horn teaches works to answer the question of sexual orientation through the lens of social science, examining roles that governments, religious institutions, political forces and families play in the construction of sexual identity.

“Instead of starting with the individual and their body, we’re looking at how other things that we do as a society reflect our understandings of gender and sexuality,” said Van Horn. “Rather than looking for the gay gene, for example, we really look at how over time we’ve organized ourselves in different societies and cultures, creating categories like homosexual, for example.”

Language is a key component in social construction, often used as a tool to divide groups of people within cultures, Van Horn said.

For instance, the word homosexual is a relatively new term in human history. “It is actually a remnant of the 19th century, and heterosexuality was actually the term that developed first, used by psychoanalysts to figure out why certain people were having too much sex. It was really meant to describe a deviant form of sexuality.”

Anti-LGBT groups often associate the word homosexual with deviant behavior and attribute homosexuality to a lifestyle choice, without a biological cause, which they believe is a factor in supporting policies that are increasingly recognized as discrimination. That’s one reason many LGBT people hope to explain sexual orientation or same-sex attraction through biological causes, answering the question often brought up in political debates: “is homosexuality a choice?”

Dr. John Corvino, Chair of the Philosophy Department at Wayne State University in Michigan and author of the book, What’s Wrong with Homosexuality? said the question itself is problematic. Corvino described a dilemma in framing a question to have only two possible answers: Homosexuality as a choice, or homosexuality as hardwired.

“There are two separate issues here,” said Corvino. “One is the question of how we come to have

the sexual orientation that we have.

The other question is can we choose to change that in some way.”

Corvino writes in his book that he neither knows nor cares if he

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MAY 1, 2013

of defiance,” said Corvino. “So they feel like, in order to establish that ‘no, this is a real and deep part of me,’ they have to show that they were somehow born with it.”

So, does epigenetics point to a definitive biological origin to homosexuality? For [Dr. David Wagner, Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Colorado], the question is both imperative and irrelevant. “Do I think I was born gay? Yes, I do. Do I think it was a certain series of epi-marks in my brain that caused this to happen? Yes, I do. I also think, what the hell does it matter?

If it were a choice – and I’m saying as a gay medical scientist that it is not a choice – but if it were, and this is an absolutely free country, then it doesn’t matter.” was “born” homosexual. “I don’t remember the way the world was when I was born, and I can’t discern my genetic makeup by simple introspection. All I know is that I’ve had these feelings for a long time, they’re a deep fact about me, and they’re not something that I can readily change, even if I wanted to.”

But Corvino points out that for a trait to be a real and deep characteristic of someone’s life, it doesn’t need to have a biological origin – like religion, for example. Furthermore, there are many biologically–driven human characteristics that can be changed, such as hair color. That’s not to imply one can change sexual orientation.

“I think a lot of gay people, in going through the coming out process, face the idea (particularly from their parents) that this is somehow an act of defiance,” said Corvino [Dr. John Corvino, Chair of the Philosophy Department at Wayne State University in Michigan and author of the book, What’s Wrong with Homosexuality?]

“So they feel like, in order to establish that ‘no, this is a real and deep part of me,’ they have to show that they were somehow born with it.”

Corvino jokes that it’s almost heretical for a gay man to claim he doesn’t know if he was “born this way.”

“I think a lot of gay people, in going through the coming out process, face the idea (particularly from their parents) that this is somehow an act

Being born with a trait, and whether you can change that trait, are two completely different issues, Corvino says.

“In some sense everything about us is biological. We are flesh–and–blood human beings,” said Corvino. “So, I think a better

Outfrontonline.com

question is, what are the different biological pathways that then interact with different environments to affect the sexual feelings and dispositions that we have?”

Corvino believes science can provide essential insight into who we are as human beings, but he voiced several concerns about the NIMBioS paper’s attempt to explain homosexuality.

“Notice how discussions of the study keep focusing on the cause of homosexuality, rather than sexual orientation more generally. It’s as if being heterosexual is the ‘default setting,’ and then we have to figure out ‘what went wrong’ when people turn out gay.

But evolutionary theory doesn’t posit that we should expect each individual to replicate his or her genes; it posits that we should expect species to reproduce themselves.”

Corvino was also concerned by the study’s implication of gender inversion. “Early theories of sexual orientation suggested that gay men were kind of like women in men’s bodies or that lesbians were men in women’s bodies.

And it seems to me that that also imports a lot of assumptions and prejudices into the analysis of the data.”

So, does epigenetics point to a definitive biological origin to homosexuality? For Wagner, the question is both imperative and irrelevant. “Do I think I was born gay? Yes, I do. Do I think it was a certain series of epi-marks in my brain that caused this to happen?

Yes, I do. I also think, what the hell does it matter? If it were a choice – and I’m saying as a gay medical scientist that it is not a choice – but if it were, and this is an absolutely free country, then it doesn’t matter.”

It’s clear that science has a long way to go in unraveling the question behind how human sexuality is determined. Furthermore, sociological and environmental factors, along with additional biological evidence, must be taken into account without simplistic answers.

“I think that we can focus less on how we came to have the feelings that we have and focus more on how to express those feelings in a productive and healthy and responsible manner,” Corvino said. “And I think that that’s a challenge not just for gay people, but for all people.”

‘‘

FeAtUre

Doing God’s work Imperial Court still works it for the masses after 40 years

Empress and Emperor 40 of the Imperial Court of the Rocky Mountain Empire Lushus La’Rell and Chase Whitmore were crowned April 20. Queen Mother of the Americas and Executive Director of the International Court Council Nicole Ramirez stands behind them with the College of Monarchs, former emperors and empresses that have served The Court. 2013 marks the 40th year of The Court has been raising money for different charities. Photo courtesy Jesse Hernandez.

By Nic Garcia A makeshift court of royal ambassadors is gathered around an ashtray outside the Renaissance Denver Hotel. Empresses, princesses and other dignitaries with Adam’s Apples as pronounced as their crowns are sucking down cigarettes during the first intermission of the Imperial Court of the Rocky Mountain Empire’s 40th Annual Coronation.

The Lady Ambrosia, the reigning princess of Portland, escorted by Emperor 38 Athens Scities, dashes inside and makes her way down the escalator. It’s their turn to present Denver’s reigning monarchy – Emperor and Empress 39 Ken Bazzan and Martini Monroe – with benefactions and well wishes from the West Coast.

Bazzan and Monroe are a top a throne in a ballroom holding more than 300 guests. At there side are Prince and Princess Royale 39 Caeri Mancini and Melissa Roberts. There are four decades of royalty floating in and out of the room.

The Black and Gold Bangle Tiger Emperor and the Golden White Snow Empress of Olympia, Washington are announced. As they glide toward the monarchy they stop and curtsey to Queen Mother of the Americas and Executive Director of the International Court Council Nicole Ramirez.

A spectator leans in, “Tonight is about what everyone wants: validation.”

To a point. But to understand the Court and the greater circuit that is ruled by Nicole, as she is called affectionately by her heirs apparent – you need to look past the cakes of makeup, crown jewels and sass (plenty of sass) and stick around until 11:30 p.m. for the grand finale.

In 2015, the International Court System, the governing body of organizations like the Imperial Court of the Rocky Mountain Empire,

will celebrate its 50th year. Started by San Francisco’s Emperor I Jose Juilio Sarria, a World War II veteran, courts are registered nonprofits or foundations that raise money explicitly to redistribute it to other nonprofits and community members as grants and scholarships.

“These are the people who built the community,” Ramirez told me. “Before there were corporate sponsorships for Pride, there was the Court.”

Legend has it: Empress XI Christi Layne Elizabeth requested the first permit for a Pride march down Colfax Avenue. And it was she who pleaded with a governor’s aide to ask Colorado’s highest executive to intervene when Denver’s Police Department threatened to forbid the gay community’s public display of their collective First Amendment.

True, false or embellished: The Court has been there every step of the way. As The Court celebrates its 40th anniversary, so does the community at large.

The Court was – and still is – there to raise money for the GLBT Community Center of Colorado, Colorado AIDS Project and the Matthew Shepard Foundation.

During the past three years, according to tax documents, The Court has given out more than $100,000 in grants and scholarships to organizations like Horizon House, an AIDS hospice, PAWS, a shelter that places animals with elders and persons living with disabilities, and Colin Elstob, a student at Otero Junior College.

“You just hope you leave the community – and The Court – a better place then how you found it,” said Empress 35 Jackie Summers.

The Court, like any other organization, is not without its fair share of scandals and innuendo – big and small. In fact, before my weekend at coronation, my only impressions of the monarchs were OUTFRONTonLIne.COM

During the past three years, The Court has given out more than $100,000 in grants and scholarships ... “You just hope you leave the community – and The Court – a better place then you found it,” said Empress 35 Jackie Summers.

formed entirely from beer bust hearsay.

But, “regardless of the image,” Sasha Andrews, the reining Miss Gay Pride of All Colorado, tells me, “The Court still does good work.”

God’s work, according to Ramirez.

“It’s in our DNA to giveback,” she said. “It doesn’t matter if a queen raises $5,000 or $100,000, because it all makes a difference.”

As Act III of coronation comes to a close, the College of Monarchs assembles to anoint the next reign. At least three dozen, every former emperor and empress of The Court in attendance takes the stage. Among them are Empress II Scotti Carlyle, Emperor V Bill Olson, Emperor 13 Chuck Bates, Empress 23 and 24 Sydney Andrews and Nina Montaldo, respectively.

It is an impermeable wall of legacy and linage.

It is a symbol of unwavering support to the new Emperor and Empress 40 Chase Whitmore and LuSush La’Rell – “we’ve got your back.”

It’s easy to dismiss a lone drag queen as a clown – a boy in a dress.

But when local legends – men and women – who have collectively raised millions of dollars stand before you as a singular force, it is no surprise that an organization that began during an era of reparative shock therapy, and later suffered under harassment and false arrest from their local police department, and after an entire generation of leaders died from a silent plague, still stands today.

“Our royalty was created by the rejected and the unaccepted,” Ramirez said.

I call it good pedigree. r For more info on the Imperial Court of the Rocky Mountain Empire, visit DenverCourt.org.

FeAtUre

MAy 1, 2013

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Sampling the restaurant scene Denver’s Dishcrawl profiles culinary artistry

By Jeffrey Steen Do you remember the days of 21-year-old bar crawls? I do. It began in sober excitement, a mellow Long Island in one hand, a Vodka-Cran in the other. Before you knew it, both glasses were empty and the giggles sloppy. Then on to another – with a name you can’t quite remember.

Then a third, and a fourth, and ... maybe a fifth?

Ah, to be 21 again.

The idea of “crawling” from one drinking hole to the next is nothing new, but somehow it’s not really taken into other realms – say, in the world of food, for instance. Until now.

Denver, meet Dishcrawl. It’s what food lovers dream about: a chance to walk from restaurant to restaurant in any number of Denver’s delicious neighborhoods, dining on course after course of signature nibbles. In essence, it offers a profile of Denver’s culinary culture.

Take a recent crawl in the Highlands, anchored at 32nd and Lowell. We started the evening with wine and bruschetta at the cozyquaint Highland Cork and Coffee, meandered up to Fire on the Mountain for salty-spicy wings, ambled over to Highland Pacific for garlicky mussels and beer, and finished on a sweet note at New Mexican Julia Blackbird’s, neighbor to Happy Cakes. In between and all around, we laughed about the steps and missteps of Denver’s culinary development, expressed amazement at dining opportunities we didn’t know existed, and curated a wish list for what might and should be in Denver’s foodie future. Time sailed by, wine was sipped, beer was savored, and at the end of the night we were a bit more savvy – and sated – than we would have been sticking to one spot with a smaller crowd.

Dishcrawl Denver is undeniably still in its infancy, but promises a great many things. We all know – on some level – that Denver boasts a wealth of culinary niches and corners, unheard of gems and bright-eyed stars. But when do we have a chance to experience them in new and interested company, shaping a dining theme otherwise lost to us? It gives our dining “theater” a cohesion that might otherwise pass us by.

And don’t think this is some dictated prixfixe event; Dishcrawlers are encouraged to offer feedback and present their own ideas on what would make a good dining itinerary. The project is inchoate, you see, so the opportunities to expand are legion.

But be forewarned: the idea of the Dishcrawl is to let go of preconceived notions. That’s why the restaurants on any given crawl are a mystery until the day of. If you’re a foodie who relishes a touch of adventure – or at the very least, exploration – then Dishcrawl Denver is right up your alley.

And if you’re seeking a bit of jovial, animated company, unplied with cheap booze and engagingly social, then you’ve got yourself the perfect evening out. Take a roll of the dice, grab one of the $45 tickets, and let the rest unfold. Friends will be made, standbys discovered, and palates enlightened from the culinary stretches of the Highlands, to the quasi-suburban plains of Lowry.

A quick note before you dig in, however: taxes and tip are included, but not alcohol. If you’re craving a beer or a glass of vino, bring some cash.

Little Dragon 1305 Krameria Street, G Denver CO 80220 • 303-322-2128 LittleDragonDenver.com

Hamburger Mary’s 700 East 17th Avenue Denver, CO 80203 • (303) 832-1333 HamburgerMarys.com/denver

Las Margaritas 1035 East 17th Avenue Denver, CO 80218 • (303) 830-2199 LasMargs.com

Serioz Pizzeria 1336 East 17th Avenue Denver, CO 80218 • (303) 997-7679 SeriozPizza.com

r Learn about crawls that are upcoming, and start salivating at Dishcrawl.com/denver.

AN EATER’S PICKS FOR NEW CULINARY CRAWLS , , , , , 22

Larimer: Osteria Marco, Rioja, Tamayo, Lime LoDo: 9th Door, Vesta, Trillium, Venice Congress Park: Shells and Sauce, Sienna Wine Bar, Madison Street Five Points: Infinite Monkey Theorem, The Walnut Room, The Populist, Yours Truly Cupcakes LoHi: LoHi Steakhouse, Jezebel’s, Old Major, Central MAY 1, 2013

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HIGH SOCIETY

Sense & Sensibility the Musical May 5 – May 26 1101 13th St. • Denver, CO 80204 r DenverCenter.org

Making sense

The world premiere of Jane Austen’s classic tale a good fit for Denver, but lacks Broadway sensibility

By Nic Garcia If Jane Austen’s Dashwood sisters are character studies of head and heart, Act I and Act II of Sense & Sensibility, The Musical can just as easily be studied as what makes a good musical – and what doesn’t.

Overall, the world premiere of Sense at The Stage Theatre at the Denver Center for Performing Arts is a refreshing take on a modern musical. When too many musicals are relying on impressive but distracting LED-light backdrops and show stopping numbers that just fall short (see: Catch Me If You Can and the reboot of Jekyll & Hyde), Sense utilizes a classic character driven plot, sweet melodies and some of the best skills on Broadway to deliver.

But could its best also be its worst?

Based on one of Austen’s most beloved tales, Sense, does well by the author. Set in 18th Century England, the story explores what happens when a well-to-do family splinters after the death of its patriarch (hint: the women get nothing), and how two sisters and three men approach love.

Stephanie Rothenberg anchors the cast as Elinor Dashword, the strong older sister. Rothenberg made her Broadway debut last year as Rosemary opposite of Nick Jonas in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

Mastering the role of the younger Marianne Dashwood is Mary Michael Patterson. Patterson made her Broadway debut in the Roundabout Theatre Company’s Tony-winning revival of Anything Goes.

Both Rothenberg and Patterson serve up quality performances. Though neither steals the show.

That honor goes to Ruth Gottschall as Mrs. Jennings, the gossipy match-making aunt. Serving up a Bernadette Peters-like performance, Gottschall has had leading roles on Broadway including Les Miserables and Hairspray.

Entangling with the Dashwood sisters are Nick Verina as Edward, Jeremiah James as Willoughby and Robert Petkoff as Colonel Bradon.

Verina, who recently started as Young Ben in 24

MAY 1, 2013

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the revival of Follies, is the perfect match in mousiness for Rothenberg’s Elinor. James, who starred as Billy Bigelow in the West End revival of Carousel, is as handsome and dastardly as he is talented. And Petkoff wins the audience (and eventually the girl) with his hopelessness and loyalty. The actor was last seen in Denver in 2000 in Tantalus.

The major hiccup for Sense is the balance between the two acts.

Act I feels more like a play with music than a musical.

The ensemble is completely absent between the first and last scene. There’s probably too much dialogue and the pace is slower. Yes, the musical is following a piece of 18th century literature that implores a classic story structure, but a nip here and a tuck there would quickly improve the audience’s experience.

Meanwhile, in Act II, the ensemble is featured in nearly half of the scenes and in several unexpected ways. A personal favorite is “With Her Beside You” featuring members of the chorus as park statues. And in a total reversal, Act II leaves you wanting encore after encore.

The buzz around The Denver Center Theatre Company is that Sense – which was first noticed at the 2012 Colorado New Play Summit – has all the ingredients to make it to Broadway. And while I happily suggest Out Front readers treat themselves to a night at The Stage Theatre to partake in this guilty pleasure of love conquers all, I’m not sure Sense is ready to tackle Broadway.

The music and lyrics are fresh and up-tempo, but it lacks blockbuster ballads.

For a small house like The Stage, the production values are visually pleasing but I have a hard time imagining it being reproduced in mega-theatres across the nation like The Buell.

Simply: it has a little too much sense and not enough sensibility.

Sense and Sensibility, The Musical’ plays through May 26 at the Denver Center Stage Theatre, 1101 13th St. r More info at DenverCenter.org.

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Spring Showcase

May 18 – May 19 South High School • 1700 East Louisiana Ave. Denver, CO 80210 • r ColoradoBallet.org

Ballet Ariel: The Birth of Rock and Roll May 4 PACE Center • 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue Parker, CO 80138 • r PACEcenteronline.org

Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical

May 17 - June 16, 2013 • 2450 W Main Street Littleton, CO 80120 • r townhallartscenter.com

The Color Purple & Cabaret

April 12 – May 12 9900 E Colfax Ave • Aurora, CO 80010 r aurorafoxartscenter.org

Dividing the Estate

April 26 - May 26 6901 Wadsworth Blvd • Arvada, CO 80003 r arvadacenter.org

Church Basement Ladies

February 22 - May 12 5501 Arapahoe Ave • Boulder, CO 80303 r bouldersdinnertheatre.com

PRIDE PREVIEW

What’s new at PrideFest this year New this year: VIP passes available for public purchase include meet–and–greets with the headliners, backstage seating and microbrewery tastings. Also, make sure to check out the Out Front VIP lounge, where we will be talking to attendees, politicos, and entertainers and giving you updates via Twitter and Facebook on behind-the-scenes gossip, happenings and commentary by LGBT

Photo by Nikki Kushner

Pride season is upon us again, and organizers at The Center are busy creating the year’s biggest LGBT party. The four-day lineup starts with launch events on Friday, June 14 and ends with “Gay Day” at Elitch Garden’s on Monday, June 17.

Amping up for the celebration, Out Front pays homage to Demarcio Slaughter, who has been emceeing the event for the past 10 years with style, sass and personality.

“Although this Pride will be my 10th year as the Center Stage emcee, I don’t think it will be my last,” Slaughter said. “I said this two years ago – and found myself always in the same position. I do know that I will be pulling back on my involvement and delegating responsibilities moving forward but I think I have a few more Prides in me still.”

leaders in the community.

PrideFest will be fenced in for the first time this year, a measure requested by the City of Denver to prevent underage drinking by stopping food and drink from going out or coming in the PrideFest area in Civic Center Park.

Also newly announced is the theme for this year’s PrideFest: ‘Focus on our Familes.’

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HAPPY HOUR FUN

on the scene

Pride auditions photos by Charles Broshous

MON - FRI 3PM - 6PM

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$3 Beer & Well Specials $4 Vodka Specials $5 Martinis, Margaritas, & Wine Specials $5 Appetizers at the Bar

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4501 E Virginia Ave Denver, Colorado 80246 • (303) 388-8889 www.facebook.com/elpotreroclub

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Sponsored by Tuaca

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A. bLush & blu D. Eden B. BoyzTown E. El Potrero C. Charlies F. Li’l Devils

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BAR RAG

Gearing up for Bar Wars The annual Bar Wars competitions feature bartenders from your favorite LGBT watering holes in an epic drink–mixing challenge to see who, among all our fair city’s mix mavens, offers the best signature cocktail and flare presentation.

Amidst all the nail–biting suspense, you, Denver’s drinkers, get to judge, tasting each masterful concoction too and getting to know your local bartenders a little better. Prizes include a weekend at Beaver Run Resort, gift cards, and most importantly, bragging rights for the next year – plus a feature in an upcoming issue of Out Front.

PARTICIPATING BARS: , Black Crown, Blush & Blu, Broadways, Charlie’s, Li’l Devils, Tracks, Wranger and X Bar. Charlie’s Denver “Charlie’s is ready to show ya’ll how cowboys do it!! We are looking forward to some cocktail fixin’, bottle slingin,” fun competition.

Most of all were looking forward to spending some time with our fellow bartenders and raising funds for Colorado AIDS Project and the community. So Cowboy Up!” – John Nelms, General Manager Blush & Blu Denver “Blush & Blu is ready to kick our heels up and get theatrical with our cocktail

The ultimate winner, however, will be the good cause that all the fanfare is centered around: raising funds for Colorado AIDS Project. CAP provides services to those living with HIV and AIDS, and free and confidential testing throughout Colorado.

The competition begins now at participating bars. Bartenders competing are racking up donations by selling $1 placards to earn points to add to their overall scores.

To be a judge at this year’s Bar Wars, purchase your wristband on–site May 19 at Charlie’s for $10.

concoctions. We are excited to be a part of Bar Wars, and representing the ladies, we are ready to get dirty, fired up, saucy and sexy. More than anything, my mission has always been grounded in helping the community, so I am excited to be a part of this fundraiser, and hope that it spurs many more momentous fundraisers benefiting the community!”

– Jody Bouffard, owner Black Crown Lounge “Black Crown Lounge is proud to support CAP at this year’s BAR WARS, and our mixologists will bring the best of the Crown for some great competition! Visit us often to support our contribution to CAP, and enjoy some delicious Belvedere

vodka!” – Mark Cameron, co-owner Li’l Devils “Li’l Devils is bringing the heat to the 2013 Bar Wars Competition to benefit our community and the Colorado Aids Project! We are looking forward to a very NAUGHTY competition … we can’t be good all the time!” – Tony Fleith, owner Tracks “Tracks is thrilled to be a part of Bar Wars this year!

Our Cocktailian Bartenders aka Mixologist Masters, will no doubt generate fun filled healthy competition with the other teams all for a good cause!” – Tracks

IF YOU GO: What: BAR WARS Where: Charlie’s Denver, 900 E. Colfax Ave. When: 1 p.m., May 19 Why: To sample cocktails and raise money for Colorado AIDS Project How: Tickets are $10 at Charlie’s

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Three at-home Spring cocktails to get the party started Spring has sprung and summer is on its way; it will soon be the time of year when outdoor entertaining is in full force. I love to entertain, via both cooking and cocktails, so here are a few of my fave recipes that help my guests to relax and have fun and forget that I’m a shitty cook.

Spring Fling Martinis and Such…

By Ashley Trego

The Huggy Bear An intoxicating (pun intended) concoction that I named in honor of one of the best people I know who is not a pimp, but is a great hugger and a giant of person. It is a mix of Stranahan’s Colorado Whisky, Campari, Ginger Ale, fresh lemon juice and a splash of grenadine. It is best as a martini and I am of the school of thought that believes in shaking the crap out of martinis until you get a lovely collection of tiny ice crystals in your glass.

Not only does this make a nice cold drink but damn it makes it look good too.

The Kinda Purple One day I was just in one those moods

when there is nothing that will make it better other than Miles Davis. So, there I am, lamenting to Kind of Blue and seeking inspiration for a new cocktail for my people when I got to thinking about spring. The ingredients I had to play with were Absolute Hibiscus Vodka, Hypnotique (the purple one that’s flavored of lavender and violets) and lemon juice. I put them all in a shaker and came up with something kinda purple and totally delicious.

The Speak Monkey You know when you ask someone something and they sit there like an idiot and you just want to say, “speak!”

This is the cocktail for those moments.

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An odd twist on several of my favorite drinks, this is a concoction of Benedictine, Bullet Maker’s Mark Bourbon, pomegranate juice, a splash of sweet vermouth and an orange twist.

Most importantly, you must drink what you like. Play with these recipes to make them your own. Happy spring!

Ashley Trego is a Western Slope based chef, event planner, wine industry professional and freelance food and wine writer.

She works with the Black Bridge inery, 5680 Vineyards, Alfred Eames Cellars, Lilliputian Winery and Garfield Estates Winery. r Ashley can be reached at ashtrego@ hotmail.com.

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on the scene

HRC Colorado Mile High Gala

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photos by Nikki Kushner

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on the scene

Coronation photos by Charles Broshous

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radioactive vision

On the brink of extinction can National Committee describe tiality. As if that were not enough, RepresentaBy night I am a triple nipple drag the party as “narrow-minded, out of tive Louie Gohmert from Texas managed to bend queen. By day, I work as creative touch and a party of stuffy old men.” his gun control opposition into a gay marriage and communications director for In other words, they are big hairy di- analogy of people marrying dogs. It defies a marketing company in the Tech all logic. The wooly GOP nosaurs survivCenter. One of our latest projects is blunders down the evolution ing off the stored attaching toothbrushes to the tusks path towards self-destruction. fat of wealth of extinct mammals for a dental ‘‘ Author and feminist and past power. promotion. They’re given away at Focus groups in a recent Germaine Greer once said, RNC chairman the Denver Museum of Nature and 100-page report issued by “Evolution is what it is. The Reince Priebus Science’s exhibit, “Mammoths and the Republican National upper classes have always (his name just Mastodons: Titans of the Ice Age” Nuclia Waste sounds ancient) running through May 27th.

Committee describe the party died out; it's one of the most charming things about them.”

Wooly mammoths have always fascinat- even issued a video telling as “narrow-minded, out of And I would add, “bless their ed me. It's the convergence of my two most Republicans they can’t do touch and a party of stuffy hearts.” favorite things, elephants and dinosaurs. With a things the same old way any old men.” In other words, To stay in the present, more. They must be more mastodon, you get two for the price of one. they are big hairy dinosaurs you have to keep moving Even more fascinating, besides finding the “inclusive.” surviving off the stored fat and changing, or you’ll Well, if you have ever bones of mammoths, is that we’re unearthing of wealth and past power. end up in the dustbin of whole animals, frozen in time. Flesh, fur and tried turning an elephant the past. You should never DNA. It’s thawing out in abundance, thank you around, you know what a global warming. When the latest issue of National daunting task than can be. Two weeks after the stop growing, never stop learning, never stop Graphic came out explaining how close we are to report, Alaska State Representative Don Young improving yourself. If you do this, you will cloning a mammoth, I peed myself. I’ll be the first called Hispanics “wetbacks.” Inclusive? I don’t never grow old. As American author Wilford A. Peterson wrote. “You never grow old – you think so. in line for a wooly pet.

And just when two Republicans announced become old by not continuing to grow.” I feel This got me thinking about another elephantine creature on the brink of extinction, the their support of gay marriage, along comes Re- younger already.

Republican Party. This is a party that has not publican Dr. Ben Carson, a neurosurgeon at John evolved in quite some time. Focus groups in a Hopkins University, who in the same sentence r Nuclia Waste can be reached through her recent 100-page report issued by the Republi- equated gay marriage with pedophilia and bes- website at NucliaWaste.com.

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INTERVIEW

A ‘Perfect’ journey

Out True Blood actress Jessica Clark speaks with gratitude on her evolution through modeling, acting and 2012 film A Perfect Ending

By Robyn Vie-Carpenter

Jessica Clark, the British actress who plays Lilith on the HBO TV series True Blood, is not only beautiful but also talented and quite a delight.

I caught up with Clark at the Wolfe Video booth during The Dinah, the 2013 annual Dina Shore party in Palm Springs, California the first weekend of April – a massive dance party and music festival destination for lesbians from far and wide. We spoke about the biggest girl party in the world, Clark’s starring role in the 2012 lesbian film A Perfect Ending, and about being OK with her sexuality.

Robyn Vie-Carpenter: Have you done The Dinah before?

Jessica Clark: I’m not a full Dinah Virgin but this is really my first time being completely immersed in it.

RVC: I couldn’t believe how many women were here.

JC: They’re everywhere! Everyone’s here to be looked at and enjoyed.

You can be free and wild as you want without sitting there with that voice in your head, going OK….

If you’re in different environments, you don’t want to be harassed or for people to say things. You shouldn’t have to worry, but in the real world you do. So, that’s why (Dinah) is so magical and fun and sexy.

RVC: Where are you from?

JC: I’m from London. I lived in New York for a long time when I first moved to the states.

RVC: Were you modeling?

JC: I was. I was with Ford [Models] for a long time.

RVC: Did you do runway?

JC: I did runway for a long time. I did runway when I was living in Paris.

When I moved to New York and I switched to acting. You know, I got over not eating.

[Modeling] gives you some amazing access and experience. If you’re lucky, which I was, you’re successful. It comes to a point where you say, “I appreciate all that’s been given to me, but now what can I do with that?” It’s a choice, you have to give back. We’re given so many good

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things; people are interested in what we have to say. What do you say?

RVC: So it gives you a platform.

JC: That’s why I am so grateful [about modeling], but I wouldn’t want to go back to it. I’m thankful for that training, that opportunity. It teaches you resilience. You become very independent, very self-sufficient, and those are life skills that are incredibly useful for all kinds of things.

You’re able to transition into another creative arts, like I did with acting.

I feel very fortunate that I’ve been able to make that transition. And my community has supported me, and the mainstream as well. It’s been quite the ride, I’m enjoying it.

RVC: Tell me about your new film, A Perfect Ending and how that happened.

JC: It was one of those things where everything was sort of symbiotic.

I was transitioning into acting. I moved out to LA from New York and I had a manager.

It’s very rare that you get a part written for a woman…on one level, OK, so she’s an escort. But the way she was written and the freedom they gave me to explore the character – there was so much nuance and so much sort of underlying things in my character and she goes through such a transformation during the film. It was my first feature film. It’s really sort of a gift that I got to experience it. Nicole [Conn, the director] was amazing and really guided me through it. r ‘A Perfect Ending,’ is available at Amazon.com or at WolfeVideo.com.

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thrive

R

Denver Kung Fu studio helps women find balance, strength

By Noelle Leavitt Riley

egardless of sexuality, race or body type, anyone can be a victim of attack, said Mez Charney, an instructor at Denver Kung Fu, one of many Chinese martial arts studios in the metro area and offers women full self-defense and martial arts training using the ving tsun Kung Fu style.

“You can be a white, straight woman and you can be victimized.

You can be a part of a minority, and you can be a person of color and you can be victimized,” she said.

“Telling somebody you’re a lesbian is not going to prevent them from raping you.”

The term Kung Fu – Chinese for any skill that takes learning and focus – is typically used now describe self-defense techniques through martial arts that cultivates balance, strength and fearlessness.

Charney, who proudly proclaimed, “I’m queer,” understands the social pressures lesbians experience and the dangers that potentially come with being openly gay.

“Homophobia exists, and it exists in vile disgusting ways,” she said. “There are men out there who think that a lesbian is just a woman who never met the right penis and they’re the right penis, which is what ‘corrective rape’ is.

They think your behavior can be corrected through rape.”

So she works hard to help her women students learn to protect themselves through Kung Fu. Charney is not one to mince words. “The only thing that will prevent someone from raping you is ripping off their balls or putting your fingers through their eyes or incapacitating them enough to be able to get away,” she said.

Charney is 5 feet 3 inches and weighs 120 pounds. Yet her 10 years of Kung Fu training give her the skills, strength and knowledge to kick some serious butt.

She has trained side-by-side with Sam Kohlenberg, owner of the studio, for 10 years. continued on page 40

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continued from page 39

Kung Fu is more than just a martial art, as it gives people the ability to learn how to trust their instincts and react to violence in a positive, relaxed way, Kohlenberg said.

Mez Charney Photo by: Eric Berkow “I think people react differently when they’re able to relax as opposed to a fight or flight reaction,” he said. “There are some people who come into the studio and get a lot of meditation out of Kung Fu. There are some people who want to learn strictly self defense.”

The relaxation that comes through the teachings of Kung Fu has a lot to do with the fact that students gain confidence in their ability to defend themselves. In turn, that confidence carries over into several other areas of life.

It reduces stress, Kohlenberg said.

“It allows people to be relaxed enough in order to not pound on the steering wheel when stuck in traffic,” he said, highlighting one of many examples of how the martial art can teach students inner peace.

Originally located in the Rino district of Denver, Kohlenberg opened his studio in 2008. Roughly two years ago, he moved the studio to Broadway for more exposure.

Both Kohlenberg and Charney trained with the elite Kung Fu masters across the nation.

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with grandmaster Moy Tung,” Kohlenberg said.

Moy Tung is a student of Moy Yac who trained Bruce Lee years ago in China.

The pair also trained in Detroit under sifu Owen Matson, who is a highly notable instructor in the Kung Fu world.

“As an instructor, I take my training very seriously,” Kohlenberg said, adding that he’s continuously training every year to take his skills to higher levels.

“The best part of the training for me includes qualities and skills that I didn’t even know I was looking for when I started down this road,” he said.

For Charney, Kung Fu has given her the power to say no to anything and the power to make good, solid decisions.

An introductory one-on-one, hour-long course at Denver Kung Fu is $50, which includes a pair of Kung Fu shoes and a T-shirt. The studio also has an introductory offer of three months training for $280, or students can choose to sign up for $120 one month course.

Denver Kung Fu is located at 852 North Broadway. r For more info, visit KungFuDenver.com.

The gay aesthetic

BEAUTY

The Dos and Don’ts of beardkeeping

By Kelsey Lindsey, the Boulderite Beauty From skinny hipsters to studmuffin Ryan Gosling, men are bucking the clean-shaved trend and doing what was once thought so unprofessional by past generations: sporting the understated stubble. While the look is not limited to mountain men or Santa Claus, your facial hair – whether a full-fledged beard or oh-so-subtle shadow – requires grooming. Below are some do’s and don’ts to follow to keep your facial hair looking just the right amount of unkempt, in the best possible way.

Don’t: Shave your neck clear up to the chin (or even close).

While some think that makes their face look thinner, the effect is quite the opposite – a shaved neck makes any man with even the littlest of flab look like he has a double chin. Très non-sexy, no?

Do: Maintain a neckline one inch above the Adam’s apple.

Do: Apply a hot towel to your face before trimming. This helps open the pores, reducing ingrown hairs, redness and nicks.

After shaving, splash some cold water on your face or use a cool washcloth to close the pores.

Don’t: Squeeze ingrown hairs like pimples, as it might lead to infection. To remove ingrown hairs, place a hot towel to the spot followed by a cotton swab soaked in alcohol. With tweezers, grab the hair as close to the base as possible and pull the bulb out.

Do: Trim your beard regularly with a beard trimmer. Guards set at three usually help maintain that perfect scruff. Try Braun’s Cruzer Beard and Head ($60, braun.com) or the Norelco Vacuum Stubble and Trimmer Pro from Philips ($60, usa.philips.com). The latter has a built in vacuum (hence the name), which sucks up clippings into a tap-to-clean compartment.

Don’t: Trim the beard with the grain. Trimming against the grain guarantees an even cut.

Do: Condition your beard. While it may seem awkward, beards can form split ends much like the hair on your head can, leading to a coarser beard. Jack Black’s Beard Lube Conditioning Shave ($17, macys.com) contains jojoba and eucalyptus oils that bind moisture to the skin and softens whiskers. Or try Phyto’s Phytobaume Conditioner ($15, Sephora), which has special proteins that helps keep itching at a minimal in the very beginning stages of growing your mane. r Reach Kelsey by email at Kelsey@OutFrontOnline.com.

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on the scene

Barker Lounge charity pig roast

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photos by Charles Broshous

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Highlights include a combined 26 mpg fuel rating, 710 watt sound system, panoramic stationary glass roof (with mood lights), start/ stop engine switch, navigation, heated front seats, rain–sensing wipers and more. It is a good compact CUV that carries more luggage than you would expect, looks sharp and easy at the pump.

Price as tested: $28,570.

2013 Kia Sportage SX AWD: Kia Sportage has grown since earlier versions and offers features you’d expect on a CUV costing $10,000 more. The SX AWD is at the top of the model range; selecting the Premium Package adds options like heated front seats, air-cooled driver seat, panoramic sunroof (and it opens!) and heated outside mirrors. For another $1,200 you can add navigation and never get lost again. The SX also comes standard with the 260-hp Turbo 2.0-liter 4 cylinder engine – so, yes, this small but capable CUV can really boogie.

How does it drive? Well–sorted with steering on the lighter side and a suspension that is definitely more tuned for sport than comfort.

Price as tested: $32,400.

2013 Toyota RAV4: The RAV4 is new for consumers for 2013. Gone is the V6 option, but the 176-hp 2.5-liter 4 Cylinder will give you not only power, but personality with different driving modes. While not as fast as the turbo vehicles in this comparison,

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the new RAV4 boasts more cargo room than the previous generation and convenience options like the power liftgate in the Limited model.

What’s missing? Leather…now you can only get Toyota SoftTex (think vinyl). The mpg rating might make up for it, at 22/29 city/hwy. Price as tested: $28,700.

2013 Buick Encore AWD Premium: Buick has been working hard to change its personality, but the Encore is a slippery slope back Based on the Chevrolet Captiva, this super–compact crossover is available with just about every luxury option you can imagine.

The best part of the Encore is attention to detail in the interior – including including the gauge faces and available two-tone brown and saddle interior. The driving experience with the138-hp 1.4-liter Ecotec 4 cylinder is OK, but you will find the handling and lag in throttle response disappointing.

The combined mpg rating of 26 is competitive with other CUVs. For our tastes, the Encore is a little too little; we can see it working for an urban environment. Price as tested: $29,690.

2014 Subaru Forester 2.0XT Premium: The Forester 2.0XT, an all–new 2014 model, represents the performance and sports–oriented version with different front facia, sports-tuned suspension, a 250-hp turbocharged Boxer six-cylinder engine and mpg ratings of 23/28 city/hwy. It will also boast more cargo capacity than the outgoing 2013 while keeping the same overall footprint. If you want navigation and the All-Weather Package with heated seats, you will have to step up to the Touring model and add about $4K to the price. Price as tested: $28,820.

ReaL eSTaTe

The art of finding a perfect home

By Jeff Hammerberg, GayRealEstate.com

Looking for a new home involves many factors, including the type of property you would feel comfortable in, the style of home or building you prefer, how much you can afford, the amenities and transportation links in the local area, and whether it will be near enough to work or to school. The difficulties increase with each member of the family needing consideration.

There is an art behind finding the perfect home, and if you know it, you can move more quickly.

Start with deciding what you’re looking for in the home itself: The number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the size and style of the property and the neighborhood’s atmosphere. You might also be looking for a property with specific features, like a pool or a stunning view.

Once you know what you want, realize what you can afford, including how much you’ll be able to borrow and how large your deposit and down payment will be. You should get pre-approved for a mortgage before you even go out looking for your new home, so you will know exactly how much you have available to spend – ask your real estate agent for a referral to a reputable local lender.

Then scope out specific neighborhoods. You probably have some location ideas already based on work, community, and the proximity of friends or relatives. But also find out what the different neighborhoods are like – and where there is shopping, recreation, library, bike paths, etc., factoring what sorts of properties are available and whether they’re selling for prices in your range.

Once you’ve narrowed that much down, there are a number of different places where you can find homes to check out, but keep in mind many of the online sources don’t keep up with the market and you’re likely to run into homes that have already sold. The most obvious way to view homes is to choose a realtor you’d like to work with who serves the area you are interested in. They’ll be able to tell you about any properties that meet your requirements, in addition to setting you up on an automated search so you know about the new homes hitting the market before anyone else.

It used to be that is was rarely a good idea to buy a house on the day you first see it, but the market has changed. Once you’re familiar with the neighborhoods and have a sense of what’s available, be prepared to move with an offer quickly!

A Wellness Oriented Lifestyle can assist you in reaching your OPTIMUM HEALTH

● Chiropractic ● Rehab ● Massage Therapy Cherry Creek Spine & Sport Clinic 400 S. Colorado Blvd., Ste., 300 Glendale CO., 80246 303 759 5575 DrMarkijohn@gmail.com www.CherryCreekSpine.com

r Author Jeff Hammerberg is the Founding CEO of GayRealEstate.com.

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Back in my day

Pride in 1979 Colorado’s first Pride was in 1976, and since then the annual event – which began with more of a mood of protest and solidarity than the festivities of today – has grown to a massive celebration season with a week of parties and entertainment. In this photo from Out Front’s archives, marked only “Pride 1979,” three men saunter down the street in the festivities when they were only in their third year.

Back in MY day…

Got a story, memory or reflection to share from way back when? Let us know about it! Email editorial@outfrontonline.com with a story with “back in my day” in the subject line to have it considered for print!

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get active

LGBT organizations that create movement, change and fun Colorado AIDS Project CAP is a service organization that works to meet the needs of people affected by HIV through prevention, care and advocacy in the state.

Get involved/More info: ColoradoAIDSProject.org Colorado Anti-Violence Program The Colorado Anti-Violence Program is a nonprofit and service oriented group that works to build safety and justice for the LGBT community through advocacy, youth organization, training and education of the community.

Get involved/More info: COAVP.org Colorado Gay Rodeo Association This CGRA is the oldest gay rodeo association in North America and puts on the annual Rocky Mountain Regional Rodeo each summer.

Get involved/More info: CGRA.ws Babes Around Denver Babes Around Denver is a social group focused on connecting the female community. Check out the monthly First Friday celebrations at Tracks!

Get involved/More info: BabesArounDenver.com Denver Gay Men’s Chorus A chorale group that exists to build community through music. The members join in the making of an artistic statement that creates a positive contribution in the arts to the LGBT community.

Auditions are always open!

Get involved/More info: Rmarts.org/DGMC.php Denver Gay Professionals The Denver Gay Professionals is a networking community whose mission is to continually provide a highly-creative and social environment where members and guests are encouraged to network.

Get involved/More info: DenverGayProfessionals.com Front Range Bears The Front Range Bears is a social group for hirsute men and their admirers.

Every year they sponsor Octobearfest, a 3-4 day international gathering of bears.

Accepting new members!

Get involved/More info: FrontRangeBears.org

Gender Identity Center of Colorado The GIC of Colorado is a nonprofit organization that provides support, outreach and advocacy to anyone gender variant in their gender identity and expression.

Get involved/More: GicOfColo.org Hip Chicks Out Hip Chicks Out is a social group for women. Join the female revolution with the HipChicksOut Crashers. Get involved by joining the party every 2nd Friday of the month at the Living Room.

Get involved/More info: HipChicksOut.com HRC Colorado The Human Rights Campaign in Colorado fights for equality for all LGBT people. HRC is always looking for more volunteers.

Get involved/More: HRC.org/states/Colorado Keshet Keshet is a national grassroots organization that works for the full equality and inclusion of LGBT Jews in Jewish life.

Get invloved/More info: KeshetOnline.org Mile High Freedom Band The MHFB is a charitable organization that serves the LGBT community through quality music. The band is open to ALL who respect the diversities in life, including the LGBT community. Auditions are always open!

Get involved/More info: MHFB.org Project Angel Heart An organization that delivers nutritious meals to those living with life threatening illnesses. Get involved by giving back and volunteering!

Get involved/More info: ProjectAngelHeart.org The GLBT Community Center of Colorado The state’s largest center for the entire LGBT community. With programs like SAGE (an elder’s program), Rainbow Alley (Youth program), Transgender and Legal Advocacy programs, The Center works to provide support and advocacy for all of Colorado’s diverse LGBT community. The Center also puts on Denver’s annual PrideFest and parade.

Get involved/More info: GLBTColorado.org Outfrontonline.com

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METRO LIVING

Spring garden chores for summer green

By Matthew Pizzuti

It’s been a strange spring this year, with stretches of sunny, warm weather interrupted by deep freezes that killed even the most frost-tolerant emerging foliage. Most damaged plants will recover if left alone, but as the days lengthen and the weather finally warms up – now more reliably – the season for annuals and vegetable gardens begins. Denver’s “last frost date” year typically happens at the beginning of May, but later frosts do happen so most gardeners feel most comfortable planting their tender plants around May 15. Mark your calendars for late spring tasks here:

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‘‘

SEXUAlITY

I firmly believe that the practice of BDSM can be both recreational and therapeutic.

I believe that BDSM isn’t something to be afraid of, but rather something to embrace for both the mind and the body.

And I’m not the only one who wants to make this point.

Self-actualized sadomasochistic sexuality

By Lauren Archuletta I am no queen of fetish or domination. I am also not a sexuality expert by any means – that role belongs to another Out Front columnist. But I am what I would like to call a “BDSM advocate.”

The world of BDSM has fascinated me ever since a professional Denver dominatrix swooped onto the CU Boulder campus and gave an enthralling performance to students of a sociology course I took. I left the show with whips, floggers and ropes on my mind.

For the next few years, I dedicated a significant amount of my undergraduate career studying the practices, the culture and the attitudes associated with BDSM. As you may have guessed, the majority of outsider opinions on BDSM are negative. People jump to the “sick” conclusion; In fact, sadomasochism is listed as a mental illness in American Psychiatric Association’s DSM (classified as a disorder if it’s been practiced towards non-consenting victims, but using the same term that responsible participants embrace).

But while these outsiders are calling us kinky and sick, we are calling ourselves healthy and selfactualized.

I firmly believe that the practice of BDSM can be both recreational and therapeutic. I believe that BDSM isn’t something to be afraid of, but rather something to embrace for both the mind and the body. And I’m not the only one who wants to make this point.

Sexual studies scholars are coming out of the woodwork left and right to defend the BDSM culture. Most are making the case that BDSM is not a sickness at all, but subject to misunderstanding.

To many, the idea of being dominated and seeking pleasure in pain is so daunting that it almost isn’t even fathomable. But once people begin to let that guard down and accept the unacceptable, an entire world in the pursuit of happiness opens up.

To further discuss the idea I turned to Lady Bandita, a professional dominatrix working in the Denver area – and the same dom I saw perform at CU Boulder a few years ago.

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Bandita believes that curiosity about different things is healthy, as is giving in to the desire to try something new.

“I think that people try a lot of things and choose from curiosity,” Bandita said, “and it’s a pull to get into whatever. Body modification, you name it. It’s a pull to go in a particular direction and explore and learn more. The pull gives us the ability to say, ‘well, I like pain, what else can cause me pain that I like?’”

For Bandita, BDSM is a way to channel her dominant personality traits.

“I know that if I don’t participate in some sort of activity where I can assert my dominance in my setting, I’ll seek it out in other areas,” Bandita said.

“Maybe I’ll go to a fighting class, but I’ll try to get it somewhere else. I find that when I can participate (in BDSM) I feel fulfilled in a stable way.”

Many people find BDSM to be form of healthy therapy and release.

“I think it’s a stress relief for people who want to relinquish the control they have in life – or for people who want to gain that control,” said Lucy McAlister, a 22-year-old University of Colorado graduate.

Scholars like Staci Newmahr examine how this nontraditional practice is defined as “a devotion to the pursuit of an activity that requires specialized skills and resources and provides particular benefits.” Newmahr argues that for sadomasochism to be considered as “serious leisure,” it is something that must be taken out of the bedroom and into a new space.

Lady Bandita also agrees, to a certain degree.

“Typically there’s a desire (for BDSM) and people do it to the extent that they can until they have to see a professional,” Bandita said. “A professional enters when you can’t fulfill these actions yourself or you don’t have the space for it.”

One of the biggest reasons we engage in sexual activity in the first place is to feel good, to feel a connection with a partner, for satisfaction or maybe to unwind after a long day’s work. Those of us who are intrigued by BDSM do it for the same reasons.

Those who practice BDSM aren’t sick – we’re just human too.

OutfrOntoNlINE.cOm

ASK THE SEXPERT

Kids and compromises Hi Shanna

Shanna Katz

I’ve recently moved in with my girlfriend of four years, and I’m not sure what to do about having sex on the weeks that she has custody of her two kids, ages 5 and 7. She usually has an open–door policy with them, which is great, but I want some adult time too. What should we do?

– Horny and Parenting in Parker

Dear Horny and Parenting Congrats on the cohabitation, and what sounds like the first step towards co-parenting. Your girlfriend’s open–door policy is great, but it’s also completely understandable that you are looking to set limits around when the kids are welcome to climb into bed with the two of you.

This is the perfect time to begin conversations with the kids around privacy or “private time” – for adults and for them.

Having a talk about the fact that everyone needs alone time helps establish when it’s OK to come in to the bedroom and when it’s not. However, once you set those boundaries, their privacy should be respected too.

You can establish those moments by declaring them, or establish a sign, like a scrunchie on the door. Again, make sure the kids have their own way to request privacy.

You’ll have an exception for emergencies, of course.

You can also have more late–night trysts when the kids are in bed, or work with your girlfriend to set the kids up with play dates. Consider taking turns babysitting with another couple with kids of their own.

You could also try and schedule your sexual playtime when your girlfriend doesn’t have custody. There are many ways to work around raising kids and still having a happy and fulfilling sex life as parents.

Best wishes, – Shanna Have a question you’d like to ask Shanna (anonymously)? Email shannkatz@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. r For more info, please visit ShannaKatz.com.

Stay connected

facebook.com/charlies.denver

900 East Colfax denver colorado www.charliesdenver.com 303 839 8890

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HEINZESIGHT

10 ways to move from a romantic dud to a flirtatious stud

Brent Heinze Brent Heinze, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor. r Email to PerspectiveShift@yahoo.com.

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Warmer weather brings opportunities to meet new people and have fun. Here are some ideas about fine–tuning your ability to throw out and pick up the right cues for the best experience.

10. Be respectful – It doesn’t matter if the guy is the hottest stud you’ve ever seen; it’s not effective to drool, stare him down or maul him like a lion on a gazelle. On the flip side, don’t be rude or cruel to someone who hits on or compliments you – if you’re not interested, just say thank you and move on.

9. Be intimate – invading someone’s personal space can cause awkwardness, but it can also show interest and they may want you invade your bubble in return. Just go slow and don’t overstay your welcome. By the way, mints are always good ammunition before starting the invasion!

8. Be emotionally aware – Think about your attitude before you go to socialize with people. You may be feeling out–of–place, angry, relaxed, selfloathing, bored, excited or desperate.

These moods come out even if you are trying to cover them.

7. Be affectionate – Touch his arm or

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leg to show that you are interested; physical contact feels great. But there is a huge difference between a gentle touch on the shoulder.

6. Be presentable – wear clothes that make you feel attractive or powerful; although comfort can be important, what you wear should make you feel and look good. There is nothing wrong with a little healthy acknowledgment of, “hell yeah I look great – bring it on!”

5. Be aware of social cues – There is a huge difference between making eye contact and looking away out of shyness, versus looking away because they aren’t attracted or want to invite a conversation. It is important to distinguish between interest and disinterest, but sometimes you can’t be sure until you go up and talk.

4. Be composed – The way you stand and the expression on your face tells people about you before you utter a word. You might feel awkward, stand with your arms crossed, or tend to scan the room from the edge. Take a moment and evaluate how others may perceive you. If you have any doubt, stand in front of a mirror or ask a buddy for her or his assessment.

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3. Be real – Look confident without overacting; playing games trying to appear overconfident may give others the impression that you are arrogant, standoffish or unapproachable. Don’t waste time attempting to develop an inflated ego persona.

2. Be realistic – Knowing the cues won’t be worth a damn if you don’t recognize them. It is also extremely important to realize when they are not there. It is up to you act appropriately in social situations. Be careful to not let your interests or emotions experiences override your logical mind; they can override your perceptions and lead to bad choices.

1. Be yourself – Any social interaction will be more effective when delivered with confidence. I’m painfully aware that challenging insecurity and raising self-esteem can be a challenge; take time to address them and develop effective social skills. Feeling awkward and isolated keeps us from connecting with people, but more importantly stops us from finding happiness and fulfillment in life.

If at first you don’t succeed, try again or change your tactic. How do you become skilled? Practice, practice, practice!

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Envisioned by Boberto

OUTback classifieds S A D B U T T R U E ! OutBack Classifieds are one of our most read sections. It’s like a car wreck – you can’t help but look.

Irreverent Advertising that gets noticed.

Hot Guys! Hot Chat!

Hot Fun! Call Free!

303-563-4828 or 800-777-8000 – 18+

WOOLY MAMMOTHS: Flesh, fur and DNA. Big hairy dinosaurs surviving off the stored fat of wealth and past power .... page 33

IN NEED OF A HARD, STIFF, COCK-TAIL? Head over to BAR WARS, May 19 at Charlie’s ... page 28

FEELING DIRTY? Wanna clean your baby?

Wash away last weekend at Waterworks ... page 34

CALLING ALL HAIRY BEARS! Make sure to keep your cheeks looking studly and sexy ... page 41 54

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