CO LO R A D O'S LG B TQ M AGA ZINE | F R E E
A Whole New Pride
O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 1
CONTENTS JUNE 17, 2020 VOL44 NO6
THE FIRST PRIDE WAS A PROTEST: DENVER’S PART IN THE LARGEST CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT IN HUMAN HISTORY
11
BLACK LIVES MATTER TO US: THE CRUCIAL ROLE THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY PLAYS
16 18 20 25 28 32 38 45 48 52
AMERICAN QUEER LIFE: LARRY KRAMER, NOW YELLING AT GOD PRIDEFEST GOES VIRTUAL IN 2020 PRIDEFEST 2020: MORE ACCESSIBLE, MORE INCLUSIVE CELEBRATING DENVER’S VIRTUAL PRIDE WITH NAYSHA LOPEZ MASK, GLOVES, SOAP, SCRUBS: TODRICK HALL KEEPS THE SPIRIT OF PRIDE ALIVE SHE’S HERE, SHE’S QUEER, AND READY FOR CHANGE: REBECCA BLACK NOT A DROP TO DRINK: DOWNTOWN’S LGBT BAR SCENE AMID COVID-19 VIRTUAL DRAG IS A LESSON IN DESPAIR BEFORE STONE WALL & AFTER STONE WALL THE HISTORY OF THE LGBT COMMUNITY
Photo by Jon Sams 4 \\ J U N E 1 7 , 2 0 2 0
SERVING THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS SINCE 1976 PHONE 303-477-4000 FAX 303-325-2642 WEB OutFrontMagazine.com FACEBOOK /OutFrontColorado TWITTER @OutFrontCO INSTAGRAM /OutFrontColorado FOUNDER PHIL PRICE 1954-1993 ADMINISTRATION info@outfrontmagazine.com JERRY CUNNINGHAM Publisher J.C. MCDONALD Vice President MAGGIE PHILLIPS Operations Manager JEFF JACKSON SWAIM Chief Strategist EDITORIAL editorial@outfrontmagazine.com ADDISON HERRON-WHEELER Editor VERONICA L. HOLYFIELD Creative Director KEEGAN WILLIAMS Copy Editor BRENT HEINZE Senior Columnist DENNY PATTERSON Celebrity Interviewer INTERNS: Apollo Blue, Arianna Balderrama, Ray Manzari, Sadie Cheney WRITERS: Allison Porter, Anissa Lujan, David-Elijah Nahmod, Frank Carber, Rick Kitzman, Yvonne Wright ART art@outfrontmagazine.com DESIGN2PRO Graphic Designer COVER DESIGN Veronica L. Holyfield COVER PHOTO Jon Sams MARKETING + SALES marketing@outfrontmagazine.com BENJAMIN YOUNG Director of Sales & Marketing QUINCEY ROISUM Marketing Executive KELSEY ELGIE DOMIER Marketing Executive KAYTE DEMONT Marketing Executive
DISTRIBUTION OUT FRONT’s print publication is available semi-monthly, free of charge, one copy per person. Additional copies of OUT FRONT may be purchased for $3.95 each, payable in advance at OUT FRONT offices located at 3535 Walnut Street, Denver CO, 80205. OUT FRONT is delivered only to authorized distributors. No person may, without prior written permission of OUT FRONT, take more than one copy of OUT FRONT. 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, its staff, or advertisers.
RESERVATION OF RIGHTS Q Publishing Group, LTD is the owner of all right, title, and interest in the OUT FRONT brand and logo. No person or entity may reproduce or use (or authorize the reproduction or use of) the OUT FRONT brand and logo in any manner other than expressly authorized by Q Publishing Group. Unauthorized use of the OUT FRONT brand and logo is strictly prohibited. OUT FRONT is published by Q Publishing, Ltd., a Colorado corporation and is a member of: the National Equality Publishers Association and Colorado LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce.
O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 5
6 \\ J U N E 1 7 , 2 0 2 0
O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 7
A Message from
“My heart is broken, but I believe we can take this momentum and do something good. The first Pride was a protest, and this year, we’re just getting back to our roots. OUT FRONT stands with Black Lives Matter and will continue to fight for equality all year long.” -Addison Herron-Wheeler, editor
“This movement requires more from us as allies than just a black Instagram tile. We must be committed to creating long-standing change. While social media solidarity is a great way to start, we have to keep pressing forward together, register to vote, sign petitions, and say their names.”
“An inability to listen has helped to lead us to where the world is as a whole. More voices banding together helps to create the change we need to see! Ignoring the voices that need to be heard will go on no longer. They will listen.We will all see to that. We will work for the equality we ALL deserve! Let’s remind them Liberty and Justice for All did not mean a select few.”
-Kelsey Elgie Domier, marketing executive
-Quincey B. Roisum, marketing executive
8 \\ J U N E 1 7 , 2 0 2 0
“I have been disheartened that the injustice has gone on for so long, and I truly hope this time we all can make a difference! Together we will rise! Keep up the good fight!” -Maggie Phillips, director of operations
“With each new year comes a new chance of creating new standards and expectations. I think all of us entered 2020 hoping for the best — instead we were met with some of the worst and most difficult challenges that many of us have ever faced. While we no doubt have a long way to go, I feel inspired and motivated to continue working towards a lasting change for good. I’m honored to create and move alongside so many incredible people who are leading the way every single day. I’ve never felt more confident that good will prevail.” -Kayte Demont, marketing executive
"Even though this year has been challenging on so many fronts, I am so encouraged seeing millions of voices rise up to call for meaningful change. I’m inspired by the peaceful, persistent protests that have driven this conversation forward, and I have so much hope for the future despite the darkness of the year. We will get through this struggle together!"
“While this has been one of the most difficult years many of us have ever experienced, as marginalized and ostracised communities, this is not the first time we have needed to rise above social injustice and political assault. We are in this fight for human equity and justice together, and while we are unable to celebrate Pride in person, we will continue to take to the streets and rally for long-lasting change that has taken far too long.”
-Ben Young, director of sales and marketing
-Veronica Holyfield, creative director
O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 9
Kabbalah
Experience
Together We'll Make Change
Free Intro Classes week of June 22nd Summer Session begins June 29th All classes are offered on ZOOM videoconference
All are lcome
kabbalahexperience.com phone: 303-337-0959
1 0 \\ J U N E 1 7 , 2 0 2 0
DENVER’S PART IN THE LARGEST CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT IN HUMAN HISTORY by Ray Manzari
phto by Veronica L. Holyfield
The First Pride was a Protest
O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 1 1
The Protesters My first day attending Denver’s Black Lives Matter protest was Sunday May 31, eight days after the death of George Floyd. The tension in the air was palpable, a small group of people gathered around the Denver Police Department to sling insults and demand answers. An armored vehicle with a dozen MPs hanging off the sides and back made its way up Broadway towards the statehouse. But as I crossed the lawn and got into the sight line of Denver’s Civic Center, I was taken aback by the sheer size of the crowd. While there is no official report of how many people showed up over that weekend, the estimates are in the thousands. “I do everything I can to be a good ally, but at a certain point, just posting on social media and throwing money at a problem isn’t enough. Even right now, it’s such a privilege to be speaking with you like this, because Black people are fearful of what will happen if they do show up and speak out.” said 17-year-old protestor Sophia. That fear was not unjustified; Denver Police Department used tear gas and pepper bullets to disperse crowds just minutes after the curfew over the weekend. Meanwhile, (former) Denver Police Officer Thomas McClay posted a picture of himself and two other officers on Instagram, captioning it “Let’s start a riot.”
photos by Veronica L. Holyfield
As the week wore on, the tension slowly loosened. On Monday, Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen marched with protesters, and Monday evening, DPD (Denver Police Department) announced that they would not be enforcing
1 2 \\ J U N E 1 7 , 2 0 2 0
the 9 p.m. curfew. By Friday, June 5, DPD had dissolved the curfew all together. But, speakers continued to bring passionate and moving discussion to the table. One fired-up speaker suggested that police departments need to be flooded with black, brown, and transgender cops. She also served the large crowd with a history lesson on the Tulsa, OK riots and the looting and pillaging of Native American land. “When you talk to me about looting, when you talk to me about fires, when you talk to me about death, you better talk to me about Black Wall Street. Over 35 blocks were burned down, 21 banks, 6,000 homeless people after that incident; over 300 lives were massacred. Nobody wants to take accountability. Don’t talk to me about looting unless you want to talk to me about my ancestors.”
The Petitions For those who can’t attend protests, a large and ever-growing number of online petitions in support of Black Lives Matter are circulating. 1. HANDS UP ACT The Hands Up Act is a proposed piece of legislation that suggests officers receive a mandatory, 15-year prison sentence for the killing of unarmed men and women. 2. #WEAREDONEDYING The NAACP launched the petition in honor of George Floyd with the sole purpose of eliminating senseless hate crimes. 3. #DEFUNDTHEPOLICE Join the Black Lives Matter movement, which aims to defund law enforcement and redirect funds to invest in Black communities.
photo by Julius Garrido 4. NATIONAL ACTION AGAINST POLICE BRUTALITY Another petition directed towards law enforcement reform—but this time, it specifically encourages officials to hold the police accountable. 5. STAND WITH BREONNA This one’s dedicated to Breonna Taylor, who was murdered in her bed when police wrongfully entered her Kentucky apartment. You can sign the online petition or text “ENOUGH” to 55156.
photo by Julius Garrido
Though these petitions directly support the Black Lives Matter movement as well as police accountability, some protesters felt there were petitions circulating that took away from the larger purpose. “When I arrived here today, there were people walking around with papers for us to sign to help pass legislation to prevent them raising taxes, which they will try to do, because of all the damage that’s been done. My point is this, I don’t care about that. How dare you come to this protest for that? I’m here because I’m tired of people who look like me being targets,” said Denise, another Denver protestor.
The Progress Several days of peaceful protests went on without a hitch, and Thursday, I returned to the statehouse to find the same O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 1 3
photo by Julius Garrido organizers who had been running things all week, including Quincy “Q” Shannon, at the forefront. The anger and hurt that had been expressed over the weekend had turned to discussion of reform and policy. The word on everyone’s lips was “legislation.”
he would not be in attendance of Denver protests for a few days on account of trending Google searches involving his name and acts of violence. However, Anderson was there Thursday and told protesters of Denver Public School’s plan to enact change.
Earlier in the week, Colorado officials announced a bill to increase police accountability. It appoints the State Attorney General as an independent investigator of all instances where law enforcement’s use of force results in death or serious bodily injury. The bill also removes the shield of immunity for prosecution from law enforcement found to have acted unlawfully, allowing peace officers to be sued in their individual capacity. The bill will additionally require all law enforcement to use body cameras and to collect and report data on the individuals that are stopped and searched.
“These students are not only our future; they are our now. Tomorrow, [Friday, June 5] I will be bringing forth a resolution to kick Denver Police out of public schools. Our schools will no longer be ground zero for the school-to-prison pipeline. In the coming school years, we will make it so that every student has to take a Black history course; they will have to take an indigenous studies course, and we will teach them about Latinx history in Denver Public Schools,” Anderson told the crowd Thursday.
Among speakers on Thursday was none other than Colorado School Board member Tay Anderson, who earlier in the week had announced via Tweet that 1 4 \\ J U N E 1 7 , 2 0 2 0
Children and the future were the main focus of Thursday’s protest, as organizers invited up anyone under the age of 18 to speak to the crowd. “Black lives totally matter,” 8-year-old Mac proclaimed quite simply. “And that’s just a true statement.”
“Someone asked me earlier, why am I here? I’m here because I’m confused. I’m confused about what America has been doing the last hundred years,” a high school student told protesters “My great-grandma was a freedom rider; she marched with Martin Luther King, and there is no reason in Hell that we should be doing this in 2020. This is the year that this should end.” “If my 70-pound self can stand toe-to-toe with an officer in full riot gear until tears roll down his cheeks, so can you. The reason I’ve been up on this stage as much as I can is to tell all the white people who are sitting at home nervous to come out here, don’t be. The longer we stand side-byside with this Black community, the louder their voices become,” said another young speaker at Thursday’s protest. There have been and continue to be protests in all 50 states as well as several other countries across the globe, making this group of civil rights protests the largest in human history. Follow Black Lives 5280 for updates on how you can get involved.
Be prepared. Your lung cancer can spread to your brain. Rose, Rose, age age 59, 59, Texas Texas
Smoking caused Rose’s lung cancer. She had to move from the small town she loved to get the treatment she needed, including chemo, radiation and having part of her lung removed. Recently, her cancer spread to her brain. You can quit.
CALL 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
#CDCTips
O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 1 5
BLACK LIVES MATTER TO US
The Crucial Role the LGBTQ Community Plays by Yvonne Wright
“T
Photo by Veronica L. Holyfield
he gay rights movement literally started on a protest against police brutality.”
“Trans women of color were the ones throwing the bricks at the cops when they came to Stonewall,” Stephens said.
Ash Stephens embodies two sides of the fight against police violence. She is Black. She is queer. And she wanted to remind the estimated 10,000 protestors gathered outside the Colorado State Capitol Building that this police anti-brutality movement is partially rooted in the LGBTQ community.
Fifty-one years ago this month, New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn where members of the LGBTQ community came to dance. Here you would find some of the community’s most marginalized people, butch lesbians, femme men, homeless youth, and transgender people.
Stephens stood on the steps of the Denver building where protesters organized daily marches since May 25, when a Minneapolis police officer knelt on George Floyd’s neck.
On that night, police targeted a group of drag queens. And on that night, they fought back.
It took nearly nine minutes as Floyd pleaded for his life, fell unconscious, and ultimately died. He is far from the first Black person to die while in police custody. He joins members of not only the Black community, but the LGBTQ community, in falling victim to this type of abuse. 1 6 \\ J U N E 1 7 , 2 0 2 0
Martin Boyce was just 21 years old when he said he saw police dragging them into the back of a paddy wagon. Then he said the unexpected happened. One of the people under arrest took off a shoe and threw it at the police. “She turned around and kicked him on the shoulder. It was a shock to everybody,” Boyce told the Public Broadcasting
Service. “But, that’s the first inclination something had changed.”
incorporates all minorities. One of the three founding members is a Black, queer woman.
Much like the Black Lives Matter protests today, everything had changed. Within days, both protests and riots were erupting outside the Stonewall Inn. Then, like now, the movement quickly spread throughout the country.
People in cities across the country are calling for action and for change. Some want a nationwide database to report police abuses, legislation that would allow private civil lawsuits against police officers, a reshuffling of money from police departments to community based programs, better training for officers, and limits on physical interventions police can use.
“I really think there’s so much intersection between the forms of oppression that occur, especially with LGBTQ folks and the Black community,” said M. M was standing at a volunteer booth on the Saturday following Floyd’s death. Wearing a t-shirt that said “I’m the transgender person the media warned you about,” M talked about intersectionality. It’s a big word activists use a lot these days. It’s an important concept meant to take into account all forms of oppression. A Black woman, for example, might be discriminated against because of both being Black and being a woman. Say the Black woman was also an immigrant, or a member of the LGBTQ community. Those would be additional layers of separation that would make her even more vulnerable to abuse. This means it’s more critical than ever to bring members from all disadvantaged groups together to fight as one. “We can’t end oppression for one without ending oppression for all,” M said. The thousands and thousands of people who’ve spent the month marching through the streets of Denver do represent all minorities. Black people and their allies, working together. The numbers are staggering. More than 10,000 people descended on the city in one afternoon. Thousands more kept the pressure on as they marched day after day after day. “We just want to get together as a community [to] raise our voices up as one. We have to demand a change,” said Larisa Grace, a multi-racial, bisexual woman who helped organize one of the rallies. The Denver native came out because of her African American son whom she said has faced discrimination since he was a young child. A few months ago, Grace, who is white-passing, said a Denver police officer came to take a statement from her after someone vandalized her car. She said everything was going fine until her Black son was spotted by police. “As my son got out of the car, a six-foot-tall Black boy just 14 years old, he was stopped and asked if he had a weapon. This is wrong! Anyone who says racial injustice doesn't happen, they truly are not paying attention,” Grace said. Dee Carroll, a Black lesbian who lives in Aurora, agreed. She also helped organize the demonstration and said the movement for her is about civil rights for members of all oppressed minority groups.
Here in Colorado, protests have sprung up across the Front Range, from people in the traditionally conservative city of Colorado Springs to those in liberal cities like Boulder. But the biggest protests by far have centered around the state’s capitol building in Denver. This is where Stephens stood on the west side steps, holding up a rainbow flag. For her, these protests are a significant reminder of the role the LGBTQ community still plays in the police anti-brutality movement. It is ironic this is happening in June, the month when Pride is traditionally held to coincide with the anniversary of the Stonewall uprising. She said if anyone should be protesting alongside the BLM movement, it should be the LGBTQ community. “Literally the reason why we have most of the rights we have now is because [people at Stonewall] fought the cops. [Police brutality] was the whole point of the movement, and we need to remember that. To go back to that. We should all be out here protesting this,” she said."
WE BELIEVE THE EMPHASIS IN LIVING WITH HIV SHOULD BE ON LIVING. Introducing Vivent Health, founded on the combined
expertise of AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin, Rocky Mountain Cares and St. Louis Effort for AIDS. We are working to ensure that everyone living with HIV and
everyone at risk has the opportunity to thrive and live a long healthy life. Learn more at ViventHealth.org
“We’re all looking to be able to live and to go outside and have the same types of lives as everybody else. We’re all just fighting for the same thing,” she said. Today’s movement is not limited to Floyd. Protestors all around the country are chanting the names of other African Americans killed by police. The Black Lives Matter movement, which is at the forefront of many of the nation’s protests, O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 1 7 7225VH_AD_Verticle_Emphasis_3.375x4.625_R01.indd 1
1/27/20 3:37 PM
A
American
s we c e l e b r ate PrideFest, let us doff our rainbow chapeaux to honor the death of one of our heroes, a writer and activist who changed America: Larry Kramer, the angriest gay man ever.
Kramer’s passing isn’t the end of an era, my era, but it’s another nagging proof I’m old, and that, if not for his words, anger, and activism, I wouldn’t have grown old. Neither would millions of others infected by HIV/AIDS. In 1982, Kramer was one of the six founders of GMHC (Gay Men’s Health Crisis), created to address the growing plague in the gay community. In 1987, he was a founding member of ACT UP (AIDS Coalition To Unleash Power), created to demand that something be done to stem the surge of AIDS-related deaths in the thousands. (FYI: The tally now pushes 40 million.) Yelling was Kramer’s double-edged trademark, sometimes unifying, sometimes alienating. Unfamiliar with this enraged avenger? Watch a two-minute YouTube clip from a 2012 documentary: Larry Kramer from “How to Survive a Plague” Uncensored. Stewing in tight close-up in front of a bickering audience, he suddenly screams, “PLAGUE! We’re in the middle of a f*cking plague, and you behave like this? ... If we don’t get our act together, we’re as good as dead.” He’s chilling in his volume, power, passion, and truth. Screenwriter, playwright, and novelist, Kramer wrote about the gay man’s life. Though Hollywood, Broadway, and bookstores often didn’t welcome this perspective, undaunted, his unique voice persisted. Kramer was nominated for an Academy Award in 1969 for his screenplay of D. H. Lawrence’s Women in Love (he was also producer). Its controversial, nude wrestling scene between Oliver Reed and Alan Bates in front of a roaring fireplace—one of the first to show male frontal nudity—renders them, if not explicitly sexually satisfied, homoerotically sweat-slicked and breathless. Kramer’s combination of Greco-Roman athleticism and smutty voyeurism visually liberates the 1 8 \\ J U N E 1 7 , 2 0 2 0
LARRY K NOW YE AT G homosexual tension in the novel from the bicurious (at the least), English author of Lady Chatterley’s Lover.
by Rick Kitzman
In 1978, Kramer wrote a novel with an unapologetically loud and provocative title, Faggots. Realize that 42 years ago, this f-word carried a damning judgment, and in some ways, his use of the word diminished its power to harm. No less a damning judgment was Kramer’s evisceration of the gay milieu. His scathing screed depicted a depressing, three-ring circus of sex, drugs, and dancing where love between two men had little chance of survival in a constantly glib and ugly orgy. Critics judged the author a traitor and the novel a betrayal of his community’s hard-won sexual freedoms. Kramer wanted to wake up people, yelling from the printed page. I was working at a bookstore in New York across from Macy’s
Queer Life
KRAMER, ELLING GOD in Herald Square and obser ved how the book’s in-your-face title in huge print seemed to scream at uncomfortable passersby. That did not prevent the novel’s bestseller status. Kramer got everyone’s attention again with his play The Normal Heart, first produced at the Public Theater in 1985, then in 2011 for its Broadway premiere, and again in 2014 on HBO with an all-star cast. Winner of Tonys, Emmys, and Golden Globes, the story follows the nascent AIDS debacle through the eyes of a group of men attempting to organize a clinic to thwart the looming plague. While Kramer roared, I cowered. My silence ended in 2015 when my first article for this publication raged over an anti-gay law passed in Indiana that would protect individuals and companies from discrimination lawsuits based
on their religious beliefs. The bigots’ bill was signed by then- governor Mike Pence. Today, we see him as the spineless toady cringing behind his monstrous master masquerading as a president.
Kramer thought President Reagan should be charged with murder because of his deliberate neglect of citizens dying of AIDS. (I feel the same way about our current president; he should be charged with murder over his deliberate neglect of citizens dying of COVID-19.) In 2013, Kramer married longtime partner David Webster, who announced his husband had died in Manhattan of pneumonia on May 27. Poz since 1988, Kramer was simultaneously diagnosed with liver damage. HIV patients were rarely given organ transplants, another battlefront Kramer fought successfully, receiving a new liver in 2001. Oddly, in February, I finished reading Faggots for the second time. Still a slog of a read, its humor, veracity, inventiveness, and hopeful conclusion make up for its artistic mess. And I just bought his last novel: The American People—Volumes 1 and 2. I currently have time to read its 1,700 pages, a historical phantasmagoria of a conspiracy by powerful enemies to eradicate gay men. Volume 1 was published in 2015, Volume 2 in January. I’m happy the author lived to realize the completion of his magnum opus. Anger needs a productive outlet, or it festers into cruelty. As a powerful tool, Kramer’s anger moved mountains: a hateful and apathetic American society, bureaucracy and medical monopoly. Thanks to him and others with a variety of tactics, Pride is now celebrated more freely all over the world, and our diverse community and many allies got our act together. I’m living proof, an inheritor of his indomitable drive to expose hypocrisy and demand justice. Wherever you are, Mr. Kramer, my inspiring mentor, thank you. I hope you’re at peace. But I doubt it. You’re probably yelling at God. Good! He’s got some explaining to do. O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 1 9
PrideFest Goes
0 2 0 2 n i l a u t Vir
by Addison Herron-Wheeler Photos provided by The Center on Colfax
2 0 \\ J U N E 1 7 , 2 0 2 0
C
learly, this is going to be a Pride Season like never before. The global pandemic has totally shifted our worlds forever, and currently, our activism efforts are also being called on to support Black lives across the globe. And, while it may be easy to forget amid the protests and current events, COVID-19 is still very much with us, and PrideFest in Denver is still digital this year.
Remote but Still Visible
It’s easy to see that as a negative, to mourn the loss of our booths, our togetherness watching Pride entertainment, and our annual traditions at the local bars. But, as many are now pointing out on social media, 2020 could be a way to rethink Pride, community, allyship, inclusion, and so many other things. The Center on Colfax are taking this time to embrace making Pride more inclusive and getting back to basics.
“Probably the most positive thing is that we're continuing to do it, and one of the original goals of the Pride movement has just simply been about visibility. Wherever they are on the queer spectrum, many people experience things alone. And so, being able to see that there are other people that they might be able to relate to is a really important goal. While we're not having the in-person festival that we'd like to have, I think that we’ve continued to be creative and have come up with the best solution that we can. It’s really positive, and I feel that people have really embraced it.”
Pride in Videos “The community has been overwhelmingly positive,” explained Joe Foster, VP of development & communication at The Center On Colfax. “We were afraid that people would be angry that we had to go to this virtual format, but what we noticed on our social media is people being very positive. No one really knows what this is going to look like, and we’re learning every day. A lot of the feedback we’ve gotten is about how more people will be able to attend Pride now and ideas that will help us think outside of the box.” This year, the PrideFest parade will be virtual, streamed live on Denver 7 and the internet so that folks of all kinds can participate and join in. “Going on the live broadcast is going to keep it more accessible to people who may not have readily available access to the internet,” Foster pointed out. “So, that's what we're really excited about, to actually go old-school and use the television airwaves for this one as well.” Foster also explained that The Center are now raising funds so that they can keep their doors open for many more years to come, as a big percentage of their revenue comes from a PrideFest that looks very different this year and won’t generate as much money. “Denver PrideFest is produced by the Center on Colfax, and it accounts for half of our annual budget every year,” he said. “So, we are going to push out a fundraiser to try and raise $100,000 from individuals to ensure we can continue on with our programs.”
PrideFest may be on a screen instead of on the streets this year, but, as Rex Fuller, CEO of the Center on Colfax, explained, it’s still incredibly important to have Pride even if it doesn't generate the same amount of money or personal connection, because visibility is key.
There also won’t be any shortage of things to do, although they’ll all be happening at the bars that are reopening and in homes and backyards, not in one big, central location. “We’re getting all the events up on our website and social media as soon as possible,” Fuller explained. "All told, we will end up having about 20 events happening over the weekend or in the days before. We were able to get real diversity in experience, and it’s been pretty exciting.”
Dykes Get Loud Denver PrideFest wouldn’t be PrideFest without Denver Dyke March. Their march is an integral part of PrideFest, creating a space for lesbians, queer wxmen, butch-identified folks, and anyone who wants to march with the dykes to gather. And, even though the march is digital this year what better time to keep the togetherness and the action in Pride than now? “It’s time to celebrate the Black, trans lives who started this movement,” said Dyke March organizer Onyx Steele. “They helped pay for us and helped us get through Stonewall. At this moment in time, it’s super important that the queer community, especially our activists and leaders, respond and offer them the same respect and the same holding space that they did for us.” Steele wants to make space for the most marginalized in our queer community, and like Fuller, she also echoes that we should be taking every opportunity to reach out community, even if we have to do using virtual means.
O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 2 1
“The biggest thing was, we didn’t want to be amongst the Pride events that canceled altogether and had nothing to offer the community,” he added. “We saw an opportunity for there to be a virtual Pride and some sort of celebration, a way to honor and celebrate the community, and I’m proud of the committee this year. They’ve definitely stepped up and shown a lot of respect for the local folks here in Denver and have offered quite a bit of help and support." This year, the Dyke March will get an hour of airtime from The Center. In that hour, they will share with us their identities, their personalities, and what they have to offer the queer community. They also teamed up with Black Lives Matter 5280 to produce the video, and are organizing an additional, in-person march in conjunction with Black Lives Matter, which took place Sunday, June 14.
2 2 \\ J U N E 1 7 , 2 0 2 0
“We definitely wanted to honor the community,” Steele continued. “The Dyke March has always been a place for unheard voices in our community, and we rely heavily on our community, so it would be strange if we did some sort of Dyke March event without involving them. We definitely reached out a lot and tried to get as much of the community that wanted to participate as possible. We have a really cool band out of California that wrote this song; it’s really empowering and kind of appropriate all around for Pride and the current political climate. So, we’ll be airing things from many in the community, as well as that video. Be on the lookout for merch this year from the Dyke March, and follow The Center on Colfax for all of the Pride happenings.
FUN for them. Good for you.
Discover how liberating your parents’ life can be at Overture. • 55+ Apartment Homes located near Cherry Creek in the new 9th & Colorado neighborhood • Life-enriching programs • Modern interior and resort-inspired amenities • Maintenance-free to enjoy life your way
Call to schedule your personalized virtual tour and move in today!
303-552-3317 Community Address 4205 E. 10th Avenue • Denver, CO 80220
Overture9Co.com
Overture is an equal housing opportunity. Amenities and services vary by location. See a Greystar representative for details.
PrideFest 2020
More Accessible, More Inclusive by Anissa Lujan Photo by Veronica L. Holyfield
T
he world is changing, and with it, our beloved Pride is, too. Pride is a remembrance of the six-day Stonewall riots that happened in June, 1969. The LGBTQ community has always been a community of survivors, having lived through the AIDS crisis and years of persecutions, and now, we are living through another virus. Navigating COVID-19 during the technological age has allowed us to move our very own PrideFest here in Denver online this year, which has created a new way to approach the event mid-pandemic. Yet, this flexibility isn’t a new response for everyone in the community, especially disabled folks who have to navigate through difficult terrain on the daily.
Rosemary of the Atlantis Community Center said that some people within this community basically have the superpower to hack through difficult terrain, even more so than the average LGBTQ member, because they usually face more regular challenges and make their lives beautiful regardless. Pride is changing for the LGBTQ community, and this is another step forward for LGBTQ people to foster a more inclusive space. OUT FRONT sat down with different community members to discuss their thoughts about how considering accessibility options helps an often forgotten community. O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 2 5
What are some of the difficulties that those within the LGBTQ community who are also disabled have to deal with when it comes to navigating Pride? Rosemary: Well, a lot of people think about physical disabilities, like, I am in a wheelchair, and I have to think about all the grass that I have to go through. I don’t think that the people planning think about how the parade ends in the grass. There are also people with anxiety where it is harder to be outside. I am lower to the ground, and since everyone is outside, and a lot of people are drunk or hot, they aren’t paying attention. It’s a bit nerve-racking. People with autism or sensory overload also can have issues. There’s also those who don’t have as easy accessibility to reach Pride in general. People with disabilities can use Access-A-Ride, but it is often expensive and not very spontaneous. It’s a smaller, more accessible bus that people with disabilities have that gives them the ability to go places, but you have to plan ahead by 24 hours, and it is often late.
Are there components of previous Pride events that have been more inclusive in the past? Apollo (OUT FRONT intern): It’s always been fairly good, but there have always been problems with accessibility. The 21-plus area only had stairs to get in. I use a wheelchair mostly, sometimes crutches to get around. I love the community, and think there have been a lot of positive and cool people. Rosemary: We’re already working on creating braille maps and accessible, online maps. Civic Center Park is already a bit [more] accessible; there are a lot of different places that weren’t able to change. This year, we wanted to add ASL interpreters; there had been main interpreters on the main stages, but many of the smaller stages hadn’t had them. Denver Pride has been working to get to be like the California Pride and be more accessible. More ideas we’ve had were to try and be more accessible for the sight-blind, having more ASL interpretation, and there were more things planned online.
online are going to give more opportunities to those who are in more rural areas, aren’t out to their family, who have personal attendants and aren’t able to have that physical autonomy. With this, they have had to be creative with the online component, but I hope that they include people with disabilities to help with the planning, because we have been thinking outside of the box for years to navigate through the world. Joe Foster (The Center): In terms of virtual Pride, no one really knows what this looks like. We’re learning every day, and so we really haven’t gotten a lot of feedback from the community in terms of how to make it better, but the feedback we have received, we’ve definitely taken to heart and made sure that we’re doing the best we can.
Is there anything that you want to tell the community about? Rosemary: The Atlantis Community was started by moving people out of nursing homes and into the community, and we’ve been going since 1974. Our goal is to move people with disabilities into the community with their own choices. We emphasize having autonomy and being able to choose where they want to participate. We don’t need anyone to have proof of disability. We have them self-disclose their disability, and then we help them. My favorite part of my work is that I am like a co-pilot; I don’t tell you what to do or how to do it. I just help you get to where you want to go.
you’re welcome here
How do you feel moving online this year will affect the community to come? Apollo: I feel as though it will feel more disconnected, but it will be more accessible to more people with disabilities and have them be part of it, which will be a lot nicer than most people realize. I do think that it’s going to be a good idea because not everything is wheelchair-accessible or accessible for people with different disabilities. It would definitely have to be accessible for people who are hearingimpaired and be close-captioned, though. Rosemary: It will definitely be different than what we’re used to. It will definitely take away from certain aspects, such as dancing and being surrounded by people, but it will still give an aspect of the community that people need. Having it online would eliminate a lot of barriers. Things 2 6 \\ J U N E 1 7 , 2 0 2 0
denverlibrary.org
BluebirdBotanicals.com O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 2 7
CELEBRATING DENVER’S
Virtual Pride with Naysha Lopez by Denny Patterson Photo by Guys and Queens
D
ue to the recent COVID-19 outbreak, Denver’s annual PrideFest scheduled for June 20-21 has been moved to a virtual format. However, don’t let that rain on your parade. It’s still going to be a fabulous time. Organizers are working around the clock to ensure that the show goes on. Virtual activities will include the annual parade, the 5K, a dance party, a Pride job fair, a Pride decorating contest, an exhibitor page, and entertainment. Denver PrideFest always offers the best in LGBTQ entertainment, and this year, we can expect a sickening performance from RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Naysha Lopez streamed directly to your devices. Based in Chicago, Naysha is a former Miss Continental who competed on the eighth season of Drag Race. Although her time on the show was short, she became a fan favorite. Naysha is known for her beauty, eccentric costumes, and sexy performances. If you are ever in Chicago, make sure to catch her show “Beauties & Beaus,” at her resident bar, Hydrate Nightclub. OUT FRONT caught up with Naysha to talk about performing for Denver’s virtual Pride, how she has been dealing with the current state of the world, and her time on Drag Race. Follow Naysha on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date with her. 2 8 \\ J U N E 1 7 , 2 0 2 0
Hi, Naysha! Thank you for taking the time to chat with me. We are very excited that you will be a headliner for Denver’s Digital PrideFest! Absolutely. I am super excited. This will be my third year with Denver Pride, so I am really excited about it.
What can audiences expect from this digital performance? Well [laughs], it’s crazy because I have taken on a whole lot being that everyone is pretty much still quarantined. I’m in Chicago, and we’ve had it pretty bad. So, I have taken upon myself to do everything. In the video, and I'm backup dancing; I'm the headliner, I did all the editing, everything. I think I’m working much harder now than I would be if I was there at Denver Pride. So, a lot of hard work. It should be fun, and I hope everyone enjoys it.
I’m sure they will. Even though several Pride festivals have either been canceled or will be held virtually, how can we still make this year special and celebrate? I think it’s just a matter of not forgetting why we get together for Pride. Like I said, I am in Chicago, and we are celebrating 50 years here of our Pride Parade and why we celebrate Pride. I think that being at home will prevent us from getting really distracted. Pride parades, Pride festivals and all that good stuff, of course you get to see all the cute boys, girls, and shows, but I think that this time, especially with the social climate, everything going on in the world right now, we can really focus a little bit on why it is that we do this and pay homage to those who came before us.
What does Pride personally mean to you? For me, I’m a little bit more old-school, so I like to think about those that came before us. I think sometimes, like I was saying, those things kind of get forgotten, and we get distracted. So, for me, Pride is really paying attention to those that came before us and fought for the rights that we are able to exercise today.
What is your fondest memory from your first Pride event? Oh my God, I’m going to sound like a whore [laughs]. The first time I went, the reason I remember this is because when you go to, like, your first gay club or your first Pride parade, you are referred to as, like, fresh meat. Nobody knows you, and you are brand-new. I remember going to Pride my first time wearing these tiny, little shorts and a tank top and getting so many phone numbers. I have never
gotten so many in my life. I was like, oh my God, is this what being gay is? How can I just choose one? That’s just one fun memory that I have of my first Pride. I don’t even remember how many phone numbers I got. It was hilarious.
And when did Naysha Lopez come into the picture? When did you discover your love for drag and performing? The first time I was in drag was when I was, like, 15 or 17 years old. When it became something that I started to do a little bit more, where it became more routine, I was, like, 19 or 20. It was around that time, and I don’t remember the first time I took Naysha to a Pride parade. I can recall going and being on a float in the parade with the cast I was working with from the club I worked at. I don’t know if that was my first time; I really can’t recall. You know, once you’re past 30, it all kind of blends together.
You mentioned earlier about today’s social climate. When Stonewall happened in 1969, the LGBTQ community erupted in protests and riots, and we are seeing the same thing today with the Black Lives Matter movement. What are your thoughts on the current situation? You know, right now, I think that our country really needs to take accountability and action toward all the racism and injustices people of color have been experiencing for just way too long. As an ally, I cannot tell a person of color which is the right or wrong way to react to such racism and injustice because I am not Black, so I don’t know what that feels like. I can only offer to stand with them, be an ally, be supportive, listen, learn, and protest in whatever way I can. I think we are slowly but surely making some kind of progress, and I think the Black Lives Matter movement is being heard. I am happy to be alive for it to be a part of it. We are moving in the right direction.
I would now like to ask you a couple questions in regards to RuPaul’s Drag Race. You are known for appearing on Season 8, and although your time on the show was short, you made a lasting impression. How has the show changed your life? Oh my God, I have gotten to travel all over the world, meet some of the most beautiful people, and have some of the most beautiful standing relationships with individuals from all over the world. I will cherish that forever. I love that I can take away from this being able to meet new people and visit new places. That is probably my favorite thing about it all.
O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 2 9
When you were cast, was that your first time auditioning?
If asked to come back for All Stars, would you?
No, no, no. I had auditioned for the very first season, and there’s actually a special that they did of some sort showing some of the people auditioning, and a piece of my tape is on there. I think they aired it during Season 3 or 4, but they did it when Ru did, like, a Ru-cap type of thing. Then I auditioned for, I think Season 6. I got approached when I was Miss Continental, but couldn’t audition because of that. Then, I decided to audition the next year, and that’s when I got on.
Hell, no [laughs]. I’m kidding. Of course, I would, absolutely! Some people are like, I wouldn’t go back and blah, blah, blah, and some people think it’s such a bad experience. I’ve always said that it’s one of the best and the worst experiences ever. Worst because it’s insane. The fandom can be insane. They can love you; they can hate you, but there’s just so much that goes on. Overall, everything that I have been exposed to and the things that I have experienced have been absolutely beautiful. If I can do that again, and multiply that times 10, then Hell yeah. Of course I’ll do it. There’s no reason why I shouldn’t.
Why did you want to be on Drag Race? Besides the obvious [laughs]. You know, it’s like, you want to get on TV, and there’s glitz and glamour, and I have always wanted to just witness something of that production value and see everything that goes behind the scenes and be a part of it. Then, you get to see these girls and how their platforms just catapulted. Traveling the world and reaching out to so many individuals, and I definitely wanted that.
Would you say your aesthetic has changed or evolved over the last few years? I wouldn’t say that it has changed. I think I am one of those queens that when I got to Drag Race, I was very aware of my aesthetic and who I am. So, I would say that there have been improvements, and I’ve evolved a little bit. There are some things that I know I would do now that I wouldn’t have back then, but it hasn’t changed. I still like to serve that realness and be polished from head to toe.
What more would you like to do with your platform? With what’s going on right now, I don’t like to say anything in particular, like this is what I want to do because I just don’t know what tomorrow holds. If you would have asked me a month ago what am I going to use my platform for, I had no idea that this is what I am going to be using it for right now, you know what I mean? So, with my platform, I just want to continue to be aware and constant of what’s going on around me and make sure that everybody else does, too.
3 0 \\ J U N E 1 7 , 2 0 2 0
What are your thoughts on All Stars 5? All right, so I’m going to give you a little dirt. I love everyone that is on All Stars 5. I love the cast; everyone is really good, but if there’s one critique, and I’m going to give this one little critique to World of Wonder [the production company], RuPaul’s Drag Race, and Ru herself, stop double casting. Like, some of these girls have already done this, and there are certain girls that deserve the opportunity. I just feel like at this point, some of these girls don’t need to be on All Stars again because they were already on it. So, that is just something that I personally don’t necessarily agree with. There’s too much talent to choose from.
What’s next for you? Any other, upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for? I don’t have anything in particular right now; this whole pandemic has kind of put everything on hold, so right now, I am just excited for things to open up, and we can start moving toward getting back to normal. I want to be back on stage. I have my own show here in Chicago called “Beauties & Beaus” that comes with some beautiful drag entertainers and sexy boys. It’s a great show that I host here in Chicago at Hydrate Nightclub. I just really want to get back to that, see my cast and regularly do our show and get people in there. We can look further down the road later, but for right now, that’s really what I want. For more information, follow her on socials @nayshalopez.
O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 3 1
Mask, Gloves, Soap, Scrubs
Todrick Hall Keeps the Spirit of Pride Alive by Denny Patterson Photos by Jon Sams 3 2 \\ J U N E 1 7 , 2 0 2 0
T
odrick Hall seems to be everywhere these days. Since competing on American Idol 10 years ago, he has built up an impressive resume which includes acting in Broadway musicals Kinky Boots and Chicago, appearing as a judge and resident choreographer on RuPaul’s Drag Race, dancing in music videos like Taylor Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do,” and becoming a trailblazer paving the way for young, LGBTQ creatives. With more than three million subscribers on YouTube and 1.8 million on Instagram, Todrick has no plans to slow down any time soon. As a staple in the Pride festival circuit, Todrick usually travels around the country to headline and perform. Unfortunately, many Pride events have been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but there is a bright side. Todrick plans to take part in several virtual events while being safe in the comfort of his own home. As a social media influencer, he is committed to staying connected with his audience. To make light of a dreary situation, Todrick even released a new album in April called Quarantine Queen which is themed around the pandemic. In OUT FRONT’s exclusive interview, we caught up with Todrick to talk more about what inspired him to make this album, how he is holding up in quarantine, and what his plans are for this year’s Pride Season. O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 3 3
Hi, Todrick! Thank you so much for chatting with me. I would like to begin by talking about your latest album, Quarantine Queen. What inspired you to create a COVID-19 pandemic-themed album? I was honestly really nervous about it because I never want to be one of those people who is perceived to be taking advantage of a situation that some people are suffering from. So, I was a bit concerned about whether or not I should do it, but I received advice from somebody that I love and look up to and respect. They basically taught me the lesson that you should never be ashamed of what you’re doing as long as your intention and the reason why you did it was with love. I saw on social media how all these kids had their proms, graduations, cheerleading competitions canceled, and I know how important these events are. The thought of not being able to be in my favorite show The Wizard of Oz during my senior year, and obviously anybody who follows me knows that I am obsessed with anything Oz themed, the thought of it being canceled is so heartbreaking because I know how exciting that is. To have that moment to shine and have your legacy left at your alma mater. So, I wanted to write a song to cheer some of these people up. I wrote “Mas(k)ot,” and then I got asked to do the Sto n e wa l l Gives Back
concert, and I gladly said yes and decided to do a remake and a parody of my own song, “Nails, Hair, Hips, Heels.” Once I started doing it, it honestly became so much fun, and I know that my fans always respond to the things they know that I had fun making. You can’t bottle it up; you can hear it in someone’s voice when they are having a great time. It shines through, and fans can feel that. So, that’s why I wanted to make it. I wanted to do something that makes people want to get up and dance, feel inspired, and put a smile on their face right now during what a lot of people would consider to be a very dark time.
The video for “Masks, Gloves, Soap, Scrubs” featured a star-studded cast. Was it difficult to put it together? It wasn’t difficult. I reached out to a lot of people, and I didn’t want to pressure them. I feel like a lot of celebrities are feeling, in some ways, busier now than they were before this all happened. I was so grateful that so many people sent in their videos, and it was really last minute, so I had a lot of other people who said they would have done it but there just wasn’t enough time. I love how creative everyone got and seeing how much fun it looked like they were having making the videos in their homes. I was so grateful.
How have you personally been holding up during this pandemic? I’m honestly doing well. I haven’t had a vacation in a long time. As an unsigned artist, I don’t have a record label, so it’s been four or five times harder for me to do something than an artist who has a manager, sponsorship, endorsements or a record label behind them. I feel like I was just saying yes to so many things and hardly keeping up, and I know I would have never given myself a vacation. So, this has been a good time for me to relax, look at myself, and work on my mental health. I also started to work on projects I have been saying for years that I wanted to do but haven’t started writing or put forth the effort. This is a time for a lot of artists to do that one project that they said they wanted to do, and it’s going to be interesting to see all the art that comes out of this time. A lot of creative people are being forced to sit at home and relax and watch Netflix, which I think is a great option! I’m trying to do a mixture of both. I have been watching my favorite TV shows, old seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race and all my videos because sometimes you can get so caught up in the machine that you forget to pat yourself on the back for the things that you have. Look around, and be grateful for the things you have. I have really been thanking the universe, God, and whatever for what my team and I have accomplished because it has not been easy.
3 4 \\ J U N E 1 7 , 2 0 2 0
You are a staple at Pride festivals, but unfortunately, many have either canceled or will be held digitally. What are your plans for Pride, and how will you be celebrating? I am trying to do my part as a social media influencer to do as many virtual proms, LGBTQ+ celebrations, and fundraisers. I have been raising money for Broadway Cares and sold $50,000 worth of costumes, props, and accessories from my home that I’m donating to help my friends in the theatre community. Everybody in the theatre is a queen, whether they are a female or male performer, or a person in the orchestra. Most of us are part of the LGBTQ+ community, so that’s another thing I’m doing for Pride. I’m trying to raise money and extend help to my friends that are in the theatre community.
And how can others celebrate Pride while staying apart and maintaining social distance? I feel there are going to be ways for people to make virtual parades and stuff. I think that people are getting so creative, and it makes my heart flutter to see the way people have come together. I don’t remember another time in American history, and definitely not since I’ve been alive, that so many people have been forced to come together, get creative, and help each other out. I think people should follow their favorite queer artists and look at the options that they have of ways to celebrate Pride. There are probably going to be tons of shows on Netflix. I personally would love to suggest that people watch the documentary How to Survive a Plague during Pride season because HIV is such a humongous deal, but it’s a disease that can now be controlled. Billy Porter came to me when I was doing Kinky Boots on Broadway and said I should really watch this documentary because it shows how much the gay community fought and had to come together at a time where there were no Facebook friend invites and group check messages. They had to put up flyers and work to get people to come together to fight so we can have these vaccines, pamphlets, information, press, free condoms. Just a host of things to keep us safe. That’s something I think we should all be doing at this time, even just remembering all the people who are no longer with us, so that we can be safe during this time. I would strongly suggest it because it’s a very moving documentary. It’s awesome and will make you grateful for the people who came before us.
What does Pride personally mean to you? Oh, that’s hard! Pride to me is being able to embrace, accept, and love who you truly are while also feeling safe with family while doing so.
When did you attend your first Pride event, and what is your fondest memory from that experience? I was in high school, and I went to Pride accidentally. I was hanging out with some friends, and they said, 'Oh, my gosh, I think it’s the Pride Parade. They were gay friends that I had, but we went to Pride, and I didn’t really know what Pride was. It was an unfamiliar term for me. When I got there, I remember being scared at first. I remember being completely afraid that there weren’t enough police or protection and
that somebody might come in with a gun and start putting bullets in everyone. I remember being scared for longer than I probably should have been, which makes me sad now to think that just because we were congregating, that would have been enough for someone to want to end our lives. Then, I remember that feeling turning into a positive feeling. For the first time ever in my life, I was with a group of people that looked like me and understood me. I didn’t have to make an excuse or have to watch how I waved, or if I had a little bit too much Beyoncé in my step or too much glitter in my strut. It was the first time I remember being like, nothing matters. You can be whoever you want; you can be your true self, or you can go further and be even more outrageous, more open, more flamboyant, a more fabulous version of yourself, and it doesn’t matter. You’re never going to be too gay, too out-of-the-box, too different. That was the first time I ever felt that feeling, and I loved it. It was way too hot, probably unhealthy, but I didn’t care. I stayed outside in the sun all day to keep that feeling. Now, when I go to Pride and perform, it almost makes me cry to the point where I can’t look at the little kids because when I see a little kid in a stroller holding a Pride flag, they are being trained to love people. They are being carefully taught to accept other people. To me, that is so gorgeous, and I love the fact that my children and grandchildren have a slight chance to grow up in a world where they’re not going to be considered different for who they choose to love. I love the fact that we are alive right now, and I can say I played a part in helping make the world safer for them. That’s something to be proud of.
You made a virtual appearance at the second-annual Pride Summit hosted by Billboard and The Hollywood Reporter on June 13. This event featured engaging conversations with LGBTQ artists making an impact in the media. Did you ever think you would become such an influential LGBTQ artist? Never, never. I always just wanted to be a dancer in the ensemble of a Broadway musical, and as life goes on, I realized that I have so much responsibility, and people are looking up to me. They’re wondering what I’m going to do, and what I say matters now in a sense, more than I ever thought it would. I wear it with a badge of honor. I take pride in the fact that I am a role model for so many people, and I make decisions every single day when I’m living my life based on the fact that I’ve accepted that responsibility. I’m grateful for it. I never would have dreamt in a million years that I would be somebody who is a big influence in the community. It means a lot to me.
My first exposure to you was when “Beauty and the Beat” premiered on YouTube. That made me fall down a rabbit hole and watch more of your content. Have Disney and The Wizard of Oz always been major sources of inspiration for you? I think so. As I get older, I realize that I grew up in a very small town, and I think subconsciously that I was always trying to get away. I always knew there was something more colorful and more beautiful, like someplace else. That’s kind of what Dorothy was searching for. I just always loved these stories and how they were over-the-top. O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 3 5
my hair, my neck, my eyes differently, the way my mouth was moving, it was like I became another person. It was like how a straight man would look at a shield of one of his favorite Marvel superheroes. It does that same thing for me. Not just a straight man, but anybody who loves those types of action movies. It makes me feel like I’ve become my gay version of Superman, Spiderman, or Batman. I love it so much.
I loved that there was music because the music helps tell the story. I was always fascinated by that concept, and music heightens every emotion. So, I think I have always been very, very, very, like, almost obsessed with things that had anything to do with Disney or The Wizard of Oz. Even going to another land like Alice in Wonderland, The NeverEnding Story, any of those things that make you, for two seconds, suspend reality and believe that there could be another world with fantastical creatures in it. It’s been something I have loved since I was a child.
You also like to include drag as a central component in your work. Why is drag so significant to you? I think that I’ve never felt freer as when I started doing drag. I remember as somebody who had a boyfriend when I discovered that I liked doing it, I was always nervous. There was, like, a rule in the house that he couldn’t watch me when I performed these numbers, and it makes me sad to think that was a rule that I implemented myself, even though he wasn’t judging me. He told me several times that this doesn’t make him feel like I’m any less of a man, and that he loves that I can do this, that I’m really talented, and he loves watching me transform. When you have on nails, hair, hips, and heels, you feel like a completely different person. There are certain things that I have done, and I constantly rehearsed to be Lola in Kinky Boots on Broadway, but the second I put on those six-inch, thigh-high, red boots, I walked differently. I moved my hands, 3 6 \\ J U N E 1 7 , 2 0 2 0
When I watch videos back and see myself, I don’t even recognize that person, and I love that I don’t. I have my very own, like, Hannah Montana-type situation. I love it, and I never thought I would be so into drag. Now, there are some guys I have gone on dates with, and it’s made me sad because I’ve met people who I think are going to be the one, and we’ll sit down to eat, and they’ll say, 'So, when did you start doing drag?' They say it in a way that seems almost like they’re disgusted by it. That it makes them less than a man, and now I’m no longer an option to be their boyfriend. It used to make me really sad, but now I am realizing that the person I’m supposed to be with is so much more open-minded and forward-thinking, on the right side of history, and they would be able to look back and see that I’m an actor and a performer. That doesn’t make me any less of anything. It’s just a part of who I am, and I want whoever I date or end up marrying to feel that way. That may be more difficult to find, but I’m not going to stop doing those things, wearing heels and feeling like I’m Beyoncé, so that I can get a boyfriend. That’s not worth it.
What’s next for you? Do you have other upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for? I have so many dreams and goals, like, I can’t even express to you. I want to create TV shows, and I have a Broadway musical that’s been in my heart to write for the longest time. I have a kid’s television show that I want to do. I want to write a book. I want to be able to rap and feature on other people’s phones. As far as I know, in 2020, there has never been a song on the radio where a man is singing to another man. As progressive as we are, and I am so grateful for the advancement, but to say that’s never happened is pitiful. I would love to be behind the artist that does that or even be the artist who does that. That’s my goal and my dream. To be on the radio with my voice coming out saying something that I think will be, like, game changing for gay men across the world. So, that is my goal, and I’m not going to stop working until it happens. It may never happen, but that’s the beauty of life. You can give yourself the knowledge and try every single day to accomplish it. Whether I do or not, I will be so grateful that I tried, and hopefully I cleared a pathway for somebody else to be able to do it and make it easier for them.
What's your pleasure?
Joe Piccinetti 303.523.1740 / 888.227.6607 ext 4835 josephp@luxevovacations.com
O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 3 7
by Denny Patterson Photos provided by Rebecca Black
W
hen Rebecca Black’s single “Friday” became a viral sensation in 2011, it was for all the wrong reasons. Dubbed as the worst song ever, she endured vicious bullying from her peers and online. Black opened up this year about her struggle with depression following the release of “Friday” and how she felt ashamed of herself. Becoming famous at 13 made Black afraid of the world. Now 22 years old, the singer has been working to write and release new music that is true to her authentic self. Taking full, creative control, Black is showing listeners just how far she has come as an artist. Additionally, instead of resenting the song that heightened her fame, she has embraced the infamy and made peace with the fact that “Friday” will forever be a part of her life. OUT FRONT had the opportunity to chat more with Black about breaking away from the “Friday” image, as well as coming out as queer on an episode of the Dating Straight podcast, celebrating Pride while in quarantine, and using her platform to support the Black Lives Matter movement.
She’s Here, She’s Queer, and Ready for Change
Rebecca BLACK
3 8 \\ J U N E 1 7 , 2 0 2 0
O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 3 9
Hi, Rebecca! Thank you so much for chatting with me. How are you keeping busy and staying sane during these troubling times? Oh, God. I mean, over the past few months, I have never experienced anything like this in my life, and I know that many of us can say the same. Even when I have talked to people who are from older generations, they have never really seen anything quite like this and just the complete amalgamation of everything coming to the surface.
You have been very active and vocal about Black Lives Matter and participating in protests. Did you ever think we would still be fighting for justice and equality in 2020? I don’t even know what the right answer would be. I mean, when you look at the way things have been ignored for the past few centuries and how issues have been drawn out, I think that saying it’s surprising would be an injustice to what the Black community has gone through for the past few years and how so many people, I even look back at myself and say, 'Gosh, I wish I would have done more.' All I can do now is say, alright, what can I do? I’m going to do it now; there’s no time to waste. Again, I never could have expected the way that things are turning out, but we are just trying to adjust.
How do you respond when someone says, “All Lives Matter?” I don’t agree with the movement of 'All Lives Matter' because everybody knows that white lives matter. The way we handle things as a society, it’s proven that they matter. But when there is a certain group of people who are constantly being taken advantage of, oppressed, and ignored, and it has happened time and time again, no matter what anyone says. To be treated the way that the Black community is, all lives matter doesn’t really mean anything right now. We have to prove that Black lives matter and make change. Then we can move on from there.
We are essentially seeing history repeat itself. When Stonewall happened in 1969, the LGBTQ community erupted into protests and riots, and now the same is happening with Black Lives Matter, coincidentally during Pride Month. It’s definitely an important time for the LGBTQ community to step in and be a part of it in every way that they can because, looking back at the history of our Pride and why we are able to celebrate in the ways that we do, that comes from the Black community. That was instigated and pushed to the forefront by the Black community as well. I think every person in the LGBTQ community should look at themselves and ask what they can do to help. Not to say that the gay community hasn’t gone through, obviously, the massive things that they’ve gone through, but there are still communities that need help, and the gay community also has a long way to go. We are still fighting for our own inclusion, but it is definitely something that we can, on one small strand, relate to, and, I think, use that for good to make sure everybody has a fair chance.
4 0 \\ J U N E 1 7 , 2 0 2 0
What does LGBTQ Pride personally mean to you? I think Pride means not just being able to accept myself for who I am and not just being able to say that I’m OK wit who I am, but that we as a greater community and that we as individuals can look at ourselves and really celebrate it and feel actual pride within ourselves, not just kind of live like alright, we’re OK. I think a lot of people in the LGBTQ community can share a certain amount of empathy just in general because of the experiences they’ve had. So, that’s what Pride means to me.
You decided to open up about being queer earlier this year on an episode of the Dating Straight podcast. Why did you feel this was the appropriate time to come out? I don’t know if I ever felt like there was an appropriate time to come out, and that was part of my struggle with the whole thing. I just kind of decided to stop avoiding the question. I have never been one to share relationships. At all. So, when I was on the podcast, I had just gone through this breakup, and it came up. Instead of freaking out and being like wait, no, let’s not talk about that, it just kind of happened, and I felt comfortable. I had no idea whether people would even care or not, but I have been very appreciative of the way people have supported me and the way my audience has had my back. I know what a lot of people in my audience are part of the community as well. So, it’s just another way that we can share experiences and relate to each other. This is definitely a side of me that I have not shared much, but it’s exciting. It’s an exciting time in one way to have this be the first Pride month where I get to celebrate more openly, but of course with everything happening, it is unique.
Since several Pride festivals have either been canceled or will be held virtually, how are you going to celebrate and make this year special? I am going to be involved in a couple of the virtual events, and I think it is still so important for us as a community and for the greater good of everything to celebrate it. It has definitely made me find myself trying to be more creative in the ways that I am doing it and in trying to make it special for myself and my community, but we should also still be having more conversations. I think every day, every Pride event, and every solidarity march that is happening now between the LGBTQ community and the Black Lives Matter community is so important. I am focused on how I can take all of this into my own hands and do what I can to help make it better. We should also be focusing on the legislative aspects, which is also equally important, if not one of the most important parts of Pride and inclusion. Inclusion is a big thing for me, always has been. I think it’s a big thing for Generation Z as a whole, which is awesome. We are seeing more and more of it.
What do you hope to do with your platform to help make queer people more visible? I am always trying to share my own experiences, as well as uplift and power up other experiences that are in my community. I want to bring on other queer creators or influencers and have them share their experiences and highlight them on my platform. I am always trying to make sure that my education on it is always
becoming a bit wider just so that I’m not coming from the same place all the time or becoming stagnant in what I know. I really am trying to listen as well. It can be super easy as a creator to feel like you have to immediately step on your own soapbox, and I struggle with that too because everybody wants to make sure that they are being a part of it in the best way they can, but I think also listening without being silent necessarily is very important as well.
What are some common misconceptions about queer people? Hm, I don’t know. I mean, there are so many. There is a lot that we have as a community to work through, and I do not think that we should feel like we necessarily have to prove any of these misconceptions to people. There is obviously still some very backward thinking that many people have against the queer community. I think the queer community is an important thing not just for itself, but can also help provide movement for other as well.
How are things going in terms of your music career? Any upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for? I have been taking a lot of time these past few months to write, and being an out, queer person really changes the way that you write, at least for me. I don’t feel like I’m hiding some strange secret or anything. I do have more music that will be coming out once the timing is right and once I kind of have my head underway. But yeah, it’s been awesome. It has definitely kept me moving forward creatively and kept me sane through quarantine and all of this. Being able to write and create just makes everything so much better.
This year marks the ninth anniversary of the song that catapulted you into the public spotlight, “Friday.” What goes through your mind when you hear it now, and do you ever regret doing it? I’ll never have regrets. I mean, I was just trying to do something fun, and I was lucky enough to even have the opportunity at that age to have a music video and a song. That’s what so many people don’t get. The fact that my mom just supported me and did that was so cool. I have definitely grown up a lot, and I feel the time that’s happened in between, it literally feels like that was another life. It has been really fun to see the way that people have grown up with that song and how they’ve
O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 4 1
had fun with it. It has allowed people, even in times like this, to give them a second to breathe or laugh at something. It’s something that I noticed the queer community has kind of had my back on before anybody else. I just appreciate that people are able to have fun with it, and that they are able to look back at it and see the way the thought process is like now in regards to the online community. How we treat people online has shifted a lot, and there is much more awareness. That is another important part, and it has been really nice for me to see and appreciate everyone’s kindness.
Even though you received a lot of backlash with “Friday” from cyberbullies and music producers saying they would never work with you, that never discouraged you to stop pursuing music? I just feel like if every single one of us, and everyone’s experience is different, but if everyone stopped doing what they wanted to do because somebody told us to, or a dozen people told us to, then who would be doing anything? That is what I have always kept at my core.
“Friday” obviously does not define who you are. There is so much more. How did you break away from that image? I just had to grow up, and realized that I have definitive qualities about myself that I could look at and say, 'Oh that is who I am, and this is how I’ve changed.' I mean, going from 13 to 22, I know people will look at me and say oh my gosh, you’re so young, which I am, but that is a big change within itself for any person. I hope the majority of people can move past who they were at 13. I think it came to a point where I realized the faster I tried to run away from that narrative and run away from “Friday,” the faster it chased me and the more uncomfortable I felt by it. As soon as I started reflecting on it and recognizing the fact that it was a fun thing that I did when I was 13, it became a lot easier to talk about. It blew up, and therefore, here I am now.
Are you still putting out episodes of your YouTube series “Blacking Out with Rebecca Black?” I have. It’s been a bit unprecedented. Obviously, that’s the word of the year. With everything going on right now, I am trying to take things where the time is right, but yeah, I think at some point this month and coming into the summer, there will definitely be some more episodes coming out.
Is there anything else you would like to add before we wrap up? I hope everybody takes the time to take care of themselves, whatever part of the world or whatever community you are a part of. Once you feel like you are taken care of, take the moment if you can to help somebody else or help another community. Just do what you can because it’s never something that you will regret. To stay up to date, follow Black on Twitter and Instagram.
4 2 \\ J U N E 1 7 , 2 0 2 0
O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 4 3
LIVE LIFE LOVE LIFE
11 LUXURY APARTMENT COMMUNITIES
Downtown Denver | Denver Tech Center | Broomfield | Littleton AMLI.com
k n i r D o t p Not a Dro
Denver's LGBTQ Bar Scene Amid COVID-19 by Ray Manzari
O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 4 5
A
s things begin to reopen and hopefully return to some level of normalcy, we checked in on the local, LGBTQ bars, hangout spots, restaurants, and dives. While some bars are reopening with strict public health guidelines, others continue to promote their business with livestreams and an online presence. Here’s what we were able to dig up.
Open for Business
#VYBE reopened on June 1 and had scheduled
CLUB Q in Colorado Springs announced on
June 2 that they were officially reopening under these hours: Wednesday to Friday, 4 to 11 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. They also let customers know of their new food menu. They will be hosting weekend shows throughout the evenings, though their dance floor is closed until permitted to open by the state.
a foam party for Pride Month; however, they have since let OUT FRONT know that they have cancelled all upcoming events.
HAMBURGER MARY'S DENVER
are currently open for take-out and contactless delivery, though they plan on reopening for dine-in on June 16. They will be operating at 50 percent capacity with a limit of eight people per party. Their adjusted hours will be from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
LI’L DEVILS recently announced on
their social media that they would be accepting reservations though they will only be accepting reservations on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Reservations will begin at 3 p.m. in two-hour increments, and they will be taking their last reservation at 9 p.m.
WILD CORGI PUB was able to remain
open for curbside pickup and contactless delivery, though now they are officially open for dine-in as well. Their Facebook page lists several upcoming events including their reoccurring Forbidden Bingo happening on Sundays and Mondays.
Online Activities and Support: At this time, Governor Polis and state officials have not given a green light for bar businesses to reopen unless they have a special expansion planin place, leaving places like to wait for further instruction. Their general manager, William, told OUT FRONT that they hope to open this month and plan to run at the legal reduced capacity, which is also yet to be announced. They also hope to be approved for extended patio seating, which would make social distancing easier.
SWAGGER
BOYZTOWN
reopened their doors on Friday, June 5, sending their Facebook followers this message: “We want to thank everyone for their continued support during this challenging and unprecedented time. That being said we have guidelines set forth by local authorities that we and our patrons will need to adhere to.” These included: •
A building capacity of 55 patrons
•
Mandatory face masks for staff and customers
•
A quick, non-invasive temperature scan before entering
•
Restrooms changed to single-occupancy
•
One customer per drink while ordering
THE TRIANGLE DENVER is also open
under similar guidelines and reservation rules, though they are expected to be hosting virtual PrideFest events this month as well. 4 6 \\ J U N E 1 7 , 2 0 2 0
PRIDE AND
X-BAR
have officially reopened, although right now the “new normal” is by appointment only. “We want to assure you that all of your favorite people and your favorite drinks will be back in the bar,” they posted on Facebook. “We will also have $3 slices of hot pizza for sale from our partners, Slice Works. Please take advantage of this new option from us and our wonderful partners on Colfax.”
TRADE can be found live on Twitch.tv every
Thursday for their Skivvy Strip Down; you don’t need a Twitch account to watch, but registration is necessary to take part in group chat and reactions. Many were posting on social media that they reopened the weekend of June 6 and 7, though no official statement has been posted.
GLADYS: THE NOSY NEIGHBOR also hosted
an online version of their event The Gayest Showtunes via Twitch.tv on May 27 as well as June 3, so keep an eye out for that to pop up again over the summer.
BLUSH & BLU has not yet been able to re-
open, and in a recent Facebook post, told customers that they have not had any word on the various grants they’d applied for to help keep the bar open. However, they have since started a GoFundMe titled “It Takes a Village.”
DENVER SWEET, Denver’s “Bear Bar” is still
temporarily closed but has been hosting DJ led live streams via their Facebook page.
EL POTRERO NIGHT CLUB'S DJ HERREMIX & DJ OMMIX have been going live regularly from the club’s Facebook page while they remain closed.
What’s at stake this election? As governor, John Hickenlooper signed landmark legislation that helped pave the way for nationwide marriage equality. As Senator, John will stand up for LGBTQ Coloradans and fight to pass the Equality Act. Return your ballot by June 30th
CHARLIE'S NIGHTCLUB DENVER are
putting on a virtual drag and live-singing show, brought to you by the entire Charlie’s family across the nation, on Wednesday, June 17. They have their fingers crossed that they will be able to reopen soon once things are safer and can’t wait for it to be a party again! “Right now, we have our engine in neutral, but we will open again in high gear as soon as we can,” said John King, owner. “We have our fingers crossed that will be soon.”
PAID FOR BY HICKENLOOPER FOR COLORADO
TRACKS DENVER are kicking off the Pride
Season with the official pre-PrideFest party held Wednesday, June 17 via livestream and viewing in their brand-new Rainbow Alley seating area (the alley between buildings.) Mirroring this year’s PrideFest, the theme will be We Rise Together. If you didn’t snag a reservation, you can still catch the livestream, or check the seating out another night, as they are now open. “Proceeds from the livestream performance will go to a local nonprofit that gives to Black Lives Matter and The Center on Colfax, and please note that we will still be enforcing best social distancing practices,” general manager Isaac Domingue told us.
LIPSTICK NIGHTCLUB
have released statements, like many of the other establishments listed here, around March 15 announcing their closure due to the lockdown. They have yet to announce on social media about their reopening timelines. While many of these businesses struggle to stay afloat, it’s imperative to remember that though bars and restaurants are not essential in pandemic terms, they are essential to someone. They’re essential to the business owners and staff who rely on this work to pay their bills and feed their families. And they’re essential to the community and customers who rely on these safe and special places of gathering.
LOVE IS LOVE. We Wax Every Body™
www.lunchboxwax.com/denver
O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 4 7
by Frank Carber Photo provided by Felony Misdemeanor 4 8 \\ J U N E 1 7 , 2 0 2 0
W
ith the words “YAS QUEEN” and “werk hunty” populating the screen, the CO Drag Brunch Twitch stream is exactly what you would imagine a digital version of a drag show would look like. As if somehow, the real thing had been copied from the stage and pasted onto the screen in two dimensions. The novelty of virtual drag, however, fades away into the background quickly as the performances take center-stage. In the seven productions of the weekly CO Drag Brunch, queens from across the state recorded themselves in their living rooms, empty spaces, and abandoned outdoors. While one would expect drag to deflate without its audience, it is somehow elevated by its isolation. Queens appear almost transcendent broadcasting from their private spaces in full regalia. Miss Zarah, one of the queens on the growing list of those who have performed on the Twitch stream, recorded herself behind a black backdrop with glittering stars. Unlike a normal drag show, there was no other noise—no other distractions from the performance at hand. Moving her body through lyrics of Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” you can’t help but feel, too, that you want to dance with somebody—a desire that is pronounced in our quarantines and filled with more yearning than what is normally bearable in our regular lives. As one of the many performers in the two-hour stream, Miss Zarah was followed and preceded by a long list of Colorado queens. A localized effort to bring work to drag queens and entertain audiences, with bars and clubs still closed, the CO Drag Brunch was one of the grassroots efforts to elevate local drag during the stay-at-home orders. For many queens, the digital show is their first online performance. Miss Zarah said that the shift was an abrupt change, and it is not hard to understand why. Not only do digital performances require the usual trappings of drag, they also demand being adept at editing, sound, lights, camera angles, all the other elements of virtual production, as well as responding to the digital audience’s feedback in real time. “I was not prepared or ready to be doing a digital drag performance. That has been the biggest issue, trying to get the right equipment and tools to create quality virtual drag,” Miss Zarah said. However, each queen in the video stream manages to navigate the technological mazes with varying degrees of finesse. In this, there is a special weight to each performance that is missed in a physical drag show. With nothing to observe but the screen, the details of each performance came to life and jumped out of the screen as much as the queens did.
Punctuated by nothing more than a transition to the next video, each performance was itself a distilled form of selfexpression. During a time when the notion of community feels obscure and elusive, the idea of watching other people perform as you sit passively behind a screen sounds like a distant connection at best. Yet, what makes virtual drag shows so special is that they draw in the personal through an elaborate treatment of creativity. It is easy to dismiss the importance of drag as an extravagance or elaborately rhinestoned form of escapism. What possible value could powdered wigs and sharp contours hold in a turbulent moment of pandemic and protests? The answer to this is rooted in the long history of drag performance responding to, and even catalyzing, turbulent moments. The move to virtual shows demonstrates the importance of community building brought through drag and its powers to conjure our imagination. In this moment of crisis, within our drab isolation, what virtual drag shows have given, is the rejuvenating and colorful power of wonder, not only for creativity, glamour, and comedy, but a wonder for the community and what healing may look like within it. “It all started in community service and is the essence of drag,” Miss Zarah said. “I think it is really important, maybe now more than ever that the reason why we have the rights and the freedom that we have as queer people is because of a Black, trans woman.” Referring to Marsha P. Johnson, the woman who led the Stonewall Riot in 1969 and Queer liberation movement of the 60s and 70s, in addition to the many drag queens who took part in the early movement, Miss Zarah urges members of the queer community to recognize that drag has never happened in a bubble, and this moment is no exception. On Saturday, May 30, five days after the murder of George Floyd by police officers, Felony Misdemeanor performed on the Twitch stream with a multimedia video in response to police brutality. Donning large, gold earrings in the shape of Africa and a leather jacket, Felony remained somber as she sang along with Solange’s “B.U.F.U.” (By Us, For Us). Demonstrably Black-oriented and defiantly political, Felony conjured up the essence of what drag has always been—a rebellion. One that is rooted in remembrance and motivated by action. From the Stonewall Riots that catapulted the queer rights movement, to a resistance against despair during the quarantine, to a creative call to action during a time when police brutality is as bad as its ever been, the digital rebellion of Denver drag queens is a reminder of drag’s original pursuit to dismantle hatred and destroy despair in all its forms.
O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 4 9
“The inspiration for my ‘F.U.B.U.’ video was honestly the murders of Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor,” Felony said in a message over Instagram, Arbery being the 25-year-old Black man who was chased by armed, white residents of a South Georgia neighborhood while jogging, killed by gunshots and videotaped, in addition to Taylor, the 26-year-old Black woman killed by police after having her apartment broken into using a battering ram for a crime she had not even a tangential connection to. Felony filmed her performance without knowing what would precipitate in the days leading up to and following the debut of her video (she recorded herself two days before the killing of George Floyd). The visuals in her performance displayed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in protest, the Little Rock 9, and various other marches and seminal moments in history. These images were shown in tandem with Felony’s lip syncing. The performance is emotional, both for the viewers and Felony, who cuts off the performance early with tears forming under her thick lashes. “You can see me mess up my lip sync because I didn’t want to do it anymore,” Felony posts to her audience in the chat section of the Twitch feed. With a tear streaming down her face, Felony turns away from the screen, and the video fades out to show the images of Jimmie Lee Jackson, Clifford
Glover, Amadou Diallo, Oscar Grant, Aiyana Jones, Ramarley Graham, Trayvon Martin, Rekia Boyd, Jordan Davis, Jonathan Ferrell, Renisha McBride, Eric Garner, John Crawford III, Natasha McKenna, Anthony Hill, Walter Scott, Freddie Gray, the Charleston 9, Sandra Bland, Corey Jones, Philando Castile, Terence Crutcher, Jordan Edwards, Botham Jean, Atatiana Jefferson, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor—Black activists, military veterans, athletes, children, and average citizens killed through brutal force by the police and white supremasists for being Black. “I was hoping to show whoever would watch that it’s not just the people in the video affected, but that everyone is,” she said. “So many of us have experienced racism, and we’re being killed in this ongoing murdering of Black folk. It has to stop.” Despite the relevance and intention behind Felony’s performance, not everything about her change to a digital format has gone smoothly.
5 0 \\ J U N E 1 7 , 2 0 2 0
“The adjustment from the stage to online is major. I’ve been performing for audiences for 20 years, and then to just come to a sudden stop is quite jolting,” Felony said. Her frustration with the shift to online was echoed by Miss Zarah, who found it difficult at first to create a visually compelling show and look within the limitations of video. The larger project of CO Drag Brunch is a rebellion itself, too—against the despair that the coronavirus-enforced isolation has encouraged. Once again, and digitally, queens come out to bring life and hope into a tragedy. In the 51 years following Stonewall riots and the 60-plus years of performance in Denver, drag has reminded a lynchpin in turbulent moments. In times of crisis, drag represents the collective aspirations of our community: self expression through creativity, honesty through humor, and survival through rebellion. Though the centuries-old-art of drag has become an entertainment
behemoth in the last decade, spilling into mainstream culture, its grassroots beginnings are alive and well—cackling and throwing up fists from the corners of the internet and in our minds, as we long for a time in the future when, once again, we are able to physically embrace the community that they provide.
protests and the police brutality of Black folk. If anything, it may make them more political. I’m seeing it happen online, myself included. I see them taking accountability for themselves and holding others accountable,” Felony said. “Even asking the right questions on how to help.”
As we reminisce on Prides of the past, we may wonder, what does Pride, and a show of celebration, mean right now? Virtual drag, and the queens who have created it, give us a framework to answer that question.
The virtual drag shows of queens like Felony Misdemeanor show that drag and Pride have never just been a celebration—joy never arrives without the survival of suffering, but instead, is always at its side. The shows are a remembrance of the past and a movement toward greater justice for all members of the community.
“Drag queens’ roles will not change due to the
On June 3, LA Pride announced via Twitter that they would join hands with Black Lives Matter for a mass demonstration in support of Black members of the queer community and the Black community at large. On June 20, Denver PrideFest will begin its virtual celebration. In questioning what steps must be taken moving
forward, it is relevant to look at the work already being done. Looking toward the future, Felony is creating a drag production with an all-Black cast. Her show “BLACK DIAMONDS” is set to debut the first week of Pride and will take place, as all elements of PrideFest this year, online. For drag queens, the future looks like it always has, rife with uncertainty and change, but full of creativity and community. Felony Misdemeanor and Miss Zarah are among the many resilient queens who remain optimistic about the place of drag in this moment. In reflecting on her future, Felony said, “I can’t wait to showcase these amazing, beautiful, Black entertainers,” and gives us a glimpse into what the future of drag may look like for us all—inclusive, embracing, and rebellious.
O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 5 1
l l a w e n o t S r e t f A & l l a w e n o t S e r o Be f of the
y r o t s i H e h y T t i n u m m o C LGBT od
lijah Nahm
by David-E
T
wo documentaries, available on a double-feature DVD and both streaming at Amazon, tell the sweeping history of the LGBTQ community across the entire 20th century. Both are worth seeing during this Pride Season to remind us how far we've come. When Before Stonewall: The Making of a Gay and Lesbian Community was first released in 1985, the Stonewall Riots were less than 20 years in the past and still fresh in many people's minds. This gave the film a very special resonance. Narrated by acclaimed lesbian author Rita Mae Brown, Before Stonewall is, as the title suggests, a documentary about what LGBTQ life was like during the decades which preceded the riots. It's a powerful testimony to how difficult and dangerous life was for queer people from the 1920s through the 1960s. It was a time when people were forced to live in secret, when being out or "discovered" could mean arrest, loss of jobs, or even jail time. Co-directors Greta Schiller and Robert Rosenberg do an impressive job of finding people who recall those bygone years with great clarity. Participants who were around during the 1920s and 30s were quite old by the time the film was made—these interviews were the last chance the filmmakers had to speak to people who were alive during that time. The film is therefore an important historical document. Interviewees speak of the secretive lives they were forced to live and of the coded language they would use to find each other. There was enormous societal pressure to marry. What little community there was existed underground. Yet there were a few who dared to live quasi-open lives such as Gladys Bentley, a black lesbian who performed in clubs in New York's Harlem. Bentley dressed 5 2 \\ J U N E 1 7 , 2 0 2 0
like a man, and, at one point ran off to Atlantic City to marry her girlfriend. Harlem and the Barbary Coast of San Francisco were among the few places where LGBTQ people could gather and create a semblance of a community. The film takes viewers through the World War II era when many LGBTQ people heeded the call to fight for their country. But, they also had to fight for their right to remain in the military. One woman, who during the war worked for future president Dwight D. Eisenhower, remembers being ordered to weed out all the lesbians who were serving in his unit. "My name will be first on the list," she tells the general. As the film continues, the chilling witch hunts of the McCarthy era are recounted, as is the first emergence of a visible gay movement. During the 1950s, The Mattachine Society, a gay men's organization, and the Daughters of Bilitis, a San Francisco-based lesbian activist group, were formed. At a time when gay materials were viewed as obscene, both organizations had the courage to defy convention and publish magazines, possibly the first regular, LGBTQ publications in U.S. history. Interviews with Mattachine co-founders Harry Hay and Chuck Rowland are included, as is an interview with a woman who recalls going to her first Daughters of Bilitis meeting around 1955—she speaks excitedly about how it felt to be in a room filled with lesbians for the first time. "Oh, what a thrill that was," she says. In the 60s, many LGBTQ people involved themselves with the civil rights movement, and this inspired some to publicly take a stand for queer rights for the first time. In 1965, a small but
hearty group of gay men and lesbians marched in front of the State Department in Washington, D.C. and demanded employment rights. They still had a long way to go. Inside the building, people were laughing at them. It was no walk in the park to be queer in the decades that preceded Stonewall, and Before Stonewall does an amazing job of recreating that history. Besides interviews with dozens of "old-timers," the film includes a goldmine of archival footage. We're not told, for example, that those brave activists who picketed the State Department were laughed at. Instead, we see actual footage of Dean Rusk, who served as Secretary of State under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson, assuring his colleagues that the department does not knowingly employ "homosexuals," and that when "homosexuals" are discovered in the department, they are dismissed. The scope and depth of the research that went into creating Before Stonewall is breathtaking. This nearly 50-year history of the LGBTQ community makes it easy to understand why patrons at the Stonewall Inn exploded that night in June 1969—their resentment at how they'd been treated went far beyond the police raids they'd been enduring at the Stonewall. People were tired of being treated like citizens, tired of hiding who they were, tired of the harassment and bigotry they'd been forced to live with for so long. Before Stonewall takes on a whole new meaning today with the Trump Administration's numerous attempts at rolling back LGBTQ rights. The community's hold on the rights that have been gained is tenuous at best. This movie reminds us of what was fought for and that the battle is far from over. After Stonewall (1999) tells the story of the LGBTQ community during the three decades which followed the Stonewall Riots. After the riots, the very first Pride parades were organized, and the first out community emerged. The film recalls what was probably the community's very first victory: in 1973, the American Psychiatric Assocation declared that homosexuality would no longer be considered a "psychiatric disorder." With narration by lesbian rock star Melissa Etheridge, After Stonewall follows the movement through the 70s, 80s, and 90s, as the community battled the religious right (a battle which continues today), the AIDS crisis (the film beautifully documents the rise of the AIDS activist organization ACT UP), and the many setbacks and victories that the community lived through during those years. Included are interviews with important figures who are no longer with us, such as early lesbian organizer Barbara Gittings, the recently departed AIDS activist Larry Kramer, and Craig Rodwell, who founded the Oscar Wilde Memorial Bookshop—the first gay bookstore—in New York City. The film also reminds us that President Bill Clinton was not the ally he claimed to be. After courting the LGBTQ vote, Clinton betrayed the community by signing the discriminatory Don't Ask Don't Tell Bill. Like Before Stonewall, After Stonewall offers a breathtaking scope and preserves important histories which should not be forgotten. Both films are must-see viewing during this Pride Season. We are a resilient people. As both films illustrate, we have much to be proud of. Happy Pride! O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 5 3
HAPPY PRIDE MONTH, COLORADO! ‘
Starting off Denver s Green Mile, Peak is located at the heart of the Denver Historic Baker District, home to Broadway s eclectic collection of music, food & drink, as well as shopping. Peak Dispensary is a must for any cannabis enthusiast! ‘
12.99
"Peak has one of the biggest selection of edibles and concentrates in Denver AND 65+ strains available."
260 Broadway Street Denver, CO
720.390.780 4
peakmj.com 5 4 \\ J U N E 1 7 , 2 0 2 0
peakbroadway
BAR TAB | THE HOTTEST COLORADO NIGHTLIFE
BLUSH & BLU
1526 E. Colfax Ave. Denver (303) 484-8548 blushbludenver.com
MILLERS & ROSSI
PRIDE & SWAGGER 450 E.17th Ave. #110 Denver (720) 476-6360
R&R LOUNGE
BOYZTOWN
4958 E. Colfax Ave. Denver (303) 320-9337
CHARLIE'S® NIGHTCLUB
3500 Walnut St. Denver (303) 863-7326 tracksdenver.com
117 Broadway St. Denver (303) 722-7373 boyztowndenver.com 900 E. Colfax Ave. Denver (303) 839-8890 charliesdenver.com MON - SAT: Happy Hour 11 a.m.-7 p.m. FRI: Neon Fridays SUN: $7 Beer Bust 4-8 p.m.
CLUB Q
3430 N. Academy Blvd. Colo. Springs (719) 570-1429 clubqonline.com
DENVER SWEET
16 T
1223 E. 13th Ave., Denver (303) 832-7636 wildcorgipub.com
17TH AVE.
L
AV E
TRIANGLE
PRIDE & SWAGGER
.W
31ST AVE.
T
HAMBURGER MARY’S
OGDEN ST.
LI’L DEVILS
LIPSTICK DISCOTHEQUE
5660 W. Colfax Ave. Denver (720) 669-3470SSI
O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 5 5
R+R DENVER
CHARLIE’S BLUSH & BLU WILD CORGI PUB CLARKSON ST.
1ST AVE.
BROADWAY
COMPOUND BOYZTOWN
ES
T.
XBAR
#VYBE BENNY’S 8TH AVE. DENVER 6TH AVE. SWEET
GLADYS TRADE
ES
STONEY'S
11TH AVE.
PENNSYLVANIA
1027 N. Broadway St. Denver (720) 573-8886 303Vybe.com
AL
K
O AH AP
WASHINGTON ST.
#VYBE
ST .M
COLFAX AVE.
X BAR
629 E. Colfax Ave. Denver (303) 832-2687 xbardenver.com
H
PA R
. ST
T NU
COLORADO BLVD.
CLOCKTOWER
.
255 S. Broadway St. Denver (303) 733-1156 lildevilslounge.com
WILD CORGI PUB
AL
T.
AR
VD BL
LI'L DEVILS
1035 E. 17th Ave. Denver (720) 485-5503 Stoneysuptown.com
W
ES
R
HAMBURGER MARY’S
1336 E. 17th Ave. Denver (303) 993-5812 hamburgermarys.com/denver
STONEY'S UPTOWN JOINT
K LA
MILLERS & ROSSI
TRACKS
EE
500 Santa Fe Dr. Denver (303) 893-6112
B
SP
GLADYS: THE NOSY NEIGHBOR
THE TRIANGLE BAR
2036 N. Broadway St. , Denver (303) 658-0913 triangledenver.com
SANTA FE DR. KALAMATH ST.
4501 E. Virginia Ave. Glendale (303) 388-8889 Facebook - Elpotrero.180
TRADE
475 Santa Fe Dr. Denver (720) 627-5905 THU: Skivvy Stripdown SAT: Beer Bust 3 - 7 p.m. SUN: Beer Bust 3 - 7 p.m.
YORK ST.
EL POTRERO
TRACKS
BROADWAY
776 N. Lincoln St. Denver (720) 598-5648 www.denversweet.com M-F: Happy Hour 2–7 pm SAT: Happy Hour 1–7 pm SUN: Bears on the Roof Bearbust 4-8pm Music Videos Daily | DJs Fri/Sat/Sun
ait to w t ’ n Ca our t a k c be ba bars! e favorit
Contemporary Art Speakeasy 3542 Walnut St, Denver 720-257-5342 Mention OUT FRONT for $2 off all specialty cocktails
DOWNING ST.
BENNY'S
301 E. 7th Ave. Denver (303) 894-0788 bennysmexican.com Happy Hours: MON-FRI: 4-6 p.m. SAT-SUN: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
MARKETPLACE FOR INFO ON PLACING A MARKETPLACE AD 303-477-4000 MARKETING@OUTFRONTMAGAZINE.COM [ accounting ]
[ INSURANCE ]
PLANNING IS YOUR BEST COVERAGE ■ Call for a Farmers Friendly Review®
Norm Belson Agency 400 S Colorado Blvd, Suite 220 Denver, CO 80246 nbelson@farmersagent.com
Call 303.777.4690 x101 today! For Home, Auto, Life and Business. Restrictions apply. Discounts may vary. Not available in all states. See your agent for details. Insurance is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange and other affiliated insurance companies. Visit farmers.com for a complete listing of companies. Not all insurers are authorized to provide insurance in all states. Coverage is not available in all states. [ LEGAL ]
[ MASSAGE ]
INDIVIDUALIZED MASSAGE INC
Michael Conti, BSPsy, LMT
An integrative approach to wellness
$70/hour $95/90 min 303-832-1499 individualizedmassagedenver.com [ LEGAL ]
5 6 \\ J U N E 1 7 , 2 0 2 0
[ MASSAGE ]
[ REAL ESTATE ]
O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 5 7
CLUB Q
S N E P O E R
Words and Photos by Allison Porter of Mermaid Jade Photography
A
re you ready for the new norm?
Change is coming, and being adaptable is more crucial now than ever before. Facing strict social distancing requirements, businesses are transitioning to reopen, and the question on this queen's mind is, "What are drag shows going to be like?" Club Q Colorado Springs owners Matthew Haynes and Nic Grzecka are celebrating this 2020 Pride season, and 17 years of success, by reopening their doors and bringing us all together. The LGBTQ safe haven is now a dine-in restaurant.
5 8 \\ J U N E 1 7 , 2 0 2 0
Implementing rigorous sanitation and safety measures, the popular "six-foot rule" sees tables spread across the once-familiar dance floor to now provide a safe distance from the other parties. The club has seen a total facelift; with new tabletops and recently refinished, gender-neutural bathrooms, the place looks almost unrecognizable! Additionally, the fierce bar staff are now a highly efficient wait staff and wear face masks at all times. The Drag Dinner Theater performers were the only rivals of the incredible, all-new, dinner menu. Grzecka provides his own, unique recipes for a dynamic selection that includes the hand-breaded "Q Famous Crispy Chicken Sandwich,"which is what many are calling, the best chicken sandwich in the city. Breathing new life into the entire entertainment industry, the Colorado Springs community welcomes back "Club" Q, no longer the night club it once was. Now, with limited seating available, and the return of our highly regarded Drag Brunch, I strongly recommend checking out Club Q's Facebook page for links to reserve yourself a table!
O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 5 9
REFLECTING
onPreviousYearsofDenverPrideFest
photos by Veronica L. Holyfield
6 0 \\ J U N E 1 7 , 2 0 2 0
O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 6 1
6 2 \\ J U N E 1 7 , 2 0 2 0
O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 6 3