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CONTENTS
SEPTEMBER 4, 2019 VOL43 NO11
6 BOULDER IS LOVE 8 A POEM FOR THE CLOSETED 10 BOULDER PRIDE CALENDAR 16 LGBTQ AT CU: HOW INCLUSIVE IS THE BOULDER COLLEGE COMMUNITY? 18 QUEER POP IS SPREADING RAINBOWS OVER BOULDER 22 QUEER, TRANS, AND COLORFUL IN BOULDER 24 ANA CRUZ IS CHANNELING HER FLOW IN BOULDER 28 MARDI MOORE MADE OUT BOULDER A ONE-STOP SHOP FOR INCLUSIVITY 31 BOULDER PRIDEFEST 2019 EXPANDS ITS OFFERINGS 34 PLASTIQUE TIARA WERQS THE WORLD 36 QUEER ASTERISK IS MERGING ART AND LANGUAGE 38 MOLLY MCCORMICK: A LENS FOR THE LOCAL
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THE TRUE STORY OF THE 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
ARTISTS AND ALLIES WHO
RISKED IT ALL FOR
ONE BEAUTIFUL KISS BY PULITZER PRIZE WINNER PAULA VOGEL
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
Illustration by Kyle Malone
EDITORIAL editorial@outfrontmagazine.com ADDISON HERRON-WHEELER Editor VERONICA L. HOLYFIELD Creative Director BRENT HEINZE Senior Columnist CHARLES BROSHOUS Senior Photographer DENNY PATTERSON Celebrity Interviewer INTERNS: Angel Bowerman, Angel Rivera, Arianna Balderrama, Kai Bigham, Luz Meza WRITERS: Arjuna, Carina Julig, Lori DeBoer, Maggie Saunders, Troy Steadman ART art@outfrontmagazine.com DESIGN2PRO Graphic Designer COVER DESIGN Veronica L. Holyfield COVER ART Lucas Zhao MARKETING + SALES marketing@outfrontmagazine.com BENJAMIN YOUNG Director of Sales & Marketing QUINCEY ROISUM Marketing Executive KELSEY ELGIE DOMIER 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.
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FROM THE EDITOR
Boulder is Love
T
he Republic of Boulder. Boulder is its own little world. Boulder is [insert weird compliment sandwich here.] Fun and weird but expensive. Cool but cliquey and whitewashed. Outdoorsy and granola, so you better be in good shape. However, if there’s one thing we know for sure about stereotypes, it’s that they’re often not true. After all, most of the world thinks everyone in Colorado sits around all day high on cannabis and mushrooms, and apparently some people think doing butt stuff makes babies gay.
Plus, our roots with Boulder go a lot deeper than just being neighbors. OUT FRONT started in Boulder, not Denver. We may have migrated down south over our 40+ year tenure, but our original office, occupied by founding editor Phil Price, was located at 2900 Aurora Ave., Suite 226, Boulder, CO. We were originally 6 \\ S E P T E M B E R 4 , 2 0 1 9
published by Lee Enterprises in Boulder. Some truths about Boulder can’t be ignored, just like truths about the rest of Colorado. It’s a very white area that needs to recognize its privilege, along with the fact that not every single person in the area can (or wants to) hike a 14er. But there’s a lot more to Boulder than meets the eye. There’s hiking, camping, and natural grocery stores, sure, but there’s also queer culture, poetry, drag, trans collectives, and all kinds of amazing things the casual observer might not notice. So, in this issue, we celebrate all things Boulder, from the queer and unusual to the outdoorsy and the granola. We hope this inspires you to get out in the Boulder community as well as the Denver one to try and connect and make a difference! Addison Herron-Wheeler
By Troy Steadman
A Poem for
the Closeted
In the shadows many hide With no man or woman to confide They walk among us every day With many thoughts they may never say Alone yet surrounded A bird that is grounded Rights and freedoms, they ‘just’ came A raise of hands—aren’t we all the same? A daily costume constantly worn Does little for those forlorn For these the TRUTH does not set them free It’s more a magnifying glass for all to see The comments, actions, and betrayals Images, assumptions, poor portrayals Some proclaim, “It is a choice!” But remember, these many still have no voice And why would they go and choose it!? When many who ‘care’ would surely lose it. Judgments, misunderstandings, and some loss Is it right? No matter the cost? They fight a battle, many alone Years of oppression—who condones? So rise up, or stay hidden. Your love is forbidden And in the darkness may You nay forever stay Those tears are felt No judgement dealt You’re important and beautiful I know that sounds ‘dutiful’ Find peace, find hope, find the answer Listen up—this isn’t cancer It’s a journey, so travel it A challenge, so overcome it I know what it’s like to be tossed to and fro To feel like you’ll never have the chance to grow To feel broken, bound, and soul-torn Someday, others will surely mourn Helpless hapless, hopeless, happy-less!, and lost Trust me, it’s happening at enormous cost And truth be told I’m not that bold... But It’s a goal of mine To make the needed time To push back, to speak up, To stand tall, to never give up But for now, in the shadows I lie A sincere and lonely guy Pretending, existing ... crying Every day a little more dying But with every ounce of might, I’ll shed the dark & seek the light. And I’ll confidently, quietly, courageously say That for me—“it’s OK. It’s OK to be gay.” 8 \\ S E P T E M B E R 4 , 2 0 1 9
BOULDER PRIDE CALENDAR Wednesday, September 4 LGBTQ Family Planning Seminar A panel discussion on the different ways LGBTQ families can grow, including topics on adoption, foster care, artificial insemination, and legal structures. Special panel guests include Sara Barton, MD, a reproductive endocrinologist at CCRM. Free event, space is limited, and RSVP is required.
Thursday, September 5 50+ LGBTQ Mixer at Under the Sun Out Boulder County and the Boulder County Area Agency on Aging have partnered for a night of queer and allied community socializing at Under the Sun Eatery and Pizzeria. Open to LGBTQ folks with a special shout-out for those who are 50 years of age and older, but everyone is welcome!
Thursday, September 5 Boulder Babes and Boulder Men’s Training All are welcome at this open training session with athletes from both the women’s rugby and men’s D2 team practice. No experience is necessary, and all abilities are invited to participate in a workout at Tom Watson Park from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Queer and Nerdy Game Night A fun, silly, and competitive way for Longmont and Boulder County LGBTQ adults to make new friends and nerd out at St Vrain Cidery. From board games like Harry Potter Hogwarts Battle, Mysterium, and Exploding Kittens and Unstable Unicorns to cards and dice games, gather with community and play a while.
Friday, September 6 NoBo First Friday Take a self-guided tour at the free First Friday night of artist studios and creative businesses that line the NoBo Art District. See live music and meet sculptors, painters, photographers, and creative designers demoing and displaying their latest creations.
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LiquidSky: David Bowie The Fiske Planetarium has created a mindmelding eye candy buffet using the beats and rhythms of the artistic chameleon and his alter egos in the trippy, visual, and musical rendition displayed on their 8K dome.
Friday, September 6 Chakra Balancing Singing Bowls Tune up with good vibrations at the Boulder Psychic Institute and experience Tibetan singing bowl energy move through physical and etheric bodies. The sound meditation event is free, and all are welcome to join in chakra balancing exercises.
Saturday, September 7 Tea Ceremony in Nature A silent hike starting at 8 a.m. hosted by Living Simply Bare guides participants to the power of Mother Earth through this immersive, sensory experience. Sip tea, reflect on the healing qualities of organic herbs, and engage with nature in a new way.
Boulder Pridefest PreParty at License No. 1 DJ Sinna-G is mixing up a 21+ event unlike any other queer night in Boulder at this pre-party kickoff event. With gogo dancers and Boulder Burlesque entertainment, this is a steal at only $12!
Saturday, September 7 Liv Women’s Bicycle Demo Jump on the latest 2020 mountain bikes from Liv Cycling USA at this free and fun event for women at Valmont Bike Park. Full Cycle and Boulder Cycle are partnering and challenge you to test out as many bikes as you’d like!
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BOULDER PRIDE CALENDAR
Saturday, September 7 Dance Till You Glow: Jungle Glow with Deviant Spirits Distillery -DV8 with LA DJ and Producer SAAND and aerial dance by vertical Fusion Entertainment and UV body art by Tim weiss and Danimawl. The zero-waste venue is a party with a cause, as a portion of ticket sales will be donated to UNICEF, a nonprofit dedicated to providing healthcare and food to disadvantaged children and adolescents of the world.
Saturday, September 7 Name and Gender Change Clinic The Name Change Project, alongside Denver Fingerprinting, will be present from 12 - 3 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Boulder to help individuals find information and navigate through forms to update name and gender marker in the State of Colorado. 1 2 \\ S E P T E M B E R 4 , 2 0 1 9
Saturday, September 7 The Deep Cuts Showcase at The Laughing Goat COLA Records presents Deep Cuts hosted by Veronique Van Pelt and featuring out Denver musician Sarah Slaton alongside AveryJ, Miles Wilder, and Duran.
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BOULDER PRIDE CALENDAR Sunday, September 8 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Visibility March Start off Boulder Pridefest with joy and visibility at Out Boulder County’s march! Don your most festive and colorful outfit, and show your Boulder pride with fellow LGBTQ folks where all identities and allies are welcome. No sign-up required to bring your queer-affirming organization, place of worship, volunteer group, or other group’s banners and walk alongside all who want to make Boulder a more queer-inclusive place.
10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Rainbow Run/Walk 5K As a fundraiser to support the programs and the work of Out Boulder County, whose mission is to educate, advocate, and provide services to the Boulder LGBTQ community, the Rainbow Run is taking a different route and adding a fun costume contest. The kickoff event of Boulder Pridefest is open to all ages and abilities, so whether you’re running, walking, or rolling, registration is still open!
11:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Boulder Pridefest Central Park in Boulder will be transformed into a jam-packed and lively festival with fun activities, queer community and partners, and vendors of artsits and craftsfolx. Exciting entertainment, a Health and Wellness Area, and Youth and Family Area make this day fun for all!
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By Carina Julig
LGBTQ at CU
How |nclusive is the Boulder College Community?
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I
n late April, thousands of students poured into Macky Auditorium at CU Boulder to hear their incoming president, Mark Kennedy, speak for the first time. It was a contentious visit. Kennedy had been selected by the Board of Regents to replace Bruce Benson as president of the University of Colorado system. After the announcement, students were quick to dig into the former Minnesota legislator’s political record. They found a long list of anti-LGBTQ voting stances, including cosponsoring a bill to constitutionally define marriage as between a man and a woman. Additionally, a gay employee at George Washington University, where Kennedy used to work, said in 2013 that Kennedy had created a hostile work environment for himself and other LGBTQ staff members. Students (and some faculty) were quick to mobilize against Kennedy and held a rally on campus protesting his nomination. Kennedy released a statement saying that his position on same-sex marriage had evolved over time, which did little to win people over. When his visit to CU came around, students were standing outside Macky urging people to call the Board to express their displeasure. Inside the auditorium, things weren’t going much better for Kennedy. He mixed up the words “inclusive” and “exclusive” (mistakenly saying he wanted to make CU the most exclusive school in the country) and stumbled over his descriptions of LGBTQ issues. He struggled to maintain control of the crowd, which heckled him throughout the event. It is unlikely that Kennedy has a secret agenda to strip away LGBTQ rights at CU, and as president, he will not oversee day-to-day operations on campus. But the debacle hit a sore spot for many LGBTQ students, in that it felt like the university was once again merely paying lip service to the promises of diversity and inclusion. CU has a mixed reputation when it comes to LGBTQ issues. Boulder has long been a buzzword for liberal enclave, and has a reputation as a queer haven. But, in truth, there is surprisingly little LGBTQ life in town. There are no queer bars in the city, and with its collegetown atmosphere, Boulder can sometimes feel a little provincial. Many LGBTQ residents of Boulder say they feel more comfortable in Denver, a much larger city with a thriving queer scene and numerous LGBTQ bars. On campus at least, there is a visible LGBTQ contingent. It’s difficult to estimate the actual number of students who are LGBTQ, but they are not few and far between. A range of student organizations supports the LGBTQ community, including a gay-straight alliance, a group for transgender students, and a group for queer students of color. The university has several full-time staff members
who focus on LGBTQ issues on campus (formerly CU’s Gender and Sexuality Center; they merged with several other student centers to become the Center for Inclusion and Social Change). The Gay Straight Alliance hosts a drag ball each fall full of student performers, and in the spring, the university holds a Lavender Graduation ceremony for matriculating LGBTQ students. Support for transgender students is becoming more prevalent on campus as well. The university holds the TRANSforming Gender Conference each spring, which invites transgender speakers from across the country to campus. The sharing of pronouns is becoming more common among students and faculty, and gender-neutral bathrooms are spreading to more parts of campus. While the older buildings on campus rarely have gender-neutral bathrooms, the C4C has a large gender-neutral bathroom, and gender-neutral bathrooms are being added to each floor of the new student dormitory opening this fall in Williams Village. The Center for Inclusion and Social Change has been pushing to get more data on the population of LGBTQ students at CU, and is rolling out a voluntary question on CU’s college application form that asks students about their gender identity and sexual orientation. This follows the University of California’s college application, which voluntarily asks students about their sexual orientation. While this data will not be perfectly accurate, as many students don’t come out until after starting college, it will give the university a better sense of how many LGBTQ students are on campus and whether the resources they are providing are accurate. Data about LGBTQ students doesn’t always turn up pleasant things. In 2014, the university conducted a social climate survey for graduate students that found that LGBTQ Master’s and PhD students were twice as likely to leave their programs without completing a degree as their straight peers. A deeper look into the survey data found that LGBTQ grad students lacked the support that LGBTQ undergrads had, and that the very hierarchical and departmentally segmented structure of graduate school could be isolating for LGBTQ students. The dean of the graduate school took steps to improve the climate, including implementing a peer mentoring program that can pair LGBTQ students together. Another social climate survey is expected to be conducted this fall. Despite the tumult, CU continues to rank highly among best campuses for LGBTQ students. As students come back to school this fall, Mark Kennedy will start his first year as CU’s president. Whether he will embrace CU’s ethos of pride or struggle against them remains to be seen. OUTFRONTMAGAZINE.COM
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Queer Pop
is Spreading Rainbows Over Boulder By Denny Patterson Photos by Mike Bomberger
C
olorado may be one of the most diverse and accepting states within the country, but believe it or not, not every major town has a place for the LGBTQ community to gather and converse. For example, Boulder. OUT FRONT Magazine’s Director of Sales and Marketing Ben Young is involved with an event movement called Queer Pop that works to fill the empty gap. “Queer Pop is an extension of an event called Prop Gay that was held a couple years ago,” Young said. “Prop Gay was kind of taking its influence from the Prop 8 movement when that was a thing. Basically, the concept is having a rotating gay bar in Boulder, because they don’t have a gay bar up there. A bunch of businesses have tried to be queer-centric, but for various reasons, they just never really gained traction. So, this is a way for the community to have a space that rotates around these businesses that are popular 1 8 \\ S E P T E M B E R 4 , 2 0 1 9
venues throughout Boulder, popular for college students, tech innovators, and all the people who come into town. There are a wide variety of spots to hang out in in Boulder.” Prop Gay began when a few different college friend networks and folks who were active in the Denver LGBTQ community but lived in Boulder kept witnessing every single LGBTQ bar and venture in Boulder fail. Young moved to Boulder in 2013 and attended some of the events. “When Prop Gay took hold, it became popular,” he said. “It was really the only way to kind of get to know any of the community in town. I went to a few of them, and I loved them.” Unfortunately, Prop Gay fell off a bit and then went on a two-year hiatus. “I recognized, when it fell away, how different it was to be a gay in Boulder,” Young said.
When Young started working for OUT FRONT earlier this year, he was excited to be working in Denver, but he noticed that there was still a lack of community in Boulder. So, he helped restart Prop Gay, which is now known as Queer Pop. “As we look to fill our mission statement, we need to be a resource for the LGBTQ community in all of Colorado, not just Denver,” Young said. “Boulder is a great place to focus on, and that is why we wanted to kind of bring back this rotating bar concept. It really does start the conversation, and we want to get something consistent for everybody.” There have been three Queer Pop events so far, and according to Young, they have all been a success. “They have been very-well attended,” he said. “We have seen a bunch of people pack the bar for a couple hours, so it’s busy, busy, busy, and we have seen a couple folks passing through kind of seeing what’s up.”
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Young hopes to make the last Friday of every month a Queer Pop event. Because of Boulder Pride, the next event is TBA, but in the past, Young has had a lot of success working with local businesses on the event. Not only does Young believe that Queer Pop has been a benefit to the community overall, but he believes it has been a benefit to restarting the conversation, because it was such a popular series back then. “This was such a great solution for the Boulder community back when it started,” Young said. “It makes so much sense for it to continue to exist and thrive today when the community is larger than it’s ever been.” However, if the Boulder LGBTQ community continues to grow, then why do LGBTQ bars continue to flop? “It’s an interesting question,” Young said. “Boulder is very progressive, very open and accepting, but within that, I think they don’t necessarily feel the need to provide a space for any one particular group. I mean, there are tons of spaces for tons of groups, just not gay people. I think there’s this thought that gay people belong everywhere in Boulder. As we know, gay people tend to flock, and they tend to feel power in numbers and tend to feel safe in numbers. So, there is no central gathering point for anybody. It becomes kind of disparate. Also, I think part of Boulder’s angle is the fact that it
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has so much variety in food, bars, and nightlife; I don’t think gay people feel they can make one bar their one stop unless it’s absolutely perfect.” Young and everyone else involved with Queer Pop are dedicated to growing the Queer Pop distribution all over the state and are open to working with folks who are interested in their mission. “I know there are a couple of businesses owners in Boulder that I have talked to already who want to help and contribute,” Young said. “These business owners are new and haven’t been personally invested in Queer Pop or Prop Gay in the past with the previous generation. They want to keep the program going. They recognize the fact that there is not really a whole lot of community in Boulder. There’s not really a whole lot of conversation taking place up there. So, if other people or business owners in Boulder want to help us grow our footprint, we would love to talk with them. If anybody is interested in being a Queer Pop partner, we would love to work with them. We just want to make sure that people know that we are here, and that we are dedicated to growing as more of a resource.” For more information and Queer Pop event updates, like and follow OUT FRONT Magazine’s Facebook page.
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By Arjuna
Queer, Trans, and Colorful in Boulder 2 2 \\ S E P T E M B E R 4 , 2 0 1 9
I
f Boulder, CO is as progressive a city as it seems, why is it so hard for me to survive as a queer, trans person of color? Building community with other QTPOC (queer, trans, people of color) and refusing to hide myself has helped me find my way, but resisting the pressure of conformity and assimilation takes a toll. People in liberal circles love to throw around “intersectionality” as a buzzword, but forget the realities of occupying intersections and what it actually looks like when people are vulnerable to both racism and queerphobia. But for QTPOC people like me and my friends, there’s something about living in Boulder especially, an alienation that comes from being unseen in so many different ways. It’s hard being the only voice telling yourself that you’re worthwhile. Boulder touts itself as a queer, liberal haven, but it only protects those who live within the privilege of whiteness. The pressure to conform to white, queer culture in Boulder feels remarkably similar to being pushed to assimilate as a first-generation immigrant. There’s a persistent and false incentive to hide myself and to make concession after concession. Some adjustments are necessary, especially in academic settings, but others erase essential parts of me. Jas, a graduate student at Boulder, is optimistic about how she navigates the siren call of assimilation. “I do believe that my defiance and refusal to fully assimilate is about the hope of eventually getting out of here with the self I want to cultivate intact.” Bri Hill, a Blaqueer (black and queer) graduate from CU Boulder, sees through the colorblind acceptance advertised in the city. “Boulder has become a safe haven for white people and queer and trans people who are white.”
and no abdication of power. Surprisingly, you can own a button of Marsha P. Johnson and still be racist. Bri mentioned finding QTPOC at CU Boulder and also spending less time within white circles. They asked themselves, “If I got arrested, who would be there for me? Who will throw hands for you, physically and intellectually?” I’m not sure how many white queers would put themselves in harm’s way for me. What are you protecting when you don’t protect us? Complicit whiteness is so often justified with language of propriety and comfort that prevents individuals from taking action and disrupting racism. White, queer people in Boulder aren’t ready for true accomplice work; they’re still stuck on shows of allyship that revolve around merch and going to drag brunch. When my race is visible, it becomes tokenized. Attempts to not feel erased as a person of color end up turning against me through misguided questions and the white gaze of fascination. Stop asking me about where to find the best Indian food in Boulder. Deb Tsige, an Ethiopian queer film student in Boulder, doesn’t want to explain the movie Us to you. Deb confessed, “I wonder if I’m something to gawk at. I don’t want to be a jester.” Deb feels tired of performing for white people and having white queers inquire about her blackness. She has only been in Boulder for a year. She has a simple request, to have her humanity be seen. “I’m also a human being. Invite me to parties. Talk to me about the weather.”
The culture of Boulder has embraced white queerness, but other embodiments of queerness are not accepted. I’m not skinny; I’m not vegan; and I hate bouldering. My queerness is brown, tangled up in my coarse body hair and inability to whisper. One is celebrated, the other penalized.
Every QTPOC person I know attributes their survival to the other QTPOC people in Boulder. The process is painful, but I owe my resilience to other QTPOC who see and love me. Bri taught me how to appreciate the color of my eyes and how to unabashedly love my people. Deb celebrates the strangest parts of me, and Jas’ laugh reminds me of my father.
For me, the hypocrisy packs an extra punch as well. Organizations and individuals here are more defensive and resistant to change because of the impression that their participation in queerness exempts them from anti-racism work. Or, that unlearning racism only requires an awareness of racism,
We survive because we choose ourselves, and we choose each other over anything that wouldn’t love us back. Every day, I do my best to enjoy my time in Boulder. It’s a shame that I’m most successful when I’m around people who are unprotected by the city’s luxuries. OUTFRONTMAGAZINE.COM
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Ana Cruz By Addison Herron-Wheeler Photos by Lucas Zhao
is Channeling her Flow in Boulder
“My art is definitely appreciated. I love how LGBTQ spaces are places to be yourself. I’m happiest when I get to do what I want to do, just performing and making people happy. The community is definitely near and dear to my heart.” 2 4 \\ S E P T E M B E R 4 , 2 0 1 9
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B
oulder is a community made unique by its local scene, which doesn’t quite look like the concert-heavy, nightlife scene in Denver. Many folks in Boulder are involved with active arts like yoga, hula hooping, fire play, and other cool, creative pursuits. Ana Cruz is one of those people, and she’s also a member of the queer community. Her mission? To bring her cool, creative flow to as many Pride events as possible, and to dance and make art all over Boulder. We chatted with her about her upcoming appearance on stage for Boulder PrideFest.
How did you first get involved with performance art? When I was little, I always loved dressing up in my mom’s clothes, things like that. I was a born showman. As I got older, I took a bunch of dance classes. Then, this woman who runs a silent disco found me, and I got into that. Then I started hooping and got more interested in that side of it, and then a friend brought me to a fire jam, and I started doing a lot of fire stuff.
When I was about 18 years old, I was invited to march in Philadelphia; I used to live in New Jersey. I came out when I was 16. Marching in my first Pride was such an awesome experience. When I lived back on the East Coast, I would go to all of the local Prides, about one a week during June. It’s been a huge part of my life.
Do you have anything else cool coming up that you want to announce? I am definitely going to be performing at some haunted houses across Colorado soon. I’ll be sharing more details shortly, so be sure to follow me online.
Do you have any goals or objectives you’re working towards? Eventually, I’d like to perform internationally. I would also like to be full-time self-employed through my art. Right now, I still have to have other avenues of income, Now I am self employed, but I have other avenues of income, but eventually I’d like it to be only from my art.
How did you get involved with Boulder PrideFest? I’ve gone every year since moving here, but this is my first year actually performing. Pride is something that I've been participating in since I lived on the East Coast.
Do you think your art is well-received in the LGBTQ community? My art is definitely appreciated. I love how LGBTQ spaces are places to be yourself. I’m happiest when I get to do what I want to do, just performing and making people happy. The community is definitely near and dear to my heart.
How did you first get involved with the queer community and going to Prides?
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I noticed a lot of your photo shoots are naturebased. How does nature impact your art, and how does living in a beautiful place like Boulder influence you? Oh, absolutely. I really, really, really appreciate being outside in nature after coming from the East Coast, which is a concrete jungle. Even though I love loud music and concerts, I do appreciate taking a moment to relax and take it all in, which is something I didn't grow up doing. To keep up with Cruz and all her performances, follow her online anacruzperformance.com or on Facebook at @Anamalhoops.
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By Addison Herron-Wheeler
Mardi Moore Made Out Boulder a One-Stop Shop for Inclusivity
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B
oulder may be a hugely accepting and liberal place, but it’s not known for having a ton of queer resources. There’s not even a designated queer bar, and unlike Denver, where there seems to be a resource and inclusive organization on every corner, most of Boulder’s resources are centralized through Out Boulder. Rather than be daunted and overwhelmed by this, however, Mardi Moore sees this as an opportunity to reach even more people who need queer resources in Boulder. We chatted with her about how far the organization has come and how much more great work they plan to do.
Tell me more about your work over the years and where you hope to see the organization in the future. We’re raising money right now to move into a different location in Boulder; we have outgrown our house. We have three groups that don't currently fit because they're too large, our trans support group, our youth group and an LGBTA group that we rent space to. So, we're in the process of moving to another house, which we're not going to own, but we can take out some walls and have a long-term lease. We hope that in the next three or four years that we actually build our own LGBT center that has enough space for a variety of support groups that happen at the same time and enough room for our staff to actually have an office with a door so they can concentrate and do their work. That’s one of the infrastructure things that we need to set our sights on. Longterm we’re working to have our county and surrounding counties supportive of LGBTQ people. And we do that by putting on events like Pride, and trainings so we can break down the misinformation and provide information so people don't function out of ignorance and hate. Our youth program is rapidly growing; we have an amazing youth program coordinator. This year, we did our first summer camp, and that will be a continuing program. We took 12 youth for three or four days up into the mountains, and it was the first time many of them have been away from home, and the first time they had been away for that many days with people just like them. It was a tremendous experience.
Nice! What other things do you have in the works? We have two steering committees to drive our work, and one is our trans steering committee. This upcoming year, we are, of course, going to have
some events around trans day of remembrance. And the next year, we are moving up to trans awareness week to highlight trans day of visibility, to try and also focus on the good things that are happening in the trans community, as opposed to focusing just on the deaths. Additionally, we have a queer, trans, people of color steering committee. In October, we're going to launch a monthly, second Saturday, gathering for queer and trans people of color here so that people can start building community or expanding their communities. Then there’s another program coming up in September that’s called Civil Discourse in a Volatile Time. We're working to figure out how to have conversations with people we don't necessarily agree with that are productive. Because, even if we are lucky enough to have a new president in 2020, a large amount of damage has been done, and a lot of lines have been drawn. We have to be able to get back to where we can have a civil conversation with someone, whether we agree with them or not. So we are bringing in trainers September 21 and 22 to developed curriculum for adults and for youth, as well as for trainers.
Reflecting overall on the work that you've done and all of the changes that you've seen, what are you the most proud of? I'm most proud of the staff that works at Out Boulder County, the tremendous group of people who are dedicated to the movement and the service of the LGBT community. I'm proud of the part I had in hiring those people. I'm proud of the fact that over the last four years, we've gone from serving about 7,000 people to serving about 15,000 people. I'm proud of the fact that we now have a Longmont office, and it's serving another community that the 2020 census will probably show is as big as Boulder. So those are some things that I'm proud of.
What do you want to see the most in the future? What do you still think needs to change? I think things definitely still need to change. In Colorado, we're fortunate that we have really great laws. But one of the problems is that you can have a really great law, and you can still face discrimination, and you can still face hate. Laws don't mean culture has shifted. So, I think the work that Boulder County does with governments, with faith institutions, with schools, with people who reach out for information, are making a shift in culture. That shift in culture will then make the laws be meaningful. OUTFRONTMAGAZINE.COM
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Boulder PrideFest 2019
Expands Its Offerings By Lori DeBoer Photos provided by Out Boulder
B
oulder Pridefest 2019 will be bigger and better than ever this year with something for everyone in the LGBQT community. The event, which runs from Tuesday, September 3, to Sunday, September 8, will include a visibility walk, a fun walk/run, a pre-party, vendors, a film, educational panels, performers, activities for youth and families, and more. “This year, when you come to Boulder Pride, you will see a variety of people with a variety of thoughts and beliefs, but when you walk in, you will feel like you are at home, and it’s a celebration,” said Mardi Moore, executive director of Out Boulder, the group that organizes the event. This year’s PrideFest falls shortly after the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in New York City. “We started by a small group of activists having a first Pride parade in Boulder that was a block long,” said More. That event was held after the passage of Amendment Two, and Moore still has the baton that was used in the parade stowed in her office. “Our roots are in Pride, so with it being the 50th anniversary of Stonewall, we know our place in the movement, and we know that we come out of that movement where you are fighting against an establishment that doesn’t see you, doesn’t value you, and actively works against you.” OUTFRONTMAGAZINE.COM
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The event has grown from that small community to one of the largest events in Boulder. The goal is to build bridges within the LGBQT community, as well as the community at large. Between 7,000 and 8,000 people are expected to attend this year’s Pride. The lineup of performers features old favorites and newcomers, including The New Family Recipe, a queer band; Cheer Colorado, an LGBQT-friendly cheer group; Neighbors Through the Wall, a solo performer; Samba Colorado dancers; and the Ricardo Pena Band, who play Latin rock. Pride kicks off at 7 p.m., Tuesday, September 3, with a screening of the film State of Pride at the Dairy Arts Center. The documentary by YouTube activist Raymond Braun and Oscar-winning filmmakers Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman takes audiences on a cross-country trip to learn what Pride means to LGBQT people today. On Wednesday, September 4, a family planning seminar featuring professionals involved in the foster care system will be held at the Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine from 4 - 6 p.m. It will cover options that LGBTQ community members have for starting a family. A 50-plus mixer will be held at Under the Sun in South Boulder from 6 - 8 pm. on Thursday September 5. “As the LGBQT population keeps aging, we are looking at folks who are still going out and want to enjoy the aspects of the community,” said Juan Moreno, corporate sponsorship and special events manager for Out Boulder “It’s a really great event.” The Pride pre-party, held Friday, September 6, is called “Riot at License Number One” in homage to the Stonewall Riots. “We wanted to encompass the 50th anniversary of Stonewall, where there is no specific dress code,” said Moreno. “We want people to get out there and be visible and come as they are.” The event features DJ Sinna-G from Denver’s Mix 100 a, as well as gogo dancers and performers from Boulder Burlesque. The pre-party runs from 7 - 2 p.m. at License No. 1. One of Boulder Pride’s new offerings is a Gender and Name Change Clinic which will be held from 12 - 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 7, at the First United Methodist Church of Boulder. 3 2 \\ S E P T E M B E R 4 , 2 0 1 9
The main celebration will be held 11:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 8 at Central Park with activities, Pride merchandise, vendors, photo booths, giveaways. and more. The Visibility March will kick off at 10:30 a.m. with around 500 people expected to participate. The Rainbow Run/Walk 5K will kick off simultaneously at 10:30 a.m. at the corner of Pearl and 11th Streets, and the course winds through Boulder Canyon and the Boulder Creek path before finishing at Boulder Central Park. “It’s a beautiful course, and they will finish the race at the bandshell where everything kicks off,” said Moore. “The visibility march shows up at the same time; it is just exciting.” Black Belly Restaurant is providing food for the VIP section, and Boulder Beer, which did a branding for Gender Fluid beer, will be providing beer as a Pride sponsor. Other Boulder Pride sponsors include CGate Technology, The Boulder County Aids Project, Attention Homes, and the Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence. Many community partners and sponsors will be setting up informational and educational booths for the event. Since it’s important for Pride to reach LGBQT youth, the youth and family health and wellness area is placed prominently in the center of the fest for easy access and high visibility. “It’s really wonderful the way we have it set up in the central part, where they can participate in some family-friendly activities and things that are interactive for the attendees,” said Moreno. Even though the event has gotten larger, it has not lost that small-community feel, noted Moreno. “There are those moments where you just stop and glance at the people there, especially the youth; they are just so happy to be in a safe space where they can be with their friends and just be themselves.” To register or to learn more information, visit outboulder.org/boulder-pridefest-2019 or email Juan Moreno at jmoreno@outboulder.org.
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By Denny Patterson Photo provided by Voss Events
Plastique Tiara
Werqs the World
P
lastique Tiara and several other Drag Race favorites will be making their way to Denver for the 2019 RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq the World tour. Produced by Voss Events in collaboration with VH1 and World of Wonder, this one-night-only event full of sickening performances will be at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House on Saturday, September 14. Asia O’Hara, the host, is on a journey to save the universe with the help of her intergalactic gal pals, and Plastique is one of them. OUT FRONT had the pleasure of chatting more with Plastique about her upcoming visit and time on Drag Race. Born and raised in Vietnam, Plastique is an Asian Barbie who showcases her roots derived from Asian culture. Her unclockable beauty and show-stopping performances never fail to mesmerize audiences. For more information and tickets, visit vossevents.com or axs.com. 3 4 \\ S E P T E M B E R 4 , 2 0 1 9
Hi, Plastique! Thank you so much for chatting with me today! How has everything been going for you?
some people are more like voguing. So, everyone brings their own thing to the table. I think it’s going to be a good time.
It’s been life-changing! I am still learning to adapt, but it’s been great so far!
It looks like this year’s production has an intergalactic theme going on. What planet would you be the queen on?
Good! Now, you are coming to Denver for the Werq the World tour. What can audiences expect? Tell me more about it. Oh my gosh. Well, I don’t know if I can say too much about it yet, but the production is off the chain. I have never been in a drag show that has this high of a production. It’s like the biggest level. It’s spectacular. Like, I am so excited to be a part of it, because everyone kind of has their own schtick, you know? Some people have theatre backgrounds, and
[Laughs] I mean, I guess I already said it. So, my planet is Neptune, and I’m the ice queen. Just like my personality on Drag Race.
You are also touring with several other big name Drag Race girls and Michelle Visage. How has that been? Is the bus full of love or drama? I have worked with all the girls before, but this is my first time doing Werq the World, and we will start traveling at the
beginning of September, so I will catch you up on that! But everyone has been lovely so far.
Let’s chat about Drag Race. How has the show changed your life? Like you said, it has literally changed my life. Nothing is the same anymore. I have never gotten recognized in the street before, and now I do almost every day. So, yeah, it has been life-changing. That pretty much sums it up.
Unfortunately, you did not win, but if asked to come back for an All Stars season, would you? When I’m ready, for sure.
Was being on the show everything you imagined, or the complete opposite? It’s a lot harder. It’s really cliché to say, but I think watching it from a view standpoint and doing it as a competitor, it’s two totally different things. There’s so much more going on when you’re in the moment. When I’m at home, I was like, oh yeah, I can do that easily, but it’s a 15-hour shoot day every day. Like, the five minutes you see on TV is like five hours we film in real life. So, there’s a lot more work put into it. You are under constant stress, but it was worth it.
Did your drag mother Alyssa Edwards or sisters Shangela and Laganja give you any advice beforehand? Yeah! Alyssa let me borrow a lot of stuff. She was like,’Just come over girl, and I’ll get you together for Drag Race.’ So, I borrowed a lot of stuff from her. She also told me to, you know, have fun and enjoy myself. Which I forgot to do [laughs]. Up until when she came in, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, she told me to have fun.’ And that’s when I really shined.
You talked a lot about your biological family on the show and how they didn’t know that you did drag. I am assuming they now know? Yes [laughs].
How has that been going? Are they supportive? I never thought that we would get to this point, but it’s so crazy, because now everyone in my family knows about it. Like, every distant relative. My uncle and family in Vietnam, they know about it. I’m apparently, like, big over there. My grandparents here didn’t know about it, but a friend from Vietnam told them. Now, it’s like, ‘Oh, you make money.’ So, it’s fine. I didn’t think they would be supportive, but now, it’s kind of like, they just see it as a job. I’m traveling all the time, so it’s like I’m traveling for work. They said as long as I’m happy, it’s okay.
That’s great to hear. And you even received a hug from Mama Ru when you were talking about this subject. I bet you will never forget that moment. Oh, no, of course not. She’s an amazing hugger. I was very surprised. It was just what I needed during that moment.
It seemed like you got along well with your fellow competitors, but a few did have some beef with you, primarily Ra’Jah O’Hara. Have you two made peace, or is there still some negative energy? We totally made peace. I mean, it happened over a year ago now. At this point, we’re both just like, ‘Girl, we made it on the show; we had a good time; we met each other, and we made good TV.’ So, we just hashed it out at that point, and we’re good now.
it, then I wouldn’t be the person I am now.
Do you feel like you were accurately portrayed? I have interviewed many other queens before who have said they were given the “bitch” or “dumb” edit. I mean, they can’t edit you if you didn’t say the things that you said. That’s kind of my take on everything, so that’s why I tried to be very cordial with everyone. I think I was correctly portrayed, but there are other people who are, like, complaining, and I’m like, ‘Girl, if you didn’t say that, they wouldn’t edit it.’
Exactly! Now, you were kind of read for your lack of pop culture knowledge. Have you brushed up on your lessons? I hope so! I know Mariah Carey’s “Obsessed” now. It’s really good! So, I hope. We’ll see [laughs].
Which challenge was your favorite and why? I loved the Halloween ball. There was so much work to be done in such a short amount of time, and I love being in that crazy work mode when I have to get things and put things together and make it look beautiful. I love stuff like that. I also love the challenge that I won, when we had to make unconventional material work. I loved that one. It really got our creative thinking going. We worked all day and night on that, so I was very happy.
Looking back at this past season, is there anything you wish you could have done differently?
After the tour, what can we expect next from you? Any upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for?
Oh my gosh. If I were to go back now, it would be completely different. When I got on Drag Race, I just turned 21 a month beforehand, and I did drag on and off. So, I never got to interact with such big personalities before. If I were to go back, it would be a different experience, but I wouldn’t say I regret anything, because if I didn’t go through
I am starting to utilize more of my YouTube channel, and I am trying to explore other platforms than Instagram. I am just trying to explore more options, and you will just have to keep a lookout on what’s next. I will be working until the day I die. I am going to squeeze in as many projects as I can! OUTFRONTMAGAZINE.COM
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By Maggie Saunders
B
oulder is praised for its progressiveness, something which the facilitator of the Queer Writing Group at Queer Asterisk fully embodies while describing the many hopes and dreams for the future of the group. As we enjoyed a cup of tea at the Ku Cha House in downtown Boulder, Jona Fine remembered the days of a queer tea meet-up which occurred at the previous Ku Cha location, as well as an open mic which used to occur at Ku Cha.
educational background helped shape Asterisk's philosophy that writing can be inspired by both. In response to a question on past prompts used to guide the group, Fine recalled, “One of my favorite days was when I brought in materials, different textures, fabric, bubble wrap, sandpaper. We played and were inspired based on the varied textures, colors, and patterns. What does writing sound like if it reminds you of popping bubble wrap, or felt gritty like sandpaper?”
In addition to the queer writing group that already survives and thrives, Fine has plenty of ideas. One is to start a bookbinding website. Fine encourages any who are interested to “come make a book, and then keep coming back to fill it up!” A Queer Writing Group publication is also a possibility.
After freewriting, time is offered for optional sharing. When reflective feedback is discussed in the group, language is used such as “the character’s or narrator’s experience was powerful” as opposed to “your experience was powerful.” Many who attend the group find this method fosters a safe environment that welcomes exploration due to the separation of person and writing content.
This bumble of inspired ideas and visions fully aligns with the nature of the bimonthly writing group where generating creativity takes priority over building technical skills. Despite having a Master's degree in poetry and a dual undergrad degree in art and creative writing, Fine sees creativity as fueled by a “beginner mindset” where there is no pressure to produce a piece, and an attendee can freely explore the writing process. Imagine all the places a prompt starting with “Write inspired by...”, can take a person in the ethereal realm of creative abundance. Now, add in mixed media which merges the literary arts with the fine arts. Fine’s
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Interested in checking out this stellar space for yourself? Here are a few of the basics. Although Queer Asterisk has several locations on the Front Range, Boulder is the only location currently offering the writing group. The group happens the second and fourth Sunday of each month from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Queer Asterisk Therapeutic Services located at 2027 Broadway (Suite E), Boulder 80302. No need to sign up beforehand. There’s a suggested donation of $10 - 15,, but no one is turned away. Everyone is welcome, regardless of writing experience, sexual orientation, gender identity, or age. Check out the facebook page “Queer Writing Group [drop-in]” to be kept up-to-date on future happenings.
OUTFRONTMAGAZINE.COM
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2020 Firefighter Calendar Debut Photos by Charles Broshous Colorado Firefighters held their annual party to unveil the 2020 calendar in the Seawell Ballroom at the Denver Center for Performing Arts on Friday, August 9. The lit crowd turned out to meet the pinup picks and snag a hotterthan-hot copy. Proceeds from the evening went to benefit the Pediatric Burn Center at Children’s Hospital Colorado.
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Exile Fetish Ball 2019 Photos By Charles Broshous The Exile Fetish Ball, hosted by Lokusdor Productions, made its return to Denver on Saturday, August 17. Held at the EXDO Event Center, the community came out to get their kink on and learn all about fetishes, including ropes, flogging, fire play, leather, rubber, pups, and bootblacking. Proceeds benefitted local and national charitable organizations which provide sex-positive and LGBTQ-related programming.
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Pride as a Tool for Mental Wellness As a therapist who works primarily with queer people, I see day-in and day-out the effects of systemic oppression and bigotry on resilience. We are exhausted by society’s need for us to justify our humanity by constant misnaming, miss-pronouning, and misgendering, in addition to violence, hatred, and fear. The idea that Pride is a place where most of us feel accepted and no longer the outlier is not a novel one. But, I’m thoughtful of how we rarely validate how essential these moments are to our mental health. In my own story, I have found that being surrounded by heteronormativity and misogyny drains me. I often feel like I have this battery pack of energy that I can use to
manage those moments, and throughout the year, people continuously take from it. What is essential is identifying the ways we can recharge. Is it volunteering at Rainbow Alley to give back to queer youth? Is it coffee with people in our community whom we love and trust? Is it joining queer athletic leagues or social clubs? Or is it taking time out of your year to attend large gatherings of like-minded folks, such as Pride? This kind of recharge is what provides us with resilience to better cope with anxiety, depression, and other forms of mental illness. So, my question to you is, where are your recharging stations? Do you know? Are you aware of how and when your battery is being drained? If not, let’s find out. Justin R. Lewis, M.A, LPCC – The Denver Element
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FESTIVAL FOR LIFE AIDS Walk Colorado Photos by Addison Herron-Wheeler Festival for Life presented by Colorado Health Network once again took to Cheesman Park on Saturday, August 17 to celebrate how far we've come fighting AIDS, HIV, and the stigma attached to them. We still have some work to do before we get to zero reported cases worldwide, so let's keep it up!
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3430 N. Academy Blvd. Colo. Springs (719) 570-1429 clubqonline.com
3500 Walnut St. Denver (303) 863-7326 tracksdenver.com
CLOCKTOWER CABARET
2036 N. Broadway St. , Denver (303) 658-0913 triangledenver.com
16th St. Mall @ Arapahoe, Denver (303) 293-0075 clocktowercabaret.com
DADDY’S BAR & GRILL
1120 E. 6th Ave. Denver (303) 993-6365 daddysdenver.com
DENVER SWEET
776 N Lincoln St Denver www.denversweet.com
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11TH AVE.
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GLADYS TRADE COMPOUND BOYZTOWN 1ST AVE. LI’L DEVILS
OGDEN ST.
VYBE
DADDY’S BAR & GRILL
R+R DENVER
CHARLIE’S BLUSH & BLU
CLARKSON ST.
1027 N. Broadway St. Denver (720) 608-8923 303Vybe.com
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629 E. Colfax Ave. Denver (303) 832-2687 xbardenver.com
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255 S. Broadway St. Denver (303) 733-1156 lildevilslounge.com
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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.
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LIL’ DEVILS
1035 E. 17th Ave. Denver (720) 485-5503 Stoneysuptown.com WED: All You Can Eat Wings & Team Trivia THU: $1 Tacos & Tequila Specials FRI: Feud Trivia @8pm SAT/SUN – Brunch, Bottomless Mimosas ’til 2 p.m. HAPPY HOURS: M-F 4-7 p.m.
MILLERS & ROSSI
TRACKS
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1336 E. 17th Ave. Denver (303) 993-5812 hamburgermarys.com/denver
STONEY'S UPTOWN JOINT
SP
HAMBURGER MARY’S
www.StoneysUptown.com
SANTA FE DR. KALAMATH ST.
500 Santa Fe Dr. Denver (303) 893-6112
THE TRIANGLE BAR
YORK ST.
GLADYS: THE NOSY NEIGHBOR
N• T JOI N
COLORADO BLVD.
4501 E. Virginia Ave. Glendale (303) 388-8889 Facebook - Elpotrero.180
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3542 Walnut Street, Denver
BROADWAY
EL POTRERO
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DOWNING ST.
CLUB Q
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HighLevelHealth.com Denver Locations
970 Lincoln St. 2028 E. Colfax Ave. 10th St. & Lincoln St. Race St. & Colfax Ave (303) 839-9333 (303) 355-9333 1620 Market St. 16th St. & Market St. (303) 953-0884
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Mountain Location 1221 County Rd 308 Off Exit 234 on I-70 Dumont, CO (720) 242-8692