Apr. 15, 2015 :: The Travel Issue

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Outfrontonline .com | 3

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THIS ISSUE

6

> CONTENTS april 15, 2015 From the Inbox

12 In Defense of the

“Truvada Whore” 15 Indiana’s Rfra Madness: A timeline of what went down 22 Calendar 25 All The Things You Crave 28 Tel Aviv? Tell Me More 36 Put on Your Discount

Travel in’ Shoes

15

43 I Don’t Think You’re Ready for

This PB & Jelly

54

45 Road Trip! Vehicles Made for

the Open Road 46 Marketplace

43

49 Bar Tab 50 Ditch the Car!

The benefits of walking to work 54 Dior and I 58 BackWords

36 4 | april 15, 2015

Serving the LGBT Community of the Rocky Mountains since 1976

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3535 Walnut Street, Denver, Colorado 80205 Phone: 303-477-4000 • Fax: 303-325-2642 Web: OutFrontOnline.com Facebook: facebook.com/OutFrontColorado Twitter: @OutFrontCO • Instagram: /OutFrontColorado Out Front is published by Q Publishing, Ltd., a Colorado corporation and is a member of: Denver Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and Denver Drama Critics Circle.

FOUNDER Phil Price, 1954-1993 ADMINISTRATION info@outfrontonline.com Jerry Cunningham, Publisher J.C. McDonald, Vice President MaGGIE Phillips, Operations Manager Jeff Jackson Swaim, Chief Strategist EDITORIAL editorial@outfrontonline.com BERLIN SYLVESTRE, Editor Noah L. Jordan, Digital Content Manager Contributing Writers Kyle Harris, Scott McGlothlen, Shanna Katz, Brent Heinze, Kelsey, Lindsey, Chris Arneson, Jonathan McGrew, Gary M. Kramer, Alison Wisneski, Anna Biscay, Robyn Vie-Carpenter, O’Brian Gunn, Kimberly Hamelin, and Marc Coulter Intern Stefanie Cochrane

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OPINIONS EXPRESSED are not necessarily those of OUT FRONT, its staff, or advertisers.

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From the Inbox I received an eloquent letter, the full length of which I will publish online should the author reach out to me and grant permission. For the time being, I’ll give you the gist.

“Over the years, I have been increasingly disillusioned by the grotesque level of victim blaming, HIV shaming, self-righteous, blurred line, broad paintbrush [Scott McGlothlen’s Bleed Like Me] column is painted with. I see a recurrent theme of the author’s inability to set his own sexual boundaries, then blaming other unknowing yet consenting participants for his violation. I see a recurrent theme of his seroconversion being blameless while he not so subtly insinuates that while he was a victim, many other gay men who become HIV positive are to blame because of their perceived promiscuity, risk-behavior, or general recklessness. In Dirty Little Secret for example, he says, ‘Making out or getting it on was the last thing on my mind, yet for some odd reason, I felt powerless to stop any of this from happening. I felt so vulnerable in that moment that I simply couldn’t tell him no,’ then proceeds to all but accuse his partner of knowingly raping him. In First Poz Play Date, he says, ‘When someone discloses their HIV status, it’s not because they want to give a person caution, but rather they want to assure a person’s safety.’ Frankly, I don’t appreciate the blame placed on people who choose not to disclose. It isn’t fair to say that when someone doesn’t disclose that they are unconcerned about their partner’s safety. Disclosure is such a nuanced issue that statements like this grossly oversimplify an issue that every poz person has to consider. How many readers internalize [his] messages?”

— Your Concerned Lady Friend 6 | april 15, 2015

Editor’s Response: I would be lying to you if I said that some of Scott’s columns didn’t give me visceral reactions that border anxiety. One of your cited examples, My First Poz Play Date, had me literally agonizing as I made my way through the copy. I went home that night and couldn’t seem to get it off my mind. (Those who haven’t read it, feel free to google the title.) I didn’t quite understand why he wasn’t upset at what takes place within the story. But then … was that just my interpretation? Would others think that way?

So I read his column aloud in the office the next morning. I wanted to know if I was making a mountain of a molehill, as I’m prone to do here and there. At the conclusion, there was a divide. Some of the guys chuffed in disbelief and some of them shrugged. I figured I would run the column for the public’s reaction instead of cut him short out of what might simply be my paranoia. Your letter is the first negative feedback from our readership that I’ve received about his column, and believe me when I tell you I’m thankful for your contribution.

You made mention that we should have a disclaimer that Scott writes opinion, and his work shouldn’t be taken as a stand-in for HIV education. I think that’s a fair idea, really. While I don’t think Scott fervently encourages others to partake in unsafe practices, his candor while recounting his own dalliances might mislead some of our readers. I openly admit that your letter has secured my suspicion that in my quest to let people speak directly into Out Front’s mic without fear of being edited through too tight a filter, it’s clear to me now that I might be too passive a gatekeeper. I think a disclaimer on the column is overdue, and color me red that I didn’t go with my instinct earlier.

“

Over the years, I have been increasingly disillusioned by the grotesque level of victim blaming, HIV shaming, self-righteous, blurred line, broad paintbrush [Scott McGlothlen’s Bleed Like Me] column is painted with.

”

Scott is an outstanding guy and one of our most popular columnists. Among many things, he’s also brutally sincere about his experiences as an HIV-positive man, and his voice, though singular, happens to echo sentiments to which some of his contemporaries relate. Do I feel as though we need some counterpoint? I absolutely do. My door is always open — my inbox even more so. I welcome those with ideas and good old-fashioned education on all things HIV to reach out to me.

Sincerely, Berlin@OutFrontOnline.com

Outfrontonline .com | 7

Rep. Rosenthal had this to say: “The bill passed in the House, as you know, and there was a actually Republican who joined us, Rep. Thurlow (R-Grand Junction). In fact, other Republicans agreed that [this bill] should not be a partisan issue and that’s it’s just a matter of good public policy — they just couldn’t get themselves to vote for it. The hardliners in the Senate, however, ultimately clamped down and said no, which was unfortunate.”

Hardline Republican State Senators Ray Scott (Grand Junction), Jerry Sonnenberg (Sterling), and Owen Hill (Colorado Springs) of the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs committee cleared the runway for the continuance of the controversial and often predatory practice of attempting to change a child’s orientation through “therapeutic” methods.

Many mental health groups and gay rights organizations here in Colorado were hopeful that the bill would pass. Amid his disappointment, Rep. Rosenthal vowed to introduce the bill sometime in 2016.

Three State Senate

“It disappointed me that it was sent to that committee — you send a bill to the State Affairs committee if you want it to die,” said Rosenthal. “We suspected this wasn’t gonna be good. Had this bill gone to a committee where we had supporters, it’s possible it would have passed. We can’t be sure, of course, but there are a couple moderate Republicans in the Senate, so it’s possible.”

“Pray the Gay Away May Continue in CO”

He adds that State Senator Pat Steadman (D-Denver), who has personal contact with the Republican committee members, did his best to persuade them to move forward on passing the bill.

Republicans: Berlin Sylvestre

A key group of Colorado Senate Republicans have killed House Bill 1175, meaning gay conversion “therapy” can continue in our state.

HB 1175 — a bill sponsored by State Rep. Paul Rosenthal (DDenver) that would have banned gay conversion “therapy” — sailed through the Colorado House of Representatives earlier this year. The bill was subsequently shipped over to the Colorado Senate on March 10 and assigned to the Committee on State, Veterans, & Military Affairs. There, it took about three weeks for the Republicans on that particular committee (they comprise three of its five members) to crush it.

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8 | april 15, 2015

TRUGS – ID# 0699675

HB 1175’s outcome doesn’t leave much hope for HB 1081, which allows transgender Coloradans to more easily amend their birth certificate to reflect their gender identity.

The bill has been assigned to the same so-called ‘killing’ committee.

So what can we do? Perhaps get in contact with the committee members and let them know your stories and your desire to pass legislation that affects the community positively. Their contact information is below.

Our thanks to Rep. Rosenthal for taking our call at the last minute.

Senator Ray Scott:

Jerry Sonnenberg

Senator Owen Hill

Ray.Scott.Senate@state.co.us

Jerry.Sonnenberg.Senate@state.co.us

Owen.Hill.Senate@state.co.us

RayScottColorado.com (303) 866-3077

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OwenHill.org

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BE SKI SMART

WHILE THERE HAVE BEEN SOME MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS in ski and snowboard safety over the last decade, there continue to be hundreds, if not thousands, of ski injuries per year. According to the National Ski Areas Association, skier and snowboarder fatalities were up from last season and the number of catastrophic injuries exceeded the ski industry’s ten-year average. Many ski injuries, and certainly many of the injuries we see come through our door, could have easily been avoided had the other skier heeded some simple safety tips. Surprisingly, however, many skiers and snowboarders lack awareness about basic ski safety or simply choose not to follow safety recommendations. For example, despite their proven record of reducing head injuries, a recent study showed that only 73 percent of all skiers and snowboarders across the United States wore helmets last season. Being involved in a ski accident not only poses a huge risk to your physical health, but it also has the potential to embroil you in long and costly litigation if you are at fault for the accident. The bottom line is no matter what your level of expertise, everyone has an incentive to engage in safe ski and snowboard practices. So before you hit the slopes this season, please take a moment and reviewthe following important skier safety tips:

legal DirectOry • Safety is everyone’s responsibility, not only for yourself but others. Know your own ability and ski within these limits.

• Always wear a helmet and equip yourself with proper and appropriate gear.

• Always stay in control and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.

• People downhill of you have the right of way. It’s your responsibility to avoid them.

• You must not stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible from above.

• Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.

• Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.

• Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.

• Prior to using any lift, you must have knowledge and ability to load, ride, and unload safely. If you’re unsure, ask the lift operator.

• Stay hydrated.

• If you’re going into the backcountry, bring appropriate avalanche equipment including a beacon, shovel, and avalanche probe.

Enjoy and be safe out there!

Involved in a ski or snowboard accident?

Our friends at Bloch & Chapleau can help.

Give them a call today at 303-331-1700.

bacHuS & ScHanker, llc 866-277-6711 • www.ColoradoLaw.net 1899 Wynkoop St., Suite 700, Denver Personal Injury • Auto Accidents

Worker’s Compensation • Wage Disputes

blOcH & cHapleau, llc 303-331-1700 • www.BlochChapleau.com 1725 Gaylord St., Denver Family Law • Civil Union Dissolutions Pre-Union Agreements • Auto Accidents

law OfficeS Of liSa e. fraZer, llc 303-861-7717 • www.FrazerFamilyLaw.com 936 E. 18th Ave, Denver Family Law/Civil Unions • Divorce Child Custody

law Office Of byrOn k. HammOnD, llc 303-501-1812 • www.BKH-Law.com 3900 E. Mexico Ave., Denver Wills • Trusts • Estate Planning Probate • Elder Law

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Outfrontonline .com | 9

“

Running for political office is something I’ve always wanted to do.

The timing felt right, and I’m not someone who sits around waiting for the perfect opportunity.

”

The New Face of

Leadership:

one of our own

O

ne glimpse at Chris Wedor and you can immediately feel his presence. At 6 feet 5 inches, the broad-shouldered District 10 candidate is imposing, but all it takes is his big smile and a handshake to quickly dissolve any feelings of intimidation. Chris is a Colorado native — rare these days — and has lived in District 10 since he graduated college. Chris and his husband, Scott, live in the Golden Triangle neighborhood. Highly motivated, Chris is bound and determined to run the best campaign possible so he can serve on Denver City Council.

“Running for political office is something I’ve always wanted to do. The timing felt right, and I’m not someone who sits around waiting for the perfect opportunity.

If I see any opportunity at all, and I want it, I’m going to work hard for it.” The move wouldn’t take him far away, physically, from his current 7th floor office in the Wellington Webb Municipal Building where he works as a Performance Audit Manager in the Denver Auditor’s Office. The transition for him would feel natural, he says.

“I’ve spent the last five years looking into how our city is operating and coming up with ideas that would help it run better. I would do the same thing on council, but have more direct impact,” he says. “I have been nationally awarded and recognized as being a leader for effective government change. I am the only candidate who truly has the experience to serve as the councilmember who represents a balanced and

10 | april 15, 2015

objective view while maintaining my independence and strong voice for the community.”

Motivation is clearly a part of Chris’ fabric, and it seemingly came from his parents. Growing up in Colorado Springs, his mother, a Korean-American immigrant, worked the graveyard shift in a factory, and his father, a U.S. Navy Veteran, started work at 3am as a forklift driver. They dreamed that Chris and his brother would be the first in their family to attend college. With a 4.35 GPA, Chris had his pick of three football scholarships. He walked away from two in-state Division I offers and chose the Division II Colorado School of Mines, where he anticipated a better balance of school and sports. The decision also forced him to work to help pay for what the scholarship didn’t cover,

an obligation he says was “worth it” for the education he was getting. During Chris’ final football season at Mines, he came out to his teammates. The support he received stuck with him.

“It was an emotional and uplifting experience to reveal something so personal, to do something so risky, and to get such a positive reaction. They just wanted me to be me.” His coming-out experience helped strengthen his confidence so he really could be himself and do what he needed to do.

Chris graduated from Mines and went on to work at PepsiCo. After five years of working for the Fortune 50 company, he took his current position with the Denver Auditor’s Office. Chris’ city work also allowed him to give back to the community he loves. I asked Chris why his current work isn’t enough — after all, performance auditing is all about looking for opportunities to increase efficiency and effectiveness.

“The Auditor’s Office can do a lot, and it does. More than people realize. But in the end, I can’t force anyone in this city to do anything. I’m definitely a part of the process, but to me, it doesn’t feel like enough.” Enter public office. “I just know I can do more. So I’m going after it, the same way I did to become a DJ.” The Tracks Denver Resident DJ didn’t know anything about the gig two years ago, but he figured it out largely on his own.

“Most DJs are not willing to mentor newcomers, so I did it myself.” After months of focused learning, watching hundreds of hours of tutorials, and observing other DJs, Chris got a shot at playing for Tracks. He was offered club residency that night. One year later, he played at Global Dance Festival at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Not bad for a self-taught newbie.

So what will this driven self-starter bring to his constituents?

“I’ll be balanced and objective, the same way I’ve always had to be as an auditor. I’ll use data to drive sound decisions. I’m a public servant who works for you — the citizens. The people of this city are my bosses now, and they will be when I’m on council. I’ll never lose sight of that. I’m asking for your vote! Chances are you’ve already received your ballot in the mail. Select the first name — that’s me — and support the new face of leadership!”

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“These guys are just going to go out and take a bunch of loads — they’re taking PrEP so they can be sluts.”

In Defense of the

Amazing.

“Truvada Whore” Pieter Tolsma

I

spent my childhood attending private, Christian schools. (Before anyone gets any ideas, they were less than the “well-funded, Jesusloves-me, chapel-with-big-windows” kind and more the “everyone is terrible and the Democrats want your virginity and your firstborn!” kind. Life in school was highly controlled and we were taught that all issues were clear cut.

Issues were always black and white and people either measured up and were worthy, or they fell short because they were flawed and needed to be pushed away. This system is great if you’re looking for a perfectly homogenous group where no one wants — or needs — to make choices for themselves.

Everyone knows life is not black

and white and when we try to make it that way, things get ugly and dangerous.

Abstinence-only education is a great example of the danger of this type of thinking. Don’t get me wrong: Things work great if you remain abstinent. The system, however, is set up so that those who fail do so dramatically. To further compound the issue, we’re intentionally uneducated on the ways to defend and protect ourselves. Not only are we punished for failing, we’re made to suffer for as long as possible. But this kind of thinking is totally antiquated, right?

PrEP has come to Denver and it’s not going away. You’d figure that, after years of being judged and written off by society, LGBT community members wouldn’t so be polarized by the idea of folks taking

extra precaution to protect ourselves from HIV, but we flatter ourselves to think so.

The facts show that those who go through the process to get a prescription for PrEP are better prepared and more aware of the risks associated with their sexual behaviors. The PrEP squad visits doctors regularly and gets tested for HIV with more frequency than those who are not.

All of that matters, sure, but that’s not the issue we’re really fighting here.

What we have upon us is slut shaming. Yes, as an educator I hear questions like: “What about the long term health effects?” or “What about immunity?” But when someone is ready to tell me their real issue with PrEP, they sometimes look left and right first, then over their shoulder before continuing.

First off, however many partners they have is none of your business. Second, no one is doing anything that hasn’t already existed since bathhouses came to be. Yes, other diseases exist and your doctor is happy to chat about that too.

PrEP is not carte blanche for sexual risk, but it’s also not the go-ahead to judge others for making choices regarding their own bodies.

I’ve also heard: “We never had it when we were their age; we just had to know the risks and not be whores.”

Knowing the risks did not slow anyone down from being as sexually active as they wanted to be. We also didn’t have Grindr, but most people seem to be ok with that.

People will take risks whether you shame them or not, but progress means embracing innovations as they arrive.

PrEP is definitely progress. Demanding a social standard of ‘condoms or nothing’ is unfair and guarantees those who don’t meet the mark are put at risk.

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send your mail-in ballot before April 29th or vote in-person on May 5th

A vote for Kayvan is a vote for real progress. With more business experience than all members of City Council combined and a pledge to donate his entire salary to local non-profit initiatives, Kayvan stands for real public service, not status quo politics.

Outfrontonline .com | 13

A Word From Travis Leiker,

District 10 City Council Hopeful

Greetings, Out Front Readers!

When I moved to Colorado in 1997, Denver was already on the rise and adoration for this Western gem was taking hold throughout the country. I, too, had long shared a similar fondness for the Mile High City. For me, Denver has always represented a world of endless possibilities. I’m running for City Council in District 10 because I believe in our future and the possibilities it holds for us.

I’m proud of the diversity in Denver’s 10th District. This diversity is both the source of our strength and the key to the magnetic quality of our neighborhoods that continues to attract people to this place we call home.

Maintaining diversity means everything, from keeping a range of options to

ensure housing is affordable and attainable to rethinking transportation infrastructure. It means unobstructed sidewalks, enhanced bike lanes, expanded car sharing, affordable public transportation, and a long-overdue transit link from Cherry Creek to Central Denver.

Maintaining diversity also means standing strong for equal rights.

In my student days at the University of Colorado, I never could have predicted how quickly the LGBTQ community would seize the possible. We went from struggling to have our voices heard when Colorado adopted constitutional amendments denying our rights, to winning battles in the legislature, in the courts, and in the voting booth, with proud LGBTQ leaders mobilizing our community and strengthening our city and state. Like so many of our residents, my partner David and I enjoy today what was once the promise of the possible, and I am committed to continuing the fight for civil rights and social justice for all of our citizens.

I have spent 15 years working to strengthen our community by giving voice to those who have struggled to be heard. I began by working for Congressman Jared Polis back when he was on the State Board of Education. I

put my Political Science degree and my Master’s degree in Public Administration to work fighting for issues like tuition equity for undocumented Colorado youth and working on legislation that now regulates the payday lending. I worked to advance women’s leadership through my work at the White House Project and to support the environmental movement through advocacy and grassroots mobilization at Conservation Colorado. Today, I work for the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, advancing its role in our community, and I serve as the president of the board of NARAL ProChoice Colorado, protecting access to reproductive health care.

I want to take these values to City Council and be a champion for District 10, meeting the challenges our city faces by fighting for the inclusive, diverse government our residents seek.

Once again, our citizens are struggling to be heard. All too often, residents hear about development projects or ordinances at the last minute or after the fact. They feel key decisions have been made behind closed doors, and public input appears to be nonexistent.

If I’m fortunate enough to earn your vote and serve as your next City

Councilperson, I will make outreach, communication, consensus-building, and citizen engagement my priority.

Denver is poised for dramatic change. If we are to seize the possible once more, we need leaders who bring a fresh perspective, are open to new ideas, and treat neighborhoods and residents like stakeholders in our government.

I would be honored to carry your voice to City Council, and I am eager to work with you to create a more vibrant Denver.

All the best, Travis Mr. Leiker has focused much of his career on various progressive issues and creating a more equitable society.

If elected, he has committed himself to engaging the community more and elevating your voice in the business of our government.

Heads up! Watch for your ballot, hitting mailboxes this week! They’re due back to the Denver Clerk and Recorder’s Office

by May 5.

For more information about Travis, visit

TravisLeiker.com.

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Indiana governor signs controversial anti-LGBT bill into law

INDIANA’S

RFRA

MARCH 26 — Indiana Governor Mike Pence signs a controversial anti-LGBT bill into law during a private ceremony. Pence signed SB101 which allows anyone — including private businesses and organizations — to discriminate against LGBT people and others due to religious beliefs. A subsequent backlash ensued the following week, the most notable of which came in the form of money. A number of corporations, including Angie’s List, Anthem, Cummins, Dow AgroSciences, Eli Lilly and Co., Emmis Communications, IU Health, Roche Diagnostics, and Salesforce Marketing, are either in the process of leaving Indiana, or will not go forward with plans to open up shop in the state.

MADNESS: A timeline of what went down Berlin Sylvestre Berlin Sylvestre

FACT: Indiana’s RFRA is NOT “just like 19 other states’ RFRA” Your conservative uncle’s Facebook posts are wrong, wrong, wrong. (So share this info passive-aggressively.)

If you read and compare individual state statutes, you’ll note that Indiana’s version of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act has two distinct features that the federal RFRA and most of the others states’ RFRAs do not.

1.

Indiana’s version law explicitly allows any business to draw upon their right to “the free exercise of religion” — regardless of any laws in place. In other words, the church trumps the state … and they can act as a church if they don’t want to do business with someone they deem outside their faith.

How’s it’s different: The federal RFRA doesn’t allow that.

Ditto any of the state RFRAs with the exception of Texas and South Carolina. Further, Pennsylvania and Louisiana explicitly exclude businesses from RFRA protections.

(That’s actually surprising, Louisiana.)

Indianapolis City Council aims to draw a line in the sand: “No thanks, RFRA” MARCH 30 — The members of Indianapolis’ City Council are on the hustle to pass a resolution that will choke out the Religious Freedom Restoration Act’s damaging new policies. Drafted

by Council Vice President John Barth, the proposal is written under the no-

2.

Indiana’s RFRA bars anyone from being able to sue a business on the grounds of discrimination in instances where religion is used as an excuse to deny goods and services. Remember the lawsuit that went all the way to the New Mexico Supreme Court after a photographer refused services to a gay couple? In the end, the gay couple won … and they had the court system to thank.

How’s it’s different: In Indiana, you now can’t sue anyone for refusing to serve you if they claim doing so violates their religious freedoms. In other states with RFRA, you can.

tion that RFRA is “not a true representation of our city as a welcoming and inclusive place.”

The measure states: “The city of Indianapolis is committed to protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of sexual orientation, race, gender identification, ethnicity, religion, or creed, and has already passed bipartisan legislation to provide protections.”

The proposal goes on to highlight how RFRA removes protections for Indiana’s citizens from health care to domestic violence, not to mention workplace rights and their overall comfort and safety while they’re in the state.

So many thanks to the Indianapolis City Council and props/good luck to PROP 15!

Outfrontonline .com | 15

Mayor Hancock suspends use of city funds for travel to Indiana MARCH 31 — Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock announced yesterday that he is prohibiting all Denver city employees the use of city funds for non-essential travel to Indiana. In a press release posted March 31, Mayor Hancock said: “Denver is an inclusive city, and we take tremendous pride in that. Due to the actions taken by the state of Indiana, we will join together with cities across the nation in suspending the use of city funds for official business to Indiana. This law is just wrong, plain and simple, and we will not tacitly condone discrimination through the use of taxpayer dollars.

I stand with my friend Mayor Ballard of Indianapolis and all the business owners and residents of Indiana who are fighting for equality. Together, we call on Gov. Pence and the Indiana General Assembly to repeal this discriminatory act. We have come far as a nation in extending liberty and justice for all, but this law threatens to undermine that progress with unnecessary and unwarranted divisiveness.

Should the state of Indiana persist down the path of discrimination, we would like the Indiana businesses to know that they are welcome here in Denver, Colorado, and embraced by our forward-thinking community and workforce.”

Good lookin’ out, Mayor Hancock!

Church of Cannabis files for right to blaze inside Indiana, cites religious freedom MARCH 31 — Holy unintended consequences, Indiana!

The First Church of Cannabis’ registration to be recognized as a religious organization has been approved by the state of Indiana.

The church will be blazin’ and praisin’ under the newly established religious freedom laws that essentially give them the clear to ignore existing laws that would burden or prevent them from worshiping as they see fit.

Ganja, for the Church of Cannabis, is a religious sacrament. Therefore, parishioners — called Cannataerians — will move forward with plans to twist one up in worship. The church is currently taking donations to procure an actual house of worship, but they’ve already fired up the dogma machine with the “New Deity Dozen.”

We meant that OUR rights to discriminate should be protected, but I guess I have no problem with you smoking weed near our church ... so long as you’re not gay, of course.

16 | april 15, 2015

Marijuana is, of course, still illegal in the Hoosier state, but with the Religious Freedom Restoration Act underway, Cannatearians technically can’t be bound by the government when it comes to ways they choose to worship.

Praise be, hallelujah!

So I rang up Club 23 Bar and Grill, a pizzeria that’s literally a 3-minute walk up the road from Memories, and spoke briefly with a manager who goes by Marilyn (“Just Marilyn, please.”) and she had this to say: “We don’t discriminate here [at Club 23]. It doesn’t matter who you are, who you’re in love with … we have no problem serving anyone who comes into our establishment. I’ve had employees who are gay —I don’t have a problem with it. At all. It’s their personal life, and more power to them.”

She added: “The owners feel the exact same way.”

In the wake of the media storm — and setting up for the day’s business — she didn’t want to elaborate too much on the issue, but I’m sure her sentiments are enough to let the community know that there’s an alternative if you’ve got a hankerin’ for pie in the Walkerton, IN area.

Additionally, I called another competitor. I’ll give you our brief conversation in script form: Employee: “Casey’s Carryout, this is [unnamed woman].”

March 31 Gov. Mike Pence Backpedals to “Try” and Include Our People Noah Jordan It seems after all the backlash coming his way, Gov. Mike Pence is trying really hard to fix/reverse/edit his mistake.

This Tuesday, Pence tried to pass legislation to clarify the law and even went as far as saying, the law “does not give anyone a license to deny services to gay and lesbian couples.”

Hmm. Interesting. The proposed amendment explicitly “exempts churches or other nonprofit religious organizations — including affiliated schools.”

Pence continues to blame the media for misconceptions, but also continues to defend the law and refuses to make the fix that many critics of the law have demanded: a statewide ban on discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Questions remain: How can this be fixed? Can it? And is boycotting Indiana the answer?

Me: “Hi, I’m Berlin, calling from Out Front Magazine in Colorado. You’ve probably heard the news about Memories Pizza saying they’d use the controversial new law in Indiana to deny gays and lesbians service in their store. Since you serve pizza nearby, I was wondering if [the LGBT community] could come to your place to eat instead? Would you serve them?”

Employee: “Let me get a manager.”

[She muffles the receiver on the phone and all I can make out is “gays and lesbians.”]

[SLAM! The phone hangs up.]

Club 23, a friendlier Indiana pizzeria, comes out in support of LGBT customers

Berlin Sylvestre

APRIL 1 — In order to give the LGBT community some better alternatives for their pizza if they’re in Walkerton, IN, I rang up some of Memories Pizza’s competitors. In case you didn’t know, Memories is the first restaurant to come out in support of Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act, stating publicly that: “If a gay couple came in and wanted us to provide pizzas for their wedding, we would have to say no.” (That’s Crystal O’Connor of Memories.) “That lifestyle is something they choose. I choose to be heterosexual.

They choose to be homosexual. Why should I be beat over the head to go along with something they choose?” (That’s Kevin O’Connor of Memories.)

Casey’s (also known as Casey’s General Store) is also on Roosevelt. We can’t tell if that’s a positive or negative for the community in the area, so our recommendation? Go with a sure bet if you want to spend your hard-earned dollars with pro-LGBT businesses and grab a bite from Club 23.

Outfrontonline .com | 17

Robin Kniech As the first openly gay Denver City Council member representing all of Denver “At-large,” I represent a thriving community that also faces significant challenges.

Access to affordable housing is a top concern, and I have led Council’s efforts to address it.

18 | april 15, 2015

As the cost of housing gobbles up more and more of our income, the diversity of our city slowly diminishes. We are losing the authenticity of our neighborhoods and middle- and low-income residents, including gay seniors like those who meet monthly at The Center, are being left behind.

I have been working with city leaders, affordable housing advocates, and developers to find solutions. There are no simple and quick answers; this takes hard work and persistent effort. Last August, I passed an ordinance that leveraged some of Denver’s incredible growth to build more affordable housing. I led the effort to secure local dollars for Denver to create a $10 million revolving loan fund to build affordable homes. But I am still fighting every day to find more ways to create more affordability.

In some cases, we need to tackle the issue development by development. In 2014, I brought developers and city leaders together to create 68 units of affordable housing near Union Station. Hundreds of affordable apartments and homes will be built-in projects at the old St. Anthony’s and CU Hospital sites. Right now, I’m leading research into sources of annual funding Denver could dedicate to affordable housing.

I hope to see this investment implemented in a second term.

Lots of candidates talk about addressing the housing issue. I have achieved actual results.

As we do more to bring affordable housing to Denver, we also need to ensure access to childcare, education, and jobs. As a lesbian mom of a young son, when I was first elected, I saw first hand the hardships faced by families with limited access to child care, to libraries due to restricted hours, or to recreation centers due to cost. Many gay youth and community members searching for jobs also suffered, because they rely on libraries for computers and internet. That is why I worked to support the Mayor’s development of Issue 2A, which was overwhelmingly passed by Denver voters in 2012. Issue 2A helped free up investments in libraries, child care, after-school programs and hiring new police officers — protection and services for all Denver families, including those in our community.

Our city plays a key role in ensuring low- and moderate-income families have access to the tools they need to find opportunities and succeed. Maximizing and growing those opportunities is my pledge to you. Denver City Council is not a part-time job for me; it’s a much more than full-time commitment to continue to take on big challenges and shape Denver’s future for you.

Ballots are in the mail now. You can vote for two candidates for the City Council At-Large seat. Contact me at RobinForCouncil.com with your feedback and ideas.

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Outfrontonline .com | 19

OPINION

Where’s Baby Jesus When You Need Him?

Rick Kitzman

In March, the Indiana Religious Freedom Restoration Act ignited a powder keg of broad-based condemnation. The homo honeymoon of unprecedented acceptance and marriage equality with the American public ended as the Bible-thumping Right retaliated with much wailing and keening, vilification, hatred and lies. A reinvigorated backlash began, all supposedly in the name of their savior, Jesus Christ.

Where is Baby Jesus when you need him? Because he needs to move his second coming to, I don’t know — TODAY! I’ve written his bumper sticker: “After Easter, time to kick the Religious Right in the keister!”

Here’s irony: Like a large majority of Americans, I identify as Christian which has many variations worldwide. The Religious Right demands that their brand be the only acceptable brand. These right wing whack-birds have usurped the true meaning of Christian (and Republican for that matter). They assume their megaphone of sanctimonious screeches speaks for all. They do not — just ask my boyfriend, a dedicated Episcopalian. They’ve conjured an imaginary war waged by anyone who doesn’t agree with their twisted, self-serving interpretation of the Bible. If anyone’s waging war, it’s the Religious Right against common, human decency. A small sample of recent news stories provides evidence.

Rick Santorum quotes ‘God Hates Fags,’ motto of the hateful Westboro Baptist Church. I dare you to support this group, who sacrilegiously picketed the funerals of slain veterans to surviving families. Rand Paul appears in an anti-gay documentary. Randy, Randy, Randy, pick a side, dude. Ted Cruz claims freedom won’t survive unless we deny gay people theirs. I had no idea freedom was so fragile, gays so tough. Mike Huckabee states the ultimate goal of gays is an America where there are no more churches. I

thought our ultimate goal was to be on RuPaul’s Drag Race.

True Christians fight “homofascism.” Homo Fashion?

Why would anybody fight that? Pat Robertson blathers on about how gays will force Christians to like bestiality.

Patricia, I leave the literal doggie style experience to you.

Cardinal Burke proclaims gays just as sinful as murderers.

Your Cardinal-ness, cover up any altar boy abuses lately?

A California man submits a measure to execute gays. I’d donate to his one-way ticket to join ISIS. Presbyterian congregations receive threats after supporting same-sex marriage. No one is safe. Ann Coulter and Bill O’Reilly lambaste Christians for not defending their faith. God, give me strength. President Obama was criticized for scolding and singling out Christians when he expressed concern listening to “less than loving expressions by Christians.”

You go, Prez! The foundations of society are threatened by the gay agenda. Can we help it if we’re so organized? Gays hate America, gay liberals have turned into bullies, etc, etc.

Oh boo-hoo-hoo! Puh-lease! I’m so sick of the immature whining and condescending complaining from the Religious Right about not getting their way — thank God! Their psychotic need to be the one and only privileged

religion in this country, to control the rest of us and to dictate our destiny poses one of the gravest threats facing this country, which dangerously threatens the world.

Hyperbole? Do not underestimate their will. Any organized religion, when wielded by greedy hands and spouted from deceitful mouths, is, has been for millennia, and always will be about power, control, and money. The Religious Right is rich, intelligent, structured, and highly desirous of an ignorant electorate. They cunningly cloak themselves as loving Christians, but haters gonna hate, even as they invoke the name of their savior, the human epitome of earthly Love.

And I love Baby Jesus, or in a spiritual and metaphysical context, the Christ Consciousness, the Great Example of human possibility.

I wish Baby Jesus would come again. If I were him, I’d bolt headphones blaring Al Franken audio books onto Ann Coulter’s head. I’d force the Westboro Baptist Church to work in HIV hospices, cleaning up crap and vomit. Dick Cheney? Turn him into a slug. Hypocritical cardinals, bishops, priests, pastors of any denomination? Make them live and work in poor neighborhoods, including those in the United States. And I’d sue the pants off Pat Robertson for slander and libel. No, wait, Oh God, my eyes, my eyes!

Patricia can keep his pants.

When does all this animosity stop being tit for tat, yelling voices preaching to their own choirs on both sides of the debate? There are millions of “good” Christians, millions of “good” gays, but who determines that quality?

We all do; it’s personal. Personally speaking, when, how do I make my stand? Do I stoop to the tactics of my perceived enemies. Am I in danger of becoming a bully myself? Do I wage war on Christianity?

Every morning I journal and meditate, avowing that everyone wears the face of God. EVERYONE! No exceptions! I re-remind myself, literally realign my mind with my spiritual union to all, and pick my toughest challenges like the Taliban, Republicans, my born-again Christian brother who hates me, Robertson and Coulter, and know spiritually their divine nature.

Achievement is easy-peasy in the peaceful quiet of holy silence, but hard as hell in the garish glare of worldly distractions. To blame, judge, and attack is also easy-peasy, but to walk my talk is also hard as hell. Because to love and accept everyone requires discipline and vigilance over my thoughts and actions 24/7.

When I go deep within, I find my Baby Jesus, that Christ Consciousness. I have faith everyone is an example of the Great Example, that we all struggle with being human. I have the luxury to choose when and how I stand.

This Christian soldier marches onward waging war against hypocrisy, ignorance, and bigotry. My choice, my desire, my hope is to live like Baby Jesus. But I am human, and I will fail, for I will not be silent.

Azucar Bakery in the Clear Our good pal Marjorie Silva over at S. Broadway’s Azucar Bakery — the owner-baker who refused to write something pretty nasty about “the gays” onto a Bible-shaped wedding cake — has been cleared of potential discriminatory rulings by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission. If you recall, she was slapped with a religious discrimination complaint that the Department of Regulatory Agencies was investigating. That was back in March of 2014.

20 | april 15, 2015

Well, the verdict is in! The commission, after extensive deliberation, has determined that Marjorie Silva, acting on behalf of her bakery, did not commit religious discrimination against a man and his right to a hate-cake. Once the media frenzy calms down a bit and Marjorie can catch up on some work, Out Front will provide a followup on what life’s been like for her and her crew since the news broke.

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Bradleyfordistrict11.com Outfrontonline .com | 21

CALENDAR April 20

April 18 Buffalo Exchange Earth Day Event

Jose Gonzalez

Not only is this a day to celebrate this great big marble we’re all floating through space on, but it’s also a day to give back, and get a lil’ sum-sum for yourself while you’re at it. Buffalo Exchange hosts Earth Day at all locations with ONE DOLLAR buys! Get yourself some choice fashions from 11pm thru 7. All proceeds will be donated to The Fund for Animals, an affiliate of the Human Society. We’re lucky enough to have two area locations to party: Denver at 51 Broadway and Boulder at 1813 Pearl Street.

April18 Don’t Tease Me If You Can’t Please Me

8:30 @ Tracks Tracks Nightclub presents a whole lotta steam! The Valley Dollz bring their burlesque dancing to the Mile High City. Very special guests galore! Come for the show and stay for the after party. The magic is 21+, and there’s a ten-buck cover charge.

7pm @ Gothic Theater This beautiful, bearded Swede doesn’t shy away from experimentation — in his music that is. Jose has covered songs from TLC to John Lennon, all with his signature, ethereal sound. He has a new album out that’s perfect for laying in a hammock and drinking iced tea. He’s just … lovely.

April 22 at noon History, It’s What’s For Lunch

Here’s one for all you history-eaters and creep-seekers. Join the Fairmount Heritage Foundation for a FREE (ya heard right) walking tour of Denver’s largest arboretum at Fairmount Cemetery. Stroll through the grounds and get an interesting account of area history, beautiful trees, flowers, and headstones with stories included. The tour begins at the Gate Lodge and lasts 50 minutes.

FairMountHeritageFoundation.org

April 19 Game of Thrones Watch Party 6pm @ The Armoury on Larimer WINTER IS COMING. Actually, spring is finally here, but that means you can watch your favorite rag-tag bunch of kings, queens, knights, and dragons battle their way through the Seven Kingdoms. And, sometimes they show boobs (though a shocking lack of full-frontal from the guys — you can quote us on that)! Either way, this highly addictive HBO series will be shown on The Armoury’s many TVs with some killer (ha!) drink specials and fun activities.

Dining Out For Life Save the date to dine out with Project Angel Heart for breakfast, lunch, or dinner as more than 250 Denver- and Boulder-area restaurants contribute 25 percent of their food sales to benefit the nonprofit’s home-delivered meal program.

Thursday April 30th DiningOutForLife.com/Denver 22 | april 15, 2015

April 23

Zappa Plays Zappa

@ Boettcher Concert Hall The Colorado Symphony presents Dweezil Zappa and his five-piece band under the eponymous Zappa Plays Zappa. The eldest son of the legendary Frank Zappa brings all new feels to his father’s eclectic and progressive sound. ZPZ plays such hits as Cosmik Debris and Muffin Man, proving that the original recordings have stood strong against the sands of time. Get ready to freek out! ColoradoSymphony.org

April 24 @ 11:59pm Radiohead Laser Show

Take a smooth drive down to Boulder and visit CU’s Fiske Planetarium for a night under the “stars,” where you’re guaranteed to have clear skies and a trippy time. They host all sorts of awesome events, but this laser show is particularly close to our Fake Plastic hearts. Visit Fiske.Colorado.edu for show times. While you’re at it, be sure to take a gander at upcoming shows, Laser Daft Punk, Laser Sublime, and not to mention some free-show opportunities.

April 24

April 28

April -25 BrüFrou

Wings Over the Rockies Museum [Broo-Froo] noun: Colorado celebration of the best brew and food our homestate has to offer, f*ck yeah! More than 80 area brewers and chefs have teamed up to bring you their tastiest pairings in 50+ collaborations. All of your favorite breweries will be there — we’re talkin’ Avery, Odell, Great Divide, the list goes on and on. The small bites are also not to be missed, crafted by Denver’s best restaurants you’ve always been meaning to visit. BroFrou.com

Tuesday Tastings

Exhibit (M)

Lower48 Kitchen hosts a weekly three-course menu rotating through seasonal ingredients and culinary regions every Tuesday. Eat your way through an appetizer, entree, and dessert in addition to choices from the kitchen’s a la carte menu. This Tuesday, experience the down home cookin’ style of Texas-themed fare. Grab your tickets today at Lower48Kitchen.com.

This modern cabaret show is a sexy and soulful mashup of all sorts of artistic expression.

Exhibit (M) features dancers, poets, and singers to set the mood to a variety of genres, highlighting the ultra sensual side of women’s fantasies everywhere. Indulge at one of Denver’s premiere venues, Casselman Bar. Stay tuned after the show for a wild afterparty.

EnterExhibitM.com.

April 25 Ok Go

April 26 1pm to 3pm

7pm @ Ogden Y’all remember these guys — arguably no one has ever made better use of a treadmill as Ok Go, as seen in their wildly popular Here It Goes Again music video. They have a fun, danceable sound with clever lyrics. Think The White Stripes meets Queen. If their live shows are anything like their vids, this night could just be the highlight of your April.

Get Fit Stay Lit Hometown heroes Green Labs Denver and Healthy Honey’s present a two-hour stretching and learning sesh not to be missed. Spend the first hour with two fantastic yogis finding your breath, followed by a vaporizer demo and a Q&A about the many ways to live a healthy life.

BYOC y’all. Register today at DenverGreenLabs.com.

A Man of No Importance • April 28 – May 17, 2015

It’s 1964 in a working-class neighborhood of Dublin. An Oscar Wilde devotee, Alfie Byrne has ambitions to perform Wilde’s Salome with his amateur theater troupe in the local church. However, Alfie doesn’t realize the controversy his choice of title will create with the church leaders. With the play opening in jeopardy, Alfie turns to someone he thought was a friend, only to be confronted by anger and rejection. The theater troupe stands beside him and helps Alfie find his place in the world.

Main Stage Theater Box Office: 720-898-7200 arvadacenter.org Outfrontonline .com | 23

All The Things You Crave Noah L. Jordan

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hen a new restaurant takes over an old one’s space, it’s usually no big deal. Restaurants close and new restaurants open, that’s just the nature of the game. It’s better to have a new team trying new things in an old, familiar space than nothing at all, right? But what happens when two old restaurants with the same owners merge together to form one new restaurant? That’s exactly what happened when Crave reopened its doors on 14th and Champa.

Being an active lover of food, I naturally found my way inside the newly designed space with my antennae up for missteps and glitches (a constructive attitude, you might say). And during a first and very small sampling of the new menu, I didn’t find any. A few weeks and

two dinners later, I still couldn’t find any — whatever they’re doing is working, and working well.

If you’re there for dinner, start with a drink at

the bar — perhaps a Midnight Special or one of their many varieties of Moscow Mules. Then take your seat.

If you’re lucky, the server will be a professional who stands up straight, doesn’t balance dishes precariously up the arm, and avoids mouthfuls of verbose kitsch and slang. Order the bacon-wrapped dates and a little ahi tuna ceviche to activate the taste buds, and if that’s not enough, throw in an order of lamb sliders for the small-plate trifecta.

Once you’ve managed to clear your plates of all things delicious and “small,” switch gears and get ready to engage your entrée. Whether that’s the whiskey salmon, the chicken carbonara, or the Thai lettuce wraps is up to you. By this time, you might be interested in perusing the drink menu for your next round. Maybe it’s a glass of wine or a Chocolate Is the Answer because you don’t have quite enough room for both another drink and dessert — though we hope you’ve saved room for both.

Dessert is obvious, and it’s called the Raspberry Lemonade. This dessert screams all things fun in the sun. Made to appease the masses, this gluten-free closer features an almond-lemon bar, raspberry semifreddo, chocolate garnish, blood orange macaroons, candied almonds, white peach spheres, and a white chocolate ganache. And while it might seem like just a little too much for one dessert, it’s not. It’s delicious.

When all is said and done, the check dropped, the bill paid, and everyone at the table either too full or too drunk (a very real possibility), you can always leave your car in a nearby lot and take an Uber home.

In morning, head back for the car and pop inside for brunch. We haven’t had it yet, but if it’s anything like dinner, you’re leaving beyond satisfied.

DGLFFL Jersey Party Are you ready for some football? The Denver Gay and Lesbian Flag Football League is kicking off their 2015 spring season. A Jersey Party was held at X Bar on March 28th. Players gathered to meet their teammates, pick up their jerseys, and take team photos. Out Front is proud to be a league sponsor.

Photo by Charles Broshous

24 | april 15, 2015

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Circuit Saturday Circuit Saturday, Denver’s hottest new monthly LGBT circuit party, debuted on April 4th at City Hall. The rave-like event featured drinking, dancing, and the musical stylings of DJs Craig C and Twisted Dee. Circuit Saturday, a 21+ event, with a $10 cover, will be held at City Hall the first Saturday of every month.

Photo by Charles Broshous

PLAY HARD

REST EASY

Step out of your room and into the mountains for an adventurous escape or take the five minute stroll towards the energy and activity of downtown Breckenridge.

Whatever you are looking for on your next getaway, Beaver Run has it all.

CALL IN, OR GO ONLINE FOR GREAT SUMMER RATES!

26 | april 15, 2015

Breckenridge, CO

BEAVERRUN.COM 800.288.1282

Outfrontonline .com | 27

Tel Aviv?

Tell Me More In an ancient land, Tel Aviv, with open arms, captivates and charms even the most skeptical and weary traveler Davidd Batalon

K

nown as the City with No Brakes, Tel Aviv has a reputation for attracting gay travelers. With gorgeous beaches and year-round weather to match, historical points of interest, club life that stretches into the wee hours, and the liberal leanings of its thriving population of 4 million, Tel Aviv is a sparkling crown jewel in the desert. It was reported that nearly 100,000 LGBT tourists visited Tel Aviv in 2014.

Tel Aviv has no “gay ghetto”. Instead — thanks to the LGBT community’s influence on Tel Aviv’s image as a city of tolerance and pluralism — bars, restaurants, and cafes all over the city are gay-friendly. Israelis call their gay pride The Love Parade. It takes over the city. Storefronts hang rainbow flags and the whole city seems to revel in the spirit of celebration. In fact, even bystanders become part of the parade as pride participants — families and children included — fill the streets and march their way to the beach.

For Americans, English is the third-most-spoken language behind Hebrew and Arabic, which makes for easy navigation to tourist sites. The Tel Aviv Museum of Art brings major exhibits of local artists, as well as major international art stars. Large concert venues like Park Hayarkon and Nokia Arena attract headliner acts to this city of the young, where one out of every three

Tel Avivians is between the ages of 18 and 35. Rothschild Boulevard brims with restaurants and shops, and offers a beautiful pedestrian/bicycle pathway along its center meridian. It’s a delightful stroll under a lush canopy of trees. Rent an electric bike, called Tel-O-Fun, if you choose — they’re everywhere!

Just off Rothschild is a popular gay bar, Club Evita.

It’s a rendezvous for locals and visitors to mingle, drink, and dance up a storm. On Allenby Street, there’s a staple old-fashioned bar, Allenby 40, decorated in minimalist style with nothing more than hanging disco balls.

A newer bar is the Berlin-style Jimmy Who, where disco, new age, and techno-electro music collide. The popular Powder nightclub is located in a warehouse that originally housed an old flour factory, hence the name. The music is rowdy and so is the crowd. Expect long lines to enter. Morfium is a mammoth luxury urban space, where the DJ is dead-center for partiers to circulate around every night of the week. For more alternative tastes, there’s Dungeon, which caters to the die-hard S&M crowd, and Abraxas, which provides a stimulating atmosphere for attractive artsy folks.

Another district of Tel Aviv, Sheinkin Street, where King George Street intersects with Allenby Street, is a robust bohemian neighborhood with street performers,

artists, coffee houses, ethnic cafes, and flea markets for souvenir hounds. It’s also the home of the Tel Aviv Gay Community Center, located right next to Meir Park where the annual Gay Pride Festival begins. For higherend shopaholics, Tel Aviv offers shopping in aces. The Dizengoff area is the Champs-Élysées of Tel Aviv, with many luxury stores, a lively mall, and numerous eateries.

I stayed steps away from the beach at the Tal Hotel in the Port of Tel Aviv, on the north edge of the city, part of the Atlas boutique chain. Tal means “dew” in Hebrew. The hotel was undergoing an upgrade at the time, but the rooms still offered fantastic views of the city and the Mediterranean. Following along the pristine beaches, one can jog or walk on the scenic, serpentine pathway that stretches from the north Port of Tel Aviv to Old Jaffa. Midway, as you wander, feast your eyes upon the hot, fit Israeli bods that congregate at the unofficial gay beach (Pride Beach) just below the Carlton Tel Aviv Hotel. Hard bodies are common when military service is mandatory — two years for men, one year for women.

There is plenty of exotic and kosher cuisine to try. On the tayelet (promenade) near the TAL is Yulia restaurant in Tel Aviv Harbor. What a treat to eat sweet potato quiche and a tasty side salad outside with the SUV Lexus GX 460

28 | april 15, 2015

“

Known as the City with No Brakes, Tel Aviv has a reputation for attracting gay travelers. With gorgeous beaches and year-round weather to match, historical points of interest, club life that stretches into the wee hours, and the liberal leanings of its thriving population of 4 million, Tel Aviv is a sparkling crown jewel in the desert.

”

cooling sea breeze. Closer to the center of town at G Tower is The Blue Rooster restaurant, an upscale eatery with a home-like atmosphere. Enjoy a pumpkin salad with pasta in beef stock while marveling at the sublime rooftop view of the surrounding skyscrapers. My favorite Israeli dish is shakshuka, poached eggs swimming in tomato sauce served hot in a skillet. I usually cap off a meal with a hearty block of sweet Halva.

Modern architecture, massive shopping malls, manicured public grounds, and clean thoroughfares are juxtaposed against older, well-worn streets and neighborhoods with their quintessential 1930s Bauhaus/ International buildings. The city was declared a heritage site for having the largest concentration of such buildings.

The result is like taking the older parts of Miami Beach

and letting loose an eccentric team of experimental modernist/conservationist city planners. Tel Aviv has a push/pull vibe; a startup city on fast-forward to catch up with the worldwide tourist market that honors the treasures of its past.

For its LGBT community, Tel Aviv has accomplished in twenty years what took European countries half a century. It’s a #1 gay destination. Keep in mind, this “New York in the desert” is built on top of an ancient city dating back 5000 years.

Westerners may expect 24/7 service, but on Shabbat (Friday evening through Saturday night) everything closes down, even elevators. Communication breakdowns and slow service are not uncommon. Allow for the unexpected.

Tel Aviv, along with destinations like Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, Masada, and Haifa, all hold rich connections to a history that deeply resonates in Western minds. The Tel Aviv community, comprised of Jews, Muslims, Palestinians, and Christians, are like a family, albeit an often dysfunctional family. Everyone seems to know each other.

The rocket attacks that made global news last summer, still fresh in everyone’s minds, exemplify the tragic and ceaseless conflict in this tiny part of the world. Yet Tel Aviv is an eclectic and cosmopolitan city where diverse cultures manage to peacefully live their lives next to one another. The city and the country have become a Mecca for innovative thinking, yet Israel, and indeed the whole of the Middle East, remains an enigmatic and surprising land of question marks and riddles.

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Yonge-Dundas Square Bright lights and billboards, crowded crosswalks and countless cabbies. Times Square much? No, this would be Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronto.

Toronto the Good

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The last operating double-decker theater in the world

Daniela Costa

right lights and billboards, crowded crosswalks and countless cabbies. Times Square much? No, this would be YongeDundas Square in Toronto. The natural comparison, however, further cements the city’s reputation as a friendlier, less busy New York City. But it’s right here in the heart of Toronto’s downtown that you’ll find a piece of the city to love. It’s just a matter of north or south, east or west.

Depending on the time of year, you won’t even have to budge. Yonge-Dundas Square is famous for its summer concerts and community events. And just across the street is the Toronto Eaton Centre, which, despite simply being a mall, is one of Toronto’s top tourist attractions.

Since we’re already traveling south, let’s continue on to several of the city’s historic theaters, like the Ed Mirvish Theatre and the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatres, the latter of which is the last operating double-decker theater in the world. And tucked away between the two is Massey Hall, a celebrated concert hall that’s featured artists such Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, the band Rush, Neil Young, and, yes, even Justin Bieber.

If it’s political theater you want, a few short blocks away is Toronto City Hall. Admittedly, it’s less boisterous now that Rob Ford is no longer mayor …

Now if you’re looking for a place where money is even more so on the agenda than the home of city politics, see Toronto’s financial district, but unless you’re a fan of skyscrapers or the Toronto Stock Exchange, you might not wish to stick around for long. (Great restaurants, though!) Sports lovers shouldn’t leave as quickly. The Hockey Hall of Fame is nearby, and for those wanting to check out some live action, there’s the Air Canada Centre where the Maple Leafs, Raptors, and the Rock (this last one belonging to the National Lacrosse League, lest we forget, Canada’s actual national sport) play their home games. And how about them Blue Jays? They play a bit of a trek away at the Rogers Centre, located right by the legendary CN Tower. (Ok, now we’re getting touristy. Check out the CN Tower, then head right back to Yonge-Dundas Square.)

From here, let’s go west where you’ll soon arrive in Chinatown (not to be confused with Toronto’s smaller 30 | april 15, 2015

Chinatown East). This neighborhood is a usual suspect on top 10 Toronto tourist attractions lists, an intriguing fact that speaks to the city’s cultural diversity. Other ethnic enclaves include Little Italy, Greektown, Little Portugal, Koreatown, and so many more. While it’s true that gentrification is chiseling away at several of these neighborhoods, for now at least they remain distinctive and serve as a physical manifestation of Canada as a cultural mosaic.

Chinatown is big, so get your kicks there before again heading back to Yonge and Dundas. And while at this point it would be nice to encourage you to shuffle east, that would be misleading. Unless you want to party with university students, that neck of the woods leaves a lot to be desired. But that’s a part of Toronto’s reality too — it’s not all pretty and (for the sake of affordable living) that’s a good thing. So instead, let’s head north.

Making your way up Yonge Street, it’s hard to imagine that up until the late 70s, it was widely considered a “seedy” strip. Yes, you’ll still find sex shops and strip joints, but the sex trade no longer defines these blocks. Now, retail stores and restaurants rule. But on the east side of Yonge and Wellesley streets, you’re on the cusp of something great — the Church Wellesley Village, Toronto’s LGBT village.

Here, there are numerous clubs in which to dance away the night. Drag shows are a staple of the neighborhood and many of the queens and kings are local celebrities. Say hello when you see them walking the streets decked out in stage wear.

And there hasn’t been a better time in recent memory to check out “the village.” To prepare for World Pride in 2014 (hosted by Toronto), the city pumped quite a bit of money into the village for beautification purposes.

Visitors can now take in several stunning murals and a renewed neighborhood park.

By now, it must feel like you’ve just been dragged all over Toronto. Yet none of the spots highlighted are more than a 1.4 mile walk from the square where we began.

Most, in fact, are a lot close. So while you can’t experience all of Toronto in a day — much less in one article — you can certainly make your way around the center of its downtown where you’ll figure out that Toronto is a city that defines itself.

This neighborhood is a usual suspect on top 10 Toronto tourist attractions lists

To prepare for World Pride in 2014 (hosted

by Toronto), the city pumped quite a bit of money into the village for beautification purposes.

SUV Lexus GX 460

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The Winsome Windy City

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enver is great city, but sometimes it feels a little small. (I mean, can a girl get a cup of coffee without running into someone who knows what she did at Charlie’s last night?

Anyway, I digress.) If you’re looking to get out for a weekend and immerse yourself in a city with a bit more anonymity, Chicago might be the one.

Chicago is the third largest city in the US and the coldest — or at least it felt that way when my girlfriend and I chose to go in the middle of February.

However, even the negative windchill couldn’t take away from the beauty of the massive city that houses more than 200 theaters and 550 parks — and the lakefront views don’t hurt, either.

My girlfriend picked the Hotel Allegro Chicago.

Located in the theater district and ranked in Gay Chicago’s top 10 gay-friendly hotels, it seemed an obvious choice.

(Their website even featured a lesbian couple.) Though located a few miles from the gayborhood Boystown, the hotel was extremely close to Millennium Park, museums, and restaurants.

If museums are your thing, Chicago has plenty to offer. We were feeling adventurous after sitting on the plane for a few hours and decided to trek a mile to the Field Museum of Natural History. After standing

in line long enough to regain feeling in our limbs, we finally made it in. Inside we explored Ancient Egypt, learned about the sacred powers of Haitian Vodou, and met Sue, the largest and most complete T-Rex ever found.

Just down the road is the Shedd Aquarium which houses more than 32,000 animals from frogs to sea lions to dolphins. You don’t have to just look at all the ocean life — Shedd allows you to get up close and personal with some of the exhibits. There you can catch an aquatic show, experience a 4-D movie, or touch some stingrays.

If strolling museums doesn’t float your boat, fear not: Chicago has much more to offer.

From the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center, you can see views of Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan on a clear day. If that’s still not exciting enough, you can check out TILT. From the observation deck, you can lean out of the building at a 30-degree angle. Open for nearly a year, TILT lets you walk onto a moveable platform that holds eight people. It then extends out, allowing you to look a thousand feet below at the city for about a minute.

Another thrill-seeking option is the Skydeck at the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. From the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears

Hotel Allegro Chicago. Located in the theater district and ranked in Gay Chicago’s top 10 gay-friendly hotels

Kelly Morris

Tower), you can step onto a glass balcony that shoots out more than four feet off of the tower, putting you at 1,353 feet off the ground.

Being such a huge city, Chicago has tons of eating options to please even the pickiest of tastebuds. As a vegan, my vegetarian girlfriend and I were pleasantly surprised by the many options we had. We had dinner at the vegan restaurant Karyn on Green, which featured the most amazing (fine, only) four-course Valentine’s Day dinner I have ever experienced.

If you’re feeling homesick, Chicago also has their own Hamburger Mary’s with Mary-Oke, trivia, and bingo nights. If you want some drag with your dinner, catch a show at Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club, or head to Catch Thirty Five if you’re a seafood lover.

Chicago has 117 bars that stay open until 4am or later, and with at least 27 gay bars in Boystown, you can surely find a bar suitable for your liking. Whether you’re looking for a dance club like Berlin, a leather bar like Cellblock, a gay sports bar like North End, or the familiar country bar, Charlie’s, Chicago offers a variety of nightlife for everyone.

So when you start to feel claustrophobic in Denver, remember: Chicago is merely hours away and full of people who don’t know what you did last night.

From the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center, you can see views of Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

Shedd Aquarium houses more than 32,000 animals from frogs to sea lions to dolphins

Chicago has 117 bars that stay open until 4am or later, with at least 27 gay bars in Boystown

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TripIt

Rather than keep up with several sheets of paper, emails, and phone reminders, keep your trip itinerary on TripIt. The app can make suggestions for attractions and activities you may want to check out in addition to providing you with directions and the local weather. If you’re willing to drop a few digital dollars, you can even have TripIt include your flight status with your itinerary and send you text message alerts.

Wi-Fi Finder

Wi-Fi is to humans as blood is to vampires.

Rather than risk roaming charges with your phone company, use Wi-Fi Finder instead to find free Wi-Fi hotspots in the area. The app even lets you narrow down hotspots according to the Wi-Fi provider you prefer. You’ll get directions and a phone number so you can call that coffeeshop down the street to find out when they close and withdraw their precious Wi-Fi signal.

Entrain

Nothing can ruin a trip quite like jet lag.

You want to arrive at your international destination ready to dive headfirst into adventure instead of stepping off the plane surly enough to want to shake a baby. Keep yourself out of handcuffs with the help of Entrain, the app that keeps track of your normal circadian rhythm to help you know the time of day according to your body’s clock as opposed to the local time.

Input your regular sleeping hours and the timezone you’ll be traveling to. You’ll receive a list of times you’ll want to be in abundant light, low light, or no light at all.

The app also helps you gradually transition to your new timezone so you can truly enjoy your trip.

Travel Noob?

There’s an App for That O’Brian Gunn

PackPoint

Even a minimalist traveler like me sometimes has trouble packing everything into as few suitcases and carry-on bags as possible.

PackPoint provides you with a list of packing fundamentals so you don’t take more cute underwear and graphic tees than you need.

All you have to do is tell the app whether you identify as male or female, the number of days you’ll be traveling, if you’re going for business or pleasure, and where your travels are taking you and you’ll have a list of recommended packing items.

While you’re planning your vacation to one of our recommended gay travel destinations, be sure you pack a couple of well-chosen apps on your phone to make your journey and your financial burden that much easier. Long lines, delayed flights, and booked hotels don’t have to be a package deal with your trip when you let your thumbs do all of the work.

Tipulator

Foodspotting

If you’re that annoyi -- I mean, that one friend who takes pictures of your food to share with friends, then the Foodspotting app is sure to find a spot on your phone’s home screen. Easily thumb through user reviews and images to find local restaurants in the area you might enjoy.

Tipulator is an especially useful app if you’ll be traveling and dining overseas. There are some countries where a 25-percent tip is considered too much and might actually offend your server, which is both different and the same here in the U.S. Rather than risk tipping too much or too little, tip just right with the Tipulator app. Now you can devote a portion of your vacation budget to tipping rather than play the guessing game … and risk losing.

Instead of spending your time in the airport or car playing Trivia Crack, your battery power is better spent using these apps to make your trip and your life a tropical breeze. *All recommended apps are available for iOS and Android

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SUV Lexus GX 460 Outfrontonline .com | 33

The Adventures of the Fresh Prince of Philly Noah L. Jordan

A

s a kid, my knowledge of Philadelphia was limited. Everything I knew came from television and movies. My dad loved the movie Rocky, so I obviously knew about the infamous stairs. As a family we watched Best In Show about once a month, which takes place in Philly but wasn’t actually filmed in Philly.

And when I got older and discovered my own sexuality, the movie Philadelphia became quite poignant. But the one reference that fueled my passion to visit Philly more than anything came from my favorite childhood TV show that started a little something like this: “In west Philadelphia, born and raised …”

Yes, girl. Yes. Blame it on the Fresh Prince, but I knew one day I would make it to Philly. And I did.

The flight from Denver to Philly is certainly NOT quick, but it’s pretty straightforward. Upon

The first skyscraper ever built in the city.

34 | april 15, 2015

arrival, Mayor Michael Nutter welcomes you to the “City of Brotherly Love” with banners and posters all throughout the airport. Hop in a cab and for a flat fee of $28.50 you can go anywhere downtown, which lead me to the Loews Philadelphia Hotel, the first skyscraper ever built in the city. This high-rise hotel is only a few short blocks from City Hall, LOVE Park, and the wellknown gayborhood. Perfect for a single gay in the city.

The enclosed public market has more than a hundred merchants offering everything from fresh groceries to immediate meals.

In the spirit of youthful adventure, I decided just to wander my new surroundings on Day One. I knew I needed food, but that was it. Just up 12th Street, I easily zeroed in on Reading Terminal Market, and it might have been one of the best decisions of my entire trip.

The enclosed public market has more than a hundred merchants offering everything from fresh groceries to immediate meals. I opted for immediate and satisfied my hunger with Delilah’s Mac and Cheese.

Now with a full stomach, I was ready to really explore. First stop: the famous LOVE Park in Center

City. The brainchild of former Philadelphia City Planner Edmund Bacon and architect Vincent G. Kling, LOVE Park is infamous and people from around the country and even the world line up to take a photo with the beloved sculpture. Feeling satisfied with the quick minute in LOVE Park, it was time to find a few more Philadelphia staples, the Rocky Balboa Statue, and the infamous set of stairs. As my cabdriver pulled up to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, there it was. People were patiently waiting in line to take a photo with the statue.

Just a little to left sat the stairs.

One of the city’s newest and hottest restaurants

Refusing to wait in line for my own picture, I hiked the famous stairs and made my way inside the actual museum. As one of the largest in the United States, it certainly didn’t disappoint. With more than 227,000 objects, 800,000+ people visit the museum annually.

I was lucky enough to experience the final days of “Represent: 200 Years of African-American Art,” an exhibition devoted to exactly what it says.

Having walked more than 12,000 steps in only the last few hours, my brain quickly turned to food yet again. And when it comes to food, Philly knows exactly what it’s doing. Back at my hotel, I went straight downstairs to Bank & Bourbon, one of the city’s newest and hottest restaurants, conveniently located inside the Loews, where I enjoyed a barrel-aged whiskey on ice, and a more-than-delicious striped bass entrée. With another meal in the gut, it was time to find my roots and venture over to the gayborhood, where Woody’s is the place to start the party, which makes sense — Woody’s is HUGE. From Woody’s, I bar-hopped along SUV Lexus GX 460

With more than 227,000 objects, 800,000+ people visit the museum annually. the strip from Voyeur to U Bar, and from U Bar to Boxers. The gayborhood was living up to its name, and by the end of the night I was more than happy to crash in my king size corner unit.

My big “splurges” came on the second day. When mentioning my upcoming trip to Philly, Federal Donuts was an immediate conversation starter. The local chain features a unique twist on the donut experience, and not only offers donuts, but in the evening offers fresh fried chicken. Both the donuts and chicken didn’t disappoint. And while donuts are thrilling and filling, they can only satisfy so much hunger, which is why I parked myself on a patio table at Parc Restaurant Bistro & Café, located in Rittenhouse Square. The French bistro serves what might as well be some of the best damn brunch in town, which explains the hour wait for a table.

From brunch, I wandered back to Boxers, a local gay bar where the men wear … boxers and only boxers. There, I enjoyed a few cold brews and killed a few hours before my dinner reservation at Juniper Commons. When you mention the name Juniper Commons, the people of Philly react the same — with envy, and with good reason. Juniper Commons is one of three Sbraga concepts that have swept the Philly food scene. Only met with rave reviews, I found myself overwhelmed with the amount of deliciousness placed in front of me — baked clams, fried chicken, garlic shrimp, fava

A local gay bar where the men wear … boxers and only boxers. beans, and a pecan pie that would make you weak in the knees. By the end of the meal, I wasn’t sure I would make it to Walnut Street Theatre for the evening performance of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, but I did and as America’s oldest theatre, the performances made it quite clear why they are still around today.

Waking up on my final day in the city, which also happened to be Easter Sunday, I knew I needed to jam-pack as much as possible into the last hours. And what is Easter without a solid brunch? I jumped in a cab and headed to Ela in Queen Village, where I dined on a three-course brunch menu. A kale salad, a vanilla French toast “cobbler,” and some warm cookie dough later, I was completely full. The smoked rye bloody and “Rudie Can’t Fail” aided in my fullness, but drinks don’t count in my world. Knowing I would fall asleep if I didn’t keep moving, I cabbed it from Queen Village to the Barnes Foundation, another Philadelphia museum established

by Albert C. Barnes in 1922, and the Mütter Museum, a museum dedicated to all things weird. Think American Horror Story: Freak Show, but right in front of your eyes. Conjoined twins, giants, and anomalies. Oh, my!

As the sun began to set, my travel adventure officially over, I boarded the plane thoroughly satisfied. I have a few new friends to visit next time I’m in Philly, and some interesting stories to tell. For that, Philadelphia, I thank you. And until next time, I’ll see you in the movies.

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$$$$$ Keep in Touch With Your Hotel To take the previous tip even further, use your smartphone or tablet to stay connected with your hotel.

You can receive messages about deals you might be interested in, such as discounted spa treatments and happy hour specials at the hotel bar. These deals can be personalized to your likes and any services you may have taken advantage of in the past, keeping you from being notified of a discount on filet mignon when you’re a strict vegetarian. One thing to keep in mind is these discounts can sometimes be geared toward your spending habits, so you may not want to spend too much on room service if you want to receive the lowest bargain possible.

Put on Your

Discount oes

Travelin’ Sh

$$$$$ Dine Like a King and Pay Like a Pauper Rather than eat out for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, consider making some of your meals if you have a kitchen in your lodgings or a grill near the pool. This is an especially good tip if you’re traveling to a destination hotspot where the prices may be pumped up more than a gay man’s physique. In addition to saving money, you can also save time on waiting for a table.

O’Brian Gunn

A

s you’re reading over this issue’s best gay travel destinations, the anchor known as your finances may be keeping you moored in your living room while you’d like nothing better than to cast off for a far-flung destination. Technology, travel, and lodging have changed so much in the last few years that it’s time for you to learn some of the newest ways to save money while traveling in 2015.

$$$$$ Book With the Little Guy Before you head over to Orbitz and Expedia out of sheer reflex, relax your fingers and check out Hotelpower.com, Tingo.com, and Hipmunk.com. In addition to getting you less expensive rooms than the heavy hitters of the reservation ring, Hotel Power and Hipmunk can also point you to locally owned places

to support. One great thing about Tingo is you’ll be refunded the difference if you book a hotel room and the price drops. A caveat with Tingo is the service is better suited for those who are looking for a luxury hotel rather than a standard hotel. $$$$$ Be Loyal Once you’ve booked your room, see if there are any loyalty programs you can sign up for. It’s natural to want to opt out of any seemingly needless extra deals and offers once you’ve placed your reservations, but some of them are worth paying attention to. By signing up for a hotel loyalty program, you might be able to get a free room upgrade. There are even some deals that allow you to combine money with your travel points, meaning you may be able to score a $350 room for $75.

Regional Premiere presents

written by Jez Butterworth directed by Warren Sherrill

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Adventures in

Fort Ladida Topher La Fleur

O

n the second night of my trip to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, I took off my sandals and curled my feet into the pristine white sand. A friend of mine told me they clean it weekly to keep the beaches safe and tidy. That’s how important beaches are to the livelihood of Florida. If beaches are your bag, there are plenty to choose from in Fort Ladida. Nude ones, gay ones, family ones, private ones … pick a beach, throw out the towel, and make some friends.

In fact, it’s not difficult to make friends in FTL. The locals are largely outnumbered by visitors. This makes them excellent hosts. It also means most people are from elsewhere, something which engenders easy conversation if you’re looking to make a few ... friends. (*wink, wink*) If you plan on going out, the Manor Complex is one of a number of excellent nightclubs in Fort Lauderdale.

This venue easily hosts 750 people or more per night in differently themed rooms. That said, it’s remarkably easy to enjoy a quiet escape in Fort Lauderdale, which

your lifts more impressive. Fort Lauderdale is a very active community, much like Denver, and you’ll have no trouble running, lifting, boating, or playing team sports in the city. I would not highly recommend biking in Fort Lauderdale as the drivers are insane and the roads are narrow.

In all, LGBT travelers should feel warmly welcomed by the South Florida scene — it’s one of the largest and most active LGBT-inclusive communities in the United States. Visitors to Fort Lauderdale will enjoy LGBTowned hotels, spas, restaurants, beaches, and much more. For those who have never stayed at a destination which understands LGBT needs and wants, expect to be pleasantly surprised. Fort Lauderdale is more than equipped to welcome all styles and strokes, so bring your sunblock — we’re going to South Florida.

is significantly more tame than her older, wilder sister Miami. Outside the entertainment hubs, I found the city streets quiet by 8pm.

Fort Lauderdale also enjoys its reputation as the “Venice of America.” This landlubber was practically ill on a yacht tour of the canals (which are gorgeous). While I discovered that boating isn’t for me, those with stronger constitutions will be impressed by the level of service and beautiful scenery. Dramatic lovers might consider a deck-top proposal at sunset or a candle-lit dinner for two attended by personal wait staff.

Athletic visitors from the Mile High City should also enjoy their visit to Fort Ladida. Transitioning from altitude to sea-level will make your runs easier and

The Land of the

Midnight Sun

Michael Frazier

A

lthough the state is typically shown at the left lower corner of most classroom maps, our nation’s northernmost state is simultaneously the nation’s westernmost and easternmost, as well. Spanning three time zones, the size of the “Land of the Midnight Sun” is truly its most stunning feature. The nearly 670,000 square miles of wilderness paired with a population of about one person per thousand miles means the state is as unblemished by human development as might be possible in our 21st century world. 35 percent of Alaska’s landmass is designated for national park land or wildlife preserves, meaning it’ll be a while before the state is overrun by development and progress. Because Alaska is so large and its majority is reasonably inaccessible most of the year, it’s fair to say this incomparable bastion of nature is a great vacation spot for the naturalist and the nature lover alike. A cross-country drive via the Alcan Highway is 1700 miles of otherworldly vistas through spirit-stirring glaciers, canyons, mountainways, and early gold hunting regions, although the state’s official highway registry indicates that, as of August 2014, only 1367 miles of it are currently paved and there’s an average of one gas station every 312 miles.

Cruises and coastal sightseeing tours might be your best bet if you’re not a fan of long road trips. Alaska is home to the some of the world’s most beautiful, and endangered,

aquatic life. With so few human occupants around the vast waterways, a day’s oceanic tour may include sightings of blue whales, puffins, killer whales, walrus, and seals alongside the land-born grizzly and polar bears, moose, and freshwater fish like salmon that toggle fresh and sea water during spawning season. Alaska has closely regulated hunting areas and permitting, but there’s rarely a shortage and the quantity of licenses are rarely limited due to the vast expanse of available hunting grounds and sheer numbers of animal and fish populations.

Culturally, Alaska is one of the few places in the US where groups of native peoples practice rituals relatively unchanged by western interaction. In 2007, the Eskimo Whaling Commission approved nearly 22 regional and

international tribes the continuation of a 2000-year-old tradition of the annual whale hunt. Due to the harsh conditions of the northern climate, the success of a tribe’s annual hunt can mean the survival of the group through the long, dark, icy winter. More than that, a tribe’s cultural traditions, crafts, artistic techniques, garmentry, housing, and fuel are all interrelated and dependant on the materials and elements harvested and repurposed from the whale hunt. The tribal hunt ensures the tribe’s sustenance as well as the cultural traditions of the tribe. Any visit to an Alaskan artisan, ethnically regional or not, will reflect the importance of nature and the balance of these delicate systems for survival.

The best reason to visit Alaska may be the most mythic of all, the Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights.

If you’ve ever wanted to feel the presence of a cosmic divinity or conceptualized the notions of the ephemeral spirit, the image of these phenomena will stay lodged in your spiritual psyche for a life time.

Outfrontonline .com | 37

Black’s Beach ... a clothing-optional optional beach in La Jolla. Like all nude beaches, it’s not about a sexual experience or even people watching, it’s about the freedom of being one with the environment, letting loose, and letting those ding-a-lings and tatas fly free.

You Stay Classy,

San Diego!

It seemed like a good idea at the time. One trip, two friends, and three days in San Diego.

What could go wrong?

T

Noah L. Jordan

ravel is one of the truest tests of a relationship, right? But as the day of departure loomed, I worried. Would the trip force me to see a new side of my dear friend and roommate? As we packed our bags with all the essentials for a sunny weekend excursion, I gave us a 50/50 chance. We would either end up even closer than before, or one of us would be moving out as soon as we returned.

A quick flight and a few hours later, we arrived in “America’s Finest City” and all the stress began to fade.

We threw our weekenders in the trunk of our little Nissan Versa (courtesy of Enterprise) and demanded Siri direct us to The Lafayette Hotel, a historic hotel nestled in the heart of North Park. The boutique property is filled with an eclectic mix of details. With the help of subtle touches throughout and live music from local talent Normandie Wilson, vacationers are transported back to the 1940s.

The hotel also features two on-site restaurants, an improv theater, a giant chess board, and a lavish pool built and designed by the original man of the jungle and the first Tarzan, Johnny Weissmuller.

Two drinks at Hope 46, and a quick tour around the hotel later, we were ready for dinner. And when it came time to dine San Diego certainly delivered. Urban Solace, a staple in the North Park neighborhood, serves up modern American comfort food in a space accented by dark wood. Starting with the seared albacore

Lavish pool built and designed by the original man of the jungle and the first Tarzan, Johnny Weissmuller

See a cheetah run at full speed, watch exotic birds perform a dance routine, or interact with tigers

Take a private lesson, or grab a group of friends and take a lesson together with their party wave option

38 | april 15, 2015

chop-chop and ending with the mustard crusted Sea Bass and spiced duck confit, we dined until our tummies could take no more, and then we took two more bites.

The next night, we headed to Croce’s Park West, a longtime San Diego staple. From the moment you enter the restaurant, the live music and dim lighting intrigue the senses and the precision of service almost immediately guarantees your visit will be of five-star quality. But only when you’ve selected your perfect beverage with the help of their onsite sommelier and taken the first bite of your meal do you know this will be a meal you won’t soon forget. The firecracker shrimp and kale salad start the evening with a bang. The duck confit, and seared scallop entrees are on seal deal, leaving nothing to be desired, except maybe another few bites.

We would have been perfectly content eating ourselves into food comas, and lounging around our glorious hotel but with a name like Noah, we were snapped out our food craze and headed to the zoo. Now, when given the option between the San Diego Zoo or its new Safari Park, the choice was clear. When would we ever have the opportunity to see a cheetah run at full speed, watch exotic birds perform a dance routine, or interact with tigers? The Safari Park is located about 45 minutes outside of the city in Escondido, and while $48 might seem like a steep price to pay, the experience is worth every penny — and memories are priceless, are they not? As we explored every square foot of the park, we knew we’d made the right decision.

Tuckered out from a full day of hiking around the Safari Park in 100-degree weather, nothing seemed more fitting than a nice cold brew. We set a course for Hillcrest Brewing Company, the “First Gay Brewery in the World” and part of the infamous MO’s Universe of bars and restaurants. It was there we found our second wind and hit the streets of Hillcrest to explore the gay nightlife scene. Time flew, and the drinks disappeared quickly as we bounced from Baja Betty’s to Gossip Grill to Urban MO’s (where we guzzled down two world famous Blackout Lemonades) and finally to Rich’s, a high-energy gay nightclub — all of which were located on a single street. By the time the morning light peaked through the tightly pulled blinds of our hotel room, we barely knew what hit us, but fighting pounding headaches, we repacked our bags, checked out of the Lafayette Hotel and headed to La Jolla for our final 24-hour stretch.

Pulling up to the La Jolla Shores Hotel, we couldn’t help but notice the throng of wetsuits and beach bodies flooding the streets of the little town. We tossed our bags on the bed, popped a few ibuprofens, and headed to Surf Divas for a private lesson. It was there that our instructor, Stephen, took two landlocked city kids, and transformed us into B-level surfers (certainly NOT A-level and realistically more like C-level, but definitely not the worst). Take a private lesson, or grab a group of friends and take a lesson together with their party wave option — with more than 50 instructors and its multiple offerings, Surf Divas is hands down the best option in town.

Exhausted. Still slightly hung over. And now sandcrusted and a salty, we prepped for our last supper. Just off Prospect Street in downtown La Jolla, chef Jason Knibb’s Nine-Ten is heaven. Start with the signature Jamaican Jerk Pork Belly, then close your eyes and point because no matter what you pick, you certainly won’t be disappointed. For dessert, the vanilla tart flan will blow your mind.

As the sun rose over the ocean on our final morning, we gathered our belongings, checked out of our hotel, and set our sights on our own Mile High City.

But before we could say goodbye, there would be just one more stop — the beach, Black’s Beach, a clothingtoptional beach in La Jolla. Like all nude beaches, it’s not about a sexual experience or even people watching, it’s about the freedom of being one with the environment, letting loose, and letting those ding-a-lings and tatas fly free. As we dropped trou, and let the warm ocean breeze overtake us, it was then we knew that this was not a good idea. It was the best idea.

“First Gay Brewery in the World” Photo credit: Christine Huard.

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Outfrontonline .com | 39

Atlanta I Do Declare Berlin Sylvestre

40 | april 15, 2015

There are two very distinct and likeable Atlantas — Old Atlanta, which paces itself as calmly and steadily as the oft-romanticized Southern accent it’s famous for; and New Atlanta, practically vibrating with urban excitability, a city with an addiction to upscale shopping and reality TV. Both of the Atlantas, however, pride themselves on good manners, pressed clothing, and the unquenchable desire for status. There is every reason for a jet-setting Denverite to arrange a trip to the Empire State of the South.

L

arge oak trees loom overhead, their centuries-old roots as strengthened by history as the dynasties that thrive in the shade of their pre-antebellum splendor.

Here, estates carry on acre after acre, grounds meticulously kept and grass so green, admirers squint from quiet thoroughfares as they marvel the grandeur in passing. Old money, a defining factor for Old Atlanta, is the canvas on which ensconced young debutantes and their suitors paint their social and political scene, an inexorable seal of approval bestowed them by their generous familial benefactors. The charming and genteel nature of the wealthy Southern lord or lady is often mistaken for naivete, which is a mistake, for well-honed social graces — often instilled in monied children through rigorous cotillion classes and endless cultural grooming — provide a most apt cover belying their unparalleled access to regional influence and power. This is old money and what it purchases. But in the spirit of good manners, we’ll move to sunnier pastures.

As with many US cities, the land went from Native American territory to a burgeoning city of primarily Irish and Scottish settlers. The end of the only major rail line that delivered goods to and from the South lent her the name Terminus (fans of The Walking Dead, there you go), but after a period of significant growth, Terminus became Marthasville (after the governor’s daughter), then eventually settled on Atlanta, short for Atlantica-Pacifica, as the Georgia Railroad became her economic claim to fame.

The slave trade drove Atlanta’s growth as a textile territory before delivering a

polarizing moral crisis to her doorstep. In her stubbornness surrounding states’ rights and slavery, she courted her own doom. The Civil War reduced most of her magnificence to ashes … but not for long. The ensuant rebuild by stalwart dignitaries combined with the economic prosperity of the Piedmont region has made Atlanta one of the top 40 globally recognized cities for big business. Though Old Atlanta is certain of her place in the world, with her sprawling good looks, metropolitan cityscape, and deep coffers of old money, she doesn’t brag — that would be unbecoming.

But then there’s New Atlanta, a thriving hub for bravado and the arts. This is where artists like Usher and John Mayer, Cee Lo Green and the Indigo Girls, Toni Braxton and Outkast cut their teeth. This is the place where fresh talent leans over easels and graphics keyboards to create programming at Turner Broadcasting, from Cartoon Network releases to Adult Swim lineups. It is in the suburbs that surround the glittery municipality that The Hunger Games, The Walking Dead, the latest Captain America and literally dozens of other pop-culture phenoms are being filmed.

New Atlanta is, as Brooke Candy might say, “Gone With The Wind fabulous.” Her sparkling shopping districts are lined with every nuance of chic, from the haute couture of Diane Von Furstenberg to the worldrenowned suits of Sid Mashburn. Bentley, Lamborghini, and Rolls Royce provide a parade of eye-candy consistently, and celebrity sightings have become so mundane that locals are more protective of than star-truck by their famous neighbors.

But the real playground for the LGBT

community is Midtown Atlanta. Yes, hunty — we own Midtown. This is where RuPaul tore her punk-rocker fishnets back in the 80s, leaving the scene saturated with and inspired by her hunger for fame; where the ubiquity of clubs have multiple stories that boom with lightshow fantasia and floor-to-ceiling speakers; where exquisitely clad lads and ladies who enjoy world-class dining aggregate in LGBT-owned eateries; where singles cruise openly and couples feel safe laughing and kissing on a blanket in lush, formidable Piedmont Park. Atlanta Pride is enormous, drawing half a million incredibly diverse visitors to the district to engage in boots-onthe-ground activism and scintillating varieties of modern-day debauchery.

And sure: In rural pockets around the state, you might find catch a whiff of the abysmal after-effects of slavery, from confederate flags flapping atop giant trucks masquerading as symbols of “history, not hate” to storefront signs brandishing outright white supremacy. Those instances, however extreme, aren’t nearly as common as the sugary-sweet black Grannies who insist you put your bottom in that rocker and eat some food that’ll “stick to them ribs” — like pecan pie, skillet-fried chicken, and jalapeno cornbread — and she doesn’t care what color that bottom is. Those experiences will always outweigh the bad in the South.

The flight from Denver to Atlanta is slightly more than three hours — enough time to watch a movie and take a disco nap before you step off the plane and into the bustling metropolis of a deep-fried big city.

Y’all take care.

Outfrontonline .com | 41

The Spice of Wash Park Grey Cactus Noah L. Jordan

W

as there any doubt that Grey Cactus, or “Gey Cactus” as they lovingly hashtag on Instagram, would be a success? After all, in a city like Denver where tacos and small plates dominate the food scene, what’s one more taco place for the hungry citizens of the Migh High? I’m just saying, they could have phoned it in and the throngs of taco lovers would have still come.

But they didn’t phone it in. Because, come on, when you spend that much time and effort opening a restaurant, you want it to be there for quite a while. Like a good cocina and bar, Grey Cactus is tiny but mighty, bringing a sense of urgency and exclusivity to the restaurant: Get in now or wait and wonder later.

42 | april 15, 2015

Of course, there are margaritas on the menu and tequila drinks, as you would expect, but there are also a few fun cocktails that don’t revolve around tequila, because what if you’re not a tequila fan? It’s a good thing I’m not not a tequila fan, and that I’m also a fan of all the members in the alcohol family.

The Hombre-hattan is one my personal favorites.

It combines Penasco Reposado with Moda Black Tequila, Cocchi di Torino, sherry, and orange bitters for a unique twist on the traditional Manhattan.

For those looking for something a little sweeter and perhaps more appropriate for a sunny spring or summer day of patio drinking, you can always order a Paloma, or Mexican Mule, or even a Juan Daley to sit and sip on Grey Cactus’ gorgeous patio.

Let’s talk menu for a minute: It’s obvious that the menu is fun, easy eating, and meant for you to pick and choose your path for the evening, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take it seriously. There are a smart variety of all things familiar, and the Pozole is an item that (despite the weather changes) I can’t stop thinking about. It’s a hot soup with chicken, pork, hominy, tomato, tomatillos, garlic, and all the other deliciousness I won’t bother to bore you with. Warm.

Seasoned to perfection. And any pozole lover’s dream.

Into the guts of the menu, you’re either going to taco or not. Tacos come a la carte and can come in the form of tacos, sopes, or tostadas. The cochinitas were

warm and tender, only amplified by the delicious addition of pickled red onion and cilantro. For the vegetarians at the table, the rajas taco features a blend of poblano peppers, corn, tomato, onion, garlic, zucchini, epazote, and a queso fresco garnish.

But the true star of the evening was the simple-buttasty chicken tinga taco which, at first glance, is easy to discount as something you may have had before, but it’s a familiar flavor bomb that hits in all the right places. A little spice and you might find yourself wishing you had ordered just one more.

This only marks the beginning for this Wash Park destination. If the kitchen team and front of the house can weather the crowds and keep consistency a priority, there’s no reason to think Grey Cactus won’t be around for a very long time. And soon not only will they be calling it “Gey Cactus,” but so will all the hordes of homos, like myself, who will find ourselves lined up for a coveted table inside this spicy neighborhood hotspot.

A New Twist on Weiners:

Biker Jim’s Chris Arneson

I

t’s probably safe to say that if someone recommended the street wieners on 16th Street Mall, your mind might go a few other places first — and that’s exactly what Biker Jim wants.

Jim Pittenger loves a good wiener joke, and he’s been “putting a twist on your wiener since 2005” — that’s his company’s slogan. But Biker Jim isn’t some leather daddy lurking around the free mall ride. He sells, without a doubt, some of the best street-style sausages in the city.

His cart, which hangs out at 16th and Arapahoe downtown, has been an indispensable part of the downtown mall since its inception nearly a decade ago.

Jim, an Alaskan native and former repo man, attributes the gig to a leap of faith … and, really, an excuse to grill up some reindeer.

“I didn’t run into a lot of resistance, so it felt like I was doing the right thing,” Jim reminisces. “I’m a lucky guy.”

Biker Jim’s isn’t your everyday hot dog stand. The daily meats include selections like reindeer, elk, and boar. On What The ##%$%!! Wednesday, Jim breaks out stuff like rattlesnake, ostrich, and alligator.

“It’s interesting and fun to see what I can surprise people with,” Jim says. “Weird is one thing, tasting good is another. You have to top it right.”

His most popular wiener is the Elk Jalapeño Cheddar Brat. He also offers vegan options, thanks to his wife.

“We’re the only restaurant that sells veal but gets a thumbs up from vegans,” he jokes.

Jim’s signature topping is grilled onions and cream cheese, but there’s a plethora of others to add to your dog.

His cart also offers sides of chips and soda. If you visit the restaurant, you can eat deep-fried mac and cheese or even a deep-fried horseradish habanero pickle. He says if you’re a pickle fan, you won’t look back.

I talked to Jim, a self-proclaimed Hot Dog Ninja, the day after he celebrated the four-year anniversary of his store, which is just a few blocks further north of his cart on Arapahoe.

“The coolest thing is all these people are making a living because I wanted to sell hot dogs on a street corner,” he enthused.

One of his favorite quotes to describe his business style comes from the blog Shit My Dad Says: “There’s only two good professions in the world: helping people shit or helping people f*ck,” Jim recalls. “Helping people shit is important.”

Lately, Jim says, a lot of catering has gone street-food style, so his business has gone nuts. He’s supplied for Chipotle’s 15th Anniversary as well as huge companies like Google and DISH Network. His favorite nonprofit to work with is Project Angel Heart through Dining Out for Life. During that time, a portion of your meal at the restaurant goes to the cause.

According to Jim, if you mention his wiener slogan, you might snag a free item at his shop.

You can catch his food cart on 16th Street Mall at Larimer across from the clocktower. Usually he’s there from about 10am until 3pm, maybe later if it’s nice out.

There’s also a cart weekdays at the Auraria Campus on the Tivoli Commons.

Book him @ BikerJimsDogs.com

I Don’t Think You’re Ready for This

PB & Jelly Y Chris Arneson

ou’ve probably already heard of the purple food truck that sells gourmet peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

In the few years since its launch in 2011, Hey PB&J has become somewhat of a staple in the Mile High City’s food truck community. Owner Matt McDonald says it stands out as a relic to what the food truck craze once was. If it launched today, it would probably only last a couple weeks.

“In the food truck world, there are trends, blips, and fads,” Matt explains. “A few years is really more like 10 years in the food truck microcosm. You can’t launch a crab cake truck anymore.”

Matt, who spent several years working in Chicago’s restaurant scene, has a degree from Minnesota’s Culinary Institute of America. He moved to Denver in 2005 to switch gears and ended up working in software sales. The food truck idea was something he did on the side for fun.

He acquired his 1979 Chevy truck from a kooky guy in Edwards, who originally purchased it from Pennsylvania, where it was used for fish and chips. Since then, Matt says his food truck journey is worthy of its own reality show.

Matt’s sandwich truck was inspired by a grilled PB&J truck in Portland. His beginnings included sandwiches featuring burnt marshmallows and tangerine

marmalade. At first he thought adding bananas was too pedestrian, but now he’s regularly buying bunches.

Bacon is also a must.

“If I’m gonna be weird, I’m gonna embrace it,” he declares.

His sandwiches run from sweet to savory to spicy.

Figgy Piggy is his most requested, which is comprised of almond butter, homemade fig jam, goat cheese, applewood-smoked bacon, and honey. Or if you want something different, there’s the Thai Chicken, crafted with spicy ginger peanut butter, roasted and shredded chicken, orange marmalade, shredded coconut, crushed peanuts, sriracha, and fresh basil. Usually he offers around 10 sandwiches, but regulars come back for their favorite.

“Everyone has that one memory they want to return for,” Matt conveys. “In my fans’ eyes, I’m the Figgy Piggy or the Blueberry Pie.” This year, the truck launched on April 2 — National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day, of course. The truck plans to run through Oct 8 — National Fluffernutter Day. (That’s a sandwich made of peanut butter and marshmallow crème; an east coast favorite.) Those dates have been pretty traditional for his business, but Matt says people start looking for it around St. Patty’s Day. Matt’s year-long focus is on his other truck “Meatball,” which launched in 2014. Back when he was starting up, he held a focus group where the peanut

butter and jelly concept tied with the meatball idea, so he knew it had to happen.

Matt doesn’t keep a calendar of his stops, but he posts where his truck is hanging out on Facebook. Usually, he says, the northwest side of town is his ’hood.

This season, though, Hey PB&J is pretty much reserved for special events, so if you want it try it, it’s best to book it. Matt says his sales minimum is one of the lowest in town.

“It has to be at an event as weird as it is,” Matt asserts.

“But it does well for offices. It’s like an ice cream truck.”

His prices are fairly inexpensive for the food truck world. You’ll see a sandwich anywhere from $6–7.50, which is dialed back a bit from last year.

“We make our own jams and jellies,” Matt explains.

“Everything is premium.”

For more info on Hey PB&J, check it out on Facebook or Twitter (@HeyPBandJ). Visit the website (HeyPBandJ.com) for booking and menu options.

Outfrontonline .com | 43

Colorado Leather Fest Colorado Leather Fest, a three-day celebration of the leather lifestyle, was held at the Embassy Suites Denver Stapleton on March 27th, 28th, and 29th.

The event featured a meet and greet, the 3rd annual Colorado Master/slave contest, a leather banquet, boot blacking, vendors, and numerous seminars of interest to the leather community.

Photo by Charles Broshous

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Road Trip!

Vehicles Made for the Open Road Jonathan Malone-McGrew

S

pring and summer in the Rockies — is there any better time for a road trip? I can already hear the groaning from the backseat. “Are we there yet?” To make your next road trip the talk of the family and the envy of your friends, let’s take a look at some vehicles made for the open road.

2015 Toyota Sienna SE

2015 Toyota Sienna SE

Up on deck are the Toyota Highlander Limited AWD, Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited, 2015 Toyota Sienna SE, and Chrysler 200C AWD. I selected a variety vehicles because, like personalities, different vehicles appeal or deter people almost immediately. Starting with the most unlikely suspect, the minivan, the 2015 Toyota Sienna SE might surprise you if you haven’t been around the minivan market lately. The Sienna SE

adds a cool factor to the outside (sportier appearance front and rear), while allowing you to option up the leather-appointed interior with a wide splitscreen rear Blu-ray equipped entertainment system.

Sync that with the middle row captains’ chairs and three-zone climate control and this ain’t your 80s minivan. The ride is good and the power more than adequate with fuel economy at 25 mpg highway. For just over $41K as tested, you and six of your friends can comfortably hit the road while watching Big Bang Theory and SpongeBob at the same time.

Minivans aren’t your thing? Try the recently redesigned Toyota Highlander. The Highlander is quite the vehicle with available rear entertainment and Driver Easy Speak (also available in the 2015 Sienna). Easy Speak routes the driver’s voice through the handsfree mics and through the rear speakers so your rear passengers can hear you more clearly and easily. With the refined and more sculpted exterior, the Highlander has really come up in the world.

The changes aren’t all visual; the driving experience 2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited

is more engaging and exciting with a better AWD system and improved road holding. With highway fuel economy of 24 mpg and an as-tested price of just under $48K, the Highlander also carries six people comfortably while keeping them entertained and away from the stigma of the minivan.

Now for a real Colorado vehicle, the 2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited. This vehicle is totally redesigned for 2015. No kidding, the rep at Subaru even said the engine block is a different part number.

The big thing you need to know is that this wagon has extra ground clearance for those of you planning to take your road trip off the beaten path. The upgrades to the AWD system, including the torque vectoring capability, and added X-Mode for more off-road capability and control make the Outback a great vehicle for the adventurer. While it’s really only comfortable for four people on a road trip, it manages 27 mpg highway with the 3.6-liter Boxer flat six cylinder. And it will only set you back just under $37K as tested.

2015 Chrysler 200C Finally, we have another complete redesign for 2015, the Chrysler 200C. This car will surprise you, especially if you’re used to the previous generation’s Sebring-based vehicle. The 200C brings refinements found in more expensive luxury cars: high-quality interior finishes, 8”+ touchscreen radio and navigation system, and heated and cooled front seats. It even has a trunk that seems to devour luggage. With four people onboard, the V6 Pentastar engine seems racy and still achieves 29 mpg on the freeway. Add the incredibly improved, and frankly pretty, exterior and interior attention to design and detail, and this vehicle is a bargain at just under $36K as tested.

So what’re you waiting on? Let’s hit the road!

Denver, you’re so full of cool little “things.” This week, I stumbled upon something rad you can get your favorite people who are between 5 and 18 — the MY Denver Card! Thanks to 2012’s Measure 2A and United Healthcare, our little buddies get year-round access to the city’s 23 recreation centers and 29 pools, and over spring break, the card allows for: · Free admission to the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver. · Free admission to the History Colorado Center (after 3pm). · Additional programming at Denver rec centers.

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OPINION

Inked With

Luckily, I chatted online with a gay guy who worked as a receptionist in a shop. He assured me that at his location, no artist would reject me for having HIV and that I should come in to get work done with them. Because I was able to “pre-assure” my non-rejection, I took him up on his offer.

Sure enough, the artist I worked with didn’t have a problem with my status, although he didn’t seem to have much to say about anything really. And after $700, I wasn’t all that happy with his work. So I had to wonder if my fear, if nothing else, was holding me back from more quality work.

Because tattoos are something you have permanently scarred into your body for the rest of your life, I didn’t want to make that mistake again. So I gave up my emotional assurance and sought out more reputable shops with higher-rated artists.

At the next place of business, I had to fill out paperwork and plug in my initials to each section, verifying certain agreements before I could get tattooed there. About half way down, a section asked, point blank, to acknowledge that I didn’t have any communicable diseases such HIV or Hepatitis C. “I can’t initial this one,” I told the artist. “I am HIV positive.” I imagined that if I couldn’t initial every section of the paperwork, I would surely be rejected.

But he merely shrugged. “That’s fine. Don’t worry about that one. Just finish the rest and sign it and we will get started.”

Integrity

Scott McGlothlen

Tattoo artists aren’t really known for having gentle demeanors. They often come off as gruff and antisocial (although there are always exceptions). So once I got my HIV diagnosis, I worried that I wouldn’t get a whole lot of empathy and understanding from these folks; that no artists would be willing to work on me anymore.

48 | april 15, 2015

Even though things continued this way with each artist, I still anticipated that “Pretty Woman moment” where a store would refuse me based on their ignorant prejudices. Of course, one day I would return, gloriously tattooed, to tell them what a big, “BIG!” mistake they had made. But no such fantasy was necessary — everyone had been totally respectful.

I asked an artist once why it wasn’t such a big deal.

“We take universal precautions,” he said. “We treat every person as if they did have such a disease anyway.

That’s why we only use sterile equipment.”

“

That’s really cool that you told me about your HIV. Even though it doesn’t really matter, most people aren’t that honest and forthcoming.

”

“Besides,” he added. “You wouldn’t want to go to some douchebag shop that wouldn’t work on you for that. It would make me question their practices.”

He made a good point. An artist’s rejection could actually be my saving grace. A shop that doesn’t know how to soundly approach safety would be questionable.

Plus, there’s nothing worse than getting an exciting tattoo by a complete jerk. So in a way, my status could help me weed out the shoddy shops and artists.

For my most recent tattoo, the paperwork didn’t even ask about HIV, but I told the artist anyway. Again, he had no problems … but midway through the tattoo, he stopped.

“I just want to say thank you,” he said. “That’s really cool that you told me about your HIV. Even though it doesn’t really matter, most people aren’t that honest and forthcoming.”

As he resumed pulsating that painful needle deep into my skin, I felt proud of myself. There was a sense of integrity for me and the artist. And that’s the kind of tattoo work I wouldn’t have ever received if I hadn’t worked through my fear of being positive.

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Outfrontonline .com | 49

Ditch the Car! The benefits of walking to work

Kelsey Lindsey To those lucky enough to be within walking distance to work — which is usually much more accessible than you think: It’s time to ditch the car keys and hit the pavement, concrete, or dirt path.

Yes, I get it: Your car is your baby.

It’s your lifeline. You would be lost without it. But overwhelming evidence shows that the machine you hold so dear is also sucking your bank account dry, causing you unneeded stress, and giving you unhealthy levels of body fat.

Americans may be in a relationship with their cars, but they are largely toxic relationships.

While driving can really stress you out — especially in traffic-heavy, highanxiety commutes — walking to work, or even a walking session during your lunch break, is shown to have multiple health benefits.

Scientists recommend you shoot for walking 10,000 steps a day, which translates to around five miles. While this distance might seem impossible, walking will help you get there. And the benefits of a jaunt are well worth it.

Walking can help people decrease their body fat percentage, according to a study from the University of Quebec.

And according to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, walking to work can also help decrease the risk of high blood pressure. Researchers at the Imperial College London also found that those participating in their research who walked or biked to work were less likely to have diabetes, and reduced their risk of heart attack.

The benefits of walking have 50 | april 15, 2015

lasting impacts on your day, even once you reach the office. Researchers have also found that walking to the office helps reduce stress and increases your ability to concentrate once you get to work.

Now, if a walking-only commute isn’t a possibility for you, scientists have also found that there are benefits in taking a walk, even a short, 30-minute one, during lunch.

Looking at the intimidate effect of a lunchtime stroll, researchers at the University of Birmingham observed a group of sedentary office workers walking 30 minutes three times a week.

Among this group, workers that walked compared to those that didn’t felt more enthusiastic and relaxed after their walk. They also stated that they were better able to deal with stress once they returned to the office.

Even those that commute on public transportation may experience some of the benefits of walking to work.

Scientists have found that those taking public transportation are less stressed once they reach the office because they were able to relax, socialize, and read while commuting, and avoided the added stress and concentration of driving. Many were also able to get a walk in to and from the station — and we all know how well one of those can do us.

So instead of lamenting those love-handles while you check work emails and guzzle coffee at the office, power down for half an hour and catch some rays around the block.

Powering Through

Pain Brent Heinze

Growing up gay was really hard for me, and my home life was full of anger and emotional abuse.

I’ve seen counselors occasionally throughout my life, but never really felt better. I think these bad experiences continue to have a negative impact on my current relationships and I have a hard time dealing with arguments or situations where I’m forced to trust other people. So many other parts of my life are great, so why do these experiences continue to impact me?

What you’re describing is something that happens to many people experiencing traumatic situations. It can impact us in a variety of ways, regardless of whether it happened to us when we were seven years old or last week. Emotional, physical, or sexual abuse can permeate so many aspects of our relationships, both with other people and internally. It may influence how we deal with situations which involve anger, confrontation, trust, or other challenges. These can also diminish our confidence, conviction, and self-esteem while causing isolation, hopelessness, or (in extreme cases) a desire to stop the pain through suicide.

So many situations can be classified as traumatic, not just those caused by abuse. For most of us, being gay has been extremely difficult at various times in our lives.

Other situations, such as social anxiety or awkwardness, poor body image, cheating, homelessness, financial stress, arguments, or dramatic relationships can also cause us to experience very strong aftershocks.

Healing from trauma can be addressed in a variety of ways, but it generally involves taking the time and energy to analyze these situations and how they affected you when they happened, as well as how they may continue to influence parts of your life. It can be hard to accept that these situations were out of your control when they happened, or to feel you should’ve made different choices in the past.

It takes time to heal, so be patient, but be careful about avoiding the important work that needs to be done. Also, be aware of the desire to rush through the process of healing.

Many of us want to get through stressful, difficult, or painful experiences as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, this will most likely take some time. Allow yourself opportunities to experience your feelings and work toward resolving them.

Pushing them down, ignoring them, or doing activities to numb yourself doesn’t help you work through these.

Utilizing support from a good friend or qualified counselor can be a beneficial addition to the process, but very few things will make this a painless endeavor.

Difficult aspects of our lives are rarely easy to overcome.

There will most likely be tears, anger, frustration, and fear when thinking about working on these issues. A desire to avoid or run away is also normal because it is going to be uncomfortable. Fight through feelings that keep you from dealing with past difficult situations and tackle them. They don’t need to continue causing unnecessary contention in your life.

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YO,YO, YOGA! What’s behind yoga’s enthusiastic following?

52 | april 15, 2015

Kelsey Lindsey There are some words in the world I think should spark a level of doubt the moment they’re paired. “Free” with “hugs.” “Toxins” with (enter any trendy health drink or food here). “Energy” with “yoga.” As in “that sharvamana class was so energetic” or “I love my 6am yoga class. I feel so energetic for the rest of my day after taking it; I don’t need coffee at all, I don’t even need tea! I can just power through my day and get things done and … oh no, short ... circuiting … overheating, must. Shut. Down.”

Ok, you can clearly tell I’m not a yogi.

As far as I’m aware, there’s no such practice as “sharvamana,” and morning yoga enthusiasts are not (all) robots. But this type of enthusiasm must, must come from somewhere.

A 2013 study in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry gave me some insight. In it, scientists wanted to test yoga’s effects on depression, specifically cortisol levels — known as the “stress hormone.”

A lack of normal cortisol levels can leave a person tired, while elevated cortisol levels have all sorts of nasty effects including increased blood pressure, cholesterol, and risk for depression.

In the study, scientists looked at the role of yoga as an antidepressant in depressed people, specifically focusing on their cortisol levels.

They found that cortisol levels dropped when patients practiced yoga daily over the course of a month. They concluded that yoga had some “anti-stress” effects by reducing the level of cortisol in some practitioners.

While not addressing yoga’s effect on energy levels specifically, this study gives us some insight behind many yoga enthusiasts’ upbeat attitude toward other humans, the earth, and life in general. The heavy breathing practiced in many yoga classes may also help lower anxiety and cortisol levels. (Deep breathing triggers your nervous system to slow your heart rate and decrease cortisol levels.)

According to the Mayo Clinic, practicing yoga can also help you avoid injury that may happen while participating in other physical activities. Among other things, it helps improve balance, flexibility, strength, and range of motion. It can help with pain management and insomnia, as well as shushing your mind through controlled breathing.

Some other surprising benefits linked to yoga in studies include fewer and less painful migraines in migraine sufferers, an increase in mindful eating, and a boost in immunity. But maybe the best of them all? A boost in sexual desire, performance, confidence, and satisfaction. Of course! Now all this exuberant enthusiasm for yoga makes perfect sense.

Today Me, Tomorrow You Robyn Vie-Carpenter

It happened. My lesbian life officially came full circle. I not only saw, but I also met, hugged, and interviewed Melissa Etheridge. I was a mess!

Ms. Melissa is one of the icons of my comingout a long 20 years ago — the artist that played a huge role in my understanding of what it meant to be an out lesbian. I was empowered by her art. I was also comforted. So that afternoon, when Melissa sang some of those songs, I was brought right back to how I felt the first time I fell in love with a girl.

Then, there I am: face-to-face, standing arm-in-arm with the woman who sang the music of my heart, and I f*cking lost it! I was not composed, at all, regardless of what the pictures look like. I was telling her about crying throughout this glorious, intimate musical experience. Then I apologized, got myself together, and told her thank you for being that voice of my coming out. The best thing was, she thanked me for telling her! It was a great moment.

I realized I had come to a place of understanding of who I am. I am myself, ha!

I mean, whenever I’m in a situation where I feel it’s more appropriate to be cool and more reserved, I totally do the opposite. I gave Melissa Etheridge shit for hugging on my wusband a little too long! Dude, Melissa Etheridge!

It’s a real comfort to feel fully at home in your surroundings regardless of how fanciful

they are. These days I continually find my self wherever I am. It’s one of the most liberating experiences ever. It allows me to relax and live without pretense, experiencing all of life’s joyful moments.

Later, after the show (and after watching her take pictures with every fan that waited in line), I got to talk to her. I asked about an upcoming show. We talked about living our joy and said so many things in a very short amount of time … then her tour manager stole her attention. I was so overwhelmed with gratitude for that moment, I thought I might pop. Just splendiferous.

“

There I am: face-to-face, standing arm-inarm with the woman who sang the music of my heart, and I f*cking lost it!

”

Later, I sat in the car marveling at my previous lack of understanding. I’ve been envisioning the life I’ve wanted to live for years.

That afternoon, in that moment, I realized I was truly living it; even some of the dreams I’d checked off as “no longer possible.” They didn’t necessarily look the way I envisioned. What’s important is that I kept envisioning them, allowing me to have moments like this. That means it’s possible for you to do that same.

Remember your dreams … and keep at them.

Today me, tomorrow you.

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[Part Two of Out Front’s Interview]

Photo by TK Kurikawa

Gary M. Kramer

Dior and I is the third fabulous fashion documentary made by the openly gay Frédéric Tcheng.

It is also the first he alone directed.

This new film observes creative director Raf Simons in 2011 as he prepares his first haute couture show for the House of Dior. Simons creates designs, chooses fabrics, and gets to know his staff, whom he manages well. He also has setbacks, an exquisite if grandiose idea on how to stage the fashion show, and a severe case of nerves.

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Part one of my interview ran in the March 18 issue of the mag. Here is part two:

His process was also like that of a painter; his references and collaborations with the models were totally refreshing.

This is your third fashion doc.

Why do you have such an affinity for this world, and how did you come to make Dior and I? I think it’s just an opportunity, really. I’m not particularly fashionoriented or coming from a fashion background. For me, the most important things are the story and the characters. I don’t go to fashion shows except to film.

Olivier Bialobos, the head of communication and PR at Dior, fell in love with [an earlier film I made].

I asked him about the future of Dior with John Galliano out. I told Olivier that if it was going to be Raf, I wanted to document his arrival.

Raf ’s approach was very different, much more modern. His process was also like that of a painter; his references and collaborations with the models were totally refreshing.

This film was a negative mirror of Valentino. What happens after the master steps down and the newcomer arrives when there is this strong sense of legacy?

into solo directing. We had a few days to convince them we would do a good job. The seamstresses had no problem; they were open and grounded. Once they knew I was more curious about learning, not just filming, they were welcoming. The Dior side of it was a big corporation, so I had to jump through hoops to meet everyone along the hierarchy to open the doors. The most difficult one was Raf for reasons that are kind of known — he’s reluctant to have any public presence, and shies away from cameras and public exposure.

He was physically uncomfortable being filmed. I was [shooting] Raf coming into the building to meet the seamstresses for the first time and that’s when I met him. I had to convince him to give it a try. He gave me a one-week trial period, and once we started engaging face to face, it became a very different story. We got to know each other very quickly.

How did you meet Raf and gain his trust to make this film?

We had very little time to gain everyone’s trust. It was stressful for me because this was my first foray

What can you say about filming the fashion shows that ends the film? The slow-motion runway was inspired. The models seemed to just float!

That happened by chance. I’m very happy with how it turned out. Credit Léo Hinstin, the cinematographer for the runway segment. He has worked with fashion runways before.

I said I didn’t want it to look like typical runway. I wanted a slightly different look and he came up with slow motion and the low angle that made them look sculptural. When I got the footage and played it the first time, I started crying I was so moved by the lightness.

Were there any moments that you were especially grateful to capture?

I couldn’t have dreamt of a better set for the final runway show. That was my MGM moment! What surprised me was the level of emotion that Raf brought toward the end of the film. I was praying for that, but I didn’t expect it, knowing his personality and how modest he is. He didn’t like to flaunt his emotions. He’s thoughtful, and generous and understanding of other people’s creative processes and that certainly applied to me.

He later told me didn’t want to be too close during filming because he didn’t want to influence my decisions in the film.

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What Pulp Fiction quote sums up your dating life?

Aries:“That’s when you know you’ve found somebody special. When you can just shut the f*ck up for a minute and comfortably enjoy the silence.”

Taurus: “Any time of the day is a good time for pie.”

Leo: “I hate to shatter your ego, but this is not the first time I’ve had a gun pointed at me.”

Virgo: “I don’t remember askin’ you a g*ddamn thing!”

Gemini: “Play with matches, you get burned.”

Libra: “Do you wanna play blind man? Go walk with the shepherd. But me? My eyes are wide f*cking open.”

Cancer: “If my answers frighten you, you should cease asking scary questions.”

Scorpio: “Just because you are a character doesn’t mean you have character.”

Crossword

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Sagittarius: “Yeah, well the days of me forgetting are over, and the days of me remembering have just begun.”

Capricorn: “If I’m curt with you it’s because time is a factor. I think fast, I talk fast, and I need you to act fast.”

Aquarius: “[You’re] thirty minutes away. I’ll be there in ten.”

Pisces: “Isn’t it more exciting when you don’t have permission?”

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