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VOL. XXXVI • ISSUE #10 • AUGUST 1, 2012
Contents
COLUMNS AND DEPARTMENTS
COVER STORY:
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“We are creating a family that we know is going to support each other ... a cycle that, when we go away to college or other directions, we’ve trained another generation of young people to know how to stick up for themselves, know how to ... heal themselves, and to affect change in the community.” – Mimi Madrid
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“... I had to seek solitude in a porta -potty while popping ibuprofen like they were skittles. My body, brain and patience for other people were being pulled in a million different directions.” – Scott McGlothlen
On the cover: Mimi Madrid, Michelle Anderson and Diane Amaya. Photo by: Charles Broshous
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FOCUS 6 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 7 SPEAKOUT 10 PANEL VOICES 13 @NICGARCIA 14 OUT IN COLORADO BODY AND MIND 17 BEAUTY 21 FAITH & SPIRIT SOCIAL 24 FOOD FOR THOUGHT 26 HIGH SOCIETY SPECIAL SECTION S1 AIDS WALK 2012 SPECIAL EDITION INSERT TRAVEL & SHOPPING 36 TRAVEL 38 QRAVE LIVING 45 AIDS LIFECYCLE 52 SEXUALITY
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Serving the LGBT Community of the Rocky Mountains since 1976 3535 Walnut Street Denver, Colorado 80205 Phone: 303-477-4000 Fax: 303-325-2642 Email: info@outfrontonline.com Web: OutFrontOnline.com Facebook: facebook.com/OutFrontColorado Twitter: @OutFrontCO Out Front Colorado is published by Transformation Communications Group, LLC, a Colorado limited liability corporation and is a member of: Denver Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and Denver Drama Critics Circle. PHIL PRICE / Founder, 1954-1993 JERRY CUNNINGHAM / Publisher Email: Jerry@outfrontonline.com J.C. MCDONALD / Vice President / Director of Circulation Email: JC@outfrontonline.com NIC GARCIA / Associate Publisher Email: Nic@outfrontonline.com
EDITORIAL JEFF JACKSON SWAIM / Editor-in-Chief / Creative Director Email: Jeff@outfrontonline.com HOLLY HATCH / Executive Editor Email: Holly@outfrontonline.com MATTHEW PIZZUTI / Junior Editor Email: Matt@outfrontonline.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Brent Heinze, Maya Salam, Misty Milioto, Robyn Vie-Carpenter, Scott McGlothlen, Jeff Steen, Josiah Hesse, Gary Kramer, Mike Yost, Michael Pearson, Ashley Trego, Nuclia Waste, David Marlowe, Steve Cruz, Chris Azzopardi, Christine Mcmanus, Shanna Katz, Max Oliver, Amy Lynn O’Connell, Jonathan McGrew, Jasmine Peters. EDITORIAL INTERNS: Terrell Wallin, Kelsey Lindsey, Jacob Roe
A RT SARA DECKER / Art Director Email: Sara@outfrontonline.com CRYSTAL HATCH / Freelance Designer CHARLES BROSHOUS / Photographer
SALES RYAN CROSS / Senior Marketing Executive Email: Ryan@outfrontonline.com
DISTRIBUTION: Out Front Colorado’s print publication is available semimonthly, free of charge in Colorado, one copy per person. Additional copies of Out Front Colorado may be purchased for $2.95 each, payable in advance at Out Front Colorado offices located at 3535 Walnut Street, Denver CO, 80205. Out Front Colorado is delivered only to authorized distributors. No person may, without prior written permission of Out Front Colorado, take more than one copy of Out Front Colorado. Any person who takes more than one copy may be held liable for theft, including but not limited to civil damages and or criminal prosecution. COPYRIGHT & LIMIT OF LIABILITY: Reproduction of editorial, photographic or advertising content without written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited. Advertisers are responsible for securing rights to any copyrighted material within their advertisements. Publisher assumes no responsibility for the claims of advertisers and reserves the right to reject any advertising. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles or advertising is not to be considered an indication of the sexual orientation or HIV status of such person or organization. Publisher assumes no responsibility for the loss or damage of materials submitted. OPINIONS EXPRESSED are not necessarily those of OUT FRONT COLORADO, its staff or advertisers.
AUGUST 1, 2012 | OUTFRONTONLINE.COM
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FROM THE EDITOR
Recreating ‘normal’ through the bullied youth that stand up for transformation
For most of us, memories from youth include insecurities, struggle, pain and ridicule. One of the hardest parts of being a young person is that not only do we struggle to come to grips with responsibility, adults’ expectations, sexuality and the fact that the real world is not consistent, predictable and fair – but we’re very hard on each other in the mean time. teenage bullying and adult prejudice. Kids pick up on wider There’s an ever-present struggle to fit in – to be “normal,” somesocial issues and mimic what they see in the world. Our society times to be better than normal, and to gain acceptance from our and culture has given the bully an instruction book on the juspeers. And as much as we all wanted respect and acceptance and tifications for picking on an underprivileged group. wished that those things came easy, we made our peers work hard LGBT youth who are brave enough to come out in middle school to earn our courtesy. We judged each other for things that seem and high school are caught in the midst of a broader “Culture trivial through the eyes of adulthood. And then there are some War.” When Lawrence King, a gay teen boy in California who was kids, who, for some reason, decide to not only be stingy with their shot and killed by a classmate, the shooter’s attorneys defended respect, but actively use the confidence, popularity and influence him at trial by indirectly suggesting that King brought it on himself they have to humiliate and isolate others. That’s bullying. by flirting with the boy who eventually shot him – and that King I didn’t face the same struggle that many youths experihad brought bullying from other students on himself by being ence. I had normal insecurities that adolescents share, but flamboyant and effeminate. In actuality, the defendant’s attorneys it was comparatively good. I didn’t have to worry that my implied, King had bullied them for being so different. When rightsexual orientation might make me different; I didn’t even wing leaders like Rush Limbaugh use prejudice and homophobia come out until well after high school. to propel their careers, youth get the idea that victimizing those It was my curly hair and overbite that most made me feel who are “different” is simply normal, healthy adolescent behavior. different. But in today’s day and age, youth are being bullied for Bullies might be young, but the bully is looking for the status their socializing styles, the way they dress, their sexual orientaHolly Hatch and power that our society deems as success. tion or identities, their abilities, their bodies, their backgrounds, But there’s something more powerful than bullying – the their religious beliefs and other intrinsic human individualities youth of this generation that are standing up against it and creating a resistance that they are brave enough to come out and face. The stereotypical portrayal of bullies in movies and television is kids who of peace. Like our cover story sources, Mimi Madrid, Diane Amaya and Michelle are just as insecure as their victims. In those depictions, the bully is a misfit, Anderson, who are all organizers with the youth activist group Branching unlikeable, aggressive, perhaps abused at home, and venting her or his frus- Seeds of Resistance, the bullied youth, and bullied LGBT youth in particular, are trations on others. The bully is to be hated, or pitied, as an underdeveloped banding together to re-create their identities after childhoods of waging through young person who lacks common courtesy, or else as someone we get a rare waters of unacceptance, ridicule, threats of violence and endless teasing. These youth have begun an uprising against the status quo allowing victims of look into and realize they’re victims in their own right. But research on bullying has shown that youths who engage in bullying bullying to feel empowered, confident and whole – redefining “normal.” Through our cover story we see how it is possible to take a rocky upbringing and are confident, often popular and admired, and exhibit a social savvy that allows the bully to humiliate their victims and make others afraid to defend turn it into a badge of honor as organizations like BSEEDZ are turning victims into them. Bullying is what many of us intuitively perceive it as when we’re young: survivors, shared pain into camaraderie and strength. Instead of taking their cues from purveyors of prejudice, they take cues from historical giants like Martin Luther Reinforcement of a social hierarchy. Our cover story interviews Beverly Title, a longtime educator who has King, Jr. and Harvey Milk. Madrid, Amaya and Anderson aren’t letting their pasts worked with bulling and says bullies often feel entitled to their powerful define their possibilities. They are creating change for the future. Fighting for LGBT rights in our society at-large goes hand-in-hand with emstatus and in group situations are leaders of the pack. Oftentimes, bullies feel justified: Not lashing out in self-destructive aggression but powering the youth who have been ostracized during the most difficult parts doing what they think is righteous policing of their peers’ behavior, perpetuating the of developing their individualities. And the former bullied victim is now becoming the future leader. social constructs of the wider society against those seen as deviant or weird. We lead by example. We lead with integrity and challenge the norms of society Kids who engage in bullying, or support the bullies, can be establishing that this kind of person is better than this other kind of person, and those and culture. But the bully will always be there, and more importantly, like the on the bottom ought to know their place. We’ve seen it happen in the adult sources of our cover story revealed, we lead with transformation. Transforming notions, actions, and our past, is what gives us the strength to world, through what we know as things like homophobia, classism, sexism and racism – society’s misguided view that one group is better than the others stand up for what’s right. Whether civil unions, gay marriage, equal protections for trans folks or stopping the bully in high school from feeling empowered, we are on a and entitled to an easier life and much better things. For the first time, society has recognized the taunts, harassment and threats journey of transforming perceptions and others actions. And we do it everyday with of violence that LGBT kids face in schools as bullying: there’s a link between awareness, compassion, and standing up in the fight against inequality. ]
C O N N E C T W I T H H O L L Y Reach executive editor Holly Hatch by email at holly@outfrontonline.com, by phone at (303) 477.4000 ext. 711, or friend her on Facebook: http://facebook.com/hollyamberhatch.
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SPEAKOUT
Rendezvous: A newcomer’s perspective were kind enough to invite me to one of their “dinner Last year I was a “Rendezvous Virgin,” both nervous parties.” Keep in mind this is gay camping, so they and excited. Being a Wyoming native I couldn’t wait weren’t grilling burgers and brats – it was more like to finally spend some time around people I could bacon-wrapped shrimp on rosemary skewers. I had relate to, and when it was all said and done I vowed wonderful food the entire time I was there. that I would never miss another Rendezvous – it was The entertainment was great last year, and should truly a life-changing experience. be even more impressive this year. This year’s enterI was at Pride in Denver this year, passing out tainment lineup includes a talent show on Thursday, Rendezvous flyers in the parade and also spending nationally known comedienne Suzanne Westensome time manning our booth in the park. The hoefer is headlining Friday night, and Saturday’s most common question I got was: “What kind of a performance will feature a drag troupe from Fort camping trip is it?” My response: “Like anything Collins. We also have hiking, workshops, volleyball, in life, it’s what you make of it.” If you’re looking Jeran Artery a fractured fairy tale, a film festival, country line for a nice quiet and relaxing camping trip you can find it here. If you’re looking for a great party you can also find it here; dancing and so much more. For me, the best part was making so many new friends. Some I’ve and anything in between. We have old campers, young campers, men, women, families and a nice mix of the LGTB community along with a stayed in touch with over the last year and we’ve actually become very close, and some I’m excited to reconnect with. handful of our straight allies. So if you’re on the fence about attending or not attending, give it a I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I’m not much of a camper so I wondered if I would even fit in. Right away I had trouble setting up my shot, it might just change your life! ] tent, thinking to myself I can’t get this put together quickly I’m just going to throw it back in my car and go home. Luckily I almost immediately Rendezvous is Wyoming’s annual Pride event. This five-day campout had help – a passerby came to my rescue and I ended up spending many party takes place from Aug. 8 through Aug. 12 in Medicine Bow National wonderful hours with him and his friends laughing, telling stories and Forest, and features comedienne Suzanne Westenhoefer. More info online at http://wyomingequality.org. sharing good food and drink. Speaking of food, I brought some of my own, but decided to mostly eat the meals that could be purchased at the main campsite. I thought they Jeran Artery is the chairman and lobbyist for Wyoming Equality, a were very good! All the ingredients were fresh and a nice variety was Wyoming-based group that advocates for LGBT people in the state. offered. I met some campers that had brought all of their own food and Jeran resides in Cheyenne.
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SPEAKOUT We want to hear from you, the diverse voices of the LGBT community. Please share your stories with us so that you have the opportunity to drive the conversation. Email your 500 word essay to speakout@outfront online.com.
AUGUST 1, 2012 | OUTFRONTONLINE.COM
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NEWS
Hungry to end Violence By Mike Yost
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What do you get when you mix flour, sugar, baking powder, soy milk and philanthropy? A recipe to combat violence against LGBT Coloradans. Top that with some syrup, and you have the 5th Annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser that was held on July 14 to benefit the Colorado Anti-Violence Program. For a small donation that ranged from $5 to $25, participants ate as many vegan pancakes as their stomachs allowed. From all over Colorado, hundreds of people hungry to make a difference packed the cafeteria of Manual High School in Denver. Eleanor Dewey, Director of Youth Services at CAVP, stood outside the venue welcoming participants as they signed in. “Our old employee Nia King came up with the idea of a pancake breakfast,” Dewey said. “We are a community based organization, and a pancake breakfast is as community as you can get.” Dewey told Out Front that the first pancake fundraiser in 2008 took place in the basement of a church. “We had probably 150 people there. It then grew and grew way out of proportion. By our third year we were overflowing out of the church, and we kept growing.” Wearing a fabulous hat in the shape of pancakes, the gorgeous Shirley Delta Blow with the Colorado Gay Volleyball Association served up pancakes by the dozen. There were nine other celebrity servers, including Daneya Esgar of the Southern Colorado Equality Alliance, Pueblo’s single non-profit advocacy organization for LGBTQ individuals, Jessie Ulbarri with the Colorado Progressive Coalition who is running for Colorado State Senate District 21, and Kalyn Heffernan with the band Wheelchair Sports Camp, who admits to “cussing gloriously” while using her hip-hop music to raise money for Occupy Denver and LGBT rights. The breakfast is one of CAVP’s biggest fundraisers, directly supporting a number of programs such as their twenty-four hour hotline. Last year, over 300 people experiencing domestic or hate violence, homelessness, or police misconduct called the hotline for help, support and referrals. Despite everyone chewing on large chunks of vegan pancakes dripping with syrup and butter, the cafeteria was noisy with discussion
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as to why people spent their Saturday morning with CAVP. Michelle Gebhart told Out Front she came to the fundraiser because, “I consider myself a feminist. And with feminism, all people are included and protected.” Crystal Middlestat, Director of Training and Education for CAVP, managed the event. With volunteers buzzing around her, Middlestat took a moment to comment on CAVP’s education program made possible by the pancake fundraiser. “Last year we trained over 2,500 people around the state. A lot of training for service providers, victim advocates, law enforcement, healthcare professionals, and shelters.” Middlestat went on to emphasize that the program assists workers on how to best meet the needs of LGBTQ survivors of violence. About 40 minutes into the event, Greta Leach, Director of Sustainability at CAVP, welcomed the crowd, adding, “because of you, we are working together to end violence against lesbians, gays, bisexual, transgender and queer community of Colorado.” Leach added that the fundraiser also contributed to CAVP’s youth program, Branching Seedz of Resistance, run solely by LGBTQ youth 12-24 years old. Members of the program recently returned from Detroit after organizing the Allied Media Conference, an initiative that brought together ten LGBTQ youth organizations from around the country. Dan Hanley of Opera Colorado followed Leach. “Imagine, if you will, a world without violence against anybody who’s different,” said Hanley. “Imagine what that would look like for you, your neighbors, your children.” For the diverse and eclectic group of individuals who participated in the breakfast, they didn’t have to imagine. The cafeteria of Manuel High School became a snapshot of that future. And it tasted sweet. ] Call CAVP’s 24-hour hotline at 1-888-557-4441. Online at http://coavp.org
NEWS
Gay vs. gay in Denver senate race GOP appoints Carr to face-off against Steadman By Nic Garcia No matter which major political party claims Colorado Senate District 31 in the November election, a gay man will represent those voters. For the first time in Colorado history, an out gay Republican will square off against an out gay Democrat for a seat at the state Capitol. A Republican vacancy committee on July 21 appointed Michael J. Carr to face-off against incumbent state Sen. Pat Steadman. Carr joins seven other out gay or lesbian candidates on the November ballot vying for a seat under the gold dome. Steadman’s former challenger, Brandon Kelley, ended his campaign earlier this summer. While most would consider the district a sure-bet for Steadman, Carr believes he’s the first viable Republican in years and will do better than most expect — if not win the seat outright. “The district has not been seriously contested in a very long time,” Carr said. “The voter data isn’t a real breakdown. Republicans and independents have not been given a real choice. I’m going to make a serious argument that they do.” State Senate District 31 stretches from central Denver into Glendale, the Denver Tech Center and parts of Aurora. While the map was dramatically redrawn during the redistricting process that takes place every 10 years, Democrats still make up 48 percent of registered voters, compared to the 30 percent that are registered Republicans. Another 20 percent of registered voters are unaffiliated. “This is not a district that is considered Republican friendly,” said Alexander Hornaday, an attorney consulting Carr on election law and finances. “But even if Michael doesn’t win, I’m excited to show my fellow Republicans that you can be a good Republican, a loyal Republican and a gay Republican.” Denver GOP Chairwoman Wendy Warner said she isn’t concerned with Carr’s sexual orientation. “Mr. Carr’s sexual orientation is not our focus,” she said. “Our focus needs to be on economic issues. Some big decisions have to be made next year and we need strong, prudent and fiscal conser-
Michael Carr, right, with his partner Fred Bachhuber at Denver PrideFest. Carr has been selected to run against state Sen. Pat Steadman. vatives in the state legislature.” Carr echoed Warner. “This district has been represented by a gay man or a lesbian for years,” he said. “Clearly these voters care about social issues. But now they’re going to be given a choice between two distinctly different candidates that both believe in equality.” Carr declined to go into detail about those differences but said his campaign would, in the coming weeks, roll out a series of positions and analyze Steadman’s voting record. Education reform, tax policy and jobs will most likely be on the top of his list of issues, Carr said. “There are three school systems in our district,” he said. “And two of the three are failing. There’s a lot of great [progress] across the country with charter schools and vouchers. Parents and students deserve more solutions from outside of the teachers’ union.” Warner said in her three decades of politics she’s seen Republicans win
State Sen. Pat Steadman Denver seats and she thinks with the right ground game it can happen again. “It’s not impossible,” she said. “It’s a good year for Republicans.” “I’m anxious to have candidates that are ready to run,” she continued. “It takes a lot of effort to be a Republican in Denver. It will take a lot of hard work, but I’ve heard Mr. Carr might be that type of person.” Carr, a native of Illinois, owns his own public relations business. He and his partner Fred Bachhuber formed a civil union there in January. Since moving to Colorado in 2011, Carr has taken an active
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role in Republican and LGBT politics including authoring a plank position in support of the Colorado Civil Union Act for the Denver Republican Party. The proposal won a majority vote, but fell short of the two-third majority needed to become an official position of the party. Carr, who has been a regular contributor to Out Front’s “Panel” series, also sits on the governing board of the National Log Cabin Republicans. Executive Director R. Clarke Cooper said while Carr isn’t the first out gay Republican to run for office, he certainly is apart of a growing trend. “The more the better,” Cooper said. “Carr’s race shows fellow Republicans — from the state level to the RNC — that we’re not just voters or potential donors, but real candidates.” Moreover, Carr’s candidacy may allow LGBT and allied voters with parallel concerns of equality and fiscal responsibility to vote Republican, Cooper said. He pointed to a CNN exit poll that showed support for the GOP in LGBT voters climbed three percent between 2008 and 2010. The state’s largest LGBT advocacy organization, One Colorado, said it was excited to hear about Carr’s potential candidacy but cautioned it has long been a supporter of Steadman’s. “We love to see LGBT people run for office,” said deputy director Jace Woodrum. “We need pro-equality legislatures on both side of the aisle. LGBT issues aside, Sen. Steadman is considered one of the state’s best lawmakers. He’s more than just that, he’s a statesman.” Nevertheless, Woodrum said his organization’s PAC would consider endorsing Carr like they do all candidates. “We’re looking forward to endorsing a bipartisan slate like we did in 2010,” he said. Steadman did not return requests for an interview by press time. He was first appointed to his seat in 2009 when out lesbian state Sen. Jennifer Veiga announced her resignation. Veiga moved to Australia with her partner. Prior to being appointed, Steadman was a lobbyist for Mendez Consulting. ]
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VOICES: PANEL
Are we too focused on the LGBT community
when we talk about HIV/AIDS?
Michael Carr
Jen LaBarbera
HIV transmission is still a huge problem with the “men who have sex with men” community. We might want to focus more on the HIV/AIDS issue as it relates to gay men. Although as a wider GLBT community we have raised awareness and money, I’m not confident we are doing enough. I’m surprised at how little my gay friends and peers know about HIV, as though it were only a concern for past generations. And I’m even more surprised how uninvolved they are in fundraising and advocacy. I see a handful of friends participating in the AIDS Ride or The AIDS Walk and Run. Although I see a lot of women of all ages participating, almost none of the guys I see look like they are the gay under 35 set. It seems to me that I continue to benefit from the influence of my more mature gay friends. These friends can tell stories of the friends they’ve lost over the years to AIDS. They can entertain for hours with fabulous lives and adventures of gay men, who alas, aren’t around to relate the experiences of their own bygone youths. Instead the victims’ memories are kept alive only through the vibrant anecdotes of their surviving friends. Unfortunately I am starting to collect the stories of my own friends who get “The HIV”—despite the hard work of my older friends, who had hoped that I’d never have those stories to tell. ]
When I came out to my mom (on my way out the door to an Ani DiFranco concert, naturally), one of her first reactions was a concern for my safety, because, and I quote, “I don’t want you to get hurt by people and I don’t want you to get AIDS.” Her first fear is legitimate, but the second fear is pretty silly - lesbians are at a very low risk for most STIs (but still use those dental dams, gay ladies!). I told her this, but it wasn’t until my OB/GYN confirmed that yes, it is indeed perfectly healthy to have lesbian sex and that I didn’t automatically contract an STI upon coming out that my mom dropped her “but you’ll get AIDS and die!” refrain. I tell this story because while it shows that my mother was unbelievably uninformed, it also shows that the idea that “AIDS is a gay disease” is still alive and well. This is what can happen when we focus on the LGBT (or, really, MSM - men who have sex with men) community in our dialogue about AIDS. And while it’s important to remember what AIDS did to our community (fellow younger queers, watch We Were Here for some history), our MSM brothers are not the whole story when it comes to HIV/AIDS. They’re at a high risk, yes, but let’s expand that conversation and include everyone who’s at risk. ]
I’m SURPRISED at how little my GAY friends and peers know about HIV, as though it were only a concern FOR PAST generations.
... while it shows that my MOTHER was unbelievably uninformed, it also shows that the idea that “AIDS is a GAY DISEASE” is still ALIVE and well.
Michael Carr is a member of the National Board of the Log Cabin Republicans, President of Aspirant Marketing, Inc. and resides in Cheesman Park with his partner, Fred. They were Civil Unionied in Illinois in January.
Jen LaBarbera is a 20-something queer woman in Denver. She is an organizer for reproductive justice and member of One Colorado’s People of Color Caucus.
Interested in becoming one of the voices on Out Front’s PANEL? 10
AUGUST 1, 2012 | OUTFRONTONLINE.COM
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Contact Matt Pizzuti by email at matt@outfrontonline.com or call (303) 477.4000 ext. 712 to be considered!
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August 1, 2012 | outfrontonline.com
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THE LEBANESE LESBIAN
Age
against the machine
Maya Salam
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I recently checked out the LCD Soundsystem documentary Shut Up and Play the Hits at the Mayan. It was playing for one night only across the U.S. It completely blew my mind, and not just because I’m a huge fan of the music. Whether you’re into the indie electronic punk sounds of James Murphy and Company or not, you should check out this movie, because it’s about living life as a hopeful realist; as an outcast with a drive; as a hyperaware, bordering overly self-reflective individual. I am all of these things, fortunately and unfortunately. Just make sure you can crank it up as loud as possible and have a drink in hand. One topic that’s a focal point in the film is James Murphy’s age and his relationship with his age. He’s currently 42, and he started LCD in his 30s. Like they pointed out in the film, if you’re an author, that’s young. If you’re an actor, that’s the sweet spot. If you’re a musician, though, that’s pretty much totally over the hill. I couldn’t help but find the conversation around age hitting home with me and my experience coming out. I didn’t come out until shortly after I turned 30 – nearly two years ago. Sure, I had identified as bi since I was 17, but I wasn’t able to fully come to terms for many more years. Of course, I wish I had been able to commit to that place in my heart/mind/soul earlier, but I didn’t, and 30 is pretty young, right? My life was/is still clearly ahead of me. Some people feel pretty strongly about age and coming out, which I’d not expected. I was surprised that in all of the “But what about this?” and “But what about that?” that I got from those I came out to, one big one was about my age. I even had it once referred to as “coming out later in life.” Huh? I wasn’t 90. It was not later. This is not later. If I had come out at 29, would that have seemed more reasonable? Would it be easier to wrap one’s head around? Those are a lot of questions to answer, I think. And they’re all “what ifs,” which I generally try to avoid, because they’re moot at this point. At that fragile time of coming out, though, I did attempt to defend myself. I’d point out that Ellen didn’t come out
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publicly until her late 30s. I’d point out that I’d had relationships with and crushes on girls since I was 10. But what if I hadn’t – would that make my declaration any less believable? If I am gay, and I say so, I don’t have to prove it, right? After I realized this age thing was actually a thing, I stopped defending myself. Instead, I went with “Eh. Well, that’s how it is.” For better or worse, it’s not my job to defend myself on something I have no control over. We age, we learn (hopefully), we evolve (hopefully), and that’s that. My fellow queers definitely get and got it more. Who doesn’t know someone or 10 someones who came out in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond? Those who were married with kids for years before reaching the point when they were ready to let their inner queer come out and dust off the cobwebs. But for many straight people who believe they’re open-minded, as vague a term as that is nowadays, there is still that ingrained resistance to things that don’t fit into the constructs humans instinctively want to build. Even being open-minded can come with expectations of others, and that’s a shame, but it’s something that we all grapple with. I distinctly remember the moment the reality of aging hit me. I’m basically obsessed with the show Golden Girls. I was 22, watching the antics of the Blanche, Dorothy, Rose and Sophia cope gracefully and hilariously with aging when it hit me like a ton of bricks ... dun dun dunnn ... I am going to get old – if I’m lucky. And wow, that’s that. There’s no other option. I basically laid there for three days in deep contemplation about what it means for my drive, my future, my identity. After years of honest digesting of that reality, I couldn’t help but think of the most sensible nonsensicals of my life – a line by the Mad Hatter. He said, “Start at the beginning. And when you get to the end stop.” Everything in the middle is up to you. ] Maya can be reached by email at mns.outfront@gmail.com
@NICGARCIA
Gays y Latinos form alianza In an effort to take on common oppressors, gay and immigrant-rights group will work together Compañeros stood with One Colorado I’m sitting in Theater 3 at The Denver as an advocate for the civil union FilmCenter on Colfax. Surrounding me legislation even after the Catholic are some of Colorado’s greatest politiCampaign for Human Development cal minds and most connected gays: Ted yanked a $30,000 grant. Trimpa, Morris Price, Nita Henry, Brad $30,000 in donations were raised for Clark and Katrina Banks. Compañeros after the story went public A couple of rows in front of me is in The New York Times. The Gill FoundaIsaias Vasquez. Chances are you’ve never tion went on to match those donations, heard of him. But you’re going to want to dollar-for-dollar. And later this month, remember his name. One Colorado will honor Compañeros at Directly in front of me is the movie Nic Garcia the Ally Awards. Mosquita y Mari. This 2012 film The most recent development in tells the story of two young Chicanas growing up in Huffington Park, a densely Hispanic the marriage between the LGBT and Latino communities is the strategic partnership between One Colorado neighborhood in Los Angles. This coming of age film isn’t just about two baby dykes and the Colorado Immigrants Rights Coalition that was finding their way to each other. No, we’ve been there done inked in April. One Colorado’s Executive Director Brad Clark tells me the that (see Go Fish). No, this modern-day tale of lesbian love is much more complicated. Yolanda is a U.S.-born Chicana coming together of the two groups has been as much organic as it was needed. while the object of her afHe pointed to One Colfection, Mari, was born in orado’s initial community Mexico. As the story goes, survey that showed people Mari immigrated to Caliof color who responded fornia illegally as a child identified racism as one of with her family. their top concerns. The Saturday screenAt first, the two groups ing of Mosquita y Mari simply supported each was part of the Cinema Q other’s causes and events, Film Festival produced by Clark told me. But as victothe Denver Film Society. ries and setbacks for both And this particular movie organizations continue to was sponsored in part by run parallel, joining forces One Colorado, the state’s just seemed like “the right largest LGBT advocacy orthing to do,” he said. ganization. So, Love Knows No One Colorado did not Boarders, an alliance choose to sponsor this film A scene from Mosquita y Mari. building project was born for it’s a coming-of-age-lesand an organizer, Isaias bian story. But because of it’s a coming-of-age-undocumented-immigrant-lesbian story. Vasquez was hired to spearhead it. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
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While the majority of us have been wrapped up in fighting for the Colorado Civil Union Act, One Colorado has been strengthening its ties with Latino and immigrant-rights organizations to form a stronger progressive coalition to advance a broad social justice agenda. It’s no secret the gays and Latinos have been working closer together for about two years. In its first year, One Colorado signed on as a coalition partner and fought for the Colorado ASSET bill that would have established a new tuition level for children of undocumented immigrants who have graduated from a public high school. They fought for it again this year. Meanwhile, Durango-based immigrant-rights group
Isaias lives in two worlds. Not only is the 20-year-old gay, he’s also an undocumented immigrant who came to Denver 12 years ago. Born in Zacatecas, Mexico, this gaytino is the manifestation of the agreement between One Colorado and CIRC and what it stands for — the intersectionality of identities. His job is to bring the LGBT and Latino communities together, find common values and bridge the gaps. It is Isaias’s belief, along with One Colorado’s and CIRC’s, that we have more in common than we might realize. The lowest hanging fruit, or so I’m told, is our common oppressors. “The same people who killed the civil union bill
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killed ASSET,” Isaias said. (See state Rep. Robert Ramirez, cross-reference Speaker Frank McNulty, GOP en masse.) Moreover, there are members of the LGBT community who are not only Latino but who are undocumented and, if my math is correct, there are members of the Latino and undocumented communities who are LGBT. And — long division here — there are dozens if not hundreds of Colorado couples in binational relationships who not only face the struggles of living sans civil unions, but the fear of deportation. Without comprehensive immigration reform — OK, that’s a much larger problem then McNulty — those couples can never have equality. But, the argument has been made to me, we have to start somewhere. And while Isaias has dipped his toes in the water — helping organize a group of gays and undocumented immigrants to march in Denver’s PrideFest Parade and the Mosquita viewing — the real journey will begin Aug. 14 at the First Unitarian Church at 14th Avenue and Lafayette when he takes his Love Knows No Boarders program on the road for an eight-city tour. “We have to tell our stories,” he said. “We have to let the larger LGBT community know we’re here.” Isaias started telling his story as a sophomore in high school. In the middle of his Bruce Randolph High School speech class, he stood up and shared that he was gay. He would later share that he was also undocumented. “I needed to say this. When I say it, it feels like it frees me.” Speaking of sharing stories, after the movie ended, five local women of color shared their own about the intersection of Isaias Vasquez sexuality, race and immigration. Isaias moderated the conversation. “Mosquita and Mari, they are right here, in front of you,” he said. And he wasn’t talking about the silver screen. ] Reach associate publisher Nic Garcia at nic@outfrontonline.com.
AUGUST 1, 2012 | OUTFRONTONLINE.COM
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OUT IN COLORADO
Denver Dance busts out of the barn
their dance technique while building a lean and toned body. As the only studio that offers coed Classes held out of a Tuff Shed might be seen as a little more than strange by bun heads classes in pole dancing, Denver Dance has and serious dance aficionados, but that was grown in popularity in Denver’s GLBT comMarguerite Endsley’s goal when she first munity. “I have had many men come to me opened Denver Dance studio in 2008. After because no other studio will allow men in four years dancing in Los Angeles; teaching their pole classes,” Endsley said. Learning at LA’s top studio The Edge Performing Arts everything from climbing the pole to inversions, small classes Center, performing with guarantee a comforttap company Tap Sounds able environment when Underground and cholearning some of the reographing a national more naughty secrets of commercial for Comcast the clubs. Cable, Endsley knew that Along with Denver her new studio would be Dance studio, Endsley different. “I didn’t want also heads the dance to open a typical dance company Denver studio in a strip mall” Dance Performing Endsley said, “I taught Troupe. Featuring all at dance studios most of forms of dance, the my life, and I knew I was Denver Dance Performdone with that ‘typical’ ing Troupe performs environment and monthly at the Exdo wanted to start someEvent Center and thing more intimate.” various other venues Intimacy is certainly around Colorado. what every dancer at Dancers from the Denver Dance experitroupe have performed ences in one of Endsat Tracks Nightclub’s ley’s many classes held drag show Drag Nation throughout the week, for over a year now, and it is this intimacy and have recently that keeps them coming performed with Fab back. Small class sizes Morvan of Milli Vanilli lend themselves to at this year’s Pride. individual attention Denver Dance and more personable Denver Dance student Kristi Siedow-Thompson. Studio also features the lessons, “where you talent and teachings of receive personalized attention in exciting, calorie burning Adrienne Jadwinski, a Denver School of the Arts dance alumni and aerial arts performer classes,” according to its website. Denver Dance offers a variety of dance since 2000. Like Endsley, Jadwinski offers classes, including hip-hop, tap, pole and aerial students copious amounts of experiaerial. Each of these forms of dance ence in many forms of aerial arts, including has various classes based off of ability, the hoop, Spanish web, fabric and trapeze. So don’t dock the barn before you try insuring that anyone can enjoy Endsley’s classes, from the professional to the it – as Endsley has proven, a dance studio beginner. Technique classes including should never be judged by its cover. ] ballet fitness barre, stretch and hot power fusion insure that dancers can evolve On the Web at http://denverdance.net By Kelsey Lindsey
Art as fuel at Project Angel Heart’s Art For Life In it’s 11th year, Art For Life will feature more than 100 local and internationally known artists, all who have generously donated pieces to the silent auction the event will revolve around. When: 6 – 10 p.m., Friday, August 24 Where: Abend Gallery, 2260 E. Colfax Ave. Tickets are $65 or $120 for two; more info at (303) 407.9420
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RADIOACTIVE VISION
Revenge is a dish
best served half-melted Pet peeves. We all have them. Those dumping into that smoker’s car ahead of annoying things that others do that burrow me who thinks the world is their ashtray. It’s always nice when you can actually under our skin. Toss in a string of 100 plus degree days, and those little irritations turn turn your fantasies into reality. I make it a point to do that as often as I can. into scorching rage. Case in point. It was annoying enough All of my pet peeves take place when I am driving my scooter on Denver’s roadways. when I came out of the local Queen Sooper’s to find a car idling in When the person in front the fire lane. But when of me is not pissing me I walked past the car off, slamming on her or and an entire bag of fast his brakes to make a turn food wrappers the size without signaling, I am of a soccer ball landed at cursing at the person on my feet, I’d had enough. a cell phone as she or he Quicker than a forward at attempts to plow over me a Colorado Rapid’s game, and my Vespa. I flung that greasy wad But there is one thing right back from where it that makes my blood boil came. I was unprepared the most – trash thrown for the shower of sparks out of cars. that erupted from the lit As a little kid, I was cigarette dangling from taught not to be a litterthe litterbug’s mouth. Apbug. “Give a hoot, don’t parently this soccer game pollute” said Woodsy the included fireworks as a owl and his wise advice Nuclia Waste special bonus. Score! still plays in my head. I recently had another “Keep America Beautiful” was plastered across every trashcan, into delicious litter-revenge moment. I was idling which I dutifully placed my candy wrappers. my scooter at a stoplight in the right lane As a baby drag queen, I was merely follow- when a big SUV pulled up on my left. The ing the rules. As my triple nipples burst forth driver’s tinted window came down with a in puberty, I realized keeping the world whirr. Usually when this happens, someone litter-free was more about respect – for the is lost and asking me for directions. Instead, a half-eaten ice cream bar came whizzing earth and for each other. When you’re zooming down the street at out, plopping just inches from my foot. “Excuse me, but I do believe you dropped 45 miles an hour, with nothing between you and the road but air, an empty soda can tossed this,” I said to the overweight woman, out a car window can dent a forehead or two. grabbing the frozen treat by the wood That’s when the revenge fantasies kick handle and chucking it back into the car. in. Maybe I could carry a sack of trash so I fully expected the melted dairy dessert at the next stoplight I could throw a few to land somewhere in her car, making a soda cans back in that open car window. mess. Instead, it stuck squarely to her cheek, Perhaps I could start carrying my blowgun sliding slowly down her face. The last thing on me for a few silent tire punctures. A I heard as I rode away was the sound of bag of cigarette butts would be perfect for frantic screaming. Score!
I am sad to say that when it comes to pet peeves in the Nuclia household, I am the source of Mr. Waste’s biggest one – loud chewing. What can I say? I like to crunch. Ice cubes. Rice crackers. Celery. Grape nuts. Carrots. Peanut brittle. Pork rinds. I like crunchy and I like noise. It drives Mr. Waste bonkers. I can even raise the decibels on a watermelon or a chocolate bar. It’s a gift. Luckily for me, our two new doggie additions, Puppy Waste One and Two, have me beat in the loud gnawing department. When they go to town on a Nylabone or plastic water bottle, they make me sound like a tongue-less nun at a hushing convention. Thank you, pups, for getting me off the hook. There’s a crunchy dog biscuit in your near future. ] Nuclia Waste can be reached through her website at http://NucliaWaste.com.
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AUGUST 1, 2012 | OUTFRONTONLINE.COM
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GAL ON THE MOVE
Queer television? Lately I’ve been traveling a lot. I have had the pleasure to stay in a few hotel rooms, and I’ve also had the honor of staying with friends. One of my favorite things about this is that I get to discover new or previously unheard of television shows. I don’t have the opportunity to watch a lot of television – so I rely on my people. People have guilty TV pleasures that come out when you spend time with them at home. And one of the best things ever is lying in a hotel room with moments of unplanned time and a remote. One of my newest guilty pleasures is VH1’s Hollywood Exes. LOGO, “our channel,” has been in the news lately due to Direct TV dropping the station. It’s not a great loss to my day-to-day life. I hardly ever watch LOGO anymore. The other day, I watched one of the gayest shows on television, no not Glee, but Tori Spelling’s Craft Wars. This is the land of glitter and rainbows, building and hot gluing, big red lips and Coco the chicken. Is this on the gay channel? No, it’s on TLC. In fact, I’ve seen lesbians choosing wedding gowns, talking about how they feel about getting married – legal or not – and sharing a great big celebratory kiss at the end of the ceremony, all frequently on TLC. How is the channel with programming about the ordinary side of straight life – babies, weddings, shopping; how are they getting it so right for the LGBT community? And the channel that is supposed to be for us getting it so wrong? On TLC, HGTV, Food Network, even ABC I see stories or characters about LGBT people participating in regular everydaylife kinds of things; renovating their house, running a business, eating a meal and being a family. On LOGO the other night they had one program that sounded gaily provocative, 4 hours of Ru Paul’s Drag Race and that scary movie that Katherine Zeta Jones plays a lesbian. Really!? It feels as though it ought to be called PRIDE TV: all of your gay stereotypes, but no one who actually looks like your neighbor. You know I love all of the sparkly sides of my LGBT family. But one of the biggest laments I hear from people, particularly women, is that our life isn’t a Pride parade. It is important to have our lives portrayed more truthfully and honestly. We may be fabulous, but often we’re quietly fabulous in our homes, crafting, just like everyone else. It started to make me wonder: Is it better to assimilate and be portrayed honestly in mainstream media? Is it still important to have a dedicated station for our
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[ [ BODY & MIND ] ]
Robyn Vie-Carpenter community? Yes! It is vitally important. It is important for us to keep telling our stories. I think that programming decisions are the issue. I don’t think you can run a queer television company the same way you do a mainstream media station. Each segment of our community needs to be represented by someone of that community. So, I ask you, how is a gay, white, middle-aged, privileged gay man living in New York City going to be able to decide programming for a young, Black, regular working lesbian in Denver or a 30 year old, Latino, trans man in Indiana? You need someone that actually knows your story from the inside. We need a station for us, by us. If we have so much disposable income, why aren’t we trying to make sure the money stays in our community? Our station ought to be amazing. Filled with compelling programming with our lives at the center, programming that represents the parts of our lives our straight allies would never know about. I want a show like “Craft Wars” but instead of Tori Spelling we would have a Martha Stewart-wannabe-twink and his ultra-femme lesbian sidekick (I think Amy Lynn O’Connell is perfect for this job) and we’d call it Fabulous Fun with Friends. And they would have the same kind of challenges – make a bird house out of the stuff from your junk drawer, but the outcomes would be way more fun. Wait for it, just think about your mother’s junk drawer, then think about what’s in yours. Yeah, exactly, it’s the perfect show for Queer TV. Or, Linda Cox, Rent A Butch, with a show like that Holmes guy on HGTV. She knows a lot of stuff, she knows how to explain it and she’s way better looking than him. I want to see her help a lesbian couple build a yoga studio in their garage. I think TLC might like this show, but I’d rather see it on Queer TV. I want a show to teach me how to reinforce my ceiling to install a … well, let’s just say “projects” for our families. ] Robyn can be reached by email at thegoddessofjoy1@gmail.com
BEAUTY
Products for SEXY, SMOOTH HANDS
By Kelsey Lindsey
What do you call a lesbian with long fingernails? – Single. There is never an excuse for cracked, dry hands and long painful fingernails on any lady, given the plethora of beauty products out there that specifically target these lesbian taboos. Along with a good nail file, bellow are five tools that can help anyone from lipstick lesbians to outdoorsbians obtain the three S’s of safe-sex lesbian hands: smooth, soft and short (nails that is). Aveeno Intense Relief Hand Cream, $6.99 at drugstores
Rated as one of the best hand creams on the market, this cost-friendly lotion contains a relaxing oat scent thanks to the ultra-soothing ingredient of colloidal oatmeal. Once more, the moisturizing power of this cream will last all day (and night); even after multiple hand washings; you dirty dog, you.
Sally Hansen VitaSurge Cuticle Gel, $5.99 at drugstores
This vitamin E packed cuticle gel is easy to apply with its sponge-tip applicator, allowing you to achieve spa-like hands sans the pricey manicure.
Elemental Herbology Wind and Cold Therapy, $38 at
elementalherbologyus.com Snuggling up with your honey on a cold day may be nice, but no one likes to see a pair of cracked, dull lips coming in for a wintery kiss, or holding a hand in the same condition. Elemental Herbology Wind and Cold Therapy helps sooth cold-bitten skin with an ointment-like formula that contains shea butter, vitamin E and calendula.
Bath & Body Works PocketBac Anti-Bacterial Hand Gel,
$1.50 at Bath & Body Works You best be sanitizing those mittens before any sexual fun with your significant other, but sometimes a bathroom break is the surest way to halt the hot mood you have been creating. Luckily Bath & Body Works makes a pocketfriendly (that is if you still have your pants on) anti-bacterial hand gel in a variety of friendly smells, allowing you to discreetly disinfect before the real fun begins.
Bliss Glamour Gloves,
$48 at Ulta Beauty For those that find daily moisturizing a chore, just wearing these moisturizer-packed gloves for twenty minutes a day can help soften hard hands with a self-activating gel lining that contains olive oil, vitamin E and jojoba oil. With a shelf life of 50 uses and an unintimidating application, Bliss Glamour Gloves gives those with rough fingers an easier way to obtain smooth, soft hands. ]
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AUGUST 1, 2012 | OUTFRONTONLINE.COM
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THRIVE
Picking up the pieces:
Loving my child whose
father died of AIDS
I never thought that our last words would be an argument over who our beautiful daughter looked more like. He was charming. He was handsome. He was a minister. He was perfect to cocreate with. We both agreed that we wanted children. Best of all, he didn’t have a problem with me being gay. What he wasn’t, was honest. He didn’t share with me the fact that he was HIV-positive, let alone diagnosed with AIDS, and I didn’t find out until after he passed. I would spend the next two years having myself and my daughter tested every six months. It was followed by another year of my doctor’s attempts to convince me that it was OK to stop getting tested. My daughter had a lot of questions about her dad, which I was able to answer. What did he look like? What did he say about her? Who won the argument? When was his birthday? What was he like? We made it all the way to middle school before I had to discuss, in detail, her father’s death and what exactly HIV/AIDS was. One day she came home in tears and plopped down on my bed in great despair. The dreaded day was upon us: My daughter told me that the kids in her Health class scooted their chairs away from her when told them that her father passed away of AIDS. The teacher did nothing to help the other kids understand that is was her dad that was infected, not my daughter. Nor did the teacher provide comfort in my daughter’s time of need. I put my arms around my daughter, and at the same time found myself engulfed in anger. Not at the teacher, not at the students – but at myself. I should have had this conversation years ago, but instead I ran. I’d been full of bitterness, outside a place of forgiveness and lacked understanding of the disease – I didn’t feel that I was “fit” to have the conversation. Although the opportunity to become enlightened and educated on the issue had presented itself, I still chose to run which provided enough comfort to not have to answer the tough questions. Now, 15 years later, I am ready to grieve the loss of the “other parent.” As I go through the grieving process, I am able to support my daughter through her grieving as well. The bond
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[ [ BODY & MIND ] ]
Jasmine Peters that is being created through this difficult time is one I would never exchange. I am learning that forgiveness is essential to my emotional, mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing. I now understand that forgiveness is not for him, but for me. I am now available to answer questions that my oldest daughter has about her father, AIDS, and about her father having AIDS. I am able to be thankful for not testing positive and the fact that my life and my daughter’s life were spared that ordeal, instead of sitting in bitterness over a situation that I would never be able to change. I can only give what I have. If I don’t have the knowledge then I can’t provide the knowledge. Being able to provide support to my children is priority to me even if it hurts. Knowledge is power. It is OK to love someone, but it is more important to love myself. It is my responsibility to care for myself including my physical health. Love is a lot of things, but ignorant is not one of them. If you don’t know, then ask. If you want to know, then ask. If you are unsure, then ask. The point is to just ask. Educate yourself and save a life. ] Jasmine Peters is the founder of Parenting Wellness Center, a certified Life Coach, an ordained non-denominational pastor, author and single parent of five. Email to jasmine@parenting wellnesscenter.com. Online at http://ParentingWellnessCenter.com.
August 1, 2012 | outfrontonline.com
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BLEED LIKE ME
Once upon
a year ago About a year ago, I received a Facebook message from an editor at Out Front Colorado. He said they wanted to put together a dynamic cover for their annual Scott McGlothlen AIDS Walk issue – a group shot of local, out poz persons who reflect various generations of the disease. It sounded brilliant, how to tell one of the most difficult tales in my life. A tattoo on my forearm – a translation and somewhat scary to be a part of. Years earlier, when I first began grap- from Aramaic Hebrew that said “Bleed Like pling with HIV, I didn’t want to hide my Me” – was the working title. I told a few friends, family members disease from the world – but I didn’t want to head up the parade for it either. One of and my partner about what I was doing, my mentors predicted that I had big things and we waited eagerly for the issue to hit in store for my future. I adamantly refused; stands. What would happen? How would people react? Upon my HIV diagnosis I had I didn’t want to be a poster boy. lost several friends. OFC’s offer nearly After broadcasting it four years later was like this, would people more tempting. The be afraid even to assogroup cover concept felt ciate with me? like a safe opportunity When it finally came, to show my HIV status the cover looked imwith dignity. But it gradpressively surreal in its ually became less of a brutal elegance. I was group concept as other now the poster boy that I participants began once swore I’d never be, dropping out. yet nothing felt embarIt came down to just rassing about it. As the me and one other guy, days rolled on, so did the and I had just enough online messages. People Facebook skills to check sought me out to thank him out. This man was me for opening up about about four years younger 2011 AIDS Walk cover HIV in one of the most than me, blonde, and public of ways possible. much better looking. My self-esteem became the bigger concern: His Not a single reaction was negative. In the gym one day, a handsome straight good looks would outshine my ego. Then, on the day of the shoot, my ultra- guy with an amputated leg stopped me. attractive counterpart didn’t show up. My While he normally wouldn’t have picked selfish side was relieved, until I realized up Out Front, he recognized me from the this meant something new: I would be gym and made a point to connect. Now entirely alone advertising my HIV status when we cross paths there we nod to one on the cover of a widely-distributed local another, honoring our ailments that keep paper. Having your face on the cover of a us going through life. The cover story got enough of a positive magazine should be an exciting moment, but doing it with one of the world’s most reaction that I was offered a regular column, which I jumped on – there was so stigmatized diseases sounded dreadful. In the studio as we prepped for the much more I wanted to say about life with photo shoot, they asked if I would feel HIV. And while they wanted a regular concomfortable taking my shirt off. I said yes, tributor writing about HIV, they also didn’t though it made me feel even more vulner- limit me to writing only about the disease. able. The makeup artist toned down my I could write about whatever I wanted; oily face and then carefully crafted a red most writers would kill for that, and I’m “poz” sign across my forehead. I had talked still doing that now. Even while being on the cover of a local about going out with HIV – how it felt like an imaginary stamp was visible on my publication is exciting for anyone, representing the controversy and stigma of HIV forehead. Now it was a literal stamp. Having read some of my previous wordy is a scary prospect. I took the chance, and works, Out Front Colorado’s editor suggested in exchange got a voice and a platform for that since I’d appear on the cover by myself, the stories I’ve lived. ] I should write the main story too. The thrill of getting to write my own story stomped Scott can be reached by email at bleed on my anxieties. I had a week to figure out likescott@gmail.com
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FAITH & SPIRIT
Coming out into our souls
By Andie Lyons Kareen McCollough, 36, has always had a soul that is Jewish and lesbian, even though she didn’t realize it until a few years ago. Sometimes it takes a lifetime for us to understand who we have always been. Though her path to her truest self has been a long and winding one – crossing miles, communities and identities – Kareen is grateful for the trip. “When I realize how far I’ve come,” Kareen said, “I’m extraordinarily thankful to have had the experience I have had – all the pain, all the sorrow, and all the joy. It has made me who I am today.” Growing up in a conservative Christian family in the south, Kareen fell in love with the heroes she read about in the Bible. This love led her to a pre-seminary major in college, where she first connected those legendary figures to the culture of Judaism through a Hebrew language class. That language spoke to her in a profound way, confirming something she had always known but never been able to name. “I felt like my soul was Jewish, and that I belonged with the Jewish people.” Kareen came to an understanding of her sexual orientation in a strikingly similar way. She grew up enamored with other girls; convinced she would grow up to marry a woman. Her love for women didn’t seem strange to her, and she assumed other people felt the same way. It wasn’t until she was 19 and in college that she had a word to describe that love. Unfortunately, coming out as gay did not come with the same joy and acceptance that would accompany converting to Judaism some 14 years later. Coming into ourselves is not always met with the love it deserves. Kareen spent her first years as an out lesbian in a Christian community intent on praying away her sexual orientation through “scriptures, accountability and a lot of shame.” When she realized that God either couldn’t – or wouldn’t – change her attraction to women, she left the church and, so she thought, her spiritual life. “I felt like I had thrown away something that had once been valuable, that was now forever blemished beyond repair and without value. I truly felt I had lost everything, including my future.” Although she believed the homophobic lies told by her Christian community, she determined that “living a life that was considered miserable by most people was better than not living at all.” Kareen’s first contact with LGBTQ communities proved that there were other battle scarred warriors like herself – people who had been hurt by, and left, their religious communities. She made
attempts to find a bridge between the faith of her childhood and her identity as a lesbian, but was unable to breech what felt like an impossible chasm. “For the next 10 years, I stayed away from organized religion. After my experience, I never felt comfortable in a church again.” But our souls know what we can’t name, and 10 years later Kareen found herself seeking a spiritual outlet again. The love of Hebraic culture, language and ritual that she had found in her Christian seminary classes crept back in, and she found herself contemplating converting to Judaism. The pull became stronger when she found a degree of acceptance in Judaism that she hadn’t experienced in the Christian communities she had been a part of in her past. “Even in Orthodox communities, I have been welcomed regardless of my identity as a lesbian.” For Kareen, being Jewish means being connected to a family that stretches back 4000 years or more. “I found that being Jewish meant being part of a culture that included a foundation on Halacha (law), but also finding a connection to the divine that was ancient and spiritual in a way that I had never experienced.” Like many of us, Kareen has spent years finding out what she always knew, but there is much to be gained from traveling the path before us – however we walk it and wherever it leads. “Before, I thought God had a plan for my life and that if I just did the right thing and made myself available through prayer, that path would become clear for me. When I view God through Jewish eyes, I see that it is up to me to make my own path and choose who I will become.” Kareen has come out into her Jewish soul, and found there a space for the rest of her to exist as well. “When I look back to see the path that has brought me where I am, and how far I have come, I say the Shehecheyanu blessing: Ba-ruch A-tah A-do-noi E-loi-hei-nu Me-lech ha-o-lam she-he-chee-ya-nu v’ki-yi-ma-nu vi-hi-gi-ya-nu liz-man ha-zeh. Blessed are You, Lord our God, Master of the Universe, who has granted us life, sustained us and enabled us to reach this occasion.” ]
THROUGH AUG. 24
Kareen McCullough is a member of the B’Nai Havurah Synagogue and also participates in activities with Keshet, a queer Jewish organization. Andie Lyons holds a Masters degree in theological studies from the Iliff School of Theology. Her interests include queer theologies, sociology of religion and youth cultures and religion.
[ [ BODY & MIND ] ]
AUGUST 1, 2012 | OUTFRONTONLINE.COM
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Mimi Madrid, Michelle Anderson and Diane Amaya. Photo by Charles Broshous
COVER STORY
As the world puts focus on
bullying, youth take action By Josiah Hesse
Over the last year, the phrase “It gets better” has entered our modern lexicon as a message of hope and survival, aimed specifically at LGBTQ youth. And while successful grownups like Ellen DeGeneres, Dan Savage and President Obama have been telling kids that their world won’t always be so dark, that adulthood will deliver freedom and self discovery, has certainly been a source of comfort for many young people (particularly those struggling with the decision to end their life), there still remains that great gap of time between then and now. The word “gets” can be partially unsatisfying for a young person; it requires faith and patience. What do you do if want it to get better right now? For Diane Amaya, 19, Michelle Anderson, 23, and Mimi Madrid, 23, the prospect of kids having to wait for adulthood to be who they are didn’t cut it. “We’ve created a space by young people of color who are queer, for young people of color who are queer,” said Mimi Madrid, organizer of Branching Seedz of Resistance, a youth anti-violence advocacy group. “Though it’s not just for people of color,” she continued, “but it is powerfully led by young people of color. It’s very important that younger generations of LGBTQ youth have
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this space, not to just hang out and make snacks, but to come together and say ‘we are social agents of change; who can change culture, change policies, for the better of future generations.’” Branching Seedz of Resistance (BSEEDZ) is an extended wing of the Colorado Anti Violence Program, a 26 year old organization fighting to end violence against LGBTQ residents of Colorado. “We want to find the root causes of these problems,” said Michelle Anderson, speaking on the issue of LGBTQ teen bullying. “We want to change the way people think about queer culture.” Amaya, Anderson and Madrid often use the word “family” when describing BSEEDZ. The word “seed” often evokes themes of long-term planning, of investing in the future, which is typically what raising a family is all about. Though for many, when a child comes out as gay or trans, the family image, the plans of hetero marriage and biological offspring, are disrupted. Which can unfortunately leave many teens the option of either smothering who they are, or face not being welcome in the home. “My Dad is the Head Deacon in my church back home,” said Anderson, who moved from Texas to Colorado two
AUGUST 1, 2012 | OUTFRONTONLINE.COM
[ [ COVER STORY ] ]
years ago to attend Johnson & Wales University. “I had to go to church every morning. Which was hard, because I didn’t want to sit there and listen to how I was going to hell every Sunday. I was forced to wear dresses and heels. My Mom would take me shopping, and I always went straight to the boy’s section, but she would force me back to the girls. She called me a tomboy and said this was just a phase I would grow out of.” After being forced out of the closet when Anderson’s mother eavesdropped on a phone call to with her partner, Anderson became very public with her orientation, even becoming nominated as “best couple” in their senior class. Though when it looked as though they might win the title, school administrators took their names off the ballot. “My family may not consider that bullying,” Anderson said, “but that’s because they don’t take the time to educate themselves.” In addition to growing up in the conservative South, Anderson also comes from a mixed Latino and African American heritage, communities where religious law sometimes rules supreme. “It’s been rough knowing that I don’t have a mom or dad that I can go to for parental support. I don’t have a parent to say ‘so long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters.’”
“My family used to call me things like ‘dyke’ and ‘butch,’” Amaya remembered. “Names that were offensive then, but I can own now. They were always putting me down. And this wasn’t coming from school, but from my family, so it was even closer to my heart. But I was also internally repressed, hating myself for liking people who were the same gender. There was a lot of hate coming from myself.” “People are bullied for all kinds of reasons,” said Madrid, who also spent much of her childhood in Denver, meeting Amaya years earlier when they both attended Abraham Lincoln High School. “It’s not just sexuality. It could be that you’re too dark, or your hair is too curly, or you speak with an accent, or you’re too big.” After growing up in the Latino oriented neighborhood of Barnum, Madrid’s family moved to Littleton, where she would attend Henry Middle School, a place where her ethnicity made her a target of bullies. “I faced a lot of physical threats. It was the way my hair was put in a ponytail, because I was darker, because I was a tomboy, because of how I spoke. I shut people out and did what I had to do to survive.” The image society has of the bully, the victim, and the end result of the dynamic, is often at odds with reality. While some who are bullied have become suicidal or self-destructive (Tyler Clementi; Billy Lucas), there is often a whole range of aspects to this age-old problem. “It is not necessary to be physically harmed in order to suffer lasting harm. Words and gestures are quite enough,” said Dr. Mark Dombeck, a Clinical Psychologist, in his essay “The Long Term Effects of Bullying.” On how the experience affects a victim’s self image, he wrote: “It becomes more likely that you will become increasingly susceptible to becoming depressed and/or angry and/ or bitter. Being bullied teaches you that you are undesirable, that you are not safe in the world, and that you are relatively powerless to defend yourself. When you are forced, again and again, to contemplate your relative lack of control over the bullying process, you are being set up for Learned Helplessness, which in turn sets you up for hopelessness and depression.” For many bullied teens that – thankfully – do not see suicide as an option, another self-destructive path many are opting for is to simply leave school. When young people are talked down to, told they will be listened to (and stopped being picked on) when they enter “the real world,” it should be no surprise when they decide to make the leap into adulthood a few years early. “When we started, in 2005, there were 18,000 young people dropping out of high school in Colorado,” said Julia Hughes of Colorado Youth for a Change, a nonprofit group aiming to increase graduation rates for teens in the state. She said that since that time the group has decreased that dropout number by 30 percent, but there are still a number of factors that contribute to youths dropping out – often many of them beginning in the home. “Often what happens is a young person will come out as gay, and the family is not OK with that. So they get kicked out and end up homeless,” said Angel Salathe, LGBTQ services coordinator for CYC. “And then the last thing on their mind is an education.” “The Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network has put data out that shows LGBTQ teens are three to four times more likely to drop out than a straight teen,” Salathe continued. GLSEN has also conducted studies which show that while bullying has caused an increase in LGBTQ students missing more days of school – which, in turn, increases their likelihood for dropping out – their psychological well being is increased with the number of days they miss. “More recent research shows that bullying prevention has not been effective worldwide, and even less so in the U.S.,” said Beverly Title, a former Longmont educator, and a pioneer in the anti-bullying movement through her nonprofits early years of Teaching Peace – which began in the mid
’90s – and the No Bullying program. “One of the problems is, when you call attention to it, you end up getting more of it.” “We’ve been unclear about what we’re doing to prevent bullying,” she continued. While Title has been a strong advocate of the restorative justice method – where the victim and the perpetrator of a crime are reunited in a controlled, supervised process – she said it should be used with caution, if at all, when dealing with teen bullying. “Restorative Justice requires that you make yourself vulnerable,” Title said. “And bullies play on the same kind of power imbalance as domestic violence; they’re able to manipulate victims in ways that people might not even know is happening.” According to Title, a large failure in anti-bullying programs comes from a misguided view of bullies themselves. “The standard, iconic image of the bully is a guy with low self esteem, who is Mr. tough guy beating kids up on the playground,” she said, “but it’s more likely that the bully sees himself as superior – more narcissistic than insecure.” In her book, Bullying and Teasing: Social Power in Children’s Groups, Gayle Macklem cites several studies that show that “pure bullies” – termed as opposed to bully/victims, a separate and less prevalent category – are often very self assured in their activities. They feel what they are doing is correct, and they often rise in social status as a result of it. “It’s really about a culture that rewards bullying,” said Title. “It gets to be a sensitive political issue, but we bully the whole world. We separate the world into those who are like us and those who aren’t like us – and when we meet someone who isn’t like us, we have a sense of entitlement to do whatever we want to them.” This dynamic has entered the spotlight over the last few years, due to controversial “No Promo Homo” policies in U.S. schools. In the aftermath of the tragic string of nine separate bully-related suicides in Minnesota’s Anoka High School, an overwhelming voice from the community pointed toward the school’s policy of banning any discussion of homosexuality on school grounds. Many concerned parents stated that policies like this encourage – either directly or indirectly – teens to bully LGBTQ students, reinforcing the idea that what they are doing is correct and they will be socially rewarded. Despite anti-gay activists attempts to push “conversion therapy” as a societal band-aid for the suicides, the school’s ban on sexuality discussions was eventually lifted. Though many schools across the U.S. stand firm in their “No Promo Homo” policies. Thankfully, young people like Diane Amaya, Michelle Anderson and Mimi Madrid aren’t waiting around for politicians and school administrators – who have no idea what it is like to grow up in an age of social media, Glee and Tyler Clementi – to know what to do about these issues. Our interview with these three Branching Seeds of Resistance organizers was conducted via Skype. They wanted to speak with us in person, but Amaya, Anderson and Madrid were speaking on behalf of BSEEDZ at the 3rd Annual Two Spirit Conference in Ignacio, Colorado. When they return, Anderson will continue production on her documentary on suicide prevention within LGBTQ persons of color, while Amaya will carry on with youth outreach work, and Madrid will continue her work, creating a space where young sexual and ethnic minorities can have a voice, and be respected. “We are creating a family that we know is going to support each other,” Madrid said. “We’re creating a cycle that, when we go away to college or other directions, we’ve trained another generation of young people to know how to stick up for themselves, know how to create families, to heal themselves, and to affect change in the community.” And thanks to groups like Branching Seedz of Resistance, future generations of young people wont have to wait for adulthood to feel comfortable and be themselves. For them, it will already have gotten better. ]
[ [ COVER STORY ] ]
>> Colorado’s Bullying Prevention Law << In 2011, Colorado passed an act aimed at combating bullying – adding to the books, for the first time, protections for LGBT students and protections against digital bullying. What the law does: > States that bullying is prohibited. > Expands the state’s definition of bullying as attempting to intimidate, coerce or cause harm to peers, whether physical, verbal, written or digital. > Clarifies that bullying is not the personal expression of religious, political or philosophical views protected under the First Amendment. > Includes LGBT students in protections against bullying, by applying all state and federal laws protecting from discrimination based on disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, ancestry or need for special education. The law also protects against bullying based on academic performance. > Requires that incidents of bullying must be reported. > Establishes a grant program within the Colorado Department of Education to fund school programs or efforts that combat address bullying. > Requires the Colorado Department of Education to create a webpage publishing evidence-based research exploring effectiveness of different anti-bullying strategies. That webpage is at http://www.cde.state.co.us/ pbis/Bullying/index.htm (http://ofcnow.co/ngJ) > Encourages school districts and charter schools to survey students at least every other year on their perceptions or experiences with bullying, and to designate a team to advise school administrators about the findings. > Encourages school districts and charter schools to discipline not only bullies but also students who retaliate against peers for telling teachers or administrators about bullying. > Encourages school districts and charter schools to adopt a non-disruptive dress code and character building as part of their conduct and discipline policies. > Requires the state’s School Safety Resource Center to submit evidence-based research to the state Department of Education, consult with the Department about its grant program, and consult with school districts, schools and charter schools about evidence-based bullying prevention programs. Read the full text of the bill at http://www.leg.state. co.us/CLICS/CLICS2011A/csl.nsf/fsbillcont3/C41FA88 143FD6AE687257801006047CF?Open&file=1254_01. pdf (http://ofcnow.co/Q4h)
AUGUST 1, 2012 | OUTFRONTONLINE.COM
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w
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
EDGE Steakhouse:
An impressive dining experience for food and folly By Jeffrey Steen Julia Child said it best: “The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook.” In other words, steak takes the cake. But that doesn’t mean steak is the only thing top-notch steakhouses can muster. Sure, they do steak better than any howdeedo on a backyard grill, but there are other avenues for these havens of Americana to explore. Enter Simon Purvis, EDGE Steakhouse’s unequalled steak – and overall culinary – master. Chef Purvis has led the culinary charge at EDGE since the doors first opened in 2010, culling a reputation for gently-handled Kobe beef while changing the steakhouse mantra. EDGE is anything but a smokehazed gentlemen’s club, you see. In fact, its soaring ceilings, quirky architectural accents (a floating wine cellar comes to mind), and clean design mark it as the red-headed step child of classic steakhouse culture – and that’s a good thing. On a recent tour through EDGE’s culinary landscape, Chef Purvis gave me a glimpse of impressive new small bites, many of which dot the revamped bar menu. In a city entirely landlocked, I’m continually amazed by the quality of seafood that adorns plates from Oceanaire to McCormick’s, and now to the very edge of EDGE. A trio of surf-and-turf delights – hamachi, salmon, and Kobe beef – tickle the tongue in one instance, leading on to richer indulgences like gelée-blanketed foie gras cozying up to toasted brioche and a wonton-ahi combo that sings with perfect pitch.
Is it any wonder the beverage program is as impressive? The enticing creativity of signature cocktails serve as subtly apt pairs for whatever small bites you happen to be nibbling on. Frankly, they could hold their own for a libation-studded afternoon: Superfruit Açai Cooler courts the ever-popular Veev Açai Spirit, melding with sparkly-sweet Prosecco and a tinge of citrus juices, while other go-tos include the lanky Pisco Sour and an all-local, Leopold Bros.-grounded cocktail riddled with blackberry goodness. But back to steak, right? Because Chef Purvis is keen on letting the meat do its own talking, most cuts are very simply seasoned. USDA Prime is a given, rubbed down with the house’s signature steak seasoning or an ancho chili concoction. Or, if you prefer, make it even simpler and ask for salt and pepper only; rib-eye, Kansas City strip, or filet mignon all aim to please, whatever their adornment. My recommendation? Pair your cut with a heaping helping of truffle fries. It’s decadent, I confess, but you’ve earned it. It was a long day, after all. Whether lingering at high-top tables in the expansive lounge and bar, or committed to a sit-down affair in the modern dining room, there’s hardly a thing on the menu that won’t make you re-think the steakhouse concept. If there’s one flavor that will linger after a meal here, it’s the flavor of masterful innovation. Oh, and steak. Julia Child was right about that. ] EDGE Steakhouse is located at 1111 14th St. More info: (303) 389.3343; online at http://edgerestaurantdenver.com.
Seductive Spirits from
EDGE Bar
For the amateur mixologist, it would do you good to take some of EDGE’s cocktail inspiration home for exploration. Sample this spicy-fruity recipe in your own bar and learn what makes a real cocktail tick. It’s just what this scorching summer needs. Combine first three ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake well. Strain over ice into a Collins glass. Top with ginger beer. Enjoy poolside to the tunes of Katy Perry.
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AUGUST 1, 2012 | OUTFRONTONLINE.COM
Cranberry Fields Forever 1-1/2 oz Beefeater Gin 1/2 oz Leopold Bros. New England Cranberry Liqueur 1-1/2 oz fresh sweet-n-sour 2 oz Fever Tree Ginger Beer [ [ SOCIAL ] ]
Give us the opportunity to become your favorite neighborhood choice for take-out and delivery. We want you to enjoy out favorite family recipes and we believe in using on the finest ingredients – fresh, natural and NO MSG! Free delivery is available with order of $15 minimum. Our delivery area includes E. 26th Ave and E. Alameda, from York St to Quebec St. Hospital deliveries require a $30 minimum order and a 15% delivery charge. We can deliver outside of our designated delivery area with an additional delivery charge. Please allow 45 minutes to one hour for deliveries. We stop accepting delivery orders at 9pm. Open Nightly from 4:00 pm to 9:30 pm. 1305 Krameria Street, Suite G Denver, CO 80220 Call: 303-322-2128 Fax: 303-322-0128 Littledragondenver.com We do NOT Accept checks.
August 1, 2012 | outfrontonline.com
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HIGH SOCIETY
Awakening theater-goers
into spring
Beats on the Creek Summer
By David Marlowe Spring Awakening, winner of eight Tony Awards in 2007, is a rock musical based on Frank Wedekind’s 1892 play about youth with raging hormones. The original play was banned in Germany because of the honest depiction of teenage sex – including rape, teenage suicide, homosexuality, child abuse and abortion. Amy Osatinski is directing the coming local production at Aurora Fox Arts Center, and has indicated that as real as the sex was onstage in New York City, it will be more real here. She intends to really express the unbridled energy of the characters making their journey from youth to adulthood. The musical includes music by Duncan Sheik and book and lyrics by Steven Sater which include such songs as “Mama Who Bore Me,” “The Bitch of Living” and “Totally Fucked.” Artistic Director Keith Rabin Jr. spoke with Out Front about Ignite Theatre’s next production. Do you think there are individuals today who suffer the same sexual repression the characters in the show do? Of course! Think of the novel Blue Lagoon. Those kids grew up with no way of knowing what their bodies were telling them and what the outcomes would be. It’s inevitable that without proper education about sex, the same situations would occur. How does Spring Awakening manage to be so emotionally powerful in speaking to issues such as child abuse and teen suicide? It is sad that this question is so easy to answer. Spring Awakening was originally titled A Children’s Tragedy, which sounds awful! But it’s exactly what this show deals with. This is the reason that it is so emotionally powerful and relevant. And there is so much of this still happening today. Witness the string of recent tragic teen suicides. What might parents and teachers learn? It is important that every educator, educational institution and parent have a plan for the sexual education of their children. I hope that this production would prove that even though the “talks” might be uncomfortable for some, it’s necessary to provide maturing teenagers the knowledge of something that is so life changing. Why do young people find this musical so important? The show centers itself around adolescents. I think even though the book it’s based on is written to take place in the late 1800s, sexuality is always an intense part of any teenager or young adult’s life. The music pulls us into today’s era by incredible alternative/rock music that really makes the show electric. How do you think your audience will respond? Well, that rather depends on who you are as a theatergoer. Our shows generally – not always – cater to audiences that enjoy newer, sexier and raw productions. The simplest way to explain how I feel audiences are going to react is as follows: There are some scenes in Spring
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Concert Series
Aug. 7, 5 p.m. Coohills Restaurant, 1400 Wewatta St. More info: http://coohills.com (303) 623.5700
Steamboat Wine Festival Aug. 1 through Aug. 5 Steamboat Springs More info: http://steamboatwinefestival.com (877) 328.2783
Brooke Singer as Wendla
Jack Thomas as Melchior
Awakening that may make you squirm, and it could be a really good thing or a really awkward thing. Could you tell my readers a little bit about the visual aspects of the show? Oh my god! Not only is Spring Awakening going to have an incredible cast but the scenic and technical aspects of this show are going to be like nothing we have ever done before. The set is classic Victorian in style – gilded, chandeliers, and oriental rugs with awesome scenic painting by Joel Adam Chavez. There are also going to be large pictures in frames that will change through the show depending on what is going on. Do you anticipate the audience to be primarily young people in their 20s and early 30s? I would hope not. While this show is very edgy and modern it is based on a play written by Francis Wedekind in the late 1800s. In fact, it was first staged in English in 1917 in New York City. This performance was threatened with closure when the city’s Commissioner of Licenses claimed that the play was pornographic, but a New York trial court issued an injunction to allow the production to proceed. One matinee performance was allowed for a limited audience. Spring Awakening is an extremely controversial and beautiful show. It is intended for a wide audience. ] ‘Spring Awakening’ plays August 3 through 26, at The Aurora Fox Arts Center on the Main Stage. Tickets are $25 for adults and $18 for students. For more info, call (720) 362.2697 or online at http://lucentperformingarts.com.
AUGUST 1, 2012 | OUTFRONTONLINE.COM
[ [ SOCIAL ] ]
Aerosmith
Aug. 1, 7:30 p.m. Pepsi Center, 1000 Chopper Cir. More info: http://pepsicenter.com (866) 461.6556
Comedy Night White Party
Aug. 16, 6:30 p.m. Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St. More info: http://denverzoo.org (303) 376.4800
Colorado Shakespeare Festival
Treasure Island
Aug. 16, 7:30 p.m. Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd. More info: http://arvadacenter.org (720) 898.7200 ]
AUGUST 1, 2012 | OUTFRONTONLINE.COM
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LUSH
Cooling the heat with cocktail hour By Ashley Trego As the founding member of the Eagles once belted: “The Heat Is On.” Though Coloradans don’t have the option of packing up their surfboards and heading to the beach to cool off, there is nothing to stop us from darning our string bikinis and Speedos and heading for the blender. That’s right baby, its blender drink season once again! This is the time of year when fruity, boozy, frozen cocktails come to the rescue – and although those tiny paper umbrellas don’t do a damn bit of good keeping the sun off our heads, they sure do look cute! So to pay homage to the drinks of summer, vacation and brain-freeze, this month’s column is all about those foofy, goofy, girly cocktails that we all claim to loath but who we secretly love and lust after come the cruel, cruel blaze of the summertime sun. It is rumored that the actual cocktail umbrella made its debut in the United States around 1932, and that the fellow who we can thank for that is Victor
Bergeron of Trader Vic’s in San Francisco. Considered to be quite exotic, these tiny paper beverage accessories originated in the Pacific Rim area and captured the eye and wet the palates of many thirsty embibers. In fact, it was in 1954 that the infamous Pina Colada was born at the Caribe Hilton’s Beachcomber Bar in San Juan, Puerto Rico. I am not ashamed to admit with pride and soul that I love these frosty, frozen delights. I would love to be slurping on one right about now but because my damn blender is on the fritz, here are a few of my favorite recipes that I would like to share with you. Enjoy, and let me know what time to come over for cocktails.
Le Mai Tai: An ounce each of dark and light rum of your choosing, ½ ounce Grand Marnier or some kind of orange liqueur, an ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice, ½ ounce Orgeat syrup, garnish as you see fit. Pimm’s Cocktail: One and a half ounces of Pimm’s No. 1 Cup, two ounces of fresh lemon juice, one half of an ounce of simple syrup or sugar to taste, club soda or plain seltzer water to top it off, garnish of choice. Bushwacker Cocktail: An ounce of dark rum, an ounce of Kahlua, one ounce of dark creme de cacao, two ounces of cream of coconut, two ounces of milk and a cup of ice.
Hpnotiq Margarita: Here’s a cool twist on your average Margarita – it’s blue, it’s delicious and it will make you feel like you are on vacation even if you are just enjoying your own back yard. Half an ounce of Tequila, an ounce of Hpnotiq Liqueur, half an ounce of Blue Curaçao, two ounces of sour mix, a splash of pineapple juice, sugar on the rim and lime wedge for garnish. And before I go, there is one drink that must get honorable mention at least because it goes without saying that: “if you like pina coladas, and getting caught in the rain, if you’re not into yoga, if you have half a brain” there is only one drink for you, and you know what it is. Happy summer to all, and good luck staying cool! ] Ashley Trego is a Western Slope-based chef and food and wine writer. She works with the Black Bridge Winery, 5680 Vineyards. Alfred Eames Cellars, Lilliputian Winery and Garfield Estates Winery.
LGBT BAR LISTINGS Denver Aqua Lounge • 1417 Krameria St. (720) 287.0584 • http://aqualoungedenver.com Covered patio, live entertainment, trivia, poker, karaoke, $2.50 happy hour M-F
Club M • 700 E 17th Ave. (303) 832.1333 • http://hamburgermarys.com/denver Karaoke, BINGO, trivia, drag, live DJ bar
Barker Lounge • 475 Santa Fe Dr. (303) 778.0545 Patio, old Hollywood themed, neighborhood bar
Compound • 145 N Broadway (303) 722.7977 • http://compounddenver.com Neighborhood dance bar with edge, weekend beer bust
Black Crown Lounge • 1446 S. Broadway (720) 353.4701 • http://blackcrownlounge.com Patio, dartboards, game room, poker, piano lounge
Decatur St. Grill • 800 Decatur St. (303) 825.4521 • http://decaturbar.wordpress.com Pool table, poker, smoking patio, women
Boyztown • 117 Broadway (303) 722.7373 • http://boyztowndenver.com Male strippers
Denver Eagle • 3600 Blake St. (303) 291.0250 • http://theeaglebar.com Leather, fetish, darts, heavy pours
Broadways • 1027 Broadway (303) 623.0700 • http://broadwaysdenver.com Neighborhood sports bar, weekend beer busts, BINGO, trivia, outdoor patio
Eden • 3090 Downing St. (303) 832-5482 • http://edendenver.com Women’s lounge, patio, healthy bar food, vegetarian, NOW networking group,
Charlie’s • 900 E Colfax Ave. (303) 839.8890 • http://charliesdenver.com Karaoke, game night, dance lessons, western and pop dance club, weekend beer busts, live music
El Potrero • 320 S Birch St. (303) 388.8889 • http://elpotrerodenver.com Mexican restaurant, patio, club, live shows
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Hamburger Mary’s • 700 E 17th Ave. (303) 832.1333 • http://hamburgermarys.com/denver
AUGUST 1, 2012 | OUTFRONTONLINE.COM
Great food, big patio, weekend brunch, big screen TV’s, mixed crowd Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret • 1601 Arapahoe St. (303) 293.0075 • http://lannies.com Burlesque, comedy shows, appetizers, desserts
Fort Collins
Choice City Shots • 124 LaPorte St. (970) 221.4333 • http://choicecityshots.com Mixed crowd, karaoke, poker, DJ, dancin’
Pueblo
There Urban Whiskey Bar • 1526 E Colfax Ave. (303) 861-0821 • http://theredenver.com Old West style, saloon, whiskey
Pirate’s Cove • 105 Central Plaza (719) 543.2683 • http://myspace.com/piratescove1 Local bar, mixed crowd
Tracks • 3500 Walnut St. (303) 863.7326 • http://tracksdenver.com LGBT dance club, BAD first Fridays, DJ, live performers
Colorado Springs
The Bar • 554 S. Broadway Ave. (303) 733.0122 • http://itsthebar.com Burlesque, bingo, dance parties and comedy Wrangler • 1700 Logan St. (303) 837.1075 • http://denverwrangler.com Men’s bar, patio, leather Fridays, pool tables, beer bust, darts, “Sweet Dance” X Bar • 629 E Colfax Ave. (303) 832.2687 • http://xbardenver.com LGBT bar, karaoke, Drag Queen brunch, BINGO, DJ, beer bust, patio, food
[ [ SOCIAL ] ]
Bubbles Nightclub • 1010 E Fillmore Ave. (719) 473.0177 • http://bubblescos.com LGBT nightclub, DRAG WORLD, karaoke, poker, big screen TVs Club Q • 3430 N Academy Blvd. (719) 570.1429 • http://clubqonline.com 18 and up, Military appreciation night, drag show, pool, darts, beer pong, ladies night The Underground • 110 N Nevada Ave. (719) 578.7771 http://undergroundbars.com Pub style, BINGO, poker, karaoke, food, beer bust
[
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HIV/AIDS2012
What you DIDN’T KNOW about the EPIDEMIC, Colorado AIDS Project and the biggest HIV/AIDS FUNDRAISER of the year The INVISIBLE STORM: A retrospective of Out Front’s early COVERAGE of the CRISIS
The 25
th
AIDS Walk:
25 FACES OF HIV/AIDS ACTIVISM AUGUST 1, 2012 | SPECIAL EDITION
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Contents >>>
S10 INSIDE AIDS WALK MAP & INFO S4 WHAT YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT THE VIRUS S8 25 FACES OF HIV/AIDS CAP FACTS S17 OUT FRONT BACK IN THE DAY WITH HIV/AIDS
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AUGUST 1, 2012 | SPECIAL EDITION
FROM THE COLORADO AIDS PROJECT could support my friend, learning that CAP provided housing, counseling, food, transportation and insurI am so excited about this year’s 25th annual AIDS Walk ance assistance to people living with HIV. In 2008 when I came upon the job posting for my current Colorado, and am thrilled to be offered the opportunity to appear on the cover of the 25th Anniversary AIDS position, I was ecstatic to be given even a glimmer of hope that I might be able to do Walk Colorado issue. I feel something in the commuvery honored to be able to nity that would benefit so represent Colorado AIDS many people. Project and our commuHere I am, much more nity in this capacity. knowledgeable and proGrowing up in Pueblo, ducing my fifth AIDS I was lucky – and maybe a Walk Colorado. I feel exbit sheltered – to not know tremely humbled each anyone who was affected year when I see thousands by the disease. descend upon Cheesman As an adult, AIDS hadn’t Park to take part in what really touched my life. In I’ve spent a year putting my mind, like in the minds together. Organizations of many other people, like Colorado AIDS Project AIDS was something that exist to support and care happened somewhere else. for those in our commuBut when I was 31, after nity affected by HIV and living in Denver for many AIDS, but it’s because of years, AIDS finally hit close Jeff Trujillo the help and generosity of to home: In 2006 a very the community that CAP good friend of mine took me to lunch to tell me that he had been diagnosed as HIV- can do this. To be able to organize fundraising events like AIDS Walk Colorado, Red Ball, Smack Down AIDS, Bar Wars positive. AIDS finally had a face in my life. I have to admit that I didn’t know a lot about AIDS at and more makes me truly proud of the contribution I’m able that time, and although I knew of Colorado AIDS Project to make in our community and in the fight against AIDS. I’m also truly proud to have relationships with so many I didn’t know the full scope of what the organization did. I started to research the disease and ways that I individuals at Out Front Colorado. I’ve had so many meetings Dear readers:
and exchanged e-mails and phone calls with Jerry Cunningham, Nic Garcia, Holly Hatch, Sara Decker and Ryan Cross – especially Ryan – that I sometimes feel like an extended member of the Out Front Colorado family. This publication has been such a valued partner in promoting and covering CAP’s events and happenings, and the relationship between our organizations for nearly three decades is important to CAP and to me. All of the recent talk around possible preventative drugs for HIV is truly exciting, and I’m glad that something like this is happening in my lifetime when I’m working for the largest AIDS Service Organization in the state. A pill to help in the prevention of the disease provides so much hope that there is progress, and maybe there will soon be a cure. But I also know that there’s so much further to go. In the meantime there are thousands of Coloradans living with the disease who need the support of the community and agencies such as CAP. That’s why I’m so humbled to see the crowds at Cheesman Park, and that’s why it’s so important for our community members to come out to AIDS Walk Colorado, show their support, raise funds and do what they can to make it possible for CAP and other AIDS Service Organizations to continue supporting those affected by HIV in Colorado. That’s why I’m so grateful that I get to do what I do. Thank you so much for this opportunity and for your continued support of CAP. ] Kindest regards, Jeff Trujillo Colorado AIDS Project Development Officer – Special Events
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Recognition for successes, and a hopeful future
cumbing to the virus and reaching the point It is bittersweet that Out Front is able to of no return with the illness. produce this special edition for the 25th anIt’s the hope and fight that have and niversary of AIDS Walk Colorado. continue to bring our community closer. On one hand, we are pleased to be a comFolks like Ellis McFadden – one of CAP’s first munity partner with Colorado AIDS Project. volunteers – and Dayna Menninger – an We are proud of their successes and wish 11th grader at the Denver Waldorf School them many more in the future. On the other, who has raised a life-time total of $46,000 it continues to sadden us that there is a need – together to form not just a network of for CAP and its signature fundraiser. support, but an awareness of how powerful Like most of you reading this, I learned of we as humans can be when we work HIV and AIDS in the late 1980s. But it wasn’t together. It is with a common purpose and until 1990 that the virus played any sort of set of beliefs that magic seems to happen. significant role in my life. There truly is something magical about 1990. Phil Price, Out Front’s founder, was the experience of locking arms with our still at the helm. George H. W. Bush was presfellow neighbor and setting out to make a ident. There was no Facebook, or iPhone. Al difference in the world – no matter how Gore had yet to invent the Internet, but BBS Jerry Cunningham big or how small. Why is that? What’s so (Bulletin Board Systems) were all the rage magical about that? I think the magic ingreand a pager was a status symbol. As hard as it is to imagine a world before cell phones dient can also be found in the fact that we are moved to tears and Twitter, it’s even harder to imagine a world before HIV/ when watching the Olympics regardless of the competitor’s AIDS. But there’s growing hope, day after day, that we might nationality. And I would argue it’s the same thing that gives us goose-bumps when you see a young child rush ahead to actually be able to imagine a world post-HIV. But before we get too ahead of ourselves, let us take a open and hold the door for grandma. It’s the goodness and doing “good” that truly makes the world go-round. moment to revisit the early experiences of the disease. So during this 25th year celebration, acknowledge the As a young man in the early ’90s, friend after friend would confide in me that they were positive. While there goodness in people, and setout to always do good by your were some of my friends that just seemed to vanish and neighbor, because it is within the act of doing good and who have most likely passed on, most gathered whatever giving of our selves that together we can move mountains. Celebrate with me just how truly powerful we as strength they had and fought. Fought for their dignity. Fought for their brothers. Fought for a cure. But mostly humans can be, as you flip through our story, “The 25 fought to keep hope alive and fear at bay – the fear of suc- Faces of AIDS.” ]
AUGUST 1, 2012 | SPECIAL EDITION
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AIDS WALK MAP
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AUGUST 1, 2012 | SPECIAL EDITION
AIDS WALK INFORMATION
AIDS WALK EVENTS, PARTIES & FUNDRAISERS THE RED PARTY CLIMAX SUNDAY AT VINYL Sunday, August 5 from 6 p.m. to close 1082 Broadway, the official AIDS Walk pre-party featuring DJ Tatiana and DJ Ranny; wear red to win prizes; 18 and up.
VOLUNTEERS Volunteers are an integral part of making AIDS Walk Colorado run smoothly. CAP would like to extend a huge heartfelt thank you to the more than 300 volunteers who help make AIDS Walk Colorado happen each year. From Volunteer Captains who return year after year to ensure the success of the event, to individuals who sign people up at canvassing events, those who help with event set up, accepting funds at Registration, pouring beer in the Beer Garden, keeping walkers and runners safe along the route, running the Volleyball Tournament and so much more, volunteers give more than 4,000 combined hours of service to AIDS Walk Colorado. The success of the event would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of these committed volunteers. If you’re interested in getting involved with AIDS Walk Colorado as a volunteer, please call 303.861.9255 (WALK) or e-mail chrisk@AIDSwalkcolorado.org.
THE APOCALYPTIC BALL AT EXDO Friday, August 10, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. 1399 35th St., Ginger Sexton’s fundraiser for Colorado AIDS Walk featuring drag and burlesque at its finest; tickets $20 or $25 at the door for ages 18-21, $25 or $20 at the door for 21 and up.
AIDS WALK
Saturday, August 11 from 7:3o a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cheesman Park (between Denver’s Race St. and Humboldt St. and 8th Ave. and 11th Ave.), Festival and race benefitting the Colorado AIDS Project and HIV/AIDS programs, includes food vendors, volleyball tournament and beer garden >> 7:30 a.m. Registration Begins >> 7:30 a.m. Vendors open >> 8:30 a.m. Warm up >> 9:00 a.m. Opening ceremony >> 9:30 a.m. Run kickoff >> 9:35 a.m. Walk step off following last runner >> 9:45 a.m. Beer Garden opens >> 9:45 a.m. Food Vendors open >> 9:45 a.m. Entertainment begins >> 10:00 a.m. Volleyball Tournament begins >> 10:25 a.m. Runner Awards Ceremony >> 11:30 a.m. Diva Dash Stiletto Fun Run kicks off >> 11:30 a.m. - 2:00p.m. Festival Red and Wild, an AIDS Walk after party and fundraiser Saturday, August 11 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Black Crown Lounge, 1446 S. Broadway; $10 at the door.
Tips for raising money for AIDS Walk Colorado >> SET UP YOUR WEBPAGE. All the info is waiting online at www.aidswalkcolorado.org. >> MATCHING GIFT PROGRAM. Check to see if your employer and/or donors will match amounts you raise. >> SPONSOR YOURSELF. People are more likely to give if they see your commitment. >> SET A FUNDRAISING GOAL and share it with those you ask to sponsor you. Let them know how close you are to reaching your goal. >> START WITH EASY AND/OR LOW DONATIONS. Ask for specific amounts or provide several options. >> ALWAYS BE PREPARED with a pledge form or to give out the web address of your personal fundraising webpage – you never know when you might run into a potential donor. Pledge forms can be downloaded from the AIDS Walk Colorado website under TOOLS. >> LET EVERYONE AT WORK KNOW that you’re participating in AIDS Walk Colorado by posting a sign at your desk, by the elevator, copier or in the break room. Ask your co-workers to support you, or join your team and walk with you. >> INCLUDE INFO about AIDS Walk Colorado and a link to your personal donation page in your email signature. >> DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK! The number one reason people do not give is that they were not asked. It is important to remember that people want to support worthy causes and they also enjoy supporting their family, friends, and neighbors – You are providing them with an opportunity to do just that. Things to keep in mind … >> Not everyone will have the same response. >> People are busy. If you do not receive a response to a phone call or email right away, it might be good to follow up. Even people that are very excited to support your efforts may need reminding. >> Most people can and will give. It is important to remember that every single dollar you raise translates directly into services for people living with HIV and AIDS. That means that every donation, whether $1 or $1,000 matters. With that in mind, don’t make assumptions about who can give or how much they can give. Provide everyone the opportunity to contribute to your fundraising efforts and be open to all levels of support.
AUGUST 1, 2012 | SPECIAL EDITION
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AIDS WALK 25
Colorado AIDS Project 25 years of progress Before the first cases of what we now call AIDS were diagnosed in Colorado, a group of citizens concerned about the yet unnamed health threat met to formulate a local response. By 1983, with only 17 documented cases of the disease in Colorado, this group became Colorado AIDS Project. CAP’s history is one of tremendous community support, initiative and impact. Initially, Colorado AIDS Project’s services consisted of a fledgling food pantry, a part-time case manager, and a volunteer “Buddy” program. At the time, CAP existed to provide support to those living with HIV, share any new information about HIV as it was being discovered and, often times, provide a place for clients to die with dignity. In the late ’90s, the AIDS epidemic experienced a new kind of crisis. Drug advances helped decrease the number of AIDS-related deaths, but also caused a misconception that the disease was cured. Hope was confused with victory. In reality, infection rates continued to rise. As medical advancements helped the epidemic become more manageable, HIV/AIDS morphed into a chronic disease with a whole new set of challenges. In addition to the stigma surrounding HIV/ AIDS, many of the clients who walked through CAP’s door were from the neediest, poorest and most disenfranchised populations. In response, Colorado AIDS Project adopted an innovative approach to chronic disease management that focused on creating healthy, self-sufficient lifestyles through an integrated evidence based program of individualized services and a continuum of care. Today, CAP’s programs include case management, mental health and substance abuse counseling, an award winning food bank, transportation services, housing services, legal referrals, and an employment center. Additionally, CAP provides a wide array of prevention counseling, testing and education programs. From its beginnings as a volunteer-staffed, grassroots response to HIV/AIDS, CAP has become the largest and most effective AIDS service organization in the Rocky Mountain Region. Since its inception, Colorado AIDS Project has directly served more than three quarters of the men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS in the state of Colorado. In 2009 alone, Colorado AIDS Project served more than 2,200 people living with HIV or AIDS. In addition, CAP’s education and prevention efforts have reached hundreds of thousands people with the message of how to make healthy choices to protect themselves and others from the disease. ]
The history of the AIDS Memorial Quilt
Project Foundation. The goal of the foundation was to offer a means for families, friends and lovers of people lost to AIDS to create a quilt panel to honor and memorialize their loved ones, officially creating the AIDS Memorial Quilt. Since it began, the AIDS Memorial In 1985 a group of gay rights activists, led Quilt has become the largest ongoing by Cleve Jones, decided to document all community arts project in the world. of their friends who had perished due to There are currently more than 44,000 complications from AIDS. They wrote their three-foot by six-foot panels on the friends’ names on placards and taped them quilt, each memorializing someone lost across the San Francisco Federal Building. to AIDS. The panels are assembled into The idea was to ensure that the names of 12-foot by 12-foot blocks and displayed those lost would not be forgotten. at various events across the country. Two years later Jones, along with sever- The quilt will be on display at this year’s al activists, formally organized the NAMES AIDS Walk at Cheesman Park. ] S6
AUGUST 1, 2012 | SPECIAL EDITION
AIDS WALK 25
25 Things
you didn’t know about
Colorado AIDS Walk 1
AIDS Walk Colorado is the largest HIV/AIDS fundraising event in the Rocky Mountain Region.
2
More than 300 volunteers work each year’s AIDS Walk to make sure everything runs smoothly.
3 4
The 5K AIDS Run is a Bolder Boulder qualifier.
AIDS Walk Colorado went green in 2011 – for the first time employing the services of a local recycling company.
5
The Diva Dash Stiletto Fun Run, added in 2010 and featuring both male and female runners, is half a kilometer – 1,461 feet.
6
AIDS Walk Colorado used to be a 10K walk and changed to a 5K Walk to cut down production costs and add a qualifier 5K run.
7
It takes a full year to plan and execute AIDS Walk, beginning September of the previous year – just after the last one ended.
8
Any walker who raises $1,000 or more gets a crown to wear for the day. Stop and thank anyone you see wearing one!
14
The pavilion in Cheesman Park houses the memorial garden that includes panels from the AIDS Memorial Quilt and tribute banners from several years past. Tribute banners contain hand-written messages to loved ones who died of AIDS.
15
The morning walk remembers those who have lost battles with AIDS. The afternoon Celebration of Life Festival, added in 2009, celebrates those still with us.
16
The AIDS Walk Volleyball Tournament is run by the Colorado Gay Volleyball Association.
17
High profile attendees have included Governor John Hickenlooper, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy’s Kyan Douglas and casts of traveling plays and musicals.
18
AIDS Awareness items are available for purchase including t-shirts, hoodies, hats and jewlery.
19
The beer garden was added in 2008 when AIDS Walk Colorado turned 21years old.
20
Other AIDS Service Organizations can raise funds and awareness through AIDS Walk as Partner Agencies.
Kiddie Corner offers a variety of activities for young walkers including face painting, coloring projects, chalk board art, and a bubble tower, as well as animal visitors from Denver Zoo.
10
More than 300 teams representing churches, businesses and community groups from around the state participate in AIDS Walk.
21
The top fundraisers’ each of the 10 weeks before AIDS Walk can win prizes including concert tickets, hotel stays, dinners, rafting trips and more.
11
Each year, 20 Colorado-related panels of the National Memorial AIDS Quilt are displayed at the Walk.
22
Local businesses support AIDS Walk through in-kind donations for the run and diva dash competitors.
12
23
9
Timeline banners at the end of the Walk course illustrate milestones of the past 31 years of the AIDS epidemic.
13
Mascots from Colorado’s professional and college sports teams make regular appearances at AIDS Walk. See if you can spot Miles (Broncos), Rocky the Mountain Lion (Nuggets), Dinger (Rockies), Rapid Man (Rapids), Wooly (Mammoth) and Ralphie (CU Boulder)!
The Mile High Freedom Band, steel drum bands, clarinet quartets and children’s choirs provide music along the walk’s route.
24
Registered walkers who raise $100 or more receive the official commemorative AIDS Walk Colorado t-shirt.
25
Both pets and families are welcome at the walk. ]
AUGUST 1, 2012 | SPECIAL EDITION
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AIDS WALK 25
25 important facts about HIV and your health
Prevention
1
The most common way that HIV is transmitted is through sex, but sharing needles is also very high-risk.
2
Having only one sex partner reduces your risk of contracting HIV, but monogamy won’t protect you completely unless you know for sure that both you and your partner are not infected with HIV.
3
9
To be effective, PEP must begin within 72 hours of exposure, before the virus has time to rapidly replicate in your body, and the sooner the better.
10
4
Infection
5
Get routine HIV tests to make sure you are healthy. If you share needles, syringes or other equipment for injecting drugs, have a history of sexually transmitted diseases, or have had unprotected sex with multiple or anonymous partners, the U.S. Center for Disease Control recommends getting tested at least once a year.
Exposure
6
HIV can be transmitted through blood, semen (cum), pre-seminal fluid (pre-cum), breast milk, vaginal fluids and rectal (anal) mucous. Saliva, tears and urine do not carry HIV unless they contain traces of blood or other infectious fluids.
7
HIV can be transmitted through sexual contact, pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, injection drug use, occupational exposure or a blood transfusion/organ transplant. HIV does not spread through casual contact and does not penetrate unbroken skin.
AUGUST 1, 2012 | SPECIAL EDITION
If you believe you have been exposed to HIV, there are still emergency measures that can increase your chances of staying HIV-negative. Anyone who has been exposed to HIV can take anti-HIV drugs called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to reduce the chance of becoming HIV positive.
Knowing your own status is important for both your health and the health of your partner. Talking about your HIV status can be difficult or uncomfortable, but is an important topic to bring up before you have sex. To reduce your risk of getting HIV or other STIs, you must use one, new condom with every act of anal, oral or vaginal sex. Check the condom’s expiration date and follow the instructions on the packet, use latex condoms – not lambskin – and use a water or siliconebased lubricant (do not use lotion, baby oil or any oil-based lubricant) during anal or vaginal sex to keep condoms from slipping or breaking.
S8
8
There are two types of PEP: 1) occupational PEP (sometimes called “oPEP”), and 2) non-occupational PEP (sometimes called “nPEP”).
11
It is never good to guess whether you have HIV based on symptoms alone – HIV infection has the same symptoms as many other infections and illnesses that are more common than HIV, and there may be no noticeable symptoms of an HIV infection at all. If you suspect you’ve been infected because of a risky experience or symptoms, the only way to be sure is to get tested for HIV.
12
Often people who have been infected with HIV only begin to feel sick when they progress towards AIDS, which could take 10 or more years.
13
As early as 2-4 weeks after exposure to HIV, some newlyinfected individuals experience shortterm AIDS-related symptoms (ARS), often described as “the worst flu ever,” which later subsides. However, not everyone infected with HIV gets ARS.
14
An HIV-positive person is the most infectious a few weeks to a few months after being infected – often before the person knows she or he carries HIV. It is important to practice safe sex with every new partner, even those who think they are HIV-negative.
15
After the initial infection the virus becomes less active in the body and the infected person can appear and feel well, but is still capable of transmitting the virus.
AIDS WALK 25
16
HIV symptoms can include fever, chills, night sweats, rash, muscle aches, sore throat, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes and ulcers in the mouth. However, many other illnesses can produce the same symptoms.
17
Dental visits are extremely important because many signs of HIV infections can begin in the mouth and throat.
18
Even while there are no symptoms of an HIV infection, getting tested and into treatment sooner can delay or decrease the likelihood of developing AIDS and reduce the chance of infecting others.
Living with HIV
19
You may feel overwhelmed when you begin treatment for HIV. This is a good time to ask your doctors and medical providers questions about treatment options. Don’t forget to bring materials you might need, write down questions and answers, and ask about future appointments.
20
HIV-positive people can still have sex and relationships, and HIV does NOT prevent anyone from dating and marrying, but it requires more trust and responsibility from both people involved. Healthcare providers can be key partners in helping you maintain a healthy and safe sex life while keeping partners safe.
They take advantage of your weakened immune system and can cause devastating illnesses.
23
Most life-threatening Opportunistic infections occur when your CD4 count (the number of a certain type of white blood cell in one milliliter of blood) falls below 200 cells/mm3, which is the threshold when an HIV-positive person is diagnosed with AIDS. These infections are the most common cause of death for people with HIV/AIDS.
24
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of disability. Court decisions have found that an individual with even asymptomatic HIV is protected under this law.
25
HIV medications and treatments have significantly changed with the course of HIV infection since the early days of the epidemic. With daily medication, regular laboratory monitoring, and lifestyle changes, HIV can be manageable as a chronic disease. People living with HIV can enjoy healthy lives. ] More info online at http://aids.gov.
21
Case managers and nurses can answer questions about medications and side effects, lab reports, mental health needs, insurance questions, medical history and your overall treatment plan.
22
People living with HIV/AIDS can face serious health threats from what are known as “opportunistic” infections.
AUGUST 1, 2012 | SPECIAL EDITION
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THE 25 FACES COVER STORY
The community members As Colorado embarks on it’s 25th AIDS Walk, we take a moment to recognize local citizens who have made immeasurable differences in the lives of Coloradans touched by HIV/AIDS. They’re the advocates and workers – HIV-positive and HIVnegative alike – who have given their careers, hours or efforts to slowing the virus’ spread and improving the lives of those afflicted.
Jalene Salazar
1. Jalene Salazar For more than four and a half years, Jalene Salazar has provided support to people of color, immigrants and undocumented individuals who have been affected by HIV/AIDS. Salazar stumbled into the realm of HIV/AIDS support during a job hunt and began working for Servicios de la Raza, which serves the Denver Metro community with a variety of programs. Prior to landing the job, Salazar had no real exposure to HIV/ AIDS and hadn’t learned much about it, she said. But now, serving the HIV/AIDS community is her passion. Salazar is currently the program coordinator for a
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AUGUST 1, 2012 | SPECIAL EDITION
The phrase is trite, but it’s true now more than ever: It takes a village. All kinds. Without doctors, educators, activists, elected officials, caregivers and concerned citizens and volunteers dedicating time and work to the cause, we’d still be in the dark days when AIDS was a terrifying mystery taking lives as frequently as it once did. Our 25 faces of HIV/AIDS were rec-
program called La Gente – the people – which serves a wide crosssection of the Latino population living with HIV/AIDS. Her work also branches into medical care management as well as several other departments. She notes many challenges experienced by the community she serves. Though Denver has a great medical network that has helped people with HIV/AIDS to live longer, happier and healthier lives, she said, stigmas still have powerful impacts on people of color. This is why Salazar is so committed to breaking down barriers and offering support to this specific community. Many of those that she comes into contact with are alone with no support system or family to be there for them, she said. She compares the community to a supportive family and loves seeing people grow, from the moment they find out their HIV/AIDS status to the moment they can finally live independently and successfully. Salazar said that immigrants, refugees and undocumented individuals within the community find it hard to meet their basic needs after infection. It seems that they often have to move back to their country of origin due to a lack of affordable housing at a certain point. This to her, is an issue that needs more attention than it is getting from the population. To Salazar, the key is education and testing: two factors that can break down barriers and improve lives in the HIV/AIDS community. If that happens, she said, people will be able to show love, as well as receive love, without fear. ]
ommended and chosen by Colorado AIDS Project and Out Front among Colorado residents who have worked in and alongside AIDS Walk and CAP, and from differing perspectives, they come to a common message: It’s not over. The fight is still on against HIV; against ignorance, stigma, illness and death – for awareness, compassion, health and safety, and most of all – hope.
2. Robert George For Robert George, CAP Regional Director for Denver, HIV/AIDS is an issue of social justice. “I’m really motivated by social justice issues,” George said. And today, “More women and more people of color are being affected.” In the ’90s when George was in his 20s, he said there was messaging about safe sex and HIV prevention that “you’d see every day.” George became a case manager at CAP 13 years ago, working to connect HIV patients with counsel and assistance. But in more recent times, George worries there are segments of the population that are missing the message. “Now we’re in a more comfortable place where you can come out as gay, but people coming out later in life missed some of that messaging,” George said. Meanwhile young people seem to think it’s no longer an issue. And one of the problems with good messaging, he said, is residual fear and stigma around HIV. Getting rid of the stigma means open conversations about the issue – with more openness around conversations with HIVpositive persons and more awareness of the risk that HIV-negative people still face. “We shouldn’t have this fear around HIV anymore – we shouldn’t have a fear around getting tested, or talking about it with sexual partners, family and friends,” he said. “There’s still a stigma our community has about Robert George
/ OF HIV AIDS that are leading the fight HIV/AIDS, and if there’s stigma you’re less likely to talk about it and less likely to get tested.” George said that one goal should be learning to talk about sex in a healthy way. “If we talk about it as a healthy activity we all want to engage in, we can pull in better conversations about HIV. For those who are neg its about their needs and where they are, but for poz people sex is still an important part of their lives.” It’s a challenging question, George said, to convince HIV-negative people that HIV is still an important issue while helping those who are already poz know that being infected isn’t the end of the world. “The theme of this year’s AIDS Walk,” George said, “is ‘It’s Not Over.’ We have a lot to do working for the benefit of those living with HIV, as well as preventing new infections.” ]
Rob Sterrett
3. Rob Sterrett As a public speaker and teacher of awareness for Native American’s and the HIV/AIDS epidemic, Robert Sterrett has found a life of service and public discussion to be his niche. Sterrett got involved in HIV/AIDS work in April of 2007 when he began assisting First Nations in getting the Native tribe’s to allow access in teaching HIV 101 courses to high school age students. He has also been an implemental speaker as a member of the Colorado AIDS Project Speaker’s Bureau that has allowed him to motivate communities throughout New Mexico, Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota and Oklahoma. He believes that these experiences have given him the opportunity to grow. “There seems to be a lot more willingness on most people’s parts to actually listen to what we have to say,”
Sterrett said. “It is getting easier to gain access to many parts of the public than it used to be.” Sterrett continues to vow his support to outreach and prevention programs through his work, and remains hopeful about the future. “This is a totally preventable disease,” he said. “Unlike other things in our lives, we have or little control over, the spread of HIV/AIDS is totally preventable and we need to double our efforts in educating the public that seems to think that this is not a problem anymore.” ]
4. Matt Adrian “It’s tough for HIV-positive people, and I’d like to see that change,” said Matt Adrian, 35, of Denver, former Vice President of CAP who became involved with HIV/AIDS work years ago after a friend tested positive. “He went into a depression – to see him affected that badly hurt me. The depression seemed like something that didn’t have to happen, and yet it had happened.” Adrian said he spent a lot of time thinking and caring for his friend, who is still living but suffered emotionally more than he had to. After his friend’s situation improved, Adrian joined the board of the Colorado AIDS Project. “I hear about people being rejected in a relationship – there’s a lack of education around how to have sex in positive-negative relationships, and those who have a depression for six months after they’re diagnosed, thinking it’s a death sentence,” Adrian said. “It’s a disease that could be eliminated if everyone had safer sex, and to younger people we need to say why damage your liver with a medication if you don’t have to. But you don’t want people living with it to think it’s a death sentence.” Adrian said that much of CAP’s work is to help those who are not prepared to take a pill every day to stop HIV from progressing to AIDS, and the organization needs to help them and those with other life issues like poverty or mental illness that often coincide with HIV. “A lot of people just don’t see the benefit of what CAP does for the community,” Adrian said. “Apathy is affecting the way people contribute.” Adrian said that for him, the chance to offer comfort and hope to those, like his friend, is the reason he got involved and continues to fight for the cause. “He wasn’t strong enough to fight,” Adrian said. “So it was my way of fighting for him.” ]
5. Mary Salsich
An important part of health starts in the mouth, especially for people living with HIV/AIDS. Well Mary Salsich and the good people at Howard Dental Center are helping the community one tooth at a time. Dentistry is important for a healthy lifestyle for anyone living with, or without, HIV/AIDS; a lesson learned by Salsich, 61, when she began working at HDC as the develMary Salsich opment director four years ago. As development director, Salsich is a jack-of-all-trades. Her primary goal is to raise funds for Howard Dental, which is a non-profit organization that provides dental work to those living with HIV/AIDS of all ages. But her job requires that she meet donors, organize awareness events, help create newsletters, market events and send grants to foundations for funding. Salsich’s work helps Howard Dental provide affordable dental work. As many in our society know, dental health is often put on the back burner. Health insurance companies usually do not include dental without an added cost. So Howard Dental helps with slidingscale pricing based on income and the federal poverty scale, which translates to plenty of patients paying nothing, or close to it, for their dental work. At the end of the day, Salsich’s passion within nonprofit work is education. She acknowledges that stigma and attitudes towards the HIV/AIDS community are still in need of change. Even as an HIV-negative woman, Salsich has experienced Matt Adrian the stigma just by telling people the line of work that she does. She sees that people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS are treated differently even though they should be treated the same in society. Although people are not as vocal as when HIV/AIDS first came about, she still sees the covert ways people treat others. So do not let price stop you or others from seeking professional dentistry, because Howard Dental and Mary Salsich are making affordable oral care a reality. ] Continued on page S12
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7. Richard Blair
Jeff Basinger
6. Jeff Basinger After being diagnosed with HIV in 1985, Jeff Basinger began volunteering his time with the Grand Junction Colorado AIDS Project. Through his own personal development living with the disease, Basinger became involved in Coloradans Working Together Preventing HIV/AIDS before being hired as the part-time Resource Coordinator for the Western Colorado AIDS Project. Basinger’s resume in advocacy work is impressive. He was implemental in creating Colorado ManREACH which helped to build heart-centered connections and community for gay and bi men in rural Colorado. “Unfortunately the issues of stigma, discrimination and marginalization still persist,” Basinger said. “The stigma is still driven by a conservative ideology that takes a public health issue and attempts to make it a moral debate around sexual identities and behaviors, addictions, poverty, racism, sexism and other disparities.” Basinger calls for increased efforts in politics, economics, advocacy, media, churches and human rights to bring new HIV infection rates down – and find a cure. “I’ve gained renewed hope that we can have an AIDS-free generation and stop new HIV infections,” he said. “However with only 30 percent of people with HIV/AIDS having undetectable viral loads in the U.S., there is a long way to go about creating better access to care and reducing disparities across cultural divides.” Basinger is currently the Northern Regional Director for CAP. ]
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Richard Blair started volunteering for CAP in 1987, after he lost several friends to AIDS during the throes of the crisis in 1986. “The services provided were pretty slim back then,” Blair said – “There were support groups, and a small amount of money for emergency funds.” A lot has changed since then, said Blair, 58, who lives in Colorado Springs and is the Southern CAP Regional Director. “Every year that goes by, it seems like there are more and more positive changes. I think the biggest issue that everyone recognizes was the introduction of the drug cocktail” in the ’90s, Blair said. But what fewer realize is that it’s still a significant issue – “There’s still no cure for it,” Blair said. “People can live a good life with HIV, but they’d still be much healthier without it.” And for Blair, much thanks goes to those who have worked hard on the issue, making all the improvements possible. “There are thousands of individuals across the state who have improved lives,” Richard Blair Blair said. ]
8. Darrell Vigil Like many of the key faces of HIV/AIDS in Colorado, Darrell Vigil’s work with the Colorado Aids Project is personal. Living in Denver, Vigil received the news that one of his closest friends in Los Angeles had contracted HIV and died of AIDS before Vigil had a chance to visit. “That was really traumatic for me” Vigil said, and from that he took action. A coworker recommended he connect with CAP, and since Darrell Vigil then Vigil’s work has been dedicated to the memory of his friend and those lost to AIDS. From 2002 to 2009, Vigil has served on CAP’s Board of Directors where he witnessed the evolution of the disease, and the changes in the way the public responds to it. “Fortunately it is now a much more treatable disease,” Vigil said, “it’s now not a death sentence for those that have it.” But with these new medical advancements comes a decreased awareness – the media spotlight has moved on to other issues, and “there is almost an impression out there that it is not as important as it used to be,” he said. He hopes to change that, particularly for younger generations. That work, he said, is vital to the fight. Stressing the need that many HIV/AIDS organizations are experiencing in acquiring funds, Vigil hopes that his efforts with organizations like CAP will spark renewed resources for HIV/AIDS education. ]
9. Jane Bohlen Volunteering is work with its own rewards, Jane Bohlen, 79, of Centennial said. “If you have your time and you give of your time for any cause, it’s rewarding to you,” she said. Every Thursday Bohlen travels to the Colorado AIDS Project’s main office in Denver to offer her services: She answers phones and distributes bus passes to clients. She was first connected to HIV/AIDS in 1993 through her church, St. Andrew United Methodist Church, a reconciling congregation with a gay pastor. But the issue also has personal significance. In 1979, her niece living in New York City, who had received a blood transfusion, died of AIDS even before it was Jane Bohlen named. “She died of Pneumocytus” – a form of pneumonia that is common in AIDS patients and rare elsewhere – “and they eventually found out that a donor had HIV,” Bohlen said. While there’s been big improvement since then, Bohlen said, the issue isn’t over. “When I started ... there was a stigma about a person with AIDS, people thinking you got it from a toilet seat or shaking hands – that’s pretty much gone away, but we need to keep working,” she said. Bohlen’s message: Get tested and keep supporting CAP. ]
10. Mark Thrun “Out biggest challenge is to move beyond apathy – to a place where everyone understands their risk for HIV and acts appropriately,” said Mark Thrun, a medical professional who oversees the HIV prevention program at Denver Public Health. Thrun has always been passionate about medicine with a focus on LGBT patients. During his training, he decided to specifically focus on HIV and prevention after realizing he could better take care of gay men if he knew the illness intimately. “We diagnose many people with HIV,” Thrun said. “There have been a handful of times I’ve stepped into my office to see someone I know, or am friends with, who has just been diagnosed. I am humbled that we are able to help people ... but I remain heartbroken that they are sitting in my office.” Thrun has been implemental in prevention programs in Colorado, and feels that in today’s day and age we finally have the tools needed to shift the course of the epidemic in the state. And he continues his passion in the field, uplifted by the treatment and tools, but still on the treadmill towards the day when he has fewer patients. “I remain dedicated because I am tired of seeing people I already know in my office (who have beendiagnosed) and I look forward to being out of work someday.” ] Mark Thrun
11. Ryan Cross For Ryan Cross, volunteering at the Colorado AIDS Project has been one of the most rewarding parts of his work in the community. “Over the years I have had several friends either become diagnosed with the disease, or unfortunately losing the battle and passing away,” he said. “I thought by joining CAP via their Board of Directors, I could truly make a difference in some capacity.” As a member of the board since 2006, Cross has served on committees for the Arts for AIDS and Red Ball events as well as volunteering his time with CAP’s food bank. Aside from his volunteer work, Cross remembered when the cause got personal. “When a good friend of mine who was healthy and physically active was diagnosed, I remember being in utter shock,” Cross said. “But because of his positive attitude and outlook on life, he has made tremendous progress and I continue to be very proud of my friend and love him more to this day because he confided in me to help him along this journey.” Cross said that even though we have come far with regards to treatment Ryan Cross and prevention, there is still a long road ahead. “While some may see that those fighting the fight have cracked the armor, there is still plenty to do,” Cross said. “By continuing to support CAP, we as a community get closer and closer to ending this long, difficult war.” ]
12. Ken Bazan “I grew up at a time when we knew what was going on (with the risk of HIV/AIDS) – young people don’t,” said Ken Bazan, 44, current Emperor of the Imperial Court of the Rocky Mountain Empire. “The most memorial moment was at JRs a few years ago,” Bazan said. “Someone said he didn’t need to use protection because you can life a full life with HIV. My jaw hit the floor.” Bazan became deeply involved with the issue of HIV/AIDS five years ago when he got involved with the Imperial Court and had the opportunity to raise funds for HIV/AIDS care and education. “The whole thing leads to education,” Bazan said. “HIV still has a severe impact on peoples’ lives today – not only emotionally, but financially and physically. And it affects more than just them.” He said he’s worried that young people now aren’t taking good enough care of themselves. “The virus itself shouldn’t be feared,” Bazan said. “But the behavior that leads to infection should be feared.” ]
14. Mary Beth Luedtke
Brother Jeff Fard
13. Brother Jeff Fard At age 16, Brother Jeff Fard witnessed a crisis that forever changed his life. One of his first jobs was as an orderly at Mercy Hospital in Denver. “If there was a defining moment, it was seeing primarily men come into Mercy Hospital and just dying immediately,” Fard said. They were dying of AIDS, at a time when it was still misunderstood what the disease impacting them was. Decades later there had been a lot of progress understanding and managing the virus that causes AIDS, but it seemed a crisis was emerging once again: “We got involved because we were looking at the disproportional impact HIV/AIDS was having in the African-American community, and the high death rates.” In 2000 Fard founded Brother Jeff’s Community Health Initiative to serve the African-American community surrounding HIV infection. The initiative provides testing, education and outreach, advocates for patients in making sure they receive care, and pushes for culturally-specific education efforts. “In some ways there was a disbelief – people thinking HIV was primarily a gay white male disease,” Fard said. “People may discriminate, but HIV does not.” Another shocking moment was when Fard learned about ‘gifting,’ he said; “people seeking HIV because they think it will make them feel like they’re accepted in an inner group and have access to services they’re currently not getting – like healthcare.” Yet Fard still has hope: “A lot of people are extending hands. This is a state that confronts diffiKen Bazan cult issues and comes together.” ]
“I’ve always been interested in working with those who feel like they may not have a voice,” said Mary Beth Luedtke, Regional Director for Western Colorado CAP. Luedtke, 44, started working as a case manager 11 years ago, which meant helping HIV-positive clients access medicine, care, mental health services, help with substance abuse, housing and financial assistance. The goal, she said, is to create a long-term plan to stay healthy and empowered while living with HIV. “The needs of people coming in have increased” in that time, Luedtke said – especially pertaining to mental health issues, not just depression but other issues like bipolar disorder Mary Beth Luedtke and schizophrenia as well. She’s seen more women and heterosexuals coming in, and more HIV cases in the Latino community, and attributes that change to the organization’s ability to reach out to different communities, encouraging more people to get tested and to be aware of organizations that provide assistance. “We walk with clients on a really long journey,” Luedtke said, “and see all their successes and challenges. Their perseverance and resilience has always amazed me.” Yet despite positive signs in the management and treatment of HIV, there is still a lot that HIV-positive people deal with, Luedtke said. To her, awareness is key. “It’s not a death sentence, but it’s not an easy road. That’s the message we send.” ]
15. Coryn Fairchild
/ Zoey Diddim
“It seemed like every other week I was going to a funeral,” said Coryn Fairchild, 45, speaking about a summer in the early ’90s when many of his friends were dying of AIDS. Fairchild has been raising funds for CAP and HIV/AIDS independently and through the drag group, the Denver Cycle Sluts. Fairchild’s persona as Zoey Diddim allows him to breach the issue with humor. “Laughing diffuses the tension and overpowers depression,” he said. As Diddim, Fairchild is the master of ceremonies at the Smackdown against AIDS fundraiser. “The main issue is trying to get young people to understand that HIV/AIDS is still a terrible disease. I don’t know how to put fear into young people who think they’re immortal – but I have a lot of HIV-positive friends and they don’t need to be in despair, either.” ]
Coryn Fairchild
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17. Bill Mead
Photo by Norman Dillon
Ginger Sexton
16. Briceson Ducharme
/ Ginger Sexton
From stuffing envelopes and working with the food bank to volunteering for Project Angel Heart and even creating benefit fundraisers like The Apocalyptic Ball, Briceson Ducharme – better known by his drag name, Ginger Sexton – knows the importance of awareness funding for HIV/AIDS. For the past two years, the famous Ginger Sexton’s Apocolypic Ball has raised close to $30,000 for CAP. This year will be the third event, which has changed Ducharme’s life, he said. HIV/AIDS is a personal struggle: Ducharme was diagnosed with HIV eight years ago. The changes he’s seen on the issue have been tremendous. “I can now let the world know that I am positive,” Ducharme said, “and yes, it may scare some people still, but most others are curious and so I can educate people from my knowledge and from my living with, and not dying from the disease.” For Ducharme, after losing a close friend to AIDS, the work he continues to do is to help change perceptions. “No matter who you are, it can and will affect you,” Ducharme said. “But you can also have a positive effect on those around you. And I have shown people that you can live with HIV and still make a positive change in the world doing so. We live, breathe, cry, laugh, run and dance as well as the next but it just happens that we get to put a symbol next to our names, and that symbol is a positive one,” he said. ]
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18. Sean Wolfe
While the importance of community in Denver’s LGBT popuIn 1997, Bill Mead’s partner Ron died of AIDS. lation may be lost on some, Sean Wolfe knows first hand the Ron found out he was infected in 1985, Mead said, and weight this little word has on the prevention and education of “started suffering the consequences in about 1990,” showing HIV/AIDS. Working for the Denver ELEMENT, Wolfe believes the first symptoms of the infection that would take his life. that a strong sense of community is one of the best ways to That’s when Mead got involved in the Southern Colorado hurtle the dehumanizing stigma attached to HIV/AIDS; a hope AIDS Project where Ron had already begun to volunteer. that he has pursued for years through various Mead, now 61 and a financial consultant, is the youth outreach programs in the Denver area. president of the Colorado Aids Project’s board. Wolfe’s passion for HIV/AIDS education Mead has since had another partner who started after he lost more than 100 friends and was HIV-positive, but “I’ve remained negative life partners to the disease while living in San the whole time,” Mead said – which goes to show Francisco in the ’80s. After a move to Colorado, how HIV can be prevented with the right precauhe started volunteering for the Colorado AIDS tions. Even while Mead stayed negative, though, Project, working on their speakers bureau the disease has still changed him for good. talking with young adults about the disease. “When Ron got sick I always thought we’d be His purpose was to de-stigmatize the disease here;” finally arriving to a time when HIV is more through familiarity; a goal that he believed of a manageable illness – “I treat challenges as a was accomplished not only through his talks battle and was gonna win, by God,” he said. “But but also accurate media coverage. people never heard of some of these things (Ron) Wolfe’s main mission with the ELEMENT had” when it came to painful and debilitating is to revive the interest HIV/AIDS received medical conditions while he suffered with AIDS. in the ’90s – “Because young people haven’t “One night he had a fever of 107. We had to experienced the loss, they see it as an ‘other ice him,” Mead said. “He hated the ice, because it persons’ disease,” he said. “But it is their issue, gave him chills. Going through that, I had to tell because it affects their community.” people who my partner was, and that I was gay.” Fueled by the memory of his partner of In conservative Colorado Springs, that was a 13 years that passed away from the disease, challenge for Mead, who is also the Senior Vice Wolfe continues his work: “I know that he President at Wells Fargo Advisors. At the same would want me to keeping working – we need time, community education on HIV has been an Sean Wolfe to keep that fight out there.” ] uphill battle. “It’s ironic that even in our own (LGBT) community, getting people to get tested is so hard – people were thinking that for getting tested their names were gonna get posted on TV or something,” Mead said. But they’ve won a lot of important allies since then. Mead has been working on setting up a needle exchange One of the top issues program through SCAP – as a tool to lower HIV infection rates surrounding HIV/ among intravenous drug users by providing clean needles to AIDS today is access discourage sharing – a program that’s been shown to be effecto healthcare, said tive against the spread of HIV and made possible by 2010 state Dan Reirden, medical law introduced by Denver Sen. Pat Steadman. “We talked to director of the youth law enforcement, District Attorneys and the Health DepartHIV program at the ment saying here’s what we’re looking at doing by putting in Children’s Hospital a needle exchange program,” Mead said. of Colorado. “Many “The police departments were surprisingly open-minded,” individuals who are Mead said. “They’re concerned about their officers’ safety HIV-infected are also getting stuck by needles” on the job. members of communiDan Reirden There are ongoing obstacles – despite increased awareties who are underinness of HIV/AIDS, the rate of new infections among young sured or uninsured. In a time when people are looking to cut people is actually now on the rise, funding for programs, it can be difficult to get medical care.” Mead said. “So it’s nice to see when It’s still possible for an HIV-positive person who wants we do have young people involved.” care to be denied access, Reirden said. While there is no For World AIDS Day, Mead said, a waiting list in Colorado – and the uninsured can still get free young speaker will discuss his own treatment at Denver Health or the Children’s Hospital – many recent infection with HIV. states still have HIV patients denied treatment. “One of the “You’ve got 19-20-year-olds challenges we have is getting people access to medications speaking about being infected – that’s sooner, so their immune system isn’t depleted by the time powerful stuff,” Mead said. they get on them,” Reirden said. “Things have changed proAnd that kind of message will foundly; 20 years ago people didn’t have the multitude of be vital: 20 years on, despite all therapies allowing them to have full lives, which they now do advances, HIV is still real and still – so long as they have access to medical care.” spreading. Reirden took special interest in HIV/AIDS since before he “It hasn’t gone away,” Mead said. went to medical school, but began working with patients there “We’re increasing numbers now. It’s in the ’90s. The Children’s Hospital’s youth HIV program deals gonna be our kids and our grand with care, prevention, community outreach and education. kids, if we don’t increase support “[I get to give youth] care and change their lives to allow Bill Mead and awareness.” ] them to live with a chronic illness, and thrive as adults.” ]
19. Dan Reirden
20. Diana Cable For nearly 20 years, Diana Cable has worked with the Colorado AIDS Project on various committees and volunteered at the AIDS Walk. Through the years, she has witnessed a lot with regards to HIV/AIDS. “So much has changed,” she said. “Prior to the antiretroviral medications coming on the scene, many HIV-positive individuals fought their medical battle with few to no options in medications. Where we are at today is that many can carry on a long and productive life being HIV-positive with the help of medications they and their doctor can agree on using.” Cable is also the Coordinator at the Denver Food Bank, and for her, a life of service makes sense and she has learned the importance of the connections she’s made. “I realized a couple of things that I carry with me all the time,” she said. “First, it is not worth holding a grudge for any reason. I am very close to a client with whom I have had numerous occasions where we ‘butt heads.’ But after a period of dealing with a life threatening illness, we are able to laugh often when we see each other. A mutual respect has grown because the past is left in the past. I treat everyone this way.” Cable hopes to see more progress moving forward: “It still bothers me that this disease is controllable through behavior change and we still see young people getting infected. People with Diana Cable HIV/AIDS are people first and deserve the best from all of us in our interactions as we provide services.” ]
21. Dayna
Menninger
Dayna Menninger wasn’t even a thought when the HIV/AIDS crisis first gripped the country in the ’80s. The first cases were discovered almost two decades before she was born, but the 16-year-old soon-to-be 11th grader at the Denver Waldorf School has been more involved in the issue than almost anybody – she’s raised $46,000 for CAP through the AIDS Walk. Menninger’s parents have made AIDS Walk an annual event all her life. Dayna Meninger “One year I told my parents one day I was interested” in raising money under her own name in AIDS Walk, she said. “These past few years I’ve done it by myself. It’s a lot of hard work, but it definitely pays off.” Last year Menninger raised more than $8,000 on her own, by hand-delivering letters to local businesses, emailing more than 300 family and friends, and sometimes even going door to door. “It’s this feeling that this is what I do and something I can own and accomplish,” she said. Menninger said the perceptions of HIV/AIDS among her peers varies – “My guess is they probably don’t think about it that much,” she said. “I know a lot more about HIV than I would have otherwise.” She said she sometimes talks to friends about HIV, emphasizing that it’s still a life-long diease. “It’s a really serious illness that there is no cure for. There are a lot of important illnesses out there, but HIV is one we still don’t know enough about.” This year Menninger has been busy finding donated items to put up for a silent auction at LaLa’s Bar and Pizzaria on 7th and Logan, which was held on July 31 to raise additional funds for CAP. Some additional time is spent training – you might recognize her at AIDS Walk – because she travels the route on a unicycle. When each summer comes around, most teenagers are eager for school to get out, but Menninger sacrifices joining her peers to do her volunteer work. “Spending the time can be a struggle,” she said, “but it’s so fulfilling.” ]
22. Jeff Thormodsgaard It seems that Jeff Thormodsgaard is behind everything these days. As a partner at the lobbying firm Mendez Consulting, Thormodsgaard was a key player in the civil union debate in 2011, and since then he hasn’t lost steam in campaigning and rallying legislators’ votes in the HIV/AIDS fight. Representing Colorado Organizations Responding to AIDS since 2006, Thormodsgaard has been a key player in Colorado’s drug assistance program for people living with HIV/AIDS, work that he has done pro bono for two years. As an advocacy voice for more than 15 nonprofit HIV/AIDS organizations, Thormodsgaard has worked on legislation to provide inclusive services to HIV patients, including Medicaid expansions, healthcare reform and budget funding. CORA has also strived to pass recent civil rights bills at the Capitol, from the 2009 needle exchange legislation to privacy protections for those living with HIV/AIDS. Thormodsgaard continues to advocate for progress in preventing and treating HIV/AIDS as a member of the Board of Directors of Colorado Aids Project for five years where he has been able to to fully realize the importance of HIV/AIDS education. “While treatment has changed for the better, these advancements in medicine have also changed people’s perspective of HIV,” ThorJeff Thormodsgaard modsgaard said, but hopes his work with Colorado politics will continue to help change that. ]
23. Ellis
McFadden
“I could have just stayed home and cried that all my friends were dying, but I decided to actually do something.” Ellis McFadden, 62, adopted and maintained his disposition towards action during his many years volunteering and donating to HIV/AIDS organizations in Colorado. Among his list of credentials is Board Member for the Colorado Gay Ellis McFadden Men’s Chorus and a member of the “bread and butter” club at Project Angel Heart, a non-profit organization that delivers homemade meals to those with life-threatening illnesses. McFadden has been with each of these foundations since their commencement, watching them expand from small group meetings to full-blown organizations with hundreds on staff. Through his work as a delivery driver for Project Angel Heart, intake interviewer with CAP and member of the Colorado Gay Men Chorus, McFadden has developed many deep and personal relationships with HIV/AIDS victims – his “buddies.” Watching many personal friends suffer and die of AIDS, McFadden still believes in the importance of each and every organization though he admits that the press coverage of the disease is not what it once was. “AIDS used to be front-page news, and even though it isn’t any more, it is still relevant in today’s society,” McFadden said. A decrease in attention creates a decrease in prevention, McFadden said – and there needs to be HIV/AIDS education for all, not just the gay community. He stressed that while medical breakthroughs have been substantial, there is still no cure for HIV. He keeps boxes full of notes from buddies he has lost during his time working with HIV/AIDS patients – their lives a void that he hopes to fill with his continued work for hope. ] Continued on page S16
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24. Allan Fredrick It happens all too often, Fredrick said: People diagnosed with HIV/AIDS fall into circumstances in which they can no longer afford housing. Fredrick, 67, started working with the HIV/AIDS community in the early ’90s for the City and County of Denver. He was the administrator of federal funding that ultimately went to housing for people with HIV/AIDS. That happened in coordination with the Colorado AIDS Project, and many people living with HIV/AIDS were able to receive housing vouchers and funds that kept them from homelessness. After retiring from the city, Fredrick continued his work as president of Chesney-Kleinjohn Housing Inc., which offers a 17-unit apartment complex to low-income families affected by HIV/AIDS. Part of Fredrick’s passion for the HIV/ AIDS cause stems from seeing the epidemic affect the people around him. He lost many friends and a partner to the disease. That’s the time when Fredrick noticed how people struggled to pay their bills after their diagnosis. The diagnoses of the past were death sentences, as he remembers. People
25. Phil Price When the AIDS crisis was first reported in 1981, most Americans were oblivious or unconcerned. The first knowledge of AIDS came when dozens of gay men in major U.S. cities developed a little-understood syndrome associated with weight loss and rare cancers – many of them dying. But recognized cases of the still-unnamed syndrome soon rose to the hundreds, thousands, then tens of thousands, across the nation and world and beyond gay men. Both the mainstream media and the government were criticized for a slow response to a disease mainly affecting communities thought of as deviant, but in the gay community there was panic: AIDS, as the syndrome came to be known, completely transformed the culture. The task fell to community
Phil Price
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Allan Fredrick went onto programs like SSI to get an income and only made enough to pay for meals. As a board member of the Rocky Mountaineers, an LGBT motorcycle club, since 1995, Fredrick was there when the group organized Denver’s Cruise Against AIDS with the Denver Dykes on Bikes, to raise money for the Colorado AIDS Project. They also have contributed to other organizations that benefit the LGBT community and support people with HIV/AIDS. ] efforts and gay publications like Out Front to inform, educate and organize, and most importantly to provide those at risk with frank and non-sensationalized information about resources and how to stay safe. Much credit goes to Phil Price, who founded Out Front in 1976 time for it to become well-recognized and established in Colorado before the task of reporting AIDS arose. Price’s original vision was for a serious, credible gay news source. Price went on to found Out Front L.A. in 1981, which he sold the next year and is still covering Los Angeles gay news now as Fronteirs Magazine. By the time mainstream media coverage of HIV/AIDS spiked dramatically in 1986, known AIDS cases had already been occurring for five years, and it is estimated that more than 300,000 Americans were already infected with HIV. Out Front had been reporting the crisis for years, covering new developments, fundraisers and memorials in nearly every issue. On July 28, 1993, Price died of HIV-related illnesses at the age of 38. “He wasn’t a huge self-promoter,” said Greg Montoya, Price’s partner until Price’s death and copublisher of Out Front from then to 2011. “He wanted it to be a vehicle for the community,” Montoya said. Price’s creation lives on today as the longest-running LGBT publication in the Rocky Mountain West. ]
AIDS WALK 25
25 things you didn’t know about Colorado AIDS Project 1
CAP started in the early 1980s as a grassroots community organization within The GLBT Center of Colorado.
2
CAP has an active volunteer base of more than 500 individuals that help in the food bank, at the reception desk, in the employment center, with other administrative duties, and with CAP’s many events throughout the year.
3
CAP began as a volunteer-operated agency functioning as a support group for those affected by HIV and dying of AIDS, and has grown into a fullyfunctioning professional non-profit organization serving HIV-affected individuals statewide.
4
In October 2011, Northern CAP (NCAP), Southern CAP (SCAP), Western CAP (WestCAP) Denver CAP (DCAP) merged into one statewide organization, now covering 52 of Colorado’s 54 counties.
5
NCAP offices in Fort Collins and Greeley allow allows service to the entire northeastern quadrant of Colorado.
6
SCAP has offices in both Colorado Springs and Pueblo, allowing CAP to
provide services to the entire southeastern quadrant of the state.
7
WestCAP is the only AIDS Service Organization servicing the entire western slope, including individuals from bordering states. Case managers provide transpiration between towns – sometimes hundreds of miles – so that clients can receive adequate medical treatment.
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Collaborations with Denver Health and Hey Denver allow DCAP to provide free testing for HIV, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and Hepatitis C.
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DCAP’s prevention program tested nearly 1,500 people for HIV in 2011.
for under-employed, unemployed or individuals transitioning between jobs.
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More than 1,350 hours of individual and group counseling were provided in 2011.
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DCAP employs French-speaking and Spanish-speaking case managers to break language barriers in order to provide services.
Each case manager at DCAP has an average of 140 clients on their caseload, for a total of more than 2,600 clients.
Through the food bank and employment center, lifestyle classes for clients teach meal preparation, resume building and job interview techniques.
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DCAP’s syringe exchange program is the first “approved” or “official” syringe exchange in Denver.
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DCAP has assisted more than 1,100 transportation clients taking 170,150 total trips annually.
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The statewide Colorado AIDS Project serves nearly 4,000 HIV-affected individuals through four regional offices – more than one third of the Colorado population living with HIV. All services that CAP provides are free to clients that meet the Ryan White eligibility requirements.
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Federal funding that is received does not fully subsidize all programs, including Food Bank and Prevention. Private donations and funds raised through events make up the difference.
The DCAP food bank provided more than 140,000 meals over the past 12 months. The cost to DCAP for each meal provided in the food bank is $2.41.
CAP serves more than 400 families with permanent housing options in all parts of the state.
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The DCAP medical insurance program assists more than 450 individuals, allowing uninterrupted access to medical appointments and medications
There are nearly 300 people on the waiting list for housing assistance.
In the three years since DCAP started Red Ball, a fashion and hair extravaganza to ignite awareness for World AIDS Day, the event has quickly grown to become the “it” fashion event in Denver.
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DCAP’s food bank won the US Conference of Mayors Award in 2006, and the Victory Against Hunger Award in 2007 from the Congressional Hunger Center. ]
AUGUST 1, 2012 | SPECIAL EDITION
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BACK IN THE DAY
HIV/AIDS history through the pages of Out Front By Matt Pizzuti
T
he first obvious HIV/AIDS related news coverage in Out Front was an obscure news brief in the July, 24 1981 issue. The article, titled “Unique Pnuemonia strikes gay men,” was about a condition that had “taken the lives of several gay men” in major U.S. cities who were otherwise young and healthy, which was odd because the form of pneumonia usually only affects those with severely debilitating illnesses like cancer. At the time, Hepatitis B was the top gay men’s health issue appearing in Out Front –through public service ads and stories about efforts towards developing a vaccine. There had been a lengthy report on the “stigma” associated with pubic lice and increasing outreach efforts on other kinds of sexually-transmitted infections – but nothing predicting the coming crisis. Out Front’s from before HIV was known or named are a historical record of what the community was thinking in a time of fear and uncertainty around HIV/AIDS – and a time when LGBT media coverage was vital because there was no Internet, and mainstream media that were first dismissive, then sensational about the crisis. The first story, ominous in retrospect, must have been taken as a curiosity – no doubt seen in passing by some of the gay men who would eventually themselves succumb to the epidemic. Some were probably already infected, reading reports of a story that gripped New York and San Francisco unaware of what was already taking place in their own bodies. The next story was three months later, on “Homosexual Sarcoma Cases” – referring to Karposi’s Sarcoma, a cancer presenting as dark spots or welts that is caused by a separate now known to coincide with AIDS. It appeared linked
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AUGUST 1, 2012 | SPECIAL EDITION
to the pneumonia cases, and caught the U.S. Center for Disease Control’s attention when incidents spiked from dozens of known cases July 3 to over 700 by October. There were no additional reports in Out Front on the mysterious “gay syndrome” for several months. In May 1982, Out Front reported that the condition, still unnamed, was associated with many other forms of cancers, but there were still “No clear risk factors,” one researcher said. In June, it had been reported that the condition was occurring solely in gay men and heterosexuals who injected drugs. The “Gay Disease” had been linked to several different kinds of opportunistic infections and occurred in “20 states and seven foreign countries,” and it was lethal. Fully 40 percent of those with the condition had already died, Out Front reported. As patients presenting symptoms were tracked for a longer period, the 40 percent figure rose to 50 percent, then higher – physicians began seeing it as universally fatal. It was then that the story took off. Public health officials were growing increasingly frustrated with a lack of concern and attention from the federal government, which was accused of putting the situation – referred to once as “gay compromise disease” because it was by then understood to compromise immunity – on the back burner because it was affecting mostly gay men. The second June issue of Out Front Colorado was the first to finally give the condition it’s name: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, introduced in contributor Phill Nash’s interview with an anonymous gay AIDS patient in San Francisco. In that city, Nash wrote, the disease was widespread – “In San Francisco and New York, it is hard to find someone who has not been touched by the grave illness or death of a friend or acquaintance due to the recentlydiscovered syndrome.” The story’s subject – dubbed “David” while concealing his real name, had suffered health problems for much of his adult life but doctors had finally informed him he was dying. In August, Out Front reported that a local Health Department employee was selected to serve on a national AIDS task force, and that a local group was sponsoring a forum at the Unitarian church
in Capitol Hill to present what was known about AIDS. Known cases were still limited to larger U.S. metropolitan areas. In September, Denver gay bar BJ’s Carousel hosted a benefit for AIDS, which was announced in a full-page ad calling it “Anti-Immunity to Disease Syndrom.” Mentions of a Pneumocystis Pneumonia, Karposi’s Sarcoma, “gay syndrome” or “immune diseases,” appeared in nearly every Out Front issue from then on – ranging from updates on who was more likely at risk (one October 1, 1982 column explained sufferers are “more likely… to have had a greater number of sexual partners in the year before the onset of symptoms, to have a history of syphillus, and to have engaged in fisting and rimming”), to doubts that that the crisis was real – a letter in the same issue reported speculation that the Karposi’s Sarcoma reports were faked to inspire homophobia. In November 1982, the story came home: Out Front reported that four AIDS cases had been discovered in Colorado, with two cases of Karposi’s Sarcoma. (6) The column advised of the symptoms, including fatigue, weight loss, fevers, enlarged lymph nodes and dark lesions. Another piece in the same issue was the first to suggest condom use, noting that “a significant difference
between men with the diseases and men without them is that the former are far more likely to be the receptive partner in anal intercourse.” In December, Out Front Colorado’s “Year in Review”
recap reported that “By far, the biggest concern of gay men in the last year has been health issues,” but it was still unknown what caused AIDS. Was it the product of several lesser sexually-transmitted infections in a ferocious combination? Was it caused by antibiotics? Lifestyle issues like drinking and poor diets? Nitrate inhalants (poppers)? Or was it, as the more savvy picked up, caused by a single pathogen – that perhaps needed to re-infect the same person several times or await a time of weakened immunity or stress to get the upper hand and become AIDS? In March 1983, a long two-part story speculated that repeated interaction with venereal diseases, antibiotics and lifestyle issues contributed to AIDS rather than a single pathogen. Other pieces offered advice on immune health: Meditation, stress relief, healthy eating and supplements were suddenly frequent topics in print in hopes that those strategies could prevent AIDS. In April, a physician’s advice noted that the incubation period between infection and AIDS symptoms may be “as long as two years” – the figure is now known to be more than nine years. Health experts were recommending that gay men reduce their numbers of sexual partners to reduce risk, but still did not know for sure that the pathogen that
causes AIDS could be transmitted in a single event. As if AIDS itself wasn’t enough to be fearful about, another crisis emerged: A series of gay bashings in Denver, especially Cheesman Park and Washington Park, along with others in Seattle and other U.S. cities appeared in Out Front’s pages as the mainstream media and general public became gripped in AIDS paranoia. Right-wing politicians and leading Evangelicals suggested the disease was God’s punishment for the homosexual lifestyle, and Out Front ran repeated reports that the epidemic was being used as cause to discriminate against LGBT people. Federal, state and municipal authorities began talks of putting AIDS patients under involuntary quarantine. In April, 27, 1984, Out Front reported a CDC announcement that a virus that causes AIDS had finally been discovered. The next issue on May 11 explained “What it means:” That the then-named “Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus” or HLT-III was “the single most important breakthrough in understanding the disease.” What it did was allow researchers to track, much more accurately, who was being infected or could potentially develop AIDS, and learn about what spread it. At the time, experts were still recommending that gay men reduce their number of sexual partners but not putting an emphasis on condoms. The same article reported that there had been 41 AIDS cases in Colorado, and 17 deaths. On August 3, Out Front ran a harrowing column about “Getting ready for the test.” the soon-tocome, dreaded blood test for the newly-discovered virus, due to be available to the public by the end of the year. The test would create a new kind of identity in the LGBT community: Positive. In October 1984, Out Front mentioned dramatic cultural changes in the gay scene: Many gay men were putting an emphasis on monogamy, and 30 percent reported having had no sex partners at all in the last 3 months. It was part of a story about bath-
houses in San Francisco, which had been shut down by the government. 67 AIDS cases and 42 deaths had been reported in Colorado. Subsequent developments re-framed AIDS from a “Gay Disease” to a worldwide epidemic. Out Front reported that two straight men had been found to be infected with the virus through sex with women, while a nurse had been infected by a needle stick injury. Later it was discovered that the infection was also occurring in Europe and Africa. On July, 18, 1986, Out Front reported the end of the first chapter in the AIDS crisis. A conference in Paris had resolved international disputes about what the new-found virus should be called, with a single, universal name: HIV. In October, Out Front reported one possible sign of hope: A drug originally developed to treat cancer – AZT – was being explored as a way to manage HIV infection. AZT was helpful but far from a magic bullet, and it would be another decade before new medications could reliably turn HIV infection into a chronic, long-term illness. In the mean time, infections would continue to rise dramatically, to a cumulative total of over 1.1 million reported HIV infections in the U.S and 10,198 in Colorado by 2010 – with a death toll of more than half a million nationwide, more than 5,000 in Colorado and 24 million in the world. Yet the virus that causes AIDS was finally recognized, and its transmission was beginning to be understood – meaning that workers and activists could reach out with education, research new treatments and work on treatment and cures. While fear remained, the uncertainty was over, and for those dealing with HIV risk and friends and acquaintances suffering from the disease, there was hope. ]
August 1, 2012 | Special Edition
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August 1, 2012 | Special Edition
ON THE SCENE WITH CHARLES
Primetimers Convention
Photos by Charles Broshous
[ [ SOCIAL ] ]
AUGUST 1, 2012 | OUTFRONTONLINE.COM
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BAR NEWS
New lesbian bar leaves Denver bLushing with excitement By Kelsey Lindsey
>> www. OutFrontONLINE.com <<
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AUGUST 1, 2012 | OUTFRONTONLINE.COM
With the grand opening of bLush on Aug. 4, long time social legend and bar owner Jody Bouffard has once again brought excitement to the Denver lesbian nightlife scene. Known for social hotspots such as tHERe Coffee Bar and Lounge and HER Bar, Bouffard and General Manager Brittany Joseph state that the primary purpose for opening bLush is to create a communal gathering place for all. “I am thrilled to be back supporting the community. My mission is to ensure that bLush is a space that always offers a pleasurable experience,” Bouffard said. This promise of a good time won’t be hard to deliver, as many observed during bLush’s soft opening, July 21. Excited fans of Jody B’s past projects showed up to preview the space along with new friends of the Denver lesbian community looking for a good time, with all enjoying drink specials and a fun atmosphere cleverly crafted up by Bouffard and Joseph. With this fun time, bLush gave attendees a preview of the many excitements the bar will offer, including a pool table, upstairs lounge and special theme nights. Some of the weekly specials that bLush will be offering include Monday Industry Nights, where the first drink is free for fellow restaurant and bar workers and Friday “InFEMMEss” ladies nights, with $3 martinis, wine and Absolute cocktails. These weekday night specials are just a kick-off for their weekend
[ [ SOCIAL ] ]
fun, which include “Butch, Please” Saturday Nights, with PBR specials and rock and roll, and Sunday FUNDAY with free pool all day and drink specials. No matter the day (or night) of the week, bLush promises to deliver plenty of fun and social opportunities for every one of their foxy lady patrons. Located in the heart of Denver’s Capital Hill on East Colfax Ave., bLush has adopted the coffee shop trend of that area, opening daily at 10 a.m. and serving an array of caffeinated beverages, including lattes, mochas and chais. With all ages welcome before 9 p.m., bLush hopes to include everyone within its goal to support the lesbian community of Denver, no matter the age. Free WiFi and a comfy lounge space invite all to the party, even if they have a looming deadline and piles of work to do. With the opening of bLush quickly approaching, Joseph is already promoting the excitement that is sure to be ever-present on the night of Aug 4: “We will have several surprise (and fun!) features,” she said. Judging off the success of Bouffard’s previous bars and soft opening, it is safe to say that we won’t be disappointed on this regard. Offering fun and a warm sense of community to all, bLush has the promise of becoming a permanent fixture in Denver’s lesbian scene – delivering the “US” inside of the bLush. ] Blush is NOW open 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily and located at 1526 E. Colfax Ave. Online at http://blushbardenver.com and http:// facebook.com/blushdenver.
Charlie’s Pool Party
Photos by Charles Broshous
[ [ SOCIAL ] ]
AUGUST 1, 2012 | OUTFRONTONLINE.COM
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ON THE SCENE WITH CHARLES
Colorado Springs Pride
ASK A SLUT
Franks Boxers,and be
Photos by Charles Broshous
briefs, or
and plenty of special Sassy Squatch
Winnie Bego
Zoey Diddim
Diane Tolickya
Molotovia Cocktail
Rolonda Flor
Juana Mann
Bea Dazzle
Eden Cox
Freeda Fondle
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AUGUST 1, 2012 | OUTFRONTONLINE.COM
[ [ SOCIAL ] ]
COMMANDO?
Dear Cycle Sluts, I am thinking about trying drag but I don't know where to begin. What do you suggest as the starting point? Signed, "Wigs, Dresses and Shoes, Oh My!"
going to be. So as long as you vored Crisco an Sassy: I don't t what food yo sounds of it w going to end up Winnie: I'll h sausage and tw Eden: Stick wit M&M's. This w nice and horny Diane: Cucumb the brave or coc a watermelon. talking about fo Rolonda: Fran plenty of specia Freeda: I hea when? Bea: I guess I d the two go tog orgy I am sure just plenty of w spermicide.
Dear Denver Cycle Sluts, I wanted your Zoey Diddim: Take lessons. Watch opinion on the the classic movies like Some Like it Hot, Tootsie, Pricilla Queen of the ageandold Desert Mame.question Follow the sidekicks/bitchy parts then emulate that. of underwear. Juana Mann: Start with heels. IfI you can't work a good heel you are lovetoto see a worse man doomed failure. Nothing than hearing “Queen Down!” in tighty-whities Winnie Bego: Come to Slut bingo and see how the real ones do it. but can’t stand Diane Tolickya: Find a sugar daddy and break the bank, honey! to wear them It's way too expensive to look this damn cheap. myself! Which Molotovia Cocktail: I find that a favorite store helps. I only shop at do you prefer; the best. Le Mart du K, Jacques Pen nay, and my all time favorite is Le Dear Cycle Slu boxers, briefs, Why are strai Bon Will. or Dazzle: jocks? Signed, Bea Well, speaking for intrigued by d myself, I started on my back, and drag shows? “Free then moved upWilly” to my knees. I have Signed, "Strai
had many satisfied customers in my Zoey Diddim: I don’t really care since Juana: Hello! H pumps. they always onand my big bedroom Zoey: It make Rolonda Flor:end Big up titties floor. their suburban hair are the ultimate accessories. JuanaCox: Mann: Edible patties, are other freaks Eden My suggestion is to go yum! Cherry flavored my favorite! dumpster diving ishoney. That's attention off re bigoted groups Winnie like Sassy’s where you Bego: can findI the best jewelry!granny Freeda Fondle: You can start by soap box? panties. Freeda: Bitch taking shopping. Sassyme Squatch: I wondered where all Sassy Squatch: at fabulous! my undies haveMaybe been start disappearing Cause Charlie's? to. If you don’t mind, Winnie, Winnie: give in a dress! them back! And wash them first Diane: It's beca Dear Cycle Sluts, were no skid marks please – there shiny! Some friends and I are planwhen you took them and I don’t Rolonda: Beca ning a camping trip where we want any when you give them back! Molotovia: Th will be really roughing it. I am P.S. They’re not “Granny Panties” with us witho in charge of the food for the they’re “Maximum weekend. I'm sure anCoverage.” orgy is in groped and the Diane Tolickya: love a tight, hope that they g the works for thatI weekend so lacey, blue g-string that is snug in the Well, Doll what do you suggest for the justBea: right places. ference betwe menu? Bea Dazzle: question, I think is a six-pack. Signed, "Chef Silly Boys-are-whee" nothing is the best under-there. and str8s drink Eden: Well, I thi Zoey: TheFlor: menu None I suggest the above. Rolonda of isthe to get beauty number for room service. My slows Underwear of any kind just And the men are idea of "roughing it" is walking me down. are secretly fan down the hall to Boxers get my own ice. have Eden Cox: Both and Jocks Igood AM amuscle, Diva after butall. if its too Brief it’sting notto wear our Molotovia: Depending on the Sassy: Becaus worth my time. orgy menu the food menu should orous and enter Freeda Fondle: Freeballin’ is the only NOT include asparagus (PEE- rock a dress an way to go. ] you if you pee on them). And NO most real wome Mexican, refried are a no go if On the at http://denvercycle On the Web at they areWeb re-RUNS. sluts.net. Keep questions coming Juana: Sounds like you know whatto cyclesluts.net. AskASlut@gmail.com. your main course for the weekend is coming to AskA
August 1, 2012 | outfrontonline.com
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SPORTS
CGRA Rodeo 2012
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AUGUST 1, 2012 | OUTFRONTONLINE.COM
Photos by Charles Broshous
[ [ SOCIAL ] ]
August 1, 2012 | outfrontonline.com
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Summer in Seattle TRAVEL
Seattle’s skyline, with Mt. Rainier in the background. Photo by Andrew Collins
By Andrew Collins This city sculpted by Puget Sound and Lake Washington and crowned with leafy hills abounds with lively diversions, both indoor and outside. A sunny and mild climate from June through well into October, makes it one of the country’s most enchanting summer destinations. It’s a cool getaway with yearround popularity (yes, even during the grayer, wetter winter months,) with superb restaurants, offbeat shops, and a mix of accommodations for all budgets. Downtown - with its dashing, postmodern skyline - contains a mix of enticing museums, historic blocks, and trendy retail-entertainment strips. The city’s many visiting gays and lesbians are often drawn to Seattle’s LGBT hub, Capitol Hill. Students, dotcomers, latter-day hippies, and young families of all persuasions live in this lofty neighborhood, a 20-minute walk or short cab ride east of downtown. Cutting-edge music, liberal politics, coffeehouses and microbreweries, computer technology, and environmentalism are among the ties that bind Capitol Hill’s disparate populations. The best way to enjoy Seattle is to set aside a few hours each day to focus on a particular neighborhood and its corresponding draws. Start by touring downtown, with its landmark Pike Place Market, a sprawling 1907 structure abuzz with fishmongers and food marketers of every ilk. If you love to eat or cook, the halls of gourmet goodies are reason alone to while away an afternoon here. You’ll also find scads of genuinely interesting shops, such as art galleries, bath and beauty shops, clothiers, jewelry and crafts makers and indie booksellers. Other appealing attractions downtown include the Odyssey Maritime Discovery Center and the Seattle Aquarium, both of which are down along Puget Sound’s salt-aired piers, and the acclaimed Seattle Art Museum.
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AUGUST 1, 2012 | OUTFRONTONLINE.COM
[ [ TRAVEL + SHOPPING ] ]
North of downtown you’ll find the loft-style galleries, restaurants and music clubs of Belltown, and beyond that, the 600-foot Space Needle, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2012 and ranks among the nation’s most distinctive buildings. Take an elevator to the top for breathtaking views of the skyline, Puget Sound, and the surrounding Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges. The Capitol Hill neighborhood has few formal attractions, but several commercial pockets are excellent for shopping, club hopping, distinctive dining and peoplewatching. Pine and Pike streets hold many gay bars, plus some live-music halls and coffeehouses, and Broadway Avenue bustles with a youthful mix of straight and gay-popular businesses. Set aside some time to explore verdant Volunteer Park, home to an exotic-plant-filled conservatory, a 75-foot water tower affording panoramic city views and the outstanding Seattle Asian Art Museum. Make a point of checking out some of the city’s enchanting off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods, such as Madison Park, with its gay-popular beach along Lake Washington as well as the University of Washington Arboretum; the University of Washington-dominated U District; Fremont, a former hippie haven that’s now home to a mix of creative spirits and young professionals; and Ballard, whose roots as a Scandinavian fishing community are still very much evident (it’s a great neighborhood for seafood dining). This latter area has become one of the top Seattle neighborhoods outside downtown for edgy dining and diverting indie retail. One theme that unites virtually all of the city’s most intriguing districts is delicious food – Seattleites take eating seriously, and restaurants here strive to feature local, often farm-to-table produce, cheeses, seafood, meats, wines, and jams and honeys. Two of the nation’s most celebrated openly lesbian chefs, Christine Keff and Tamara Murphy, are based here. ]
In South Lake Union, Keff dazzles foodies with her fresh, artful creations at Flying Fish, a festive and contemporary seafood joint serving such knockout fare as spearfish with maple-sherry glaze and sautéed kale. Murphy runs Lower Capitol Hill’s much-heralded Terra Plata, which opened in late 2011 and is a fine place to sample creative, beautifully prepared market-driven dishes like sea scallops with smoked tomato vinaigrette, and roast pig with chorizo, clams, and smoked paprika. Another of the city’s highly regarded chefs is Tom Douglas, who runs a powerful mini-empire comprising several acclaimed eateries, from diminutive Dahlia Bakery - which is perfect for artisan breads, divine sandwiches, and tempting tarts - to the more substantial Lola, whose updated Mediterranean fare (such as braised young-goat tagine with artichokes and fava beans) dazzles gourmands. Capitol Hill has several notable restaurant faves, among them openly gay rising-star chef Jason Stratton’s Cascina Spinasse, a stellar neighborhood trattoria serving boldly flavorful Piemontese cuisine; welcoming Poco Wine Room is scoring high marks for its terrific wine list and well-conceived American cooking; and the gastropub Quinn’s, which can be counted on for tasty, modern takes on stick-to-your-ribs classics, like crispy-skin half chicken served with a toasted brioche, wild mushrooms, spinach, and chicken-liver mousse. Grill on Broadway has for years been a gay tradition for brunch, afternoon cocktails and late-night dining on eclectic American cuisine. Just down the hill in Madison Valley, stylish Cafe Flora
virtually redefines vegetarian food with its complex, sophisticated cooking. Most of the city’s gay nightspots are in lively Capitol Hill, including the ultrapopular and brand-new (in May 2012) Social nightclub, a swanky gay dance club that adjoins a stylish restaurant and lounge called Evo. Longtime mainstays of the gay scene include R Place, great for dancing and drag shows; the cruise-y Cuff Complex, which draws a masculine, bear-ish bunch; the leatherthemed Seattle Eagle; and Neighbours, a favorite dance club. Lesbians favor the Wildrose Tavern, a spacious bar with DJs and dancing that’s been going strong since the mid-’80s. A quirky, retro-glam hole in the wall, Pony plays fun music and attracts a diverse bunch, from gay hipsters to students to older dudes who appreciate the throwback-to-the-’70s gay-bar aesthetic. CC Attle’s, which moved to a handsome new space in 2011, is a friendly spot drawing an eclectic, mostly 35-and-older crowd, and cozy and fun Diesel is Seattle’s newest bear bar. The stylish, mod Lobby Bar is a top happy-hour pick with a kitchen turning out tasty victuals, as is trendy and new-ish Saint John’s Bar, which serves drinks all evening and dinner late, plus an excellent brunch. Accommodations in Seattle include a high number of spirited, avant-garde boutique hotels. Among these, consider the playful, art-themed Hotel Max (hotelmaxseattle.com), a snazzy yet moderately priced hotel whose public areas and guest rooms feature the artwork of more than three dozen provocative Pacific Northwest artists. On the ground floor,
Seattleites TAKE EATING SERIOUSLY ...
[ [ TRAVEL + SHOPPING ] ]
the Max’s restaurant, Red Fin, can be counted on for expertly prepared sushi and tasty Pan-Asian cuisine. The intimate Hotel 1000 (hotel1000seattle.com), with its verdant rooftop garden and minimalist, high-tech rooms done in tranquil, muted hues, has quickly become a magnet among travelers. Just a 10-minute walk from the gay-bar scene on Capitol Hill, the discreetly elegant Hotel Sorrento (hotelsorrento. com) is one of the Northwest’s grande dames. The ornately decorated Italianate Revival building contains 76 rooms, each with a different layout and décor, the live music, readings, and similarly arts-minded events are staged regularly in the classic wood-paneled lobby. In up-and-coming South Lake Union, a short walk from the Space Needle, the stunningly designed Pan Pacific Seattle (panpacific.com) has spacious rooms with tall windows, HD Plasma TVs, and deep soaking tubs; it’s in a modern complex with a Whole Foods, the super Seastar Restaurant and Raw Bar, and full-service Vida Spa. Many of the city’s gay visitors regularly stay at one of the three properties downtown run by the hip and GLBT-support Kimpton brand, including the whimsically decorated Hotel Monaco (monaco-seattle.com), the plush Alexis Hotel (alexishotel.com), and the wine-themed Hotel Vintage Park (hotelvintagepark.com). The Hyatt Olive 8 (olive8.hyatt.com), a soaring eco-friendly tower at the base of Capitol Hill, has alluringly modern rooms and beautiful fitness center, 65-foot saline pool, and spa. A more affordable but quite hip option is the Ace Hotel (acehotel.com/seattle), a fun and frugal, Euro-inspired lodging with futuristic-looking rooms - it’s one of the best, and gay-friendliest, bargains in the Pacific Northwest. ] Andrew Collins covers gay travel for GayTravel.About.com and is the author of ‘Fodor’s Gay Guide to the USA’.
AUGUST 1, 2012 | OUTFRONTONLINE.COM
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QRAVE
Have a hankering for fine film? Denver FilmCenter has got you covered
The Denver Film Center Search http://denver film.org for more info
Free small popcorn for the movies when you ...
PRESENT YOUR OFC VIP CARD! By Terrell Wallin
THE
Everyone loves the movie-going experience, but there are two things that deter us all from indulging: the prices are too high and you never know if the movie is going to be a quality production. Thanks to the Denver Film Center, you can put those worries to rest and catch a movie. The Denver Film Center is your source for the finest in film, providing over 600 film titles per year that represent the greatest in independent and world cinema. From the wildly inappropriate but wildly funny Klown to the dark and tale of Cosmopolis, the Denver Film Center will be sure to have quite the en-
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tertaining line up for any movie film lover for under $10. The Denver Film Center also has plenty of programs that will help to engage you in a variety of genres, including Cinema Q, their annual LGBT film festival. Their regular program lineups include Cine Club, Mile High Sci-fi and Women+Film. For those who enjoy film series and festivals, be sure to keep the Denver Film Center in mind this year. Between August and October, the Denver Film Center is hosting a 15-film retrospective of Studio Ghibli, which produced amazing Japanese titles such as Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke. Not to mention the Starz Denver Film Festival in November,
which hosts over 200 films over 10 days. The Denver Film Center also offers yearly memberships to the Denver Film Society at varying costs. Each package earns discounts on DFS events, advanced booking opportunities and plenty of other perks. To show the Out Front VIP/QRAVE cardholders some love, the Denver Film Center offers a free small popcorn to any card member. So get off of Netflix and head over to Denver Film Center and see a movie. For more information on Denver Film Society membership, film schedule or any of their series and programs, visit http://denverfilm.org. ]
REVOLUTION
Love your VIP Card? Then youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be craving QRAVE. Coming soon from Out Front: A new way to experience all the wonders of the Mile High City. QRAVE and your QRAVE Card will be your pass to amazing deals from local businesses, restaurants and service providers. Discounts, deals and promotions are just the tip of the iceberg. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have daily offers, year-long exclusive discounts and giveaways. Get ready to start Qraving.
AUGUST 1, 2012 | OUTFRONTONLINE.COM
[ [ TRAVEL + SHOPPING ] ]
QRAVE
The brow builder Receive 20% Off your first visit 10% off every time after that!
By Terrell Wallin In this day and age, there is no reason for a man or woman to walk around Denver with a uni-brow, especially with a great place like Emerald City Eyebrows looking out for you. Emerald City Eyebrows knows how eyebrows can make or break your look and owner Cadee Harris, a professional brow expert, will help you find the perfect look that will accentuate your face and proportions in the same way that a haircut would. With her complimentary professional brow consultations, you are sure to get the right brow shape for a completely personalized look for just $20. Even though Harris specializes in eyebrows, she offers plenty of other great services. She offers waxing for the ladies for any body part that has hair, including bikini, French and Brazilian waxes. For the men, she is
BUSINESS OWNERS: Out Front’s QRAVE program offers exclusive discounts at participating locations across the state. You choose the discount you want to offer to your QRAVE customers – then sit back and watch the people line up at your business! The QRAVE membership is free to Out Front readers who regularly check the QRAVE web page and printed participating business list to determine where to spend their hard-earned dollars.
more than happy to wax certain problem areas. On top of waxing, Emerald City Eyebrows also offers brow and lash tinting and skincare services with complimentary consultations. You can be sure of the quality of her services as well as the products, which are all plant and fruit based. These products are sure to nourish your skin, give you the results you need and are safe for your health and the environment. Also, to add on to the already great prices offered by Emerald City, Out Front VIP/QRAVE cardholders receive 20 percent off of your first visit and 10 percent off every time after that. So clean up those caveman eyebrows and head on over to Emerald City Eyebrows. ] For more information call (303) 328.5649 or online at http://emeraldcityeyebrows.com.
Get Your Business Involved In The Qrave Craze! Email advertising@outfrontonline.com or call (303) 477.4000 ext. 702 for details!
TO GET YOUR QRAVE CARD … Email promotions@outfrontonline.com [ [ TRAVEL + SHOPPING ] ]
Businesses
– Annie’s Cafe – Apollo Studio – Black Crown Lounge – Bonnie Brae Tavern – Buenos Aires Pizzeria – Capitol Hill B&B – Cherry Creek Optical – Complete Nutrition – Denver Boulder Colorado Reality – Denver City Rolfing – Denver Film Center – Emerald City Eyebrows – Gigi’s Cupcakes – Great Scott’s Eatery – Hamburger Mary’s – Hapa Sushi – 5280 Chiropractic – ITS Massage – Keos Marketing – LePeep Grill City Park – Martini’s Bistro – Planet Laboratories – Romantix – Skoops Ice Cream – SkyVenture Colorado – Shells and Sauce – Solera Restaurant – 2Wice as Nice
AUGUST 1, 2012 | OUTFRONTONLINE.COM
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>>>>> KEEP GOING pets page 50 • sexuality page 52 • back in the day page 54 >>>>>
OFC classifieds
To place a classified ad, call 303-778-7900 or visit OutFrontOnline.com
ANIMAL SERVICES
CHIROPRACTOR
CHURCHES
COSMETIC
COUNSELING
Wrinkle Reduction: 10% off for Outfront readers
Arvada First United Church www.arvadaucc.org Aurora Parkview Congregational www.parkviewucc.org Moutainview United Church www.mtviewchurch.com Boulder Community UCC www.cuccboulder.org
AUTO SERVICES
First Congregational www.firstcong.net Broomfield The United Church of Broomfield www.broomfielducc.org Colorado Springs First Congregational www.fcucc.org Vista Grande UCC www.vgcc.org
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LCSW, BCD Psychotherapy Serving Denver’s Gay Community since 1977
The United Church of Christ Whoever you are and wherever you are on life’s journey you are welcome here.
LME Skyridge Medical Center Apsen Building, Suite G23 Lone Tree, CO., 80124
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Be fresher, younger looking today! Call today and schedule your Botox Cosmetic, Juvaderm and spider vein removal (sclerotherapy). AFFORDABLE PRICING. www.cpcci.net 303-343-9500
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Englewood First Plymouth Congregational www.firstplymouthchurch.org Mayflower Congregational www.mayflowercolorado.org Lakewood Lakewood UCC www.lakewooducc.com
AUGUST 1, 2012 | OUTFRONTONLINE.COM
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Dr. Albert Cardoso, DDS
General & Cosmetic Dentistry –––––––––––––––– Veneers –––––––––––––––– Teeth Whitening
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Rediscover the Freedom To Be Yourself • Depression/Anxiety • Relationships • Life/Career Coaching CONVENIENTLY LOCATED AT th 17 AND CLARKSON
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700 East Ninth Avenue at Washington St. Denver, CO. 80203 303-832-7789 www.govparkdental.com
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INSURANCE
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Debbie Brundage 303-427-0355 dbrundage@ farmersagent.com
Specializing in Swedish, Deep Tissue, NMT and Trigger Point Therapy Located in Capitol Hill
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Norm Belson Agency 303-777-4690, x101
LEGAL
Travis Alan Ochs Bankruptcy Attorney
AUTO
WANT TO HAVE A REALLY NICE MASSAGE FOR $35? FULL Body FULL Hour Sensually Pleasing Massage. Given by Experienced Mature Therapist. MEN of ALL ages, shape, sizes, colors. NEW Wide double padded Table. Four Handed Massage available soon. Call Bobby 303 831 8266.
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AUGUST 1, 2012 | OUTFRONTONLINE.COM
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CLASSIFIEDS REAL ESTATE
RENTAL CHEESMAN PARK TERRACE
WARNING: Xchange contains adult-oriented ads and may contain provocative or sexually oriented language. If you find such material objectionable, please do not read these ads.
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OFC Gives Good Ad For more info. on joining our network, please call 3037787900 42
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SEEKING COUPLE SWM, 55. Looking for single female or lesbian couple interested in domination, humility, bondage and torture. Contact Matthew at 720-999-2026
AUGUST 1, 2012 | OUTFRONTONLINE.COM
FASHION
Dress Direction
How to take your sundresses into fall
By Misty Milioto Sundresses are the perfect to-go outfit for summer weather: You can just throw them on and head out the door. The best part is that not much thought needs to go into pulling your outfit together, so you can hit the beach, the pool or the park in a
moment’s notice. However, sundresses also are great pieces that can easily transition into your fall and winter wardrobes. OFC spoke with Clare Strouss-Tallman, resident stylist at Fancy Tiger, about what to look for (and what to avoid) when choosing a dress, as well as for tips on how to take your dresses into cooler weather. ]
The Right Way
The Wrong Way
Stay on Trend:
Go for Class, Not Trash:
Hot trends this summer are bright colors, tribal prints, cutout backs, asymmetrical hemlines and sheer fabrics. Choose one (or a few) of these options for something really stylish.
Hide your Hiney:
Check out a local lingerie store for a pair of “hot pants” – they are similar to a boy short, but a little longer – to wear with dresses that are just a little too short.
Dress ’em Up:
Summer dresses are super easy to incorporate into any wardrobe. “Just add your own accessories,” Strouss-Tallman advises.
Join the Band:
While you’re at the lingerie store, also be sure to pick up a bandeau bra (they come in all kinds of colors, lace, cotton-spandex, the list goes on,) and are perfect to wear with sheer dresses.
It’s a Cinch:
Buy a few dresses with empire waistlines. “They are universally flattering,” Strouss-Tallman says.
Avoid low-cut dresses at weddings and other formal summer events.
Skip the Synthetics:
Cotton and cotton blends breathe better than synthetic fibers, so if you want to be comfortable, go the natural route.
Color Craze:
Beware of colors that wash out your skin tone. You want something that flatters your look rather than detracting from it.
No Short Cuts:
Skip the really short hemlines, especially if you’re older than 35. Instead, choose a dress that falls at least three inches above the knee.
Map Out Your Patterns:
Small prints flatter more petite figures, while larger, bolder prints are more flattering for fuller figures.
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Dress Detour Into Fall Light Layers:
In the fall, pair your sundresses with tights, cardigans and flats for an easy route to looking great.
Heavy Hitters:
In the winter, switch to leggings, boots and blazers for a well put-together look.
Color Coordinate:
Choose your sundresses in colors that can be easily worn with other items already in your closet. Also, be sure to choose colors that will work yearround – avoid pastels and neon
Bold Baubles:
Add stronger accessories, such as scarves, substantial bangles and leg warmers for a strapping look that merges right into winter.
Dress it Up:
For more formal events, you can dress up your sundress by adding a jewel-toned trench.
AUGUST 1, 2012 | OUTFRONTONLINE.COM
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ON THE SCENE WITH CHARLES
CAP Food Bank
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TRAVEL DIARY
THE AIDS LIFECYCLE:
N’everything I thought it’d be By Scott McGlothlen As everyone else made their way towards lunch, I immediately headed towards the porta-potties. It was day five of the AIDS/Lifecycle and I started feeling a bit delirious. I didn’t actually have to go to the bathroom, but I still quickly locked myself inside, pulling down my padded bike shorts to just sit and relax in silence. In my entire life, I never thought I would seek retreat in a hot, stinky plastic outhouse as a sanctuary. But then again, I also never thought I would be attempting to ride a bike for 545 miles with more than 2,000 other people. For years, friends had been begging me to join them on the AIDS/Lifecycle. I always wrote off the opportunities since I wasn’t a cyclist. Starting in San Francisco and ending in L.A., the week-long event did at least trigger my passion for HIV and AIDS activism. And though the route doesn’t ever leave the state of California, Colorado had quite the team. Participants in AIDS/Lifecycle have to raise a minimum of $3,000, which many riders found more daunting than the actual biking. Preparing myself for the grueling ride, I sifted through the pages of Facebook to ask my closest 500 friends for donations. Asking one person at a time, I quickly launched passed the $3k goal. The AIDS/Lifecycle awarded prizes for fast fundraisers, seducing me with incentives I couldn’t resist. I left no stone unturned for money and before I knew it, I’d surpassed $7,000. I was less successful at training for such an extreme undertaking. Team Colorado set up training schedules so the local riders could prepare as a group. I constantly reviewed their schedule and had an excuse for each time I couldn’t make it. Secretly, I hated waking up early enough to meet with them. Besides riding my bike all around Denver, the longest training ride I completed was 50 miles. On orientation day in San Francisco, excitement filled the air and camaraderie with friends and strangers fueled the hell out of it. I found out that I had raised a total of $7,250 and was the top 33rd fundraiser outside of the state of California. My aggressive badgering had paid off and I ran over to the incentives station to collect all my prizes. The next morning, opening ceremonies kicked off with combinations of inspirational speeches from the AIDS/Lifecycle representatives as well as warm ups and stretching. The ceremony ended with an emotional moment – they wheeled in an empty bike to symbolize the rider who couldn’t participate because she or he had died with AIDS. I looked around as most people were crying at this tender moment. I wanted to cry but couldn’t;
Riding the first morning in the San Francisco fog.
Posing with the sign that showed I placed 33rd out of the state for fundraising.
I was too jazzed from the adrenaline. All I could think about was getting on that bike and getting this adventure on the road. As we rode out, The San Francisco fog was cool but beautiful. I tried to film myself for my friends and family so they could see me embarking on the journey. Trying to ride a bike while filming yourself isn’t easy and I almost crashed approximately five times. I decided to put my camera away and start actually paying attention. I hit the first rest stop about 20 miles in – the sun was now shining, and I was starving. My typical reluctance to eat junk food went down the drain and I ate whatever I could in order to pump myself full of calories. Before heading back onto the road, my friends and I decided that we should try some of the recommended “butt butter” that other riders deemed so necessary. This creamy substance was supposed to keep your thighs nice and slick to prevent chafing. Stepping into the portapotty, I smeared it all over my thighs, butt, and
I WANTED TO CRY but couldn’t; I was TOO JAZZED from the ADRENALINE.
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any other crevice I could find below my waist. It began to tingle as if I had just lotioned my groin with spearmint. Back on the road, the ride became vigorous as the terrain grew more difficult – we hit hill after hill. My body quickly sent signals that it didn’t like this at all. The steep drops after each hill didn’t help my fear of heights either. During lunch time, all of us gathered along the beautiful seaside cliff to eat. Although my goal was to meet lots of new people, I stuck to my immediate friends to see if they had had as much trouble as I did. A fellow rider from Colorado, overhearing the conversation, stopped to show me how to properly work and shift the gears on a road bike. It was the “love bubble” that everyone gushed about on orientation day. In fact, I saw the love bubble percolating out of many moments. Nearly any time someone had a flat tire, three more riders would pull over to help. If I stopped even for a moment to stretch, each passing person asked me if I needed help with anything. I arrived at camp to discover a most impressive set up. Checking in your bike, picking up your bag and tent, and figuring out where to go flowed in a most organized fashion. It didn’t hurt that we had one handsome roadie helping us either. Dinner service was already underway and the shower trucks were fully functioning. Clocking in at 82 miles, my body still felt like it Continued on page 46
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TRAVEL DIARY The first day, once the fog cleared, we rode along the coast.
My embarrassing try for the classic “Half Way to L.A.” pose dropping the bike on my head.
Laying in pain in our tent with ice packs on my knees.
Three of us huddled together for body heat hoping that an ALC car would stop and rescue us soon. We went from a love bubble to a “let’s get the fuck out of here” bubble. Once a car arrived, they rushed me inside separating me from the bike. They got me out of my wet accessories, wrapped me in Mylar (a thin, foil like material that can retain heat) and fed me candy. The ALC shut down the remainder of day two and everyone rushed to safety in a church near the second rest stop. Once bussed into camp, I was diagnosed with hypothermia and spent the remainder of the evening in the medic tent. The Lifecycle had gone from inspirational to completely discouraging. The medics knew exactly what to do. The next day I woke up without hypothermia and back to just hating the early morning and cold air. I had no desire to get on the bike. On the other hand, I felt particularly encouraged to ride this 66 mile day since lunch time was in the small town of Bradley. Riders could opt out of the ALC lunch and purchase lunch from the local school’s BBQ fundraiser and it seemed to be a big Lifecycle highlight. After riding up a nasty hill everyone dubbed a “quadbuster,” things were definitely starting to hurt. As soon as I found out there was a body work tent set up during lunch, I jumped out of the school BBQ line and got in line for some chiropractic instead. Charity could wait as my knees and shoulders were killing me. I had assumed no sight could get better than the ocean views of day one. Yet riding inland brought us some picturesque country side farms and beautiful wine vineyards. Whatever views I had lost on day two, this would certainly make up for. The total inconsistencies between these first few days set the precedent for the entire AIDS/Lifecycle. With all of the hype of years’ past, I went in expecting total bliss and came out completed frustrated. I knew the biking would be tough. I hadn’t thought it would be masochistic. Pain radiated from my knees to my hands. Even with the padded shorts, the skin under my butt bones began to wear raw. I ended up at a “butt clinic” at one of the rest stops. Bending over in a small car while a nurse gently placed patches on my cheeks would normally add insult to injury. Instead, it just made me laugh and jump for joy when my rear actually felt better.
With mud FLYING UP my back, I DECIDED TO KEEP GOING.
Friends Luke, Scott, Isaiah, and Randi posing with our roadie.
Continued from page 45 had been slammed into a wall. A sign hung on the shower entryway that said to keep showers brief as a courtesy. I took no less than 30 minutes. Dinner was delicious, and the air mattress couldn’t come soon enough. However morning rushed up faster than I liked. I was the kind of guy who needed to sleep in and this ride didn’t allow such extravagance. At five in the morning, I couldn’t have slept longer if I wanted to as all the noise flooded in. After rushing to eat breakfast, break down the tent and butter myself up, I felt optimistic about day two. I’d succeeded in completing the entire mileage on day one despite the unforeseen difficult hills. This day was supposed to be the longest day on the ride at about 107 miles, but with mostly flat terrain. I knew I could do it. But at about 20 miles into it, a storm came in and the rain started to pour. Winds picked up to add some freezing temperatures into the mix. Riders began pulling over to utilize ground transportation while others pushed their way through. With mud flying up my back, I decided to keep going. By mile 37, I was soaked and felt frozen to the bicycle. Only a couple miles away from rest stop two, another rider pulled up behind me and informed me I had a flat tire. I nearly collapsed getting off the bike, and the other rider realized I needed medical attention right away. As it turned out, both of my tires were flat – I’d been so overwhelmingly cold and numb that I hadn’t even noticed.
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Continued on page 51
ALLIES
HIV PREVENTION is a decision ... we hope to continue OUR MISSION to create an empowered and loving GAY MALE COMMUNITY in the Denver area.
By Cody Shafer To most people the word “prevention” inspires simple images; condoms and lubricant accompanied by some sort of judgmental lecture about safer sex practices. It is a message that has been present in the gay male community for as long as most people can remember. “You should not have unprotected sex.” “Limit your number of partners.” “Do this, don’t do that.” Spikes in rates of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, have shown that this messaging hasn’t had the impact that many have hoped for over the past 30 years. Now, as a result of this, the world of prevention is shifting and my work at Denver ELEMENT is shifting along with it. With two new programs forming the foundation of our new direction, we hope to continue our mission to create an empowered and loving gay male community in the Denver area. Our newest program, The “Mpowerment Program,” will work to build community among Denver’s gay, bisexual, and questioning young men ages 18 to 24. Allowing members to define and plan this program themselves will provide a sense of ownership to the community as the staff will act as a support system and resource. Integral to the community building aspect of the program and the events associated with it will be positive and non-judgmental messaging around sexual behavior related to decision making. Another new program, “Positive Impact,” is already in full swing working to empower Denver’s gay and bisexual, HIV-positive men who are coping with injection drug usage. Positive Impact is a five-session class that works to reduce
stress among participants by addressing, in-depth, the decision-making process around status disclosure and partner negotiation scenarios. Both of these programs have an important similarity to be noted; they focus on empowering the community and putting the power of decision back into the hands of the individual. Gone are the days of the one-line lecture. Today we realize that there is nothing more powerful than an individual’s choice – and we are here to make sure that those choices are informed and supported absent of judgment. Beyond these programs The Denver ELEMENT is still taking an active role in Denver’s community. Volunteers participate in outreach at Hamburger Mary’s Drag Queen Bingo every-other week, we continue to advertise and engage the community and continue to be supportive of other community efforts that benefit and engage our gay male community. We will also be participating in the Colorado AIDS Walk this year and are looking forward to another opportunity to engage and support our community! ] Cody Shafer is the Positive Impact program coordinator for The Denver ELEMENT. Cody just recently relocated to Denver from Iowa City where he spent the past six years working in HIV testing and prevention with a local health department. He truly believes that creating a caring and compassionate gay male community is the key to preventing the spread of HIV. Although he admittedly bleeds Black & Gold (GO HAWKS!) he is excited for his new adventures in Colorado and is thankful to have found a program that aligns with his view of prevention and community.
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REAL ESTATE
Do your homework when finding a realtor By Jeff Hammerberg Buying a home may be the largest investment decision you’ll ever make – It’s crucial to hire a realtor that will represent YOU as a buyer broker, has a track record of excellence and is an experienced agent with excellent negotiation skills. The problem is, there is no standard, objective rating system for hiring a realtor, so doing so will be a matter of background investigation and judgment.
There are still a few ways to do some background on a person you’ll be putting this much trust into.
1 2
Google the agents name and see what you find.
All Real Estate Commissions have on-line databases. Search your agents and see if they have had any problems or disciplinary issues.
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3
Ask a prospective agent for six references – names and numbers – that she or he has sold a home to in the past year. This will prevent the agent from “cherry picking” a few good friends over a career, and secondly, if the prospective agent hasn’t sold 6 homes in the past year, you don’t want to work with that agent! When you get the references, call to ask how the experience with the realtor was. Did the agent communicate frequently? Was she or he professional? Did the buyers think their best interests were represented, and would they hire that realtor again? If a realtor is confident in the quality of her or his work, there should be no problem providing a list, as reference checks are common practice. If you’re a home seller, ask your possible hire for a list of their previous “listings sold.” This list should include helpful data such as list price to sale price ratio and average number of days on market, which will give you an idea of what kind of sales a specific realtor has made in the past. Make sure these are her or his personal sales and not from “our office.”
AUGUST 1, 2012 | OUTFRONTONLINE.COM
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If a realtor is confident in her or his quality of work, there should be no problem providing a list of people who that realtor has worked with in the past. But why is this all so important? The answer is simple: A home is often the biggest purchase made in one’s life. It can cost tens or hundreds of thousands, even millions of dollars – a great realtor will streamline the house-buying or selling process and make the experience exciting and enjoyable. In addition, it is important to find a realtor who will be a trusted source of guidance and advice, will provide references for inspection and similar services and will be easy to communicate with. ] Jeff Hammerberg is the Founding CEO of www.GayRealEstate.com
BIG TOYS
A size and shape to fit all: Audi delivers mid-size diversity By Jonathan McGrew
A4
A5 Photos courtesy of Audi
Stop and think about what you need in life; now think about what you want. Many times the gap between needs and wants is practicality. Cars push the limits of anyone’s ability to reason; they’re among the worst investments you can make with their value depreciating the moment you drive off the lot. Yet, we still find the need – and want – to stop, look and buy. How many times have you wanted a car, but couldn’t fit it into your lifestyle, self-image, or budget? The conundrum makes you either giddy with excitement or filled with apprehension. Here in the Rocky Mountains we experience just about every kind of weather – sun and rain, ice and snow and everything in between. The weather in the Rockies makes many want all-wheel drive; some even feel they need it. This is where Audi carved a niche out of the market with its line of all-wheel drive vehicles for the U.S. market. Recently, Audi launched the refresh of their b-segment. Before you spend too much time speculating what “b” stands for: It does not have to do with body parts, sex or bathroom humor. It represents the A4, A5 and the all-new allroad (notice the hip lower case naming) family of vehicles. The highlight for many enthusiasts is the return of the Audi allroad for 2013 — a wagon with off-road prowess and executive comfort, according to Audi. It’s is built on the A5 foundation and uses a similar motor setup to the A4 and A5. For those who like their cars to make a statement, you will appreciate the thinly-stripped chrome grille that integrates into the lower part of the stainless front facia elements. Add the new LED “A” like lights and the appointment of stainless steel on the door ding strips, roof rails and rear bumper, and you realize that this car is a classy multi-purpose wagon. Not into the Executive by day and fabulous Camper by night? Audi also offers the A4 and A5, and, of course, their alter egos – the S4 and S5 performance models. The A4 I shouldn’t need to introduce, I have known many “family” to drive these examples of precision German engineering. The updates for 2013 include the new LED front lights, all-new Multitronic continuously variable transmission, a more aggressive appearance and new interior features like the in car Wi-Fi hotspot and destination guidance with Google Street View. Yes, with the right set of options the complete Audi b-segment line will not only guide you to your destination, but show you what it looks like. For those who need more personal space, the A5 can speak not only to your personality (available in striking colors like Brilliant Red), but also gives you that personal coupe experience. The A5 won’t disappoint in the sporty category either with an optional 6-speed manual transmission or 8-speed automatic with manual mode. The coupe is truly a beautiful body that stops and turns heads—it also says you are okay with being solo (or in the right circumstances plus one) while giving an air of sex, aggression and speed. Looking to be closer to the sun? The A5 Cabriolet can open you up to the warmth and the wind in your hair. The Audi b-segment family is about fitting your lifestyle, whether you want a sedan, coupe or off-road capable wagon. The name of the game is diversity and equality.
Move over Subaru Outback you have some classy competition. But wait just a minute – what about affordability? The A4 starts at $32,500; the A5 starts at $37,850 and the allroad will cost you at least $39,500. And economy? The A4 with new Multitronic achieves 24/31 mpg city/ hwy, the A5 22/26 mpg and allroad 20/27. We can also tell you that the driving experience is comfortable and the all-wheel drive remarkable at giving a sure-footed and safe impression. It is the experience that has defined the Quattro name. So as the sunsets and the weather continues to change ask yourself if you need or want a choice that is as diverse as you are. If you do, then an Audi might just fit the bill. As they say, “It never hurts to look.” ]
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The A5 CABRIOLET can OPEN YOU UP to THE WARMTH and the WIND in your HAIR.
AUGUST 1, 2012 | OUTFRONTONLINE.COM
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PETS
PETS CAN
sport sass, too! Jack
is a pug, and the original model for owner Beth Yanda’s Doggie Boob Scarfs. Yanda has been making boob scarves, for women, with her girlfriend for more than four years, and they are now being sold worldwide. One day, Yanda had an extra piece of fabric from cutting one of her sought after scarves, and as she looked at her “super gorgeous son” Jack, who loves to lay at her feet while she sews. It only seemed natural that the seamstress make a similar one for him. The rest is history. ] Find these scarves online at http://boobsRus.etsy.com.
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We are a federally designated debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the bankruptcy code.
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SEND US YOUR PET PIX AND STORIES!
For many of us, our pets are family. Out Front Colorado wants to publish your pet pictures and funny stories. Email to holly@outfrontonline.com.
TRAVEL DIARY Continued from page 46
A redeeming momemnt eating ice cream with my friend Isaiah.
After defeating relentless hills, a person would stand there with pictures of loved ones they had lost to AIDS. When arriving to rest stops, I saw riders arguing with each other about rules, safety, and the need for speed. Sometimes through small California towns, little kids would hang out on sidewalks to give us highfives. Then I would come to a stop sign only to fall over because my feet were still clipped into the pedals. No wonder I had to seek solitude in a porta-potty while popping ibuprofen like they were skittles. My body, brain and patience for other people were being pulled in a million different directions. With each challenge came a sort of glorious resolution and with each moment of splendor came some sort of opposition. Day six brought more redemption as we rode through the beautiful city of Santa Barbara. The second rest stop had a slutty smurf theme that got me excited to take pictures again. The city itself had set up a pretend ice cream stand for all of the riders where I continued to violate my personal dietary restrictions. By the end, whenever I got too bitter about other riders, local gal pal and longtime rider, Randi, opened my eyes to the actual random acts of kindness still happening all around us. When we pulled into camp feeling annihilated, newly found friend Jeremy, made me feel triumphant instead. My partner Luke, and friend Isaiah, kept me laughing rather than feeling home sick. I could only imagine that if I had done this venture alone, I would have had the same experience in a completely different way. Crossing the AIDS/Lifecycle finish line seemed almost anticlimactic. No ending could do this monstrously brilliant event justice. Did I love it or did I hate it? I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t figure it out. During this one week, I lived amongst HIV activism at its most potent; yet I still found myself at odds with friends and strangers alike. I endured some of my highest highs and some of my lowest lows on this ride. For weeks I reflected and debated all of it. But one thing remained certain: Regardless of a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experience with HIV or HIV status, this journey was nothing short of a personal experience of a lifetime. Every single person would undergo it differently. And therefore I could only recommend it to every person I possibly know. ]
... I saw RIDERS arguing with each other about RULES, SAFETY, and the NEED FOR SPEED.
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AUGUST 1, 2012 | OUTFRONTONLINE.COM
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SEXUALITY
HEINZESIGHT
out The world of online connections Coming as kinky By Shanna Katz
From browsing potential partners on MySpace to filling out countless questions on OKcupid in hope of a hookup, folks have been using online sites for finding everything from one night stands to discovering the love of their life. Whether these people are searching for a quick sex fling or a partnership of a more long-term nature, dating sites have become popular in the queer community for a variety of reasons.
Whitney found that when she moved to the Denver Metro Area, websites helped her “meet” people in a quicker way than she could out and about – especially being under 21. “I used it mostly after high school when I moved to Denver from the mountains and didn’t know many people down there,” Whitney said, “I was kind of socially-awkward so it was hard for me to meet friends, much less partners and lovers.” She’s quick to point out to those that you can also meet friends and community online; “it is worth noting: I met my best friend online. So it wasn’t always for sex.” For Patrick, dating sites allow him to be open about who he is, and ensures that he and potential partners are all playing with the same deck; “I find that it’s less stressful to find a like-minded unicorn online than in the hushed corners of public scrutiny. It’s just easier to play a virtual game of go fish, where I know my potential playmate has all of the cards I’m looking for. I like knowing that I’m not at risk of being violenced for my kinks, or my identity.” On the other hand, Shannon used sites like MySpace to win a bet - and some cash. While she’s now happily married, years ago, she had a different goal; meet and sleep with as many women as possible. “I’m 30 but used the Myspace/craigslist/Connections in my early twenties. I would only search for girls who were looking for women/hookups,” Shannon said. “I hooked up with each of the 10 women from online twice, one 4 times. It’s quite embarrassing now but I used the sites because a friend and I had a $100 bet to see who could hook up with 10 women from online sites first and double down (to $200) for 2 or more hook ups with the same women within a 24-hour period.” Of course, there are those who use the sites in ways they might never have expected. Amy was a big people person, but never seemed to find that perfect person for her.
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“I was always good at talking to strangers, but not finding people to date among those strangers. I’ve always been a big Internet consumer, and it seemed a low-stress, no-cost, low-demand way to meet people.” It seemed to work out well for her in the end; she recently married someone who she first met via a long online conversation. While chatting online is easier for some in regards to social interactions, others use it to interact in a way that feels more validating for their identity. Trans woman Sable explains, “most times I do not feel there is hook up space in ‘meatspace’ [real world interactions] for queer trans women. In Denver there is no real cruising space for trans women to go to. I’ve often thought about going to lesbian bars, but never really been sure how welcome I would be. Plus there is the whole cotton ceiling experience when entering women’s spaces – where trans women are tentatively accepted in terms of the social dynamics in women’s spaces, but not really accepted as potential sexual or romantic partners.” As far as safer sex, people have a variety of ideas around it, from playing it by ear – or not discussing it at all – to having safer sex supplies constantly on hand and letting their newly-found partner decide what makes them most comfortable regarding protection. Some include it as part of their flirtation, where as others wait until meeting in person to bring it up. Regardless of how you use online sites to meet folks, find a shortcut to hookups or potentially fall in love, it seems as though they give everyone the opportunity to reach out and touch someone in a whole new way. ] Shanna Katz, M.Ed., ACS is a Colorado native fierce femme and board certified sexologist. She believes strongly in open source, accessible sexuality education, and loves teaching adults how to optimize their sex lives. For more info, please visit http://ShannaKatz.com.
AUGUST 1, 2012 | OUTFRONTONLINE.COM
[ [ LIVING ] ]
Dear Brent, While I was watching the gay pride parade this year, I saw a good friend walking with the leather group Brent Heinze wearing a harness, combat boots and dog collar. Apparently we have more in common than I thought. I don’t think I could ever be that public with my enjoyment of being tied up and dominated, but part of me wishes I had the balls to be that honest with people around me. I’m very comfortable with being gay, but I feel nervous that someone will find out about my darker side. Are there other people out there that share my apprehension? For some people, admitting to an interest in kink can parallel coming out a gay, transgender, or HIV-positive. All can trigger aspects of personal shame, fear and embarrassment, or may cause people to reject you for something you’re working to embrace about yourself. Kinky urges do not make you any less of a quality person or dictate your course of success in your life: There are doctors into fisting, lawyers into watersports and truck drivers who like wearing high heels. There is absolutely nothing innately wrong with any of these interests. Embracing and taking pride in them may be a different story. Your interest in kinky sex doesn’t need to define you or permeate every facet of your life. You don’t need to wear combat boots and a harness to the gym to show how hardcore you are. I don’t know what my friends’ bedroom, playroom, or bathhouse sex lives look like – most of them don’t blog about it, except, maybe, an occasional dirty bit on Facebook. One thing to keep in mind is that there are some things you definitely can’t take back once they have been put out into the universe – embracing your kinky self doesn’t have to involve taking out ad space. Be sure you are ready to own whatever you come out as enjoying. There is a huge difference between personal pride and being boastful. You also need to be aware of what information and impressions you are putting out publically online. In a world of instantly posted pictures on websites and streaming newsfeeds, you could become notorious in an instant. People can take screen shots of anything, post them or email them to anyone. Remember that we don’t live in the most sexually-open society and there could be additional fallout. Although your kink is a fantastic thing to embrace, it can potentially cause some significant negative impacts in your life. So be aware. It truly can be like coming out again. Some people come out quietly while others choose to scream at the top of their lungs, running down the street in leather wrist and ankle restraints. At the end of day, what you do in your own bedroom or dungeon is your own business and does not need to be shared, analyzed, embraced, or judged by anyone else, yet the freedom to express ourselves sexually is an amazing gift that should be embraced and celebrated. There will always be people out there that don’t get it, but why should they? It is your set of interests for your personal enjoyment and the enjoyment of others. ] Brent Heinze, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor. Send questions and comments to PerspectiveShift@yahoo.com.
August 1, 2012 | outfrontonline.com
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BACK IN THE DAY
From Out Front Colorado’s October 21, 1998 issue …
I
n October 1998, the murder of a young University of Wyoming student sent shockwaves through the nation. News of Matthew Shepard’s October 12 death was all over Out Front Colorado’s October 21, 1998 issue – the 21 year old, who was famously targeted because he was gay, died in a Fort Collins, Colorado hospital just a few days after he was discovered October 7 by a roadside near Laramie, Wyoming, where he’d been left for dead. From the very beginning there was speculation that Shepard’s murder was motivated by prejudice, and Shepard was commemorated throughout the next issue of Out Front from the cover page to a two-page spread urging Coloradans to speak out and vote in Shepard’s memory. The story grew only more desturbing when Fred Phelps and the anti-gay Westboro Baptist Church picketed Shepard’s October 1998 funeral, further galvanizing the community and making Phelps’ church one of the most famous hate groups in America. Like the later high-profile suicides of Tyler Clementi and half a dozen other bullied gay youths in 2010, Shepard’s story was a moment that both activated the LGBT community and brought a national media spotlight to an otherwise under-reported issue: Hatred and violence against LGBT people. It spurred efforts to enact hate crimes legislation nationwide, going all the way up to President Bill Clinton who told reporters “In our shock and grief one thing must remain clear: Hate and prejudice are not American values.” It’s easy to draw a connection between hate-driven violence and hate-driven bullying, and only a couple years before Shepard’s murder, grassroots organization Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) started the National Day of Silence campaign as a way for LGBT students and allies to protest against bullying and silencing in schools. ]
Cover from 1998
Article from October 21, 1998
Back in MY day… Got a story, memory or reflection to share from way back when? Let us know about it! Email editorial@outfrontonline.com with a 200-400 word story with “back in my day” in the subject line to have it considered for print!
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AUGUST 1, 2012 | OUTFRONTONLINE.COM
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August 1, 2012 | outfrontonline.com
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