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2013 t PRIDE GUIDE t June 5, 2013
CONTENTS COVER STORY: YOUR MESSAGES OF PRIDE
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26 57 PRIDE AND POLITICS
On the cover:
Kimberly Le and Justin Daniels. by: Rod Alan Wildeman // www.RodAlanWildeman.com
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12 Letters 18 Pride Voices 36 Pride Parties & Map 38 Pride Entertainment 40 PrideFest Headliners 48 Pride Safety Tips 54 Past Pride Pix 64 Women's Party Fashion 67 Men's Summer Swimwear
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FROM THE ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
THIS PRIDE, WE RECLAIM OUR FAMILY FAMILY IS A PECULIAR WORD. It is, perhaps, the one word that has haunted our community as much as it has driven us. Long before “marriage equality” could be whispered in the Centennial State, long before a gay man could serve as speaker of the state's House, long before the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Colorado’s Amendment 2 was unconstitutional, our community banded together – as a family – not only to put an end to police brutality, not only to put an end to AIDS, but for the simple fact that no one else wanted us. We've come along way in the last 38 years. And on June 15 and June 16, our city, our state, and what will seem like the rest of the Rocky Mountain region and Western plains, will celebrate and "Focus On Our Families" at Denver PrideFest at Civic Center with a dyke march, dogs in drag, two parades (one for children, one for adults), entertainment, dancing and so much more. No doubt, there is much to relish this year, but I wonder: as we gain greater acceptance in main stream society, as we move further away from Stonewall, are we losing some of what has made us so special for so long – liberation? As out gay men and women are serving on a wide range of charity organizations across the Denver metro area, and can now share affection in Larimer Square, our legacy nonprofits that raised money for dozens of community-specific and time sensitive issues, and watering holes that served as shelter from oppression are faced with the task of reinventing themselves for a new generation of LGBTers. And while the fight for marriage equality is full steam ahead, other important work on violence, healthcare and trans rights, still lie ahead of us.
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In some paradoxical way, our community has never felt so close yet so far apart. My intent is not to frighten any of us back into the closet, but to remind all of us there are the families we've chosen – and in some instances chosen us – and the families that society finally deems us appropriate to have. Both are just as important. But one begat the other. And we should never forget that. While my postmodern Modern Family paranoia keeps me up at night, I find peace in this special edition of Out Front. For a more than a month, Out Front's team led by editor Matt Pizzuti opened the door for the community to define the moment with messages in our photo project, "Messages of Pride." Our readers helped us select their best messages to put on display here in this edition. And while each of the messages chosen by our readers are uniquely special, there is something breathtaking about seeing the collective body of hope, love – and family – all at once. If you haven't already, after you've finished this special edition of Out Front, I encourage you, to hop over to ofcnow.co/Qdc and view the slideshow. Now that I think about it, it's sort of like a family portrait. From all of us at Out Front, we wish you a safe and happy PrideFest. P.S.: Part of Out Front's success is the relationship our readers have with our advertisers. It's sort of like a threesome, when you think about it – readers, writers and advertisers – and we want to know who you think we should do business with. Let us know by taking this survey. Plus, you could win $1,000.
i
Nic Garcia is Out Front’s associate publisher. r Reach him at Nic@OutFrontOnline.com.
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FROM THE CENTER
PRIDE TO THE NEXT LEVEL
Bringing hundreds of thousands together THIS JUNE, more than 325,000 LGBT community members and allies from Denver, the surrounding states and across the nation will join together to celebrate and show our pride. We are now one of the largest events in Colorado, and one of the largest Pride festivals in the country. The power of our collective voice and the power we have when we gather to show our pride in ourselves, each other, and our community is undeniable. We are no longer a small minority marching to be seen and heard; we are vibrant, diverse, loud, proud, and impossible to ignore. Pride is the place we come to network, to reconnect, to learn about community resources, to find strength in the collective, and of course to celebrate. Together we are able to win great victories worth celebrating, as we learned this spring with the passage of civil unions. However, with growth there are always growing pains; as one of the largest events in Civic Center we are now subject to increased regulation to obtain our permits for the park and for the right to serve alcohol. The City and County of Denver has asked us to regulate our festival in the same way as other
events in the park, including entry gates and strict regulation of alcohol leaving and entering the premises. We will still permit packs, coolers, etc to enter the park, but are not able to allow any outside beverages. Only factory-sealed containers will be allowed. For more information about these changes please visit denverpridefest.org. The Center works with the PrideFest volunteer committee year–round to bring you the best event possible; we remain one of the few major Pride festivals in the country that is free to enter. We collaborate with businesses, artists, volunteers, and other non-profits to leverage all the resources possible to keep our festival accessible to our entire community. This year we’re excited to announce a partnership with Spree Racing to bring you the Big Gay Family 5K on Saturday morning. With this addition, and the additions in past years of the Orgulllo Latino celebration, the Dyke March, Elitch Gay Day, Youth Alley and the Family Interactive Area, all managed by volunteers, we believe we are the best PrideFest in the country. We hope that you’re proud of it too and will continue to enjoy it in the spirit of community pride.
Amy Drayer is the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at The GLBT Community Center of Colorado. r Online at GLBTColorado.org.
If you go to: w PRIDEFEST:
June 15 –16 at Civic Center Park Saturday Festival Hours: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sunday Festival Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
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w PARADE:
Sunday, June 16, the parade steps off at 9:30 a.m. from Cheesman Park, down Colfax and ends at Civic Center
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reflecting
PRIDE Edited by Rob Barger
I was in the first [Denver Pride in 1976] and every one since. The danger level was high and we were ready to give our lives for equality. Once, I rented a marching drum and beat it until my hands were bloody. – Jack Lund, 61, Denver
Thoughts and memories of Prides past
Pride is a large gay family who unites to express the same dream: To be respected and loved for who we are as people, not for our sexuality – Quincy Lee
1992 was my first Pride parade. The shock and amazement that day was overwhelming. The Dykes on Bikes rode by and I thought that was all there there was – then people just kept coming. For the first time ever, I felt like I fit in. I was blown away because I honestly did not know that many gay people existed. – Rod Wildeman, Denver
The community grows by leaps and bounds, year after year, and the number of gay senior citizens we see each year. Love is beautiful. – Suzanne Calvin, Colorado Springs
[Pride is] segregated! Let’s make that change! – Lonnell Callum
Every year, me and my girl make 100 breakfast burritos. We hand them out to anybody that wants one, served with chilled juice! – Cathy Valentine
You never know who’s standing along that parade route, watching his/her first pride. Like those in the closet, like I was when I first saw a Pride parade in New York City: those people who want to come out but still have the fear. I took a call at The Center last year, a few days after Pride, from a 50–odd–year–old who was finally ready to come out. We celebrate those of us who are out, and we forget those watching who so desperately want to be a part of the community. How do we reach out to them? – John J. Kelly
A sense of pride overwhelms me watching all of my brothers and sisters come out to celebrate what makes us all different, and yet all the same. – Stacy Roqemore
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Continued from page 18
I remember the first parade my son went to. He was a year-old. We had such a wonderful day filled with friends, family and a lot of dancing. – Jezery DeHynton
Almost everyone knows that Denver Pride is one of the best in the nation. I’ve been every year for five years now, and it’s the best time of the summer. The weather is fantastic – a great day to hang out with friends in the sunshine. The atmosphere is electric, and laughter, acceptance, and color are everywhere. – Tessa Foraci, 35, Lakewood
Lots of water under the bridge in 37 years of marching. The event needs to be more political and about civil rights. – Ellis McFadden
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Pride is rainbows. Love. Friends. Family. Booze. Beautiful. Naked. Painted. Girls. – Lexi Van Otten
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Never leaving any behind! Family, friends, love, harmony. – Sydney Andrews
I got to be one of the Pride Marshalls several years back and was very moved by that. I felt a deep connection. – Terry Dodd
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Express Yourself Project
SIGNS OF PRIDE This Spring, Out Front went with photographer Rod Wildeman and his photo station to local LGBT bars and gathering places, inviting anyone in the community to express themselves through written messages for Pride. Those who participated created a collection of more than 200 messages – a story in photos and simple statements about who we are, the issues we face, and what we have to say to each other and the world. From the collection, Out Front’s readers in the community chose a handful of messages for this issue’s cover and the images here. r See the full collection of 213 messages at ofcnow.co/Qdc by Rod Alan Wildeman, rodalanwildeman. zenfolio.com
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JUSTIN DANIELS & KIMBERLY LE JUSTIN: “Having pride is also having pride in yourself, and using protection. Everyone’s partying during Pride, getting intoxicated and totally losing track of their bodies, and a lot of people talk about safe sex but don’t follow through. You see a lot of ad campaigns about meth or drugs but I think there should be more messages about safe sex. The party will always be there, but your health won’t. Be respectful of your body – you only have one!” KIMBERLY: “Pride gets wild, and it’s good to remember to have your fun but keep it safe. We’re both in our 20s, and HIV and STDs are big issue right now, not just with gay men but also with lesbians and straight people – everyone. It’s a very blunt phrase, but it’s true: Safe sex is hot. There’s nothing more attractive than someone who you know always practices safe sex.”
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MATTHEW RASCHKE & CHARLES BROSHOUS
MATTHEW: “I struggled with who I am for many years, and seeing people who are confident with who they are, laying the groundwork for the steps we as a community are taking, has empowered me to do more also. Whenever you feel pride, whether in who you are or what you do, you feel empowered to achieve more.” CHARLES: “Have the courage to take pride in who you are and your role in the community. There are a lot of people, behind the scenes, who do work to empower others whether they’re volunteering or they’re passing bills to make things a little bit better for everybody else. It’s contagious; the more people out there exhibiting their pride, whatever movement that is and however you show your pride, people are picking it up and it empowers them to be better.”
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BILL MITCHELL “Everything that’s happened in your life is going into who you are right now. I was diagnosed HIV positive in the 80s, and I survived double pneumonia and thyroid cancer, through prayer and getting the message there’s a reason I’m still here. I’m very happy with who I am. I live in the country and drink clean water from a well, I eat natural foods. I get a lot of exercise, mind and body. I walked away from drugs and alcohol, finally. That makes a big difference. I try to be honest, because once you put the truth out there about yourself you never have to worry about what anybody is saying about you. I have an optimistic view of life as a Christian man and love the smallest thing or the biggest idea. I try to love and respect everyone. I said try. I'm not perfect.”
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Honorary
M E S SAGE S FOR PRIDE
Nick Christensen with Mom
Antoniota Robles
Jake McBride & Russ Poole
Deborah Saint-Phard
Glen Baker
Kathryn Seeger & Victoria Narns
Mark Gallegos
YingzheXu & Juan Alvear
Dustin Wagner & Ryan Stafford
Keenan Kanaeholo
Lia Byrd & Amanda Cordova
Jessica Loredo
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HEADLINERS SPECIAL EVENTS PARTIES SAFETY & STYLE ESSENTIALS
this way to
pride
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BAR EVENTS
Parties of pride
Party: $4.50 U-Call-its, $2 Bud & Coors Light Drafts.
G 1. AQUA LOUNGE 1417 Krameria St. June 12: Pride kick-off party with special guest DJs and .75 cent beer, $2 wells G 2. BARKER LOUNGE 475 S. Santa Fe Drive June 16: Famous and free Pride BBQ! 2 p.m. Happy hour daily from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m.
G 8. COMPOUND/ BASIX 145 Broadway June 14: GAYER Pride: Broadway businesses will be banding together for their own Pride event!
G 3. BLACK CROWN LOUNGE 1446 S. Broadway June 10: "Zsa Zsa," an evening of extravagance with DJ Gant Johnson and special guest musicians. Happy Hour daily from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. G 4. BLUSH & BLU: A DISTINCT DRINKERY 1526 E. Colfax Ave. June 14: The Tah Tahs! ($5). June 15: DYKE MARCH (9 a.m. until 2 p.m.) and Tranzcend: Ties and Tassels (9 p.m.) June 16: Block Party – all day! Daily happy hour 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. G 5. BROADWAYS 1027 Broadway New patio and extended daily happy hours weekdays 2 p.m. until 9 p.m. and weekends: noon until 9 p.m. G 6. BOYZTOWN 117 Broadway Tuesday through Sunday: Strippers at 10 p.m. June 14-16: Gay Pride 36
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G 7. CHARLIE’S DENVER 900 E. Colfax Ave. June 15-16: Pride weekend parking lot pool party with specials, front row seating, an announcement stand for the parade, breakfast starting at 7 a.m. and beer busts!
G 9. DENVER RODEO 7800 E. Colfax Ave. June 15 – 16: No cover Pride party! Open from 7 a.m. unil 2 a.m.; Drink specials: Stoli drinks, $3.75; PBR mini pitcher, $3 and full pitcher, $4. G 10. DENVER WRANGLER 1700 Logan St. June 12: Pride trivia; June 13: Patio Party; June 14: Pride Lugg; June 15: White Party; June 16: Beer Bust Carnival! G 11. EDEN 3090 Downing St. June 14-15: Eden turns 2! Join a week of events and late night buffets! Buffet is $10 with Tracks/Eden wristband, $15 otherwise
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G 12. EL POTRERO 320 S Birch St., Glendale June 14: Crowning of Latino Gay Pride, $15 beer buckets. June 15: Hip hop Top 40 Dance Party! June 16: Free Mexican buffet at 2 p.m., volleyball, Latin drag show at 11:30 p.m. G 13. LI’L DEVILS 255 S. Broadway $3 Absolut “Outrageous” cocktails all week! June 16: Pride celebration on new patio bar at 3 p.m. G 14. R & R 4958 E. Colfax Ave Happy hour daily until 6 p.m. G 15. TRACKS NIGHTCLUB 3500 Walnut St. June 15: BAD's Women’s Pride Party: ‘Ruby,’ $10 cover, opens at 7 p.m.; 'The Wizards of Oz,' with DJ team Rosabel, tickets at tracksdenver.com June 16: Pride Wrap-Up Pool Party opens at 11 a.m., 21+, $5 cover G 16. X BAR 629 E. Colfax Ave. June 13: Pride black light graffiti party; DJ’s all night. June 14: Allrequest video happy hour with VJ Aaron at 4:30 p.m. June 15: Game Day! Flip cup and beer pong starts at 10 a.m. June 16:Glitter parade viewing party, starts at 7 a.m.
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THEME PARTIES 17. PINK PARTY When: June 15 from 7 p.m. until 1:30 a.m. Where: Casselman’s Bar & Venue, 2620 Walnut St. What: A smashing party of mingling and dancing hosted by Chris Ott and Jeremy Simons, benefits One Colorado How much: $40 presale, $50 at door Tickets: Casselmans.com 18. GIRL PRIDE When: June 15 8 p.m. until close Where: City Hall, 1144 Broadway What: A Pride party for the ladies, hosted by Whitney Mixter from ‘The Real L Word’ and DJs Tatiana, Lezz Vanhalen, Soccer Sarah, Turbo Lee, Stevida, Beth Kanai, Lea Luna and Corona. How much: 2-for-1 cover from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., $10 after 10 p.m. 19. CLIMAX SUNDAY: OFFICIAL PRIDEFEST AFTER PARTY When: June 16 at 4 p.m. Where: Club Vinyl, 1055 Broadway. What: Official rooftop Pride Party! With DJs Chus & Ceballos, Tatiana, Electrofi, Wushu, Rockstar Aaron, and sexy Climax dancers! 18+, benefit The Center
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A QUINTESSENTIAL COLORADO PARTY
Country and Latin stages make Denver's PrideFest distinctly ours By Alex Meyer OUTWEST COUNTRY STAGE Colorado is known as a cowboy state, and no celebration would be complete without honoring those roots. The Outwest Country Stage in Civic Center at 14th and Broadway will open at 11 a.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. Sunday. From solo artists to square dancing, both days will be filled filled with a variety of acts offering something for everybody. For those who are new to line dancing, there will be a free lesson beginning at 11 a.m., Saturday, and on both days will be opportunities for West Coast swing lessons. Country stage headliner Scooter Lee – born and raised in Louisana – is performing at 3 p.m., Saturday as part of her summer tour. Lee, who began her career in the late '70s and has since toured all over the U.S. and Europe, is a product of traditional Southern Country twang and New Orleans–inspired jazz and blues. Add a touch of disco dance flair and Scooter Lee becomes a true cross–genre entertainer with undoubtable appeal. ORGULLO LATINO For the fifth year the Latin stage comes to life at 11 a.m., Saturday and Sunday at the lawn next to the McNichols Event Center at Civic Center. Local dance group Untraceable JOEY DIAMOND Talent, a step team from Northglenn High School, has been performing at PrideFest for the last five years and plans on bringing its fresh and energetic performance to the crowd at 1 p.m., Saturday. There will be traditional folk dance performances, several notable DJs, and various musical acts, including Eclipse de Durango out of Hutchinson, Kansas – a traditional Latin group set to perform at 3:45 p.m., Sunday. Pop and electronic star Joey Diamond, a California native who has been wowing audiences since 2009 with a cult following on YouTube, performs at 2:15 p.m., Sunday as part of a summer tour across the U.S.
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More info on performers, stages, and line-ups at DenverPrideFest.org.
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CAZWELL
brings bold dance moves and hot rap disco tunes to PrideFest
By Kristin Ziegler
n Cazwell’s music combines rap with elements of disco, and an in–your–face punk sensibility. a staple of hot nights at gay clubs across the nation, Cazwell will be performing at 2:15 p.m., SUnDAY, June 16 ON the main stage. Cazwell caught up with Out Front to talk new projects, up–and–coming queer artists, and the cute Denver fanbase that keep him coming back to PrideFest. Kristin Ziegler: It looks like you just returned from a show in Boston. In addition to touring, what are you working on right now? Cazwell: At this very moment I am cleaning my bathroom. I have my friend Jodie Harsh staying with me, and drag queens will get your tub dirty real quick with all that body makeup. Musically speaking, I am planning out the final details for a video with Manila Luzon. It's called "Helen Keller” and will be out this summer. I'm also getting ready to drop 40
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my new single with Luciana called "Guess What," out the first week in June. KZ: Rumor has it your next full–length album will be out this year too. Cazwell: The rumors are true. The album is called Hard To Be Fresh and it's taken a long time to perfect, but I'm just about there. KZ: This June won’t be the first time you’ve performed at PrideFest. What keeps you coming back?
Cazwell: I have a cute fan base in Denver, and keep getting asked back. I really like it there ‘cause the kids in Denver are easy going and laid back. People seem to have good taste in music. I also work closely with Denver DJ and Producer Craig C, so I look forward to making some magic happen with him.
association issues with homosexuals, it has been assumed that an out gay artist cannot make the record industry any profit. I think that's obviously changing.
KZ: What does performing at PrideFest mean to you? Cazwell: There's a vibe and energy that only happens on Gay Pride. It's interesting to see it in so many different cities around the world. Everyone comes out to party and it's generally a very supportive atmosphere for out gay artists.
KZ: There’s been a radical shift in Hip Hop after Frank Ocean’s coming out. What do you think the future landscape is looking like for queer hip hop artists now? Cazwell: Not sure. But I think it will ride more on YouTube, blogs and self–promotion than relying on a record company to swoop down and make a gay artist’s dreams come true. The out gay artists I know are very hard workers who grind all the time without the help of the record industry.
KZ: Some years back, you said you “didn’t feel like the music industry was particularly homophobic.” Do you stand by that? Cazwell: Yes. I think to finish that quote I said that the record industry isn't as homophobic as they are "not making any money phobic." And since music buyers, particularly teens, have always seemed to have
KZ: Any suggestions for our readers’ summer playlists? Cazwell: Yes! Mykki Blanco is a hero. Love him! Brook Candy is sick. Le1f is always dropping good shit. There's a new gay rapper Rica Shay and he's one to look out for. Producer Richie Beretta is making some sick beats and remixes. Expect to hear these kids on my summer mix tape.
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KZ: You’ve collaborated with artists from Peaches to Lady Gaga to your close friend and muse Amanda Lepore. If you could work with anyone, who would be next? Cazwell: I'm very happy with my team right now but I would love to cut a track with Beth Ditto. However, Missy Elliott is my ultimate dream collabo. KZ: You’re not shy about showing off your body in videos. What fitness tips do you have for those wanting the perfect summer body? Cazwell: Steroids. (Laughs) Naaaaah, I'm playin’! Lay off the liquor and you'll notice a huge difference. Combine working out five days a week and staying away from processed foods and sugar. KZ: Is there anything else you’d like to say to your Denver fans? Cazwell: I can't wait to party with you guys for Pride! See you soon! Cazwell performs PrideFest at 2:15 p.m., Sunday, June 16 on the Main Stage at Civic Center.
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MARTHA WASH
is 'gonna make you sweat' at PrideFest
By Kristin Ziegler
n Martha Wash’s powerful vocals left her no stranger to the charts, her hit songs “It’s Raining Men” and “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” are unforgettable, while her loving spirit and passion for HIV/AIDS awareness have left her no stranger to the LGBT community. In her 35 years in the music industry, she has proven herself deserving of both the labels of “icon” and “gay icon.” Wash took some time to talk to Out Front about her first full-length album in 20 years, Something Good, why she loves playing Pride events, RuPaul’s Drag Race, and what she loves about the Denver gays! Kristin Ziegler: You’ve recently released your first album in nearly 20 years, Something Good, with a little bit of R&B, funk, gospel, and rock, and even a cover of “Dream On.” Could you share with us a little bit about this new album? Martha Wash: This album is naturally a departure from what I'm known for singing. I felt it was time to do something 42
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different and stretch out a bit. I wanted to find songs that would uplift and inspire and be reflective to people, to feel touched by this music, whatever that feeling was. Pick a track and let it resonate with you. KZ: A lot of tracks will certainly resonate with your LGBT fans. Are you comfortable with the being called a “gay icon”?
MW: With the LGBT fans being my core audience, whatever they call me is fine, just CALL ME! (Laughs) Really, I'm flattered by it, but I don't trip on it. KZ: What do you love about Colorado and its gay community? MW: I think Colorado is a beautiful scenic state with gorgeous mountains, and with the gay community, they've always brought great energy to me and made me feel so special. KZ: What does playing LGBT Pride events mean to you? MW: Doing the Prides is fun, because I'm there to help celebrate their struggle, pain, strength, passion, and ultimately love on them. I also get a chance to meet a lot of the fans that have followed me for years, and sometimes get to catch up for a minute. KZ: You were honored by the AIDS Emergency Fund last year with a lifetime achievement award. You lost a dear friend and fellow entertainer, the Disco legend Sylvester, to AIDS. Could you tell us a little bit about your work and activism?
MW: I first got started working with small grassroots organizations in different cities. Remember, no one at that time knew what HIV/AIDS really was and how it was contracted. Izora [Rhodes] and I would perform at their fundraisers. Over the years, I've continued to do that, as well as go to some of the hospices and talk to the patients. I'm always happy to do that because I believe it makes them feel good, and for me as well. There have been so many people I've lost over the decades, but thankfully there are now so many people living longer and living wonderful lives. KZ: You have another very close friend in RuPaul, and guest judged on RuPaul’s Drag Race a couple of years ago. MW: I've been a fan of RuPaul's Drag Race since the beginning, I love him and Michelle Visage! I've actually done some Prides with some of the queens. KZ: Who were you rooting for last season? MW: I thought Roxxxy Andrews would win. I'm rooting for the big girls! (Laughs) I just thought she was so beautiful, and I
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love all of their backstories. There was one girl, who looked so similar to Shangela, they could have been twins. KZ: Any chance you might treat the audience to another guest appearance? MW: I would definitely come back and be a judge! KZ: What is your secret to being and staying so fabulous? MW: My secret to being beautiful and fabulous is genes. I try to keep myself together as best as I can, but you know it does take a village! (Laughs) I won't lie, as I've gotten older, I try to take better care of myself so I can be here for a long time. KZ: Finally, do you have anything special to say to your LGBT fans in Denver? MW: I'd like to thank all my LGBT family in Denver for supporting me over the years, and I so look forward to celebrating Life, Love, and being who You are, with you! Martha Wash performs at 3 p.m., Sunday, June 16 on the Main Stage at Civic Center.
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TAYLOR DAYNE
and her chart topping hits take center stage June 15
By Kristin Ziegler
n Taylor Dayne has been a dance music legend since her infectious “Tell It to My Heart” in 1988 – the blond bombshell with powerhouse vocals has made the dance charts every decade since. Gearing up for her performance at Denver’s PrideFest, Dayne spoke with Out Front about the power of gay fans, her new reality TV career, how social media has changed the music industry – and her health tips. Kristin Ziegler: You’ve been in entertainment more than 25 years – you’re still busy! What are you up to these days? Rumor has it, a revisited “Best Of” album is in the works. Taylor Dayne: Yes, I’ve re– recorded all my greatest hits. Which was fun to do, to match what I did then, and stay identical to vocal choices was a crazy, fun experiment. Also, a big tour calendar has me going through mid–September! KZ: You have a catalog of great pop, R&B, and dance hits. What you will be playing at PrideFest? 44
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TD: I love to perform my hits, but as this is also my loving loyal LGBT audience who loves to keep the energy up and dance. A remix here or there is also a great time for the dance off and energy. KZ: You’ve said your “gay fans are the most loyal and fun to play for.” TD: I have been performing at Prides, clubs and some white parties for almost 23 years! I can tell you, from outdoor to arena events, like the Gay Games in Cologne Germany, the LGBT audience is always expanding, embracing, loyal, fun, and Lord knows, dynamic!
And the most joyful, appreciative audience to ever perform for – a dream Fan! KZ: At a drag benefit for GLAAD last month, you said you “absolutely” support same-sex marriage. TD: I’ve learned and experienced so much myself being a parent – a single, working mom – so I say this: our world has changed. This is about laws that make it easier for same-sex couples trying to have families, and safely and securely providing for them in sickness and in health. Everyone deserves that right. KZ: In addition to being a mom, you’ve been a recording artist, film actress and Broadway diva, and just last year you’ve tried something new – reality TV. What was your experience on Rachel vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook-Off ? TD: (Laughs) Cooking is definitely not in my comfort zone! Doing that show was complete blind faith that I would have a good time and not be laughed off. And what an experience I had! I pulled all
my creative juices and competitiveness together and hustled myself into the finale. The angels of food were with me! Now, just hearing, learning, watching and experimenting with food and recipes is so fascinating. By the way, watch for me in June on the Food Network’s Cupcake Wars. I will guest judge on the finale. KZ: In 2009, Rolling Stone polled readers and found they wanted you – more than any other pop legend – to judge on American Idol. Would you be interested? TD: American Idol and The Voice, X Factor, America’s Got Talent, and all the talent competition shows are a phenomenon! The judges get incredible exposure, and it’s an opportunity for talent to reveal their experience and personality. It’s a win/win, an opportunity I would wholly embrace. KZ: You’ve really taken to Twitter (@ taylor_dayne) and Facebook recently. How do you think social media has
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revolutionized the entertainment industry? TD: The impact is incredible for grassroots artists to break out. It’s how to let the world know you exist. The world is a button away! KZ: You post a lot about health and fitness there – what are your favorite beauty and wellness tips? TD: For me, sleep is key! And a fresh lemon squeezed in warm water first thing in the morning is a natural detoxifier and alkalizes our acidic selves. KZ: Do you have any messages for your Colorado fans before you arrive in Denver? TD: I have had wonderful times over the years in beautiful Denver and Boulder! I love the beauty of the area, and I look forward to seeing you all! Taylor Dayne will perform at 5 p.m., Saturday, June 15 on the Main Stage at Civic Center Park. r More info on Taylor Dayne at www.DivasAndDjs.com.
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A brief guide for Pride tourists Get around and see Denver if you’re from out of town Get In –
By Alex Meyer
Denver’s PrideFest – the THIRD largest Pride celebration in the nation and expected to draw an estimated 325,000 visitors this year – draws its fair share of tourists and visitors from around the nation and world. If you’re one of those out–of–towners, or just want to celebrate without worrying about parking the car, here’s how to make the most of the weekend.
Denver International Airport is one of the largest airports in the nation – offering daily and direct flights from most U.S. cities – but a long way from central Denver. The flat rate for a taxi will run you around $55 to get to downtown, and every major car rental company operates out of Denver. But the budget–conscious, RTD’s Sky Ride provides one-way bus service downtown for about $9. r Find out more at rtd-denver.com/skyride
Get Around –
Once you’re in central Denver, getting around without a car is easy. Taxi services like Yellow Cab and Metro Taxi are easy to find in the Downtown area, and a free Mall Ride Shuttle down the 16th Street Mall connects Civic Center Park to Downtown Denver and Union Station, which in turn connects to bus and light rail routes throughout the metro area. Easily plan your route online with the RTD trip planner tool, located on the home page of RTD’s website. But Denver is a cycling city – and when in Rome, bikes are a preferred form of transportation. Rent public bicycles with a credit card swipe at corner B-cycle stations throughout the city and check them back in at the next station. Cost is $8 for a 24-hour membership or $20 for a week-long membership. r Use the trip planner at rtd-denver.com and find out more about B-Cycle at denver.bcycle.com
Do –
To see Denver beyond the PrideFest events, head to one of Denver’s hip neighborhoods for chance to really see what life is like in the Mile High City. The Highlaands, located just north of Downtown, has numerous bars, shops and restaurants that cater to nearly anyone. Don’t miss the urban street tacos at Pinche Taqueria, and stop and enjoy a glass of wine at Highlands Cork & Coffee. If you’re looking for a chic experience, head to the Cherry Creek Shopping District, Denver’s premier retail destination. Take the time to stroll through the many independent boutiques that line the streets before heading to True Food Kitchen, where the health–conscious food is far from boring and bland.
See –
Denver is a city of many attractions, especially during Pride weekend. The Colorado Rockies are hosting the Phillies all weekend, and even if you’re not a baseball fan there’s nothing quite like watching a sunset over the Front Range from the outfield at Coors Field. For a more cerebral experience, head to the Denver Art Museum or the new History Colorado Center, both within two blocks of Civic Center. 46
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Pride-time Emergency Resources
EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE: DENVER POLICE HEADQUARTERS Police Administration Building • 1331 Cherokee St.,• Phone: 720-913-2000 • Dial 911 for Emergencies ONLY COLORADO ANTIVIOLENCE PROGRAM 24-hour crisis line Phone: 303-852-5094 METRO CRISIS LINE Emergency Mental Health Intervention Phone: 888-885-1222 SHELTERS & DETOX CENTERS: DENVER CARES DETOX 1155 Cherokee St., Phone: 303-436-3500 DenverHealth.org ARAPAHOE HOUSE DETOX 4643 Wadsworth Blvd. Wheat Ridge Phone: 303-412-3751 THE GATHERING PLACE (Daytime drop-in center) 1535 High St. DENVER RESCUE MISSION 3501 E. 46th Ave. Phone: 303-297-1815 TRANSPORTATION: UBER Private Driver car service with location-based app www.Uber.com CABS Metro Taxi 303-333-3333 Yellow Cab 303-777-7777 Union Taxi 303-922-2222
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PRIDE SAFETY TIPS
Pride sHouLd ALWAYs be fuN, but sAfetY ANd sMArts HeLP KeeP it sMootH. Here’s A CHeCKList for A seAMLess Pridefest WeeKeNd. don’t forget to eat: You might not find the time to stop for a good meal after PrideFest starts, so eat healthy and hydrate before you go out to help your body keep running through the fun. Make a Pride plan: Before the festivities begin, consider what you’re open to getting in to, and have at least a rough plan for where and with whom you might crash with if necessary, whether your car is in a place where it can stay overnight if you wind up too drunk to drive, and how much you're willing to drink in the first place. Charge your cell phone: It’s not a bad idea to have a charger in your bag, but in case you can’t find an outlet, make sure it’s at 100 percent before you head out!
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Carry protection: Sunscreen is a must for Pride in the park, and sunglasses and UV-protecting chap stick can’t hurt. There should be no shortage of condoms or dental dams handed out free at Pride, but whether you snag a few at the festivities or bring something from home, be sure you have something in your pocket if there’s a potential for fun. Let friends know where you are going: When you’re at Pride, if your group splits up or you end up going home with someone new, it’s always a good idea to have a trusted friend who knows where you are and who you can call if you’re in a bind. Plan on watching your drinks: If a person you don’t know offers to buy you a cocktail or beer, go with her or him to the bar to watch it until it’s in your hand. Have a friend watch your drinks if you leave them to use the bathroom. take a moment to think about what you would do if you find yourself in a dangerous or threatening situation: There’s no reason to spoil the fun, but you’ll have a better strategy if you take a moment while you’re calm to consider possibilities and what you might do about them.
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June 21 Red Rocks
the QuOtaBle and PiCture PerFeCt PrideFest emCee
Demarcio Slaughter in his own words Photos by Nikki Kushner
“Eight years ago when I took over as entertainment coordinator of the main stage, I begged for a national headliner. Although I had emceed for two years prior, I was finally “in charge of it all,” and wanted it to be a big deal. It had never been done before and I actually raised money to make it happen. We booked CeCe Penniston and when I introduced her – I remember feeling the cheers, applause and energy from the audience actually push me back on stage. I’d never experienced such a rush and wave of exciting emotion like that. That’s when I knew this was gonna be a gig I would keep for a while.”
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“Three years ago – what the audience or The Center doesn’t know, is that En Vogue cancelled on me about two weeks before Pride. Apparently they couldn’t get all four girls and just sent me a two line email, saying – ‘Sorry – we can’t be in Denver. The girls are not available.’ I had worked very hard to book this group, all the money had been paid, air and hotel all booked – it was The Center’s 30th anniversary and I was not going to accept this. I was on vacation in California at the time and decided to just go to the agents office and just get this done. In the end – we had only three of the four girls and one of the biggest crowds to date. However, a huge headache and what we’d call a “hot mess.”
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“Over the years – the costumes I wear have gotten far more elaborate, as the audience has come to expect (and now places bets) on what I’ll wear and how many times I’ll change on stage (thank you Diana Ross)! This year will be no exception, as I’ve just returned from New York City with 42 yards of stunning new material and meet with my costume designer next week.”
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PrideFests Past:
Out Front archive photos from the early days of Denver Pride
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Out Front’s Northern Colorado correspondent and photographer Nikki Kushner’s top pix from Denver’s 2012 PrideFest
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Out Front’s street Photographer Charles Broshous’ favorite photos from Denver PrideFest 2012
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Pride & Politics
After a three year political battle at the Colorado General Assembly, same-sex couples here won the right to have their relationship recogonized as a civil union. It took thousands of volunteer hours, hundreds of thousands of dollars financed by a network of donors across the nation and a coalition of political opperatives across the state to leverage an election cycle that already favored Democrats in order for the state to take a "half-step" toward equality. That was the easy part. Now the same volunteers, donors and opperatives have to decide:
IS COLORADO READY FOR MARRIAGE? BY NIC GARCIA
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T
hese days, Brad Clark has an unusual amount of spare time on his hands. The executive director of One Colorado, the state’s largest LGBT advocacy organization, has found himself sandwiched in time between his biggest political victory – the passage of the Colorado Civil Union Act – and an undetermined day, that, when it arrives, will set in motion a series of events that will solidify plans to usher in marriage equality here.
That day – most likely just after the last of the glitter from Denver’s PrideFest celebration has been swept away – is the day the United State’s Supreme Court will make public its decisions on two cases regarding relationship recognition and benefits for same-sex couples. Few, if any, legal experts expect the Supreme Court to make a sweeping mandate for marriage equality in either its decision on the California case regarding Proposition 8, a voter approved ballot measure that stripped the right for gay and lesbian couples to marry in California after the state’s highest court ruled they could, or its opinion on whether the federal government has the right to withhold benefits bestowed to heterosexual couples from same-sex couples. Even fewer believe any decision will have a direct and immediate impact on Colorado. “The question before the court isn’t whether same-sex marriage is legal, but whether a popular vote can take away a set of rights that were previously recognized,” said Metropolitan State University of Denver constitutional law professor Norman Provizer. “We never recognized gay marriage here.” So, if no one is expecting a ruling from the Supreme Court to be excessively favorable to the cause of marriage equality, why wait and not take matters into their own hands? If there is even one halfsentence in a limited but favorable opinion a team of lawyers could use to continue the argument that marriage, regardless of gender, is a constitutional right, a legal case maybe the quickest and most affordable path.
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Brad Clark, center left, shares a moment with Fran, left, and Anna Simon before the two became the first same-sex couple to enter into a civil union in Colorado May 1. The Simon's son, Jeremy, watches on. Photo by Evan Semon/Out Front A lawsuit challenging Colorado’s Amendment 43, a ballot question approved by voters in 2006 defining marriage between a man and a woman, would also spare gays and lesbians the multi-million dollar financial and emotional burden of putting their families up for a vote, Clark said. A burden Clark’s not ready to ask the community to carry unless he knows victory is assured.
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“The next steps are going to be weighed seriously and strategically,” Clark said. “We have to have to be assured there is a reasonable expectation of success we’ll win.” ‘There was avoidance of romance and love’ When Coloradans in 2006 were asked to constitutionally limit the definition of marriage to a man and a woman, they
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were also asked in a separate initiative to extend some of the rights and responsibilities of relationship recognition to same-sex couples through domestic partnerships. Coloradans for Fairness, the campaign behind Referendum I, primarily funded by one donor, gay activist and philanthropist Tim Gill, publicly raised more than $5 million and outspent the religious right coalition responsible for
putting Amendment 43 on the ballot nearly 5-to-1 – and lost on both questions. “We were ahead of our time,” said Adam Crowley. Then 26-years-old, the Grand Junction native served on the campaign as an outreach director. “Our base wasn’t even there yet.” Ref I, referred to the ballot by the Colorado General Assembly, was the first time in the nation’s history voters were asked to extend rights to samesex couples. The question also came before just after the state’s laws included an LGBT inclusive employment nondiscrimination act and before second parent adoption and robust school bullying policies. “People’s attitudes were a hell of a lot different then,” said lobbyist Jeff Thormodsgaard. The nation was engulfed in anti-gay hysteria championed by President George W. Bush’s administration that was cheerleading not just statewide constitutional amendments limiting marriage, but a federal
State Rep. Bob Gardner, R-Colo. Springs, spoke out against the Colorado Civil Union Act in 2013, principley because, he said, voters decided against relationship recoongition for same-sex couples in 2006. Photo by Sean Mullins/Out Front amendment that would double down on the federal Defense of Marriage Act signed into law by President Bill Clinton. Thormodsgaard worked on the campaign as a regional field director in Boulder. But, he added, “it wasn’t the
watershed loss it could have been.” Thormodsgaard and Crowley now agree, the work done on the Ref I campaign was the beginning of a new understanding on how to connect with voters on gay rights and that 2014 could be the year to run a successful
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ballot campaign to overturn Amendment 43. “We live in a fundamentally different state,” Crowley said. The state, according to analysis by pollster Floyd Ciruli, added 400,000 new voters in 2012. A little more than 75 percent of those voted for President Barack Obama. Coloradans also legalized recreational marijuana, an idea voters opposed in 2006. If the voters weren’t there in 2006, neither was the message, Crowley said. The campaign was focused more on convincing voters domestic partnerships were a logical compromise and about fairness rather than tug on their heartstrings and share stories about love and commitment. "The campaign was all about hospital visitation, health care and end of life decisions,” Crowley said. “There was avoidance of romance and love. That’s the interesting thing about how far we’ve come.
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Now it’s all about ‘one love,’ ‘same love,’ – and it’s working.” Amendment 43 passed 53 percent to 47 percent. Referendum I lost 52 percent to 48 percent. “Can we make up that 2 percent? I think we can,” Crowley said. “But it’s going to take money, organization, and buy in from stakeholders and straight allies.” “The ultimate goal is … to build a strong community.” It’s not that Brad Clark and his teams are twiddling their thumbs. They’re fanning across Colorado this spring and summer asking supporters at Pride festivals to sign a petition to ask U.S. Senators debating an immigration bill to include LGBT protections. The petition accomplishes a couple of things for One Colorado: it keeps the advocacy organization’s current base engaged, while growing a database of emails, and strengthens ties between itself and its progressive Latino partners. The petition drive comes immediately after not just the passage and implementation of the Colorado Civil Union Act, but a successful legislative session that included the passage of the Colorado ASSET bill, granting a lower college tuition rate to the children of immigrants who came to the U.S. unauthorized; the expansion of Medicaid that will allow the community’s most underserved population access to health care; and a memo from the state’s Division of Insurance prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and transgender status. As One Colorado continues its work on safe schools, trans inclusiveness, and race relations within the LGBT community, it’s weighing several political factors in regards to marriage: first, what does the Supreme Court say? If the court’s ruling is narrow and it’s clear a ballot initiative is the only path, should voters be asked in 2014, a midterm which might draw out more 60
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social conservatives because of backlash on gun legislation? Or would the question do better in 2016 – especially if former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is on the ballot? Or could the momentum behind marriage equality wane just enough to make it more difficult to stoke a progressive fire? Political tea leaves aside, there are some clear standards One Colorado and the LGBT community can and should set to make a clear decision on when to ask voters to reverse the course of Amendment 43, said executive director of Basic Rights Oregon Jeanna Frazzini. Frazzini, who has worked with Basic Rights since 2000, said LGBT Oregonians have faced five different statewide votes on their families since 1973. And when the community first began discussing whether they should organize a proactive marriage ballot initiative, after the state’s highest court in 2009 let a lower court decision on Oregon’s constitutional one–man–one– woman definition of marriage stand, the community agreed in order to win they would need to meet the following criteria: • Polling would have to show at least 50 percent of Oregonians agree with marriage equality • Create a sustainable fundraising drive to finance a field operation • A consistency of public engagement by thousands of volunteers • Oregon would need the backing of and support from national partners And while Frazzini said the work her organization in 2011 netted a 10 percent favorable shift in polling data, it still wasn’t enough to create a reasonable expectation of success. “Our donors and volunteers said they only wanted to run a campaign once – and for all,” she said. “And we decided to hold the vote for another day.” The day is now, Franzzini said. With marriage victories across the nation, including Oregon’s northern neighbor Washington, Basic Rights Oregon
is expecting to begin gathering signatures this summer to put marriage on the 2014 ballot. If Basic Rights is successful in both putting their question on the ballot and winning the vote, it will be the first state – and a model for the rest of country – to reverse a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. If One Colorado were to use the same standards, they might come to the same conclusion that 2014 is the year. Coloradans favor marriage equality by 51 percent, according to a Public Policy Polling survey. One Colorado already has field offices across the state. And after two election cycles and three years of lobbying for the civil unions, One Colorado is poised to move the conversation to marriage. But a ballot initiative to reverse Amendment 43 would likely be one of the largest campaigns Colorado’s progressive coalition has ever been a part of: political experts interviewed by Out Front put the price tag between $5 million and $20 million.
By comparison, a joint effort between One Colorado’s small donor committee, PAC and C4 nonprofit and a network of national donors raised
less than $400,000 during the 2012 election. More than half came from out of state. While the funds served more as a punctuation mark to a sentence
Supporters of the Colorado Civil Union Act rallied at the statehouse Feb. 28. Those same supporters will need to mobilize across Colorado and engage with voters if they hope to reverse Amendment 43's limit on marriage to one-man and one-woman. Photo by Evan Semon/Out Front
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on Colorado’s GOP leadership written by Colorado Democratic donors, it was begs the question whether Colorado residents are ready to invest money in a vote on their equality. The money raised to out lawmakers One Colorado held responsible for blocking a vote on the Colorado Civil Union Act fail in comparison to the marriage campaign in Washington where activists raised more than $14 million — $9.5 million from their own state. That money was supplemented by donations from all 49 other states, according to campaign finance reports. A sign of the times: every state gave more to support pro-equality efforts than the opposition. “The ultimate goal is not just the policy win, but to build a strong community to move the momentum forward,” Franzzini said. “Because, there will still be a lot do after the freedom to marry is won.”
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FAS HION
Out on the town KATIE’S C LI QU E :
www.KatieAndelman.com
TH ES E DE NV ER W OM EN SP OR TE D TH EI R FR ES H SU MM ER TI ME FA SH IO N AT TH E FI RS T CL IM AX RO OF TO P PA RT Y OF TH E YE AR MAY 26 . PH OT OS CO UR TE SY OF KATI E AN DE LM AN PH OT OG RA PH Y 64
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FAS HION
Summer Swimwear CHA D CHISHOL M
Swimwear provided by Baskit
Baskit Playas Rise Bikini (left), Baskit Dots Shortboard (center), Lucky 11’s (right)
Mod e ls Connor, D i r k a nd J osh ge t the i r ta n o n d uri ng th e day, so they can d a nce fo r yo u a t B oyz tow n at ni ght .
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Dirk in a Baskit Outlines Bikini. Available in noir and green, navy and red (pictured) or silver and yellow // Retail for $42
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Connor wears a Baskit Lucky 11's. Available in navy blue, army green, super gold, or white (pictured) // $44
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Connor in Baskit Playas Rise Bikini, Dirk in Baskit Dots Shortboard, and Josh in Lucky 11’s.
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THERE’S POWER IN OUR PRIDE
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Taking an annual pulse on market trends through surveys helps demonstrate the LGBT community’s growing power, and influences positive change. Everyone who completes the survey by June 30, 2013 may enter into a drawing to win one of five US $100 cash prizes, or designate a non-profit charity to receive the prize.
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Community Marketing, Inc. is an NGLCC Certified LGBT-Owned Business Enterprise. Founded in 1992. LGBT Community Survey is a trademark of Community Marketing, Inc. 584 Castro St. #834 San Francisco CA 94114 USA
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COMMITMENT. the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, person For more than 37 years, Out Front has chronicled the struggle for equality. And while we celebrate a major victory, the ďŹ ght continues. Like us on Facebook today to be a part of the next step toward full marriage equality.
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