I know, I know, my constant begging for votes is getting annoying.
I've been called worse.
I've been called worse.
BigGayCasting.com
Showing newest 56 of 229 posts from February 2009. Show older posts
Showing newest 56 of 229 posts from February 2009. Show older posts
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
James Dobson resigns
AP is reporting that James Dobson has resigned as chairman of Focus on the Family.
His resignation comes only a couple of months after extensive layoffs at the conservative and anti-gay Christian group.
In a statement, Dobson said he was resigning in part to allow the next generation to prepare for "executive authority."
Perhaps Focus on the Family's declining influence in their home state of Colorado and in the nearby state of Wyoming also had something to do with Dobson's departure.
Whatever the reason for his resignation, Dobson's legacy is one of hatred, fear, and misinformation.
James Dobson resigns from Focus on the Family; GLAAD responds
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) today responded to the resignation of James Dobson, head of the anti-gay Focus on the Family ministry.
"For more than 20 years, James Dobson has used his expansive, well-funded media platform to promote defamatory and false information about the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people," said Neil G. Giuliano, President of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). "As Dobson resigns from his role as chairman, it is important to remember his history of false and defamatory claims about our community. GLAAD urges the media to not allow Dobson to turn today's news into yet another media platform for him to advance his intolerant divisive attacks on gay and lesbian Americans and their families."
Ever wanted to see Bud Bundy naked?
Me either but here he is anyway.
Kind of a cute butt.
-via OMG Blog
The Democratic Party is throwing a party
The Democratic Party of Denver has officially moved to their new location at 574 S. Broadway in Denver. They will be having an open house with snacks and beverages on Saturday, March 21 from noon until 4 p.m. Be sure to stop by and check out the new digs.
Gay television on demand from here!
Check out all the gay television on demand from here! Networks for the rest of February and coming up in March.
* click to embiggen and read
MileHighGayGuy for 'The Big Gay Sketch Show'
Vote for me to win an audition for 'The Big Gay Sketch Show'. I appreciate you. You are special to me. Thanks!
Hey everybody, please do me a favor and click the link to vote for me to win a chance to appear on 'The Big Gay Sketch Show.'
Matter of fact, it'd be much appreciated if you clicked that link and voted for me once a day for the next eleven days or so.
I'll make it worth your while.
New Mexico Domestic Partner Bill stalls
The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights group, issued a statement yesterday regarding a vote in New Mexico’s state Senate on the Domestic Partner Rights and Responsibilities Act, which would allow lesbian, gay, or straight couples to enter into domestic partnerships and receive rights, benefits, and responsibilities under state law. The Senate voted 25-17 against the legislation.
“This is obviously very disappointing news, and I share the sadness of everyone in New Mexico who hoped this vote would go differently and the state would take a step toward recognizing equality for all New Mexicans.” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “Today’s vote helps no one in the state of New Mexico. It protects no one’s marriage. It grants dignity to no couple’s relationship. It does nothing to ensure that all families receive the equal rights and responsibilities they deserve. But no one is giving up. It has been a long, hard struggle for couples and families in New Mexico who simply want equal rights, and this effort continues, as it does across the nation.”
More after the jump.
New Mexico’s legislature has considered similar legislation in each of the last two years, and the bill has, in the past, come within a single vote of passing.
The Human Rights Campaign has had a field director and a field organizer on the ground in New Mexico for more than a month working with the ACLU, Equality New Mexico, HRC members and other activists to organize grassroots support for the domestic partner bill. Another organizer has been in the field since August. Their work included organizing door to door canvassing and phone banks to voters urging them to contact their senators.
The bill would provide unmarried couples, lesbian, gay, or straight, with the right to enter into domestic partnerships and receive benefits and responsibilities under state law, including, but not limited to, hospital visitation, the right to make a medical decision for an incapacitated partner, the right to file a joint state tax return, and inheritance in the event that a partner dies without leaving a will.
Five other states – California, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon, and Vermont – as well as the District of Columbia have enacted domestic partner or civil unions laws.
Two states, Massachusetts and Connecticut, recognize marriage equality for gay and lesbian couples under state law. Three states, Hawaii, Maine, and Washington, provide limited rights to gay and lesbian couples who enter into a domestic partnership or similar relationship. New York recognizes marriages legally entered into by gay or lesbian couples in other jurisdictions.
Lesbian and gay couples do not receive federal rights, benefits or responsibilities in any state. To learn more about state by state legislation visit: www.hrc.org/state_laws.
The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
-30-
Senators voting no on Domestic Partner Rights and Responsibilities Act (unofficial count):
Adair (R)
Asbill (R)
Beffort (R)
Boitano (R)
Campos (D)
Cisneros (D)
Cravens (R)
Duran (R)
Harden (R)
Ingle (R)
Jennings (D)
Kernan (R)
Leavell (R)
Lovejoy (D)
Martinez, R. (D)
Munoz (D)
Neville (R)
Payne (R)
Pinto (D)
Rue (R)
Ryan (R)
Sanchez, B. (D)
Sharer (R)
Smith (D)
Ulibarri (D)
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Good news and bad news regarding Heaven
The Good News:
We can get in!
The Bad News:
It's full of drug addicts and mass murderers!
Eve of Justice: Prop. 8 vigils across California
The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, has joined with Marriage Equality USA and statewide pro-equality organizations to sponsor "Eve of Justice" vigils in cities across California on Wednesday, March 4, 2009. The candlelight vigils mark “a day of reckoning” for LGBT Americans, taking place the night before the California Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments on the constitutional validity of Proposition 8—the discriminatory amendment that eliminated the right of lesbian and gay couples to marry in the state. For a list of cities with vigils, visit www.EveOfJustice.com.
Read more after the jump.
“Less than six months after the California Supreme Court ruled that lesbian and gay people are fully equal under the law, a slim majority of voters declared that we are not. No matter what the outcome of this case, we know that our marriages are based in love and no ruling will strip that away,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “Our cause is rooted in both justice and fairness and we know that history is on our side. It is only a matter of time before we undo this loss and add more states to the march for equality.”
Proposition 8 amended the state's constitution to define marriage as a union between one man and one woman. The National Center for Lesbian Rights, along with the American Civil Liberties Union and Lambda Legal, filed a petition asking the California Supreme Court to invalidate that amendment, arguing that the California Constitution does not permit the fundamental constitutional rights of a minority to be stripped away by a simple majority vote. HRC joined a number of LGBT and children’s advocacy groups on a supporting amicus brief detailing the impact of upholding Proposition 8 on the children of same-sex couples. The court will hear oral arguments in these cases on March 5 at 9:00 a.m., and will issue a written opinion within 90 days of the hearing.
The Human Rights Campaign encourages members and supporters, neighbors and friends to march in the "Eve of Justice" vigils throughout California on Wednesday, March 4, to show support for the overturn of Proposition 8. Vigils are planned in Delano, Fresno, Kernville, Los Angeles, Modesto, Orange County, Palm Springs, Roseville, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, San Luis Obispo, Stockton, Tuolumne, Ukiah and Visalia.
Win a trip to Gay Days courtesy of Esurance
Win a fabulous trip to Gay Days Orlando 2009 from Esurance.
The Grand Prize will include a three night stay at the Royal Plaza Hotel (swank!), $2,000 in travel money, and nine tickets to Gay Days events.
Sounds pretty sweet so enter now for your chance to win.
Something for opponents of gay marriage to think about
Found this cartoon by Kevin Siers of the Charlotte Observer somewhere in my internet travels a few days ago and, as a mixed-race gay man, I have to say that the message is powerful and absolutely right on.
Keep in mind that the arguments against gay marriage that are making the rounds today are the same arguments (from the same kinds of people) that they used to try to justify preventing people of different races from marrying only a few decades ago (Loving v. Virginia (1967)).
Joe Rogan in Denver tonight through Saturday
I just found out Joe Rogan is in town to do some stand-up at ComedyWorks South.
If you haven't had a chance to see his comedy I totally recommend it.
He's highly intelligent and funny while at the same time very rude and raw.
I like that in a guy.
I interviewed him a couple of years ago for Out Front Colorado and it was definitely one of the best I've ever had. We were on the phone for close to three hours, just chit-chatting and bullshitting. He's a real interesting character and a very cool guy.
Read the interview and find out what he had to say about getting hit on by gay guys, pornstars, and more, after the jump.
Fear is not a factor for Joe Rogan
By Drew Wilson
Best known as the host of TV’s smash hit gross-out challenge show 'Fear Factor', Joe Rogan is, in fact, much more than that. He’s an actor, a comedian, a commentator for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, a former champion martial artist and a cutting edge comedian known for his raw and raunchy material.
I caught up with Joe and we talked at great length about everything from UFOs and conspiracy theories to time travel and sexual politics. I admit I’d previously only thought of him as that hot little buff guy from 'Fear Factor' but after chatting with him for nearly three hours, I came to realize he was also funny, profound and a helluva cool guy.
Are you aware that you have a really big gay following?
What? No. Is it really big?
Oh yeah, all my friends were like, ‘you’re gonna interview Joe Rogan? Oh, my God, he’s so hot!’
(Laughing) It’s funny because I used to work out at a gym in Holly wood in this really gay neighborhood because it was so close to the set where we filmed _News Radio_ and I used to joke about it because every time I used to work out I felt like this tasty little morsel in a homo stew. Dudes were just -_way_ too aggressive. It’s not that they were dickheads about it but it was the exact same way straight guys act around girls, so it was really weird to me. Gay dudes are dudes and dudes do fucked up shit. If you have a dick eventually you’re gonna do something stupid.
So what would they do?
Guys would try to spot you when there’s no need. They’d just come up behind you out of nowhere and grab the bar when there was no need and I’d be like ‘Dude, it’s fine. Just relax!’ They were just basically putting their feelers out.
You’ve said on your Web site that a lot of people take you for gay. Why do you think that is?
Dude, there are a bunch of factors. Without a doubt if you have a little bit of fame someone is eventually gonna say you’re gay. The other thing is that a lot of straight guys get jealous of you so they claim that you’re gay, especially if their girlfriends happen to be attracted to you. Then there are the gay guys with wishful thinking. I’m a really laid back person and I really don’t care what anybody thinks about me and I don’t have an agenda as far as paying attention to my image. I say and do whatever the fuck I want dude, and I think that might have something to do with it too. Like, the ring tone on my cell phone is Christina Aguillera's _Beautiful_. When my phone rings it goes, ‘You are beautiful…’ and I laugh every time.
That is pretty gay.
I know! It’s the gayest thing ever. It’s so gay that even gay dudes don’t even claim that song. That’s a song only a girl could sing and not even a good-looking girl at that. Christina Aguilllera is pretty fugly. There’s something a little off about her.
Does that mean you’re a Britney man?
Dude, I don’t get Britney Spears, I have a massive aversion to white trash. But lately I’ve been really attracted to Hillary Skank, that’s what I call her, because even though she came from the trailer park, when she talks you can tell she’s really smart.
Who else are you attracted to at the moment?
Mostly porn stars. But they’re kind of better when you’re on the outside looking in. Once you start hanging out with them you get drawn into their real lives and that’s bad.
You do stand up in addition to your television work. What’s your act about?
It’s just completely uncensored, from religion to life and sex and just whatever I happen to think about. I think about sex a lot.
The press materials about your act are plastered with warnings about extreme adult content. What can you possibly say in the year 2005 that could be so potentially terrifying to people?
Thank you. You say that because you are obviously an intelligent and rational person. But then you get these bible-banging retards who love _Fear Factor_ and want to come see the _Fear Factor_ guy and then get freaked out about the things that I say. How come in this country the retards outnumber the normal people? Oh my god, if you ever travel, you know this country has some scary little shitholes with some really retarded fucking freaks.
_Fear Factor_ is a huge hit and has been on the air several years now. How long do you see yourself continuing with it?
Dude, you know what? It’s so much money I just can’t quit. I don’t care what anybody says, I will whore myself out without a second thought. I will do it in a dress if I have to, man. There are just not that many opportunities in life to make that kind of money so that’s why I do it. Just for the money. It lost its novelty for me a long time ago.
You did a reality show celebrity version of Fear Factor recently that featured Reichen from _The Amazing Race_. Have you heard anything about his recent discrimination case against the printer who had been printing his posters but then refused to continue when he found out Reichen was gay?
What? Fuck that shit. If the guy agreed to print his poster and then wouldn’t because he found out Reichen’s gay then he’s an idiot. Why should he give a fuck? Homosexuality has nothing to do with morality or values, and these retards need to quit worrying about what other people want to do with their lives.
If Reichen wanted to blow some guy in the middle of the street, society shouldn’t give a shit unless they’re blocking traffic. I would laugh; I’d walk by and be like ‘Damn, those dudes have balls; literally.’ In a healthy society, everybody would shun anybody who would criticize someone for something as innocuous as homosexuality. I don’t understand that and maybe that’s another reason why people call me gay; because I defend being gay.
Where does your attitude about homosexuality come from?
When I was a little kid I lived in San Francisco and we lived next door to these gay guys. I didn’t know anything about sex back then but my parents were hippies so there was never any judgment or anything. My aunt would come visit and go next door to smoke pot and dance naked and play bongos with the gay hippies and we never saw anything wrong with that. So I grew up realizing that some people have red hair and some people are gay. It’s just natural, dude.
I remember I had this friend and I was over at his house one time and his father was going off about gay people. I was, like, 11 and I remember thinking it just didn’t make any sense to me for him to worry about it. But he was incensed like it was a personal insult to him. Obviously I didn’t say anything to him because he was a big guy and I was only 11 but that is still burned into my mind to this day at 37 years old. I was just like ‘wow, why was he so angry?’
I managed to avoid a lot of retarded social programming growing up in San Francisco. So it was kind of my weird upbringing that helped lead me to my opinion but I’m the kind of person who really likes to think about things and break things down and question everything so I like to think that even if I wasn’t brought up that way that it is the conclusion I would have eventually come to on my own.
Obama names Director of AIDS Policy
President Barack Obama today announced the appointment of one of the nation’s leading public health policy experts as the Director of Office of National AIDS Policy. Jeffrey S. Crowley, MPH, Senior Research Scholar at Georgetown University’s Health Policy Institute will coordinate the federal government’s efforts on HIV/AIDS policy and will help guide the administration’s development of disability policies.
“Jeffrey Crowley brings the experience and expertise that will help our nation address the ongoing HIV/AIDS crisis and help my administration develop policies that will serve Americans with disabilities,” said President Obama. “In both of these key areas, we continue to face serious challenges and we must take bold steps to meet them. I look forward to Jeffrey’s leadership on these critical issues.”
The Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP) is the White House Office tasked with coordinating the continuing efforts of the government to reduce the number of HIV infections across the United States. The office emphasizes prevention through wide-ranging education initiatives and also helps to coordinate the care and treatment of citizens with HIV/AIDS. The President has made a strong commitment to developing a national AIDS strategy, which will be a top priority for the Office of National AIDS Policy. In addition, ONAP coordinates with international bodies to ensure that the fight against HIV/AIDS is fully integrated around the world. The ONAP is part of the Executive Office of the President’s Domestic Policy Council.
Check out his bio after the jump.
Jeffrey S. Crowley’s Bio:
Jeffrey S. Crowley, M.P.H., is a Senior Research Scholar at Georgetown University's Health Policy Institute and a Senior Scholar at the O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law, Georgetown University Law Center. In these roles, he is recognized and respected for his capacity to integrate public health research with political strategy to achieve policy changes. He has authored numerous reports and policy briefs, and has testified before various Congressional Committees and the Institute of Medicine on several occasions. His primary areas of expertise are Medicaid policy, including Medicaid prescription drug policies; Medicare policy; and consumer education and training.
Crowley previously served as the Deputy Executive Director for Programs at the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA). While at NAPWA, he helped implement several key initiatives including The National HIV Testing Day Campaign and the Ryan White National Youth Conference.
Crowley has spent the last fourteen years working to improve access to health and social services for people living with HIV/AIDS, people with physical and mental disabilities, low-income individuals, and other vulnerable populations. His writings have been printed in numerous publications and journals.
Crowley received his Master of Public Health from the Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health, and his Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from Kalamazoo College. He is also an alumnus of the United States Peace Corps, where he served as a Volunteer/High School Science Teacher at the Nsongweni High School in Swaziland.
Gunnison is for guys
Guys can give it all they’ve got or take a more laidback approach when visiting Gunnison-Crested Butte, Colo., this spring. Consider these 10 reasons why guys can unplug and recharge in this sportsmen’s paradise, located in the heart of the Rockies in southwest Colorado, and why they’ll keep coming back for more.
See 'em all after the jump.
1. The skiing & snowboarding rock
Inspire your passion for adventure on Crested Butte Mountain Resort’s legendary extreme terrain or get your fill on beginner to advanced slopes that cover 1,167 acres and include 121 trails. Try some tricks at the new intermediate terrain park or on the legendary superpipe and the latest features at the DC Terrain Park. Watch some of the most daring skiers on the planet at the U.S. Extreme Freeskiing Championships on Feb. 18 – 22 and U. S. Extreme Freeskiing Telemark Championships on March 19 - 21. Visit www.skicb.com.
2. Après ski is hot (and cool!)
Some of the hottest places to stop for a drink and some food mid-mountain are the Ice Bar & Restaurant and Paradise Warming House. At the base, look no further than the club-like feel of Trackers Bar & Lounge in the Lodge at Mountaineer Square, the New-York hip style of the new django’s in the Mountaineer Square Courtyard and the fun-loving Butte 66, which overlooks to slopes. At the Ice Bar, ski up to a bar made of ice and order a drink from bartenders wearing fur coats and hats. If you’re lucky, you might get a drink served in a shot glass made of ice. If java is more your style, go to Camp 4 Coffee at the top of the Painter Boy lift and sit in the log chairs outside for great people watching or fill up at their location across from django’s in the courtyard.
3. Catching air … on a snowmobile
If gathering speed on a motorized sled is more your style, explore more than 55 miles of groomed and marked trails and 170 miles of single-track in Gunnison-Crested Butte. For the advanced snowmobiler, try riding the area’s bottomless powder fields, many at 10,000 feet or higher. To check trail reports, visit www.coloradosledcity.com. For equipment and tours, check with Snowmobiling Action Adventures, www.actionadventures.com.
4. Kick it into gear on 95K groomed Nordic trails
The Gunnison-Crested Butte Valley is emerging as a Nordic skiing and snowshoeing hotspot. Groomed Nordic trails now number more than 95K, backcountry routes are plentiful, and a full calendar of tours and races offer opportunities to get one of the best workouts on the planet. Visit the www.cbnordic.org and www.gunnisonnordic.net for more information.
5. Head to the backcountry
Local experts who know the backcountry like the back of their hands can show you premiere spots for off-piste alpine and telemark skiing, Nordic skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing. The Crested Butte Nordic Center, www.cbnordic.org, offers half- or full-day backcountry tours on snowshoes or Nordic skis, with all tours including transportation, rentals and a guide. Crested Butte Mountain Guides, www.crestedbutteguides.com, not only offers Nordic skiing and snowshoeing adventures in the backcountry, this well-known outfitter offers one-day and overnight trips to alpine ski or ride the powder in out-of-the-way places.
6. Take to the huts
Exploring the backcountry and staying in huts along the way is the ideal way to go on longer backcountry tours. The Nordic Center books reservations for Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory’s Maroon Hut and Forest Queen Hut, both located in the historic mining town of Gothic. Other backcountry hut options are the Elkton Cabins, call (970) 349-1815, and the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association’s Friends Hut, visit www.huts.org.
7. Going to the dogs
There is nothing quite like the freedom of being pulled by a team of dogs in the thick of stunning mountain terrain capped with snow. Dog sledding with Lucky Cat Dog Farm is one of those lifetime experiences not to be missed. Visit www.luckycatdogfarm.com for details.
8. Hit the ice for hockey
Gunnison County residents, young and old, take their hockey seriously. Jump in on a pickup hockey game at the new indoor hockey rink in Gunnison, which next to a covered open rink in Jorgensen Park, or the outdoor rink at the Crested Butte Nordic Center. For more information, call Gunnison Parks & Recreation at (970) 641-8060 and Crested Butte Parks & Recreation at (970) 349-5338.
9. Drop a line in Blue Mesa Reservoir
Colorado’s largest body of water, Blue Mesa Reservoir, is located west of Gunnison and known as a place where record-breaking fish are landed. A record 50-pound mackinaw trout was caught in May 2007. Local fishing outfitters can steer you to prime ice fishing spots that will light up a winter day.
10. Cap it off with local brews & great wines
Colorado is one of the nation’s microbrew hot spots, and Gunnison-Crested Butte is no exception. Go microbrewery hopping at The Eldo in downtown Crested Butte and Gunnison Brewery in downtown Gunnison for some suds and a bite to eat. Look for large wine lists at django’s in Mt. Crested Butte, Timberline Restaurant and Maxwell’s Steakhouse in Crested Butte, and Brick Cellar in Gunnison.
Vote for MileHighGayGuy to appear on 'The Big Gay Sketch Show'
I want to meet my idol Jonny McGovern, the Gay Pimp!
Vote for me to win an audition for 'The Big Gay Sketch Show'. I appreciate you. You are special to me. Thanks!
Cazwell to appear on season finale of 'RuPaul's Drag Race'
Cazwell, the spunky, funky, punky potty-mouthed pop poet who’s currently enjoying the success of his he-larious hit video, “I Seen Beyoncé At Burger King,” will guest star in the final episode of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” On the show, he coaches the contestants on their rapping skillz. "Those girls had a lot of balls to rap their first time on TV!," Cazwell said. A longtime figure on the NYC club scene, rapper Cazwell will release his full-length album, “Watch My Mouth” this May.
On it fans will find the bukkake classic, “Is It All Over Your Face,” along with the title track, his ode to Miss Knowles and “Get Into It,” which features a fierce rap by the #1 transsexual on the planet, Amanda Lepore for whose forthcoming album, Cazwell wrote a clutch of songs. Below is the video for “I Seen Beyoncé At Burger King” and no, that’s not a drag queen in the lead role, but, OMG, an RG: real girl! Read the interview with Cazwell about the video here.
"RuPaul’s Drag Race” airs Mondays at 10 pm on Logo and Tuesdays at 9 pm on VH1. Cazwell's episode (the finale) is tentatively scheduled to air on March 23 on Logo and March 24 on VH1.
Have you been watching?
It's really a jolly romp. Just the right blend of camp, over-the-top dramatics and personalities, sincerity, and humor. I'll be very surprised if we don't end up seeing a few more seasons.
And just let me say ... YOU GO, NINA FLOWERS! She is one cool drag queen.
- via Andy at Penetration
'L Word' series finale to air March 8
The Human Rights Campaign and SHOWTIME are teaming up to host finale parties celebrating the last episode of 'The L Word'. The parties will be held on March 8th in sixteen cities across the country, the same day the series finale airs on SHOWTIME. For a list of cities with events, please visit www.hrc.org/lword.
“The time to say goodbye to THE L WORD has arrived, and we are so pleased to partner with SHOWTIME to commemorate the series finale,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese. “For six seasons, 'The L Word' has brought loving, honest portrayals of LGBT lives into millions of homes. This visibility is crucial to opening hearts and minds. I congratulate SHOWTIME and the entire L Word team on their remarkable achievements.”
“We’re incredibly proud of the show, and have consistently been thrilled with the turnout for 'The L Word' screening parties,” said SHOWTIME Vice President George DeBolt. “It’s bittersweet to part with the characters we’ve loved, but SHOWTIME is honored to partner with HRC and spread a message of equality to so many people.”
HRC and SHOWTIME have worked together for all six seasons of 'The L Word' to promote the show and host screenings for season premieres. The events regularly attracted nearly 20,000 supporters at more than 40 events throughout the nation.
Gay model search for ToyBoi
Gay Days sponsor ToyBoi is holding a model search to find next ToyBoi.
Is it you?
If you think you have what it takes, read on for the rules:
All applicants must be over the age of 18. Entry is open to anyone, men & women. You must submit a recent portfolio quality picture.
One ToyBoi & One ToyGrl will be chosen, and each winner will recieve a one year paid contract with TBTG International.
Please submit all entries and inquiries to: promotions@tbtg.org
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
March for Equality
Make your voice heard! Join the National Equality Rally at Independence Hall on Sunday, May 3, and tell our President, Congress, and people everywhere that the world you want cherishes diversity and supports Equality - for all. March for Equality on Independence Mall on Sunday, May 3.
List your Poetry Month event on DOCA's calendar
The Denver Office of Cultural Affairs (DOCA) will be developing and distributing a free calendar of metro area poetry-related events taking place during Poetry Month in April, 2009. DOCA is calling for event information to include in the calendar.
Organizations planning poetry events during April, 2009 can be included on the free calendar by going to www.denvergov.org/poetry and filling out the online form. The event listings are free and include information such as event title, date, time, location, cost and contact.
The calendar will help to promote the rich poetry scene in the metro area during April, which is National Poetry Month. DOCA will print and distribute 5,000 copies through libraries, bookstores, educational institutions and community organizations, as well as at cultural events.
The free calendar is a chance for the public to learn about and attend dozens of poetry-related events and organizations. Last year, over 80 events were highlighted in the Poetry Month calendar.
For more information or to have your event listed, please visit www.denvergov.org/poetry or contact DOCA at gina.rubano@denvergov.org or 720-865-4325.
Books: Tom of Finland XXL
In 1998, TASCHEN introduced the world to the masterful art of Touko Laaksonen with 'The Art of Pleasure'.
Prior to that, Laaksonen, better known as Tom of Finland, enjoyed an intense cult following in the international gay community but was largely unknown to the broader audience.
'The Art of Pleasure' gave Tom well-deserved recognition and increased his following exponentially; 'Tom of Finland XXL' will fix him forever in the realm of fine art. 'Tom of Finland XXL' contains nearly 1000 images, covering 6 decades of the artist's career.
The work was gathered from all known collections across the US and Europe with the help of the Tom of Finland Foundation and features many drawings, paintings and preparatory sketches that have never been reproduced in any book.
Other images have only been seen out of context and will be presented here in the sequential order Tom intended for full artistic appreciation and erotic impact.
This elegant oversized volume will showcase the full range of Tom's talent, from sensitive portraits to frank sexual pleasure to tender expressions of love to Tom's haunting tributes to young men struck down by the AIDS epidemic.
Our pal Ryan Judge is in the news
Ryan Judge, a fixture in the Denver GLBT community (The Center, PrideFest) and a pal of MileHighGayGuy's is in the news for a wonderful reason.
Teaching kids. And teaching kids useful and valuable skills they will be able to use all of their lives.
The classes used to be called Home-Ec and focused on things like recipes and sewing. Things have changed.
"We teach financial management, budgeting, balancing a checkbook, applying for loans, finding a career, job hunting, interviewing," Judge told The Denver Post.
Those are all practical skills I myself could really stand to brush up on. Hopefully Ryan will share some of his expertise with me.
And be sure to watch the video - it's Ryan's favorite part. www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_11763255
All 2009 Rapids Home Games Now Available!
Single game tickets for all Rapids home games during the 2009 season at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park went on sale yesterday at 10am! Single game ticket prices start at just $12 for all Rapids home games.
Select games, such as the Rapids' home opener versus the Kansas City Wizards on March 28 and the club's 14th annual 4th of July game versus the Chicago Fire, are anticipated to sell quickly, so fans are encouraged to act right away to secure seats for the games they want. For details and to purchase online, click here.
A gay marriage compromise?
The New York Times features an interesting point/counterpoint on the topic of gay marriage that brings up what I think is an elegant and respectful compromise.
Check it out here.
NAACP chief says group backs efforts to overturn Proposition 8
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People announced Monday that it supports efforts in California to overturn Proposition 8. NAACP CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous (great name!) said in a letter to legislative leaders, "Our mission statement calls for the 'quality of rights of all persons.' Prop. 8 strips same-sex couples of a fundamental freedom, as defined by the California state supreme court. In so doing, it poses a serious threat to all Americans."
Read the entire article at Advocate.com.
New GOP chairman: "No, no, no" to civil unions
Despite some well-publicized calls for a more inclusive GOP, newly installed Republican Party Chairman Michael Steele rejected the possibility of any kind of legally recognized civil union for gays and lesbians. Appearing on Mike Gallagher's radio show, Steele responded to a question on civil unions by saying, "No, no no. What would we do that for? What are you, crazy?"
Read the entire article here.
Write your local paper about Sen. Renfroe's unacceptable anti-gay comments
Colorado State Senator Scott Renfroe, R-Greeley (pictured), made a set of ugly, divisive anti-gay comments on the floor of the Senate on Monday.
"Homosexuality is seen as a violation of this natural creative order, and it is an offense to God," Renfroe is quoted as saying. "When we create laws that go against what biblically we are supposed to stand for, I think we are allowing to go forward a sin that should not be treated by government as something that is legal. We are taking sins and making them legally OK."
According to The Denver Post, Renfroe also equated loving, committed relationships of gay and lesbian couples with murder and adultery, and suggested that there is Biblical support for executing people for being gay. Read the full article here.
By the nature of their positions, elected officials have access to high-profile platforms to share their messages, and in many cases those statements – like Renfroe's – garner media attention. That is why such divisive and ugly attacks as Renfroe's must not go unchallenged. Senator Renfroe represents Greeley, Colorado, where last year a young transgender woman named Angie Zapata was violently beaten to death with a fire extinguisher because she was transgender. Senator Renfroe's defamatory attack reinforces the kind of hostile climate that can put real people in harm's way. He is wrong in his assertions, and Coloradans need to stand up and remind him of that.
Please write a letter to the editor explaining why these types of ugly, hurtful attacks have no place in civil dialogue around LGBT issues.
To contact The Denver Post, include your full name, hometown and daytime telephone number: openforum@denverpost.com
To contact the Greeley Tribune, visit this website: apps.greeleytribune.com/utils/forms/index.php?formId=lettertoeditor
For tips on writing letters to the editor, see GLAAD's Media Essentials Training Manual:
www.glaad.org/media/media_essentials/07_mediaessentials_toolkit.php.
Vote for me for 'The Big Gay Sketch Show.' Aw, come on. Just do it!
Vote for me to win an audition for 'The Big Gay Sketch Show'. I appreciate you. You are special to me. Thanks!
Hawaii deadlocks on Civil Unions Bill
The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights group, issued a statement today regarding a vote in Hawaii’s state Senate Judiciary and Government Operations Committee early this morning on a pending civil unions bill. The committee deadlocked at 3-3 on the bill, but it still may advance to the Senate floor for a vote.
“Today’s vote means that the question now is whether nine of 25 state Senators agree that this important legislation, which would simply grant basic rights and protections to all committed couples and families in Hawaii, should go to a floor vote before the whole Senate.” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “We hope that they do agree to recall the bill from committee and that it passes the Senate and is enacted into law.”
Read more after the jump.
Hawaii’s state constitution permits the Senate president to recall the bill from committee so that it may receive a floor vote before the full Senate. One-third of the Senate, or nine of its 25 members, would have to agree to recall the bill 20 days from now in order for it to receive a floor vote.
The legislation, which has already passed the House of Representatives by a 33-17 vote, would permit gay and lesbian couples to enter into civil unions and receive the rights, benefits, and responsibilities under Hawaii law that are granted to spouses. Couples who enter into a civil union would not receive any rights, benefits, or responsibilities under federal law.
Hawaii does not permit gay or lesbian couples to marry. Hawaii law currently permits couples prohibited from marrying in the state to enter into reciprocal beneficiary relationships and receive limited rights and benefits, not all the rights and responsibilities provided to married couples under state law.
In addition to Hawaii, 10 states plus Washington, D.C. have laws providing at least some form of state-level relationship recognition for gay and lesbian couples. Massachusetts and Connecticut recognize marriage for gay and lesbian couples under state law. Five other states—California, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon, and Vermont—plus Washington, D.C. provide gay and lesbian couples with access to the state level benefits and responsibilities of marriage, through either civil unions or domestic partnerships.
Maine and Washington provide gay and lesbian couples with limited rights and benefits, not all the rights provided to married couples. New York recognizes marriages by gay and lesbian couples validly entered into outside of New York.
Gay and lesbian couples do not receive federal rights and benefits in any state. To learn more about state by state legislation visit: www.hrc.org/state_laws.
A word from the producers of Aspen Gay Ski Week
It was another banner year for Aspen Gay Ski Week and the producers want to thank everybody who took part:
We just wanted to take a minute to thank you for attending and participating in another successful Aspen Gay Ski Week! In this time of worldwide economic downturn, you made the effort to be here and everyone in Aspen really appreciates it, from the hotels, to the Aspen Skiing Company, to the City of Aspen, to the retailers, to the bars and restaurants.
But most of all, THANK YOU from the Roaring Fork Gay & Lesbian Community Fund! Without your support, we couldn't exist nor could we support our beneficiaries, including local schools and the Western Colorado AIDS Project.
We are still looking at the numbers, but it looks as if we equaled Aspen Gay Ski Week 2008. With our fresh, new host hotel, The Limelight Lodge, we were really able to step it up a notch, bringing most aspects of the event to a central location, which made for some very memorable moments!
And who could forget the Icy Hot Pool Party? Or Purple Reign at The Belly Up? Or Comedy Night at The Wheeler Opera House? A great time was had by all, and we are really looking forward to seeing you again next year in Aspen for Gay Ski Week 2010!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
GLAAD responds to Sen. Renfroe's anti-gay remarks
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) today urged media to turn a spotlight on anti-gay remarks made by Colorado State Senator Scott Renfroe (posing with his family above - I got sick of using his official headshot with the dorky ass smile) on February 23, 2009, during a Senate debate over a bill that would allow gay and lesbian state employees to share health benefits with their partners.
According to The Denver Post, Renfroe stated that "homosexuality is seen as a violation of this natural creative order, and it is an offense to God." He continued ". . . When we create laws that go against what biblically we are supposed to stand for, I think we are allowing to go forward a sin that should not be treated by government as something that is legal. We are taking sins and making them legally OK."
The full report on state Sen. Renfroe's anti-gay comments is available online at www.denverpost.com/search/ci_11770359.
Contact Sen. Renfroe directly to let him know what he said was not ok.
HRC slams CO Sen. Renfro for comment comparing gays with murderers
Sen. Refroe really stepped in it this time.
The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, today condemned the comments of Colorado State Senator Scott Renfroe in which he compared homosexuality with murder. At the same time, HRC urged the Colorado legislature to reject such hate speech and move forward on a bill that would extend healthcare benefits to same sex partners of state workers.
Renfroe made his comments during debate on the bill yesterday. During his speech opposing the legislation, Renfroe quoted scripture and called homosexuality “an offense to God,” suggesting that approval of the bill would be like legalizing murder.
“These outrageously offensive comments warrant condemnation by all fair-minded people and should be ignored by the Colorado legislature as they move forward in passing overdue protections to state workers,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “Senator Renfroe shows his own intolerance, but we remain hopeful that his fair-minded colleagues will press ahead and protect hard-working Coloradoans.”
The bill in question, Senate Bill 88, is sponsored by Senator Jennifer Veiga. A Senate vote on the bill could come as soon as this week.
Mike Littwin would like a word with Sen. "gays are as bad as murderers" Renfroe
Rocky Mountain News columnist Mike Littwin weighs in about the Senate "debate" over health benefits for Colorado same-sex employees on Monday.
Sen. Renfroe hasn't returned his call.
Or mine.
Hey, everybody! Look at me! Look at me!
Vote for me to win an audition for 'The Big Gay Sketch Show'. I appreciate you. You are special to me. Thanks!
Sorry for the weird cut-off head action going on in the box.
I don't know what's up with that.
Probably sabotage!
Aurora is awesome for passing domestic partner benefits
And the city of Aurora joins the 21st century by passing domestic partner benefits for both straight and same-sex couples. If straight people are worried about the destruction of marriage as an institution, they need only look at their own divorce statistics to discover why many straight couples might prefer to remain domestic partners. And they need only look at their own outdated laws to discover why same-sex couples aren't getting married--umm, they can't.
But congratulations to Aurora and to police officers like Aurora Detective Tara Mastracchio, who defends the people of her city every day and can now reap the benefits from risking her life that straight cops have always been entitled to.
Was it a Senate meeting or a tent revival?
During a Senate meeting on Monday regarding a bill allowing health benefits for partners of state employees, Sen. Scott Renfroe of Greeley (pictured) spouted Bible verses calling for gays to be put to death and said that homosexuality was a sin equal to murder according to the Denver Post.
The Denver Post does not note whether Renfroe spoke in tongues or handled any snakes.
Fortunately, rational thinking won out and the Colorado Senate passed Sen. Veiga's domestic partner benefits for state employees by a voice vote.
It will be voted on again in the Senate and then go to the House.
Meanwhile, why not contact Sen. Renfroe and remind him of a little thing called separation of church and state.
It sounds like he could use a refresher course.
Contact Senator Renfroe:
303-866-4451
scott.renfroe.senate@state.co.us
www.scottrenfroe.com
Dustin Lance Black: Oscar winner and Prop. 8 activist
In honor of his Academy Award win, here is Dustin Lance Black at a Prop 8 Protest.
He was in the trenches and marching alongside the rest of us.
And then he won the Oscar for 'Milk'.
-via Lindsey at World of Wonder
Everybody loves a sale
Footwear, headwear, men's, women's and kids' apparel; it's on sale at The Broncos Team Store with many items up to 70% off.
At over 6000 sq. ft. the Stadium Team Store has the largest selection of Broncos merchandise anywhere in the world. The stadium Team Store is open 9am MT to 5pm MT Monday through Saturday all year.
The Dove Valley Team Store is open Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visit the stores or phone 720-258-3300 for more information.
Deals for Denver Restaurant Week
If you're dining out for Denver Restaurant Week, here are Metromix's best choices for getting more bang for your buck.
Times are hard, go on cheap dates: Four To Go concert
Four To Go are putting on a free and super-neato show at a very intimate venue, 1515 Restaurant, on March 6. Hosted by Channel 93.3 KTCL, and The Coors Girls. Listen to channel 93.3 for details or check out their myspace here.
Tips for Guncles: Kids First Free Movies at Starz
Guncles (gay uncles) always have to be on the lookout for fun and reasonably-priced activities to do with the nieces and nephews and here's a great one that takes place every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the Starz Film Center.
Embark on a fun-filled excursion for the whole family when you attend this Saturday morning series with two guarantees: the films are rated G, and entrance is totally free.
This Saturday, February 28, the featured film will be 'Strawberry Shortcake: Happily Ever After.' 
Strawberry and her friends bring two beloved fairy tales to life in magical adventures filled with very berry fun. In "Sleeping Beauty," Brambleberry Fairy (Angel Cake) feels neglected and casts a spell that puts Princess Strawberry Rose to sleep. The Princess's fairy friends (Appleberry, Rainbowberry, Gingerberry, Tangerinaberry and Orangeberry) aren't able to awaken her. It's up to Prince Huckleberry to work his magic and teach Brambleberry Fairy an important lesson in friendship and listening.
The enchantment continues in "A Princess Named Rap." Princess Rapunzel's (Rainbow Sherbet) teacher is disturbed by her non-royal interests especially her fascination with ships and navigation. But when the teacher's rowboat is swept out to sea, "Rap" shows everyone she has the right stuff to rule her kingdom.
Support meetings for the family of Angie Zapata
Discussion, mediation, and dinner will be featured at two meetings on March 18 and April 7, 6 - 8:30 p.m., in preparation for people interested in providing moral support to the surviving family and friends of Angie Zapata at the upcoming trial of Allen Ray Andrade, who is charged with brutally murdering Zapata when Andrade found out Zapata was transgender.
Sponsored by the nonprofit Colorado Anti Violence Program (CAVP), the discussion will be facilitated by CAVP staff at the CAVP office in Denver. The two gatherings are free and open to the public. Please RSVP (include dietary restrictions, if any) via email to crystal@coavp.org.
- via LaGente Unida Newsletter
Denver PrideFest 2009 has a theme!
And that theme is ... "Worldwide Pride - Connect the Dots."
The Center offers a hearty 'thank you' to everyone who submitted ideas for a theme for PrideFest 2009.
There were many suggestions, ranging from celebratory to political and everything in between.
The committee felt "Worldwide Pride - Connect the Dots" best reflected not only a political motive reminding us that we are part of a larger community, but also celebrates The GLBT Community Center's new logo - which can be seen at www.glbtcolorado.org. Additionally, this theme offers a great many possibilities for execution from merchandise to the parade.
Don't forget to check back at www.denverpridefest.org throughout the spring for the latest news and event information about PrideFest.
Hopefully I'll be the official blogger again this year. I had a great time doing blogging for Denver PrideFest 2008.
Free Music Fat Tuesday
Celebrate Fat Tuesday at www.PartyGras2009.com to download an exclusive new single by Mardi Gras veterans Bonerama.
PartyGras2009.com launched in January and promises to make every Tuesday Fat Tuesday, by offering exclusive music releases or free downloads every Tuesday this year.
Anchored by the music of New Orleans' own Bonerama and Porter Batiste Stoltz, www.PartyGras2009.com commemorates their hometown's most famous holiday with brand new music and a year of free downloads. Thinking outside the box to offer fans access to rare and unreleased music, the site will deliver funky new music each Tuesday all year long. The release might be a live show, a single of a brand new song, or an archival release from the bands' vaults. But remember to visit often - all the free material released is available only for one week; until the next Tuesday, when new tunes are featured.
Bonerama's Single Series, where the band releases one new single at a time, kicks off on Fat Tuesday, February 24, 2009 with the release of their brand new song, "Big Fine Woman."
Check it out.
Travel: Discovering Tucson
At first glance, Tucson doesn’t look like much, despite its perfect mountain backdrop, some interesting nineteenth-century Western architecture, a lot of strip malls, and a sprawling, very Southwestern setup. Then you explore a little more. The buildings might not look like prize-winners, but step inside. You’ll find a gorgeous restaurant, a gallery full of cutting-edge work, a design store with an international collection, or a funky coffeehouse. There’s a relaxed, unhurried quality that’s appealing, and that’s how you have to take Tucson. Explore the natural wonders surrounding the city, and indulge in the pleasures this sprawling and lovable town has to offer. It’s not going to jump out and grab you, like New York or Chicago. It’s going to sit there and wait for you to realize that not only is there more here than meets the eye, but that the “more” is actually amazingly pleasurable.
Read the rest of the article by Rich Rubin at www.PassportMagazine.com.
Mammoth members make All-Star team
The Colorado Mammoth has announced that five members of the team have been voted to the West Division's 2009 NLL All-Star team. Defenseman Bruce Murray has been selected as a starter for the West, while Brian Langtry, team captain Gavin Prout, Nick Carlson and goalie Andrew Leyshon will be reserves in the March 7 game at Pepsi Center.
Get more details here.
Dinner and a movie for Denver's GLBT elders
A dinner and movie for GLBT elders will be provided Thursday, February 26, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the GLBT Community Center at 1050 Broadway in Denver. Enjoy a free, healthy cooked meal followed by a free viewing of “King Corn,” a documentary about how the modern U.S. food industry is dominated by corn and the impact of corn on people’s health.
The event is sponsored by Gay And Gray In The West and SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders). RSVP at 303-733-7743 Ext. 102.
- via LaGente Unida Newsletter
Monday, February 23, 2009
Gardening with James Roy
Who would have thought Denver's own James Roy, one of our favorite entertainers, is also an accomplished gardener? Check out his tips for saving money and growing your own food in a container garden at Queercents.com.
Queercents is a syndicate of personal finance writers serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community through articles and ideas about saving your hard-earned money.
Study shows support for GLBT inclusion among Jewish communities
Gay Jewish leaders released new research results on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) inclusion in the Jewish world at a strategy session in New York City on February 22 and 23. The research showed deep support for the inclusion of LGBT Jews in Jewish communities.
Read more after the jump.
Clergy, experts on Jewish communities and synagogue transformation, along with Christian leaders experienced in welcoming congregations programs, converged at The Jewish Community Center in Manhattan. They discussed the results of the research and strategies to help synagogues become more welcoming to LGBT people – as well as people with disabilities, those who have converted to Judaism, people from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, and religiously interfaith families.
Prominent speakers at the strategy session included Prof. Steven M. Cohen, Research Professor of Jewish Social Policy at Hebrew Union College-JIR, Dr. Caryn Aviv, Posen Lecturer in Secular Jewish Culture with the Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Denver, and Rabbi Rebecca Alpert, PhD, noted author and professor of religion and women's studies at Temple University.
The research was based on a survey sent to over 3,000 congregations across North America with 1,221 respondents, representing nearly 1,000 unique congregations – more than 25% of all the Jewish congregations in North America. Respondents reflected all of the major Jewish movements. Response rates were particularly strong – reaching over 50% – from those synagogues affiliated with the Reform and Reconstructionist movements and with Aleph: The Alliance for Jewish Renewal. The most support for LGBT inclusion was with the Reconstructionist and Reform movements, while the Conservative movement trailed and Orthodox members were much less supportive. Regardless of their tradition, most of the 760 rabbis who responded (73%) already think their congregations do a good or excellent job welcoming gays and lesbians but very few use language in their mission statements or web sites to explicitly signal a welcome for LGBT Jews, and only 33% offer LGBT-related programs for congregants. Reflecting contemporary social and political concerns, events or activities connected to marriage equality were the most often-cited program with specific LGBT content.
"A sincere welcome for LGBT Jews must be demonstrated through visible action," said Gregg Drinkwater, executive director of Jewish Mosaic. "Although most rabbis who took our survey believe their congregations are inclusive and are likely sincere in their desire to reach out, we know from earlier research that without an explicit effort to welcome LGBT Jews, many LGBT people assume that such statements as "we welcome everyone" come with an invisible asterisk, with the hidden message that "we welcome everyone, except you," Drinkwater added. Rabbis in the study recognized the need for more learning and discussion about diversity. "Among the rabbis, 72% thought rabbinical seminaries should teach more about transgender Jews, 78% on gays and lesbians, 86% on racially and ethnically diverse Jews and 91% favor more on disabilities," Drinkwater said.
Jewish Mosaic and the Institute for Judaism and Sexual Orientation at Hebrew Union College- Jewish Institute of Religion are teaming up to launch a welcoming congregations program that will give rabbis and congregations useful tools and resources so that LGBT people will not have to guess whether or not they are welcome. "Several Jewish denominations have guidelines that support welcoming but there has never been a comprehensive national structure and program to help individual congregations actually live up to the resolutions their denominations have passed. We are going to change that," said Dr. Joel Kushner, director of the Institute for Judaism and Sexual Orientation at Hebrew Union College- Jewish Institute of Religion.
"While the full report will be published in the coming months, the initial findings paint a picture of synagogue leadership that is open to full inclusion. And as it turns out, inclusion is good for congregations. One of the findings is that 41% of rabbis whose congregations pro-actively reached out to gay and lesbian Jews reported gaining members as a result and only 2% reported losing members," said Drinkwater.
A second conference will be held in Los Angeles on March 1-2. Speakers will include more leaders from Judaism's main seminaries, experts in congregational change, leaders in LGBT inclusion from both Jewish and Christian settings and rabbis from each of the Jewish movements to discuss "best practices" and strategies for change.
Working with Artists call for entries
Hey Denver photographers, Working with Artists has a call for entries for Mind/Full, a contemplative photography exhibit co-juried by Greg Cradick and Anyen Rinpoche, a Tulku from Tibet.
Entries are due by March 19.
Find out more at www.workingwithartists.org.
Tickets on sale now for 'Tang Concubines'
From the producers of 'Heartbeat' and 'Terracotta Warriors' comes 'Tang Concubines', a spectacular Chinese stage show featuring awe-inspiring dance and martial arts, and telling a tale of love, lust, life and death amidst the ghostly ruins of a great Chinese dynasty. Written, produced and directed by Denver resident Dr. Dennis Law, in 2006 'Tang Concubines' became the only show in Chinese history to win Canada’s prestigious Dora Award for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design. 'Tang Concubines' will play Denver’s Buell Theatre April 7-19, making Denver the first U.S. city to witness this lavish production.
Tickets are on sale now at www.denvercenter.org.
Read more about 'Tang Concubines' after the jump.
China’s Tang Dynasty (618-906 AD), regarded as the pinnacle of progress and prosperity in Chinese history, serves as the intriguing backdrop for TANG CONCUBINES - the true story behind the unlikely rise of two legendary concubines. At a time when social constraints dictated that women had little hope of affecting their nation’s history, two women climbed their way to the top of the power structure–one by way of treachery, the other through devotion–and irreversibly changed their country’s fate.
Both women began as royal concubines and both radically redefined the role of women in imperial China, but the similarities stop there. The ambitious Wu Ze Tian would stop at nothing in her ruthless rise to become China’s first and only Empress, while the selfless Yang Guifei served her country loyally and ultimately gave her life to restore peace to the dynasty. The two women’s legacies were enduring: Wu ushered in an era of unprecedented women’s empowerment, while Yang’s sacrifice and much-lauded beauty brought her immortality in the culture’s poetry.
TANG CONCUBINES tells their extraordinary stories, conjuring imperial China with a thrilling combination of ballet, Chinese opera, martial arts, sumptuous sets, lavish costumes and cirque-like diversions. The cast of 80 invites audiences into the splendor of a majestic palace, and the soaring score combines traditional Chinese musical stylings with the cinematic sounds of a Western symphony.
TANG CONCUBINES is choreographed by Chinese dancer Jonathan Feng Han. The Chinese government ranks dancers on a scale of one to four, with Class I being considered a top skilled dancer in China. It takes years to earn a Class I ranking, and Jonathan Feng Han, lead dancer and choreographer for TANG CONCUBINES, is one of these rare talents. Jonathan graduated from the Beijing Dance Academy in 1997 and is the youngest male National Class I dancer in China today. Fen Han’s unparalleled talents were last seen in Denver when he performed all three lead roles in Terracotta Warriors. Feng Han is often found instructing at the Law Brothers Chinese Performing Arts International Dance Academy and will perform as the lead dancer in TANG CONCUBINES.
TANG CONCUBINES is produced and directed by Denver resident Dennis K. Law, MD. Retired from a career as a well-known surgeon in Denver, Colorado, Dr. Law started his interest in the field of entertainment by producing Warriors of Virtue, a high budget family feature film distributed by MGM, Warner Brothers and Columbia Artists worldwide. In China, he also produced a prize-winning CCTV children’s film Xiwa as well as the acclaimed television series “April Rhapsody.” After the acquisition of The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts by the Law family in early 2002, Dr. Law became the C.E.O. and President of The Centre and its associated production company Sight, Sound & Action Ltd. Over the last three years, in addition to presenting many Broadway shows and the acclaimed Colorado Ballet Dracula, he also produced the Canadian premiere of Plaid Tidings, the concert “From China with Love” and “Dragon Meets Eagle.” Most importantly, Dr. Law has utilized The Centre to allow Vancouver to launch a new genre of Action-Musicals, notably Of Heaven & Earth in 2002 and Terracotta Warriors in 2004. In 2005, by starting the First Annual Chinese Performing Arts Festival in Vancouver and Toronto, Dr. Law continues to dedicate efforts to introduce Chinese performing arts of international packaging and quality to North American audiences. The two shows from the summer of 2005, Senses and Heartbeat, combined for 120 performances in the three cities of Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto.
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