Tips for Guncles: The Denver Broncos Mini Mascot Contest

Hey, guncles! The Denver Broncos are having a Mini Miles Mascot for a Game Contest so bring your nieces and/or nephews to any Colorado Famous Dave's BBQ to sign up.

*click pic to embiggen and read

Brookville celebrates release of Broken Lights

Brookville released their third CD, 'Broken Lights', yesterday, and will perform at the Hi-Dive in Denver on Monday, October 5 and The B Side Lounge in Boulder on Tuesday, October 6 to celebrate.

Paula Poundstone at Pikes Peak Center

Funny gal Paula Poundstone follows her fellow 'Woman of the Night' Judy Tenuta to Colorado with an appearance on October 8 at the Pikes Peak Center.

If you haven't seen her in person you really owe it to yourself to check her out.

I interviewed her a couple of years ago and she's brilliant.

She's the kind of person who, if she loses a dollar in the soda machine, she puts another dollar in.

Precious to open 2009 Starz Denver Film Festival

The 32nd Starz Denver Film Festival (SDFF32) will open with a red carpet gala screening of the highly-anticipated, award-winning feature film, "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire."

Local luminaries and the film's producers, Sarah Siegel-Magness and Gary Magness will attend Opening Night and walk the red carpet along with the director, Lee Daniels, and the film's young star, Gabourey Sidibe.

"Precious" is the first film to win both the Sundance and Toronto audience awards. The gripping story follows a pregnant, illiterate 16-year-old teenager living in Harlem. Things appear to have hit rock bottom until Clareece "Precious" Jones receives an invitation to attend an alternative school where her life could take a different direction.



Read more after the jump.


"We're extremely excited and honored to have 'Precious' open the 32nd Starz Denver Film Festival," said Britta Erickson, Festival Director. "This is an incredibly well-crafted film with local roots and provides yet another strong affirmation of the important role our city and state continue to play in the international film industry."

Daniel's second film creates a compelling portrait of underprivileged and ignored youth and minorities. "Precious," like Sapphire's 1996 book "Push," reminds us of the dangers of passing judgments on others without having walked a mile in their shoes. Sidibe's performance as Precious has been considered one of the most electrifying debuts in years. The star-studded cast also includes Mo'Nique, Mariah Carey, Paula Patton and Lenny Kravitz.

This year's Opening Night event takes place Thursday, Nov. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Tickets for the award-winning film and Opening Night celebration go on sale to Denver Film Society members on Oct. 28 and Oct. 30 for the general public.




Riverdance tickets go on sale Sunday

'Riverdance', the thunderous celebration of Irish music, song and dance that has tapped its way onto the world stage thrilling millions of people around the globe, will play eight farewell performances at The Buell Theatre November 24-29. Single tickets go on sale Sunday, October 4 at www.denvercenter.org or by phone and walk-up Monday, October 5 at 10 a.m.

“Since 1996, the success of 'Riverdance' in North America has gone beyond our wildest dreams,” said producer Moya Doherty. “The fact that the show continues to draw and excite audiences 13 years after its debut in Dublin is a tribute to every dancer, singer, musician, staff and crew member who have dedicated themselves to the show.”

Deployment: Gays in the military ... and in Las Vegas!

Gay List Daily reports that Deployment - an annual event bringing together gay servicemembers and their admirers - is coming to Las Vegas the weekend of October 9-11 and will be offering up a decadent roster of dance parties, pool parties, BBQs, and lots more for men in - and out - of uniform.

Sounds fun.

*Update: The event has been cancelled due to low sales.

Margaret Cho comes to Aspen, Colorado

Margaret Cho comes to the Belly Up in Aspen on October 6 with her new show which is a mix of new stand-up and live music. She will be showcasing songs from her forthcoming album, tentatively titled 'Guitarded', which will feature guest appearances by Patty Griffin, Jon Brion, Grant Lee Phillips, and others.

Get your tickets here.

Calling all hot guys! Want to be the new face of Andrew Christian underwear?

Underwear guru and fashion designer Andrew Christian (left) is taking a brand new approach to find the new face of Andrew Christian for 2010. Christian is taking to the streets, going directly to the ones who created the brand into what it is today, allowing fans to have a say in who they want to see representing the brand next year. Starting this weekend, Andrew Christian embarks on a season long tour hitting various cities across the US trying to find his new model.

Starting this past Friday, September 25th in Detroit, MI and ending in December in Cincinnati, OH; Andrew Christian takes a cross country trip looking for the perfect person to work his brand next year. Potential models can sign up at the venue, before Andrew's arrival, and when Andrew arrives, the contestants will then have to model in a pair of Andrew Christian underwear and go through a few physical and mental tests to see if they have what it takes. The audience at each venue will also help Andrew by narrowing down the pool of contestants in various ways. The individual city winner receives a $200 gift certificate to AndrewChristian.com and is entered into the finals, which will take place early next year, where the winner of the finals get the opportunity to star in a photo shoot with Andrew at his personal design studio and warehouse in Los Angeles, CA

"There are so many potentially hot models out there, especially in cities that aren't big, and if given the chance, they could be as good, if not better, than those polished Hollywood models," says designer Andrew Christian. "I am tired of going through agencies and getting the same type of model, I want something else, something different, so I am going out and looking for it. I can't tell you how many guys I meet that have what it takes to model, and I want to give them the chance now."

Right now, he's not planning any stops in Denver but you can check out his itinerary here.

Graham Norton reprimanded for lesbian joke/insult

A warning issued by the BBC to out British TV host Graham Norton that a lesbian-themed joke "reinforced a potentially offensive stereotype" has prompted this look at whether such jokes by some gay men toward lesbians has made the LGBT community less cohesive and prompted some gay women to refrain from taking part in LGBT initiatives.

What do you think?

The Ultimate Fighter: Hot guys and hotter fights

The new season of 'The Ultimate Fighter' is off to a bloody good start.

Unfortunately, the hottest guy in the competition, former Colorado Springs resident Abe Wagner (above), got sent home first but tonight's bout between Kimbo Slice and Roy Nelson is the most anticipated of the season (see below).

Can the world's most famous street fighter match up against an experienced and well-rounded mixed martial artist?

Check out 'The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights' tonight on Spike.

Sneak Peek: Kimbo Fights! | UFC | SPIKE.com

Stories from the military closet

Three members of the military share their stories of being forced to serve in the closet because of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

To read more stories from gay servicemembers (including former U.S. Army Sergeant Darren Manzella, pictured) or for more information on gays in the military check out the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network.

ENDA is key, sez senior gay member of Obama administrator

Securing the passage of a transgender-inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act is the necessary first step toward getting federal support for other LGBT-equality measures, according to John Berry, director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and the most senior out member of the Obama administration.

"If we can get ENDA enacted and signed into law, it is only a matter of time before all the rest happens," Berry said. "It is the keystone that holds up the whole bunch, and so we need to focus our energies and attention there."

MileHighHotGuy: ???

This gorgeous go-go dancer was working up a sexy sweat this past Saturday night at Tracks.

I forgot to stay sober enough to remember his name but I do remember that I enjoyed his work.

If this is you or you know who this is, please let me know so I can give him proper credit for being sexy.

Bear to Make a Difference 2009 sold out

The 2009 Bear to Make a Difference event in Denver benefitting the Matthew Shepard Foundation has sold out.

Whoo-hoo!

That is great news for a wonderful organization.


If you didn't have a chance to get your tickets but still want to do your part for The Matthew Shepard Foundation there are still tickets available for the 2009 Bear to Make a Difference Comedy Night featuring Alec Mapa or you can purchase a copy of Judy Shepard's book The Meaning of Matthew.

"I don't have any remorse," says killer of Matthew Shepard

The creators of 'The Laramie Project' (clip below) have created a new Matthew Shepard-related production based on interviews with Shepard's killer Aaron McKinney.

The Associated Press reports that, in addition to still hating gay people, McKinney is quoted as saying, "As far as Matt is concerned, I don't have any remorse."

So sad. - via Jezebel

This Saturday is last home game for Rapids

Can you believe the last regular season home game of the 2009 season is this Saturday night? Your Rapids face off against the New England Revolution in this all-important match in their push to the playoffs; kickoff is set for 7 pm at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on Saturday. Wear your burgundy to the match!

For the full match preview of Saturday's game, including projected lineups, head-to-head statistics, the latest injury and suspension reports, as well as all the details on the game promotions taking place Saturday, visit the Rapids' match preview page by clicking here.

Cleveland wins bid to host 2014 Gay Games

MetroWeekly is reporting that Washington D.C. has lost out to Cleveland in the bid to host the 2014 Gay Games.

The 2010 Gay Games will be held in Cologne, Germany.

Recipe: White chili with sausage

In the fall I love to make big pots of chili to bring over to my parents' or sisters' houses. My nieces and nephews say they love it even though my traditional recipe is really nothing special. I'm definitely gonna have to give this white chili a try and see what they think of it.

White Chili with Sausage

Ingredients:

1-1/2 pounds bulk pork sausage
1 cup chopped onion (1 large)
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 19-ounce cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
2 14-ounce cans reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 14 1/2-ounce can white or yellow whole kernel corn, drained
1 fresh poblano chile pepper, seeded and finely chopped (see tip, page 74)
1/3 cup lime juice
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper

Crushed white corn tortilla chips

Directions:

In a 4-quart Dutch oven cook and stir sausage, onion, and garlic over medium heat until sausage is no longer pink. Stir in beans, broth, corn, chile pepper, lime juice, and white pepper. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. Serve with crushed chips. - via www.BHG.com

New Music: N'Dambi - Pink Elephant

Former back-up singer for Erykah Badu, N'Dambi has a brand-new CD out called 'Pink Elephant' that explored "the art of revelation" with soul, '80s style hip-hop, and jazz-tinged songs.

"I want to write about the elephant in the room," says N'Dambi. "They see her but refuse to acknowledge or talk about her, let alone confront her. That's why I'm here."

Find out more about N'Dambi at www.ndambionline.com.

Who wants to join the Underwear of the Month club?

Uber trendy fashion designer Andrew Christian has decided to give a little something back to everyone who has helped him get where he is today. Andrew Christian is excited to introduce the exclusive Andrew Christian Underwear of the Month Club. The underwear club launches October 1.

Being a member of Andrew Christian's Underwear Club will allow you access to the hottest and newest underwear styles before the general public gets them! Besides brand new and classic underwear, members of the club will also receive a personalized autographed picture from Andrew as well as access to exclusive promotional items and deals. You can join the exclusive underwear club for either six months or 12 months. You will receive your first pair of underwear as soon as your membership starts and your next month's pair on the first of every month.

"Andrew Christian continues to grow as a company, even in today's economic standards, which is a testament to the products we produce and the loyal followers who continue to purchase them," says designer Andrew Christian. "For a while now I have wanted to come up with a better way to say 'thank you' to everyone for making the company grow, and I feel that this is probably one of the easiest and best ways by allowing those fans the chance to get brand new products before anyone else."

For more information, costs, full benefits or to sign up for the Underwear of the month club, check out www.andrewchristian.com.

Where do Libertarians stand on gay marriage?

Check out an interesting interview with Libertarian David Boaz recommending the privatization of all marriage.

One Book, One Denver: To Kill A Mockingbird

* click to embiggen and read all about all of the interesting One Book, One Denver events that are going on and then come help me bust up this chiffarobe. I'll give you a nickel.

Pet of the Week: Niles

My name is Niles and I am very much a Scottish gentleman. I am a 4 year-old, 13 lb, West Highland White Terrier mix and I am definitely the cutest, sweetest and most loyal pup, you will ever find.

I am looking for an active home. Being a terrier, I can be very curious, so its best to keep me under supervision. I love to go for lots of walks and can keep up with the best of the walkers. I am active, smart and very social. I like well- mannered kids to play with and other dogs. I am not sure if I get along with cats because I've never met one.

My previous family relinquished me because they did not have time for me. So I will need your patience and gentle guidance during my training period. It would be great if you could attend Puppy Kindergarten with me for socialization and training so that I can be the superb canine citizen I'm meant to be!

Please come and see me. I can sit or walk with you and we can see what happens.

To find out more about Niles or any of the other wonderful dogs available for adoption visit www.TheMaxFund.org.

Win a trip to Puerto Vallarta

South of the border, the sun's a little flashier, the salsa's a little spicier, and the seashore is calling your name. Enter to win a gay-friendly trip for two to Mexico, and you could be on your way to Puerto Vallarta with a suitcase full of speedos in a snap. Click here to enter the contest from Travelocity.com. - via Passport

Polis: Repeal federal marriage ban, leave issue to states

Out U.S. Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo., a co-sponsor of a measure to repeal the federal Defense of Marriage Act, writes on CNN.com that marriage-equality issue should be decided by each state and not the federal government.

"No one should be denied the opportunity to choose his or her spouse," says Polis.

Out of the closet ... in middle school?

A recent article in The New York Times looks at the increasingly commonplace phenomenon of LGBT youths coming out in middle school.

"Just how they're faring in a world that wasn't expecting them -- and that isn't so sure a 12-year-old can know if he's gay -- is a complicated question that defies simple geographical explanations," writes Benoit Denizet-Lewis. "... What is clear is that for many gay youth, middle school is more survival than learning -- one parent of a gay teenager I spent time with likened her child's middle school to a 'war zone.'

In Colorado, one resource for gay youth is Rainbow Alley, a drop-in center for 12-21-year-olds which provides health services, counseling and referal, youth-led events and activities, and life resources in a safe and supportive space.

Colorado's Sen. Bennet signs on to sponsor ENDA 2009

Colorado Stonewall Democrats and The Bilerico Project report that the office of Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado has confirmed that he has signed on as a co-sponsor of S1584, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2009.

Dr. Jillian T. Weiss says that, "Senator Bennet is the 40th co-sponsor. There are, however, nine more Senators who have privately confirmed their support for ENDA, and another nine beyond that whose prior track records indicating a likelihood of support in the future. 60 are needed to overcome the expected filibuster."

It is important for the LGBT community and all supporters of an inclusive ENDA to thank Senator Bennet for his support. You can call him at 202-224-5852 or email him here.

Broncos win first AFC West matchup

The Broncos improved to 3-0 on the season by beating the Oakland Raiders 23-3 Sunday afternoon at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.

A complete team effort helped the Broncos win their first AFC West matchup of the season.

On offense, Correll Buckhalter (108 yards on 14 carries) and Knowshon Moreno (90 yards on 21 carries) combined for 198 rushing yards. Meanwhile, Brandon Marshall paced the club in receiving yards, totaling five catches for 67 yards, including a first-quarter touchdown reception. Kyle Orton once again played turnover-free ball, going 13-of-23 for 157 yards and connecting with Marshall for the early score.

For the third-straight game, the Denver defense played stellar from start to finish, forcing three Oakland turnovers and recording three sacks. In all, defensive coordinator Mike Nolan's unit held the Raiders to 137 yards of total offense.

Read more at the official blog of the Denver Broncos here.

Hot iPhone Guy of the Week

This sexy little gym rat is your MileHighGayGuy Hot iPhone Guy of the Week. Check out more of his ilk at www.guyswithiphones.com.

Joy Behar sez: Let Elton John adopt!

Everybody's favorite 'View' co-host Joy Behar recently wrote an opinion piece for CNN.com about Elton John and his husband's recent failed attempt to adopt an HIV-positive baby from Ukraine.

Petition the Queen to bestow Knighthood on Alan Turing

Alan Turing, a mathematical genius, led the WWII team that broke the German code. Turing invented the Bombe, which deciphered secret messages encoded by the German Enigma machine. His invention turned the tide of WWII, shortened the war, saved countless lives and helped assure Allied victory.

Known as the father of the computer, the Turing machine is the basis for computer technology.

In 1952, Turing was arrested for gross indecency for consensual same-sex intimacy. He was offered imprisonment or chemical castration. Turing chose chemical castration. Two years later, at age 41, Turing committed suicide.

In September 2009, as a result of a successful international petition, UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown issued a formal apology to Alan Turning for the treatment he received. Brown recognized Turing’s contribution to humankind and “all those who live freely thanks to Alan’s work.” Brown stated, “I am proud to say we’re sorry, you deserved so much better.”

“Alan Turing is one of the most important figures of the 20th century,” stated Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director of Equality Forum. “Despite his exceptional accomplishments, homophobia castrated him and led to his suicide. More than an apology is required. Alan Turing deserves to be posthumously knighted by the Queen.”

To nominate Alan Turing for Knighthood, click here.

GLBT History Month 2009

October is GLBT History Month and the official website www.GLBTHistoryMonth.com is online and rockin' and rollin' with over 100,000 unique visitors in the past two weeks alone.

In 2008, over 500 nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and for-profit corporations had a GLBT History Month link (MileHighGayGuy included!), making GLBT History Month the largest collaborative project worldwide for the GLBT community.

Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director of Equality Forum, says that GLBT History Month sends a "powerful civil rights message about our community’s extraordinary national and international contributions. We are the only minority community deprived of its history in schools, at home, and in religious institutions. GLBT History Month teaches our heritage, provides role models and builds community.”

The site will also feature a profile on a different gay icon for every day of the month. See the full list of honorees after the jump.


GLBT History Month 2009 Icons
Alvin Ailey, Jr. - Choreographer

John Amaechi - Professional Basketball Player

Tammy Baldwin - Congresswoman

John Cage - Composer

Ruth Ellis - Activist

Rainer Fassbinder - Film Director

Michel Foucault - Philosopher

Harry Hay - Activist

Magnus Hirschfeld - Social Scientist

Zora Neale Hurston - Author

Jasper Johns - Painter

Cherry Jones - Actress

Kate Kendell - Attorney

Alfred Kinsey - Sexual Researcher

k.d. lang - Singer

Rachel Maddow - Commentator

Deirdre McCloskey - Economist

Paul Monette - Author

Pauli Murray - Attorney

Joan Nestle - Historian

Todd Oldham - Designer

Suze Orman - Financial Expert

Christine Quinn - New York City Council Speaker

Robert Rauschenberg - Painter

Jerome Robbins - Choreographer

Hilary Rosen - Commentator

Yves St. Laurent - Fashion Designer

Esera Tuaolo - Professional Football Player

Urvashi Vaid - Activist

Gus Van Sant - Film Director

B.D. Wong - Actor



Bear to Make a Difference

Don't forget to get your tickets to the Matthew Shepard Foundation's 2009 Bear to Make a Difference event coming up on October 16 at the Exdo Event Center.

Gay and Lesbian Sierrans Annual Potluck this weekend

Join the GLS for their annual potluck this Saturday, September 26. Whether you’re new to GLS or you’ve been involved for years, this is a great opportunity to gather and meet and see all the great people involved with this organization. The group willl have a grill going and water, soda, plates, and silverware will be provided. Just bring a dish to share and something to grill, if you want. This event is a very casual, outdoor setting but outing leaders will be there to answer any questions you might have about the group or upcoming hikes and events.

RSVP or direct any questions to Bill at wilroe@mindspring.com and directions will be provided.

Beat the November deadline and get that $8K!

Queercents has some advice on what you can do to take advantage of the $8,000 home buyer credit but you've got to act fast because the deadline is gonna be here before you know it.

Explore Colorado's fall foliage

There is a reason Colorado begins with “color.” Mother Nature has blessed our state with unrivaled beauty, especially during the fall months when the mountains dazzle with orange and yellow aspen tree leaves. A drive in the mountains to watch the leaves turn is an awesome way to spend a day but have you ever considered checking out the view by train or even hot air balloon?

Check out some unique ways to enjoy the beauty of Colorado in the fall after the jump.

Photo from www.scenicbuenavista.com.


Embark on a fall photo safari at the Delaware Hotel in Leadville, and capture beautiful images of Colorado’s fall colors. The Fall Photo Safari package includes accommodations for one night at the elegant Victorian inn, a photo safari with personalized scenic photography instruction from award-winning photographer Jon Sheppard, box lunch, transportation to and from photo sites and an afternoon image review. Prices start at just $235 per person. Available September through October. Call 800-748-2004.

Enjoy Colorado’s fall colors from new heights with The Inverness Hotel’s Fly & Soar package in Englewood. This package combines the excitement of a hot air balloon flight with the grounded relaxation of upscale accommodations, a couples spa treatment and luscious gourmet treats. Packages start at $699 (based on double occupancy) and include two nights in a deluxe hotel room, a hot air balloon ride for two with complimentary champagne and continental brunch served aboard the balloon, Xpress Focus Massage for two at the hotel spa and the 'Take Flight with Tony' flight sampler featuring artisanal cheeses, chocolates and wines at the Fireside Lounge.

Head to Durango in Southwest Colorado and delight in the fall colors while soaring through the forest canopy in a state-of-the-art harness. This exhilarating package is great for all ages. Enjoy a Tree Top Soaring Adventure for two, tickets on the the Historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, and two night’s lodging at a Durango area hotel starting as low as $399.

Celebrate Colorado wine and food on a scenic bike ride through Colorado’s wine country during the beautiful fall harvest at the 15th Annual Tour of the Vineyards in Grand Junction, September 20th. This 25-mile ride through the vineyards of the Western Slope (on paved roads with a few hills) gives cyclists an opportunity to pass by the area’s wineries, as well as acres of fruit orchards, located in the Grand Valley of Palisade.

Hit the road on one of Colorado’s 25 Scenic and Historic Byways. Try the Rocky Mountain National Park’s Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved continuous road in the U.S. This 1.5- to 2-hour drive from Grand Lake to Estes Park features the magnificent scenery of Rocky Mountain National Park and offers great viewing areas for elk and other wildlife. Or, cruise along the Top of the Rockies Byway and check out the sights from Copper Mountain to Aspen.

Enjoy Frisco’s Autumn Spectacular, September 6-20. Nestled in the heart of Summit County, at 9,097 feet, Frisco is a great hub for viewing the area’s breathtaking foliage. Along with the beautiful colors, businesses throughout town will be offering “9,097 deals” on dining and shopping plus, a full lineup of events including The 1st Annual America Cup Fly Fishing Tournament, musical entertainment and kids activities.

Run with the Salmon at Willowfly Anglers in Almont. Experience the country’s largest land-locked kokanee salmon run from late August to late October. Purchase any all-day guided fishing trip in September and October through this Orvis Endorsed outfitter and, receive a 20 percent discount on lodging accommodations for two nights or more at Three Rivers Resort. Soak in the scenery on a relaxing fly fishing experience on the Gunnison, Taylor or East Rivers.

Hop aboard the historic Georgetown Loop Railroad and soak in the fall brilliance as the locomotive scales up 640 feet of mountainous terrain on narrow gauge track between Georgetown and Silver Plume. This journey includes a trip across the massive Devil’s Gate High Bridge. Along the route passengers may stop for a guided tour of the historic Lebanon Silver Mine, and view wildlife in its natural habitat.



In the market for a man?

Check out the Top 10 Stores to Pick Up Gay Men. - via La Daily Musto

A modestly successful HIV vaccine?

Jezebel.com reports on a promising new HIV vaccine out of Thailand that reduces risk of HIV infection by 31 percent.

The State of Our (GLBT) Unions

The Center is presenting The State of Our Unions: LGBT Legal and Policy Issues with Mindy Barton, The Center's Legal Director, and NCLR Executive Director Kate Kendell on Thursday, October 1 from 6-8 p.m. to talk about some of the latest nationwide developments in the ongoing battle for marriage equality.

RSVP to Eleanor Palacios with the subject line "Denver LGBT Legal Briefing" or call 415-365-1309.

Photo from www.cakehead.com.

Sarah Brannen, author of Uncle Bobby's Wedding, comes to Colorado Springs

Sarah Brannen, the author and illustrator of Uncle Bobby's Wedding, will be appearing at Poor Richard's Bookstore, 320 N. Tejon Street, Colorado Springs, on Saturday October 3 from 5 to 7 pm. (719-578-0012 for more info). Uncle Bobby's Wedding was one of the ten most-challenged books in the country last year, according to the American Library Association. It's a children's picture book about a little girl and her favorite uncle, and the the events surrounding his marriage to his boyfriend. - via PPGLCC

Cirque du Soleil: Kooza extended through October 4

Thanks to rave reviews, Cirque du Soleil’s phenomenal Denver production of KOOZA has been extended through Oct. 4. Witness daring acrobatic performance, whimsical clowning and a panoply of comic characters. To kick-off the fall, Cirque is offering a Back-to-School Promotion with $35 tickets for students/children and $45 tickets for adults on select performances.

More than half of gay workers hide their orientation on the job

A majority – 51 percent – of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender workers continue to hide their identity from most or all co-workers, according to a new report released today from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation that examines the real-life experiences of LGBT workers. The report, “Degrees of Equality: A National Study Examining Workplace Climate for LGBT Employees,” found that, despite significant advances in employment policies at major U.S. corporations, a majority of LGBT workers continue to experience a range of negative consequences because of their sexual orientation and gender identity. Younger workers are even more likely to hide their LGBT identity – only 5 percent of LGBT employees ages 18 to 24 say they are totally open at work, compared to more than 20 percent in older age cohorts. The report is available for download at www.DegreesOfEquality.org.

“Overall attitudes towards LGBT people have come a long way, but we can’t forget that people still struggle at work and that this has a profound impact on LGBT workers’ careers,” said Joe Solmonese (pictured), president of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. “Degrees of Equality helps us bridge the gap between policy and practice to fully understand LGBT workers’ experiences. The more we understand the workplace, the more we can help usher it to a place where all employees can thrive.”

Read more after the jump.


The study examined why workers chose to disclose their LGBT identity or not, how these issues arise in the workplace, the impact they have for businesses and what can be done to improve productivity and retention. In recent years, businesses have engaged in sustained efforts to implement policies aimed at creating safe and productive workplaces for talented LGBT employees. The number of companies that receive top ratings on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation Corporate Equality Index, for example, rose from just 13 in 2002 to 305 in the 2010 report released last week.

Nevertheless, significant numbers of LGBT employees continue to experience a negative workplace climate that affects productivity, retention and professional relationships. At least once in the past year, 42 percent of LGBT employees report lying about their personal lives, 27 percent have felt distracted, 21 percent have job searched and 13 percent have stayed home from work as a result of working in an environment that is not always accepting of LGBT people.

As reasons for hiding their identities, 39 percent fear losing connections, 28 percent fear not being considered for advancement, 17 percent fear getting fired and more than one in ten (13 percent) fear for their personal safety. Transgender workers are much more likely than other groups to report fearing for their personal safety – 40 percent compared to 20 percent of gay men. And 42 percent of transgender workers feared getting fired if they revealed their LGBT identity, compare to 22 percent of gay men.

An employee’s sexual orientation or gender identity are often unavoidable in casual, non-work related conversations. These conversations occur frequently and are an essential component to building productive work relationships. At least once per week, 89 percent of LGBT employees say conversations about social lives, 80 percent confront conversations involving spouses, relationships and dating at least once per week and 50 percent say the topic of sex arises at least once a week. These conversations are the most likely to make LGBT employees feel uncomfortable: fewer than half feel very comfortable talking about any of these topics.

Derogatory comments and jokes still happen at work and are a major indicator that it is unsafe to be open about their sexual orientation and/or gender identity at work. A total of 58 percent of LGBT workers say someone at work makes a joke or derogatory comment about LGBT people at least once in a while. Similarly, jokes and derogatory comments about other minority groups are equally indicative of a negative climate. About two-thirds (62 percent) of LGBT employees say negative comments about minority groups are made at least once in a while at work.

Even with inclusive employment policies, significant numbers of employees report negative consequences of an unwelcoming environment for LGBT employees. Moreover, the vast majority of LGBT workers do not report instances when they hear an anti-LGBT remark to HR or management. On average, 67 percent ignore it or let it go, 9 percent raise the issue with a supervisor and only 5 percent go to HR.

“We’ve found that inclusive non-discrimination policies and equal benefits are the essential first step toward cultivating a productive and engaged LGBT employee, but they are not the last step,” said Daryl Herrschaft, director of the Workplace Project. “By understanding how LGBT identity surfaces and unfolds in the workplace, we will be better able to turn policy into practice and address opportunities to improve productivity and retention of LGBT employees.”

The study is the cornerstone of a new project that will provide employers with a climate assessment tool and toolkits for improving their workplaces. The HRC Foundation conducted 14 focus groups to examine current LGBT workplace experiences and identify key elements of workplace climate. Since there is no uniform LGBT experience, the diversity of the working LGBT community was accounted for by conducting focus groups around race, ethnicity and gender, among other sub-groupings. In addition, the HRC Foundation commissioned the largest national survey of LGBT workplace experiences to date, administered to 761 LGBT workers from across the country. Finally, in-depth interviews supplemented the research.




MileHighGayGuy Advertiser Shout Out: Elitch Lanes

Please support the local businesses that help support Colorado's gay community with their advertising dollars.

Remember - when you shop gay and gay-friendly businesses, the money you spend remains in, and benefits, the LGBT community.

So why not hit up Elitch Lanes Tuesday or Thursday nights for Quarter Mania? Just pay a $5 entry fee and then get your games, shoes, and hot dogs for just a quarter each from 9 p.m. to close!

Have you heard about StudioOUT?

The StudioOUT.com network consists of the hottest new Gay Radio Stations on the planet and is dedicated to bringing the LGBT global and local communities together through music, talk and more.

MileHighGayGuy: The newest Rights Five superhero

Have you created your very own Rights Five superhero yet?

Above is MileHighGayGuy (of course!) and he's got the ability to help spread the empowering word of Colorado's great gay rights via the incredibly technologically advanced power of ... um, blogging.

The Sex Show 2009 comes to Denver tomorrow

The Sex Show 2009, now in its fourth year, comes to the Denver Convention Center starting tomorrow and goes through September 26 featuring shows and seminars along with vendors showing off all the latest and greatest breakthroughs in the realm of romance.

I recently spoke with the show's organizer to find out just what to expect from the three-day sextravaganza.

"The event is open to the public and it's a safe and fun environment. Not scary or hardcore," said David. "We've got vendors showing lingerie and toys and we also get a lot of vendors showing vehicles. Vehicles are sexy. They get people riled up. We've got an art gallery featuring works by local erotic artists and artisans and stage shows including the male strippers of Reign. We've also got a dungeon for adventurous types to check out. Colorado is home to one of the largest BDSM/fetish communities in the world."

And while this event is not currently geared to the gay community, it's possible that a Gay Sex Show could be in the works.

"I'd love to do a Gay Sex Show if Denver's gay community was interested in it," said David.

So check out the show and leave some feedback if you'd be interested in seeing a gay-themed event in the future.

Also, the Great American Beer Festival is taking place at the same time in the same place and, as far as I'm concerned, hitting up both events would make for a pretty awesome night out on the town.

Photos courtesy of www.edlphotographics.com.

The Rights Five: Five Days, Five Rights

Today's day three of the MileHighGayGuy Five Days, Five Rights spotlight on The Rights Five. Today's gay rights superhero is The Protector and he represents Colorado's hate crime laws.

The Colorado hate crimes law covers crimes committed with the intent to intimidate or harass another person because of that person's actual or perceived race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation. The term "sexual orientation" is defined in the law to include "transgender status" thereby also providing protections on the basis of gender identity and expression.

The law is not just about physical violence; it can also be applied to words or actions that threaten injury as well as crimes committed to an individual's property.

Strong hate crime laws send a message to victims, perpetrators, and law enforcement officials that crimes motivated by bias will not be tolerated in this state. Bias motivated crimes are not like any other crime because they are intended to create fear among an entire community of citizens.

If you believe you have been the target of a bias-motivated crime, immediately contact your local police department and report it.