MileHighGayGuy Guide to Halloween: Denver Wrangler

This Halloween "The Last Bar On The Left" is the Denver Wrangler. There's no cover for the Halloween hijinks and a $500 costume contest first prize.

They even made a sweet little YouTube video (above). All that's missing is a sinister voiceover.

MileHighGayGuy Guide to Halloween: The Glitter Girls

Check out the dragtacular performances of The Glitter Girls at 8 p.m. at BJ's Carousel featuring Maddix Jay and Colorado's own Captain Jack. There's no cover.

MileHighGayGuy Guide to Halloween: A Dirtbag Halloween at The Robusto Room

Attn: Sleezeballs! Come out to A Dirtbag Halloween at The Robusto Room in full force and pull out your crappiest costumes you’ve got for a chance to win $100 cash so you can go buy yourself some class.



Dirtbag DJ Mada will keep the party hoppin' and the drinks will be a pourin'.

MileHighGayGuy Guide to Halloween in Denver: Tracks

Bacardi, Tracks and the EXDO Event Center present 'Beetlejuice's World for the Recently Deceased' featuring three rooms and over 20,000 square feet of space transformed into the weird and wacky world of Beetlejuice.

The night will feature a live 'Thriller' performance at midnight, DJ Alyson Calagna, and a costume contest with a $2,000 cash prize.

Doors open at 9 p.m. and cover is $15 from 9-10 p.m. and $20 from 10 p.m. to close.

DOCA's Denver Gallery Guide

Denver is a culturally vibrant city with over 300 large and small arts and cultural organizations and a robust commercial arts sector that includes galleries, arts districts, music venues and media production studios. DOCA builds on that vibrancy through working with other City offices, local businesses, nonprofit organizations and beyond to fulfill its mission.

With the new downloadable Denver Gallery Guide, DOCA invites you to explore Denver’s art galleries and unique arts districts that contribute greatly to the vitality of the city.

Get out and about this winter with GLS

Are you a Sierra Club and a Gand and Lesbian Sierrans member yet? If not, consider becoming both a Sierra Club member and a member of GLS. Your Sierra Club membership support allows the Club to continue its important work in battling the barrage of threats to the environment that have been coming from Washington. By becoming a GLS member, you will allow our group to fund its conservation work projects (such as Capitol Peak). Once you become both a Sierra Club and GLS member, you will be able to vote on GLS' leadership.

To become a Sierra Club member, visit the Sierra Club and click 'join'.

Snow at First Sight

The Colorado Tourism Office has launched a global search called Snow At First Sight.

They are looking for three people who have never seen snow. Those three winners will spend three months in Colorado experiencing the state's legendary winter season and everything it has to offer.

If you know someone who fits the bill, or if you want to vote for your favorite video, be sure to visit the site to cast your vote .

2009 OUT 100: Chaz Bono

Out magazine is excited to start rolling out its annual 'OUT 100' issue, recognizing the year’s most influential people affecting the LGBT community.

This first sneak peek is a fantastic photo of Chaz Bono, shot by Jason Bell. For this year’s 'OUT 100', the magazine dubbed Chaz Bono "Most Likely to Reinvent." The only child of Cher and Sonny Bono, Chaz has a long history in queer activism. After coming out in the April 1995 issue of The Advocate, he went on to write for the magazine, serve as a high-profile spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign, became entertainment media director for the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, and penned two books centered on LGBT issues. After several years under the radar, Bono broke news in June that he had begun FTM gender reassignment surgery.

Happy Halloween from The Big Gay Sketch Show

Watch Gay Video & Lesbian Movies

You can't stop the mop.

Be sure to tune in to season three of Logo’s “The Big Gay Sketch Show” premiering early 2010.

President Obama signs Ryan White Act

Watch CBS News Videos Online
President Obama today signed the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009.

Read a full transcription of his remarks after the jump.


We often speak about AIDS as if it's going on somewhere else. And for good reason -- this is a virus that has touched lives and decimated communities around the world, particularly in Africa. But often overlooked is the fact that we face a serious HIV/AIDS epidemic of our own -- right here in Washington, D.C., and right here in the United States of America. And today, we are taking two important steps forward in the fight that we face here at home.

It has been nearly three decades since this virus first became known. But for years, we refused to recognize it for what it was. It was coined a "gay disease." Those who had it were viewed with suspicion. There was a sense among some that people afflicted by AIDS somehow deserved their fate and that it was acceptable for our nation to look the other way.

A number of events and advances over the years have broadened our understanding of this cruel illness. One of them came in 1984, when a 13-year-old boy from central Indiana contracted HIV/AIDS from a transfusion. Doctors assured people that Ryan White posed no risk to his classmates or his community. But ignorance was still widespread. People didn't yet understand or believe that the virus couldn't be spread by casual contact. Parents protested Ryan's attendance in class. Some even pulled their kids out of school. Things got so bad that the White family had to ultimately move to another town.

It would have been easy for Ryan and his family to stay quiet and to fight the illness in private. But what Ryan showed was the same courage and strength that so many HIV-positive activists have shown over the years and shown around -- show around the world today. And because he did, we didn't just become more informed about HIV/AIDS, we began to take action to fight it.

In 1990, the year Ryan passed away, two great friends and unlikely political allies, Ted Kennedy and Orrin Hatch, came together and introduced the Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act -- the CARE Act -- which was later named after Ryan.

In a few minutes, I'm going to sign the fourth reauthorization of the Ryan White CARE Act. Now, in the past, policy differences have made reauthorizations of this program divisive and controversial. But that didn't happen this year. And for that, the members of Congress that are here today deserve extraordinary credit for passing this bill in the bipartisan manner that it deserves: Tom Harkin and Mike Enzi in the Senate, we are grateful to you for your extraordinary work; Speaker Pelosi, who's always leading the charge on so many issues; Frank Pallone, Jr., Joe Barton, Barbara Lee and Donna Christensen in the House, thank you for your extraordinary work -- oh don't worry, I'm getting to Henry. (Laughter.) Nancy is always looking out for members, but we've got a special section for Henry.

And Chairman Henry Waxman, who began holding hearings on AIDS in 1982, before there was even a name for AIDS, was leading here in Washington to make sure that this got the informed attention that it deserved and who led the House in passing the original Ryan White legislation in 1990.

I also want to acknowledge the HIV community for crafting a consensus document that did so much to help move this process forward. Some of the advocates so important to this legislation are with us here today: Ernest Hopkins from Cities Advocating for Emergency AIDS Relief; Frank Oldham, Jr., President and CEO of the National Association of People with AIDS; and Julie Scofield, Executive Director of the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors.

And I'm especially honored that Ryan's mother, Jeanne White-Ginder, is here today. For 25 years, Jeanne had an immeasurable impact in helping ramp up America's response to this epidemic. While we lost Ryan at too young an age, Jeanne's efforts have extended the lives and saved the lives of so many others. We are so appreciative to you. Thank you. (Applause.)

You know, over the past 19 years this legislation has evolved from an emergency response into a comprehensive national program for the care and support of Americans living with HIV/AIDS. It helps communities that are most severely affected by this epidemic and often least served by our health care system, including minority communities, the LGBT community, rural communities, and the homeless. It's often the only option for the uninsured and the underinsured. And it provides life-saving medical services to more than half a million Americans every year, in every corner of the country.

It's helped us to open a critical front on the ongoing battle against HIV/AIDS. But let me be clear: This is a battle that's far from over, and it's a battle that all of us need to do our part to join. AIDS may no longer be the leading killer of Americans ages 25 to 44, as it once was. But there are still 1.1 million people living with HIV/AIDS in the United States, and more than 56,000 new infections occur every single year.

Some communities still experience unacceptably high rates of infection. Gay men make up 2 or 3 percent of the population, but more than half of all new cases. African Americans make up roughly half of all new cases. Nearly half of all new cases now occur in the South. And a staggering 7 percent of Washington, D.C.'s residents between the ages of 40 and 49 live with HIV/AIDS -- and the epidemic here isn't as severe as it is in several other U.S. cities.

So tackling this epidemic will take far more aggressive approaches than we've seen in the past -- not only from our federal government, but also state and local governments, from local community organizations, and from places of worship.

But it will also take an effort to end the stigma that has stopped people from getting tested; that has stopped people from facing their own illness; and that has sped the spread of this disease for far too long. A couple of years ago Michelle and I were in Africa and we tried to combat the stigma when we were in Kenya by taking a public HIV/AIDS test. And I'm proud to announce today we're about to take another step towards ending that stigma.

Twenty-two years ago, in a decision rooted in fear rather than fact, the United States instituted a travel ban on entry into the country for people living with HIV/AIDS. Now, we talk about reducing the stigma of this disease -- yet we've treated a visitor living with it as a threat. We lead the world when it comes to helping stem the AIDS pandemic -- yet we are one of only a dozen countries that still bar people from HIV from entering our own country.

If we want to be the global leader in combating HIV/AIDS, we need to act like it. And that's why, on Monday my administration will publish a final rule that eliminates the travel ban effective just after the New Year. Congress and President Bush began this process last year, and they ought to be commended for it. We are finishing the job. It's a step that will encourage people to get tested and get treatment, it's a step that will keep families together, and it's a step that will save lives. (Applause.)

We are continuing the work of crafting a coordinated, measurable national HIV/AIDS strategy to stem and suppress this epidemic. I'm pleased to report that the Office of National AIDS Policy, led by Jeffrey Crowley, has already held eight in a series of 14 community discussions in cities across the country. They've brought together faith-based organizations and businesses, schools and research institutions, people living with HIV and concerned citizens, gathering ideas on how to target a national response that effectively reduces HIV infections, improves access to treatment, and eliminates health disparities. And we are encouraged by the energy, the enthusiasm, and great ideas that we've collected so far.

We can't give Ryan White back to Jeanne, back to his mom. But what we can do -- what the legislation that I'm about to sign has done for nearly 20 years -- is honor the courage that he and his family showed. What we can do is to take more action and educate more people. What we can do is keep fighting each and every day until we eliminate this disease from the face of the Earth.

So with that, let me sign this bill. (Applause.)

(The Act is signed.) (Applause.)

END



Make sure our families count in the next census

"Our Families Count" is a campaign being launched by two dozen LGBT groups to encourage participation in the 2010 U.S. Census, which will be the first to track the number of same-sex couples who describe themselves as being married.

For more information on the 2010 U.S. Census click here.

America's HIV travel ban lifted

President Barack Obama announced the elimination of the ban on HIV-positive visitors coming to the U.S. at a signing ceremony for the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act. The lifting of the HIV ban was approved by President George W. Bush, but his term ended before it could be implemented.

GLBT History Month: 31 Days, 31 Gays

“Gay people do not fight for freedom to live in a lavender bubble, but in a more just society.” - Urvashi Vaid

Urvashi Vaid is an attorney, author, activist and the executive director of the Arcus Foundation.

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!

And the Advertising Award Recipients of the first annual GLAAD Media Awards are ...

The GLAAD Media Awards in Advertising recognize and honor individuals and projects in the advertising and marketing industries for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the LGBT community and the issues that affect their lives.

Actor Alan Cumming, who received the Vito Russo Award at the 16th Annual GLAAD Media Awards, hosted the event and was joined by special guests including Bryan Batt ('Mad Men') and Jay Manuel ('America's Next Top Model').

"Advertisers that promote fair, accurate and inclusive images of the gay and transgender community send an important message to their customers, to fellow corporations – and to anyone who sees their ads – that LGBT people should be accepted and valued for our contributions to society," said Jarrett Barrios, GLAAD President. "GLAAD congratulates the award recipients and will continue to advocate for increased inclusion of LGBT images in mainstream advertising to show gay and transgender people are part of America and respected as customers and employees in these companies."

See the complete list of GLAAD Media Award recipients after the jump.


Corporate Responsibility Award: Subaru

Public Visibility Award: Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams

TV - Mainstream Market : "Golfers" Orbitz

TV - LGBT Market: "Bertolli Oven Baked Meals" Bertolli

Print/Outdoor - Mainstream Market: "Insurance Comes Out" Allstate

Print/Outdoor - LGBT Market: "GLBT Print Campaign" Progressive Insurance

Interactive: "Scion's Create-Your-Own-Comic" Toyota Scion

Outstanding Advertising - Electronic: TIE: "Logo Unbuttoned" Levi's & "We All Walk In Different Shoes - Nina Poon" Kenneth Cole

Outstanding Advertising - Print: "Will You Marry Me?" ABSOLUT® VODKA



Advocate.com live streams signing of federal hate crimes act

Log on to Advocate.com as President Obama makes history by officially signing into law the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.

Federal Hate Crimes round up

Everybody's weighing in on President Obama's historic signing of the federal hate crimes act and I'll be updating this post throughout the day so you can see what the politicos, pundits, and plain regular people have to say about it.

See statements from President Obama, The Center, Lambda Legal, Judy Shepard, and many others after the jump.


Lambda Legal:
This is an historic day: President Obama has signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act into law — the first federal law in our nation’s history that specifically protects the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Years after the tragic murders of Matthew Shepard, Brandon Teena, Sakia Gunn and others our government is finally standing up and saying: No more. Our community demanded action, and we never gave up.

This law will send a message that violence motivated by hate will not be tolerated in this country and is a welcome first step towards other critical protections for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Lambda Legal represented the family and estate of Brandon Teena, a transgender man who was brutally raped and murdered in Nebraska in 1993 (the subject of the movie Boys Don’t Cry) to make sure that the law enforcement officials who had failed Teena were held accountable.

This law comes too late to provide justice for the victims of violence we have already lost, but it holds the promise of greater safety and respect for LGBT people today and in the future.

Our work is not done. Now that the Hate Crimes Act has become law, Congress and the President must also enact an inclusive ENDA to protect us against discrimination on the job. The majority of Americans support workplace protections for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender people and there is no reason for further delay. There is also no reason to delay the repeal of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act and Don't Ask, Don't Tell — there should be no place for discrimination in our laws.

As one Justice Department official said, "[The Hate Crimes Act] is going to be used extensively." But our hope at Lambda Legal is that this law will not need to be used over and over again each year. Our hope is that antigay violence decreases and disappears.

Today we celebrate this exciting progress, as we remember those we have lost to violence. Tomorrow, we continue working together to achieve equality.

The Center:
Today The Center celebrates the next step toward full equality for our LGBT community. We thank Congress and President Barack Obama for passing and signing historic legislation that will expand federal hate crime protections to include sexual orientation and gender identity.

The Matthew Shepard & James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act is the first major federal civil rights law protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

In the past three years alone, over 4,000 LGBT Americans were the victims of bias-motivated hate crimes.* This legislation is another tool to help law enforcement agencies force that number into decline.

"Those who would commit violent crimes motivated only by their unjust anger toward LGBT individuals must understand that our community and our country are dedicated to ensuring that they will face the full measure of the law, and learn that their actions will not be tolerated in our society," said Carlos Martinez, Executive Director of The Center.

In 2008, it's estimated that 100 Coloradoans were the victims of anti-LGBT hate crimes. In the United States overall, 30 LGBT community members were murdered** for their perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.

"This law is critical to many Americans because it will give the U.S. Department of Justice the power to investigate and prosecute bias-motivated crimes," said Mindy Barton, Legal Director of The Center. "With a hate crime, a perpetrator singles out the victim based on his or her actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity and that impacts not just the victim, but the community as a whole."

Judy Shepard, mother of Matthew Shepard and President of the Board of Directors of the Matthew Shepard Foundation
When Dennis and I started calling 10 years ago for federal action to prevent and properly prosecute hate crimes against gay, lesbian and transgendered Americans, we never imagined it would take this long.

The legislation went through so many versions and so many votes that we had to constantly keep our hopes in check to keep from getting discouraged. But with President Obama’s support and the continually growing bipartisan majorities in the House and Senate lining up behind the bill this year, it became clear that 2009 was the year it would finally happen.

We are incredibly grateful to Congress and the president for taking this step forward on behalf of hate crime victims and their families, especially given the continuing attacks on people simply for living their lives openly and honestly. But each of us can and must do much more to ensure true equality for all Americans.

Campaigning for hate-crimes legislation may be what I am known best for, but our family and the Matthew Shepard Foundation will continue to push for true equality for every American until the work is complete. Too many people face the threat of losing their jobs or their homes due to their sexual orientation. Too many same-sex couples lack legal protections for their property, their health care decisions, and their children. Too many devoted and dedicated servicemembers are being turned away by our armed forces.

I hope, as you reflect on the success of the hate crime prevention bill, that you also take the extra step of contacting your state and federal elected officials in support of full equality for all citizens, regardless of difference.

Be open about who you are and who you love. Dispel stereotypes and assumptions. Tell your stories. And support the continued work of the Matthew Shepard Foundation to "Replace Hate with Understanding, Compassion, and Acceptance."

Remarks by President Obama at reception commemorating the enactment of federal hate crimes act
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you so much, everybody. Thank you so much, and welcome to the White House.

There are several people here that I want to just make mention of because they helped to make today possible. We've got Attorney General Eric Holder. (Applause.) A champion of this legislation, and a great Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. (Applause.) My dear friend, senior Senator from the great state of Illinois, Dick Durbin. (Applause.) The outstanding Chairman of Armed Services, Carl Levin. (Applause.) Senator Arlen Specter. (Applause.) Chairman of the Judiciary Committee in the House, Representative John Conyers. (Applause.) Representative Barney Frank. (Applause.) Representative Tammy Baldwin. (Applause.) Representative Jerry Nadler. (Applause.) Representative Jared Polis. (Applause.) All the members of Congress who are here today, we thank you.

Mr. David Bohnett and Mr. Tom Gregory and the David Bohnett Foundation -- they are partners for this reception. Thank you so much, guys, for helping to host this. (Applause.)

And finally, and most importantly, because these were really the spearheads of this effort -- Denis, Judy, and Logan Shepard. (Applause.) As well as Betty Byrd Boatner and Louvon Harris -- sisters of James Byrd, Jr. (Applause.)

To all the activists, all the organizers, all the people who helped make this day happen, thank you for your years of advocacy and activism, pushing and protesting that made this victory possible.

You know, as a nation we've come far on the journey towards a more perfect union. And today, we've taken another step forward. This afternoon, I signed into law the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. (Applause.)

This is the culmination of a struggle that has lasted more than a decade. Time and again, we faced opposition. Time and again, the measure was defeated or delayed. Time and again we've been reminded of the difficulty of building a nation in which we're all free to live and love as we see fit. But the cause endured and the struggle continued, waged by the family of Matthew Shepard, by the family of James Byrd, by folks who held vigils and led marches, by those who rallied and organized and refused to give up, by the late Senator Ted Kennedy who fought so hard for this legislation -- (applause) -- and all who toiled for years to reach this day.

You understood that we must stand against crimes that are meant not only to break bones, but to break spirits -- not only to inflict harm, but to instill fear. You understand that the rights afforded every citizen under our Constitution mean nothing if we do not protect those rights -- both from unjust laws and violent acts. And you understand how necessary this law continues to be.

In the most recent year for which we have data, the FBI reported roughly 7,600 hate crimes in this country. Over the past 10 years, there were more than 12,000 reported hate crimes based on sexual orientation alone. And we will never know how many incidents were never reported at all.

And that's why, through this law, we will strengthen the protections against crimes based on the color of your skin, the faith in your heart, or the place of your birth. We will finally add federal protections against crimes based on gender, disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation. (Applause.) And prosecutors will have new tools to work with states in order to prosecute to the fullest those who would perpetrate such crimes. Because no one in America should ever be afraid to walk down the street holding the hands of the person they love. No one in America should be forced to look over their shoulder because of who they are or because they live with a disability.

At root, this isn't just about our laws; this is about who we are as a people. This is about whether we value one another -- whether we embrace our differences, rather than allowing them to become a source of animus. It's hard for any of us to imagine the mind-set of someone who would kidnap a young man and beat him to within an inch of his life, tie him to a fence, and leave him for dead. It's hard for any of us to imagine the twisted mentality of those who'd offer a neighbor a ride home, attack him, chain him to the back of a truck, and drag him for miles until he finally died.

But we sense where such cruelty begins: the moment we fail to see in another our common humanity -- the very moment when we fail to recognize in a person the same fears and hopes, the same passions and imperfections, the same dreams that we all share.

We have for centuries strived to live up to our founding ideal, of a nation where all are free and equal and able to pursue their own version of happiness. Through conflict and tumult, through the morass of hatred and prejudice, through periods of division and discord we have endured and grown stronger and fairer and freer. And at every turn, we've made progress not only by changing laws but by changing hearts, by our willingness to walk in another's shoes, by our capacity to love and accept even in the face of rage and bigotry.

In April of 1968, just one week after the assassination of Martin Luther King, as our nation mourned in grief and shuddered in anger, President Lyndon Johnson signed landmark civil rights legislation. This was the first time we enshrined into law federal protections against crimes motivated by religious or racial hatred -- the law on which we build today.

As he signed his name, at a difficult moment for our country, President Johnson said that through this law "the bells of freedom ring out a little louder." That is the promise of America. Over the sounds of hatred and chaos, over the din of grief and anger, we can still hear those ideals -- even when they are faint, even when some would try to drown them out. At our best we seek to make sure those ideals can be heard and felt by Americans everywhere. And that work did not end in 1968. It certainly does not end today. But because of the efforts of the folks in this room -- particularly those family members who are standing behind me -- we can be proud that that bell rings even louder now and each day grows louder still.

So thank you very much. God bless you and God bless the United States of America.

Jarrett Barrios of GLAAD
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), the nation’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy and anti-defamation organization, today applauded President Barack Obama today for signing the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act into law.
The law extends existing federal protections (which currently cover violent hate crimes based on a victim’s race, color, religion and national origin) to include gender identity, sexual orientation, gender and disability; allows the Justice Department to assist in hate crime investigations at the local level; and mandates that the FBI begin tracking hate crimes based on actual or perceived gender identity, sexual orientation, gender and disability.

“With this law, President Obama and Congress have sent a message that violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people is wrong and that our community should not be excluded from the protections of our nation’s laws” said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios. “This is a landmark step in eliminating the kind of hate motivated violence that has taken the lives of so many in our community including Brandon Teena, Matthew Shepard, Fred Martinez, Gwen Araujo, Sakia Gunn, Sean Kennedy, Angie Zapata, Duanna Johnson, Lateisha Green and so many others. The visibility of these tragic losses and the conversations that they sparked brought us to today’s historic step toward ending this violence.”

GLAAD has worked with media outlets and families of victims to raise visibility among the public about the need for LGBT-inclusive federal protections.

“We especially thank Judy and Dennis Shepard and so many of the families of those who have lost their lives to hate violence for their tireless commitment, along with so many individuals and organizations, to educate people about the importance of this legislation.”

“Today is another step toward full equality, where LGBT people can be respected and feel safe in our communities with the knowledge that the laws will protect us too. Our community’s work is far from over and media have the same responsibility today as they’ve always had: to continue telling the stories of LGBT victims of hate violence until the day that anti-LGBT violence is truly and finally a thing of the past.”

American LGBT Leaders
It took much too long, more than a decade. And it came at too great a price: the brutal killings of Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. are just two among the thousands of crimes motivated by hate and bigotry.

But this week, the president put pen to paper and fulfilled a campaign promise, the signing of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, extending the federal hate crimes statute to include sexual orientation and gender identity along with race, religion, gender, national origin and disability. Our deepest hope and strong belief is that this new law will save lives. Now, lawmakers and the president have made an imperative statement to the country and the world: Our nation will no longer tolerate hate-motivated violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.

We have worked long and hard for this and its passage is historic.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program, there are nearly 8,000 hate crime-related incidents annually, and more than 1,200 of those incidents involve violence based on sexual orientation or gender identity. And even more alarming, while the overall occurrence of hate crimes is declining nationally, hate crimes against LGBT people have been increasing. This year alone, we saw hate crimes trials in the brutal killings of two transgender women, Angie Zapata and Lateisha Green.

As a result of this legislation, if local jurisdictions are unable or unwilling to investigate or prosecute hate crimes based on sexual orientation or gender identity, the Justice Department can now step in. And that’s why the LGBT community never stopped working for this historic day.

This legislation not only has practical value, but is a symbol of our progress. It is the first time in the nation’s history that Congress has passed explicit protections on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. We could not have reached this moment without the powerful support of our allies who stood with us every step of the way. We are deeply grateful to civil rights, civic, faith and disability rights groups, as well as law enforcement and district attorney organizations that worked side by side with the LGBT advocates. We are equally thankful to Congress, President Obama and members of his administration for passing and signing this bill into law.

While today we celebrate this marker of progress, we must recognize it as only one of the building blocks to full equality and demand that it be just a first step toward equal treatment under federal law in all areas of our lives. And we must focus on the next step.

The passage of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act provides us with an opportunity. We must use this moment to educate and keep the momentum going so that we can continue to make progress on the local, state and federal levels. Yes, legislation takes a long time — often years of work. Yet, our community is on the cusp of passing much-needed protections.

This week, we call upon lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, families and allies to take this opportunity of increased media and public attention on hate crimes to educate co-workers, classmates, neighbors, family members and friends about our lives, and about why we need not only their friendship and love, but their vocal support for a more just and equal America for LGBT people. If your members of Congress voted in support of hate crimes legislation, call them and thank them. Then ask them to be there for us again when the vote turns to workplace nondiscrimination, military service and partnership rights.

With your help and our collective pressure, equality is within reach.

When talking about the need for hate crimes legislation, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said: “The time for debate is over.”

She was right.

Just as the time has finally come for stronger hate crime protections, it is also time to pass an inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act, repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and the so-called Defense of Marriage Act, and ensure that health care, economic policy and immigration reform incorporate the needs of LGBT people.

The time for debate is over.

Signed by:

Jo Kenny, AFL-CIO Pride at Work
Terry Stone, Centerlink: The Community of LGBT Centers
Gabe Javier & Debbie Bazarsky, Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals
Marianne Duddy-Burke, DignityUSA
Toni Broaddus, Equality Federation
Jennifer Chrisler, Family Equality Council
Evan Wolfson, Freedom to Marry
Lee Swislow, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders
Rebecca Allison, M.D., Gay & Lesbian Medical Association
Chuck Wolfe, Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund
Eliza Byard, Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network
Marjorie Hill, Gay Men’s Health Crisis
Joe Solmonese, Human Rights Campaign
Rachel Tiven, Immigration Equality
Earl Fowlkes, International Federation of Black Prides
Kevin M. Cathcart, Lambda Legal
Leslie Calman, Mautner Project: The National Lesbian Health Organization
Sharon Lettman, National Black Justice Coalition
Kate Kendell, National Center for Lesbian Rights
Mara Keisling, National Center for Transgender Equality
Justin Nelson, National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
Rea Carey, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
Paul Kawata, National Minority AIDS Council
Kyle Bailey, National Stonewall Democrats
Greg Varnum, National Youth Advocacy Coalition
Sharon Stapel, New York Anti-Violence Project
Selisse Berry, Out & Equal Workplace Advocates
Jody Michael Huckaby, PFLAG National
Michael Adams, Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE)
Aubrey Sarvis, Servicemembers Legal Defense Network








HRC lauds signing of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act

The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, praised President Barack Obama today for signing the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act into law. The new law gives the Justice Department the power to investigate and prosecute bias-motivated violence where the perpetrator has selected the victim because of the person's actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. The legislation was added as a provision to the FY 2010 National Defense Authorization Act earlier this Summer. For a comprehensive retrospective and historical overview of hate crimes advocacy visit: www.LoveConquersHate.org.

More after the jump.


“This law honors our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender brothers and sisters whose lives were cut short because of hate,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “Today’s signing of the first major piece of civil rights legislation to protect LGBT Americans represents a historic milestone in the inevitable march towards equality. Although this is a major step in fighting the scourge of hate violence, it is not the end of the road. As a community, we will continue to dedicate ourselves to changing not only laws but also hearts and minds. We know that hate crimes not only harm individuals, but they terrorize entire communities. After more than a decade of advocacy, local police and sheriffs’ departments now have the full resources of the Justice Department available to them.”

“We applaud President Obama for signing this bill into law and thank the leadership and our allies in the House and Senate. We also will always remember the tireless efforts of Senator Edward Kennedy on this issue. Senator Kennedy once said that this legislation sends ‘a message about freedom and equality that will resonate around the world.’ This marks the first time that we as a nation have explicitly protected the LGBT community in the law. And this law sends a loud message that perpetrators of hate violence against anyone will be brought to justice,” said Solmonese.

The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act honors the memory of Matthew Shepard, a Wyoming college student brutally murdered in an act of hate violence in 1998, and James Byrd, an African-American man who was dragged to death in Jasper, Texas, in 1998.

“We are incredibly grateful to Congress and the president for taking this step forward on behalf of hate crime victims and their families, especially given the continuing attacks on people simply for living their lives openly and honestly,” said Judy Shepard, executive director of the Matthew Shepard Foundation. “But each of us can and must do much more to ensure true equality for all Americans.”

“We appreciate everyone who worked so hard on this bill. My son was taken at such an early age and we hope this law will help prevent other families from going through what we experienced,” said Stella Byrd, mother of James Byrd. “Even though we’re different colors and different sexual orientations or gender identities, God made us all and he loves us all.”

The new law also provides the Justice Department with the ability to aid state and local jurisdictions either by lending assistance or, where local authorities are unwilling or unable, by taking the lead in investigations and prosecutions of violent crime resulting in death or serious bodily injury that were motivated by bias. It also makes grants available to state and local communities to combat violent crimes committed by juveniles, train law enforcement officers, or to assist in state and local investigations and prosecutions of bias motivated crimes.

This legislation was first introduced in the 105th Congress. There have been 14 total votes in the U.S. House and U.S. Senate to bring this historic legislation to the president’s desk.



Who will you nominate for the 2009 Mayor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts?

Click to embiggen and read.

Then, be sure to head over to the website and nominate your favorite local artists.

Under Paris Skies with Lannie Garrett

Denver songstres Lannie Garrett will present her new show, 'Under Paris Skies' beginning Friday, November 6th and continuing every Friday and Saturday through November 28th at Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret in downtown Denver.

The 'Under Paris Skies' show is a pairing of Lannie Garrett’s smooth vocals and the catchy, foot-tapping music of The Gypsy Swing Revue.

In The Life celebrates premiere of 18th season

In The Life Media recently celebrated the premiere of the 18th season of their LGBT public television series 'In The Life' with a gala fundraiser honoring Julian Bond and Patricia Clarkson. - via Passport

Ooh, and I just found out that 'In The Life' has a podcast. I totally need more podcasts to listen to. 'Gay Pimpin' with Jonny McGovern' only goes so far.

A Blackheart Christmas

The holidays are right around the corner and Blackheart Records, Joan Jett's record label, will be celebrating with their holiday album 'A Blackheart Christmas' available on vinyl for the very first time. The album features holiday standards from Girl in a Coma, The Dollyrots and original tunes from Seattle punks The Cute Lepers and veteran Blackheart band The Vacancies. A modern take on "Silent Night" closes out the 11-track offering recorded with Joan Jett on vocals and guitar.



Track Listing:
1. Blue Christmas - Girl in a Coma
2. The Elf Song - The Vacancies (original)
3. Santa Baby - The Dollyrots
4. Little Drummer Boy - Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
5. Christmas Is The Time To Say I Love You - The Cute Lepers
6. Father Christmas - The Vacancies
7. I'll Be Home For Christmas - Girl in a Coma
8. Winter Wonderland - Thommy Price featuring Nefertiti Bones
9. Home For Christmas - Kenny Laguna
10. All I Ever Want (Under The Christmas Tree) - The Cute Lepers (original)
11. Silent Night - The Blackhearts and special guests

Stream 'Blackheart Christmas' here.

Curious Theatre presents Ameriville

Curious Theatre Company is thrilled to bring the Bronx based ensemble, UNIVERSES, to Denver for a limited engagement run of their latest work, 'Ameriville'. A true theatrical force, 'Ameriville' premiered at the Humana Festival of New Plays in March 2009, directed by Chay Yew. In an explosive fusion of poetic storytelling and the infectious rhythms of jazz, Gospel, and hip-hop, UNIVERSES puts the state of the Union under a microscope – race, poverty, politics, history, and government – examining our country through the lens of Hurricane Katrina and the city of New Orleans.

“I am more than excited at the opportunity to bring this incredible group of artists to Curious, and better yet - to Denver,” says Curious’ Artistic Director, Chip Walton. “It’s like nothing you’ve seen in the area, they truly represent some of the most innovative and progressive artists in the country.”

Soulsavers - Unbalanced Pieces

Check out the latest from Soulsavers' new album 'Broken'.

It's dark and lovely.

Matthew Ryan - Dear Lover

Available today Matthew Ryan and Blurt - a quarterly magazine and multimedia website covering music, comedy, politics, culture and assorted debauchery - present an exclusive stream of 'Dear Lover'.

On his twelfth recording, Matthew Ryan offers his most personal collection yet, navigating the intimate space between lovers where passion, doubt, fear and desire co-exist.

Gay rights activists to demonstrate at White House before signing of Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act

Parents of gays and lesbians, teachers and activists carrying photos of hate crime murder victims including Harvey Milk and Matthew Shepard will demonstrate in front of the White House on Wednesday, October 28 from noon to 2 p.m. prior to the President signing the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. The amendment adds gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and disabilities to the federal hate crimes act.

The demonstration is organized by Equality Forum, a national and international GLBT civil rights organization with an educational focus.

According to the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, there were 29 hate crime murders of gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender (GLBT) Americans among the 2,424 GLBT hate crimes in 2008. Since 1998, when Matthew Shepard was murdered, there have been over 16,000 hate crime victims, on average, about 1,450 GLBT hate crimes per year.

“Homophobia has fueled carnage since Matthew Shepard’s murder 11 years ago,” stated Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director of Equality Forum. “The Matthew Shepard Amendment is the beginning not the end in recognizing, addressing and eliminating homophobia in our schools, workplaces, neighborhoods and culture.”

“We applaud those in Congress and President Obama who support the Matthew Shepard Amendment,” stated Susan Wheeler of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, the mother of James Wheeler. “My son took his life after being repeatedly harassed in high school. He was surrounded in the locker room and urinated on. Jim never recovered from that humiliation.”

“We demonstrate as a reminder of the over 16,000 hate crime victims since Matthew’s brutal murder,” stated Michael and Barbara Klinman of Havertown, Pennsylvania, who are parents of a gay son. “These crimes are intended to intimidate the GLBT community and their ferocity impacts the soul of America.”

“As we carry the photos of murder victims of GLBT hate crimes, we stand-in for those whose lives have been silenced,” stated Carol Watchler, GLSEN Central New Jersey Co-Chair. “We demonstrate because we are concerned about the safety of youth. We want to ensure that gay and lesbian children are not hate crime statistics and can live without fear of homophobic violence.”

True Blood season three spoilers from Alan Ball

Advocate.com's got a bloody good interview with Alan Ball (pictured), writer and executive producer of 'True Blood'.

Ball spills on what we can expect from season three of the show saying, "We'll be meeting the vampire king of Mississippi and his long, long-term companion -- and by long-term I mean really long-term -- Talbot. I think Lafayette may meet a love interest, and certainly Pam, who works with Eric, she's certainly got a lesbian vibe -- I don't know that that's all she is, but she certainly does seem to appreciate the women.”

Below are just a few good reasons to watch 'True Blood'.

GLBT Alumni Chapter of CU-Boulder Holiday Party

The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Alumni Chapter of the CU-Boulder Alumni Association will be holding their annual holiday party on Friday, Dec. 4 from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Koenig Alumni Center at the CU-Boulder campus.

There will be food, friends, drinks, and door prizes and the event is open to everybody - not just alumni and not just gay folks.

Jared Polis hosts gay town hall

Openly gay Colorado Representative Jared Polis held what is thought to be the first GLBT Town Hall in the country right here in Denver last Saturday night.

The purpose of the town hall meeting was to emphasis LGBT issues such as the Healthcare Reform Bill, the federal Hate Crimes Act, ENDA, and Don't Ask, Don't Tell. - via Towleroad

Rock Your Socks in San Francisco

The holidays are quickly approaching and whether you’re feeling like Grinch or Claus this season, Personality Hotels guarantees to add some sizzle to your step with their “Rock Your Socks” holiday package. So grab your best shopping buddy and head to San Francisco for a fun and affordable holiday adventure that will knock your socks off.

All guests who book the “Rock Your Socks” holiday package will be automatically entered to win a complimentary one-night stay in a Personality Hotels suite of their choice upon their next visit.

The “Rock Your Socks” holiday package is valid November 6 – January 6, 2010. Rates start at $139 per night, excluding tax and based upon availability; based upon double occupancy. Book to stay overnight on November 26 and/or 27 (aka Black Friday) and receive a rock star VIP upgrade (upon availability). For reservations, call 800.553.1900 or visit www.personalityhotels.com.

Broncos sign Berger

The Broncos on Monday signed punter Mitch Berger, it was announced. To make room for Berger on the roster, the club also waived second-year punter Brett Kern.

Berger is a 16th-year NFL veteran and two-time Pro Bowl choice. He spent last season as a member of the Super Bowl-champion Pittsburgh Steelers, where he ranked fifth in the league in opponent punt return average -- with 6.4 yards per return.

Berger ranks 19th in NFL history with a 43.0 career punting average. Since 1999, he is fifth in the NFL in both gross and net average.

For more information on Berger click here.

Win a free ski trip to Crested Butte

Gunnison-Crested Butte is known for being a place you can let your hair down for a little R & R and adventure, whether you like it laidback or extreme. The locals are known for chatting it up with visitors and pointing the way to their favorite places. In keeping with this unique spirit, the Gunnison-Crested Butte Tourism Association today launched a “Double Dog Dare You” campaign on Facebook to celebrate the 2009/10 ski season.

Become a friend at www.facebook.com/gcbta, explain in 50 words or less why you should be selected to visit Crested Butte this winter, and submit a photo of yourself enjoying a snowsport. The winner will receive three night’s lodging at The Ruby of Crested Butte bed and breakfast, four lift tickets from Crested Butte Mountain Resort ski area and a $100 gift certificate for Django’s Restaurant & Wine Bar, located at the ski base.

The campaign kicks off today and concludes on Nov. 23, 2009.

A winner will be announced on Nov. 25, 2009, the opening day of ski season at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, and travel must take place before the ski season ends on April 4, 2010.

Behind the scenes of NINE

Directed by Rob Marshall ('Chicago'), 'NINE' is a vibrant and provocative musical that follows the life of world famous film director Guido Contini (Daniel Day-Lewis) as he reaches a creative and personal crisis of epic proportion, while balancing the numerous women in his life including his wife (Marion Cotillard), his mistress (Penelope Cruz), his film star muse (Nicole Kidman), his confidant and costume designer (Judi Dench), a young American fashion journalist (Kate Hudson), the whore from his youth (Stacy “Fergie” Ferguson) and his mother (Sophia Loren).

The original 1982 Broadway production of 'NINE', nominated for twelve Tony Awards and winning five, including Best Musical, was directed by Tommy Tune, choreographed by Thommie Walsh, starred Raúl Juliá with music and lyrics by Maury Yeston and book by Arthur Kopit. The 2003 Broadway revival of 'NINE' received eight Tony Award nominations and won two, including Best Revival of a Musical.

Remember to vote in the Nov. 3 election

The Denver Democrats send out the following reminder about the upcoming Denver election:

The November 3rd election is an all-mail-ballot election. Ballots will need $0.61 in postage, and should be mailed by Saturday, October 31st or dropped off in person at either of two Voter Service Centers by 7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3rd. If you did not receive your ballot, please call 720-913-8683 for assistance, or stop by one of the two Voter Service Centers in operation every day but Sunday through Election Day.

GLBT History Month: 31 Days, 31 Gays

"It's never satisfying enough to hear how much progress there has been if we don't have full equality." - Hilary Rosen

Hilary Rosen is a Political Contributor for CNN, and Washington Editor at Large for The Huffington Post. Entertainment Weekly named her one of the 101 Most Influential People in Entertainment.

Justice for ALL

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, today expanded its Justice For All educational curriculum to cover issues addressing gender identity and expression. The newest addition to the curriculum provides educators with three new lesson plans that will help them to engage their students in discussing gender identity and how gender identity discrimination affects people in education, employment, and family law.

“Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history and legal rights have been overlooked in educational curricula around the country. It is our hope that the gender identity curriculum will encourage teachers to discuss gender identity and expression openly and frankly with their students,” said Human Rights Campaign Foundation President Joe Solmonese.

Created through a grant from the Open Society Institute, the Justice For All program was developed to inform the public about the importance of an independent judiciary in protecting the civil rights of LGBT Americans. In particular, the Justice For All program responds to rhetorical attacks on “activist judges” by opponents of LGBT civil rights, increases awareness on attempts by state and federal legislators to reduce the power of the judicial branch, and highlights the growing threats of violence against federal and state judges who have been involved in deciding LGBT civil rights cases.

In 2006, the Justice For All curriculum was created to provide college and high school educators in the fields of social studies, history, government, and humanities with the tools to discuss issues affecting LGBT civil rights with their students. The gender identity lesson plans are the second expansion of the curriculum, which earlier this year was modified to include sections on the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

To date, educators from over 650 colleges, high schools, and middle schools have used the Justice For All curriculum in teaching thousands of students the fundamentals of civil rights and how these issues affect the LGBT community. Educators who are interested in learning more about the gender identity modules or the entire Justice For All curriculum can visit the Justice For All website at www.hrc.org/justice.

Pet of the Week: Prince

Hi, my name is Prince and I'm an adorable eight-week old German Shepherd mix.

I like to play, bite and lick faces.

Please come and see me so we can go outside and play!

For more information about Prince or any of the other wonderful pets available for adoption at MaxFund visit www.MaxFund.org.

32nd Starz Denver Film Festival announces red carpet line-up

The 32nd Starz Denver Film Festival (SDFF) unspools on Nov. 12 with the previously announced screening of 'Precious', as the Opening Night film and kick-off red carpet presentation.

Screening on Nov. 14, Big Night features 'The Last Station' with director Michael Hoffman in attendance. In this tale of two romances, one beginning and one near its end, 'The Last Station' stars Helen Mirren, Christopher Plummer, Paul Giamatti and James McAvoy in a complex, funny, rich and emotional story about Leo Tolstoy and the difficulty of living with love and the impossibility of living without it. The screening of 'The Last Station' will take place 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 14 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in the Denver Performing Arts Complex.

Read more after the jump.


The entire family is welcome to walk the red carpet Saturday, Nov. 21 for Hollywood-style screenings of two kid-friendly films for the Saturday-at-the-Movies event, complete with giveaways. Admission to either film screening is free with the donation of one new toy, through a partnership with FOX 31, The Deuce and The Salvation Army.

Turtle: The Incredible Journey, as narrated by Miranda Richardson, is the true story of a little loggerhead turtle who makes the journey of a lifetime. Born on a Florida beach, she circumnavigates the North Atlantic to reach Africa before returning to her birthplace - if she's lucky, that is - just one in a thousand loggerheads survives the voyage. The film will screen at 10 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 21 at the King Center.

For the first time, the Saturday-at-the-Movies program includes a feature-length film in Spanish subtitles, Up, as a special presentation of the Festival de Cine Mexicano. Up tells the story of Cranky old balloon salesman Carl Fredricksen finally fulfilling his lifelong dream of a great adventure when he ties thousands of balloons to his house and flies away to the wilds of South America. But he discovers all too late that his biggest nightmare has stowed away - Russell, an overly optimistic eight-year-old explorer. The film will screen at 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House.


"Our Red Carpet events give Denver festival-goers an air of the glitz and glamour of Hollywood," said Britta Erickson, SDFF director. "We are also extremely excited about our Saturday-at-the Movies program expansion this year with two films, one of which will have Spanish subtitles."

SDFF brings down the curtain on this year's Festival with a Closing Night presentation of The Young Victoria. This historical film, with principal roles from Emily Blunt, Miranda Richardson and Rupert Friend, profiles the story of 18-year-old Princess Victoria's succession to the English throne as those close to her vie to win her favor, including her overbearing mother, the Duchess of Kent, her ambitious advisor, and her handsome cousin Albert - with whom an alliance may well determine the strength of her reign. The Young Victoria will screen at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House.

For more information about the 32nd Starz Denver Film Festival, please visit http://www.denverfilm.org.



Move over .com, here comes .gay!

A group called the .GayAlliance has announced plans to create a new .gay top level domain to stand alongside current domains like .com and .net, according to this article in XBIZ.

Judy Shepard, Kelly McGillis among honorees at HRC's 10th Annual Palm Springs Garden Party

The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, today announced the line-up for the 10th Annual Palm Springs Garden Party on Saturday, November 7. Judy Shepard, executive director of the Matthew Shepard Foundation and member of the HRC Foundation board of directors, will receive the Ally for Equality award for her work to pass hate crimes legislation.

Recently out actress Kelly McGillis, star of 'Top Gun' and 'Witness', will also be honored with the HRC Visibility Award.

“We’re grateful to Judy and the Shepard family for their tireless advocacy against hate violence,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “This is a critical time in our movement and our push for equal rights. ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ and DOMA are still on the books and an inclusive ENDA has yet to become law. Real families are left without protections and people living with HIV and AIDS aren’t getting the care they need. Students are being bullied in school because they’re different and bi-national couples are treated like they’ve never met. We need our community to be involved and to become citizen lobbyists.”

Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act round up

A landmark federal hate crimes measure that would add protections based on sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability is set to become law. The U.S. Senate on Thursday voted 68-29 to approve the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which was attached to a Pentagon spending bill. A similar measure cleared the House earlier this month. President Barack Obama has said he would sign the measure into law.

See what is being said about it at The Washington Post, CNN, and The Washington Blade.

Denver Center Theatre Company is all about the laughs

Comedy takes over at the Denver Center Theatre Company for this pre-holiday season with Lisa Kron’s funny autobiographical comedy 'Well' opening the 2009/10 season in The Ricketson Theatre and 'Absurd Person Singular', Alan Ayckbourn’s uproarious adult comedy set on three consecutive Christmas Eves warms up The Space Theatre.

GLBT History Month: 31 Days, 31 Gays

"The fact that I was elected…the first openly gay woman, and then everybody went right back to business, really shows that in New York, we embrace diversity.” - Christine Quinn

Christine Quinn is the first woman and the first openly gay candidate elected speaker of the New York City Council. She is the city’s second most powerful elected official.

Soccer team booted from league over homophobia

Remember hearing about that (mostly) Muslim soccer team that refused to play that (mostly) gay soccer team? They got booted from the league over it.

Photo from the Paris Gay Foot website.

Colorado AIDS Project offers free HIV testing in Denver

Colorado AIDS Project encourages all individuals to know their HIV status and offers free and confidential testing for youth and adults.

Recognizing that testing may be difficult and scary, CAP strives to create the most comfortable and supportive environment for you and pledges its support to those who learn they are HIV-positive by serving as a bridge between testing positive and connecting with more comprehensive CAP client services.

To make an appointment for free, confidential testing, contact Athena Lansing at 303 837-0166 ext. 464 or email her at athenal@coloradoaidsproject.org.

Out interviews Hollywood hotties Nicholas Hoult and Tom Ford

Out magazine’s most recent cover features a grown up Nicholas Hoult, best known for playing the young Marcus in the Hugh Grant starrer 'About a Boy'. Now, Hoult dazzles in designer Tom Ford’s directorial debut, 'A Single Man', co-starring Colin Firth and Julianne Moore. Read the entire interview here.

Additionally, Out Editor in Chief Aaron Hicklin spoke to Tom Ford about the genesis of his debut feature and you can find out what Ford had to say right here.

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!

Matisse: Jazz & Cut-Outs

The two-book edition Matisse: Jazz and Matisse: Cut-outs includes a perfect facsimile of the most important published artifact of Matisse's late cut-outs period: 'Jazz', the legendary album of twenty color prints with calligraphic text, recognized as a masterpiece among artist books of the 20th century.

Senate achieves cloture on report including Matthew Shepard Act

The U.S. Senate today achieved cloture on the Department of Defense Authorization Conference Report of which the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act is a part by a vote of 64 to 35. The Senate will now proceed with debate on the Conference Report followed by a vote on final passage.

Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese released the following statement:

“While there is strong support for the hate crimes provision, today’s cloture vote in the Senate demonstrates that those in the civil rights community need to remain ever vigilant. While the Senate achieved cloture, it is clear that the opposition remains strong. We look forward to final passage when the critical hate crimes legislation will be on its way to the President’s desk.”

Andrew Christian model search

Andrew Christian is hitting up a number of American cities (but not Denver?!?) in search of a fresh new face (and body) to represent his new underwear line.

Find out where he'll be taking his model search next at www.AndrewChristian.com.

Kathy Griffin - Suckin' It for the Holidays

'Suckin' It For The Holidays', the scathing new comedy CD for all seasons from stand-up provocateur Kathy Griffin, will be in stores Tuesday, November 3 and Kathy herself will be in Denver at the Temple Hoyne Buell Theatre on November 20.

Recorded live during Kathy's sold-out show at the Borgota Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey on June 6, 2009, the 'Suckin' It For The Holidays' CD arrives tastefully packaged with a full-color booklet filled with seasonal cheesecake featuring Kathy Griffin and Santa Claus in a winter wonderland.

"'Suckin' It For The Holidays' is my holiday gift to Grammy voters," said Kathy Griffin. "It gives them a second chance to do the right thing this year at Best Comedy Album time. The Emmys on my mantle are dying to hang out with a real Grammy."

A stand-up comedy tour de force, 'Suckin' It For The Holidays' provides an acerbic analysis of the celebrities and public figures, both awesome and terrifying, that provide fuel and fodder for Griffin's preoccupations and observations. On her new album, Kathy Griffin provides iconoclastic takes on Katie Couric, Maya Angelou, Suze Orman, Justin Timberlake, T.I., Donald Trump, the Real Housewives, Heidi and Spencer, her own mother and much more.

'Suckin' It For The Holidays' is Kathy Griffin's much-awaited successor to 2008's 'For Your Consideration', which earned her Best Comedy Album Grammy nomination. Kathy became the first female comedian ever to debut at #1 on the Billboard Top Comedy Albums chart.

WWII Vet speaks out for gay rights

"It makes no sense that some people who love each other can marry and others can't just because of who they are. This is what we fought for in WWII - the idea that we can be different and still be equal."

Wow.

Check out the video above for some moving and powerful testimony from a WWII vet in support of gay rights. - via OMGBlog

Be Irresistibly Wicked this Halloween

Happy Halloween!

On Saturday, October 31, the Denver Center will present Irresistibly Wicked - a 'Wicked'-themed Halloween event with captivating music, cash prizes, incredible decor, dancing, and delicious food all set in a spectacular nightclub environment at the transformed Seawell Ballroom at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.

Get your tickets here.

Check out some sexy shots below from a recent photoshoot to promote the event. The sexy flying monkey is pretty cool but I'm not sure who or what the half-naked guy is supposed to be.

Not that I'm complaining, mind you.

GLBT History Month: 31 Days, 31 Gays

"The one thing we can really count on is change.” - Todd Oldham

Best known for his clothing and interior designs, Todd Oldham is the quintessential designer. He is regarded for transforming his youthful aesthetic into affordable style.

Do you have what it takes to be the face of Andrew Christian's new campaign?

Well, I can't believe he's not bringing his underwear model search to Denver, home of the hottest guys in the world, but underwear guru and fashion designer Andrew Christian is still 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 with a season long tour hitting various cities across the US trying to find his new model.

"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."

Tour Dates: Oct 23 - Nashville, TN; Oct. 24 - St. Louis, MO; Oct 30 - Chicago, IL; Nov 7 - Philadelphia, PA; Dec 5 - Cincinnati, OH

For more information and venues check out www.andrewchristian.com.

Violent Soho come to Boulder

Masked behind an armor of flannel and denim, the Australian quartet Violent Soho bring their raging riffs, battering guitars, distorted angry vocals, and a rhythm section that threatens to flatten buildings. Hailing from Brisbane Australia's bible belt suburb of Mansfield, their music is a reaction against everyone and everything. The alternative noise-rockers will be in Boulder on October 29 at the Boulder Theatre with Dinosaur Jr.

Check out the video for 'Love is a Heavy Word' below.