World AIDS Day: In The Life

Over twenty million people have died from AIDS since its cause, HIV, was discovered in 1981. Though leading scientists worldwide have dedicated their life's work to understanding the virus, its genetic complexity is unprecedented and a cure is still beyond reach. This month on 'In The Life', catch up with scientists working tirelessly for a cure, advocates speaking out about the stigma of HIV and AIDS, and look at the success of a cutting edge prevention effort to stop the spread of the disease.

The December episode of 'In The Life' is available to watch online on December 1 - World AIDS Day - at InTheLifeTV.org.

Matthew's Place is looking for Denver-based intern

The Matthew Shepard Foundation is looking for a young person from the Denver Metro area to serve as a MatthewsPlace.com intern this spring.

Since Matthew's death and the creation of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, Judy Shepard has spent countless hours meeting young people across the country and decided that one way the Matthew Shepard Foundation could use its voice is to provide young people with a safe place to access resources and information critical to their development and survival.

Matthewsplace.com is that vehicle and continues to be a fitting tribute to Judy’s son Matthew who was killed simply for being who he was. MatthewsPlace.com provides LGBTQQ and allied youth with a site that incorporates cutting-edge technology with up-to-date information and resources about how to live a healthy, productive, and hate-free life.

World AIDS Day: Denver Gay Men's Chorus

Check out an inspiring Worlds AIDS Day Concert with the Denver Gay Men's Chorus tomorrow night at 7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Boulder. Join AIDS groups around the world in remembering those who have lost their lives to HIV/AIDS and continue the work to end HIV/AIDS. Aside from this amazing concert, there will also be an AIDS memorial at Art and Soul and an all-day presence on the Pearl Street Mall in front of the Courthouse. Visit www.bcap.org for more information and get tix for the concert by clicking here.

Pet of the Week: Oscar the Great

This big boy is Oscar, a Pyrenees-Heeler mix who is about a year old. He's playful, smart, and friendly and loves to chase tennis balls and indulge in other outdoor activities so what are you waiting for? Come on over to MaxFund No Kill Animal Shelter to meet Oscar the Great - and bring your tennis ball!

Jon Barrett named Editorial Director of Advocate Group

It was announced today that Jon Barrett has been named Editorial Director of the newly formed Advocate Group. Barrett now oversees the editorial voice for the brand’s numerous extensions, including The Advocate’s print, online, and television iterations and the HIV Plus brand as well as SheWired.com and PlanetOut.com, which also now operate under The Advocate Group banner.

“For 40-plus years The Advocate has grown, evolved, and transformed becoming the LGBT community’s news source of record,” said Stephen Macias, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Here Media. “As Editor in Chief, Jon Barrett injected a fresh and distinct editorial voice into The Advocate and Advocate.com. As The Advocate continues to embrace technological advances, we created The Advocate Group to encompass the new dimensions and platforms for delivering the award-winning content produced by our outstanding staff of writers and editors. We look forward to Jon’s innovative leadership extending to the expanded Advocate Group.”

More after the jump.


In his new role Barrett will grow the iconic Advocate brand as it continues its high standards of print journalism, breaks and reports news multiple times a day online, and debuts its monthly hour-long television magazine turning the Advocate lens on issues important to the LGBT audience. Barrett also takes over the editorial direction for the HIV Plus brand, which continues to provide provides the advice, tools, and personal stories to motivate readers to make the best of their friendships and relationships, work and leisure time, treatment, and overall sense of health and wellness.

Additionally, Barrett will guide the editorial direction of PlanetOut.com, which provides entertainment, travel, and lifestyle news, as well as SheWired.com, a leading women’s website providing exclusive, informative content on everything from pop culture and politics to travel, health, and lifestyle.





Music Monday: Diva Edition

I had a lot to be thankful for this past Thanksgiving week when I found my mailbox packed with the latest from a quartet of music's fiercest divas.

Lady Gaga - The Fame Monster
The Fame Monster includes the four-million selling album 'The Fame' as well as eight brand-new songs. Says Lady Gaga, "On 'The Fame Monster' I wrote about everything I didn't write on 'The Fame'. While traveling the world for two years, I've encountered several monsters, each represented by a different song on the new record."

Leona Lewis - Echo
The 24-year-old beauty behind Britain's fastest-selling debut album of all time - 'Spirit' - returns with a follow-up album with a little bit of something for everyone.

"I knew that I had evolved as a singer, songwriter, and performer," says Lewis, "so it was important to me to take the songs on 'Echo' to the next level and show what else I could do."


Jeffree Star - Beauty Killer
"My last shit was very bright, all about candy and desserts," says Jeffree Star about his new album 'Beauty Killer', "I just wanted to flip it and show the other side of me because not many people give that side a chance. ... Everybody wants to hear about how I shop all the time. No one wants to hear about my alcoholic family and how my cousins are in jail because of meth."

Shakira - She Wolf
One of the few truly global superstars of our time, Shakira's long-awaited follow-up to 2005's groundbreaking 'Oral Fixation, Volumes 1 and 2' is here.

About 'She Wolf' Shakira says, "My biggest motivation was to make an album that people could just have fun with, and forget about their troubles. Now I can use music for the purpose it's created for - to amuse and entertain people."

CU's GLBT Alumni Holiday Party

On Friday, December 4 at the Koenig Alumni Center on the CU Boulder campus you can enjoy an evening with old and new friends and allies at CU Boulder's annual GLBT Alumni Party. RSVP by December 1 to Marc at marc.killinger@colorado.edu or 303-492-2280 for an evening of friendship, holiday spirit, great prizes and delicious food, beer, wine, soft drinks and special entertainment by UCB student a cappella singers, Mile 21.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Posting will resume on Monday, November 30.

Photo from www.famouschihuahua.com.

Celebrate with CAVP

Everybody's invited to celebrate with the Colorado Anti-Violence Program as 2009 comes to a close. Join CAVP on December 11 from 6-9 p.m. at the CAVP office, 304 Elati Street in Denver for a silent auction, short films and live music. And of course, amazing community members, delicious hors d'œuvres and lots of laughter.

Click the pic to embiggen and read.

GALLA pageant to benefit White Rose Scholarship Fund

Gay and Lesbian Latin Alliance (GALLA) will have their pageant on Saturday, December 12, 6:00 to 10:30 p.m., at Hamburger Mary’s Club located at 700 East 17th Avenue in Denver. Open to the public, admission is $5.00 per person and $8.00 per couple. The event is a benefit for the Colorado Victims Fund and the White Rose Scholarship Foundation, which is a program of the nonprofit Imperial Court of the Rocky Mountain Empire. The pageant will feature the presentation of the Angie Zapata Scholarship, which was recently initiated by GALLA title holder Marlena di Marco. Named in memory of the transgendered Angie Zapata who was brutally murdered in Colorado last year, the scholarship will be presented to a student in the GLBT community. GALLA is a new group formed in 2008 and is not affiliated with the other longtime nonprofit organization, which had a similar name and which dissolved last year. - via La Gente Unida

Or, for more traditional fare ...

The Nutcracker comes to the Ellie Caulkins Opera House this season from November 28 - December 27.

Get your tickets here.

The Buttcracker is back!

'The Buttcracker' is back at Lannie's Clocktower Cabaret as the Demented Divas take on the holidays. You can see Portia Potty as the Virgin Mary singing how chic it is to be pregnant at Christmas, Iona Trailer explaining why blowjobs make the perfect holiday gift, Gabriella Butz'In whining about how hard is it to be a Jew at Christmas, and Nuclia Waste enjoying the fun of a lovely holiday swine flu ride.

Voted "The Best Place To Toss Your Fruitcake", the show only happens 8 nights in November and December. Last year's holiday shows completely sold out so buy tickets early or end up with coal in your fishnet stocking.

Bebe Zahara Benet: I'm the Shit

Check out Bebe's new video and be sure to catch her on November 27 at Tracks for Drama Drag with Nina Flowers.

Is it just me or is Miss Bebe looking like New York's identical twin sister these days?

It's a Riverdance kind of night

Returning tonight for a five-day run at the Buell Theatre, 'Riverdance' had its world premiere at the Point Theatre, Dublin, in February, 1995, where it opened to unanimous critical acclaim. The show has taken the world by storm and to date, over 20 million people worldwide have seen Riverdance live.

Well, 20 million people can't be wrong so click here for your tickets to see the show.

Fortune Valley Casino and Out Front Colorado present Out in Central City

Fortune Valley Casino and Out Front Colorado present Out in Central City, a $25 party package that includes free transportation to Central City, free buffet, entry in a poker tournament, live music, and much more.

Sounds pretty badass to me and proceeds benefit the HRC.

Get your tickets here and then meet in Denver at Hamburger Mary's at 4 p.m. on December 12.

In memory of Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado and Jason Mattison Jr.

Vigils were held over the weekend in New York, Chicago, Boston, Dallas and other cities to honor the memories of Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado of Puerto Rico and Jason Mattison Jr. of Baltimore -- two gay teens who were the recent victims of alleged bias killings.

New Jersey: Gay marriage in 2010?

The pressure is on New Jersey lawmakers to enact marriage-equality legislation before Republican Gov.-elect Chris Christie takes office on Jan. 19.

"If the Democrats don't enact marriage equality now, after years of telling us to wait, wait, wait, it will cause a huge schism between the state Democratic Party and not just the gay community, but the entire progressive base," said Steven Goldstein, who heads Garden State Equality.

Nuclia Waste's Island of Misfit Toys

The Island of Misfit Toys is Nuclia Waste's annual fundraiser for the Colorado AIDS Project Toy Drive. This year the event will take place Saturday, December 19 at Club M at Hamburger Mary's. There is no cover for the show but everybody is asked to bring a department store gift card or new, unwrapped toy to donate to families and children living with HIV/AIDS. Every item you donate earns you a chance to win some fabulous door prizes.

Click the pic to embiggen and read.

Instinct's 2009 Year in Review

Instinct magazine's Year in Review issue is on stands now with coverboy Scott Evans.

Readers may likely recognize actor Scott Evans from his role on ABC’s 'One Life To Live', where his character Oliver Fish has risen from an occasional supporting role to a full-time leading man this year. That, of course, is in no small part to his highly talked about coming out and budding romance with the character Kyle, played by Brett Claywell.

“My life has changed drastically in 2009,” Scott says in the December/January issue of Instinct. “It was supposed to be a small five-episode part, and then the beginning of this year it became a regular job. all of a sudden my character’s coming out of the closet. One of the hardest things about playing a character on a soap opera is not knowing where it’s going to go. It’s something I never expected to get to do.”

Scott is also the brother of hottest-man-in-the-world Chris Evans, pictured below.

Sexy.

Also in the issue Instinct picks their favorites for the best and worst of 2009, great gay gift ideas, and, in honor of World AIDS Day, personal looks at what it means to be living with HIV and AIDS.

Riverdance returns to Denver

A celebration of Irish music, song and dance, 'Riverdance' focuses on the evolution of Irish dance and its similarities with, and influences on, other cultures. The show returns to Denver's Buell Theatre November 24-27 in what is being billed as a "farewell performance" and I'll be there opening night. Should be pretty sweet.

Outing Age 2010 presents issues facing gay elders

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders) today jointly released Outing Age 2010: Public Policy Issues Affecting Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Elders, an update to the groundbreaking Outing Age report issued in 2000.

Like its predecessor, Outing Age 2010 presents an in-depth look at public policy issues and challenges facing millions of aging LGBT people in the United States. The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of Colorado runs the SAGE affiliate in Denver and will be using this report in its work with older LGBT adults in Colorado.

Starz Denver Film Festival wrap up

The Starz Denver Film Festival (SDFF) concluded Sunday, Nov. 22 and the votes are in for this year's Starz People's Choice Awards and the jury awards.

The 11 days of SDFF 32 yielded 77 sell-outs out of the featured 210 films from 37 countries: 56 documentaries, 124 features and 86 shorts. Attendance exceeded the previous record of 45,000 and ticket revenues were up 24% from last year.

"With record-breaking Opening Night and overall ticket sales in Festival history, our 32nd year of the Starz Denver Film Festival has been the most talked about yet," said Britta Erickson, SDFF director. "Demonstrated in both numbers and response, the Denver community and the inspiring filmmakers and industry professionals who shared their work with our enthusiastic audience were paramount to this being such a successful year."

Check out the winners of the Starz People's Choice Awards after the jump.


Starz People's Choice Awards:
Feature - Harmony and Me
Directed by Bob Byington
Rough-hewn and heartfelt, this 75-minute slice-of-strife centers on 30-year old mope (Justin Rice of indie rock band Bishop Allen) whose girlfriend dumped him. Looking to his slacker friends for solace, he ultimately finds redemption - Austin-style.

Documentary Feature - Still Bill
Directed by Damani Baker and Alex Vlack
It's remarkable that the singer/songwriter behind such timeless hits as "Lean on Me" and "Just the Two of Us" isn't a household name. Equally remarkable is the unique path he took to fame and the shining wisdom of fiercely independent Bill Withers still shows during this documentary.

Short - Likhaya
Directed by Aaron Knopp
An amazing group of people live on a small sustainable farm in Swaziland in southern Africa, the country with the world's worst HIV/AIDS rate. This documentary paints a serene portrait of the women and children who are, in their own small way, turning the epidemiological tide.

Jury Awards
The jurors for the Krzysztof Kieslowski Award for Best Feature Film this year were Mike Goodridge, U.S. editor for Screen International; Basil Tsiokos, programming associate of documentary features for the Sundance Film Festival since 2005 ; and Howard Feinstein, writer for Filmmaker Magazine. The winner is Protektor, directed by Marek Najbrt, selected for its stylish and original use of film noir to tackle an important historical subject.

The Festival's documentary award, the Maysles Brothers Award for Best Documentary Film, named after the great filmmaker brothers, Albert and David Maysles is presented each year to an outstanding documentary. The jury this year was comprised of Daniel Junge, an award-winning documentary filmmaker; James Faust, senior programmer of the AFI DALLAS International Film Festival; and Laura Thielen, program director for the San Francisco Film Society and San Francisco International Film Festival.

The recipient of the 2009 Maysles Brothers Award for Best Documentary Film is The Good Soldier, directed by Lexy Lovell and Michael Uys. The film, which is remarkable not only for its incredibly poignant relevance, puts a compassionate perspective on a subject too often not discussed. The film October Country received a Special Jury Prize for Filmmaking for the beautifully realized and incredibly intimate family portrait.

The Fox 31 Emerging Filmmaker Award was awarded to Lee Toland Kreiger from The Vicious Kind, a wry, witty and compelling family portrait that fires on all cylinders. This film deftly explores the complex boundaries of relationships as it deals with love, loyalty and the trappings of machismo. The Fox 31 Emerging Filmmaker is given to a first or second-time director without U.S. distribution who best displays originality, artistic excellence and visual awareness, while maintaining a consistent directorial vision and technical proficiency. An honorable mention was awarded to Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench, a poetic musical journey that explores the traditional love story with a fresh voice, taking chances to form a strong, hybrid-genre style.

The award was juried by filmmaker Mike Plante, programmer for CineVegas and Sundance; Stephanie Reuler, independent producer, writer and producer; and Senior Vice President of Film for Gen Art,Jeffrey Abramson.

Spike Lee Student Filmmaker Award includes jury members James M. Phelan, director and cinematographer; Annie Eastman, a producer, director and editor; and Craig Volk, associate professor of theatre and film. Taking home this award is Land Gwennin (Gaining Ground) directed by Marc Brummund for its compelling narrative of an illegal Ukrainian family attempting to hide in Germany. Forced to deny their young son an education, the father and mother ultimately come to risk exposure to allow their son to begin school. With skillful storytelling, engaging cinematography and strong performances, this sympathetic portrayal of a family struggle is heartfelt and universal.

The first annual ASIFA-Colorado Prize for the Best Animated Short Award went to The Necktie by Jean-François Lévesque. It's a simple yet powerful story with visually-enticing characters combined with extremely well-timed and smooth 2D and 3D animations. Jury members for this award include Evert Brown, freelance director and instructor at Art Institute of Colorado; Ed Desroches, an animator, Web designer and instructor; Judy Gardner, professor at Art Institute of Colorado and Metropolitan State College of Denver; Julie Goldstein, chair of Media Arts and Animation at Art Institute of Colorado; and Wes Price, illustrator and animator.



Hate crimes up 11 percent in 2008

The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, responded today to the Federal Bureau of Investigation report which showed the number of victims of bias-motivated crimes based on sexual orientation increased by 11 percent in 2008. The statistics show that reported hate crimes against the LGBT community have increased for the third year in a row. Hate crimes based on sexual orientation remain the third most common type of hate crimes, behind race and religion.

“These numbers are unacceptable. While it is so important that we have the new federal hate crimes law, it is critical to ensure that we continue working with the Department of Justice to ensure the safety of LGBT citizens,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "We have to prosecute each hate crime to the fullest extent of the law, but we also need to get at the roots. When we don't know each other as human beings, ignorance breeds misunderstanding, which breeds hate, which too often this year led to violence. We have to keep fighting the prejudices and stereotypes that underlie these acts.”

More after the jump.


On October 28, President Barack Obama signed 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 by providing the Justice Department with jurisdiction over crimes of violence where a perpetrator has selected a victim because of the victim’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. In addition, it provides the Justice Department with the ability to aid state and local jurisdictions with investigations and prosecutions of bias-motivated crimes of violence.

The new law also authorizes the Justice Department to provide grants to state and local communities to cover the extraordinary expenses associated with the investigation and prosecution of hate crimes. Moreover, it authorizes the provision of grants for local programs to combat hate crimes committed by juveniles, including programs that train local law enforcement officers in identifying, investigating, prosecuting and preventing hate crimes.

The data comes just days after the LGBT community mourned on Transgender Day of Remembrance – honoring the memories of those lost in hate crimes motivated by gender identity bias. While current data does not track crimes on based on gender or gender identity, the new hate crimes law requires the FBI to track statistics on these incidents.




A Single Man: Gay movie or not gay movie?

'A Single Movie' sounds like a gay movie to me but I guess Tom Ford sees it differently.

According to the PR 'A Single Man' is the story of George Falconer, a 52-year-old British college professor [Colin Firth] who is struggling to find meaning to his life after the death of his long time partner, Jim [Matthew Goode]. George dwells on the past and cannot see his future as we follow him through a single day, where a series of events and encounters, ultimately leads him to decide if there is a meaning to life after Jim. George is consoled by his closest friend Charley [Julianne Moore], a 48-year-old beauty who is wrestling with her own questions about the future. A young student of George’s, Kenny [Nicholas Hoult], who is coming to terms with his true nature, stalks George as he feels in him a kindred spirit.

Sounds like a gay movie to me but I guess debut director Tom Ford sees it a bit differently. I've been looking forward to the movie right up until I stumbled upon a quote from a new article at the Wall Street Journal where Ford denies that it's a gay movie after all.

Above synopsis to the contrary, of course.

“I wasn’t trying to make Terminator 12," Ford tells the WSJ. "But this is not a gay film. I don’t even think about that. There are so many gay characters on TV that it’s almost become a cliché.”

I don't even know what that's supposed to mean but it's still a pretty lame thing to say.

Drama Drag with Nina Flowers and Bebe Zahara Benet

Nina Flowers and Bebe Zahara Benet, the two queen's left standing at the end of the first season of 'RuPaul’s Drag Race', reunite at Tracks for the November 27 edition of Drama Drag. The ladies promise a night unlike any you have ever seen.

Nab your tickets for Drama Drag here and remember that season two of 'RuPaul's Drag Race' debuts on Logo in February 2010.

Until then, all the season one episodes are online at LogoOnline.com.

World AIDS Day 2009: Help end mother-to-child transmission

World AIDS Day 2009 takes place on December 1, 2009.

White Party 2010: ABCs of DJs

The official DJ lineup for White Party 2010 has been released and it is the biggest and best lineup of international DJs in White Party history including:

Abel
Brett Henrichsen
Chi Chi LaRue
Chus & Ceballos
Freemasons
Joe Gauthreaux
Luke Johnstone
Manny Lehman
Moto Blanco
Scotty Thomson
Tony Moran
Wayne G

Get your tickets now and click here to enter to win a White Party Weekend for Two.

Denver Art Museum fetes Lewis Sharp

The Denver Art Museum is hosting a slew of events in December to celebrate Lewis Sharp's (pictured) 20 years of accomplishments as the museum's director.

The first of the events, the Love Lewis Extravaganza, takes place on Thursday, December 3 at 8:30 p.m. and will feature the vibrant sounds of Conjunto Colores and Starke, savory treats and yummy desserts, and a special after-hours viewing of DAM's new exhibition 'Embrace!'.

This holiday season support businesses that support the gay community

In time to kick-off of the holiday shopping season, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, today released a guide to hundreds of popular American brands rated on businesses’ treatment of LGBT employees. “Buying for Equality 2010” divides businesses and their consumer products into red, yellow and green categories based on their score on the HRC Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index, a nationally recognized benchmark of LGBT inclusion. The guide is available for download and viewing online at www.hrc.org/BuyersGuide.

“Congress is currently considering the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, a critical piece of workplace legislation that will include our community. Until all LGBT Americans get fair treatment in the workplace, we must support businesses that support us,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “By purchasing products from businesses that support LGBT equality, shoppers send a clear message to businesses that their support, or lack thereof, will directly impact their bottom line.”

The LGBT community is estimated to have $712 billion in buying power this year, according to research by Witeck-Combs Communications and Marketresearch.com. A recent study by Witeck-Combs/Harris Interactive also found that 78 percent of LGBT people are extremely or very likely to consider brands that are known to provide equal workplace benefits for their employees, including LGBT workers.

More after the jump.


“From determining which car to purchase, to the right holiday gift for the kids, to everyday grocery shopping, this guide harnesses the power of equality-minded shoppers. At this moment it’s critically important that businesses hear that their customers support businesses that support us,” said Solmonese.

Fair-minded consumers are encouraged to write to businesses to either thank them for their support, ask them revise their policies, or encourage them to participate in the Corporate Equality Index. More information can be found at www.hrc.org/ConsumerAdvocacy.




Things to do in Denver when you're gay: Cinema Q - Word is Out

In 1978, 'Word is Out: Stories of Some of Our Lives' startled audiences across the country when it appeared in movie theaters and on television. The first feature-length documentary about lesbian and gay identity made by gay filmmakers, the film had a huge impact when it was released and became an icon of the emerging gay rights movement of the 1970s. It has since become a landmark in the history of documentaries. In honor of its place in our collective history, 'Word is Out' was selected for restoration for the Legacy Project for GLBT Film Preservation by Outfest and the UCLA Film & Television Archive. 'Word is Out' comes to Denver as part of the Starz Filmcenter's ongoing gay film series Cinema Q December 18-24.

Pet of the Week: Dante

Hi, I'm Dante, the cutest four-year-old Rottie mix you've ever seen! I came to MaxFund from another shelter, so not much is known about me. However, the nice people here report that I am a happy boy who adores people. I hope you like kisses, because I'm a big kisser!

Find out more about Dante or the other wonderful pets available for adoption at MaxFund No-Kill Animal Shelter and Adoption Center.

Aspen Gay Ski Week 2010: Into the Woods

Presented by AGSW and Bud Light, Aspen Gay Ski Week 2010: Into the Woods will take place Sunday, January 17, 2010 through Sunday, January 24, 2010 in Aspen, Colorado.

Established in 1976 by a small group of Aspen residents to host social events and organize educational forums, AGSW was the first event of its kind and has served as both an inspiration and model for other gay ski weeks in ski towns across the nation. The event has morphed into a week-long celebration packed with events that include skiing, snowboarding, après ski parties, dining, shopping, comedy, a down-hill costume competition and more.

“What started as a forum for the gay community has expanded to a week of premier skiing and outstanding entertainment for all. This year we are working with a new Board of Directors who have brought new ideas and innovative approaches to this historic event,“ said Peter Helburn, acting Executive Director for AGSW.

2010 XBIZ Awards open to fan voting

Fans of adult entertainment - I know you're out there - will be able, for the first time ever, to vote in some of the categories in the upcoming 2010 XBIZ Awards (link NSFW). Voting begins in December and runs through January 2010.

Las Vegas: Moulin Rouge at Krave

Las Vegas' Krave becomes Moulin Rouge on November 21.

Sounds fun.

I'm going to need a Las Vegas weekend here pretty soon myself.

Broncos v. Chargers

The Broncos are back home for two in-a-row after falling in Washington in Week 10. This week, the San Diego Chargers are in town for the Broncos' first AFC West matchup at INVESCO Field at Mile High this season. The Chargers have won four straight since falling to the Broncos in Week 6, and now both teams sit at 6-3.

"I wouldn't say it is a must-win, but it is definitely a game of high importance because it is a division opponent," Champ Bailey said. "It will help in the long run, but we've got to take care of business right now."

Head to www.DenverBroncos.com for continuing coverage throughout the contest and come before the game to Lot C at noon to join the debate, as for the first time ever, the Pro Football Hall of Fame will provide a dedicated fan forum to debate, vote, and voice your choice for the Inductee Class of 2010. There will be a live panel discussion led by legendary Hall of Famers John Elway, Gary Zimmerman and Kellen Winslow. Join the debate as the Hall of Famers interact with fans on who should be inducted. Then cast your ballot for a chance to win autographed items and other prizes.

Sneak Peek: RuPaul's Drag Race, Season 2

Watch Gay Video & Lesbian Movies

EW.com's Popwatch has the scoop on the new season of 'RuPaul's Drag Race' and it sounds like guest judges will include Kathy Griffin, Cloris Leachman, and Debbie Reynolds.

This makes me so happy to be gay.

Mile High Holidays

Denver is the perfect place for a holiday getaway or a romantic rendezvous. There are as many fun things to do as there are majestic peaks that overlook the city.

Visit the Denver Convention and Visitor's Bureau's Mile High Holidays website to find out more.

HRC responds to the Manhattan Declaration

The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, today responded to the “Manhattan Declaration” produced and released by 145 evangelical, Roman Catholic and Orthodox Christian leaders indicating that they will not cooperate with laws that conflict with their beliefs, including those recognizing same-sex couples. The document also references the federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) as a threat to religious liberty. Yet ENDA – which prohibits workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity – broadly exempts religious organizations. The declaration also argues that religious groups that receive public funds to perform social services are unfairly burdened by state and local laws on marriage equality and non-discrimination.

“This declaration simply perpetuates the fallacy that equality and religious liberty are incompatible and that every step toward fairness for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community is another burden on religious people. In reality, non-discrimination laws are working all over this country, where religious freedom is existing side-by-side with equal opportunity," said Harry Knox, director of the Human Rights Campaign’s Religion & Faith Program. "Advocates of LGBT equality have taken great pains in their legislative efforts to ensure that the rights of religious organizations and people under the First Amendment are protected. It is deeply cynical for the authors of this document to paint themselves as victims because they cannot have a free hand to discriminate, including with taxpayer dollars."

“As a rabbi I am offended that this group of Catholics, Orthodox Christian and evangelical Christians are once again trying to foist their theology on government,” said Rabbi Denise Eger, member of the HRC's Religion Council and the founder of Congregation Kol Ami. “They already have the religious freedom to discriminate against gay people in their churches. But if they take government funds for social services then they must abide by the rules of equality that are a foundation of our Constitution.”

Knox also commented upon the claim that religious entities should be able to take public funds without treating LGBT people and same-sex couples equally. "These organizations must decide if they are in the charitable business for charitable reasons or for political reasons. Governments representing entire communities must not be held hostage by any group that puts its own desire to discriminate above the needs of the larger community,” said Knox.

Rihanna: Rated R

The wait is over – for one of the most hotly anticipated new albums in recent history, as multi-platinum, award-winning artist Rihanna announces the completion of her fourth original studio album, 'Rated R', scheduled to arrive in the physical and digital marketplace on Monday, November 23rd.

The video for 'Rated R’s' first single pick, “Russian Roulette” can be seen right here. It's the fanciest video I've seen in a long time.

Thanksgiving bowling with Gov. Ritter

Looking for something different to do for Thanksgiving? How about the first annual Thanksgiving LEBOWLSKI event with Governor Bill Ritter and Lt. Governor Barbara O'Brien for an evening of Bowling, Beers, and Birds at Crown Lanes Bowling Alley on November 23 from 5:30 - 7 p.m.?

For each individual who attends the event, the campaign will donate a Thanksgiving dinner to a Colorado charity.

Lambda Legal successfully defends marriage equality in New York

Yesterday the New York Court of Appeals — New York’s highest court — unanimously ruled in Lambda Legal’s Lewis and Spano cases that New York State agencies were within their rights to grant benefits to same-sex spouses in out-of-state marriages.

According to the majority opinion, these agencies already extend benefits to domestic partners and did not abuse their discretion in extending the benefits to married same-sex spouses; the concurring judges would have gone even further to rule that the marriages are entitled to legal respect in New York.

Lewis and Spano were just 2 of the 4 cases that the well-funded, antigay Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) has brought in New York courts to challenge state recognition of out-of-state marriages between same-sex couples.

In the years the ADF hasn’t convinced a single judge that they’re right — Lambda Legal and equality have prevailed every time. That’s impact.

New HIV prevention program launched by The Center, Sisters of Color

The Sisters of Color United for Education and The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of Colorado are pleased to announce the formation of a new HIV prevention program aimed at the Latino MSM (Men having Sex with Men) population.

The organizations recently secured a $110,000 grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to provide outreach and HIV prevention services to the Latino MSM community.

"I'm excited to be a part of a group that is determined to see great things happen in our community," said Alejandro Castro, the project's Development Team Co-Chair. "Through the program's innovative methods of reaching Latino MSM, we intend to have a significant impact in reducing HIV infection among Latinos."

Read more after the jump.


The counties that are the focus of this project -- Denver, Adams, Arapahoe and Jefferson -- represent 78 percent of the people living with HIV in Colorado, according to the March 2009 HIV and AIDS in Colorado Surveillance Report. The same report shows that among those living with HIV in Colorado, 87 percent are male, 71 percent were infected because of male-to-male sexual contact and more than 25 percent are Latino.

Latinos also often face added language and cultural barriers, and an alarming 36 percent of Latinos in Colorado are uninsured.

"Sisters of Color continues to be a resource for the Latino community and we are fortunate to be partnering with the Latino MSM leadership in helping them build a community program that embraces their culture and traditions, while respecting their values," said Belinda Garcia, Executive Director, Sisters of Color.

The groups organizing this project will host a community information meeting for those wanting to learn more or get involved. The meeting will take place on Dec. 19 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Sisters of Color office at 2895 W. 8th Ave. in Denver.

"We are very pleased to be collaborating with the Latino MSM community and assisting them in creating the infrastructure that will allow them to become their own independent organization," said Carlos Martinez, Executive Director of the GLBT Community Center of Colorado.




UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown releases World AIDS Day message

UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown pays tribute to "activists all over the world who have refused to give up in the face of HIV".

World AIDS Day is December 1, 2009.

US OPM Director lauds passage of Federal Domestic Partnership Benefits Act

Yesterday, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Management approved H.R. 2517, the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act of 2009, sponsored by Representative Tammy Baldwin. The measure extends benefits to the domestic partners of Federal employees, including participation in the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, retirement and survivor benefits, relocation reimbursements and other benefits currently offered to spouses of Federal employees. The Committee also adopted an amendment offered by Chairman Edolphus Towns that made changes to the legislation to ensure proper implementation.

“I want to commend the Committee for approving the Domestic Partnership Benefits Act,” said U.S. Office of Personnel Management Director John Berry. “This is an essential recruitment tool as we seek the best and the brightest to tackle the many challenges America faces.”

Berry also said: “This is a positive step that helps the federal government to better compete with other employers for top talent. President Obama has stated clearly that this is an issue of equality. But just as important, youth today, LGBT or not, see this benefit as a litmus test for determining high quality employers. The Administration looks forward to continuing its work with lawmakers as the House and the Senate move toward enactment of this bill.”

OPM oversees human resources and benefits policies for over 1.9 million Federal civil servants and 2.5 million retirees and survivor annuitants.

Mayor Hickenlooper sez: Buy Local (Week)!

In advance of Denver's upcoming Buy Local Week, Mayor John Hickenlooper explains what it means to the community and why it's a good idea.

Vigil for Jorge Mercado

Equality Forum reports that a vigil will be held in Philadelphia on Friday evening, November 20th to remember 19-year-old Jorge Lopez Mercado. Lopez, a Puerto Rican native was found partially burned, decapitated and with arms and legs dismembered, on the side of the road near his home town Caguas, Puerto Rico on Saturday, November 14th.

Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender organizations, activists and allies are invited. The Vigil will include the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus, Gloria Casarez, LGBT Liaison to Mayor Nutter, Cynthia Vasquez, youth activist at the Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative (GALAEI), and Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director of Equality Forum.

According to Equality Forum, there were 29 gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) hate crime murders in the United States in 2008.

“We must stop the homophobic slaughter,” stated Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director of Equality Forum. “Since Matthew Shepard’s murder in 1998, there have been over 16,000gay hate crimes, and on average, about 1,450 GLBT hate crimes per year.”

There will also be a Vigil in New York City on Sunday, November 22nd. “It is our hope that communities around the nation will hold Vigils to remember Jorge and that his memory will be a call to conscience,” said Lazin.

Guilt-free turkey?

Love turkey but want to be a cruelty-free carnivore? The good folks of Gay List Daily would like to bring your attention to Good Shepherd Poultry Farms:

Good Shepherd Poultry Farms are here to help lessen our guilt while providing a sumptuously devilish holiday meal.

Turkeys from the renowned poultry farms are raised on outdoor ranges, bred naturally, fed only with vegetarian feed with top-notch animal welfare standards.

Moreover, the heritage breed of turkeys the Good Shepherd network raises are considered endangered, and supporting these environmentally-friendly farms actually aids the conservation of these dwindling bird populations.

If that wasn’t enough irony for you, the Animal Welfare Institute has approved Good Shepherd’s network of free-range farms with a special certification.

The turkeys are pretty pricey - $119 for an 8-10 lb. bird - but good karma is worth it.

Gay Travel: Cologne

Passport explains how the best parts of Cologne lie away from the established tourist zones, and the more time you spend simply strolling, discovering a little café here, a fun bar there, a fabulous restaurant, or a unique little shop, the more you become enamored of this über-gay German city.

Federal benefit legislation for gays moves forward

The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, today praised the full U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee for marking up H.R. 2517, the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act (DPBO). Held by Committee Chairman Edolphus Towns (D-NY), the 23-12 vote moves the bill out of committee and readies it for future consideration by the House of Representatives.

“Today’s markup by the Oversight and Government Reform Committee is an important step toward guaranteeing equal compensation for lesbian and gay workers serving our government at home and abroad,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “DPBO recognizes that equal pay for equal work is a value fundamental to American opportunity. We thank Chairman Towns and Congresswomen Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) for their incredible, ongoing leadership in ushering this critical legislation through Congress."

More after the jump.


“This vote marks another significant step in our march toward LGBT equality,” said Congresswoman Baldwin, Co-Chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus and author of the bill. “Extending benefits to the domestic partners of federal employees is more than a matter of fairness. As a majority of Fortune 500 companies have already demonstrated, equality and diversity in the workplace boost productivity and help attract and keep the most qualified employees.”

The Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act (DPBO) was introduced in the 111th Congress by Senators Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) and Susan Collins (R-ME) in the Senate and by Congresswomen Baldwin and Ros-Lehtinen in the House. DPBO would provide the same family benefits to lesbian and gay federal civilian employees as are already provided to employees with different-sex spouses. To receive benefits, employees would have to submit an affidavit of eligibility for benefits with the Office of Personnel Management, certifying that the employee and domestic partner meet necessary criteria, as provided in the Act.

“This is a great moment for the LGBT community and for all Americans who value equal rights. This committee vote assures that this historic legislation will soon be debated and, hopefully, passed. It is high time that lesbian and gay federal employees receive the same employee benefits that every other federal employee receives. Anything less goes against the very founding principles of this Republic where equality for all means exactly that,” said Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen in a statement.

DPBO would bring employment practices in the federal government in line with those of America’s largest and most successful corporations. Nearly 60% of Fortune 500 companies provide domestic partner benefits to their employees. In addition, 22 states, the District of Columbia, and over 150 local governments make benefits available to public employees and their same-sex partners. A May 2000 poll conducted by the Associated Press found that a majority of Americans favor the extension of health insurance coverage to same-sex partners. In addition, this legislation has been endorsed by the American Federation of Government Employees, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Harvard University, National Treasury Employees Union and United Church of Christ.

“The federal government should be the standard bearer for fair workplace practices, but has lagged behind the top employers for too long,” said Solmonese. “By passing DPBO, Congress can bring the federal workforce into the 21st century, ensuring that all of its workers are treated fairly and that the best and brightest are attracted to federal service.”




More on the closing of the Washington Blade

The Washington Blade, which marked its 40th year last month, has been shuttered by its parent company, Window Media, which reportedly has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Blade editor Kevin Naff said he and other former employees will try to launch a new LGBT publication in the nation's capital. Window's other publications, including the LGBT newspapers Southern Voice and the South Florida Blade, also have closed.

Suspect arrested in murder of Jorge Mercado

Police in Puerto Rico reportedly have made an arrest in the case of a gay teenager whose burned and decapitated body was found Saturday on a road on the southern part of the island. A vigil for the victim, Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado, has been planned for 8 p.m. Sunday in New York City

Marriage, schmarriage

The reason marriage is still on the losing side with voters is a problem of semantics -- many in the public back the idea of equal treatment for gay couples but aren't ready to have the partnerships recognized as marriages, according to writer Steve Chapman. In his view, Washington state's domestic-partnership law, which was upheld by voters, and similar measures in other states eventually will pave the way for marriage equality nationwide.

Jared Polis makes the Out 100 List

U.S. Reps. Barney Frank, D-Mass.; Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis.; and Jared Polis, D-Colo. (pictured), have been named to Out magazine's 2009 "Out 100 List" of LGBT movers and shakers. The three are described by Out as "fierce advocates" who "form a powerful, out triumvirate, wielding influence over the economy, social welfare, labor, and education."

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!

Rupaul's Drag Race returns!

Logo's surprise hit reality show 'RuPaul's Drag Race' (of course you remember that Denver's own Nina Flowers snatched the runner-up trophy) returns for a sassy second season in February of 2010. Below you can check out a sneak peek of what the new cast of drag queens looks like as boys.


*click to embiggen

Element invites you to Thanksgiving

The Denver Element invites you to a Thanksgiving Day of drop-in conversation, board games, and desserts.

The group will meet to discuss "Holidays: Joy or Pain in the Ass?" from 3:30-5 p.m. and then move into decorating holiday cookies and making New Year's cards. At 7 p.m. the group will provide hot cocoa, cider, and light snacks. All are welcome to stay all day or just pop in at any time.

Aspen Gay Ski Week: Only two months away!

Aspen Gay Ski Week is only two months away so make your plans now to enjoy some of the best skiing and entertainment in the world!

Check out the list of talent scheduled for the event:

Back by popular demand, DJ Irene on Thursday, January 21st at Belly Up Aspen. "DJ Irene is one of the world's most in-demand DJs, playing different clubs around the world every weekend with her own definitive style and releasing mixed CDs that have made her one of the biggest selling DJs ever." By DJ Ron Slomowicz, About.com Guide

DJ Dan Murphy from Sydney Australia Friday, January 22nd at the Enchanted Forest Party. His reputation for being a crowd favorite has lead to requests to perform at major events including the Navigaytion All Gay Cruise, Gay Ski Week in Lake Tahoe USA, Gay Ski Week in New Zealand, Priscilla Queen Of The Desert Musical Launch and The Boy From Oz Opening Night, the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras - the biggest party of it's kind in the worldand more.

Paul J Williams Drag Downhill Emcee and Comedy night producer. Comedy returns to the Wheeler Opera House on Thursday, January 21 and Paul is putting together another fantastic line-up for 2010. Also join us on Friday for the Annual Drag Downhill Competition with Sister Helen Holy for a day of laughs and entertainment.

The Demented Divas go to Hollywood! A fun filled drag show to your favorite Hollywood movies. Live at Belly Up before DJ Irene on Thursday, January 21 at 10 p.m. One of Denver's favorite acts, The Demented Divas are a delight and will get you laughing so hard your sides will hurt. They will also be joining Sister Helen at the downhill to make sure we have plenty of color and diva!