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!

Start the year off right with Rocky Mountain Arts Association

Start your year right, with music and song! Rocky Mountain Arts Association has three ensembles performing this January: Mosaic Youth Chorus, Denver Women’s Chorus, and Gravity Defied Theatre all have January events scheduled.

Mosaic Youth Chorus will present “The Warmth of Winter,” an evening marking the joys and sorrows of winter on January 9, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. at Christ Church United Methodist, 690 Colorado Boulevard at Seventh Avenue in Denver. This is a free concert with a suggested donation of $10 for adults over 21.

Mosaic Youth Chorus is Rocky Mountain Arts Association’s safe-space chorus for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth and their straight friends, age 14 to 20. Mosaic’s goal is to provide a safe space for youth simply to be themselves while surrounded by positive adult and peer role models.


Denver Women's Chorus will present their all-Broadway Winter Concert, "Broadway: What's Old Is New Again" on Saturday, January 23, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, January 24, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at First Plymouth Congregational Church, 3501 South Colorado Boulevard, in Englewood.

Gravity Defied Theatre will present “You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown” at Aurora Fox Arts Center’s Studio Theatre (9900 E. Colfax Avenue) for three weekends in January.

Ring in the New Year with Rockstar Aaron

Denver's nightlife diva Rockstar Aaron is hosting New Year's Eve on the 'fax at R Bar. Isn't he pretty in pink?

Love Takes Over: January 3-9

Love Takes Over is a nationwide initiative calling on citizens to write to their local newspapers about marriage equality during the week of January 3rd-January 9th. Love Takes Over seeks to promote and foster dialogue about marriage equality on a local level.

The idea behind Love Takes Over is simple: One week. One unified voice. Everyone take over America’s local newspapers and get people talking about marriage equality across the entire country at the same time.

Love Takes Over encourages American citizens to open up dialogue on a variety of issues pertaining to marriage equality. These issues include why civil marriage is a civil rights issue, why Civil Unions and Domestic Partnerships are not equal to marriage, how inequality affects the families and children of same-sex couples, and why the issue of marriage equality is personally important to the author of each article.

“We believe in the power of small,” say the activists behind Love Takes Over, “We believe that the small steps people take everyday to educate their families, friends, and local communities are a vital part of any social justice movement.”

Articles are to be published during the week of January 3rd-January 9th. College students on Winter Break are encouraged to write to their hometown newspapers and submit a piece to their campus newspaper at the start of the new semester.

New Year's cocktail: Pomegranate champagne

Add a unique twist to the traditional midnight toast by blending bubbly with pomegranate (or cranberry) juice.

And check out BHG.com for nine more fun and festive cocktail recipes to ring in the New Year.

Pet of the Week: Mercedes

Hello, I am a demure and elegant four-year-old Chow Chow mix. I get lots of compliments about my unusual blue-grey, almost violet-colored coat. I am more affectionate towards strangers than is typical for a Chow Chow. However, because I am quite easily frightened, a family with teenagers or adults only would be best for me. I know I will blossom in a calm environment.

Find out more about Mercedes at TheMaxFund.org.

Judge rules against mandatory condom use in porn industry

XBIZ reports that a suit filed by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation seeking to require condom use on porn sets has been rejected by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge David Yaffe.

Broncos' comeback effort falls short

Despite a valiant comeback effort, the Broncos fell just short of a victory on Sunday night in Philadelphia.

After the Broncos scored 17 unanswered points to tie the game, David Akers connected on a 28-yard field goal with four seconds left to go in regulation -- sending the Eagles to a 30-27 victory over the Broncos at Lincoln Financial Field.

Kyle Orton completed 27-of-41 passes for 189 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. Two of those touchdown passes went the way of Jabar Gaffney, who finished the game with seven receptions for 69 yards. On the defensive side of the ball, Elvis Dumervil notched two sacks and a forced fumble, while Champ Bailey recorded an interception.

To track all of Sunday's action from Lincoln Financial Field click here to access the game center.

Help create the Create Denver Expo

The Denver Office of Cultural Affairs (DOCA) invites individuals, organizations and associations to submit happenings, workshops, lectures and other programming ideas for Create Denver Week, a new project, which kicks off with the fifth annual Create Denver Expo on Saturday, April 10, 2010 at the Wellington E. Webb Municipal Office Building.

DOCA seeks exhibitors and workshop presenters for the Expo, offering Denver’s creative community a “one-stop” opportunity to learn about the various City, nonprofit and commercial resources available to help grow and stabilize creative businesses. The Expo attracts approximately 400 attendees, representing a wide array of artists and creative businesses.

The 2010 Expo will include approximately 30 exhibitors and more than 20 workshops and panel discussions. Consultants, affinity organizations and experts in creative industries who are interested in having a presence at the Expo may learn more and submit proposals at www.DenverGov.org/CreateDenver.

The deadline for submission of a proposal is Friday, January 29, 2010.

Slay your hangover with a New Year's Day Buffy the Vampire Slayer marathon on Logo

Good news for those of us who plan to spend New Year's Day hungover and on the couch!

Logo's serving up a 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' marathon and I can't think of a better way to ring in the new year. 'New Year’s Slay' premieres Friday, January 1 at 6 a.m. The show will then start airing regularly on Logo later in the month. Whoo-hoo!

The only problem is that New Year's Day is also the kickoff of the 'Degrassi: TNG' marathon over on Teen Nick. 'Buffy' is my favorite TV show of all time but Teen Nick is showing every 'Degrassi: TNG' episode ever made for crying out loud. 'Buffy' or 'Degrassi'? What's a gay guy to do?

Gay and Lesbian Fund for Colorado names 2009 Advancing Equality Award winners

The Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado has honored six Colorado individuals and organizations with the 2009 Advancing Equality Awards to recognize their commitment to creating an inclusive and equal environment for all people. Honorees have each received a gift of $5,000 to be allocated to a nonprofit of their designation. Awards were presented at the Gay & Lesbian Fund’s annual holiday reception in Colorado Springs on December 9.

Mary Lou Makepeace, executive director of the Gay & Lesbian Fund and vice president of Colorado Programs for the Gill Foundation, said, “Each year, Colorado becomes an even better, more equitable place to live – thanks in no small part to the winners of the Advancing Equality Awards. This year’s winners express a clear voice for social justice in their everyday lives—from their job, to their school, to their volunteer efforts. We thank them for advancing equality in Colorado.”

See the full list of 2009 awardees after the jump.


The 2009 awardees are:

Outstanding Youth Advocate: James Lozano, a student at Greeley West High School - In response to the verbal and physical harassment of his African American friend, James stepped in to defend him, only to be physically attacked himself. Fifty stitches later and disturbed by the bigotry and bullying he witnessed in his school, James led the effort to bring the “No Place for Hate” program to Greeley West High School. He continued to provide leadership as the school became a certified “No Place for Hate” High School in this most conservative community.

Outstanding Public Official: Senator Chris Romer, Denver - Sen. Romer has been a leading voice in the fight to pass legislation allowing undocumented Colorado high school graduates to attend state colleges and universities and pay in-state tuition. Although the tuition equity measure fell short of the necessary votes in the 2009 legislative session, Sen. Romer vows to continue the fight in the next legislative session.

Outstanding Nonprofit: El Centro Humanitario, Aurora - This non-profit provides services to Latino day laborers. It was notified 10 days before its annual fundraising event that the Catholic diocese would not permit the display of the Gay & Lesbian Fund banner or logo anywhere in the facility, and prohibited the naming of the Gay & Lesbian Fund from the podium. El Centro’s board voted to take the risky move to change the luncheon’s location at the last minute, stating they would not compromise their values of equal treatment for all people.

Outstanding Community Supporter (Individual): Linda Meric, executive director of 9to5 National Association of Working Women-Colorado Chapter, Denver - In addition to the strong leadership she provides in her day job fighting for employment equality for women, Linda was a key leader in the effort to defeat the anti-affirmative action amendment on the Colorado ballot last year. Amendment 46 would have eliminated Colorado's equal opportunity programs for women and people of color. Traveling the state to inform voters of the devastating effects of this measure, Linda paved the way for Colorado to be the first and only state in the country to turn back this discriminatory initiative.

Outstanding Community Supporter (Organization): Pueblo Human Relations Commission - Formed as the result of a community summit in 1998, the Pueblo Human Relations Commission serves both the city and the county of Pueblo. The Commission listens to the concerns of minority groups with respect to the underlying root causes of discrimination, prejudice, hatred and exclusion perpetrated against a group simply because of their race, color, religion, national origin/ancestry, sexual orientation, disability, gender or age. The Commission’s goal is to officially encourage and bring about mutual understanding and respect for all persons in this racially and culturally diverse community.

Gill Stonewall Award: Wasson High School Arts MAGNET Drama Department, Colorado Springs - Facing great resistance from school district administrators and teachers, drama students and their coach, Nancy Vogel, worked for three years to perform 'The Laramie Project', about the murder of gay student, Matthew Shepard. With the goal of reversing the school’s decision to prohibit the performance, they met with parents, teachers, and their principal. They pursued interviews with the local media and organized an all-school “Erase Hate” campaign to promote tolerance and kindness. The play was finally performed to sell-out audiences in November 2008. The outcome has been the establishment of a Gay - Straight Alliance that will now build bridges of understanding and acceptance for all at Wasson High School.





Celebrate the Year of the Tiger in San Francisco

The lunar new year, 4708, is going to open with a growl or a contented purr depending on a twitch of the whiskers; 2010 is the Year of the Tiger and the striped predator will replace the placid ox at the stroke of midnight on Feb. 13, 2010.

A symbol of strength and courage, the tiger ranks as the king of land beasts in China and his arrival is often viewed with caution. Festivities ushering in the top feline, “fu” as the big cat is called in Cantonese (“hu” in Mandarin), will include a Chinese New Year Flower Fair (Feb. 6-7), Miss Chinatown USA Pageant (Feb. 20), and the Chinatown Community Street Fair (Feb. 27-28). It's all built around a fantastic parade from Market and Second Streets to Columbus Avenue on Saturday, Feb. 27, beginning at 5:15 p.m.

Quote of the Day: Gareth Thomas

"My biggest fear was people turning against me, or seeing me no longer as a rugby player. But I've had a lot of support, a lot of backing, a lot of people saying how courageous it is." - Welsh rugby player Gareth Thomas, on his coming out, as quoted by the BBC

Mexico City marriage ruling leading the way in Latin America

Mexico City's landmark decision to grant same-sex couples the right to marry already is helping to galvanize advocates in other Latin American countries to press for marriage-equality rights.

Good news and bad news for Ugandan anti-gay law

The good news is that Ugandan authorities have indicated the death penalty is likely to be removed from the country's controversial proposed anti-gay legislation. The bad news is that "serial offenders" would still face the prospect of life in prison.

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays everybody!

Posting will be light if at all for today and tomorrow.

Photo is of the holiday lights at the Denver City and County building from dbcnwa's Flickr photostream.

Recipe: Vegan holiday fudge

Check out this recipe for vegan holiday fudge from Serena at Queercents.com. Looks yummy!

Something to stuff your stocking from Daddyhunt.com

The folks at DaddyHunt.com have put together a sexy little video Christmas present for us all to enjoy. It's a little bit naughty and a little bit nice.

Daddyhunt.com (site NSFW) is an online gay community with free membership offering dating and socializing services to men who identify as "daddy," as well as "hunters" interested in meeting sexy, older men.

In the matter of Naughty vs. Nice ...

Your year-end donations will keep Lambda Legal on the frontline in the fight for full recognition of the civil rights of LGBT people and those with HIV in 2010 and beyond. The gift you make today will keep next year’s Naughty List as short as possible.

Brokeback Mountain named #2 movie of the decade

It may have lost the Oscar to 'Crash' (highway robbery!) but EW.com has named 'Brokeback Mountain' as the second-best movie of the decade, coming in behind nothing less than the combined blockbusterness of the entire 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy.

See the whole list here.

Gay marriage fight returns to California

The marriage-equality spotlight soon is expected to shift once again to California, where a trial in a federal lawsuit challenging the state's Proposition 8 constitutional marriage ban is scheduled to begin on Jan. 11.

Mexico City approves gay marriage measure

Despite loud opposition from the Catholic Church and the conservative states that surround the city, Mexico City's Legislature has approved a measure that would ensure equal rights for gay couples -- including adoption and marriage equality. The bill, which is expected to be signed by Mexico City's mayor, redefines marriage as a "free union between two people."

A Beary Merry Christmas: The BearTones Christmas Show

They'll woof you a Merry Christmas!

Denver's BearTones put on their first-ever live holiday show tonight at the Avenue Theatre at 17th and Logan from 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Curious Theatre Company: Home By Dark

On a snowy morning in 1986, a father makes a surprise visit to his son in Boulder, Colorado to confront him about a secret and reveal one of his own. A compelling story of a young man and his father grappling to turn their fear of the truth into acceptance, 'Home by Dark' is a heartwarming story about the risks of love, secrets, and compassion.

Curious Theatre Company is pleased to present the world premiere of 'Home by Dark' by Denver-based playwright, Terry Dodd, directed by long-time Denver favorite, Jamie Horton, and presented in association with Randy Weeks and Denver Center Attractions.

“'Home by Dark' is a reunion, of sorts, and a collaboration of people that have known each other for years and years,” says director, Jamie Horton, “I’ve know Terry (Dodd) since we were in the Playwright’s Unit at the Denver Center together, and I’ve worked extensively with Randy Weeks and Chip Walton. One of the things that really captivates me about this journey is these professional and personal associations that are coming back together for a play called 'Home by Dark', and I’m very pleased to be part of the collaboration.”

Mi Christmas Loca: Drama Drag with Nina Flowers and Nina Montaldo

Enjoy Christmas with the two Ninas (Flowers and Montaldo) at Tracks. Tickets are $10 and if you get 'em now you'll also get access to the Heaven's Lounge VIP area and photo opps with the entertainers.

Denver Town Hall meeting on transgender violence

The GLBT Commission of Denver is having a town hall meeting on Jan. 25 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the main library in Denver at 14th & Broadway. Representatives from the Denver Police Department and others involved in law enforcement will be on hand to answer questions from the transgender community and transgender allies. This meeting is in response to reports of violence against local transgender individuals.

There's a Fap for that: FapMapper

At long last, proud masturbators and public sex act aficionados have a fully functional utility with which to document their sexual exploits; FapMapper.com is out of ‘mastur-beta’ and ready for primetime.

Compatible with desktop computers, as well as the iPhone, Droid, Palm Pre and other web-capable mobile devices, FapMapper quickly picked up a relatively small but dedicated member base after its beta launch in September.

“We’ve had hundreds of users putting the FapMapper through its paces and submitting suggestions for a couple months now, and we’re finally ready to unveil the official web app,” said Kim Kysar, brand and product manager for Pink Visual, the porn studio behind FapMapper.com. “It’s very gratifying to see this important tool for sexual self-expression ready for widespread use at last.”

Check it out, but be warned, you may learn more about your neighbor’s masturbation habits than you ever wanted to know. Take a peek at the Denver FapMap below.

New NowNext 2009 Year in Review

Take a look back at the best and worst of 2009. From celebrities we love and hate to the movies that rocked our world to all things Gaga,let NewNowNext Year in Review 2009 remind you what made this year so outrageous. Watch it now on Logo TV.

Win free passes to see Word is Out

I've got five pairs of free passes to see the groundbreaking gay documentary 'Word is Out' at Starz FilmCenter for the first five people to email me at drewdenver@aol.com with 'OUTSpoken' in the subject line. Be sure to include your name in the email.

'Word is Out' plays through Thursday, December 24 and is brought to you by the fine folks at Cinema Q, Denver's only ongoing GLBT film series.

Pet of the Week: Andrew

Hello, my name is Andrew. I am a beautiful one-year-old, 44 lb. Corgi/ cattle dog mix who is intelligent and happy-go-lucky. I am also hearing-impaired and one of MaxFund’s very generous volunteers is funding two training sessions for me with an individual who is experienced in working with deaf dogs. See . I can hardly wait to start the sessions because I know this will help me better communicate with my humans.

Visit TheMaxFund.org to find out more about Andrew or any of the other amazing animals available for adoption at MaxFund No-Kill Animal Shelter and Adoption Center.

Anti-gay laws spreading in Africa?

Some advocates are concerned that Uganda's proposed legislation to outlaw homosexuality is already having a ripple effect in Africa, where Rwanda is debating a similar measure and 37 nations have criminal laws governing same-sex relations. However, if the passage of such laws results in the cutoff of international aid, countries might think twice about taking Uganda's lead, Katie Paul writes in a recent post for Newsweek.

Argh! Broncos edged by Raiders

Into the 60th minute of Sunday's game with the Raiders, the Broncos had control of the scoreboard with a 19-13 lead. But with 35 seconds left in the fourth quarter, JaMarcus Russell found Chaz Schilens for a 10-yard touchdown, leading Oakland to a 20-19 victory at INVESCO Field at Mile High.

For a look back at the key plays in the 20-19 loss, visit the official blog of the Denver Broncos.

OUTSpoken is back!

Colorado's own GLBT TV show, 'OUTSpoken' (formerly known as 'Colorado OutSpoken' and even more formerly known as 'The Lambda Report'), returns to the airwaves tonight on KBDI Ch. 12 at 9 p.m.

That's prime time, baby!

Producer Eden Lane says of the show, "After 19 years and a few format changes, 'Colorado OutSpoken' is evolving again. Our guests and contributors will continue to highlight Colorado voices, and now we can easily include those perspectives outside of Colorado in ways the viewers can't get anywhere else."

In addition to producing, the lovely and talented Eden Lane will also be hosting the show. She'll be joined by a regular panel of commentators including Nita Mosby Henry, Founder and Director of The Kaleidoscope Project, writer/editor/speaker Matt Kailey, and me, Drew Wilson, of this blog right here.

Tonight's show will features interviews with actor/comedian Alec Mapa, gay rights activist Judy Shepard, HRC's Executive Director Joe Solmonese, and Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper.

Be sure to check it out!

And feel free to give us a holler to let us know about the people, places, and things you would like to see featured on upcoming episodes of 'OUTSpoken'. We really do want to hear from you.

Sneak peek below.

DC Mayor signs marriage equality bill

Joe Solmonese, President of The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, has issued this statement regarding DC Mayor Adrian Fenty’s signing of the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act of 2009, granting marriage equality to same-sex couples in the nation’s capital. Mayor Fenty (pictured) signed the legislation earlier this morning at a ceremony alongside a diverse group of DC residents including faith leaders representing over 200 DC clergy supporting the legislation, members of the City Council, long-time neighborhood activists and DC residents.

“This legislation is an important and historic step towards equal dignity, equal respect and equal rights for same-sex couples here in our nation’s capital, which also preserves the right of clergy and congregations to adhere to their faiths. The legislation the Council passed earlier this week, and Mayor Fenty signed into law today, reinforces the legal equality and religious freedoms to which all D.C. residents are entitled. The day is not too far off when same-sex couples in D.C. will be able to enjoy all the rights and responsibilities that come with civil marriage,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese.

Find out more after the jump.


On Tuesday, the D.C. Council voted today 11 to 2 to give final approval to the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act of 2009. The vote recognizing same-sex marriage was the second in two weeks for the Council, which approved the bill in an initial vote on December 1, 2009 by the same margin. Since last July, D.C. law has recognized marriages by same-sex couples from other jurisdictions, including foreign countries. The new legislation would permit same-sex couples to marry in D.C. itself while ensuring that clergy and religious organizations would not be required to provide services, accommodations, facilities or goods for the solemnization of a same-sex marriage.

The law will take effect at the conclusion of a Congressional review period, which lasts for 30 legislative days following the Mayor’s signature.

At this time, five states recognize marriage for same-sex couples under state law: Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont and New Hampshire (effective January 1, 2010). New York recognizes marriages by same-sex couples legally entered into in another jurisdiction. Five states—California, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada—plus D.C. provide same-sex couples with access to the state level benefits and responsibilities of marriage, through either civil unions or domestic partnerships.

Hawaii, Colorado, Maine, Maryland and Wisconsin provide same-sex couples with limited rights and benefits. California recognized marriage by same-sex couples between June and November of 2008, before a slim majority of voters approved Proposition 8, which purports to amend the state constitution to prohibit marriage equality. Couples married during that window remain married under California law, but all other same-sex couples can only receive a domestic partnership within the state. The state will recognize out of state same-sex marriages that occurred before November 5, 2008 as marriages and those that occurred on or after November 5, 2008 as domestic partnerships. The Prop. 8 vote has been challenged in federal court; a decision is not expected any time soon.



Pride at Work names Peggy Shorey as Executive Director

Pride At Work, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) constituency group of organized labor, has selected longtime LGBT and labor activist Peggy Shorey to serve as the organization’s new Executive Director. Shorey, who has been an organizer and community leader in Connecticut for the past 17 years, succeeds Jeremy Bishop, who resigned earlier this year to join the Obama administration in the U.S. Department of Labor. Shorey will begin her new responsibilities at Pride At Work’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. in January.

“Peggy has a long history as a union and LGBT leader with extensive skills running social justice nonprofits,” noted Donna Cartwright, Co-President of Pride At Work. “She has built effective and vibrant coalitions -- including partnerships with unions, the faith community, political and community organizations and the broader LGBT community -- the kind of coalitions that change opinions and win lasting victories. We are certain that Peggy has the experience, enthusiasm and progressive politics to take Pride At Work to the next level.”

Find out more after the jump.



Shorey has been a union member since 1993 and has worked for both the UAW and SEIU. For the past ten years, she has been an executive officer with the Greater Hartford Central Labor Council, and also served as an at-large Executive Board member for the Connecticut AFL-CIO. As an openly bisexual union leader, Peggy was founding co-president of the Connecticut chapter of Pride at Work.

In 2001, Shorey began working as a union organizer for the UAW, working with factory workers, graduate employees and adjunct professors, among others. In 2005, she became an International Representative with the UAW, where she most recently led the public relations campaign for the UAW at Foxwoods, the large Connecticut casino, training rank-and-file members and leaders in speaking to the media, and coordinating press efforts around the successful union election.

Most recently, she has organized and mobilized Connecticut state employees providing health care services as an organizer for District 1199, SEIU. Her work focused on administration of the state employees' contract and protecting vital state services. In addition, Shorey has extensive political experience in Connecticut, including organizing LGBT committees for candidates, providing technical support on numerous successful campaigns and staffing organization’s internal member-to-member communication programs.

As Co-President of the Connecticut Chapter of Pride at Work, Peggy led in organizing the state's first-ever labor fundraisers in support of marriage equality. The Connecticut Chapter organized a dozen state labor unions in support of marriage equality, and worked with Connecticut AFL-CIO leadership to pass a statewide resolution in support of marriage equality. This year, both Pride at Work and the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists in Connecticut jointly submitted and passed an employment nondiscrimination resolution at the AFL-CIO convention, specifically including gender identity and expression.

In 2007, Shorey traveled to Guatemala with a union women's organization, STITCH. The visit included meeting with women union leaders at local textile factories, a banana plantation, and discussions with human rights leaders. The trip focused on the effects of CAFTA and international efforts in support of the right of all workers to form unions.

In 2008, she served as campaign manager for a successful campaign to defeat a coalition of anti-union and anti-gay organizations pushing for a constitutional convention. Shorey organized a progressive coalition whose efforts won a 19-point victory on the ballot question.

Along with a progressive/labor cycling team, she co-founded the Connecticut AIDS Bike Tour, a long-distance charity ride dedicated to raising funds and awareness about the work of 14 HIV/AIDS service, education and advocacy organizations within Connecticut. Shorey also was an active member of the United Church on the Green, UCC, helping to organize “radically inclusive” events building relationship at the intersections of people of faith, the LGBT community and communities of color.

“This is a deeply challenging time for all working people – for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender families, and for the labor movement as a whole” said Shorey. “I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to take on this new role with Pride at Work.”

“The struggle to make a concrete difference in workers’ lives is needed more urgently than ever,” she noted. “When we build coalition across our communities, such as through Pride at Work, we can more effectively organize to win justice.”



Tonight at Tracks: DJ Billy Carroll's Nightmare Before Christmas

It's the Tracks annual Christmas party and toy drive tonight so bring in a toy and recieve a complimentary cocktail.

Click the pic to embiggen and see all the details.

Cinema Q: Word is Out

'Word is Out' opens today at the Starz Filmcenter as part of the Cinema Q film series.

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.

Things to do in Denver when you're gay: Gays on Ice

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? The Denver Element is hosting Gays on Ice and has reserved Big Bear Ice Arena from 6:30-8:30 p.m. this Saturday. Skate rental is $3. Sounds like a great time.

Jarrett Barrios reflects on his first few months with GLAAD

In an open letter, Jarrett T. Barrios reflects on his first few months as president of GLAAD and talks about the important work of the organization.

Make the Yuletide gay

The holidays can be a stressful time. You're off your diet, overscheduled, and way over your budget. Health and wellness expert Kendra Fried has some tips and tricks to keep you sane this holiday season.

Mosaic Youth Chorus presents The Warmth of Winter

Mosaic Youth Chorus will present “The Warmth of Winter,” an evening marking the joys and sorrows of winter on January 9,
2010 at 7:30 p.m. at Christ Church United Methodist, 690 Colorado Boulevard at Seventh Avenue in Denver.

Mosaic Youth Chorus is Rocky Mountain Arts Association’s safe-space chorus for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth and their straight friends, age 14 to 20. Mosaic’s goal is to provide a safe space for youth simply to be themselves while surrounded by positive adult and peer role models.

This is a free concert with a suggested donation of $10 for adults over 21.

Find out more after the jump.


The concert will feature some well known pieces such as “Wade in the
Water” and “This Little Light of Mine,” but also feature pieces possibly new to
your ears that paint pictures of the changes in nature that happen during
winter. “From an Irish Cabin” speaks to the comfort that a fire offers on a
cold night. “I Am the River” reminds us how we often get lost in the chaos
winter brings, but if we take time to relax we find the calm that we seek.

Mosaic will also present some selections from the perspective of nature:
“Something Told the Wild Geese” and “The Secret” both share the looming or
joyful secret of what will come during the winter season.

“We hope you’ll consider joining us for a heartwarming musical celebration
of love, life, and laughter,” says Mosaic’s Artistic Director Kendall
Bridges.

Kendall V. Bridges is artistic director of Mosaic Youth Chorus. He is a
graduate of the University of Northern Colorado with a bachelor’s degree in
music education. He brings the Chorus over 12 years of vocal music instruction
with the public school system with Denver Public Schools, Pittsburg
(California) Unified School District, and Adams County School District 14. He is

currently active in the tenor section of the Colorado Chorale, and prior to
returning to Colorado, sang tenor and served on the board of directors for the
Oakland Symphony Chorus.

Mosaic’s principal accompanist is Wendy Nestrud, a former nurse who pursued
her musical ambitions and received a bachelor’s degree in musical
performance from Metropolitan State College in Denver in 2001. She teaches
privately
in her home, collaborates with other musicians, and has accompanied at other
local schools.

Mosaic Youth Chorus is funded in part by the Scientific and Cultural
Facilities District and the Colorado Council on the Arts' safe-space youth arts
programs in Colorado, YouthReach.



New clip from A Single Man

Check out the latest clip from 'A Single Man' - looks like they're finally playing up the gayness a little bit.

'A Single Man' is currently playing in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco, and expands wider on Christmas Day.

Have you signed the Buju Banton petition yet?

Have you signed yet?

GLAAD has called on community members and allies to contact the Recording Academy and sign an online petition protesting the recent Grammy nomination of reggae singer Buju Banton’s album “Rasta Got Soul,” and urging Recording Academy members to not support his nomination.

The petition can be viewed at www.glaad.org/bujubantonpetition.

Their goal is to get 5,000 signatures and they've currently got 4,031.

Add your name today!

NOH8 Campaign: Margaret Cho

Margaret Cho recently participated in the NO H8 Campaign, the photo project and silent protest by photographer Adam Bouska in response to the passage of Proposition 8 in CA.

There's only a few days left to get your gifts in time for Christmas, and the NOH8 Campaign Online Store has just added some brand new items that are priced to fit any holiday budget.

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!

Medicare coverage now includes HIV tests

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) last week announced its final decision to cover Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection screening for Medicare beneficiaries who are at increased risk for the infection, including women who are pregnant and Medicare beneficiaries of any age who voluntarily request the service. The decision is effective immediately.

Under the recently passed Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA), CMS now has the flexibility of adding to Medicare's list of covered preventive services, if certain requirements are met. Prior to this law, Medicare could only cover additional preventive screening tests when Congress authorized it to do so.

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said the decision was an important milestone. "Beginning with expanding coverage for HIV screening, we can now work proactively as a program to help keep Medicare beneficiaries healthy and take a more active role in evaluating the evidence for preventive services."

Read more after the jump.


Under MIPPA, CMS can consider whether Medicare should cover preventive
services that Congress has not already deemed as covered or non-covered
by law. Among other requirements, the new services must have been
"strongly recommended" or "recommended" by the U.S. Preventive Services
Task Force. For instance, the Task Force graded HIV screening as
"strongly recommended" for certain groups. More information about the
Task Force is available online at
http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstfix.htm.

"Every adult should know their HIV status," said Dr. Howard K. Koh, HHS
assistant secretary for health. "This decision by Medicare should help
promote screening and save lives."

CMS uses the national coverage determination (NCD) process to make
decisions on these types of preventive services. This process provides
transparency about the evidence that CMS considers when making its
decisions and allows opportunity for the public to comment on CMS'
proposals.

"Medicare's coverage of HIV screening tests is an important step forward
in protecting beneficiaries from the potentially devastating and
life-threatening complications of HIV and Acquired immunodeficiency
Syndrome (AIDS)," said CMS Acting Administrator Charlene Frizzera.

AIDS is diagnosed when an HIV-infected person's immune system becomes
severely compromised or a person becomes ill with an HIV-related
infection. Of the more than one million estimated to have the HIV
infection, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated
that about a quarter of them do not realize they are infected. Without
treatment, AIDS develops within 8 to 10 years. While there is presently
no cure for HIV, screening can help identify infected patients so that
they can receive medical treatment that could help delay the onset of
AIDS for years.



Quote of the Day

"I promise to give to citizens an administration of honesty, integrity and transparency. The only special interest will be the public. We are in this together. We rise or fall together." - openly gay Houston Mayor-elect Annise Parker

Oscar buzz, criticism for A Single Man

Oscar buzz is already circulating around British actor Colin Firth for his performance as a professor grieving the loss of his partner in out director Tom Ford's film "A Single Man." However, the marketing of the film, which shows Firth with a platonic female friend played by Julianne Moore, has been criticized by some, including Firth, as being misleading about the movie's central gay themes.

Out names 100 Greatest, Gayest Albums of All Time

With selections as diverse as the community itself, Out magazine proudly presents “Out’s 100 Greatest, Gayest Albums (of All Time)”, as voted on by more than 100 celebrity judges, including Boy George, Nate Berkus, Cyndi Lauper, Rufus Wainwright, John Cameron Mitchell, and Lady Bunny.

Check out numbers 100-51 here and get the Top 50 by clicking here.

Vail Gay Ski Week 2010

The Center is working with Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals to bring the LGBT community Vail Gay Ski Week 2010 -- the first gay ski week for one of Colorado's premier resort areas.

The festivities run from Jan. 27-31, 2010, in Vail and will be highlighted by The Angel Wings Benefit Dinner on Friday, Jan. 29 at 6 p.m. at the Vail Plaza Hotel and Club. Please mark your calendars for this special event -- proceeds from the benefit go to The Center, and the goal is to raise $10,000.

From apres ski socials to a beer bust to Livid Lesbian wrestling, the week promises events that will appeal to a broad range of LGBT folks.

Gov. Paterson extends protections to transgender New Yorkers

The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, today praised the New York Governor David A. Paterson for issuing an executive order extending anti-discrimination policies to gender identity for state employees.

“Governor Paterson has taken significant action to advance equality for all New York state employees,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “The ability to provide for our families is non-negotiable. We applaud Governor Paterson for his commitment to the LGBT community and look forward to working with fair-minded New York legislators to pass the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act which will protect private employees.”

An executive order prohibiting discrimination in state employment is the furthest extent to which any governor is able to exercise his or her executive power. Extending protections to private employees must be accomplished by the state legislature. New York joins eight other states in which an executive order, administrative order, or personnel regulation prohibits discrimination against public employees based on sexual orientation and gender identity: Delaware, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

In addition, twelve states and the District of Columbia prohibit full employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity: California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. Nine more states, including New York, prohibit employment discrimination based only on sexual orientation. For an electronic map showing where employment non-discrimination stands in the states, check out www.HRC.org/State_Laws.

Bumpy flight for Jared Polis' partner of six years

Marlon Reis (above right), the partner of U.S. Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo., was forced to jump many bureaucratic hurdles in June to be able to take part in a congressional delegation trip to Seattle that was open to designated spouses of lawmakers. At one point, the U.S. military tried to bar Reis from getting on the plane unless he paid a reimbursement fee of $1,140.40 to the Defense Department. Eventually, the matter was cleared up and Reis was able to join his partner, the other lawmakers and their spouses, without having to pay.

David Catania is out and at-large in DC

David Catania, the at-large member of the Washington, D.C., City Council who helped steer the city's marriage-rights bill, is an unlikely figure in District politics. He was elected as a Republican in a Democratic town (although he later broke with his party over marriage equality) and has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in D.C. politics. The marriage-rights bill passed 11-2 in a second City Council vote today.

DC city council says 'I do' to gay marriage

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), the nation's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy and anti-defamation organization, today applauded the Washington, D.C. city council’s vote to pass legislation that extends marriage equality to same-sex couples in the District. The bill will now be sent to District Mayor Adrian Fenty, followed by the U.S. Congress. By law, Congress has 30 days to review and overturn laws created by the District's city council.

“Gay and lesbian people in our nation’s capitol are today one step closer to the important legal protections that marriage affords and that all loving and committed couples deserve,” said Jarrett Barrios, President of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. “Today’s vote affirms the commitment of so many gay and lesbian couples in the District and reflects the growing support for protecting people equally under the law.”

"GLAAD congratulates and expresses our deepest appreciation to DC For Marriage, Campaign for All DC Families, and the organizations and couples whose personal stories moved the council to today’s historic vote," Barrios said. “We also encourage media reporting on this story to ground their coverage in the stories of our allies in the faith community and the couples whose love and commitment is at the heart of today's decision.”

Good news and bad news

HRC reports the good news that marriage equality has passed in Washington, D.C.

The bad news is that the Catholic Archdiocese of Washington has threatened to cut social services in protest.

Click their link to tell DC's Archbishop Wuerl not to use the homeless and needy as political pawns.

MileHighGayGuy Gift Guide: Holiday Bogo at Melt

Take advantage of a fabulous buy one, get one free offer from Melt.

Click the pic to embiggen and read.