Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Wonder Girls - 2 Different Tears
The Wonder Girls are the first-ever Korean music act to have a song enter the Billboard Hot 100. They're supercute and they're coming to Denver's Gothic Theatre on July 6.
MileHighGayGuy Hot Guy of the Day: Jack Mackenroth
Cinema Q: The Mormon Proposition
Director Reed Cowan initially planned on making a documentary about gay teen homelessness and suicide in Utah but soon realized that the homophobia that prompts otherwise loving parents to kick teenagers out of their homes is deep-seated in current Mormon ideology.
Cowan, with his fellow filmmakers, experienced first-hand what it was like to grow up gay in Utah in the Mormon faith, then turned their attention to the historic campaign by the Mormon Church to pass Proposition 8 in California believing that it was the cornerstone of an ideology that has worked for decades “to damage gay people and their causes.”
Things to do in Denver when you're gay: Boyfriend University
Check out Meet and Treats and Meat this Saturday, July 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. presented by Boyfriend University, a program of Denver ELEMENT.
Come learn and share with other gay men about love, affection, dating, and relationships while learning about the Boyfriend University program. Enjoy ELEMENT s meat and treats at this ice cream and hot dog social. Please bring a picnic-y side dish for yourself and maybe some to share and RSVP by emailing Gabriel or Clint. Gabriel@thedenverelement.com or Clint@thedenverelement.com
Cancer Bats - Sabotage
The Cancer Bats have been nominated for their video ‘Sabotage’ in the ‘Best Video’ category at the Kerrang Awards. The song ‘Sabotage’ appears on their latest CD 'Bears, Mayors, Scraps and Bones,' which hit stores earlier this year.
DEVIANTS marks first new Folsom event since 2007
26 from 6:00pm – 2:00am) becomes the fourth official Folsom event during San Francisco Leather Week.
Other events include the SF Leather Week Formal Dinner (Thursday, September 23), Magnitude (Saturday, September 25), and Folsom Street Fair (Sunday, September 26).
The Wailers come to Red Rocks this Saturday
Bent’s Old Fort 4th of July Celebration
flag give-away. The public is invited to join the staff of the fort and enjoy all the festivities.
Regular fort fees of $3 for adults (13 and older), $2 for children (ages 6 to 12) will be charged for this event, but there are no additional charges for any of the special activities. National Park passholders and those 5 and under are admitted free.
Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site is located 8 miles east of La Junta or 13 miles west of Las Animas on Colorado Highway 194. The site is open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily through the summer.
MyChildren MyBride - Terra Firma
MyChildren MyBride would normally not be my cup of tea but I'm kind of feeling this today so here ya go!
Things to do in Denver when you're gay: Ferris Bueller's Day Off tonight at Film on the Rocks
Tonight, stop everything and head up to Red Rocks for John Hughes' classic high school hooky film, 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off.' Seventeen-year-old Zach Heckendorf will kick off the pre-movie concerts, followed by one of Denver's most unique musicians, Ian Cooke.
Each week this summer, a favorite film paired with a band will appear at Red Rocks Amphitheatre hosted by local comedians - a thoroughly entertaining evening for all. Tickets are $10, parking is free. Shows do sell-out so patrons are encouraged to buy tickets early at denverfilm.org.
Win an all-expense paid gay wedding!
In honor of the passage of the DC Marriage Equality Act, a group of prominent Washington-area wedding vendors have teamed up to offer a same sex couple the wedding of a lifetime, valued at over $100,000. The first of its kind – Freedom2Wed – is an online wedding competition for same sex couples. The winning couple will have successfully demonstrated their commitment to marriage equality and furthering the national effort to achieve fundamental fairness and equality for all.
According to Michael Kress, owner of MBK Associates and a well-known Washington photographer who led the effort, “every couple has a great story to tell and this competition will remind people that this is still really just about the freedom to love who you choose.”
According to Michael Kress, owner of MBK Associates and a well-known Washington photographer who led the effort, “every couple has a great story to tell and this competition will remind people that this is still really just about the freedom to love who you choose.”A full description of eligibility requirements, contestant rules, application and other program details are available at www.freedom2wed.com. Applications must be submitted online no later than June 30th.
“It’s incredible that area businesses have altruistically banded together to offer a lucky couple the wedding everyone dreams of. This shows the time for marriage equality has come and that the business community is behind it. I wish the winning couple a lifetime of memories and I honor and support the merchants involved,” said Mark Guenther, the executive director of the Capital Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.
In addition to Kress, The Freedom2Wed competition organizers include Kelly Jenkins, Capital Décor and Events; Jodi Moraru, Evoke; and, Steve Dunn, Well Dunn Catering; all of whom will serve as the first round of judges, choosing 5 finalists by July 4th. Online voting by the public will take place between July 4th and Aug 4thon www.freedom2wed.com. The winning couple will be announced in early August.
The Freedom2Wed winning couple will be married on October 3, 2010. The all-inclusive wedding package includes venue, invitation design and printing, attire, rings, rental equipment, flowers, lighting, live music, videography, a California honeymoon package and more.
The D.C. Council passed the Civil Marriage Equality Act in December 2009, joining five states in legalizing same-sex marriage; the law went into effect on March 3, 2010.
Three in a row!
"It's essentially been a non-event. I think that's a good thing," Maher said.
Diversity on the bench should include gay judges
"As the hearings on President [Barack] Obama's latest Supreme Court nominee begin, it is important that we remind our leaders that having a diverse bench does not end with considerations of race and gender," writes Ball.
Matthew Shepard Gay Ski Week announced for 2011 in Crested Butte
“This new event provides the perfect vehicle for communicating the education, advocacy and awareness work of the Foundation,” said Jason Marsden, executive director of the Mathew Shepard Foundation. “This was a large scale opportunity to bring attention to our mission.”
“We look forward to creating a signature event for the Matthew Shepard Foundation that raises not only awareness but also contributions to the organization,” said Scott Barretto, co-founder of SOMM. “Crested Butte is known for its superb spring skiing so the sun and the snow will make for a unique gay ski week experience like no other”.
Explore the splendor of Tut!
MileHighGayGuy Advertiser Shout Out: Dazzle Restaurant and Lounge
Named “One of the Top 100 Jazz Club in the World” by Downbeat magazine and “Best Jazz Club” by Westword, Dazzle features a unique and eclectic menu that focuses on great American traditional cuisine with a twist and live performances seven nights a week.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Hey you! Stop whining and start working.
Proposition 8 lawyers look ahead
HUD AWARDS $30 MILLION TO 29 LOCAL HIV-AIDS HOUSING PROGRAMS
The funding announced today is offered through HUD's Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program (HOPWA) and will renew HUD's support of 29 local programs in 19 states (see attached chart). For a complete description of each of the grants awarded today, visit HUD's website.
"These programs are a critical source of support to local programs on the front lines of helping families stay healthy," said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. "A stable home can make all the difference to the wellbeing of these families, many of whom have been homeless or at extreme risk of homelessness."
These projects have estimated that about 40% of the households to be assisted will involve persons who have been homeless. The grants announced today also support the Obama Administration's new strategic plan to prevent and end homelessness, an unprecedented initiative announced last week at the White House.
Housing assistance and related services funded by HOPWA are an essential part of the comprehensive system of care for low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS. A stable home environment is also vital for these households in allowing them to access consistent medical care and maintain their health. Furthermore, secure housing can be a platform for improved quality of life.
Ninety percent of HOPWA funds are distributed by formula to cities and states based on the number of AIDS cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HUD's formula grants are managed by 123 local and state jurisdictions, which coordinate AIDS housing efforts with other HUD and community resources. Up eight percent from last year, HUD is making available a record $335 million in HOPWA funds this year to help communities provide housing for this special needs population. Overall, these resources assist 58,367 households annually to promote stable housing and reduced risks of homelessness for those living with HIV and other challenges.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Winners of HRC's Scholarship and Mentorship Program for Religion and Theological Study Announced
The LGBT Dissertation Scholarship provides a stipend of $15,000 for a doctoral student with an expressed interest in furthering LGBT religious and theological study. In addition to financial assistance, the scholarship provides one-on-one mentoring opportunity with a respected scholar.
The Summer Institute is an intensive five day institute for 14 participants studying LGBT issues at the master’s and doctoral level. This year the Summer Institute will be held at Vanderbilt University School of Divinity. Students will work with prominent scholars of religion, public theologians, and media experts to explore how their scholarship can fuel a new dialogue on LGBT equality and religion in their schools, seminaries, congregations, and communities.
“HRC's Scholarship and Mentorship program has the potential to transform in profound and lasting ways the training ground for theologians and students of religion,” said Harry Knox, director of HRC’s Religion and Faith Program. “By providing these extraordinarily talented students a chance to network with each other and to envision their scholarship as serving the widest possible marketplace, we cultivate a new understanding of sexual orientation, gender identity and religion and effectively counter the repressive environment in which so many students are currently trained.”
Visit www.hrc.org/seminary to learn more about HRC’s Scholarship and Mentorship Program or to see the full list of winners.
Rodeo fans rejoice! Rocky Mountain Regional Rodeo and Cattlemen's Days is coming
The 10-day festival is all about celebrating Gunnison’s ranching heritage and Western spirit and will feature three Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) rodeos and many activities, most taking place at the Fred R. Field Western Heritage Center as well as at various locations in the Gunnison community.
Through a partnership with the national “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” program, Cattlemen’s Days also is dedicated to providing local funding for breast cancer awareness, support, screenings and equipment. Since efforts began in 2006, Cattlemen’s Days has raised $278,000 and was recognized as the number one fund-raising rodeo in the U.S. at the 2008 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.
And of course, Rocky Mountain Regional Rodeo - the gay rodeo - will be taking place July 9-11 at the Jefforson County Fairgrounds.
Be sure to check it out and enjoy yourself some beer, goats in drag, and shirtless cowboys.
Travel: Philadelphia's Gayborhood Block Party
Since its inception in the 1970s—when the gay community began migrating from west of Broad Street near Rittenhouse Square to its current location on the east side of Broad around 12th Street—Philadelphia’s “Gayborhood” has developed into an impressive cultural, retail and dining destination. The “Gayborhood,” an unofficial name for the area, is located in the heart of Center City Philadelphia and shares boundaries with the developing Midtown Village neighborhood.
“Over the last two years, the neighborhood has welcomed many new businesses, renovations and developments, and July’s celebration recognizes the efforts of the business owners, non-profit organizations, public officials, residents and visitors who invested time, passion and resources to make the ‘Gayborhood’ a dynamic, thriving city enclave,” says Meryl Levitz, president and CEO, Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC).
“Philadelphia has been unique among cities,” according to Mark Segal, publisher, Philadelphia Gay News. “While neighborhoods catering to the gay community in other cities have struggled during the recent recession, Philadelphia’s ‘Gayborhood’ has blossomed. New businesses of every variety, including our restaurants and nightclubs, have popped up and are thriving.”
Supreme Court upholds public university nondiscrimination policy
The Human Rights Campaign today praised the U.S. Supreme Court for ruling against a Christian law student group that sought official recognition by a public university but refused to abide by the school’s nondiscrimination policy, which includes religion, sexual orientation and gender identity. The case, Christian Legal Society v. Martinez, was brought against the University of California, Hastings College of Law, which has a longstanding nondiscrimination policy that must be adopted by all student groups in order to receive school recognition, which includes access to school funds. Groups that do not have official recognition are still permitted to meet and use school facilities.
The Court ruled, 5-4, that the university’s policy does not infringe the First Amendment rights of Christian Legal Society (CLS) because it requires all student groups to accept all students as members. While the case dealt with the application of a public university nondiscrimination policy, its outcome could have had greater implications on how governments can require organizations which receive taxpayer dollars to abide by neutral nondiscrimination policies and laws, including those that protect the LGBT community.
Writing for the majority, Justice Ginsburg noted, “[i]n requiring CLS—in common with all other student organizations—to choose between welcoming all students and forgoing the benefits of official recognition, we hold, Hastings did not transgress constitutional limitations. CLS, it bears emphasis, seeks not parity with other organizations, but a preferential exemption from Hastings’ policy. The First Amendment shields CLS against state prohibition of the organization’s expressive activity, however exclusionary that activity may be. But CLS enjoys no constitutional right to state subvention of its selectivity.”
“Today, the Court upheld an important principle for all Americans, that government should not be forced to subsidize discrimination,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese. “UC Hastings and schools like it all over the country have worked hard to create welcoming spaces for all students, including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. Today’s decision bolsters those efforts, while recognizing that Christian Legal Society, and groups like it, are free exclude whomever they want – without the financial support of their fellow students or taxpayers.”
HRC joined the Anti-Defamation League, People for the American Way Foundation, Jewish Council for Public Affairs, American Association of University Women and National Council of Jewish Women on an amicus brief focusing on one of those potential impacts beyond universities – namely, on whether religious recipients of public funds (for the provision of social services or other programs) can be required to abide by neutral anti-discrimination rules. HRC has worked for many years, along with ADL and other groups, against allowing faith-based groups to use federal funding to discriminate based on religion, including as a proxy for discrimination against LGBT people, either in employment or in providing services.
The Court ruled, 5-4, that the university’s policy does not infringe the First Amendment rights of Christian Legal Society (CLS) because it requires all student groups to accept all students as members. While the case dealt with the application of a public university nondiscrimination policy, its outcome could have had greater implications on how governments can require organizations which receive taxpayer dollars to abide by neutral nondiscrimination policies and laws, including those that protect the LGBT community.
“Today, the Court upheld an important principle for all Americans, that government should not be forced to subsidize discrimination,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese. “UC Hastings and schools like it all over the country have worked hard to create welcoming spaces for all students, including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. Today’s decision bolsters those efforts, while recognizing that Christian Legal Society, and groups like it, are free exclude whomever they want – without the financial support of their fellow students or taxpayers.”
HRC joined the Anti-Defamation League, People for the American Way Foundation, Jewish Council for Public Affairs, American Association of University Women and National Council of Jewish Women on an amicus brief focusing on one of those potential impacts beyond universities – namely, on whether religious recipients of public funds (for the provision of social services or other programs) can be required to abide by neutral anti-discrimination rules. HRC has worked for many years, along with ADL and other groups, against allowing faith-based groups to use federal funding to discriminate based on religion, including as a proxy for discrimination against LGBT people, either in employment or in providing services.
MileHighGayGuy Advertiser Shout Out: Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains
Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains provides services for gay men in the Denver metro area including STD Testing and Treatment, HIV Testing and Education, Prostate and Testicular Cancer Screenings, and Education and Referrals.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Statement by the President on National HIV Testing Day
This Sunday is National HIV Testing Day, an occasion to raise awareness of the steps each of us can take as individuals to fight HIV/AIDS. As we mark this day, I would like to renew my call for all Americans to help reduce the risk of infection by getting tested for HIV and learning their HIV status. One in five Americans who are currently living with HIV-- more than 230,000 people -- do not know their status. The majority of HIV infections are spread by those who are unaware that they have the disease. And research shows that people who know their status take better care of themselves and take steps to reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to others. That is why it is so important that people get tested.
Ed McCaffrey Football Camps
To register, please click here.
Out & Equal Workplace Advocates and the Bisexual Resource Center announce groundbreaking survey to explore bisexuality and the workplace
Out & Equal Workplace Advocates, the premier nonprofit organization devoted to LGBT workplace equality, and the Bisexual Resource Center, an internationally respected voice for the bisexual community, are excited to announce the launch of a groundbreaking survey exploring the issues facing the bisexual community in the workplace.Designed by corporate learning and development expert Heidi Bruins Green, the survey seeks to develop a better understanding of the workplace experiences of people who either identify as bisexual or one of the many alternate labels describing sexual and emotional attraction to more than one gender.
“We have found the lack of data on the bisexual community frustrating when trying to design programming responsive to the workplace issues faced by people who identify as bisexual,” said Out & Equal Deputy Director Kevin Jones. “Out & Equal is grateful for the chance to be a part of this important study.”
“While the term ‘bisexual’ is included in the acronyms most often used to describe the broad non heterosexual community (LGBT), people who identify as bisexual are often overlooked or excluded,“ said Ellyn Ruthstrom, President of the Bisexual Resource Center.
Preliminary data from the Institutional Review Board approved survey is anticipated in time to be presented at the 28th Annual BiCon and 10th Annual International Conference on Bisexuality from Aug. 27-30 in London. The feedback gathered from the international bisexual community at BiCon will be shared through a workshop offered at the 2010 Out & Equal Workplace Summit, set for Oct. 5-8 in Los Angeles.
Learn about updates, preliminary results and more information about the survey at www.OutandEqual.org/bisexualsurvey.
Take the 45-minute long survey – for bi-identified people only – now: www.SurveyMonkey.com/s/BiWorkplaceSurvey.
Philly loses Scouts case
OURsceneTV's 2010 Empire State of Pride Special
New York Pride is upon us!! OURsceneTV celebrates the weekend by bringing you OURsceneTV’s Empire State of Pride Special.
Clinton: Gay rights are human rights
Clinton also outlined steps the U.S. is taking abroad to protect LGBT people. She urged openly LGBT professionals to remember that even though they have found success, the fight for equality is not over for many others.
No shield for anti-gay petition signers, Supreme Court rules
MileHighGayGuy Advertiser Shout Out: National Teleprinting
Lodo's oldest and best all-purpose print shop, National Teleprinting has been located right downtown at 1420 Blake Street in Denver for the past 20 years. No matter what your printing needs, National Teleprinting will get the job done right and to your specifications.
National Teleprinting is proud to be a member of the Chamber of Commerce and has been nominated for Denver's 'Small Business of the Year' Award.
Be sure to 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.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
LA2010 Conference - World Congress of GLBT Jews
* Robin Podolsky and Steve Krantz on Jewish views of same-sex marriage
*Ruthie Berman and Connie Kurtz on their now-famous movie: Every Room in the House
*Michael Levine and other past leaders of the World Congress on the past and future of our movement
*Richard Lippa on current research on sexual orientation
*Mark Bowman of the LGBT Religious Archives Network on the importance of maintaining our history
*Naomi Goldberg of the Williams Institute on the diversity of the LGBT community
*Kerry Chaplin of Faith for Equality on working with Faith Communities for Policy Change
*Sandy Warshaw, Michael Levine, and Lo Woudstra on the needs of our aging community
*Rabbi Carla Howard on Telling Our Stories, Healing our Wounds, Finding Our Souls
*Neil Grungras of ORAM – the Organization for Refuge, Asylum & Migration – on current global issues of persecution, genocide and refugees
*Author Maggie Anton on men who loved men in the Middle Ages
*Filmmaker Howard Rosenman giving an inside look at his life of activism
*Writer Sarah Burghauser on growing up queer in an orthodox home
Colorado Sports and Recreation: Arkansas River reopens to boating and rafting today
Colorado Pride: 4 Corners Pride Festival this weekend
Montreal to crown Queer of the Year
Queer Eye for the Straight Guy...been there, Queer as Folk...done that. Now it’s time to tell your story. In celebration of the diversity, individuality and pride within the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, Montreal is launching a global campaign in search of the Queer of the Year!
Whether you’re a do-gooder, a diva, the average guy next door, a girl just out of the closet or anywhere in between, from now through July 15, Montreal wants you to visit www.queeroftheyearcontest.com and show the world that you have what it takes! Participants are required to enter a one-minute video and submit applications explaining why they would be a perfect contestant. People will be judged on the following 5 criteria: personality, community involvement, sex appeal, healthy lifestyle and yes, even talent! The competition will be strong, so participants should rally Facebook friends, Twitter followers and family to vote for them.The top 20 participants with the most public votes on July 15th will then be interviewed by a panel of judges. From that group, five finalists will be selected to visit Montreal for an expenses-paid week during Montreal Pride (August 9-16), where they’ll explore one of the most LGBT-friendly cities on Earth and compete in a variety of challenges and activities. Ready to strut, smile and show what they’ve got, the finalists will be in the company of a film crew capturing all of the excitement. Website viewers will then be able to keep up with the action and vote for their favorite contestants. At each day’s challenge, judges will attribute points based on specific criteria.
At the end of Pride Week, the finalist with the most public votes, combined with most points from the judges, will be declared the winner. That person will win a VIP weekend in Montreal for two, a chance to take part in the Montreal Pride parade…and the ultimate title of QUEER OF THE YEAR!
MileHighGayGuy Advertiser Shout Out: Dazzle Restaurant and Lounge
Named “One of the Top 100 Jazz Club in the World” by Downbeat magazine and “Best Jazz Club” by Westword, Dazzle features a unique and eclectic menu that focuses on great American traditional cuisine with a twist and live performances seven nights a week.
Grimes joins Colorado Tourism Office
Grimes, who was born and raised in Colorado, spent the last three and a half years at the Breckenridge Resort Chamber, where she served as the public relations director. She was instrumental in securing national and local media coverage for Breckenridge and raising the profile of the resort as a year-round destination among both traditional media as well as digital/social media.
"Carly brings a wealth of experience to the agency. Her longtime relationships with local and national media and her deep knowledge of Colorado will allow her to immediately step into her new role and make a positive impact," said Charles Mardiks, managing director, MMG Mardiks.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Founder of Boy Butter to swim Israel's Sea of Galilee for charity
The marathon swim is called "Jesus Walked, I Swam" and you can check out his blog about it here.
Jobs: HIV Prevention Outreach and Program Coordinator for ELEMENT
ELEMENT, Denver's Gay Men's Wellness Initiative, is a socially activist program for gay, bisexual and transmen in the Denver metro area. They are a cross-cultural, multi-generational group of men who are creating a gay men's community that is more compassionate, cohesive, educated and connected. ELEMENT is out to promote an altruistic community of men who are committed to making a difference — in our own lives, in the lives of our friends, and in the gay men's community as a whole. ELEMENT fosters opportunities for communication, meaningful engagement and personal leadership. ELEMENT envisions a stronger and more vibrant community of gay and bisexual and transmen. This is accomplished through their HIV Prevention and Education programs and treatment program; The Mile High Meth Project. ELEMENT is supported by The Mile High Council, a 501c-3.
Now that's what I call homophobia
The stance has a number of critics, including Lithwick and U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia (pictured), who recently said, "The fact is, running a democracy takes a certain amount of civic courage."
Islamic Defenders Front goes after gay Indonesians
"They choose to be with people of the same sex, and it is a crime in our religion. If the government doesn't want to do anything about them, we have to," said a member of the anti-gay group Islamic Defenders Front.
HRC Calls on Nation’s Hospitals to Implement LGBT Non-Discrimination Policies Now
The Human Rights Campaign today called on healthcare facilities across the United States to adopt fully-inclusive non-discrimination policies now to protect the rights of LGBT patients. The appeal comes on the heels of a letter from Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius to the nation’s hospital associations, urging them to implement fully-inclusive patient visitation policies before the formal rulemaking process is complete later this year. This landmark policy change follows a recent announcement from the Joint Commission – the largest hospital accrediting body in the nation – that it will soon require hospitals to adopt non-discrimination policies that prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. HRC provides healthcare facilities with resources such as model language and information on best practices to assist them in updating their policies.
“For far too long, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender patients and their families have faced discrimination in hospitals, and this unequal treatment has caused real harm. These announcements from the Joint Commission and the Department of Health and Human Services signal that the time has come for hospitals across America to open the door to full healthcare equality,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese. “We strongly support Secretary Sebelius in her conviction that there is no reason to wait for formal regulations to be drafted in order to adopt these policies. HRC is committed to assisting our nation’s healthcare facilities in implementing fully-inclusive non-discrimination policies now.”
“I would appreciate your voluntary support for the intent of the Presidential memorandum by encouraging your members to review policies they may currently have in place and adopt and enforce patient-centered visitation policies, as contemplated by the President, to the extent that they have not done so already,” said Secretary Sebelius in her letter. “Your actions could spare many patients the pain of being separated from a loved one during an admission to a hospital – often one of the most anxious times in their lives.”
The Human Rights Campaign has worked with healthcare facilities to evaluate and update policies for LGBT patients and their families through the HRC Foundation’s annual Healthcare Equality Index (HEI). The HEI rates hospitals on the basis of four main policy areas: patient non-discrimination policies, visitation rights, cultural competency training, and employment non-discrimination. Among the findings in the HEI 2010, released on June 7, was that 93 percent of 200 of the nation’s largest healthcare facilities do not have fully inclusive non-discrimination policies for LGBT patients. For more information, go to www.hrc.org/hei.
“I would appreciate your voluntary support for the intent of the Presidential memorandum by encouraging your members to review policies they may currently have in place and adopt and enforce patient-centered visitation policies, as contemplated by the President, to the extent that they have not done so already,” said Secretary Sebelius in her letter. “Your actions could spare many patients the pain of being separated from a loved one during an admission to a hospital – often one of the most anxious times in their lives.”
The Human Rights Campaign has worked with healthcare facilities to evaluate and update policies for LGBT patients and their families through the HRC Foundation’s annual Healthcare Equality Index (HEI). The HEI rates hospitals on the basis of four main policy areas: patient non-discrimination policies, visitation rights, cultural competency training, and employment non-discrimination. Among the findings in the HEI 2010, released on June 7, was that 93 percent of 200 of the nation’s largest healthcare facilities do not have fully inclusive non-discrimination policies for LGBT patients. For more information, go to www.hrc.org/hei.
CinemaQ Film Festival 2010 starts tomorrow
Enjoy four days of the world's best new GLBT films, including a 40th Anniversary celebration of 'Myra Breckenridge', presented by Coors Light, The Center, and Out Front Colorado.
What if Proposition 8 is overturned?
Scissor Sisters cover Kylie
Check out the Scissor Sisters covering Kylie's new single 'All The Lovers.'
New Proposed Rules to Ensure Equal Visitation Rights for All Hospital Patients
At the direction of the President, Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and her team at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have been working on a proposed regulation that would ensure that patients' visitation rights are respected. They expect to display a proposed rule in the Federal Register very shortly. In advance of this proposed rule, Secretary Sebelius sent a letter late today to leaders of major hospital associations asking them to encourage their member hospitals to not wait for the formal rulemaking process to run its course before they review their current visitation policies to ensure they comport with the patient-centered visitation rights that the President has suggested. Secretary Sebelius's letter is below.
The text of the letter is after the jump:
June 22, 2010
Richard J. Umbdenstock, FACHE
President & Chief Executive Officer
American Hospital Association
325 7th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20004-2802
Charles (Chip) Kahn
President
Federation of American Hospitals
801 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Suite 245
Washington, DC 20004-2604
Darrell G. Kirch, MD
President and Chief Executive Officer
Association of American Medical Colleges
2450 N Street, NW
Washington, DC 20037-1126
Lawrence A. McAndrews
President and Chief Executive Officer
National Association of Children’s Hospitals and Related Institutions
401 Wythe Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Larry S. Gage
President
National Association of Public Hospitals & Health Systems
1301 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 950
Washington, DC 20004
Sister Carol Keehan
President & Chief Executive Officer
Catholic Health Association of the United States
1875 Eye Street NW, Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20006
Dear Colleagues:
On April 15, 2010, the President issued a Presidential memorandum to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) calling for the initiation of rulemaking that would ensure that hospitals that participate in Medicare or Medicaid respect the rights of patients to designate visitors, regardless of whether the visitors are legally related to the patients. The President’s directive clearly instructed HHS to propose that a participating hospital not deny visitation privileges on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. It also directed that the rulemaking take into account the need for a participating hospital to restrict visitation in medically appropriate circumstances.
I have tasked the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to satisfy the President’s directive through new requirements that will be included in the Medicare Hospital and Critical Access Hospital Conditions of Participation, 42 C.F.R. Parts 482 and 485 subpart F, respectively. CMS intends to publish a proposed rule shortly and a final rule by late fall of this year.
Your organizations play a crucial role in advancing quality care and patient safety in hospitals across the nation. I recognize that many of your members have been at the forefront of advancing patient-centered hospital visitation policies in their respective institutions or have worked with their state legislatures to develop state laws that promote such policies. I welcome your input into this rulemaking process once the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) is published.
Furthermore, in the interim, until such time as a final rule can be published, I would appreciate your voluntary support for the intent of the Presidential memorandum by encouraging your members to review policies they may currently have in place and adopt and enforce patient-centered visitation policies, as contemplated by the President, to the extent that they have not done so already. Your actions could spare many patients the pain of being separated from a loved one during an admission to a hospital – often one of the most anxious times in their lives.
I know the President and I can count on you now to ensure that this patient right – and all others – are recognized and honored.
A copy of the Presidential memorandum is enclosed. Thank you for your dedication to the cause of greater patient involvement in health care decisions.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Sebelius
MilehighGayGuy Advertiser Shout Out: Elitch Lanes
Wanna bowl your butt off? Elitch Lanes is gay Denver's favorite bowling alley. Be sure to hit 'em up 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.
TRIPOUTGAYTRAVEL.COM ANNOUNCES A CALL FOR NOMINEES FOR ITS SECOND ANNUAL “TRIPOUT GAY TRAVEL AWARDS”
Readers of TripOutGayTravel.com and travel professionals are invited to suggest nominees for this year’s “TripOut Gay Travel Awards” via email to awards@tripoutgaytravel.com. A full list of categories is noted below and further information on how to submit a nominee suggestion is available at TripOutGayTravel.com. The deadline for submitting a nominee suggestion is Friday, July 30. Nominees for the 2010 TripOut Gay Travel Awards will be determined by an academy of seasoned writers, editors and travel experts covering the LGBT travel market. Voting will begin Monday, August 16 and the results will be announced in early November 2010.
For the 2009’s first ever TripOutGayTravel Awards in 2009, over 100,000 votes were cast by the site’s dedicated readers and fans to determine the winners.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Stonewall: Profiles of Pride
June is a month for celebrating our Pride. It's also a time to remember why the gay rights movement is something that none of us can afford to ignore. OURsceneTV's "Stonewall: Profiles of Pride" is a 10-part series that explores the modern gay rights movement through personal stories. Winner of a 2010 "Telly" Award, the series brings to life our triumphs and tragedies, achievements and adversities, and our hopes for the future. Profiles of Pride reminds us how far we've come, but also how hard we must work to get to a time where we'll truly see Liberty and Justice for all.
Kelly Rowland featuring David Guetta - Commander
Check out the latest collabo between Kelly Rowland and David Guetta.
MilehighGayGuy Advertiser Shout Out: Denver Center Theatre Academy
The Denver Center for the Performing Arts offers acting instruction year-round through the Denver Center Theatre Academy. Led by professional actors and teaching artists, classes are offered for both the beginning and advanced actor. The Denver Center Theatre Academy offers intensive one- or two-day sessions as well as multi-week courses.
AA.com/Rainbow Salutes Rainbow Team Founder Rick Cirillo
The Cirillo interview about his own times with Harvey Milk recites memories of the early days of gay civil rights organizing and their intersection with other early figures and leaders including the late journalist Randy Shilts and then San Francisco politician Diane Feinstein.
In 1994, Cirillo founded American Airlines’ innovative LGBT marketing strategy and launched the Rainbow Team, almost 20 years after first working alongside Harvey Milk in his Castro Street camera shop and serving as a dedicated campaign organizer for the next several years in San Francisco. Rick Cirillo at the age of 62 and following his retirement from American Airlines, works now in Spokane, Washington for People to People Ambassador Programs. He is also an openly gay father and grandfather with his husband of the past 12 years, Curtis Southworth.
“Rick Cirillo has always been a trailblazer,” said George Carrancho, present day manager of the Rainbow Team, and former colleague of Cirillo. “While serving here at American, he dedicated his professional career to building bridges and to taking our first steps as an inclusive and respectful partner for the LGBT community. To the best of our knowledge, just by starting the Rainbow Team, he began the very first dedicated LGBT marketing group at a major American corporation. We all stand on his shoulders today.”
In addition to the Team’s dedicated community website, www.aa.com/rainbow -- Carrancho connects with thousands of LGBT customers, friends and allies through a monthly Rainbow Newsletter to share special events, promotions and travel tips. For this month’s issue of Rainbow News, Rick Cirillo agreed, for the first time, to tell his entire story and to recount his friendship with Harvey Milk that began nearly 40 years ago. Subscribers to the Rainbow News will receive this slice of civil rights history later this week; and all interested in this story may also go directly to http://bit.ly/RickCirillo
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
LinkWithin
