Tuesday, August 31, 2010
California Gays cover Katy Perry's 'Peacock'
The gents that brought you "California Gays" have now made a video to another song off the 'Teenage Dream' album.
It kind of melts my popsicle.
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.
Curious Theatre Company awarded $25,000 "Think It" grant
Curious Theatre Company is one of just three theatres in the nation to be awarded the MetLife Foundation and Theatre Communications Group (TCG) “A-ha! Program: Think It” grant, which encourages theatres to think creatively. Curious received $25,000 to research and develop a new model for reinventing the resident artistic company model for the 21st century American theatre, by re-centering artists within producing organizations.
“To a large degree, economics killed the dream of the 20th Century resident theatre movement,” says Curious Founding Artistic Director Chip Walton. “Keeping artists at the center of organizations is vital to the entire field, but to do so we have to discover a new model.”
A core team of six Company members (Curious founders Walton and Dee Covington; acclaimed director Christy Montour-Larson; and noted performers John Jurcheck, Karen Slack and Mare Trevathan) will receive a monthly stipend in order to do cool theatre stuff.
“Over the years, Curious' Artistic Company has developed a high tolerance-- even an appetite-- for change,” says Trevathan. “Without this grant, however, we wouldn't be able to allocate the necessary time for thoughtful planning and research of such a big idea.”
TCG's Executive Director Teresa Eyring notes, “In light of these uncertain economic times-- when many arts organizations are wary of taking risks or seeking to create work through unproven methods-- the A-ha! Program is a beacon to draw our member theatres to experimentation. This program allows them to strive for new ways of thinking and development and testing new models, without having to shoulder all the financial responsibility.”
The other two Think It Grant recipients are Pillsbury House Theatre in Minneapolis and Center Theatre Group in Los Angeles.
Lt. Dan Choi is breaking the chains of Don't Ask, Don't Tell
Lt. Dan Choi has been leading the fight against DADT for over a year now, after he came out publicly on 'The Rachel Maddow Show'. The Iraq War veteran was honorably discharged from the armed services after an 11 year career on July 31, 2009. OURsceneTV caught up with Lt. Dan Choi to discuss how he is paving the way for gay activism and breaking the chains for freedom.
Prop. 8: New hope for Hawaii
Monday, August 30, 2010
I'm telling you about it, stud: Grease is back!
After spending a hopelessly devoted summer with Sandy Dumbrowski, the new girl in town, Danny Zuko's world is thrown upside down when Sandy appears at Rydell High on the first day of school. What follows is a rock n' roll celebration of growin' up, cruisin' with friends and goin' steady. The new production of GREASE features songs from the smash hit 1978 motion picture, including “Sandy,” the Academy Award nominated song “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” “Grease” and “You’re the One That I Want.” These songs will be heard in addition to the Jacobs/Casey songs made famous by the original stage production, including “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin’” and “We Go Together.”
GREASE originated in Chicago and made its premiere at The Kingston Mines Theater in 1971 before making its New York premiere off-Broadway at the Eden Theatre on February 14, 1972. After 128 sold-out performances, the show made the transition to Broadway taking up residence at the Broadhurst Theatre on June 7, 1972. GREASE was nominated for seven Tony Awards in its spectacular initial run. On November 21, 1972, the show moved to the Royale Theatre before making its final transfer on January 20, 1980 to the Majestic Theatre. It closed as the longest running show in Broadway history after playing 3,388 performances.
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.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Kylie Minogue - Get Outta My Way
Here's a preview of Kylie's upcoming video for "Get Outta My Way." Check back to Kylie.com for news of the grand unveiling.
Making the case for gay marriage
"Prop 8 and the other 33 losses on same-sex marriage at the ballot box suggest that we get nowhere when we give voters nothing to help them reject anti-gay prejudice, and when we let the opposition unilaterally and very unflatteringly define what gay people are like," Fleischer argues.
GLEE: The Complete First Season
‘Gleeks’ and ‘Cheerios’ worldwide will celebrate September 14 when the groundbreaking musical comedy - GLEE: The Complete First Season “The GLEEK Edition” - debuts on Blu-ray and DVD from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment featuring all 22 one-hour episodes including the highly anticipated “The Power of Madonna” episode and other fan-favorites. From series creator Ryan Murphy (“Nip/Tuck”), GLEE: The Complete First Season “The GLEEK Edition” Blu-ray and DVD is pitch-perfect with more than two hours of never-before-seen extras sure to hit the right note.
“The show started out as a comedy musical about the underdog in all of us and has blossomed, largely due to the incredible support and passion from the fans that have embraced the show,” says Murphy. “When we developed the Blu-ray and DVD, we wanted to give those fans something special because they’ve been so great to us. There’s everything from a sing-along karaoke, to a behind-the-scenes look at our Madonna episode, to a dance lesson from our amazing choreographers. It’s our ‘thank you’ to the Gleeks.”
Television’s most award-winning new series, GLEE was honored with a Golden Globe for Best Television Series, Comedy or Musical; a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series; and a People’s Choice Award for Favorite New TV Comedy.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
The Center welcomes new board members
The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of Colorado (The Center) announced today that they welcome three new members to its board of directors.
Dr. Jay Seller comes to The Center's board with an extensive background in education and organizational leadership. Jay has been actively involved in Colorado's public education system as a high school English/theatre educator for the past 29 years and contributing author to the new 2010 Colorado Theatre Standards.
He has served for the past eight years as the State Director for the Colorado Thespians. He received a Doctorate of Philosophy in organizational leadership. Jay and his partner Paul Ferraresi will celebrate their 20th anniversary in November.
Karen Jessey has been in the financial services industry since 1983. She attended St. Bonaventure University on a basketball scholarship and graduated with a degree in sociology. She moved here shortly after graduation to enjoy the Colorado outdoor lifestyle.
Karen obtained her CFP(Certified Financial Planner), CLU(Certified Life Underwriter) and ChFC(Chartered Financial Consultant) designations and is a lifetime member of Million Dollar Roundtable (Court of the Table). She has served on the boards of The Alexander Foundation and the ATL Foundation and participated in many charity events.
Ryann Peyton is an associate at The Harris Law Firm, PC, focusing her practice on domestic relations law. Ryann received a bachelor's in psychology from the University of Denver in 2004. She graduated in 2008 from the University of St. Thomas School of Law where she was the co-president of the UST Out!Laws. In 2009, Ryann received her LLM (Master of Laws) in Taxation from the University of Denver.
The Center put a call out for board applications in May and received many qualified candidate applications. Utimately, The Center chose Dr. Jay Seller, Karen Jessey and Ryann Peyton to bring their energy, expertise and unique perspectives to the board of directors.
"We're excited to welcome these community leaders to our board, especially during such a historic time for The Center and the Colorado LGBT community," said Center Executive Director Carlos Martinez. "We own our own home for the first time in our history, and our new facility at 1301 E Colfax is quickly becoming the networking hub of the Colorado LGBT community."
Dr. Jay Seller comes to The Center's board with an extensive background in education and organizational leadership. Jay has been actively involved in Colorado's public education system as a high school English/theatre educator for the past 29 years and contributing author to the new 2010 Colorado Theatre Standards. He has served for the past eight years as the State Director for the Colorado Thespians. He received a Doctorate of Philosophy in organizational leadership. Jay and his partner Paul Ferraresi will celebrate their 20th anniversary in November.
Karen Jessey has been in the financial services industry since 1983. She attended St. Bonaventure University on a basketball scholarship and graduated with a degree in sociology. She moved here shortly after graduation to enjoy the Colorado outdoor lifestyle.Karen obtained her CFP(Certified Financial Planner), CLU(Certified Life Underwriter) and ChFC(Chartered Financial Consultant) designations and is a lifetime member of Million Dollar Roundtable (Court of the Table). She has served on the boards of The Alexander Foundation and the ATL Foundation and participated in many charity events.
Ryann Peyton is an associate at The Harris Law Firm, PC, focusing her practice on domestic relations law. Ryann received a bachelor's in psychology from the University of Denver in 2004. She graduated in 2008 from the University of St. Thomas School of Law where she was the co-president of the UST Out!Laws. In 2009, Ryann received her LLM (Master of Laws) in Taxation from the University of Denver.Ryann has served as secretary of the board of Twin Cities Quorum, Minnesota's GLBT Chamber of Commerce, and currently serves on the boards of the Colorado GLBT Bar Association and the Denver Gay & Lesbian Flag Football League. Ryann and her wife, Sara, reside in Denver with their five-year-old English bulldog.
The Center also would like to thank outgoing board member Kyle Courtenay Velte, who has generously given her time to The Center for the last six years.
Things to do in Denver when you're gay: Art for Life tonight!
Art for Life is expected to raise $80,000 for Project Angel Heart to support the agency’s mission of delivering nutritious meals, at no cost, for adults and children battling life-threatening illness.
Additional participating artists include Jude Morales, Quang Ho, Michelle Torrez, Andrea Kemp, Drew Sarka, and Kim English.
In addition to the amazing art, guests will enjoy culinary creations prepared by participating restaurants/chefs: Root Down (Chef Daniel), Gateaux (Brad High), Chef Dan Brown (former Chef at Fourth Story), Chef Cruz (former Chef at Cherry Hills Country Club), and Omega Marketing (Jon Keller and Vince Fletter).
Tickets for Art for Life are $50 each or $95 for two and are available online at ProjectAngelHeart.org.
Robbie Williams - Shame
Check out the video from Robbie Williams' new single "Shame," a duet reuniting him with Take That bandmate Gary Barlow. Very Brokeback!
Robbie's 2 CD greatest hits collection 'In And Out Of Consciousness - The Greatest Hits 1990 -2010' will be released on October 12.
Antiques Roadshow: Behind the Scenes Denver
Get a very unusual – very cool – behind-the-scenes look at the “Antiques Roadshow” episodes taped in Denver last summer. Ever wonder how they set up, break down and move that gigantic operation from one city to the next in just hours? Ever wonder how they choose the featured items (hint: There were over 12,000 items at the Denver show; less than 60 were chosen.) Ever wonder how people really react after hearing their assumed priceless family heirlooms are worthless? Ever wonder how fanatical Roadshow fans are?
Your questions will be answered and more on "Antiques Roadshow: Behind the Scenes Denver," an RMPBS special by writer/producer/director Scott Darnell that gives you a backstage pass to these local episodes.
The Denver episodes, taped last July and first aired March 29, 2010, were among the most-watched of the season in this market, but only 6000 lucky fans got to attend the taping at the convention center. "Antiques Roadshow: Behind the Scenes Denver" gives all those who still dream of being on the show a taste of the experience.
Narrated by Keith Riker from Studio Bear Creek in Evergreen, the 30-minute feature captures the spirit, excitement and scale of this extraordinarily popular PBS television series.
The Six Pack podcast celebrates 50th episode
Since launching just over a year ago, The Six Pack has grown tremendously in both listenership and influence, with press mentions in New York Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, and Metrosource Magazine. Guests have included Congressman Barney Frank, 'The View's' Joy Behar, CNN's Soledad O'Brien, Bravo's Andy Cohen and Bethenny Frankel, and comedians Sandra Bernhard and Jackie Mason.
"In just over a year The Six Pack has grown from an independent podcast to a full-on radio show and web site with an international audience,” said Ben Harvey, who grew up in Philadelphia and earned his on-air stripes at Howard Stern’s flagship radio station K-Rock. “We're just two guys living in New York who are doing our best to decipher what it means to be gay in 2010. That resonates with a lot of people out there, including advertisers who have begun to see us as a new mouthpiece to the gay market."
“By just talking about the things we care about, and to people we're interested in, we've really hit on something that's been sorely lacking in the gay media,” said Dave Rubin, a comedian from Long Island who has appeared on 'The Joy Behar Show.' “50 episodes in and we have listeners from literally around the world. We even got an email from a guy in Iran, even though Ahmadinejad says there are no gay people there. I mean that's really something."
Kylie Minogue on "America's Got Talent" last night
Last night Kylie gave her first US TV performance in support of the 'Aphrodite' album on NBC's "America's Got Talent."
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.
In The Life online
Watch "In The Life' whenever you want online. Enjoy this month's episode or download past episodes from 'ITL's'rich and diverse archive.
Tickets available for Colorado Ballet's 50th Anniversary Season
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Gay dating tips from the movie - IS IT JUST ME?
Writer/Director J.C. Calciano of the upcoming gay romantic-comedy, IS IT JUST ME?, has just put together a very cute and funny video called "Gay Dating Tips," starring the lead characters dishing out gay dating advice, including Nicholas Downs (Blaine), David Loren (Xander) and Adam Huss (Cameron). The film will be out on DVD on Nov. 16 through TLA Releasing.
Spin the Bottle with Joel Evan Tye
Of the series, Barnard says, “I describe it as six friends who all support each other as they handle life, love, marriage, divorce and careers and all the other bumps in the road."
“Appearing in ‘Spin the Bottle’ is really exciting for me,” states Joel Evan Tye. “I am so looking forward to working with Matthew Barnard and the awesome cast on this brilliant project.”
Stay tuned for more info.
SLDN: Letters from loved ones impacted by DADT
Today's letter is from Chief Petty Officer Lee Quillian, USN (Ret.):
Dear General Ham and Mr. Johnson:
I am a retired military sailor, living with a wonderful person who was fired because of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT).
Because of my experience with the military, I understand the life, the duty days, the underway time, the training cycles. Even the simple events of life at sea – how wondrous or disastrous mail call can be, depending on whether or not you get a letter; the whirlwind caused by the simple announcement of liberty call; and the sounds of the Navy - the bells, the whistles, the constant hum and different noises of shipboard living. These are just some of the various events and sometimes intense evolutions that occur around the universe called the United States Ship. I’ve been stationed on five of the best ships in the Navy. I speak the language, I know all the acronyms, and it’s an organization I’ve spent most of my closeted life in.
If my highly decorated and accomplished spouse had been able to stay in the Navy, her professional life would have included all of those same events mentioned previously, and more. She would have undoubtedly been stationed on board a ship of awesome capabilities. That ship would deploy, do training missions, visit foreign and domestic ports, and represent the world’s finest Navy. She would stand watch, hopefully in something better than a port and starboard rotation. If you don’t know what a port and starboard rotation is, just imagine working at your current job, six hours on, then take six hours off, then go back to work for six hours. Repeat 24/7 for the next 180 days.
She might even be sent on an Individual Augmentation (IA) to Iraq or Afghanistan while in her current assignment. During an Individual Augmentation, she would literally be loaned out to cover a critical needs job, however long that may be, in addition to her regularly scheduled deployment cycle.
I, however, would have to adhere to a strict set of rules when dealing with a deployment, whether it be an IA or ship deployment. Here are just some to think about – they reflect what life is like for military families under DADT:
Set up an alternative e-mail account that wouldn’t show the gender of my name;
Establish a very generic, genderless form of communications over e-mail;
Never write “I love you” – or nothing that could indicate anything at all about the nature of our relationship;
No access to the Ship’s Ombudsman – a point person for military families for all things very, very important relating to the ship and her crew;
Create a plan for dropping her off at ship – making sure our goodbye or welcome is in secret;
Never spending the remaining few hours on the ship like with the rest of families before a deployment;
Worrying about how close to the pier I could be without raising suspicion;
Before leaving home, be sure to say final goodbyes – no hugs and certainly no kisses allowed on or near the base;
Not being able to participate in any family video postcards to the ship;
Still trying to figure out how to deal with those pesky customs forms required when mailing anything to a “Fleet Post Office” – they require a name, so maybe use her parent’s name or the dog’s name;
Don’t put anything too personal in care packages – those might arrive via barge, waterlogged and falling apart – therefore, they might be opened;
As a result of the rough handling from a helicopter mail drop, any other boxes I send could be opened if damaged;
Don’t get sick, seriously sick, and don’t get hurt while spouse is gone;
Hope she doesn’t get hurt as no one would tell me – I can’t be listed as her next of kin in her service record without raising eyebrows;
Remember to have her pack her personal cell phone and the charger for use six to nine months later – can’t use any of the ship’s communications, so the cell is the only way to coordinate a pickup upon return home;
Knowing that when the other families are waiting at the pier, I wouldn’t be able to stand among them anxiously awaiting my sailor’s return.
This isn’t everything. It’s just a glimpse.
Sincerely,
Chief Petty Officer Lee Quillian, USN (Ret.)
MilehighGayGuy Advertiser Shout Out: Oasis 212
Mayor Cory Booker supports gay marriage
Watch Mayor Cory Booker, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin, and others share their personal journeys toward support for the freedom to marry in this series of YouTube videos from Freedom to Marry.
Denver Beer Fest!
Dead Man's Cell Phone
This unusual and lyrical comedy from playwright Sarah Ruhl (EURYDICE, THE CLEAN HOUSE) follows the story of one woman's loopy odyssey into the lives of others after inheriting the cell phone of a total stranger. Clinging to her ideas of responsibility, love, and the need to connect with others, DEAD MAN'S CELL PHONE is an enticing story about the smallest and most trivial things in life...and how they can be charged with meaning.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Are the culture wars over?
Or are social conservatives simply switching tactics? Whatever is happening, political observers say they don't expect the issues will matter much in the 2012 elections.
Surge in state support for gay marriage
The Prop. 8 Report
Dave Fleischer talks about the Prop 8 Report's main findings. To read the Report, go to www.prop8report.com.
Out college presidents form new organization
Things to do in Denver When You're Gay: Pride Adventures launch party this Sunday
Founded by Dalin McClellan (left) and Scott Mosher, the goal of Pride Adventures is to provide the LBGT community with a safe and reliable environment to plan vacations, honeymoons, weddings, cruises and tours. 
The official launch party for PrideAdventures.com is called 'Traveling with the Stars' and will be held on Sunday, August 29 from 3-8 pm at the Corner Office at the Curtis Hotel. There will be special guests, door prizes, raffles, and a grand prize drawing for a Las Vegas getaway. All proceeds from the event will go to benefit the Colorado AIDS Project.
Lambda Community Center Summer Beach Bash
Come wearing your favorite beach attire and be ready for a night of beach party fun including drink specials, beach-themed contests and a night of great community, dancing and fun!
Monday, August 23, 2010
MileHighHotGuy: Chris
Check out more hot pics at his Model Mayhem profile.
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.
Nominees announced for 2nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards
Among the nominees are: Absolut Vodka's "Exceptional Moments: The Absolut RuPaul" commercials, Levi Strauss & Co.'s "Gay History Month/Logo Leaders" campaign, Progressive Insurance's "Works in Progress" ads, Wells Fargo's "Advocate Money Minute," and Givenchy's "Fall 2010" campaign featuring openly transgender model Lea T.
A complete list of nominated ads can be found at www.glaad.org/advertisingawards/nominees and below are a couple of my favorites including one for Absolut Vodka featuring Denver's own Nina Flowers:
SLDN: Letters from loved ones impacted by DADT
With the Pentagon’s family survey now in the field, Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN), a national, legal services and policy organization dedicated to ending "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT), will release a letter each day this week from family members and spouses of former service members impacted by DADT. As the Pentagon reaches out to 150,000 straight couples on how their lives are impacted, these letters will share the perspective of those forced to serve under this law alongside their loved ones. SLDN is urging supporters of repeal to call, write, and schedule in-district meetings with both their senators as the defense budget, which contains the repeal amendment, moves to the floor just weeks from now.
Today's letter is from Lynne Kennedy, partner to Capt. Joan Darrah, U.S. Navy (Ret.). They have been together for 20 years this December:
Dear General Ham and Mr. Johnson:
In 1990 – while working as a reference librarian at the Library of Congress -- I met Joan Darrah, an active duty Naval Officer. I already knew about “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” but I soon woke up to the harsh reality that loved ones of gay and lesbian family members are forced to serve in silence, too.
Over the years, Joan had adjusted to living two lives -- in the closet at work and out after hours. For me, it was a bit of an adjustment as I had been fortunate to work for an employer who valued my skills and expertise and realized that my being a lesbian in no way detracted from my ability to do a great job.
I knew that Joan could be deployed at any moment. She may be away from home for two or three years. I realized that being with an active duty military officer was even more constricting than I could have possibly imagined and I worried constantly about Joan’s well being. Yet, through it all, I knew our relationship was worth the compromises. I knew we had to make it work for Joan to continue to serve our Country.
There were so many things that we had to be careful about. For example, Joan had asked that I not call her at work unless it was truly an emergency. When we were out in public if Joan saw someone from work, I learned to “disappear,” until Joan’s co-worker moved on. We didn’t dare go to nice restaurants on Valentine’s Day or even Saturday nights. We could not show any familiarity while out in public. I went to parties at colleagues' homes alone lest a guest I didn't know learn that Joan was in the Navy.
The events of September 11, 2001, caused us both appreciate more fully the true impact of DADT on our lives and the reality of our mutual sacrifices. At 8:30 a.m. that morning, Joan went to a meeting in the Pentagon. At 9:30 a.m., she left that meeting. At 9:37 a.m., the plane flew into the Pentagon and destroyed the exact space that Joan had left less than eight minutes earlier, killing seven of her colleagues.
In the days and weeks that followed, Joan went to several funerals and memorial services for her co-workers who had been killed. Most people attended these services with their spouses whose support was critical at this difficult time, yet Joan was forced to go alone, even though I really wanted to be with her to provide support.
As the numbness began to wear off, it hit me how incredibly alone I would have been had Joan been killed. The military is known for how it pulls together and helps people; we talk of the "military family," which is a way of saying we always look after each other, especially in times of need. But, none of that support would have been available for me, because under DADT, I didn’t exist.
In fact, I would have been one of the last people to know had Joan been killed, because nowhere in her paperwork or emergency contact information had Joan dared to list my name.
Whenever I hear Joan recount the events of that day, I relive it and realize all over again how devastated I would have been had she been killed. I also think of the partners of service members injured or killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. They are unable to get any support from the military and they must be careful about the amount of support they offer to their closeted service member loved ones.
The events of September 11th caused us to stop and reassess exactly what was most important in our lives. During that process, we realized that this discriminatory law was causing us to make a much bigger sacrifice than either of us had ever admitted.
Eight months later, in June 2002, Joan retired from the U.S. Navy, and I retired from the Library of Congress. If it wasn’t for DADT, we might both still be serving in our respective positions.
Lynne Kennedy
Today's letter is from Lynne Kennedy, partner to Capt. Joan Darrah, U.S. Navy (Ret.). They have been together for 20 years this December:
Dear General Ham and Mr. Johnson:In 1990 – while working as a reference librarian at the Library of Congress -- I met Joan Darrah, an active duty Naval Officer. I already knew about “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” but I soon woke up to the harsh reality that loved ones of gay and lesbian family members are forced to serve in silence, too.
Over the years, Joan had adjusted to living two lives -- in the closet at work and out after hours. For me, it was a bit of an adjustment as I had been fortunate to work for an employer who valued my skills and expertise and realized that my being a lesbian in no way detracted from my ability to do a great job.
I knew that Joan could be deployed at any moment. She may be away from home for two or three years. I realized that being with an active duty military officer was even more constricting than I could have possibly imagined and I worried constantly about Joan’s well being. Yet, through it all, I knew our relationship was worth the compromises. I knew we had to make it work for Joan to continue to serve our Country.
There were so many things that we had to be careful about. For example, Joan had asked that I not call her at work unless it was truly an emergency. When we were out in public if Joan saw someone from work, I learned to “disappear,” until Joan’s co-worker moved on. We didn’t dare go to nice restaurants on Valentine’s Day or even Saturday nights. We could not show any familiarity while out in public. I went to parties at colleagues' homes alone lest a guest I didn't know learn that Joan was in the Navy.
The events of September 11, 2001, caused us both appreciate more fully the true impact of DADT on our lives and the reality of our mutual sacrifices. At 8:30 a.m. that morning, Joan went to a meeting in the Pentagon. At 9:30 a.m., she left that meeting. At 9:37 a.m., the plane flew into the Pentagon and destroyed the exact space that Joan had left less than eight minutes earlier, killing seven of her colleagues.
In the days and weeks that followed, Joan went to several funerals and memorial services for her co-workers who had been killed. Most people attended these services with their spouses whose support was critical at this difficult time, yet Joan was forced to go alone, even though I really wanted to be with her to provide support.
As the numbness began to wear off, it hit me how incredibly alone I would have been had Joan been killed. The military is known for how it pulls together and helps people; we talk of the "military family," which is a way of saying we always look after each other, especially in times of need. But, none of that support would have been available for me, because under DADT, I didn’t exist.
In fact, I would have been one of the last people to know had Joan been killed, because nowhere in her paperwork or emergency contact information had Joan dared to list my name.
Whenever I hear Joan recount the events of that day, I relive it and realize all over again how devastated I would have been had she been killed. I also think of the partners of service members injured or killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. They are unable to get any support from the military and they must be careful about the amount of support they offer to their closeted service member loved ones.
The events of September 11th caused us to stop and reassess exactly what was most important in our lives. During that process, we realized that this discriminatory law was causing us to make a much bigger sacrifice than either of us had ever admitted.
Eight months later, in June 2002, Joan retired from the U.S. Navy, and I retired from the Library of Congress. If it wasn’t for DADT, we might both still be serving in our respective positions.
Lynne Kennedy
David Raleigh - I Do
Recording Artist David Raleigh puts his heart on the line for marriage equality in the music video for 'I Do' directed by actor Alan Cumming.
Highly Decorated Combat Air Force Aviator Files Injunction in Federal Court to Block “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Discharge
The General Counsel’s Office to the Secretary of the Air Force confirmed to Morrison & Foerster and SLDN that the Air Force Personnel Board recently reviewed Lt. Col. Fehrenbach’s case and has sent a recommendation to Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley’s designee. According to Air Force regulations, had the Board recommended to retain Lt. Col. Fehrenbach no further action would have been required by the Secretary or his designee (AFI 36-3206 Chapter 6.10 and Chapter 6.10.1). Although SLDN and Morrison & Foerster understand the Secretary has delegated his authority to act on the Board’s recommendation, Secretary Donley has the power to step in and retain Lt. Col. Fehrenbach. Without action by the Secretary, the Board’s recommendation is expected to stand and Lt. Col. Fehrenbach could be discharged within days.
A request for a temporary restraining order asks the court to prevent irreparable injury to the plaintiff and preserve the status quo until a more complete hearing can be held on the merits of the case. If the court grants the request, the Air Force will be prevented from discharging Lt. Col. Fehrenbach until a full hearing can be scheduled. The Fehrenbach case is among the first to challenge a discharge under DADT by applying the so-called Witt standard. In the case of Air Force Maj. Margaret Witt, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit – which governs the District of Idaho – held that discharging a service member violates the Constitution unless: (1) the government advances “an important governmental interest;” (2) the government shows the intrusion “upon the personal and private li[fe]” of a service member “significantly furthers that interest;” and (3) the government shows the intrusion is “necessary to further that interest.”
Bishop Gene Robinson, Udi Behr to be honored at 5th Annual Bear to Make a Difference Gala
Bishop Gene Robinson of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire will receive the “Making a Difference” Award. He has been active particularly in the area of full civil rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. Working at the state, national and international levels, he has spoken out in favor of equal protection under the law and full civil marriage rights for same-sex couples. He has been honored by many LGBT organizations for this work, including the Human Rights Campaign, the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force and the Equality Forum. Bishop Robinson was invited by the Presidential Inaugural Committee and Barack Obama to give the invocation at the opening of pre-inaugural ceremonies at the Lincoln Memorial on January 18, 2009.
The awards are the centerpieces of the Matthew Shepard Foundation’s annual “Bear to Make a Difference” gala dinner and celebrity teddy-bear auction. The dinner, now in its ninth year, takes place at 7:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 16, 2010, at the Seawell Grand Ballroom at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Denver.
Hosted by ABC7News Chief Meteorologist Mike Nelson, the dinner also features a special welcome and remarks from Judy Shepard.
An after-dinner live auction of personalized and autographed celebrity teddy bears provides a critical fundraising component, which supports the foundation’s pro-diversity educational outreach to schools, colleges and corporations. This year’s offerings were contributed by Lady Gaga, Sarah McLachlan, Sharon Osbourne, Madonna, Bobby Flay, Naomi and Wynonna Judd, Meryl Streep, Garth Brooks, Gloria Estefan and many other notable personalities.
The gala event also includes a 5:30 P.M. cocktail reception and a concurrent silent auction, and concludes with an after-dinner party. Tickets and more information are available online at www.MatthewShepard.org or via the foundation office, 303-830-7400.
Obama appoints openly gay man to Health and Human Services post
Friday, August 20, 2010
A conversation with the LGBT Wedding Expo's Marianne Puechl and Cindy Sproul
The LGBT Wedding Expo comes to Denver this Sunday, August 22 from 1-4 p.m. in the beautiful Magnolia Hotel. The event is free to the public and over 30 LGBT and LGBT-friendly wedding professionals will participate as exhibitors and there will be music, samples, seminars, and everything you and your partner could want or need to plan the wedding ceremony of your dreams.
I had the chance to chat with Marianne Puechl and Cindy Sproul, organizers of the event as well as the founders of RainbowWeddingNetwork.com to find out what attendees of the Expo can expect, their top wedding planning tips, and who their favorite gay married couple of all time is and here's what they had to say:
I had the chance to chat with Marianne Puechl and Cindy Sproul, organizers of the event as well as the founders of RainbowWeddingNetwork.com to find out what attendees of the Expo can expect, their top wedding planning tips, and who their favorite gay married couple of all time is and here's what they had to say:
Drew: Where did the idea for the LGBT Wedding Expo come about and why do we need one?
Marianne and Cindy: Back in 2000, we launched RainbowWeddingNetwork.com as a wedding resource for LGBT couples. Specifically, the site offered the first and, at that time, the only wedding gift registry specifically dedicated to same-gender couples, as well as an extensive online directory of screened, lgbt-friendly wedding, travel, gift, family and home-related businesses. It was our goal to become as broad in scope as we could, in offering LGBT couples throughout America the resources needed to plan an ideal ceremony free from discrimination. We didn’t want anyone to deal with being cursed out or hung up on or ignored when trying to plan such a joyful and sacred occasion.
As our company expanded, it was natural to offer the LGBT Wedding Expos. Our first was held in Minneapolis in November 2003. At that time, there had only ever been a handful of such events in a few places throughout the country... obviously this was an untapped niche! In 2004 we produced events in Massachusetts two weeks prior to the same-sex marriage legislation being enacted in that state, and one in San Francisco just a week after Gavin Newsom’s landmark marriages were over-turned. It was such a historic time! We quickly found that our LGBT Wedding Expos were not only fun and productive in bridging couples with gay-friendly business professionals... but they also served as an ideal way to provide a refreshed sense of legitimization for our community, around the issue of equal rights. The name of our events, ‘Same Love, Same Rights’® LGBT Wedding Expos stuck permanently.
Here in Colorado, events like this one are necessary because they bring the issues into the public eye. This serves to educate the public about the facts surrounding LGBT marriage rights... and it also serves to support the local LGBT community in feeling legitimized and empowered. From many of our Expos, couples (as well as singles and straight allies) have walked away finding a renewed motivation to get involved or re-involved with the issue of marriage and family rights, either on a broad scale or at the grassroots level.
Obviously, most American divorce statistics don’t include same-gender relationships! I think weddings still matter to the LGBT minority because,as of right now, we are denied this right. In a nation that was founded on equal rights for all citizens, this is simply unacceptable. Whether you wish to marry your partner or not, the issue is about equal access to the law.
This issue should be important too to all our advocates as well; in fact, to all Americans. When one minority is denied its rights simply because the majority deems those rights unacceptable, it potentially threatens everyone’s liberties.
Time, communication, and finding ways to include family and guest to participation at some level in the ceremony.
A) Time: We always suggest that couples take their time making the decision to marry... and take their time planning their ideal ceremony. Enjoy these special moments in your lives! We have all worked too hard for marriage rights to take the events lightly and I think same-gender couples truly don’t want to spike with high divorce rates - not after working so hard to obtain marriage equality!
B) Open and honest communication is key for planning a perfect wedding. Such occasions bring out strong emotions and it’s important for the two people involved to listen to one another with respect and to work together to create a ceremony that is inclusive of both their perspectives, spiritual ideals, favorite traditions, etc. A skilled officiant or wedding planner can help make sure this happens as successfully as possible. Having several months or a year (or more) to plan can also help with keeping couples a little less stressed in terms of cooperating with each other as the give-and-take becomes necessary with hashing out those ongoing details for the ceremony and reception.
C) For most of your ceremony guests, this event will be the first gay or lesbian wedding they have ever attended. Yes, the day is all about you & your partner!... but at the same time, it is a wonderful gift to be able to set your guests at ease and help them to fully enjoy the festivities. This can be done in a variety of ways: from casually having your caterer offer everyone sparkling water, champagne or wine upon their arrival for the ceremony... to being sure to ask your father if he would like to walk his daughter down the aisle to meet her wife-to-be there at the altar... to including several family members or friends in offering special readings during the ceremony... or asking for Mom’s involvement in helping to find just the right “something old or something blue” to add into the occasion... Or having thank-you cards placed at each reception table inscribed with a personal note such as “We truly appreciate that you chose to join us for our Special Day! It means so much... Love, Joshua & Ty”No matter how long you and your partner have been together, or how accepting your family has been, getting married takes the reality of your relationship to another level. This makes you and your fiancĂ©e nervous, of course!... but it also can make family and friends a little nervous too. So, take time to find ways to set them at ease, and while they may not verbally thank you for it, they will show their appreciation by being more relaxed and having more fun at the wedding!
How does the recent rulings in California (Prop. 8, overturning Prop. 8, postponing of gay marriage) color the mood or mission of the Expo, if at all?
Yes, the very recent decision to continue the stay on same-gender marriages in California certainly is disheartening. On a personal level, I think all 19 million gays and lesbians across America feel somewhat soured by the latest news. However, as my partner Marianne and I comment in our upcoming book “My Dangerous Commute – Witnessing Gay Marriage Rights Across America”... From the book, I quote: “Sharp opposition helps to define that which it opposes. It chisels away the chaff, revealing clearer outlines of the underlying masterpiece yet-to-be. Were it not for the stance of the conservatives on this issue, would the gay marriage movement have come so far this past decade? There’s reason to wonder.”
So I really do believe that the news from California this past week will only serve to strengthen our cause in the long-run. Ultimately, as we all know, equal rights will prevail. It’s only a matter of time.
So I really do believe that the news from California this past week will only serve to strengthen our cause in the long-run. Ultimately, as we all know, equal rights will prevail. It’s only a matter of time.
Who are your favorite gay married celebrity couples and why?
Del Martin & Phyllis Lyon – their vision and commitment never cease to inspire.
There are several couples in recent years who have been willing to stay very active with the marriage rights movement... These are not necessarily celeb/s but they are vitally important and it is their work, their persistence and their hearts that really stand out. Despite all the ugliness from opponents to gay marriage, these couples remain strong and undaunted. They keep choosing to believe in love, even though hatred is spouted all around them.
Why should readers of MileHighGayGuy.com come to the LGBT Wedding Expo?
Anyone who believes in marriage & family equality ought to join us in Denver on August 22. We should all support such events in order to more fully coalesce as a community. The LGBT Wedding Expo is for couples planning their ceremonies, yes, but it is also a forum in which singles and allies can network with travel and family-related businesses... as well as with other advocates of equal rights. Communicating & celebrating with each other during these historic times, as we all strive for equality, is imperative to the cause!
Obama's commitment to prioritizing HIV/AIDS programs
Get to Work, Get to Giving
“Get to Work, Get to Giving” celebrates community and diversity and encourages Out.com readers to build a better tomorrow. Out.com visitors can navigate an interactive map and easily identify profiled charities in their area - so far The Matthew Shepard Foundation is the only one listed for Colorado. By clicking the map’s geographic markers, readers can gather more information about a spotlighted charity and inquire about how to become involved. The “Get to Work, Get to Giving” program urges readers to give back by donating their time, money, or both.
Additionally, the site allows individuals to upload information about their favorite local charities. If a charity has not yet been profiled, readers can simply click the “Add Your Favorite LGBT Organization” button to provide information about and how to become involved with their local organizations. This robust content area informs, inspires, and challenges Out.com readers to invest in their community.
FleshDrive - porn in the palm of your hand!
The FleshDrives are not limited only to computers, as they will work with any devices that contain USB ports. FleshDrive owners can instantly watch their favorite adult movies on any big screen. The FleshDrive player allows its users to play their videos on multiple formats and machines from PCs to Macs, to Set Top Cable Boxes, to Playstation and Xbox. "The FleshDrive is pretty amazing, how it plays on everything," Michael Gruosso, FLESHDRIVE VP of sales states. “Hours of trial and error were put into the making of these drives; this isn't just a flash drive with adult films installed on it,” Michael goes on to say.
One of the most important aspects of The FleshDrive is the ability to view any film, anywhere, without the worry of downloading from the internet, or stumbling upon websites that may infect your computer.
Queens of Drag: NYC
Legendary drag diva Lady Bunny leads the all-star cast of the new webseries, 'Queens of Drag: NYC', which includes the ageless and evergreen Hedda Lettuce, uber-glam Sherry Vine, the vivacious Bianca Del Rio, sexpot songstress Peppermint, and the classless and campy Mimi Imfurst. Breakout performers Epiphany, Logan Hardcore, Dallas DuBois, and Acid Betty join the divas for their outrageous adventures.
Each 'Queens of Drag: NYC' webisode on Gay.com focuses on an individual diva as she navigates life as a drag superstar in the world’s most amazing and unforgiving city, New York . The series shows the real grit of the drag queens’ lives – both in and out of makeup – as they struggle to conquer the New York nightlife scene.
Researchers see global shift in gay rights acceptance
"Public attitudes don't change really quickly, but this is one that's changing really, really quickly," said Brian Powell, a sociology professor at Indiana University.
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