Out on DVD/Blu-ray: The Kids are All Right

Acclaimed as “funny, smart and sexy” (Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly), the Focus Features release 'The Kids Are All Right' debuts on Blu-RayTM, DVD, Digital Download and On-Demand on November 16, 2010 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment.

Prepare to fall in love with the big-hearted hit comedy that critics are calling “one of the best films of the year” (Michael Phillips, 'At the Movies').

G.A.Y.S. (Guys Against You Serving)

G.A.Y.S. (Guys Against You Serving) from Thomas Lennon

Guys Against You Serving finally explain the real opposition to gays in the military. It basically boils down to appletinis and pink tutus.

Gay and Lesbian Fund for Colorado sponsors Denver Center Theatre Company's upcoming presentation of Dracula

Charles Morey’s thrilling adaptation of Bram Stoker’s 'Dracula' will play the Denver Center Theatre Company’s Space Theatre October 1-31.

Sponsored by The Gay and Lesbian Fund for Colorado and directed by Gavin Cameron-Webb, the DCTC production of 'Dracula' promises to be lushly staged and amply frightening. Charles Morey’s adaptation is loyal to Stoker’s original novel in both plot and style, and mirrors the novel’s overarching sense of threat and dread, says Cameron-Webb. He also notes that what makes this tale so thrilling is that our imagination and our fear of what lurks in the fog and might emerge from the gloom is more frightening than anything in reality. He aims to play on those fears in the production, while staying true to the classic vampire tale.

Tickets for the original vampire tale are on sale now, by calling 303.893.4100 or www.denvercenter.org.

GLAAD reports increase of of gay characters on TV

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) yesterday released the 15th annual "Where We Are On TV" study, a comprehensive review of scripted LGBT primetime characters in the 2010-2011 television season. After more than doubling last year, the overall number of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) characters on broadcast networks continues a steady rise, though broadcast networks still report no transgender or black LGBT characters.


The report shows that 23 LGBT characters will account for 3.9% of scripted series regulars in the 2010-2011 broadcast television schedule, up from 1.1% in 2007, 2.6% in 2008, and 3% in 2009. The number of scripted LGBT series regulars found on mainstream cable networks has rebounded after a two year decline, from 40 in 2007, 32 in 2008, 25 in 2009, to 35 in the upcoming season.
HBO's True Blood is the most inclusive program currently on television, featuring six regular and recurring LGBT characters.

From research and information provided by the five broadcast networks — ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC and The CW — GLAAD's "Where We Are On TV" study reviewed 84 scripted television programs scheduled to air this upcoming season, and counted a total of 587 series regular characters, 23 of which are LGBT.

"The increase in lesbian, gay, and bisexual characters on primetime television not only reflects the shift in American culture towards greater awareness and understanding of our community, but also a new industry standard that a growing number of creators and networks are adopting," said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios. "The recent critical and commercial success of shows like Modern Family and Glee clearly indicate that mainstream audiences embrace gay characters and want to see well-crafted stories about our lives."

In the upcoming 2010-2011 season:

• ABC continues to lead the other broadcast networks in LGBT representation, with 11 LGBT characters out of 152 total series regular characters (7.2%), the highest number and percentage of LGBT characters of any network for the 2010-2011 season.
• FOX, which in 2007 featured zero series regular LGBT characters at the launch of the season, now offers five LGBT series regulars out of 100 (5%).
• The CW continues to improve with three LGBT series regular characters out of 67 (4.5%). 
• NBC becomes the only network that saw a decline from last year. The network will feature three series regular LGBT characters (2.1%) out of a total of 143.
• CBS remains in last place. Out of 125 series regular characters, only one will be LGBT (0.8%), but the network will include several LGBT recurring characters.

For a complete list of LGBT characters on broadcast television, click here.

Got any questions for Robbie Williams?

To celebrate the release of his forthcoming greatest hits album, 'In And Out Of Consciousness', British superstar Robbie Williams is giving his fans a chance to ask him questions via his YouTube channel.

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.

Winners of the GLAAD Media Awards in Advertising Announced, include Levi's, American Airlines, Progressive Insurance, Wells Fargo

Bethenny Frankel, Andy Cohen (pictured top left), Bryan Batt and Chely Wright were among the celebrities who joined the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) to honor American Airlines, legendary Advertising Age critic Bob Garfield and outstanding images of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in advertising at the 2nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Advertising in New York City.

SAG Award-winning actor Bryan Batt (pictured left), who portrayed ad executive Salvatore Romano on AMC's hit series 'Mad Men', hosted the event which recognizes and honors individuals and projects in the advertising and marketing industries for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

"Tonight's honorees, nominees and award recipients have set new industry standards which underline the value of gay and lesbian consumers," said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios. "More and more companies are moving toward ads that reflect truly reflect all people and learning that LGBT people should be accepted and respected, not only for their potential buying power, but for their contribution to the American cultural fabric."

Barrios continued, "While LGBT representation on TV continues to grow, the advertising industry has not yet fully embraced our community. Tonight's nominees and honorees have set new benchmarks in the industry and continue to lead the way in fair, accurate and inclusive LGBT representation in advertising."

At the ceremony, country music artist Chely Wright presented American Airlines with the Corporate Responsibility Award in recognition of the company's longstanding and public commitment to the LGBT community. American Airlines’ Vice President of New York, Art Torno, was on hand to receive the Award.

For a complete list of nominees and award recipients, please visit www.glaad.org/advertisingawards.

Sky Ferreira - Obsession

The video for Sky Ferreira's new video "Obsession" is here and it's a delight. "Obsession" is Sky's first U.S. single off of her yet-to-be titled 2011 debut album.

CO Rep. Jared Polis offers to help find anti-gay Senate staffer

Colorado's own openly gay U.S. Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo., last week told CNN's Anderson Cooper he'd help Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., find the staffer who posted a blog comment last week urging the death of all gay people. Chambliss' office confirmed the posting originated in the senator's Atlanta office.

"It couldn't be easier. If they can't figure it out, I will go down there myself and do it for them," computer-whiz Polis said.

Go Jared!

Marc Jacobs' new ad campaign has the New York Post clutching their pearls

Call me crazy but I see absolutely nothing wrong with the fleshtastic new campaign for Marc Jacobs' Bang cologne. Dude's put in a lot of work and is proud of his body and he wants to show it off. And it's certainly nothing we've never seen before in the world of perfume/cologne advertising. Still, the New York Post refers to it as "outrageous" while quoting commenters who refer to the "perversity" of the ad as "shocking." Calm down, NYP.

Libertarians want you!

The national Libertarian Party has issued a call for gay voters to quit the Democratic party and join up with them after Senate leaders were recently unable to gather 60 votes necessary to move forward on legislation that would repeal "Don't ask, don't tell."

20% of U.S. gay men are HIV-positive?

Wow, the numbers on this are just shocking to me. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that one in five gay men in the U.S. has HIV, but only about half of those who are positive are aware of it.

The 21-city study found that Baltimore has the highest rate of HIV infection among men who have sex with men, with 38% testing positive. At only 6%, Atlanta's gay male community had the lowest infection rate in the study.

Happy Birthday To Me!

Hey everybody, today is my birthday so I am going to be taking the day off! Posting will be light if at all while I celebrate, aka sit around in my underwear eating cake and watching TV.

In The Life Fall Preview

Coming this Fall, 'In The Life' will offer more engaging conversational pairings, like Charles Busch and Liza Minnelli, continue to present statewide struggles for LGBT full equality with their “In The States” series, and provide relevant investigative reporting exposing the effects of stigma on the LGBT community. Sounds like good stuff!

MileHighHotGuy: KAlexander

Today's MileHighHotGuy is KAlexander. This 20-year-old high-fashion model hails from Aurora and you can see much more of him at his Model Mayhem profile.

HIV rates rising for gay and bisexual men?

From the White House's Office of National AIDS Policy, Brian Bond writes that, "Gay and bisexual men make up roughly 2% of the US population, but we account for 53% of new HIV infections. We are the only group where HIV infection rates are rising."

Perceptions: A fundraiser for the Pikes Peak Gay and Lesbian Community Center

On November 6, the Pikes Peak Gay and Lesbian Community Center will hold 'Perceptions' a fundraising benefit to raise money for the center and the Colorado Springs GLBT community. By giving to Perceptions, you'll be supporting the Pikes Peak Gay and Lesbian Community Center and and helping them meet the needs of the LGBTA community and their families.

Arrested for legal medical marijuana?

Change.org reports on medical marijuana arrests in California saying, "As a candidate, President Obama said he'd put a stop to the controversial raids on medical marijuana patients and their providers who complied with state law. James Stacy (pictured), the owner of a marijuana collective in San Diego County, listened. Now he faces a trial on federal drug charges where he's not even allowed to tell the truth: that what he was doing was legal under a California law approved by voters 14 years ago."

As of this writing, more than 1,000 Change.org members have come to Stacy's defense by adding their names to a list calling for reform. You can read the entire article here. Could this happen here in Colorado where medical marijuana was recently legalized?

MilehighGayGuy Advertiser Shout Out: Oasis 212

Oasis 212 is a gay-owned and operated healing sanctuary in Denver bringing practitioners together to offer various forms of therapies to enrich your life. Their mission is to provide affordable quality massage to those seeking relaxation and pain relief/management while helping people uncover their authentic selves.

Boy Butter's Eyal Feldman Presents $1,750 Check to JHA

On Monday, Sept. 20, entrepreneur Eyal Feldman (pictured right) - the creator of Boy Butter brand personal lubricants - presented a check for $1,700 at the Jewish Home for the Aging in Los Angeles to the JHA's Walk of Ages chair Shelly Markman (pictured left). The money was raised during a 6-mile marathon swim that Eyal completed by himself across Israel's largest freshwater lake, the Sea of Galilee, on July 15. The swim took 3.5 hours. The other half of the money raised was donated last month to SAGE, Services and Advocacy for Gay Elders.

*photo credit: Aaron Saltzman

Stockroom's Annual Gear Up for Folsom Sale ends today!

Stockroom's Annual Gear Up for Folsom Sale (link NSFW) ends today so this is your last chance to save big on a huge selection of handmade bondage gear and fetish wear.

U.S. Department of Education to recognize October as LGBT History Month

The U.S. Department of Education will recognize October as LGBT History Month, with U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan providing welcoming remarks at the Department’s first LGBT History Month event.

Equality Forum announced that starting in 2011, GLBT History Month will be renamed LGBT History Month. Information for GLBT History Month 2010 can currently be accessed at www.glbtHistoryMonth.com or www.lgbtHistoryMonth.com.

“For a community deprived of its history, GLBT History Month teaches heritage, provides role models, builds community, and recognizes extraordinary national and international contributions,” said Ora Alger, LGBTA Employees at ED President, U.S. Department of Education. “We salute Equality Forum for spearheading this free educational resource.”

“GLBT History Month is an educational project,” stated Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director, Equality Forum. “We are delighted to have the U.S. Department of Education recognize and celebrate our community’s history month. We salute GLSEN, GSA Network and Campus Pride for promoting with Equality Forum GLBT History Month to over 6,000 high schools and colleges.”

Each day in October, an Icon is featured with a video, biography, bibliography, downloadable images and other educational resources. The videos are offered without charge to educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, for profit companies and the public.

2010 marks the 5th anniversary of GLBT History Month, featuring 155 Icons from 2006 to 2010. Equality Forum launched GLBT History Month with 20 organizations having a GLBT History Month link on their Web sites. In 2009, over 650 nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and for profit corporations had a GLBT History Month Link, making GLBT History Month the largest collaborative project worldwide for our community.

MileHighGayGuy Advertiser Shout Out: Dazzle Restaurant and Lounge

Gay-owned and managed Dazzle Restaurant & Lounge presents an authentic Jazz Club experience unlike anything in Colorado.

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.

Katy Perry on SNL's Bronx Beat

Katy Perry may have gotten the boot from 'Sesame Street' but she was more than welcome on 'Bronx Beat.'

Celebrate John Lennon's birthday and help out the victims of the Fourmile Canyon Fire tomorrow night

Celebrate the John Lennon's 70th birthday with a sneak preview of the eagerly anticipated new movie 'Nowhere Boy' about Lennon's teenage years and the birth of the Beatles this Tuesday, September 28th at the Boulder Theater. The film will be followed by a Q&A with and full concert by Lennon's childhood pals and original bandmates, The Quarrymen. A portion of the proceeds will benefit those affected by the Fourmile Canyon Fire.

Bleu - I'll Know It When I See It

LAWeekly.com says singer/songwriter Bleu's new album 'Four' is "a stick of power-pop dynamite."

Free tickets available for this weekend's Plant Medicine Expo and Healthcare Provider Conference

It’s time to learn more about medical marijuana and the place to do it is the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel this weekend so be there for the first-ever Plant Medicine Expo and Healthcare Provider Conference in the country.

The company putting on the event is gay-owned and, as a special treat for Denver's gay community and readers of MileHighGayGuy.com, the first 10 people to register here and mention MileHighGayGuy.com will get free registration for either the Healthcare Provider Conference ($300 value) or the consumer conference ($69 value). 

There's still time to take advantage of this offer so click the link and enjoy the conference.

I'm From Driftwood - True Gay Stories

www.ImFromDriftwood.com features a compilation of true stories by gay people from all over the country. The tour comes to Denver's GLBT Center tomorrow so be sure to check it out.

Who is Scotty the Blue Bunny?

And what is he doing in Denver on October 10?

Soldier dismissed under Don't Ask, Don't Tell reinstated

HRC President Joe Solmonese released the following statement today in reaction to the news a federal district court judge issued a decision reinstating Major Margaret Witt, who was discharged from the United States Air Force under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”:

“By reinstating Major Witt, a decorated Air Force nurse discharged under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ another federal court has demonstrated once again that this discriminatory law does not contribute to our nation’s security or defense. Had Major Witt been discharged in any other circuit in the country, she would not had her day in court. It is time for Congress and the Administration to recognize that his failed law should be removed from the books once and for all.”

Rhianna - Only Girl in the World

Want free tickets to this weekend's medical marijuana expo?

The Plant Medicine Expo and Healthcare Provider Conference is offering free tickets to this weekend's medical marijuana expo for the first 10 medical professionals who email them with MileHighGayGuy in the subject line.

I'm From Driftwood 50-State Tour comes to Denver this Saturday

Nathan and the gang from "I'm From Driftwood" will be in Denver this Saturday as part of their 4-month, 50-State Story Tour this fall to collect and share true Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender stories.

The Story Tour is intended to help LGBT youth feel less alone, let GLBT voices be heard and our stories shared, and to provide straight folks a welcoming, friendly and honest look into our lives.

Nathan will be reading some of the stories gathered on the tour and talking to people about their coming out stories at The Center this Saturday from 4-6 p.m.

James Franco makes me wanna Howl

Check out photos from the New York premiere of 'HOWL', which was held Thursday night at the IFC Center. In the photos are stars James Franco, Aaron Tveit, Jon Prescott, and directors Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman.

Statement by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs on Justice Department filing in Log Cabin Republicans v. United States of America

Statement by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs: Today, the Department of Justice made a filing in a legal challenge to the Don’t Ask, Don’t tell (DADT) policy, as it traditionally does when acts of Congress are challenged. This filing in no way diminishes the President’s firm commitment to achieve a legislative repeal of DADT – indeed, it clearly shows why Congress must act to end this misguided policy. 

The President was disappointed earlier this week when a majority of the Senate was willing to proceed with National Defense Authorization Act, but political posturing created a 60 vote threshold. The President spoke out against DADT in his first State of the Union Address, and the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs have both testified in support of repeal. And the Department of Defense continues to work on a plan on how to implement repeal. The President, along with his Administration, will continue to work with the Senate Leadership to achieve a legislative repeal of DADT as outlined in the NDAA this fall.

GLBT Community Centers Continue Providing Vital Services During the Economic Downturn

While the economic downturn has taken a toll on many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community centers, these centers continue to provide vital information, education, community and health services to over 30,000 people per week, according to a new report by the Movement Advancement Project (MAP) and CenterLink.

Released today at the fourth annual CenterLink Leadership Summit, the 2010 LGBT Community Center Survey Report provides a detailed picture of LGBT community centers' staffs and boards, program priorities, constituencies, infrastructure, fundraising, budgets and technical assistance needs. 

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.

True colors keep shining through: A conversation with Cyndi Lauper

Music legend and gay icon Cyndi Lauper will be in Denver tomorrow night at the Paramount Theatre. Her most recent album 'Memphis Blues' has spent 12 weeks at the top of the Blues Album Chart.

I was lucky enough to catch up with her recently to talk about her upcoming reality show and autobiography, fighting for gay rights with her True Colors Fund and the Give A Damn Campaign, her thoughts on Lady Gaga, and when we can expect the return of the fabulous True Colors Tour.

Drew: Congratulations on the success of 'Memphis Blues.' You've been putting out a lot of interestingly themed albums in the past few years - blues, acoustic, electronic, standards. What musical styles or influences are left that you would like to explore?
Cyndi: Who knows what I will be doing next? I still have tons up my sleeves. Guess you will just have to wait and see what’s next!

Which of your albums is your personal favorite? How about a favorite song?
Just one? That’s going to be too tough. Because it changes from time to time.

The Give a Damn Campaign, which is a project of your True Colors Fund, is aimed at straight people who are interested in GLBT rights. What would you say are the two or three most important things straight people should know about GLBT rights?
Cyndi: There is so much that people need to know, which is why we created the Give a Damn Campaign. We wanted to create something that took all of the mountains of information out there and break it down to the basics so it was not so overwhelming. There are a ton of facts and information about the many forms of discrimination against gay people that straight people need to know about and can find at www.wegiveadamn.org. But, the most important thing that straight people need to know is that when one group of people's freedom is put up for grabs it means that it could be your group or the group of people that someone you love belongs to that could be next. Either we all are equal or no one is. I would also say that all of us in any majority have a responsibility to stand up as human beings for the minority, to stand up for the underdog. That to me is what being an American is all about.


What do you think gay people can do to enlist more straight people as allies?
The most important thing is to let the straight people in your life - your family, friends, co-workers - know who you are. Share your life with them. Let them know what being a part if a minority feels like, what being discriminated against does to a person. Open up to the people you share a personal connection with, that is the most powerful and meaningful way you can hopefully change people's minds or get people who support equality to get involved for the first time. Same goes for straight people, talk about why your support equality with the other straight people in your life. Lead by example.

You've worked with Lady Gaga on recent projects and she's cited you as an artistic inspiration. What are your thoughts on her as an artist and as a GLBT activist as it pertains to her recent work to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell?
There is no one quite like Gaga. She is definitely one of the hardest working girls out there. I adore her. I am blown away by her performances, everything from the energy to her passion on stage. Working together on the MAC Viva Glam campaign and talking about HIV/AIDS prevention for women has been really important to the both of us. We have a lot in common and have become friends through the work we are doing together. I admire her for the recent work to repeal DADT. Good for her. I always feel that if you are famous it's good to use your fame to help others. Give a voice to a cause that needs it. Its payback and it's the right thing to do.

I hear you're working on an autobiography. What will it be called and why write it now?
I am writing an autobiography that will be released via Simon & Schuster in late 2011. I am in the middle of writing right now so ask me this question again next time we chat!

What is that process of writing an autobiography like and can you give us any hints about the juiciest bits or most interesting chapters?
Its a bit like therapy. I am working with a great writer named Jancee Dunn, who was a writer for Rolling Stone -where we first met - and has gone on to write some really great books. As for the process, we spend time together, I write her long emails, we get together to talk, I write some more to send to her, she sends it back. It's focused on my life from the age of seventeen when I left home for the first time.

You were a huge hit on 'Celebrity Apprentice'. What was the experience like for you?
I had a blast on the show. I wanted to play for the True Colors Fund and knew so many people watch the show that it could really help me push the mission of the fund forward. If I had to do it all over again I would so I could raise even more money for the True Colors fund and have another chance to talk about civil rights and the gay community.

I hear you have your own reality show in the works. What's it going to be like?
Yes, I did a deal with Mark Burnett Productions before I signed on to 'Celebrity Apprentice'. Mark Burnett is probably the most successful producers of Reality TV so I am really happy to be in partnership with them The folks there are smart and creative and I think it's going to be a lot of fun to do. I love the medium so I'm excited about it. It is going to mostly be about me and my day to day life as I focus on my career. We start filming in January.

Are you a fan of any other reality shows? Who's your favorite castmember of 'Jersey Shore'?
Yes, of any of Mark Burnett's shows, of course! Which is pretty much all of them on TV right now. As for 'Jersey Shore', I don’t know too much about it. Been touring and working so hard, I don’t have much time to just sit back and relax.


The True Colors Tour's Red Rocks shows were some of the best I've ever been to. Can we expect another True Colors Tour in 2011?
Of course we will do True Colors in 2011! This year I wanted to focus on 'Memphis Blues' and bring it on the road. That's the main reason for not having a True Colors Tour this year. The other reason is that the economy is still pretty bad and a lot of folks just don't have the money for those big ticket festival shows. The more acts on the bill, the more the ticket has to cost. But we do want to do it in 2011. We are going to do a three-day festival in NYC and take it out on the road as well. Stay tuned!

Things to do in Denver When You're Gay: Tap Dogs

Tap that!

'Tap Dogs' returns to Denver tonight through Sunday and it's sure to be a rollicking good time.

Out on DVD: David Bowie - Rare and Unseen

The newest title in the 'Rare and Unseen' DVD series looks at the legendary David Bowie.

Most famous for his alter-ego, the ostentatious, androgynous "Ziggy Stardust" during the glam-rock era of the early 1970s, Bowie has continually reinvented his music and image and is regarded as an influential innovator, particularly in rock music.

Told through missing-believed-wiped archive interviews and rare and unseen footage, this insightful DVD is a worthy addition to any Bowie collection featuring items and images never before seen on DVD including lost and now restored TV interviews from the past and rare film of the singer talking about his career.

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.

Thrive at the Lambda Community Center

The THRIVE series at Lambda Community Center is a program of workshops, classes, and courses that offer opportunities for growth and expansion to individuals and groups through experiences, discussions and creativity. There are 4-6 THRIVE opportunities planned per year.

The next workshop is Life Writing and Change: Reclaiming the Silence with Sarah Sloan (pictured). See details on upcoming workshops at LambdaCenter.org.

Gays Just Want to Have Fun Contest: Win free tickets to see Cyndi Lauper!

MileHighGayGuy.com is giving away two free pairs of tickets to see the legendary Cyndi Lauper this week at the Paramount Theatre in Denver.

Just leave a comment on this post naming your favorite Cyndi Lauper song and then email me at drewdenver@aol.com to let me know you did and you just might nab yourself a free pair of tix to see the amazing Ms. Lauper sing her heart out.

Winners will be chosen by me at noon tomorrow.


Photo credit: Ellen Von Unwerth

MileHighHotGuy: Chris Schardt

Chiseled 22-year-old former volleyball player Chris Schardt is today's MileHighHotGuy.

He lives in Denver and, according to his Model Mayhem profile, he is always in the gym working out or playing ball and would "love the chance to jump into the acting and modeling world."

GLBT History Month celebrates 5th Anniversary this year

2010 marks the 5th Anniversary of GLBT History Month. “In just five years, GLBT History Month has mushroomed into our community’s most collaborative project with over 650 organizations having GLBT History Month links on their Web sites,” stated Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director, Equality Forum, and founder of GLBT History Month.

“Our community has made profound international contributions as reflected by Alexander the Great, James Baldwin, environmental movement pioneer Rachel Carson, Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Eleanor Roosevelt, Tchaikovsky, Alan Turing, Walt Whitman and Oscar Wilde.”

“Our nation has been enriched by Leonard Bernstein, George Washington Carver, George Eastman, Barney Frank, Philip Johnson, Alfred Kinsey, Annie Leibovitz, Margaret Mead, Suze Orman, Bayard Rustin and Gore Vidal.”

“Our culture would not be the same without Alvin Ailey, Jr., Ellen DeGeneres, Tom Ford, Cary Grant, Keith Haring, Elton John, Jasper Johns, Bill T. Jones, Tony Kushner, k.d. lang, Jane Lynch, Rachel Maddow, Martina Navratilova, Cole Porter, Bessie Smith, Gianni Versace, Andy Warhol and John Waters.”

GLBT History Month celebrates civil rights heroes such as Tim Gill, Barbara Gittings, Jim Hormel, Cleve Jones, Frank Kameny, Bishop Gene Robinson and Matthew Shepard,” said Lazin. Across the spectrum of 155 Icons, we have so much to be proud of in these remarkable role models and historic figures.”

Books: Obama and the Gays

'Obama and the Gays: A Political Marriage' is a new book by long-time Chicago-based journalist Tracy Baim. The book presents an in- depth look at Obama's trajectory on gay issues.

Baim, co-founder of Windy City Times newspaper, has compiled documents, photos, and interviews with Obama for a close look at how his views on LGBT issues have changed over the years, as well as the accomplishments and stumbles of his presidential administration. In the first book ever published on this important topic, Baim is joined by some of the most respected LGBT journalists, bloggers, and activists from around the US.

The book includes articles by Chuck Colbert, Lisa Keen, Karen Ocamb, Bob Roehr and others; essays by Wayne Besen, Sean Cahill, John D'Emilio, Kerry Eleveld, Rod McCullom, the Reverend Irene Monroe, Michelangelo Signorile, Pam Spaulding, Timothy Stewart-Winter, Andrew Tobias, and Phill Wilson; and dozens of interviews with Chicago and national gay movement leaders. Senior editors are Toni Armstrong Jr., Jorjet Harper and William B. Kelley.

Quote of the Day: Maj. Margaret Witt

"I miss being able to be the one that that soldier looks at and I can do something for him. I'm not complete, and it kills me to not be there." - Maj. Margaret Witt (pictured), former Air Force Reserve flight nurse testifying about her dismissal from the military under the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy as quoted in The Huffington Post

Russian LGBT activist is released

Nikolai Alexeyev, a prominent LGBT rights activist in Russia, said he believes the men who seized him in a Moscow airport last week were state security agents.

Alexeyev said the agents confiscated his phone and pressured him to rescind his complaints in the European Court of Human Rights against Russian officials who have blocked permission for an LGBT Pride event in Moscow.

International pressure may have led to his captors releasing him in a town some 120 miles south of Moscow

Senate fails to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell

Earlier today, the U.S. Senate failed to break a filibuster on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which contains the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. To move forward on debate of the bill, 60 votes were needed to break a filibuster by U.S. Sen. John McCain (pictured).

Army veteran and SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis has issued the following statement:

“Today’s Senate vote was a frustrating blow to repeal this horrible law. We lost because of the political maneuvering dictated by the mid-term elections. Let’s be clear: Opponents to repealing ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ did not have the votes to strike those provisions from the bill. Instead, they had the votes for delay. Time is the enemy here. We now have no choice but to look to the lame duck session where we’ll have a slim shot. The Senate absolutely must schedule a vote in December when cooler heads and common sense are more likely to prevail once midterm elections are behind us. Servicemembers Legal Defense Network will continue to take this fight to the American people, the vast majority of whom support repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’”

However, HRC reports that, "Senate leaders have promised to consider the bill again after the election, and a federal district court recently ruled that "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is unconstitutional.

If Attorney General Eric Holder agrees not to fight this decision, this discriminatory law could soon become a relic of the past.

The Justice Department may be our best hope to repeal this law – but we need your help to make sure the Administration gets the message. Add your name to our letter now."

Add your name to HRC's letter by clicking here.