Happy Birthday To Me!

Today's my birthday - the big 4-0! - so I'm taking the rest of the week off! See y'all back here on Monday, October 3.

Federal law would end criminalization of HIV transmission

Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., has introduced a bill in Congress that would repeal state laws that impose criminal penalties against those who are accused of exposing others to HIV.

"Our criminal laws should not be rooted in outdated myths," said Laura W. Murphy, director of the ACLU Washington Legislative Office.

What do you think?

Lesbian matchmaker takes on Patti Stanger

Millionaire Matchmaker's Patti Stanger made some offensive remarks against gay men on Bravo's Watch What Happens Live this weekend. During the broadcast she stated that "There is no curbing the gay," and joked that gay men are rarely monogamous. 

Since then, she offered a lukewarm apology via Twitter. But during Stanger's interview on Joy Behar's show today, she went on to rail against the gay male community, offering a litany of what many are saying are false stereotypes and claims about promiscuity, an extra chromosome and less testosterone in gay men, and that gay marriage in New York is a privilege. 

Today, Dr. Frankie Bashan (pictured), one of the country's leading LGBT matchmakers, as well as a relationship expert, couples counselor, clinical psychologist and founder of Little Gay Book, offered up her statement regarding Stanger's recent outbursts. 

Bashan, a lesbian herself, has been married for close to nine years and has two children. She is a relationship advice columnist for Curve Magazine, and has recently offered expert advice in Glamour, Match.com's Happen Magazine, and on NPR Radio. 

"Patti Stanger's recent interviews are upsetting and disappointing. She claims to be a strong supporter of the gay community but makes offensive remarks, such as that marriage is now a 'privilege' to gays in New York, and continues to make sweeping generalities about 'all' gay men being promiscuous, that 'there's no curbing the gay,' that all gay men hang out at The Abbey in Los Angeles, and that 'all' lesbians get involved and 'move in together and are quiet living in peace.' She also states that Grindr is only used for impulsive sex and that there isn't an equivalent for heterosexuals."

As for Patti's comments about testosterone, higher levels of testosterone can lead to higher libido, which can result in higher sexual activity and drive. However, it doesn't mean that if one feels more sexual that they necessarily react on the impulse in all cases. The fact is men overall often have a higher sex drive than women, but that doesn't always mean they act on what they are feeling all of the time. If she thinks that gay men are promiscuous due to testosterone levels, she must be saying that heterosexual men are also promiscuous."     

"Her statements reinforce many stereotypes, including the false belief that gays are unable and incapable of having healthy monogamous relationships. Promiscuity and dysfunction are not exclusive to the gay community. Patti should know that using absolutes like 'always,' 'never' and 'most,' will trigger negative reactions amongst members of an already marginalized population who are struggling to achieve equal rights and protections already afforded to mainstream society."       

The state of GLBT TV - GLAAD reports

2011 - 2012 LGBT Characters On Primetime Scripted Television

View more presentations from GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation)

GLAAD just released the 16^th Annual Where We Are on TV report, which measures the quantity of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people on primetime and cable TV for the new 2011-2012 TV season. GLAAD uses these results with networks and industry leaders to discuss the state of LGBT images and discuss ways to include more diverse LGBT images.

Here are some of the stats of the report:

- FOX leads other broadcast networks with 6.8% of scripted characters being LGBT.

- LGBT characters make up 2.9% of network prime-time characters and 29 in the upcoming cable season.

- On CBS, out of 125 series regular characters, only 1 will be LGBT. This is the second year in a row.

- There is only one scripted transgender character on television - Adam a transgender teenager on TeenNick's Degrassi

- Not one character on prime-time network TV will be a black LGBT character.

- NBC’s Playboy Club features a gay man and a lesbian who are married in the 1960s and in the closet.

- The programs True Blood and Shameless have the highest number of LGBT regular characters.

- Teen networks ABC Family and Teen Nick both have four LGBT characters each.

Take the HRC survey

Take HRC's short survey and share some of your thoughts on HRC, the state of the movement, and the issues that matter most to you.

HRC's got a hot new website

The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, recentlyre-launched its online presence with a new website, www.hrc.org, offering visitors a more personalized interaction with HRC than ever before. The new experience will allow users to more easily search for HRC content, such as coming out resources, the Buyer’s Guide and state-specific information for LGBT individuals and families.

 

“HRC’s new online home brings to bear the wide range of work our members support in a powerful new way,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese. “Whether it’s a young person looking for coming out resources, a mom looking to take action so her lesbian daughter can get married, or a transgender person who needs help transitioning at work – this new site is a powerful tool in our work to educate and empower LGBT Americans and our supporters.”

 

The new website offers visitors easy ways to quickly take action on a wide array of HRC initiatives, from campaigns aimed at ending bullying to exposing anti-gay rhetoric and organizations. Users can now more easily share content with friends and family over social media like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. As part of the new rollout, geotagging technology will soon ensure users are receiving information on events and actions specific to their local community. And visitors can easily engage in major campaigns or breaking news items – such as the recent implementation of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal or one of HRC’s campaigns – from the HRC homepage.

The site redesign included reorganizing and consolidating 20,000 pages of content down to 8,000, establishing a new look and feel, creating templates and design standards for campaign microsites, and integrating a powerful and flexible publishing system - all with the goal of creating and maintaining a consistent online presence for HRC. Additionally, by taking visual cues from the already iconic brand identity and the HRC building in Washington D.C., the homepage gives a concise first impression of what HRC is working towards, both as an organization and a campaign.

HRC last redesigned its website in 2005. As a result, the new site represents the most pertinent and refined content from multiple campaigns and HRC’s key issue areas – including coming out, marriage equality, hate crimes, LGBT families, state and federal advocacy, workplace equality, transgender, straight supporters and youth and campus engagement. HRC’s digital media team managed the redesign process and worked with Blue State Digital, the firm responsible for President Obama’s successful online organizing and fundraising efforts in 2008.

Katy Perry to make history with 6th single?

Global pop superstar Katy Perry will release a new single, “The One That Got Away,” from her Grammy-nominated No. 1 album Teenage Dream, to radio today.

"I'm so pleased to select 'The One That Got Away' as my 6th single because this song shows a very different side of me that I haven't shown with my past singles on this record. I think that everyone can relate to this song. I wrote this song about when you promise someone forever, but you end up not being able to follow through. It's a bittersweet story - hopefully, the listener learns from hearing it and never has to say they had 'The One’ get away” states Katy.

“The One That Got Away” is the sixth single to be released from Teenage Dream. The album’s previous five singles — “California Gurls,” “Teenage Dream,” “Firework,” “E.T.,” and “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)” — all peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Pop Songs chart as well as on the Hot 100 chart. Katy is only the second artist (the first being Michael Jackson, obviously), and the first female, to notch five No. 1’s in the Hot 100’s 53-year history.

NERVO on Spotify

Dynamic DJ/producer/songwriter duo NERVO (Mim and Liv) have unleashed a new Playlist on Spotify showcasing all of their best known tracks that they either sing on, co-wrote, remixed or produced.

Tracks featured include David Guetta's "Night Of Your Life" feat. Jennifer Hudson, Ke$ha's "F**k Him He's a DJ" and Kylie Minogue's "Put Your Hands Up (If You Feel Love)."

The mix kicks off with NERVO's debut single “We’re All No One” feat. Afrojack & Steve Aoki.

Anti-gay slur unpunished in NHL

New York Rangers forward Sean Avery joined the campaign to fight for same-sex marriage in New York this spring, knowing full well he might get blowback from opponents in the NHL. Avery stood up for his beliefs, and he thought the NHL would have his back… but he was wrong.

Two days ago, Philadelphia Flyers player Wayne Simmonds called Sean Avery a "f*cking f*ggot" during an exhibition game. Avery complained to NHL officials, but the officials say they won’t fine Simmonds because "there are conflicting accounts of what transpired on the ice." This despite the fact that Simmonds can clearly be seen mouthing the slur on video.

Gay rights activist and avid hockey fan Gloria Nieto thinks this is just plain wrong, so she started a petition on Change.org imploring the NHL to fine Wayne Simmonds for his use of an anti-gay slur. Please sign Gloria's petition today.

Human Rights Campaign Applauds Wal-Mart for Adding Gender Identity Non-Discrimination Protections

The Human Rights Campaign – the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization – today praised Wal-Mart, the nation’s largest private employer, for adding gender identity and expression to its employment non-discrimination policy.  The company’s nondiscrimination policy already included sexual orientation.

“What matters in the workplace is how you do your job, not your gender identity or sexual orientation,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese. “As the nation’s largest private employer, Wal-Mart shows that doing the right thing is also good for business. We urge them to continue to move forward by ensuring all of their LGBT employees receive equal benefits.”

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation tracks corporate workplace policies and rates companies on their treatment of LGBT employees through the Corporate Equality Index (CEI).  The CEI has helped lead a sea-change in the workplaces practices of corporate America by assessing more than 30 specific policies and practices covering nearly every aspect of employment for LGBT workers from non-discrimination protections and the training surrounding those policies to domestic partnership and legal dependent benefits to gender transition guidelines and LGBT employee resource groups. Visit our website at www.hrc.org/resources/entry/corporate-equality-index-2011 for a complete look at the survey. Last year a record 844 American companies and law firms were rated in the CEI.

“Congress needs to follow their lead and make the Employment Non-Discrimination Act the law of the land,” added Solmonese.

Online activists pressure companies to quit Christian marketing site

LGBT bloggers and online activists using petition sites such as Change.org have persuaded major companies to pull out of a marketing arrangement with a company that facilitated financial support for certain anti-LGBT organizations, including one labeled a "hate group" by the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Religious conservatives are fighting back, condemning the pressure campaign as "economic terrorism," targeted at organizations with certain religious values.

A conversation with Frankmusik

A conversation with Frankmusik
by Drew Wilson


In a few hours I'll be heading down to The Ogden Theater to see one of the biggest bands from my teen years - Erasure - together with an exciting new up-and-cummer in the electro-pop industry - Frankmusik.

I had the chance to do a quickie Q&A with the sexy singer to discuss culture shock, his musical inspiration, and what's it's like touring with Erasure.

Drew: Where does the name Frankmusik come from?
Frankmusik: My late grandfather was Frank. He inspired me.

What kind of culture shock did you experience moving to California
from the U.K.?
The culture shock is huge but the real trick is how you survive the culture shock. Every person is different. Some ride the wave of difference while others barrel off.

Who were some of your favorite bands/artists growing up?
This list is too great. But bands such as ELO, Phil Collins and George Michael stick out from my super young years.

Your record drops tomorrow, why should we buy it?
Because I'm trying to show a fresh male perspective on a genre dominated by rappers and female singers.

How are you enjoying touring with Erasure, a band that was internationally famous when you were a baby?
Incredible. An unbelievable opportunity came my way in the form of producing their new album and to be playing my shows with them, and hearing them perform the songs that I produced to a live audience is indescribable.

What message do you have for readers of MileHighGayGuy?
Thanks for reading and I want to see some of you on one of my tours in the near future - hope you enjoy my album!!!

Census Bureau Releases Estimates of Same-Sex Married Couples

The U.S. Census Bureau released today new statistics on same-sex married couple and unmarried partner households. According to revised estimates from the 2010 Census, there were 131,729 same-sex married couple households and 514,735 same-sex unmarried partner households in the United States.

The results of the 2010 Census revised estimates are closer to the results of the 2010 American Community Survey (ACS) for same-sex married and unmarried partners. The 2010 ACS estimated same-sex married couples at 152,335 and same-sex unmarried partners at 440,989.

            The new, preferred figures revise earlier estimates of same-sex unmarried partners released this summer from the 2010 Census Summary File 1 because Census Bureau staff discovered an inconsistency in the responses in the 2010 Census summary file statistics that artificially inflated the number of same-sex couples.  In addition, a breakdown of couples who reported as same-sex spouses is now available. The summary file counts originally showed that there were 349,377 married couple households and 552,620 same-sex unmarried partner households.  

            Statistics on same-sex couple households are derived from two questions on the census and ACS questionnaire: relationship to householder and the sex of each person. When data were captured for these two questions on the 2010 Census door-to-door form, the wrong box may have been checked for the sex of a small percentage of opposite-sex spouses and unmarried partners. Because the population of opposite-sex married couples is large and the population of same-sex married couples in particular is small, an error of this type artificially inflates the number of same-sex married partners. 

After discovering the inconsistency, Census Bureau staff developed another set of estimates to provide a more accurate way to measure same-sex couple households. The revised figures were developed by using an index of names to re-estimate the number of same-sex married and unmarried partners by the sex commonly associated with the person’s first name.

“We understand how important it is for all groups to have accurate statistics that reflect who we are as a nation,” said Census Bureau Director Robert Groves. “As scientists, we noticed the inconsistency and developed the revised estimates to provide a more accurate portrait of the number of same-sex couples.  We’re providing all three – the revised, original and ACS estimates – together to provide users with the full, transparent picture of our current measurement of same-sex couples.” 

The 2010 Census preferred estimates have been peer-reviewed by Gary Gates, a demographer with the UCLA School of Law’s Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation Law and Public Policy, by Philip Cohen, a professor of sociology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and by Megan Sweeney, professor of sociology at UCLA. These experts concluded the methodology behind these revised estimates was sound. 

All three sets of estimates are available at both the national and state levels and provide estimates of the presence of the couple’s own children. The 2010 Census revised estimates provide a 10-year benchmark, while the ACS estimates are useful for looking at a yearly time series.

Top Catholic bishop warns Obama about marriage stance

Archbishop Timothy Dolan smizing

Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York has sent a letter to President Barack Obama warning of "a national conflict between church and state of enormous proportions," if Obama does not retreat from his opposition to the Defense of Marriage Act. 

Dolan said he believes sanctioning marriage equality for same-sex couples will lead to discrimination against those who oppose iton religious grounds.

Laura LaRue "Un Deux Trois" Laidback Luke Radio Edit Video

Laura LaRue has released the Laidback Luke remix video for her second single "Un Duex Trois."  Check it out!

Nina Flowers works, loca!

Nina Flowers' new single comes out on my birthday on Beatport.com! Work it, Nina!

Things to do in Denver when you're gay: Free Day at Denver Botanic Gardens

Hey flora-philes! The next Free Day atDenver Botanic Gardens takes place on Monday, Oct. 10 and there's lots of great stuff to see.  

Free days for Colorado residents are held throughout the year at both Denver Botanic Gardens and Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield, thanks to funding from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD).

Connexion's Big Gay Raft Trip lives on!

The website may be no more but Connexion's Big Gay Raft Trip lives on!

If you've done it, you know it's an awesome time.

If you haven't done it, do it!

Aspen Gay Ski Week$199 Blind Date Pass Almost Sold Out

You all know what a blind date is...well the Aspen Gay Ski Week Blind Date Pass is kinda the same thing. Before they announce our line-up for GSW 2012, you have the opportunity to buy a pass.  The pass includes entry to events all week long, including après ski, opening party, late night parties, films, pool party, most evening parties and a one-day pass to the Aspen Club & Spa. This limited-time pass offers the same access as the Black Diamond pass that retails for $300 so check it out if you're planning on hitting up Aspen Gay Ski Week 2012!

Out & Equal recaps President Obama's 'Putting America Back to Work' meeting

Out & Equal Founding Executive Director Selisse Berry and Associate Director of Training Pat Baillie participated in President Obama's meeting, “Putting America Back to Work,” in Mountainview, California yesterday and reported the following:

The President discussed methods for creating jobs and growing the economy. His speech focused on the American Jobs Act, which would cut payroll taxes and place resources into areas such as hiring teachers and building infrastructure.

 

“It was refreshing to hear the thoughtful dialogue between the President and a group of people with reasonable questions and comments about the economy, jobs and education,” said Selisse Berry. “While the conversation did not specifically address lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals at work, we know that access to jobs is critical for our community.”

 

“It’s also important that the workplace environment be free of discrimination so that all employees can reach their greatest potential for themselves and their employers,” Berry continued. “Putting America Back to Work’ needs to include opportunities for all Americans, including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. For this reason, we urge the President to move forward with policies that will ban discrimination, including the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.”

 

This legislation, introduced in Congress earlier this year, would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the nation’s workforce. Currently only city and state ordinances address the issue, leaving Americans in the majority of states without job protections.

 

 “It was great to be invited to this event and to bring the issue of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender equality to the American Jobs Act discussion,” said Pat Baillie. “As someone who served in the military for many years, I would also like to thank the President for providing jobs and job security for lesbian and gay service members with the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

 

Out & Equal works daily with corporations, individuals, groups and government agencies to address equality in the workplace for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Through innovative educational events, free monthly programs, an LGBT-focused jobs board, and more, the organization positively impacts the work experiences of LGBT people. Their annual Out & Equal Workplace Summit, drawing more than 3000 participants from 25 countries, will take place October 25-28, 2011 in Dallas.

Ragtime at Lone Tree Arts Center

The Arvada Center’s critically-acclaimed production of Ragtime is moving to the critically-acclaimed Lone Tree Arts Center for only 14 performances – October 6 through 16.  

Denver Post theatre critic, John Moore, calls the Arvada Center’s Ragtime “Remarkable!…with stellar performances and simply breathtaking choral moments… what may be (director Rod) Lansberry’s finest hour.”

Moore also said the new Lone Tree Arts Center is “a new jewel on the metro arts scene.”

Big sale on Calvin Klein manties

There's a big 25% off sale going on at Fresh Pair. So get your Calvin Klein manties while the getting is good. - via Daily Jocks

HRSA awards $248,000 to create a national LGBT health training and technical assistance center

HRSA recently awarded $248,000 to the Fenway Institute to create a National Training and Technical Assistance Center to help community health centers improve the health of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) populations. The Fenway Institute is the research, training and policy arm of Fenway Health, a community health center that has served the LGBT community in Boston, Mass., for more than 40 years.

Since 2000, the Fenway Institute has provided medical, academic and community institutions with training, education, and technical assistance in LGBT health.  Their work is based on The Fenway Guide to LGBT Health, which is the only clinical textbook on LGBT health that was published in collaboration with the American College of Physicians in 2008.

“This award is an important step in HHS’ continuing effort to provide health care services to all people recognizing that different groups of people may have distinctive health care needs,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

Fenway will work to:

• recruit leading experts in LGBT health lead seminars and provide consultation to health center staff;
• develop curricula specifically targeted to LGBT populations; and
• work closely with state primary care associations to maximize the geographic reach of the project.

“Significant health disparities exist for sexual and gender minorities,” said HRSA Administrator Mary K. Wakefield, Ph.D., R.N.  “This award will help to expand access for the LGBT community to ensure that patients who need care can receive it in a safe, welcoming and respectful environment.”

This award to Fenway represents the first time that HRSA has entered into a National Cooperative Agreement that focuses on LGBT health.

HAIR in Denver

The 2009 Tony Award-winning Musical Revival HAIR: THE AMERICAN TRIBAL LOVE-ROCK MUSICAL, will play The Buell Theatre for a limited engagement running Tuesday, October 4 – Sunday, October 16.  

With a score including such enduring musical numbers as “Let the Sun Shine In,” Aquarius,” “Hair” and “Good Morning Starshine,” HAIR depicts the birth of a cultural movement in the 60’s and 70’s that changed America forever.   The musical follows a group of hopeful, free-spirited young people who advocate a lifestyle of pacifism and free-love in a society riddled with intolerance and brutality during the Vietnam War.  As they explore sexual identity, challenge racism, experiment with drugs and burn draft cards, the show resonates with an irresistible message of hope more than 40 years after it first opened on Broadway.

Tickets for HAIR are currently on sale and can be purchased at www.denvercenter.org or by calling 303.893.4100.

Nuclia Waste is Totally Wasted

Nuclia Waste's "Totally Wasted" show at Lannie's has been extended through November.  Get your tickets online or buy 'em at the door, but get 'em!

Meatless Mondays with The Gay Vegans

My good friend, The Gay Vegans blogger Dan Hanley (pictured) has been working hard to do his part for Meatless Mondays. Check out both sites and find out why one day a week without meat might be good for you!

GUNNing for GAYDAR

Adding heat to the sleek new GAYDAR.net redesign is the gay dating site's newly launched photography series. Each month the work of a different internationally known photographer will be showcased on the site's splash page. Most recently, GAYDAR featured the work of Australian photographer, Paul Gunn. Click HERE (NSFW) to peep the pix.
 
P.S. If you're a photographer, GAYDAR wants you! Click above for details on how to submit your work for consideration.

TV's Gayest characters and shows

Check out Gay.com's fun list of some of the gayest TV characters (and shows) of all time.

The DGLCC Announces 2011 Business Awards Recipients

The Denver Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (DGLCC), is proud to announce the recipients of the 2011 DGLCC Business Awards. Recipients will receive their awards at the DGLCC Business Awards Dinner, honoring gay and gay-supportive business owners and professionals, on Thursday, November 10.

DGLCC congratulates the following Business Award Recipients:

Brian Belt, At The Beach and Robin Schoh, Waxing the City, as DGLCC Entrepreneurial Man / Woman of the Year – Recognized for their successful business and for serving as role models in the GLBT Community.

Christiano Sosa, The Denver Foundation and Marilyn Manning, Manning Business Solutions - REV Networking, as DGLCC Professional Man/Woman of the Year – Honored for making outstanding advances for the GLBT Community through their employment and their professional and community activities.

Mitch Morrissey, Denver District Attorney, as DGLCC Individual Community Ally Award – Awarded for his remarkable efforts for the benefit of the GLBT Community.

CH2M HIll, as DGLCC Corporate Community Ally Award – Recognizing an entity that has demonstrated great support to the GLBT Community.

Project Angel Heart, as DGLCC Nonprofit Organization of the Year - Awarded to a GLBT-friendly nonprofit organization that has demonstrated the highest standards of fiscal management and leadership in the community.

The DGLCC is the statewide gay chamber of commerce. Created in 1992 and made up of more than 200 professionals and companies supportive of gay and lesbian people in business, the DGLCC promotes the economic advancement of its members through business education and networking events.

To Kill a Mockingbird comes to DCTC tomorrow

'To Kill a Mockingbird', an adaptation of Harper Lee’s American classic,  will play the Denver Center Theatre Company’s Stage Theatre September 30-October 30.  Tickets are on sale now, by calling 303-893-4100 or online at www.denvercenter.org.

Catching up with the Governor’s 2011 Colorado Tourism Conference

The Governor’s 2011 Colorado Tourism Conference wrapped up recently in Loveland, Colo. The conference, hosted by the Colorado Tourism Office, had one of the best turnouts to date, with more than 400 representatives from the state’s travel and tourism industry in attendance. The conference theme, Colorado Rising, unified the overall conference schedule. The conference had a sharp focus on the ever-evolving landscape for tourism marketing, as experts in social media, digital and emerging technologies and communications fields conducted break-out sessions that focused on where these industries are headed. Additional sessions for industry partners incorporated cost-effective strategies for producing significant results in a tough economic climate, specifically concentrating on communications, as well as expanding tourism opportunities overseas. “The annual tourism conference is an opportunity for industry partners to share their experiences and discuss innovative ideas for the future of tourism. It is an ideal time for the energy and passion to flourish in order to continue to develop the tourism industry in Colorado, and I feel confident that we accomplished that goal,” said Richard Scharf, chairman of the Colorado Tourism Office Board of Directors. Full list of awards after the jump. 
 At the Annual Awards Dinner on September 21, CTO Director Al White presented awards to individuals and organizations that made a significant and meaningful impact on Colorado’s tourism industry. The Outstanding Community Tourism Initiative Award, which acknowledges an activity, event, or project undertaken by a community or region to promote tourism in Colorado, went to the Canyons & Plains Regional Heritage Task Force for the Historical Sites of Southeastern Colorado PSAs. The community organization produced short public service announcements (PSAs) that feature various nearby historic sites. The videos were produced to teach residents about local heritage to engender pride among the Southeast region, as well as persuade potential visitors to tour the area. The “shorts”, which have also been produced as DVDs, incorporate community partnerships and historical elements critical for educational purposes and sustainable tourism. The Governor’s Award for Outstanding Individual Contribution to Colorado Tourism is presented to an individual in recognition of his/her contributions to the promotion and development of the Colorado tourism industry. This year’s award was presented to Kelli Hepler, Tourism Cabinet Coordinator for Delta County, for developing the Delta County Agritourism program. She is responsible for the strong agritourism initiatives for Delta County that have grown over the last decade. Hepler contributes to the West Elk Scenic Loop Byway website and the SW Colorado Travel Region, both of which boost tourism to the region, and she maintains close management relationships with community partners. The Governor’s Award for Outstanding Marketing Program, which goes to an event or project undertaken by a community or region to promote tourism in Colorado, went to the 2011 Marketing Program marketing strategy by the City of Golden. Realizing that the City of Golden’s “Small Town, Big Fun” advertising campaign was falling flat with visitors, they researched how visitors perceive the City of Golden, and thus created the “2-Hour Vacation” campaign theme. Golden has leveraged the popularity of Coors Brewery and the city’s unique outdoor activities and events to attract visitors. The city has seen significant increases in web traffic and visitation since the start of the campaign. The Outstanding Tourism Volunteer Award goes to an individual in recognition of his/her continued lasting and volunteered contributions to the Colorado tourism industry. This year’s first award in this category was presented to Edward C. Miller, who has been an Information Specialist volunteer for the Grand Junction Visitor and Convention Bureau for seven years. He has spent over 1,700 hours thoroughly sharing is deep knowledge of local tourism with visitors and continues to be an ambassador for Grand Junction and the state of Colorado. The Colorado Tourism Office Board Chairman’s Award, which recognizes an exceptional individual contribution to tourism in Colorado, was presented to Peter Meersman for his lifetime of leadership in the tourism industry and his dedication to the Colorado Tourism Office (CTO). Meersman recently stepped down as a board member for the CTO, where he was appointed to represent the food and beverage industry. He has chaired nearly every committee for the CTO and was instrumental in increasing marketing funding for tourism initiatives. At the conclusion of the conference, the Colorado Tourism Office announced that Steamboat Springs would host the Governor’s 2012 Colorado Tourism Conference, October 10-12, 2012. The Steamboat Grand and Sheraton Steamboat Resort will both host the conference, and are approximately three hours northwest from Denver International Airport, located nearby a hub of dining options, outdoor activities and entertainment venues, including Strawberry Park Hot Springs, Mount Werner and downtown Steamboat Springs. 


DCTC hosts To Kill A Mockingbird Town Hall Meeting at Tattered Cover

The Denver Center Theatre Company will host its first Town Hall Meeting at the Tattered Cover  in LoDo on Saturday, October 1 from 10am-5pm in conjunction with the opening of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. The meeting will bring together regional and local leaders, artists and academia in discussion with the community to expand the dialogue on the issue of race in America.

“The goal of the Town Hall Meeting,” says Director of Audience Development Gregory Smith, “is to bring members of the community together in a open discourse surrounding this period in America and engage in a civic dialogue where we can find a bridge to understanding, realize a common purpose, and hopefully ignite a spark that can be a catalyst for positive change in our communities.”

This event is free to the public and no reservation is required.

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, an adaptation of Harper Lee’s American classic, will play the Denver Center Theatre Company’s Stage Theatre September 30-October 30. Tickets are on sale now, by calling 303.893.4100 or www.denvercenter.org.

Behind the scenes with Erasure

Check out rehearsal video of Erasure performing their new single "When I Start To (Break It All Down)."

And don't miss Erasure and Frankmusik in Denver tomorrow at The Ogden Theater.

Frankmusik featuring Colette Carr - No ID

Check out the video for Frankmusik's jolly romp 'No ID' from his upcoming album 'Do It In The AM', out tomorrow. And speaking of tomorrow, Frankmusic joins the legendary Erasure on tour at Denver's Ogden Theater tomorrow night. I got my tickets in the mail today and cannot wait.

Happy Anniversary to Catholics for Equality!

Catholics for Equality, celebrates its first year of mobilizing the U.S. Catholic community on behalf of LGBT civil rights and freedoms.

The organization was founded in September 2010 as a new political organization to fill the gap between existing Catholic LGBT organizations focusing on spiritual, liturgical, and social needs of their members and existing progressive Catholic advocacy organizations focusing on social issues.

Dionne Warwick on the cover of HIV Plus magazine

Grammy Award-winning recording artist Dionne Warwick will cover the November/December issue of HIV Plus magazine. Her cover appearance comes on the heels of her work hosting the Town Hall Meeting on HIV & AIDS—in association with Harlem United Community AIDS Center—called “That's What Friends Are For.”

"We're thrilled to feature Ms. Warwick, as everyone who knows her calls her, on the November/December cover of HIV Plus," says Editor in Chief Diane Anderson-Minshall. "New York has declared Sept. 27 Dionne Warwick Day, but for anyone who has seen the impact Warwick has had on AIDS fundraising and visibility, one day isn't enough to celebrate this tireless advocate. Back in the late '80s, after her song ‘That's What Friends Are For' came out, Dionne organized a four-day extravaganza to benefit AIDS education and pediatric AIDS care, one of the earliest of its kind. Frank Sinatra famously quipped at the time, 'When Dionne first told me about it, I said, 'Anytime, anywhere, and what do I wear?' That's the same excitement that Ms. Warwick brought to being on the cover of HIV Plus magazine, an anywhere, anytime spirit our readers will appreciate."

Warwick has been and continues to be a pioneer in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Warwick's tireless efforts date back to the early '80s, when she was one of the first African-American celebrities to align herself with the fight against this epidemic, bringing attention to the plight, not only domestically, but internationally as well. Warwick’s pioneering efforts have focused on leading the music industry in the fight against AIDS. Her Grammy-winning, chart topping single "That's What Friends Are For," led the way by raising millions of dollars for AIDS research. Additionally, in 2002, Warwick was honored by the American Red Ribbon AIDS Foundation.

HHS awards $1.89 billion in grants for HIV/AIDS care and medications

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced the release of more than $1.89 billion to ensure that people living with HIV/AIDS continue to have access to life-saving health care and medications. The grants are funded through the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, which helps more than half a million individuals each year obtain clinical care, treatment and social support services.

“These grants will help make a real difference in the lives of Americans living with HIV/AIDS, especially those in underserved rural and urban communities, ensuring they get access to quality health care and support systems,” Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said. “The care and services these grants support will help Americans living with HIV/AIDS to live longer, healthier lives.”

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency within HHS, oversees the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, which provides funding for health services for people who lack sufficient health care coverage or financial resources to cope with HIV disease.

Approximately $1.213 billion will be sent to states and territories under Part B of the Ryan White Program, with $813 million of that total designated for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP).  Part B awards also include formula base grants that can be used for home and community-based services, insurance continuation, ADAP assistance, and other direct services. Sixteen states will also receive Emerging Community grants based on the number of AIDS cases over the most recent 5-year period.  Moreover, a total of $8,386,340 in Part B Supplemental grants was awarded to 36 states and territories that demonstrated need based on the severity of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the state/ territory, including service needs of emerging populations, unmet need for core medical services, and unique service delivery challenges.   These grants provide supplemental funding to address specific needs, including projected ADAP shortfalls and additional core medical services. 

In addition, 30 Part B States and Territories will receive $40 million in ADAP Emergency Relief Funding (ERF) for the purpose of eliminating or reducing ADAP waiting lists and/or supporting cost containment strategies to prevent implementation of a waiting list.

A total of $645 million was awarded to 52 cities to provide core medical and support services for individuals living with HIV/AIDS under Part A of the Ryan White Program.  These awards go to eligible metropolitan areas with the highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS and to transitional grant areas experiencing increases in HIV/AIDS cases and emerging care needs.  The Part A awards include $49.6 million for the Minority AIDS Initiative to improve access to care in disproportionately impacted communities.

Seventy-five percent of Part A and B funds must be spent on “core medical services,” which include outpatient HIV/AIDS primary medical care services, prescription drug assistance, health insurance assistance and medical nutrition therapy. The remaining 25 percent pays for support services that help people living with HIV/AIDS achieve desired medical outcomes. These services include but are not limited to respite care, medical transportation and linguistic services.

“The Ryan White Program plays an important role in the fight against HIV/AIDS,” said HRSA Administrator Mary Wakefield, Ph.D., R.N. “These funds will help link those affected by HIV/AIDS to the continuous and coordinated quality care they need.”

These funds also will support states and communities in their ongoing efforts to pursue the goals of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, particularly efforts to increase access to HIV care and reduce HIV-related health disparities.

Anderson Cooper on the sad case of Jamey Rodemeyer

 
Anderson Cooper explores the arguments of those opposed to laws protecting LGBT students, in light of another suicide of a 14-year-old boy from Buffalo, N.Y., who complained of being bullied when he came out as bisexual.

Marines accept LGBT center's offer to recruit on premises

This is pretty cool.

U.S. Marine Corps recruiters set up shop at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center in downtown Tulsa, Okla., last week on the first day the military began accepting openly gay and lesbian service members. The LGBT center had invited the recruiters, who at first wondered whether the invitation was legitimate. Only a few potential recruits showed up, but the Marines present said the publicity alone was worth the trip. 

"My take is, if they can make it through our boot camp, which is the toughest boot camp in the world, then they ought to have the opportunity to wear the uniform," said Master Sgt. Anthony Henry.

The debate over Santorum's "gay soldier" debate

Log Cabin Republicans and GOProud issued sharply worded statements last week after GOP presidential candidate Rick Santorum said he would reinstate "don't ask, don't tell." 

Santorum was responding to a question from Stephen Hill, a gay soldier stationed in Iraq, who asked whether candidates would "circumvent the progress" made by gay and lesbian troops. Some in the debate audience booed Hill after he asked his question via YouTube video.

Santorum later thanked the soldier for his service.

Obama urges world to protect rights of gays, lesbians

President Barack Obama made an explicit appeal for gay rights in remarks last Wednesday atthe United Nations. "[N]o country should deny people their rights because of who they love, which is why we must stand up for the rights of gays and lesbians everywhere," Obama told the leaders of U.N. member countries in a section of his speech about empowering the world's citizens. 

"Never before has a sitting U.S. president spoken so clearly about LGBT rights in a formal address to the full General Assembly," said Mark Bromley, chairman of the Council for Global Equality.

GLAAD interviews Gay in America author

Check out this fascinating GLAAD interview with Gay In America photographer, Scott Pasfield. His book, 224 pages of photos of 140 gay American men across all 50 states (accompanied by narratives from each), is out tomorrow, September 27.  

Dia de los Muertos at Denver Botanic Gardens

Denver Botanic Gardens celebrates Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) on Saturday, Oct. 29 from 5 – 8 p.m. Día de los Muertos is a festival of “welcome" for the souls of the dead.

This celebration will feature live entertainment, artists and dancers. Attendees will enjoy a “Sugar Skull” making area, an area where they can create “Papel Picado”, and more. Complimentary face painting stations and a complimentary photo booth will also be on hand.

Erasure - When I Start To (Break It All Down)

Check out the animated video featuring a remix of Erasure's new single "When I Start To (Break It All Down)." Erasure's new album Tomorrow's World isn't out until October 11 but they'll be here in Denver tomorrow!

White House Blog: We Must Stand Up for the Rights of Gays and Lesbians Everywhere

Samantha Power, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights has some things to say about gay rights in a post on the White House's official blog. 

Interesting stuff!

Remembering Jamey Rodemeyer

A 14-year-old gay teen from Buffalo, New York, Jamey Rodemeyer, took his life on Sunday. LGBT History Month Icon Lady Gaga was his inspiration, especially her song “Born This Way.” Jamey, who was constantly bullied in school, felt he "could never escape it."  

"Jamey’s suicide is a heartbreaking reminder of the vulnerability of gay teens. Every day in the United States a gay teen’s life ends in suicide. They are bullied and marginalized.  While some may say that Jamey took his life, unrelenting homophobia murdered him,” stated Malcolm Lazin, founder and Executive Director of Equality Forum. "LGBT History Month provides role models and empowering life-affirming resources. Equality Forum remembers Jamey and dedicates LGBT History Month to ending these tragedies."

Freedom to Serve celebration tonight!

Tonight's the night to say good-bye to Don't Ask, Don't Tell with the Freedom to Serve celebration at Charlie's. Get you some beer and BBQ and pay your respects to our country's GLBT veterans and servicemembers!

President Barack Obama to Deliver Keynote Address at the 15th Annual Human Rights Campaign National Dinner

The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, today announced that President Barack Obama will deliver the keynote address at the organization’s 15th Annual National Dinner on Saturday, October 1 in Washington, D.C.  President Obama previously addressed the event in 2009.

“We are honored to share this night with President Obama who has a tremendous record of accomplishment for LGBT people,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese.  “On the heels of the end to ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ we look forward to celebrating our victories and redoubling our efforts for the fights that remain ahead.”

Census Bureau to Release 2010 Census Statistics on Same-Sex Households

Earlier this year, MileHighGayGuy's Drew Wilson talked to The Denver Post about new census data indicating a 60 percent increase in same-sex couples in Colorado. 

 The U.S. Census Bureau will hold an audio and Web news conference to release new estimates of same-sex couple households from the 2010 Census on Thursday, September 29. These estimates include not only new statistics on the number of married same-sex couples but also a set of estimates developed to account for data capture errors that affected the number of same-sex married and unmarried partners. Estimates from the 2010 American Community Survey and a written brief will be released simultaneously.

* Graphic from Queer the Census

Timbaland featuring Pitbull - Pass At Me

Check out the new video for "Pass At Me" by Timbaland featuring Pitbull. (NSFW-ish due to some naughty language and booty-shaking!)

HUD AWARDS $8.8 MILLION TO IMPROVE HOUSING AND SERVICES FOR FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS LIVING WITH AIDS

Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded nearly $9 million to projects in seven cities and states that will offer permanent and transitional housing and support services to more than 200 households with families and individuals living with HIV/AIDS.  Provided through HUD’s Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Program, these projects will also develop new cross program approaches in HIV care by creating an Integrated HIV/AIDS Housing Plan in their communities. 

“These resources will allow public agencies, nonprofits and housing authorities to forge new partnerships so that together, we can deliver comprehensive housing solutions and services for low-income families dealing with HIV,” HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan said.  “These communities will be innovating to more effectively and efficiently assist vulnerable households with HIV and serve as models for others to improve health outcomes and reduce risks of homelessness.”

            HUD’s grant funding will support the following cities and organizations: (see project-by-project summaries below.)

           

State	HOPWA Grantee Name	Area of Service	Grant Award
California	Los Angeles County Commission on HIV	Los Angeles	$1,375,000
Florida	River Region Human Services, Inc.	Jacksonville	$1,353,743
Massachusetts	Justice Resource Institute, Inc.	Boston	$1,223,377
Maine	Frannie Peabody Center	Statewide	$930,909
New York	Corporation for AIDS Research Education and Services Inc.	Albany and Rochester	$1,344,375
Oregon	City of Portland	Portland	$1,365,900
Texas	City of Dallas	Dallas	$1,287,500
TOTAL:                    $8,880,804

            In collaboration with other parties, these groups will offer supportive housing over the next three years to 208 households. Grants funded under this initiative advance HUD’s implementation of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS) and will demonstrate models for a next generation of improved coordination of housing and care for a vulnerable population.  This better integration of housing support will also help achieve the Obama Administration’s Opening Doors Strategy to prevent and end homelessness.

The seven projects were selected through a national HOPWA competition to identify Special Projects of National Significance that will help advance understanding and improve the delivery of housing and care for persons with HIV.  HUD received 46 proposals under this competition.  The projects will provide housing assistance to eligible persons in their communities during the next three years.  Planning efforts will also concurrently examine new approaches for comprehensively integrating local services and in coordinating and streamlining where possible the delivery of those services in their community.