Marriage equality in four states is on the line

By Scottie, along with Annie, Eddie, Laura, Lindsay, Michael, Paul, Sarah and Tim (the Courage Campaign team):

 Marriage equality is on the march, and this summer is shaping up to be more consequential than any other time in the history of our movement. Already, two appeals courts have heard arguments in challenges to state marriage bans in Utah, Oklahoma, and Virginia, and there are five cases coming up in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati next month that will determine the future of marriage equality in four different states -- Michigan, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio.

We deeply hope to continue our firsthand coverage of these cases, so I am personally appealing to you, our readers, to support EqualityOnTrial’s coverage of these critical hearings. Every donor will receive an EXCLUSIVE INVITATION to join a live, online chat with Jacob and I the night of the hearing to discuss the day's events in detail. (It’ll be a fun chat, and we’ll answer questions and read the tea leaves of the hearings.) 

Courageous donors and readers like you gave me the opportunity to travel to the frontlines of the marriage equality battle at the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver three months ago to hear arguments in the Utah and Oklahoma cases. My experience front and center inside the federal courtroom gave us the cutting edge insight that you expect from EqualityOnTrial. It’s not just what the judges say, it’s HOW they say it, and I know now more than ever that being able to look them in the eye and sense the tone in the courtroom gave me a more nuanced understanding of their opinions.

Find my thoughts and analysis on the Utah case here and the Oklahoma case here. And as always, read analysis of all the pending LGBT court cases at EqualityOnTrial.

My experience in Denver made what we do at EqualityOnTrial clearer than ever. We bring courageous readers like you minute-by-minute coverage of groundbreaking LGBT equality cases from across the country -- and we do it better than anyone! Other news sources provide general coverage of the hearings, but only EqualityOnTrial brings readers updates with extensive, thorough analysis based on firsthand experience from inside and outside the courts. But we can’t continue to do it without your financial support, Friend.

Make a tax-deductible donation today so I can travel to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati next month to cover the five historic equality cases. There are marriage bans in four states on the line!

$10 could be the breakfast I eat before heading to the courthouse. $25 could cover an airline's baggage charge. And $100 could cover a portion of my flight to get there. Any amount helps and every donor will gain access to an invitation-only, live, online chat with Jacob and I after the hearing to explore the day's proceedings!

And on September 8th, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco will hear arguments on marriage bans from three states: Nevada, Hawaii, and Idaho. EqualityOnTrial has covered the Nevada case, Sevcik v. Sandoval, from the beginning. Check out our interview with the plaintiffs' counsel after the district court hearing here. And in case you missed it, check out our post on the decision to strike down Michigan's same-sex marriage ban here. If we can raise enough to cover my trip to Cincinnati, any additional funds will support our coverage of the Ninth Circuit hearings.

Donate right here. It's tax-deductible. We need to raise $5,000 to cover the Sixth Circuit in Cincinnati, the Ninth Circuit in San Francisco, and the work we do here every day through the end of September.

Laura Mann - Just For Today

Laura Mann’s debut single and video “Just for Today” promote awareness, education, hope and inspiration to the more than 37 million Americans who are currently seeking and living their life in a 12 step recovery atmosphere. There is an estimated 330,000 recovery groups servicing Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and Alanon/Naranon worldwide as of January 2014. 

“My song Just for Today brings my audience through the journey of finding recovery to freedom,” says Ms. Mann.

Denver to Become One Big Farmer’s Market with Approval of New Urban Farming Law

The City of Denver could become one big farmer’s market after the City Council recently approved a new law that allows Denver residents to sell from their homes fresh produce they have grown themselves and cottage foods such as jams and honey they have made themselves in their home kitchens.

“Denver has always been known as a city that appreciates ‘farm-to-table’ and using fresh produce and locally sourced foods, but this new law creates a whole new level of urban farming that will allow the city to become one big farmer’s market,” says Richard Scharf, president & CEO of VISIT DENVER.

Under the new law, which takes effect on Friday, July 18, 2014, Denver residents will have to purchase a permit, but then will be able to sell from their home raw and uncut fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs that were grown by the seller either on site or in a community garden.  They will also be able to sell whole eggs produced by chickens or ducks kept by the seller at home, or “cottage foods,” which are low-risk, unrefrigerated food products made on-site such as spices, teas, honey, jams and certain baked goods. People can sell from inside or outside their home from 8 a.m. to dusk and can sell up to $5,000 of goods a year.

“Denver has become a leader in urban farming,” Scharf says, noting that two years ago, the Colorado Convention Center opened the Blue Bear Farm on the grounds of the massive convention center and is now growing 5,000 pounds of fresh fruits, vegetables and spices used in the convention center’s kitchens.  “Many city restaurants have already put in their own gardens and farms, and now they will be able to buy vegetables, eggs, jams, and fruits grown right in the neighborhood,” Scharf said.

"I Can Be Christian, and Gay, and Live in Alabama"

As part of HRC's Summer of Conversations, residents of Mississippi, Alabama and Arkansas are hosting conversations with their friends, neighbors and coworkers about issues of equality. 

One such person is Gio, who grew up in Alabama and struggled to reconcile his sexuality with Christianity. 

Eventually, he was able to move out of a place of isolation and despair and into peace and joyful understanding about himself and his faith.

Florida Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional by State Court

Today Monroe County Circuit Judge Luis Garcia, appointed by Republican Governor Jeb Bush, ruled against Florida’s constitutional amendment banning marriage equality, making the Sunshine State the latest to see such a ban struck down in court since the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its historic marriage rulings last June. In Huntsman v. Heavilin, attorneys with the law offices of Restivo, Reilly & Vigil-Fariñas LLC sued the state on behalf of a same-sex couple who argue that Florida’s ban on marriage equality violates the U.S. Constitution. In his ruling, Judge Garcia wrote, “This court concludes that a citizen’s right to marry is a fundamental right that belongs to the individual.” The ruling was stayed until Tuesday, July 22, at which point same-sex couples in Monroe County can begin obtaining marriage licenses, unless a stay is requested by the state attorney general and granted by the state court of appeals or Florida Supreme Court.

“Today’s court ruling in Florida is further proof that America is ready for marriage equality nationwide,” said Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Legal Director Sarah Warbelow. “Unfortunately, same-sex couples in a majority of states still don’t have the right to marry, creating a confusing patchwork of marriage laws across the country. This is not only unsustainable, but it’s also unconstitutional.”

There are over 70 court cases challenging discriminatory marriage bans across the country in 30 of the 31 states where such a ban exists, plus Puerto Rico. Cases from twelve states are currently pending before six federal appeals courts. The Sixth Circuit holds the distinction of being the only federal appeals court to date that will consider marriage cases from all states within its jurisdiction. In total, 33 states either have marriage equality or have seen state marriage bans struck down as unconstitutional in court. Since the Supreme Court’s historic marriage rulings last year, there have been 16 consecutive federal court decisions that bans on marriage equality are unconstitutional. These rulings have come from judges appointed by both Democrat and Republican presidents.

Gallup puts support for marriage equality at 55 percent – an astonishing 15 points increase from just 5 years ago – with other polls showing support at even higher margins. And support for same-sex marriage rights continues to grow in virtually every demographic group. According to ABC News / Washington Post, 77 percent of adults under age 30 favor marriage equality. 40 percent of Republicans – an all-time high and jump of 16 points in under two years – now support marriage for gay and lesbian couples, while the number of Catholics supporting marriage has grown to 62 percent,according to the New York Times. These numbers continue to grow, with no indication that support will slow down.

Same-sex couples can legally marry in nineteen states and the District of Columbia, while 31 states have a law or constitutional amendment restricting marriage to the union of one man and one woman. Learn more about this and other marriage equality cases at www.americansformarriageequality.org

Are You Gay With Something To Say? Bloggers Wanted For Denver's Best Gay Blog!

Are you a new or experienced writer or blogger? Do you want to be? Or maybe you're just some gay guy with something to say? Well, what better forum for you than MileHighGayGuy?

MileHighGayGuy is looking for regular and guest bloggers to write about local news and events, do music and movie reviews, or write opinion or feature pieces from a gay perspective.

These are unpaid positions but offer the opportunity to be published in Colorado's Best Gay Blog (2010, 2011, 2012 OUTstanding Awards, Denver 2012 #WebAwards), expand your audience and gain valuable experience. There's also swag available in the form of free movie and concert tickets, music, books and other cool stuff.

If interested, shoot an email over to Drew Wilson at drew@milehighgayguy.com. And if you've got column or story ideas to pitch, this is the place to do it.

Getting Married? Check Out Alison Rose Photography

Alison Rose Photography has a message for Denver's gay community!

"Hi!  I'm Alison, and I'm here to help you relax in front of the camera so that every photo at your wedding or civil union is genuine and real. 

What sets me apart from other photographers is that I have a bright sense of humor and sentimental nature, which allows me to truly connect with you on a deeper level and feel the emotion of the day right alongside you. Sometimes I'm as emotional as you on your big day!  Because of this, you are able to relax and simply have fun when I'm taking pictures, which results in authentic shots that never appear fake or forced.  Plus, we have endless fun in the process!"

Check Out National Teleprinting – The Official Printer of MileHighGayGuy

Located in the heart of LoDo, National Teleprinting has been serving Colorado's printing needs since 1985.

With outstanding customer service, superior print quality and fast turnarounds, no job is too large or too small for National Teleprinting's offset and digital and large format printing capabilities. Servicing Colorado's printing needs since 1985.

Click to 'Like' National Teleprinting on Facebook.

Che'Nelle - Where I Wanna Be

Born in Malaysia, raised in Australia, and living in Los Angeles, Che’Nelle is a truly unique blend of culture and genres, infusing traditional pop with elements of rock, hip-hop, and R&B to incorporate the different cultures that she’s experienced. Discovered on Myspace, then quickly signed to Virgin Music and catapulted into stardom in Japan.

Drive with a View: Colorado's Most Scenic Roadtrips

Spending a long amount of time in the car for a road trip can sometimes be uneventful, but not a road trip through Colorado. The state is home to 25 Scenic and Historic Byways (11 of which are also America’s Byways) celebrating their 25^th anniversary in 2014 along with other roads and passes that offer amazing views. Summer through fall is the perfect time of year to travel the byways, roads and passes of Colorado. Following is a sampling of Colorado’s scenic drives with the best views and activities. 

 

Are You Gay With Something To Say? Bloggers Wanted For Denver's Best Gay Blog!

Are you a new or experienced writer or blogger? Do you want to be? Or maybe you're just some gay guy with something to say? Well, what better forum for you than MileHighGayGuy?

MileHighGayGuy is looking for regular and guest bloggers to write about local news and events, do music and movie reviews, or write opinion or feature pieces from a gay perspective.

These are unpaid positions but offer the opportunity to be published in Colorado's Best Gay Blog (2010, 2011, 2012 OUTstanding Awards, Denver 2012 #WebAwards), expand your audience and gain valuable experience. There's also swag available in the form of free movie and concert tickets, music, books and other cool stuff.

If interested, shoot an email over to Drew Wilson at drew@milehighgayguy.com. And if you've got column or story ideas to pitch, this is the place to do it.

Francesco Yates - Call

Francesco is an eighteen year-old singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Toronto, Canada. His musical influences range from classic rock legends such as Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin & Freddie Mercury of Queen to timeless soul powerhouses, Donny Hathaway & Stevie Wonder. On his debut album he has enlisted the help of heavy-hitting producers Pharrell Williams and Robin Hannibal of Rye/Quadron (Kendrick Lamar, B.O.B.).

Francesco has most recently been featured on Pharrell’s G I R L album, playing guitar on “Gust of Wind (featuring Daft Punk)” and is ready to make some noise in the game on his own with his infectious single, “Call.” The video for “Call” mixes haunting vignettes of a beautiful woman with dynamic performance set ups with Francesco. "Call" is produced by Robin Hannibal and written by Francesco Yates and Matt Morris. The video is directed by DJay Brawner.

Only 32 Days to AIDS Walk Colorado and the Diva Dash Stiletto Fun Run

It’s time to grab your Beyonce heels, your Mariah gowns and your Dolly wigs for the
6thannual Diva Dash Stiletto Fun Run! This silly scamper is 1,461 feet of high-heeled entertainment!

Guys and gals of all ages are welcome to join in this .5K (that's Point 5K) comical trot.
Don your diva wear and you favorite pair of high heels, then top it off with a
healthy dose of sense of humor and hit the pavement running to possibly take home some great prizes!

The Diva Dash will kick off at 11:30 a.m. at AIDS Walk Colorado on August 16th
following the conclusion of the 5K Walk & Run.

Don’t have Diva heels? Not a Problem!
Thanks to some generous donations, we’ll have several pairs of heels available at the park for you to borrow! Click here to see previous years' Diva Dash photos.

The Gay Vegans: Restaurant review - Pho Fusion in NW Denver

By Dan Hanley

I have never written a negative restaurant review. I began writing restaurant reviews about two years or so ago when I decided that I wanted to brag about the places we love where we live and the places we discovered while traveling. Last year I decided to expand and started going to restaurants that I perceived as vegan-friendly and reviewing them.

Just in case this is your first time reading my blog here is important information on my review process: I have to have dined at the restaurant at least three times (I haven't always stuck to this, especially when traveling, but I do believe it's important to not review a restaurant based on one visit) and my review is based on incredible vegan food and amazing service.

Pho Fusion is an Asian restaurant on the way home from my work. I have dropped in a few times over the years. I have never been impressed with the food but dropped by once again recently out of pure convenience. I was in charge of dinner and had no clue, so just dropped in.

I have learned that Pho Fusion is Vietnamese cuisine. I learned this because once again when asking for vegan options I ended up speaking with someone who should not be in customer service, or who should have an owner-approved, kind message that lets folks know that they do not wish to have vegan customers.

I get it. I don't expect that every restaurant wants our business.

Hey, #GayDenver! Check out Car2Go

Denvercar2go is a new urban mobility solution designed to easily move you throughout Denver and surrounding areas. car2go offers a fleet of 300 smart fortwo vehicles that free float in public parking within a 46 square-mile Home Area. 

Locate a car2go near you on their website or mobile app, swipe your member card on the windshield and drive for as long as you would like! Remember, parking around town (meters and residential 2+ hours) is FREE!