GLBT Student Services at Auraria Welcome Students to Spring Semester

GLBT Student Services at Auraria is holding their Spring Welcome Back tomorrow to welcome the campus back for another spring semester and they invite students to stop by their office to meet the staff, find out about spring events, and enjoy some free food.

GLBT Student Services is a tri-institutional office on the Auraria Campus serving the students, faculty and staff of Metropolitan State College of Denver, Community College of Denver and University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center.

Post marriage - 206m people live in states with no statewide LGBT protections

Many lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people (206+ million) and their families live in a state that still needs to update or clarify its laws to include protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

On January 26th, Equality Federation, alongside 30 statewide lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) groups from Georgia Equality to Basic Rights Oregon and beyond, will launch #DiscriminationExists, a week-long education campaign to highlight the fact that despite recent victories for the freedom to marry, many states still need to update their laws to protect LGBT people from discrimination.

“Nobody should be fired or experience discrimination for being LGBT. This education campaign is a reminder that LGBT people are an integral part of our society as family members, neighbors, friends and colleagues and should be treated fairly” said Rebecca Isaacs, Executive Director of Equality Federation.

Equality Pennsylvania will launch the campaign at the Constitution Center near the Liberty Bell in Independence Park in Philadelphia at 10:00AM on Tuesday, January 27th. Ted Martin, Executive Director of Equality PA, said, “Pennsylvania is the birthplace of our nation where we proudly stand for freedom. We believe that all of us should have the freedom to live without fear of discrimination. This is an issue of basic fairness.” Martin will be joined by elected officials, business leaders, and local clergy at the official launch of the campaign on Tuesday followed by events around the state in Harrisburg, Scranton, and Pittsburgh.

Polls show that over 70% of people believe that gay and transgender people should have clear protections from discrimination. While recent court rulings and local ordinances provide some varying protections, the landscape remains a patchwork leaving many LGBT people and their families vulnerable. Equality Federation is currently working with state equality groups, business leaders, faith leaders, and community members to be sure the laws are updated.

Alaska, Alabama, Idaho, Montana, Virginia and West Virginia are among the many states across the country that are working to pass or update statewide nondiscrimination laws. In Florida, Missouri, and Wyoming, state groups are working in coalition with business leaders to support their statewide nondiscrimination bills. In other states like North Carolina, Oklahoma and Utah, advocates are working to secure nondiscrimination protections at the local level through municipal ordinances. LGBT Texans are working to prevent a nondiscrimination ordinance in Houston from being overturned. Indeed, this work is happening in dozens of states on multiple fronts.

Equality Federation and Human Rights Campaign recently released the State Equality Index which details the stark reality that millions of Americans are left without protections. The report gives each state a score card based on their level of nondiscrimination protections

Log Cabin Republicans Elects New National Chairman

The Log Cabin Republicans National Board of Directors has elected Jamie Ensley its new Chairman. Mr. Ensley, a resident of Georgia and member of the LCR National Board of Directors since 2008, becomes the first Chairman of the organization to hail from the deep south.

"It’s truly one of the great honors of my life to serve as the new National Chairman of the Log Cabin Republicans, and I’m equally proud to become the organization’s first Chairman from the deep south," Chairman Ensley said. "I'm excited to start this next chapter in our organization's almost 40-year history, and continue our right and good fight to advance equality for all LGBT Americans. In addition, I look forward to working on the grassroots level with our nearly 50 chapters of conservatives and allies nationwide."

"Mr. Ensley is the right Chairman at the right time," Log Cabin Republicans National Executive Director Gregory T. Angelo added. "His southern perspective and grassroots work heading Log Cabin Republicans of Georgia will be of tremendous value as we continue our work at the tip-of-the-spear bringing a message of common-sense conservatism and equality for all to the reddest of red states and across the entire country. Hearty congratulations to Chairman Ensley on this well-deserved appointment."

Ensley joined the Log Cabin National Board in 2008 and has served as Secretary, Treasurer, and most recently Vice-Chairman. He also serves as President of Log Cabin Republicans of Georgia. Ensley is the current Vice President of Government Guaranteed Lending at Community and Southern Bank and has held numerous positions of distinction with various non-profit organizations including 10 years on the Board of Georgia Equality as well as an Advisory Board position with the Atlanta Dogwood Festival in addition to serving as the Chairman of the organization's 76th festival. Ensley is Campaign Treasurer for Atlanta City Councilwoman Mary Norwood, Campaign Treasurer for State Rep. Mike Jacobs, as well as Campaign Treasurer for Atlanta Board of Education Member Cynthia Briscoe Brown. In 2010, Ensley was the second witness during the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) trial held in Federal Court in Riverside, California. Federal Court Judge Virginia Philips ruled that DADT was unconstitutional, and in the court's final opinion, it stated that "Mr. Ensley's testimony was both candid and credible". This court victory was the catalyst that finally influenced Congress to repeal DADT. Also in 2010, Ensley was honored to serve as one of the Grand Marshals for Atlanta Pride’s 40th Anniversary Celebration. He is an Atlanta native, but was raised in the mountains of North Georgia. He holds a B.S. in Economics from Louisiana State University.

Other newly installed officers include Sarah Longwell (Vice-Chair), Joseph M. Zanetta (Treasurer), and Stephen Gale (Secretary).

The Sidekicks - Everything in Twos

"Everything in Twos" is a track off the Sidekicks's new album Runners in the Nerved World out now on Epitaph.

Formed in 2006, The Sidekicks paid their dues according to the old-fashion punk rock model—by playing lots and lots of shows, sleeping on floors, and generally devoting themselves to recording and touring at the expense of any other kind of life. The bands earliest recorded efforts—2007’s So Long, Soggy Dog and 2009’s Weight of Air—reflected this. By the time they released 2012’s Awkward Breeds, the romance of punk rock was beginning to wane and the influence of pop music began to creep in.

Tranifesto - Coming Out To A New Date

By Matt Kailey

A reader writes: “I’m a first-year student at a liberal arts college. Most of my friends know I’m a transman, but the school at large does not. I met a woman about a month ago who is also a student here. I really like her and want to date her. I think she might be interested in me, too, but that might just be wishful thinking.

“My problem is that I don’t know when to disclose to her. I don’t know if I should tell her soon to get it out of the way or to hold off to get to know each other better and not scare her off.”

Regular readers know that I am big on coming out as soon as possible. In my opinion, it saves a lot of disappointment and hurt feelings on both sides (and sometimes it’s a safety issue, but I would say that it probably isn’t in this case).

However, I don’t think that a person needs to come out to every casual coffee or movie date. In this situation, I would recommend asking the woman out – for coffee, a movie, dinner, or whatever. See how the first date goes. If it doesn’t go well, or it appears that one or both of you is not all that interested, no harm done. You say goodnight and part ways.

But what if you both have a great time? I don’t know what you should do, but I’m going to tell you what I would do. If I had a fantastic time, and the person I was with had a fantastic time, and if it was obvious that there was an intense mutual attraction, I would say (at the end of the date), “I had a really great time. I find you very attractive. I would love to see you again. There’s also something I would like you to know about me.” And then I would come out to that person and let the chips fall where they may.

If I wasn’t sure after the first date, or didn’t think the other person was sure, I would ask that person out again without coming out. If we had a fabulous time and the sparks flew, then I would come out as above. If it just wasn’t right, we move on and no harm done.

The reason I would do this is because I don’t want to waste my time and energy, or the other person’s time and energy, if my being trans is a deal-breaker. Both of us could move on to other people and save time and heartache.

But there are downsides to this. One downside is that she doesn’t get to know you very well first, which could make a difference with regard to how she accepts or embraces your trans status. The other downside is that she could decide to spread this information around – particularly if she chooses not to date you because she finds it shocking, gross, or gossip-worthy. You have no control over this.

Even if she does decide to date you, this could happen at some point in the future if you break up. She also might be the non-gossipy type who respects the privacy of her suitors, her dates, and her exes. There’s really no way to know. But I always figure that once you’re out to someone, you might as well assume that you will eventually be out to everyone, and that at that point, it’s not always your choice or under your control.

(Editor's Note: Despite the fact that Matt Kailey, one of my closest friends, passed away in 2014 I will continue to republish his writing on MileHighGayGuy.com - as I did when he was alive - as a resource for the gay community to know more about trans people. This post originally appeared on Matt Kailey's award-winning website Tranifesto.com)  

Sign Up For GBQ Men’s Writing Retreat In Puerto Vallarta

Whether you’re a beginning writer or a seasoned pro, the upcoming (May 18-25) GBQ (Gay, Bisexual, Questioning) Men’sWriting Retreat in the Zona Romantica area of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico will give you the time, space, and inspiration to do your very best work.

Facilitator Scott Gibson will hold workshopping sessions in the morning and then you will be released to write for the remainder of the day. Optional writing lessons and meditation instruction will also be offered.

Good Chemistry – Denver’s Gay-Friendly Dispensary

GoodChemistry, Denver’s gay-friendly dispensary, is guided by four core principles:

SCIENCE – Good Chemistry believes that Cannabis has significant therapeutic benefits and work to support and expand its study.

ACCESS - Good Chemistry believes that many barriers exist which fundamentally restrict access to safe reliable medical grade cannabis and search for meaningful ways to remove them.

DIGNITY - Good Chemistry believes in the fundamental and inalienable right of a person to choose their medical treatment. Recognizing that often patients who take cannabis are subjected to unfair treatment under the law, Good Chemistry is committed to defending and protecting the rights of their patients.

COMPASSION - Good Chemistry recognizes that medical cannabis is a potent and effective medicine for many patients who cannot afford it and is dedicated to providing for those in need.

Girlpool - Chinatown

Girlpool have released a music video for a new song titled "Chinatown". The single is available for pre-order now, digitally through iTunes and on vinyl through Wichita. All pre-orders will receive a "Chinatown" download instantly.

Pressure Mounts for Boy Scouts to Change Anti-LGBT Policy: California High Court Bars Judges from Participating in Organization

Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, commended the California Supreme Court for barring judges from non-profit youth organizations like the Boy Scouts of America that discriminate against LGBT people - mirroring new standards HRC will require Fortune 500 to meet in its annual Corporate Equality Index (CEI).

“'The Boy Scouts of America's practice of discrimination in banning LGBT leaders is not just wrong but totally incompatible with professional values of equality, fairness and equal opportunity,” said Deena Fidas, director of HRC Foundation’s Workplace Equality Program, and co-author of the foundation’s annual Corporate Equality Index, which rates Fortune 500 companies on LGBT equality in the workplace.

“The move on the part of California's judges to bar participation in groups like BSA mirrors what we are seeing among corporate allies of equality - a widespread rejection of the organization's stubborn unwillingness to join the 21st century,” Fidas said. “In maintaining its practice of anti-LGBT discrimination, BSA undermines its own stated commitment to communities and youth, as well as its own survival as companies increasingly pull funding and resources from discriminatory groups.”

The change to judicial ethics rules will effectively prevent judges in California from participating in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), which bans gay and lesbian adults from serving as leaders in the organization. The group in 2013 voted to allow openly-gay youth to participate in Boy Scouts, but has maintained its longstanding ban on LGBT leaders.

This year, HRC announced new criteria for its annual CEI that will require businesses to implement philanthropic giving standards prohibiting company donations to groups, like the BSA, that have anti-LGBT policies. Businesses including Caterpillar, Intel, Disney, and UPS have already publicly stated that they will no longer fund the BSA because of its discrimination against LGBT people.

Judges in California have until January 21, 2016, to comply with the court’s welcome edict. The high court also lifted a ban on judges’ participation in military organizations in light of the fact that gay and lesbian people can now serve openly in the military. But left unaddressed is the egregious fact that the military still bans transgender people.

Victory! Saks Fifth Avenue Withdraws Assertion Claiming Transgender People Are Not Protected by Title VII

In two major victories for transgender civil rights, today Saks Fifth Avenue withdrew a motion to dismiss a lawsuit in which Saks had argued that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 does not protect transgender workers, and the U.S. Department of Justice filed a historic statement of interest in the same case affirmatively stating that Title VII covers transgender people. This is the first time that the Department has made clear that Title VII prohibits any type of discrimination against transgender people, not just discrimination based on gender stereotypes.

The case involves former Saks employee Leyth Jamal, who filed the lawsuit alleging that Saks discriminated against her for being transgender. Today Saks withdrew the motion to dismiss the lawsuit in which Saks had argued—contrary to contemporary case law, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the U.S. Department of Justice—that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 does not protect transgender workers.

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) - who became involved with the case following Saks’ previous incorrect assertions that Title VII protections did not cover transgender people - issued the following statements:

HRC Legal Director Sarah Warbelow said: “Today’s historic statement from the Department of Justice makes it very clear that transgender people are indeed protected by Title VII from workplace discrimination. Saks also made the right decision by correcting its dangerous course of legal actions that sought to completely undermine those established protections. We are pleased that the case can now be resolved on the merits of the claims and not a sweeping negation of basic Title VII protections.”

NCLR Legal Director Shannon Minter said: “We applaud Saks for correcting its position and recognizing that it has a legal obligation to treat transgender workers equally. We are also grateful to the Department of Justice for clearly stating that federal law prohibits all forms of workplace discrimination against transgender employees. The Department’s filing today is historic and will have an enormously positive effect not only in this case, but in other cases across the country.”

Last week, HRC and NCLR filed a joint friend of the court brief arguing against Saks’ previous assertions. There is a broad legal consensus that Title VII protects transgender employees, and the nation’s top law firms—including Saks’ own counsel in this case—have publicly advised employers that discrimination against transgender workers violates Title VII. The brief also noted that tens of thousands of employers have taken proactive steps to comply with the law by adopting non-discrimination policies that explicitly protect transgender workers.

In 2012, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) determined in Macy v. Holder that discrimination based on an individual's gender identity is sex discrimination and thus constitutes a violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

In 2014, the EEOC filed complaints in federal courts in Florida and Michigan against two separate companies accused of discriminating against transgender employees, Amiee Stephens of Michigan and Brandi Branson of Florida.

In December of 2014, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder announced that the Department of Justice will no longer assert that “Title VII’s prohibition against discrimination based on sex does not encompass gender identity per se (including transgender discrimination.)”

Play Mile High LGBT Skeeball League Kicks Off at Barker Lounge

Yup, you read that right, Skeeball! It’s the silly and frivolous carnival game you enjoyed as a kid. Now you can enjoy it even more with a drink in your hand and tomfoolery in your heart at the Barker Lounge every Wednesday night.

The Play Mile High LGBT Denver Skeeball League was created to give people a chance to try something new, while meeting new people and having a great time doing it! Different formats keep the game fresh and fun each week and the top teams of the season will qualify for the Denver City Championships.

Player perks include super rad Denver Skeeball League T-shirts in your team color, food and drink specials during your league night each week, an End-of-Season FREE Beer Party for all league players and inclusion in Play Mile High special activities and events.

BeTested.co: Let's Change the Future of HIV/AIDS

We will change the future of HIV/AIDS in Denver and throughout Colorado. It's no longer a dream. We will change the future of HIV/AIDS. There is not a cure or vaccine yet, but remarkable advances have transformed HIV from being a deadly infection to a manageable, chronic disease. The future of HIV/AIDS is in our hands.

What you can do - Test, Talk, PrEP, PEP, Treatment, End Stigma.

Nice To See StevieB: The Semester Is Before Us ...

By StevieB

Monday is the first day of class for the Spring semester. Oh, how time flies. This semester will be different, as I will be taking all online classes. So... more time for Steve to hang out at the Starbucks on Colfax Ave. This morning I showed up to School, as I always do, to stand in line to buy my books. I was surprised to see there wasn't a line in front of the book store. I hardly had time to cruise Grindr before heading into the store for my annual book buying spree. My head filled with the thought it always does upon entering my college bookstore. "I should of just rented the book online, and saved all the money the nose-ringed hippy girl is about to rip from my hands." Yet, every semester I forget, as school exits my little brain as soon as my final assignments are handed in.

Last year's Medieval History class went great online, so I thought, "Why not? More Toffee Nut Lattes for Steve." This round we're taking "Literature of Shakespeare" and "American History 355." The Shakespeare class I'm excited about, as I'm attempting to go for a Diamond Rating in neardom. To pass the competency exam you need to either know computer code, or choose the oral exam of reciting Shakespeare Sonnets. I can't understand computer code, so I am going for the Lit-nerd certification. The American History class is the one I dread. It's the last history class I will need for my degree, and I have avoided it for years. It's "America! from foundation to reconstruction." I find nothing more boring than this topic; other than the attempt to make that American Sniper movie resemble anything near the truth.

My head was filled with dread as I pontificated over the reading on the topic of rich white people owning poor black people as I walked through the stacks of over-priced books in the bookstore. Then I discovered something odd. My class don't require textbooks. What??? Yep, they're completely on line.

We will bestow ourselves [to not] read on this book. Clearly an undiscovered country for Steve.

I left the bookstore with a spring in my step. Looking forward to the new semester. 

This post originally appeared on Steven Bennet's website Nice to See StevieB. Republished with permission.

Advertise With Denver's Best Gay Blog - MileHighGayGuy

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Just click the Advertising page or email sales@milehighgayguy.com to get started today.

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.