Some of Denver's most talented performers will get together on May 8, 2016
to present the Mother's Day Cabaret for a Cause, a benefit for the Matthew Shepard Foundation.
Monday, May 2, 2016
Mother's Day Cabaret for a Cause
Some of Denver's most talented performers will get together on May 8, 2016
to present the Mother's Day Cabaret for a Cause, a benefit for the Matthew Shepard Foundation.
Logo to Air Eurovision Finale Live
The Eurovision Song Contest, organized by the European Broadcasting Union, is the world’s largest non-sporting live TV event and the most watched live entertainment program in Europe, attracting nearly 200 million television viewers worldwide last year alone. This year’s spectacular 2016 Grand Final competition, celebrating the theme “Come Together,” will be held in Stockholm, Sweden. The competition will feature acts representing 42 countries battling for the coveted trophy as well as the chance to host next year’s contest in their home country.
Eurovision is known for its eclectic mix of power ballads, ethnic rhythms, and bubblegum pop, paired with intricate lighting sequences, pyrotechnics, and elaborate costumes. Over its storied 60 year history, the contest has catapulted the likes ofCeline Dion, Olivia Newton-John, Julio Iglesias, and ABBA to stardom. Last year’s winner Måns Zelmerlöw of Sweden wowed audiences with his song “Heroes,” and two years ago viewers across the world were blown away when Eurovision’s 2014 champion, Conchita Wurst of Austria, took home the trophy after a performance of “Rise Like a Phoenix.” Conchita ignited a wave of buzz as the first drag performer to win the contest.
Black Pride Matters
From the “black is beautiful” movement in the 1960s to New York’s Stonewall riots where young street kids, many of them black and Latino, fought to be seen, heard, and respected; Black Pride and Gay Pride have been evolving in this country on a similar trajectory. Black Pride and LGBT Pride developed from the rejection of that which America’s dominant culture has said is right, is beautiful, and is normal. Yet, for a queer person of color, the two prides can seem at odds. Black Pride celebrations started as a way to reconcile these two identities, providing a safe space for queer people of color to build community and find a sense of self.
“Black Prides allow people of color the chance to celebrate our culture and orientation without explanation,” says LaToya Hankins, of North Carolina’s Shades of Pride. Black Pride celebrations are not meant to divide or further ghettoize the LGBT community. Leaders and organizers of Black Prides around the country understand the gravity of being a minority within a minority community and the issues that surround this identity. “There is no question that everyone within the LGBT movement deserves to celebrate and gather for Pride festivities,” says Gabby Santos, who coordinates Albany’s Black and Latino Gay Pride. “But as LGBT people of color, we face some particularly difficult issues that require tailored Black Pride activities. We face myths of negative stereotypes, such as, we are more violent than others. We face realities such as racism within programs and the criminal system that leave people of color with fewer options, great obstacles to participate, and fewer protections. These myths and realities are painful. LGBT people of color who experience them need support from their peers who understand the impact.”
Even with Black Pride festivals increasing popularity (there are 33 domestic and seven international celebrations with hundreds of thousands attendees), the one problem that these Black Pride organizations face, as opposed to mainstream Prides, is gathering sponsorships. “Mainstream Pride is no longer about ‘affirming and increasing visibility for LGBT people’ yet more about leveraging the visibility of companies wanting access to the community for brand endorsement,” says Philadelphia Black Pride’s D. D’Ontace Keyes. While brands are eager to tap into the LGBT market, corporate America is a bit more hesitant when it comes to queer people of color.
The black queer identity has a unique perspective and a unique voice but also a unique set of problems. As this identity has evolved, so have the needs of the community. For years, marriage equality has been the cause célèbre of the LGBT public consciousness, but queer people of color face a myriad of other obstacles, from disparities in income and access to health care to racism within the LGBT community and racism as the great national pastime, not to mention higher rates of homelessness, unemployment, incarceration, and HIV infection. These factors not only disproportionately affect queer people of color but also take an unfair toll on the next generation. Black Pride addresses these needs because mainstream Pride either does not, cannot, or will not. Thus, what began as a concept has grown into a movement to save bodies, educate minds, and uplift the spirits of a marginalized population that is tired of being marginalized.
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Tyler Glenn - Trash
Neon Trees’ lead vocalist/keyboardist Tyler Glenn has released a video for his new track“Trash.” The track, which is from Glenn’s forthcoming solo debut album via Island Records, is available for purchase HERE.
Glenn, who had been a Mormon since childhood, came out as gay in a 2014 interview with Rolling Stone.
“Trash” takes fans inside the crisis of faith he was thrown into last
fall when the church announced a new policy that identifies those in a
same-sex marriage as apostates and prohibits their children from being
blessed or baptized by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
(LDS) until they turn 18 and disavow their parents’ lifestyle.
The
lyrics that Glenn penned for “Trash” are raw and defiant yet ultimately
celebrate the elation that comes from reclaiming one’s independence.
Glenn, who lives in Salt Lake City, co-wrote the music with longtime
collaborator Tim Pagnotta. Sonically, the song is edgily electronic – a
marked departure from Glenn’s work with Neon Trees. The video, directed
by Mike Harris (Blur), follows Glenn as he gives a blistering
performance of “Trash,” making his way down a narrow hallway decorated
with modified portraits of LDS founder Joseph Smith (painted by Glenn).
Furry Scurry, largest dog walk in the country, returns May 7
Animal lovers and their dogs will enjoy a beautiful spring day while participating in the two-mile walk around Wash Park, followed by refreshments, food trucks, contests, dog demonstrations and more than 150 pet-related vendors and sponsors at the Flealess Market.
Registration and participation in the Furry Scurry help the Dumb Friends League care for more than 20,000 homeless pets each year. Funds raised at this event through registration fees and individual donations provide medical care to sick and injured animals, behavior training that allows pets to be adopted more quickly, investigations of animal neglect and mistreatment, and much more.
“As a local, independent nonprofit, the Dumb Friends League relies on events like the Furry Scurry so we can continue to open our doors to every animal in need,” said Bob Rohde, president and CEO of the Dumb Friends League. “We are not affiliated with any national groups, and we don’t receive government funding. What we do is possible only because of the generous people right here in our community.”
The Furry Scurry is the Dumb Friends League’s largest fundraising event, with this year’s goal to raise over $1 million for homeless pets.
Registration for the Furry Scurry is $50 per person and $25 for children 12 and younger, and includes a Furry Scurry event T-shirt. Participants can register as an individual, or form or join a team. Registration can be completed online at FurryScurry.org, at one of the Dumb Friends League shelter locations, or on event day starting at 7 a.m. The walk begins at 9 a.m.
Participants are encouraged to collect donations from friends, family and co-workers to help make an even bigger difference for homeless pets. Great gifts fit for pet lovers will be awarded to those who fundraise above and beyond their $50 registration fee.
Saturday, April 30, 2016
Martin Short and Derek Hough Join Cast of NBC's 'Hairspray Live!'
“We are very happy to have the inimitable Martin Short to play Edna’s loving husband, Wilbur,” said Robert Greenblatt, Chairman, NBC Entertainment. “We welcome Marty to the network in May in his new variety show with Maya Rudolph and we think he will be the perfect long-term companion to Harvey’s Edna. And hands-down the best dancer on television and one of the best in the entertainment business, Derek Hough, will be perfect in the role of Corny Collins, the cocky song-and-dance-man who hosts the TV show every teenager in Baltimore wants to be on.”
Based on the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, “Hairspray Live!” takes place in 1962 Baltimore. Teenager Tracy Turnblad’s dream is to dance on “The Corny Collins Show,” a local TV program. When, against all odds, Tracy wins a role on the show, she becomes a celebrity overnight and meets a colorful array of characters, including the resident dreamboat, Link; the ambitious mean girl, Amber; an African-American boy she meets in detention, Seaweed; and his mother, Motormouth Maybelle, the owner of a local record store. Tracy’s mother is the indomitable Edna Turnblad, and she eventually encourages Tracy on her campaign to integrate the all-white “Corny Collins Show.”
Zac Efron gets oiled up in new 'Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising' clip
Watch Zac Efron get oiled up in this new clip from Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising, which arrives in theaters on May 20.
Friday, April 29, 2016
Film Review: Keanu
By Grant Mayotte
Keegan-Michael Key & Jordan Peele’s latest cat caper film will leave you wanting less swearing and more cat.
‘Keanu’ opens inside a cocaine operation somewhere in a distressed part of Los Angeles, which we soon discover, is being targeted by a competing drug cartel. Within minutes everyone inside becomes victims of a bloody shoot out except for an adorable kitten who belongs to the head of this organization. The kitten escapes and through the title sequence he embarks on a Milo and Otis type adventure through the streets of Los Angeles. As the kitten leaps over sleeping homeless people and leaves paw prints on wet cement, you cannot help but swoon over every kitten maneuver.
The cat finally takes refuge on the doorstep of Rell Williams (Jordan Peele). Rell has just gone through a devastating breakup and seems to be having a hard time coping. A meowing kitten on the doorstep seems to be the remedy to his outlook on life. Rell introduces his adopted pet that he names ‘Keanu’ to Rell’s cousin, Clarence (Keegan Michael Key). Clarence is charmed by ‘Keanu’ as much as Rell is and the two agree they can leave the kitten behind for one boys’ night out. When Rell and Clarence return home, they discover Rell’s house has been broken into and Keanu has been abducted. The lengths at which Rell and Clarence go through to recover Keanu becomes the heart of the film.
The film feels like one extended SNL sketch that plays past its punchline. Keegan Michael Key and Jordan Peele perhaps best known for their comedy sketch series ‘Key & Peele’ on Comedy Central are unable to justify the 97 minute runtime. At times the film is airless as though it does not have enough to say and Key and Peele have to improvise their way between scenes. Key and Peele definitely understand comedic timing and the film offers several great laughs but sadly the jokes wash off you once you leave the theater.
The adorable Keanu does not get as much screen time as you might hope. Keanu is merely the bounty that all parties involved are interested in recovering including a black drug cartel run by Method Man and a latin drug cartel headed by Luis Guzman. A cast with predominantly actors of color finds itself caught up with racial stereotypes and explicit language all in the interest of cheap laughs. You will laugh, but you will leave wanting more cat.
Keegan-Michael Key & Jordan Peele’s latest cat caper film will leave you wanting less swearing and more cat.
‘Keanu’ opens inside a cocaine operation somewhere in a distressed part of Los Angeles, which we soon discover, is being targeted by a competing drug cartel. Within minutes everyone inside becomes victims of a bloody shoot out except for an adorable kitten who belongs to the head of this organization. The kitten escapes and through the title sequence he embarks on a Milo and Otis type adventure through the streets of Los Angeles. As the kitten leaps over sleeping homeless people and leaves paw prints on wet cement, you cannot help but swoon over every kitten maneuver.
The cat finally takes refuge on the doorstep of Rell Williams (Jordan Peele). Rell has just gone through a devastating breakup and seems to be having a hard time coping. A meowing kitten on the doorstep seems to be the remedy to his outlook on life. Rell introduces his adopted pet that he names ‘Keanu’ to Rell’s cousin, Clarence (Keegan Michael Key). Clarence is charmed by ‘Keanu’ as much as Rell is and the two agree they can leave the kitten behind for one boys’ night out. When Rell and Clarence return home, they discover Rell’s house has been broken into and Keanu has been abducted. The lengths at which Rell and Clarence go through to recover Keanu becomes the heart of the film.
The film feels like one extended SNL sketch that plays past its punchline. Keegan Michael Key and Jordan Peele perhaps best known for their comedy sketch series ‘Key & Peele’ on Comedy Central are unable to justify the 97 minute runtime. At times the film is airless as though it does not have enough to say and Key and Peele have to improvise their way between scenes. Key and Peele definitely understand comedic timing and the film offers several great laughs but sadly the jokes wash off you once you leave the theater.
The adorable Keanu does not get as much screen time as you might hope. Keanu is merely the bounty that all parties involved are interested in recovering including a black drug cartel run by Method Man and a latin drug cartel headed by Luis Guzman. A cast with predominantly actors of color finds itself caught up with racial stereotypes and explicit language all in the interest of cheap laughs. You will laugh, but you will leave wanting more cat.
Bearracuda Denver Pride - Bigger & Beefier
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Thursday, April 28, 2016
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.
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Wednesday, April 27, 2016
National Organizations Launch New Resource on LGBTQ Youth Homelessness
“Close to 40 percent of youth that experience homelessness identify as LGBTQ,” said Meghan Maury, National LGBTQ Task Force’s Criminal and Economic Justice Project Director. “There are many factors that contribute to LGBTQ youth homelessness, including family rejection, abuse, aging out of foster care, economic hardship, bullying and school harassment. This guide calls for a nuanced understanding in order to inform the creation of effective systems and programs that will meet the needs of the diverse population of LGBTQ young people experiencing homelessness.”
On average, youth experience homelessness for the first time at age 15 and report being on the streets for nearly two years. Once they are out of their homes, LGBTQ youth suffer higher rates of physical and sexual assault than heterosexual youth experiencing homelessness. In order to survive, 28 percent of homeless LGBTQ youth report trading sex for basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. Additionally, LGBTQ youth are twice as likely as non-LGBTQ youth to attempt suicide.
“The needs and wants of each young person who is experiencing homelessness differ greatly,” said Christa Price, Program Officer at the True Colors Fund. “In some cities, there may be a relatively large amount of shelter space for young people, but significant gaps in access to physical and mental health care. In other cities there may be a more robust system of care, but a higher likelihood of justice system involvement. ‘At the Intersections’ gives providers a framework on how to respond to the individual needs of young people and the systemic gaps they have identified locally.”
The new online resource also examines the relationship between racism and LGBTQ youth homelessness, the impact of immigration on LGBTQ young people, and the systemic barriers faced by transgender and gender non-conforming youth experiencing homelessness.
“In order to truly eradicate youth homelessness, it’s important that we understand and address the complexities that precipitate it. By focusing on young people in their environments, and understanding the diverse identities that influence their experiences, as this resource does; stakeholders are better equipped to holistically address the determents that too often push young people onto the streets," said Kristopher Sharp, who experienced homelessness as a young adult.
The release of “At the Intersections” comes a day before #40toNoneDay, a national day led by the True Colors Fund to raise awareness about LGBTQ youth homelessness. To learn more about the guide, and to read online, please visit: AtTheIntersections.org
Find out how Meryl captured the spirit of Florence Foster Jenkins
Set in 1940s New York, Florence Foster Jenkins is the true story of the legendary New York heiress and socialite (Meryl Streep) who obsessively pursued her dream of becoming a great singer. The voice she heard in her head was beautiful, but to everyone else it was hilariously awful. Her "husband" and manager, St. Clair Bayfield (Hugh Grant), an aristocratic English actor, was determined to protect his beloved Florence from the truth. But when Florence decided to give a public concert at Carnegie Hall, St. Clair knew he faced his greatest challenge.
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