Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Scientists to Be Recognized in Denver as They Present Research on Zika, Cocaine in Pregnancy

As Spring reignites vigilance against Zika virus-carrying mosquitoes, scientists leading the way in unveiling cutting-edge birth defects research related to Zika virus during pregnancy, as well as other prenatal exposures like cocaine, are being recognized by the world’s premier society for this important science.

The Teratology Society is an international and multidisciplinary group of scientists including researchers, clinicians, epidemiologists, and public health professionals from academia, government and industry who study birth defects, reproduction, and disorders of developmental origin. Through its 2017 Teratology Society Awards and Special Lectures, more than a dozen scientists will be recognized for advancing the science of birth defects research.

Among the honorees will be JosĂ© Cordero, MD, MPH, a Patel Distinguished Professor of Public Health at the University of Georgia College of Public Health. He’s a former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Assistant Surgeon General of the Public Health Service who currently conducts Zika virus research in Puerto Rico. “Zika emergence is a wake-up call to bring together the best of team science to understand the biology of Zika infections, its control and prevention,” explained Dr. Cordero. He’ll present the Josef Warkany Lecture, “Preventing Congenital Zika Syndrome: Lessons Learned from Rubella Elimination,” at the Teratology Society’s Annual Meeting June 24 – 28, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. “Joining the Teratology Society was transformational. It became my main source of research ideas and the best venue to present research findings,” he added.

Other scientific accomplishments being honored this year include research in prenatal cocaine exposure, as well new data illustrating the continued worldwide prevalence of neural tube defects, malformations that could be prevented through proper folic acid supplementation during pregnancy.

Jacqueline Woodson & Jeanette Winterson to be Honored at the 29th Lammy Awards

Lambda Literary is pleased to announce that Jacqueline Woodson will receive Lambda's Visionary Award and Jeanette Winterson will receive the Trustee Award at the 29th Annual Lambda Literary Awards ("Lammys"). Woodson and Winterson will be honored along with the winning authors of 23 separate LGBTQ literary categories as determined by over 75 judges. The Lammys bring together over 500 attendees, sponsors, and celebrities to celebrate excellence in LGBTQ literature, making it the most glamorous and prestigious LGBTQ literary event in the world.

City Park Jazz Announces 2017 Lineup

The 31st season of City Park Jazz may prove to be its most eclectic season yet.

City Park Jazz is a celebration of community that began in 1986, featuring only local musicians. Each Sunday evening throughout the summer brings anywhere from 8,000 to 12,000 neighbors from around the City Park neighborhoods — and all over Colorado — to enjoy the amazing talent that calls the Centennial State home, all free of charge. A handful of carefully selected vendors and food trucks round out this festival-like atmosphere that brings smiles to faces and our community closer together.

“We’re heading into our 31st season as excited as ever,” says Bob Nelson, President of the non- profit City Park Jazz Board of Directors. “Our lineup this year includes some fantastic local jazz greats, and we’re reaching across genres and styles to really provide something for everyone who loves the community we call home.”

We are also announcing our call for concert volunteers and sponsors! City Park Jazz is an all volunteer run event and we need YOU to make it happen. Space is limited. Visit CityParkJazz.org for more information regarding volunteer and sponsorship opportunities.

As a reminder, only 3.2 beer is allowed in the park (no glass containers), and please help us keep the park clean by disposing all trash using the dumpsters provided. For a complete list of Denver Parks rules, see bit.ly/CityParkRules.

Majesty - Living in the Moonlight

 

Debuting as #2 Billboard Breakout Artist, Majesty has emerged to ignite a dance floor revolution with the dark and edgy “Living in the Moonlight” – featuring remixes by internationally renowned EDM producer and radio personality DJ Lynn Wood (BeyoncĂ©, Demi Lovato) and Dan De Leon, whose remix work includes numerous Billboard #1’s, Top 10’s and Top 20’s for Noelia, Timbaland, Nelly Furtado, Kristine W and Debby Holiday.
 

Living in the Moonlight” is about having the courage to live life unhinged as your true self,” Majesty says, “that’s where the revolution begins, and what better place than the dance floor, darling?”

Happily ever after on World Penguin Day in New Zealand

Today, 25 April, marks World Penguin Day and nowhere celebrates penguins quite like New Zealand, where you’ll find more penguin species – and more ways to see them – than anywhere else in the world. At Auckland’s Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium, a same-sex pair of king penguins are celebrating World Penguin Day with their surrogate foster chick.

Dubbed Thelma and Louise (pictured below), the mothers’ doting love for their joyful bundle testifies to the character of these majestic birds and the strong family bond penguins create. The 24-year old mothers share their home with fellow king and Gentoo penguins in Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic penguin enclosure.

Key West Pride to Celebrate Diversity in Paradise June 7-11

Pageants, a cocktail competition and a parade featuring a segment of a 1.25-mile-long rainbow flag are among the attractions for visitors to Key West Pride 2017. The annual festivities, set for Wednesday through Sunday, June 7-11, celebrate diversity and equality in the southernmost city, a perennial favorite vacation destination for LGBT visitors.

The celebration also offers visitors a chance to experience Key West's "One Human Family" atmosphere of inclusion and recognition that all people are created equal.

The 2017 schedule features pool parties, nightly drag shows and aquatic adventures including snorkeling, kayaking and sunset sails. Activities also include curator-led tours of an exhibit chronicling legendary playwright Tennessee Williams' decades on the island, a pride-themed street fair on famed Duval Street, a one-of-a-kind trolley tour documenting the LGBT community's impact on Key West history and culture, a burlesque show with an LGBT flair and a lively brunch served with a drag show on the side.

Contests bring excitement to the five-day festival, including pageants to select Mr. and Miss Key West Pride.

Scheduled highlights include the 2017 Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic's Wednesday night Pride kick-off gala, Friday night's contestant runoffs and Saturday night's final round. The contest features regional winners from LGBT bars in 17 North American cities, all competing to create an original Key West cocktail that reflects the island's creativity and spirit. Now in its fourth year, the challenge is believed to be North America's largest annual LGBT bartending competition.

Saturday's final round is scheduled for 7 p.m. on an open-air stage in the 700 block of Duval Street in the heart of Key West's LGBT entertainment district. Stoli USA's national LGBT ambassador Patrik Gallineaux is set to host, with a panel of celebrities on hand to judge the dueling bartenders.

The winner is to be named honorary grand marshal of the 2017 Pride Parade. The all-welcome procession is to feature a 100-foot section of Key West's famed 1.25-mile-long sea-to-sea rainbow flag, created in 2003 by the late Gilbert Baker. The parade is slated to begin at 5 p.m. Sunday, June 11, and proceed up Duval Street from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean.

Monday, April 24, 2017

Aurora fox Arts Delays Priscilla Opening

The Friday and Saturday, April 21 and 22 performances of "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" at the Aurora Fox Arts Center were cancelled and opening night postponed until Friday, April 28. Staff members are currently reaching out to all patrons who purchased tickets for this weekend to offer exchanges for future performances. The show will resume the regular performance schedule beginning Friday, April 28 and continue through the scheduled closing on Sunday, May 28.

After the final dress rehearsal on Thursday night, the decision was made to delay the opening and give the cast and crew more time to safely rehearse.

Last Call for Lavender Graduation


Last call for any students who identify on the LGBTQ spectrum who are graduating this spring semester for the annual Lavender Graduation ceremony. RSVP by phone at 303-556-6333, or email taylor.j.stephan86@gmail.com by April 28.

Dodgers to Host Fifth Annual LGBT Night June 9 at Dodger Stadium

The Los Angeles Dodgers today announced that they will play host to their fifth annual LGBT Night at Dodger Stadium on Friday, June 9 (vs. CIN, 7:10 p.m.). A special event ticket package that includes a game ticket for the Dodgers’ June 9 game and an exclusive Dodger LGBT t-shirt (image attached) is available for purchase now at www.dodgers.com/LGBT.

For the first time ever, the Dodgers have partnered with LA Pride and will host the official 2017 LA Pride kickoff party on June 9 at Dodger Stadium beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Right Field Plaza Bar and lasting until first pitch at 7:10 p.m. Produced by non-profit organization Christopher Street West, LA Pride is Southern California's biggest LGBTQ+ celebration, with the annual Festival taking place in West Hollywood June 10-11. The annual Festival celebrates the LGBTQ+ community through music, art and culture along with community activations and signature events.

LGBT Night at Dodger Stadium will feature a ceremonial first pitch by Golden Globe Award winning actor Matt Bomer. Bomer has been married to publicist Simon Halls since 2011, and the couple has three sons, including a set of twins. In 2012, Bomer was given an Inspiration Award for his work at the GLSEN Awards. He is an LGBT rights activist.

Other scheduled special guests June 9 include Billy Bean (Major League Baseball Vice President & Special Assistant to the Commissioner),Brian Pendleton (founder of #ResistMarch), who will also throw out a first pitch, actor Noah Galvin (best known for his role as Kenny O'Neal on the ABC sitcom The Real O'Neals), actor Guillermo Diaz (currently starring as Huck in the ABC series Scandal) and Paul Katami and Jeff Zarrillo, best known for being plaintiffs in the landmark case that wound its way to the Supreme Court of the United States successfully overturning Prop. 8 and restoring marriage equality to California. Katami and Zarrillo can be heard weekly on their popular radio show/podcast “The Husbands” on iTunes and UBNradio.com.

The Dodgers will also recognize several athletes, coaches and people who work or participate in the amateur or professional sports industry as featured on Outsports.com


The national anthem will be performed by Dot Marie Jones. Jones received three consecutive Emmy Award nominations (2011, 2012, 2013) for her role as football coach ‘Shannon Beiste’ on FOX’s mega-hit television show Glee. A retired athlete, Jones attended California State University Fresno. Most recently, Dot has appeared in major and recurring roles on Modern Family, Jane The Virgin, 2 Broke Girls, Teachers and Doubt. She is currently being pursued for a couple high profile features and is looking forward to her next big venture. She is an impassioned supporter of charities that empower children and teach acceptance. Accompanying Jones will be members of the Gay Men’s Chorus and Trans Chorus of Los Angeles. The Gay Men’s Chorus and Trans Chorus of Los Angeles uses musical experiences to share stories, fostering acceptance and transforming communities into places where all can be their true authentic selves.

“We are once again proud to work with so many incredible partners for our fifth annual LGBT Night at Dodger Stadium,” said Dodgers’ Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Lon Rosen. “We are especially excited to partner with LA Pride for the first time ever. The Dodgers, with a proud history of diversity, recognize the value of an inclusive environment.”

Denver - United In Love

 

It's less than a week away until the United in Love concert, a benefit for the Denver Actors Fund.

Release: Victory Fund Endorses 8 LGBTQ Candidates; Danica Roem Could Make History

Today Victory Fund, the only national organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ leaders to public office, endorsed eight candidates in state and local races. Danica Roem, running for a seat in the Virginia House of Delegates, received a spotlight endorsement, and would become the first state legislator to win as an openly transgender candidate if elected.

“We have a groundbreaking opportunity to make Danica Roem the first state legislator to win as an out trans candidate – and we are determined to help her to a primary victory this May,” said Aisha C. Moodie-Mills, President & CEO at Victory Fund. “Currently there is zero trans representation in any state legislature, making it easy for extremist politicians to push forward the flood of anti-trans bills we’ve seen across the country. Representation is power, so a win for Danica is a critical first step to electing more trans people who can be a voice for the community and fight back against anti-equality efforts.”

Among the other endorsees are three LGBTQ candidates running for local races in Texas. The Texas state legislature continues to introduce dozens of bills targeting the LGBTQ community, including a religious exemption bill that allows business owners to deny service to LGBTQ people. If elected, these local LGBTQ leaders can help protect people in their communities by passing policies that mitigate the effects of any anti-equality bills from the state legislature.

Since 1991, Victory Fund has helped thousands of openly LGBTQ candidates win local, state and federal elections.

Spotlight Candidate

Danica Roem, Virginia House of Delegates, HD-13

Endorsed Candidates


Reginald Bledsoe, Newark School Board (NJ)

Johnny Boucher, Grand Prairie Independent School District, Position 4 (TX)

Joshua Carter, El Paso Community College Trustee, District 7 (TX)

Omar Narvaez, Dallas City Council, District 6 (TX)

Henry Sias, Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Judge (PA)

Endorsed Incumbents


LaWana Mayfield, Charlotte City Council, District 3 (NC)

Carol Becker, Minneapolis Board of Estimate and Taxation (MN)

Beats, Eats and Seats: Summer in Denver Brings New International Events, Hundreds of Festivals and Blockbuster Exhibitions

Denver is known for its 300 days of sunshine and the abundance of urban adventure that comes along with its Rocky Mountain backdrop. This summer, The Mile High City will be home to new international events, blockbuster exhibitions, family-friendly festivals and plenty of hotel deals for an ideal summer getaway.

“This summer is going to be one of the best we have ever seen in the city,” says Richard Scharf, president and CEO of VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau. “With the return of a professional cycling race, groundbreaking culinary events, world-class art exhibits and creative festivals, paired with our exceptional weather, this summer in Denver is going to be remarkable for our visitors.”

There is an abundance of activity in Denver this season – from romantic date nights and girlfriend getaway ideas to family events; sports and recreation options to music festivals and unique museum exhibits, and a bit of everything in between. There are also dozens of discounted hotel rates to encourage visitors to make a weekend of it.

Below are just a few of the exciting things happening in Denver in the coming months; for a full list of events, things to do and hotel deals, go to the VISIT DENVER website.

The Gay Vegans: Create Your Community

By Dan Hanley

Mike and I have been in the LA area for almost two years now. Recently we bought our new home, and we are beyond stoked.

We landed in the amazing town of Monrovia, about thirty minutes northeast of downtown LA. We knew nothing of Monrovia before moving here, and we fell in love.

It’s not always easy making a big move and settling in. We have been super lucky.

Regardless of where you are and what community looks like to you, creating a community of people to experience life with can be pretty amazing. For me, I reach out to other bloggers, other activists, neighbors and people wanting to change the world. Not everyone I try to build relationship with is 100% in agreement with every one of my thoughts, opinions and values, which is important to me so I can learn other points of view. For example, not everyone in my circles is vegan. Most are not gay.

I decided to write this post because I hear from blog readers all of the time who are “the only one”. The only vegan. The only person of color. The only non-heterosexual. Many tell me they feel alone. I always write them back about creating community. Reaching out to others and finding a common bond.

Ideas? Here you go: join a running group or other type of exercise group; go to a vegan potluck; create a vegan potluck; create a meetup; bring a speaker to your local library; if you go to a place of worship, reach out there; check out local bloggers; find Facebook groups for local activists (we have a Facebook group called Resist Monrovia!); Google your favorite cause and find a local connection or non-profit that supports the cause and get involved. I could go on and on.

It really does make a difference to create community.

Books: Handbook of LGBT Tourism and Hospitality

Harrington Park Press released the Handbook of LGBT Tourism and Hospitality: A Guide for Business Practice on March 7, 2017. Authored by LGBT travel experts Jeff Guaracino and Ed Salvato, the book includes interviews with nearly a hundred industry experts, and analyzing multiple emerging trends among LGBT travelers. 

The Handbook of LGBT Tourism and Hospitality is an easy-to-read, practical, and relevant guidebook with a simple goal: to help marketing professionals, business owners, and allied professionals compete in the increasingly competitive global LGBT travel and hospitality industry. Dozens of contributors helped make this book the most inclusive and comprehensive guide of its kind. It is intended for industry specialists in the tourism and hospitality fields, as well as academics and students in tourism and hospitality studies.
To prepare this handbook, co-authors Guaracino and Salvato traveled to six continents and worked with hundreds of individuals and companies. Input from almost a hundred expert industry consultants and authorities helped make this book the most inclusive and comprehensive guide of its kind. 

Given the vast opportunity for diverse marketing to LGBT travelers, it is published at an opportune time as the LGBT tourism and hospitality industry expands in a challenging political climate. 

According to Thomas Roth, President of Community Marketing & Insights: “[This volume is] Educational. Balanced. Entertaining. Practical. Required! These are just a few words that come to mind when reviewing this tremendous achievement. Jeff and Ed share invaluable insights that can only come with decades of personal experience and professional success in LGBT travel. They’ve formulated all that and more into a well-organized manual for any reader, from the doe-eyed newbie to the long-time veteran, to help set and achieve realistic goals. It can be read in one sitting or referenced throughout a career. Or both.” 

According to Bob Witeck, President of Witeck Communications: “Our human impulse to travel is grounded in curiosity, adventure, and romance—whether we’re gay or straight. What often sets LGBT travel apart are our lifelong needs for community, acceptance, and safety. Few writers are better than Jeff Guaracino and Ed Salvato to distill their expert knowledge across 6 continents into the best practices found in this one essential book.”

Time to Work Up An Appetite, Dining Out For Life is This Thursday

250 Denver/Boulder Restaurants & Breweries take part in Dining Out For Life Denver on Thursday, April 27 to benefit Project Angel Heart so plant to eat out and eat often!