BOYBOY's shimmering self-titled LP debut 'BOYBOY' out now

New Zealand-born, LA-based BOYBOY debuted his self-titled album last Friday. With a talent for crafting synth-driven futuristic pop, BOYBOY’s debut draws from the expressive life-force of R&B which revolves amidst his preference for the more industrial and cold atmospheric aspects of electronic music. Growing up in New Zealand and informed by the meditative qualities of Buddhist practice, the spacious and streamlined vision of pop music he creates inhabits a particularly joyful and serene world.

He says of his music, “a lot of my songs talk about insecurities, with the hope of comprehending them. I tend to use lyric-writing like therapy, where I’ll voice something in order to hear myself say the words. With lyrics, I’ll often ask myself what’s important, perhaps in an attempt to move on from things that aren’t.”

Civil and Human Rights Groups Urge Senate to Reject Pompeo

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights joined 54 other civil and human rights groups in urging U.S. Senate opposition to the confirmation of Secretary of State nominee Michael Pompeo. The groups noted Pompeo’s troubling history of statements and policy positions, which imperils his ability to represent all in America and to promote human rights abroad.
 

Pompeo’s record as a congressional candidate and House member makes clear his animus towards Muslim Americans and his marginalization of other vulnerable populations. Specifically, as a House member, he opposed LGBTQ rights and women’s access to vital reproductive health care. He also supported expanding mass surveillance programs, called for a ban on all refugee admissions, and called those who engaged in torture “patriots.”

As the groups wrote, “The Secretary of State is one of our most important positions for promoting and protecting human rights. This cabinet level position has a unique and important role requiring the ability to build international coalitions and serve as our representative in international negotiations. Mr. Pompeo’s documented anti-Muslim bias is dangerous to American foreign policy, will cripple his ability to develop essential relationships with Muslim-majority countries, and will irreparably undermine his ability to lead the State Department workforce.”

The full text of the letter is available here, and the signatories are listed below:

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
18MillionRising.org
Alliance for Justice
American Jewish World Service
American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee
Americans United for Separation of Church and State
Arab American Institute
Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF)
Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC
Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance
Center for Health and Gender Equity (CHANGE)
Center for the Study of Hate & Extremism, California State University-San Bernardino
Clearinghouse on Women's Issues
Defending Rights & Dissent
Emgage Action
Equal Justice Society
Equal Rights Advocates
Equality California
Farmworker Justice
Global Forum on MSM & HIV
Global Network of Black People working in HIV
Housing Works, Inc.
Human Rights Advocates
Human Rights Campaign
Human Rights Watch
Indivisible
International Association of Women in Radio and Television – IAWRT
Japanese American Citizens League
Lambda Legal
Matthew Shepard Foundation
Muslim Advocates
Muslim Public Affairs Council
NAACP
NARAL Pro-Choice America
National Association of Human Rights Workers
National Association of Social Workers
National Center for Transgender Equality
National Council of Jewish Women
National Hispanic Media Coalition
National Immigration Law Center
National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health
National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund
National Organization for Women
People For the American Way
PFLAG National
Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Population Institute
Protect Democracy
Southern Poverty Law Center
The Interfaith Center of New York
UnidosUS (formerly the National Council of La Raza)
Veterans For Peace
WomenNC
Woodhull Freedom Foundation
World Without Genocide at Mitchell Hamline School of Law

Do You Want To Reach Denver's Gay Community? Advertise With Denver's Best Gay Blog!

Do you want to advertise to Denver’s gay community? Of course you do, it’s the 7th largest in the United States! And the best way to reach them is with MileHighGayGuy – Colorado’s Best Gay Blog.
 
Just click the Advertising page or email sales@milehighgayguy.com to get started today.

An Evening of Laughter and Reflection with Carol Burnett

Carol Burnett, award-winning actress and best-selling author, is widely recognized by the public and her peers for her work on stage and screen, most notably The Carol Burnett Show. Named in 2007 by TIME magazine as one of the "100 Best Television Shows of All Time," The Carol Burnett Show ran for 11 years, averaged 30 million viewers per week and received 25 Emmy Awards, making it one of the most honored shows in television history. But it is Ms. Burnett's artistic brilliance, her respect and a ppreciation of her fans and her graciousness, integrity, warmth and humor on and off screen that have made her one of the most beloved performers in entertainment and one of the most admired women in America.

During "An Evening of Laughter and Reflection," Burnett will take questions from the audience, show video clips from her shows in a format that harkens back to the legendary openings of The Carol Burnett Show where her studio audience had an unfiltered opportunity to engage Carol with questions and receive spontaneous answers. "I love the spontaneity of these evenings," said Carol. "I never know what anyone is going to ask, or say, or do, so it keeps me on my toes!"

Save $20 off your ticket from now until April 22 by following this link.

Kristine W Comes to Denver for 4/20 Festivities

Dance diva Kristine W will perform VYBE in Denver on Friday, April 20 - 4/20!  Kristine's latest Billboard #1 (for “Stars”) tied her with Mariah Carey for most number one dance songs.

'The Adventures of Kesha and Macklemore' Come to Denver June 17

 

Kesha and Macklemore team up this summer for 'The Adventures of Kesha and Macklemore' Tour. Presented by Live Nation, the tour follows acclaimed and celebrated eras for both artists. For Kesha, that has included her triumphant latest No. 1 album 'Rainbow,' a completely sold-out headlining tour, and two recent GRAMMY nominations. For Macklemore, 'Gemini,' his first solo effort in 12 years, debuted at No. 2 on The Billboard 200 chart, No. 1 on the charts for Rap, R&B/Hip-Hop and Independent Albums and includes Platinum-certified single "Glorious" with the viral video that has been viewed over 95 million times. Macklemore also recently wrapped up a completely sold-out US tour.

The nine-week, 30-market tour pairs the two trailblazing artists for an epic summer trek of North American amphitheaters and arenas, coming to Denver's Pepsi Center on June 17.

$1 from every ticket sold will be donated on 'The Adventures of Kesha and Macklemore' tour. Kesha will donate her proceeds to RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network), the largest anti-sexual assault organization in the US. Macklemore will donate his proceeds to M Plus1, and organization that advances racial and social justice through the M&RL Equity Fund.

Rolling Stone called one of Kesha's recent live performances in Nashville "one of the most positively uplifting, inclusive concert experiences available in 2017." Backed by a live band and with her trademark swagger and playful snarl, Kesha will perform a set of her past global hits, her show-stopping current single "Praying," and other songs from 'Rainbow' (Kemosabe Records/RCA Records), "an artistic feat" (Entertainment Weekly) for the singer, which debuted at No. 1 on The Billboard 200 and topped charts in nearly 30 markets worldwide.

Praised by New York Times, Billboard, Vanity Fair and more, as well as ranked #4 in Rolling Stone's 50 Best Albums of 2017, 'Rainbow' earned Kesha the first GRAMMY nominations of her career, with 'Rainbow' up for Best Pop Vocal Album and "Praying" getting a nod for Best Pop Solo Performance.

LGBTQ Student Resource Center at Auraria Presents Spring Lavender Graduation

Lavender Graduation is a celebration of the accomplishment of graduation, honoring the journey of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual plus (LGBTQIA+) students through college and university. The LGBTQ Student Resource Center at Auraria recently moved to holding both a fall graduation and spring graduation to ensure that students from the Community College of Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and University of Colorado Denver can participate in the ceremony that best matches their graduation timeline.
 
The Spring Lavender Graduation to honor spring and summer graduates will be held this year on May 2nd, 2018 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., in Tivoli 440. They have a form that they’d like for graduates to complete, so please forward to any students that would like to participate in this year’s ceremony: http://bit.ly/aurarialavgrad.

They are also extending an invite for nominations of Auraria campus students, faculty, and staff that can speak to the legacy of Lavender Graduation, the LGBTQIA+ community, and moving forward after college/university. If you would like to nominate someone or yourself, please fill out this form: https://goo.gl/forms/o3vFHU9dOqxUV5jW2.

Be Counted in the 2020 US Census!

The 2020 census is soon approaching, and will have major consequences for policy and funding decisions over the next decade. It will count LGBT people in relationships, which will provide useful statistical insight. But a huge portion of the LGBTQ community remains unaccounted for. Gender identity and sexual orientation questions need to be included as census questions so we can understand and rectify disparities in employment, housing, and other areas affecting LGBTQ communities. Call your representatives (use this link to find them) and utilize this script to request a more inclusive census:

Hi, my name is ____ and I’m a constituent from ________. I’m calling to urge you to ensure that the 2020 Census include questions about gender identity and sexual orientation. The census must accurately count the LGBTQ population to help policymakers address the discrimination this community still faces in areas like housing and employment. Thank you for all of your hard work.

Join Colorado Springs PrideFest and Fine Arts Center for 'Fun Home'

Join Colorado Springs PrideFest and Fine Arts Center for a LGBT + Reception of Alison Bechdel's Fun Home on Friday, April 6, at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. If you haven’t heard of it, Fun Home is an original, refreshingly honest musical punctuated with an innovative score that frames the curiosity of childhood and the complexities of family. Alison’s father was many things: a historical preservationist, a funeral home director, a distant parent, and a closeted gay man. In the struggle to understand her father, while also dealing with her own budding sexuality, Alison reveals memories of her life at three different ages. This Tony Award–winning musical will take audiences on a heartrending and fiercely funny journey.

Why is it a MUST SEE? On Broadway and beyond, the show has made it a priority to champion LGBT+ rights drawing in crowds to watch a show that meaningfully expands audiences’ perceptions of how people navigate life, love, and personal relationships as they recognize and honor their own sexuality.

Use promo code: LGBT+2018 when you purchase tickets for the April 6 performance and receive FREE admission to the exclusive LGBT+ reception before the show – Enjoy free food, drinks, access to the museum, and First Friday festivities in the FAC’s Deco Lounge! *Limited tickets available, while supplies last*

OUT on DVD: Will & Grace (The Revival)

That's right, honey! After a 10 year hiatus, audiences are thrilled that the multiple Primetime Emmy Award-winning original series “Will & Grace” is back and “just as incredible as the original series – hilarious, poignant, and contemporary” (Entertainment Weekly). As Eric McCormack, Debra Messing, Sean Hayes and Megan Mullally reprise their acclaimed roles as Will, Grace, Jack and Karen, the new season picks back up right where it left off – best friends navigating life together once again. Now fans everywhere can own all 16 episodes plus exclusive bonus features of the hysterical and beloved series from creators Max Mutchnick and David Kohan, Will & Grace (The Revival): Season One arrives on DVD on June 12 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

Colorado House of Representatives Passes Bill to Protect LGBTQ Youth from “Conversion Therapy”

Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, hailed a vote from the Colorado House of Representatives passing HB18-1245 — legislation to protect LGBTQ youth in the state from the dangerous and debunked practice of so-called “conversion therapy.” The crucially important bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.

“No child should be subjected to this dangerous and debunked practice condemned by every major medical and mental health organization,” said HRC Legislative Counsel Xavier Persad. “Right now, it’s incredibly important that fair-minded voices across the state of Colorado speak out and demand the Senate pass this crucially important legislation. Young LGBTQ Coloradans deserve to live their lives authentically and should never be subjected to the abusive practice of so-called conversion therapy.”

There is no credible evidence that conversion therapy can change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. To the contrary, research has clearly shown that these practices pose devastating health risks for LGBTQ young people such as depression, decreased self-esteem, substance abuse, homelessness, and even suicidal behavior. The harmful practice is condemned by every major medical and mental health organization, including the American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association, and American Medical Association.

Connecticut, California, Nevada, New Jersey, the District of Columbia, Oregon, Illinois, Vermont, New York, New Mexico, Rhode Island, and Washington all have laws or regulations protecting youth from this abusive practice. A growing number of municipalities have also passed similar protections, including cities and counties in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Washington, Florida, New York, Arizona, and Wisconsin. In addition, the Maryland state legislature passed similar protections earlier this week.

According to a recent report by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law, an estimated 20,000 LGBTQ minors in states without protections will be subjected to conversion therapy by a licensed healthcare professional if state officials fail to act.

HRC has partnered with the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and state equality groups across the nation to pass state legislation ending conversion therapy. More information on the lies and dangers of efforts to change sexual orientation or gender identity can be found here.

Contact your state representative and ask them to support the gay conversion ban tomorrow!

Tomorrow, your state representative will be voting on a bill that will protect LGBTQ young people from so-called "conversion therapy” — a dangerous and discredited practice that falsely claims to change their sexual orientation or gender identity.

CLICK HERE to tell your state representative that they should protect LGBTQ youth by supporting this ban.

All the nation’s leading medical and mental health organizations have come out against these practices — which include the use of shame, verbal abuse, and even techniques like electric shocks. These practices pose serious health risks including depression, guilt, helplessness, hopelessness, social withdrawal, and even suicide.

It's time for Colorado to send a message that we support LGBTQ young people and don't want this happening in our state.

AspenOUT Accepting Grant Applications for 2018

Grant applications now being accepted by AspenOUT for 2018. All profits from Aspen Gay Ski Week are granted to organizations that fit the organization's mission each June. Applications are due April 30, 2018 and you can get the application and more information by visiting AspenOUT Here.

William Shatner Beams to Denver in June

Set phasers to stun and beam yourself to Paramount Theatre on Thursday, June 21st, 2018 for an unforgettable night with the one and only William Shatner (world's preeminent Kirk/Spock shipper), live on stage. Audiences will enjoy a screening of the classic film “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” on the big screen, followed by a live conversation with the one and only “Captain James T. Kirk.”

William Shatner will be sharing fascinating and humorous stories from portraying the original Captain Kirk in the “Star Trek” television series and movies, and from his career spanning over 50 years as an award-winning actor, producer, director and writer. Fans will also have a chance to ask Mr. Shatner their question during the audience-led Q&A. Don’t miss your chance to see a Hollywood legend in this thrill-of-a-lifetime evening. Produced by Mills Entertainment and The Backlot Project.

Tickets range from $49.50 to $99.00 with a limited number of VIP tickets for $150.00 that includes premium seating and a photo opportunity with Mr. Shatner. Tickets go on sale Friday, April 6th at 10am at AltitudeTickets.com, 866-461-6556, and starting Monday, April 9th will also be available for purchase at the Pepsi Center Box Office and Dick’s Sporting Goods Park box office, or Paramount Theatre box office (event days only).

OUTBermuda and Allies Fight for Marriage Equality

OUTBermuda, along with another plaintiff, Maryellen Jackson, have submitted an Originating Summons to the Supreme Court of Bermuda for that court to issue an order declaring that Section 53 of the Domestic Partnership Act 2017 and all other provisions in the act that deal with and give effect to that provision or have the effect of revoking same-sex marriage or making same-sex marriages void, are in contravention of the Bermuda Constitution 1968.

OUTBermuda and Ms. Jackson are actively preparing evidence for submission this week and an application to join their case to the Ferguson v Attorney General case so both cases can be heard together. The trial in the related action is set to be heard by the Chief Justice in May. The two legal teams involved have been in contact.

While marriage equality is just one issue facing the LGBTQ+ community, OUTBermuda believes it is well positioned to provide a legal voice on a topic that has recently been handled like a political football in Bermuda. Together, OUTBermuda and Ms. Jackson strongly oppose any measure to revoke the right to marry by the Bermuda Government and believe that the ruling originally handed down by the Supreme Court of Bermuda in May 2017 permitting same-sex marriage is good law.

OUTBermuda recognises it is far from alone on this issue and has strong support and allies, including Carnival Corporation, one of several cruise companies that sail to Bermuda. OUTBermuda is proud to work with Carnival Corporation, which includes cruise line brands such as Cunard, P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises, as the company has a long history of commitment to equality, inclusion and diversity. Among its many ongoing efforts, the corporation and its nine cruise line brands have been recognized over several years by the Human Rights Campaign for being among the top companies to work for LGBTQ equality, including perfect scores in 2017 and 2016 in HRC’s Corporate Equality Index, which rates U.S. companies on their treatment of LGBTQ consumers, investors and employees.