Colorado to offer non-binary sex identifier on driver licenses and IDs

Colorado residents will be able to have a non-binary sex identifier on their driver licenses or identification cards starting November 30, according to new rules approved today by Colorado Department of Revenue (CDOR) Executive Director Michael S. Hartman.

According to the new rules, individuals will be able to designate M (male), F (female) or X (non-binary), as determined by them and their licensed treating medical or behavioral healthcare provider, and the corresponding designation will appear as the sex identifier on their Colorado driver license or identification card.

For more than a year, the CDOR has been working with Governor Hickenlooper’s Joint ID Task Force on the possibility of adding a non-binary sex identifier on Colorado driver licenses and identification cards. Actions in recent court cases necessitated approval of the emergency rules for the preservation of public health, safety and welfare, and to make the policies of the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) consistent with those court cases.

“It is important Coloradans have a correct sex identifier on their driver licenses and identification cards that reflects their true lived experience. This policy is better for all of Colorado,” said Hartman. “Further, these rules are necessary to limit the CDOR’s legal exposure and to align our policies to be consistent with actions in recent court cases.”

The two Colorado court cases referenced in the adoption of the rules focused on sex designation on federal and state legal documents. On September 19, 2018, the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado ordered the U.S. Department of State to issue a passport with an alternate sex designation to a Colorado resident in Zzyym V. Pompeo.

Additionally, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) settled a court case where the plaintiff, a minor through his parent, sought to have the state’s birth certificate policy declared unconstitutional because it does not allow a person to update the gender marker on their birth certificate unless their sex has been surgically changed. As part of the settlement in B.D. vs CDPHE, CDPHE is making substantive changes to the existing Vital Statistics Regulation to allow female, male and a third sex designation on a birth certificate.

The new rules for sex identifiers on driver licenses and identification cards require individuals to present a DR2083 Change of Sex Designation form with a signature from their licensed treating medical or behavioral healthcare provider confirming the individual received appropriate clinical treatment for their correct sex in person at a driver license office. This requirement does not require an individual to undergo any specific surgery, treatment, clinical care or behavioral healthcare. Also, the clinical care or behavioral healthcare provider may be licensed in another state.

There is no additional fee to change the sex identifier, however, individuals will need to pay the standard fee to obtain a new card.

The emergency rule will go into effect on November 30, with a permanent rulemaking hearing slated for the end of December.

Troye Sivan Paintings for Pandora to be Auctioned & Benefit The Ally Coalition

Starting today and running until Nov. 17th, the 3 original paintings Troye Sivan painted when Pandora asked him to create pieces that represent his album Bloom’s sound, will be auctioned off via eBay.  The auction will run until the 19^th and money raised will benefit The Ally Coalition.

Troye Sivan is currently wrapping up his tour in support of current album Bloom and stars alongside Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe in the film Boy Erased which is in theaters now.  The film is the story of Jared, the son of a small-town Baptist pastor who gets outed to his parents at age 19.  He’s soon faced with an ultimatum – attend a gay conversion therapy program or be permanently exiled and shunned by his family, friends and faith.

The Ally Coalition was founded by the band FUN. (Jack Antonoff, Nate Ruess and Andrew Dost) and fashion designer Rachel Antonoff in 2013. Through tours, special events, online campaigns, and synergistic partnerships, The Ally Coalition provides critical support for organizations dedicated to bettering the lives of LGBTQ youth, raises awareness about the systemic inequalities facing the LGBTQ population, and activates prominent members of the creative community and their fan bases to engage with these issues in meaningful ways.

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.

Transgender Day of Resilience to be Presented by LGBTQ SRC

By Steve Willich, Director, LGBTQ Student Resource Center

Join us as we remember those we’ve lost, and stand in solidarity for those who are still here.

The first half of this event will be a discussion about transgender-related violence and why we see it in society.  The second half will be action planning for allies and a healing space for the gender-expansive people in our community.

We hope to see you all at the event!

Christine and the Queens - The Walker

 

Christine and the Queens today debuts the video for 'The walker,' the new single to be lifted from her highly acclaimed second album, Chris.

The single follows her recent, rapturously received performances of '5 dollars' on BBC1's Graham Norton Show and 'Comme si' on CBS' Late Show with Stephen Colbert . She will also appear on BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge Month on November 21. 'The walker' is directed by Colin Solal Cardo, who also directed the videos for '5 dollars' and 'Doesn't matter'.

"It is about the audacity of someone wounded. By exposing the wounds you can hurl yourself against violence before you are killed by it," said Chris of 'The walker' during her YouTube In Conversation event with Solal Cardo. "The joy of working with Chris is that we get to explore these different universes and aesthetics," adds the director of the video. "I've always loved to explore different cinematic universes and so when I get to explore and pay homage to movies that I love, and tell stories in a different way."

Op/Ed: Why I Support the Alexander Foundation

By Alexander Limas, Vice-Chair, Alexander Foundation Board of Directors

I joined The Alexander Foundation Board of Directors because TAF provides direct support to people who need a hand up. I joined TAF as our scholarship chair and having had the opportunity to read about our recipients, it is clear they are going to help change the world. A gift to TAF on Colorado Gives Day means supporting LGBTQ+ students reach their goals.

“Being a 2018 Alexander Foundation Scholarship recipient is amazing. When I received the e-mail it made me realize that the work I put into any project or opportunity truly pays off, thank you!” - Emilio, 2018 Scholarship Recipient.

You don't have to wait until December 4th to participate! Visit ColoradoGives.org/TheAl

Books: Keep YourEyes on the Skies for Colorado UFOs

Embark on a whirlwind tour of contemporary UFO phenomena occurring in eleven locations throughout the state via Richard Estep's new book Colorado UFOs. 

From the Rocky Mountains to the Denver International Airport to a lonely and isolated UFO Watchtower in the San Luis Valley, join paranormal investigator Richard Estep and other leaders in the field of Colorado Ufology to uncover some of the state's most harrowing stories. Are we alone in the universe, or is there something more to these stories from the Centennial State?

Richard Estep has been investigating claims of the paranormal on both sides of the Atlantic since 1995. Relocating to the United States in 1999, he feeds his fascination with all things ghostly and extraterrestrial with regular field trips to mysterious locations. He is author of several books and his work has been filmed for the TV series Haunted Case Files. When he isn't traveling strange highways, Richard makes his living as a paramedic. Hailing originally from England, he now lives in Colorado with his wife, Laura, and a menagerie of rescued animals.

Rocky Mountain Chapter of American Veterans for Equal Rights joins OutServe-SLDN

Today, OutServe-SLDN and the American Veterans for Equal Rights Rocky Mountain Chapter (AVER-RMC) have announced their merger. Earlier this year, the membership of AVER-RMC voted to officially cede from their umbrella organization and join efforts with OutServe-SLDN’s robust chapter network. Conversations between the leaders of both entities have taken place over the last several weeks to ensure the transition process seamlessly provides support for our Colorado and Wyoming LGBTQ and HIV+ veterans.

American Veterans for Equal Rights – Rocky Mountain Chapter received its charter in 2011 and has spent the last seven years cultivating strong relationships with LGBTQ veterans and community organizations throughout Colorado. Over the last three years, the chapter leveraged their relationships with the Veterans Benefit Administration and the VA Eastern Colorado Healthcare System to ensure more than 2,500 veterans were availed to their hard-earned benefits. AVER-RMC has also been a staple during Colorado’s pride celebrations, leading the Denver Pride Parade with a color guard contingent each year.

“We are proud of the powerful moments, connections, and accomplishments that we realized together over these past seven years and we will carry them with us into the future,” said Sarah Alder, American Veterans for Equal Rights – Rocky Mountain Chapter president. “As we close the proverbial doors to the Rocky Mountain Chapter, we open a new one simultaneously with OutServe-SLDN. Similar to any other military orders, we are moving into the next fight for equality and empowerment of our communities.”

“This merger is going to strengthen our LGBTQ military and veteran communities here in Colorado and Wyoming,” said Brian Schaaf, OutServe-SLDN Chapter Leader for Colorado and Wyoming. “The AVER-RMC members are a dedicated group of veterans that we have been proud to partner with over the last several years. Having them join OutServe-SLDN is exciting and will be a great benefit to our mission of providing support to our community.”

The newly combined chapter will continue to provide free and direct legal, advocacy, and education resources to its members and community partners. Historically, OutServe-SLDN’s chapter network was focused on providing services and resources to our nation’s actively-serving LGBTQ and HIV+ communities. This merger signals OutServe-SLDN’s intended shift to ensure that our nation’s LGBTQ and HIV+ veterans and their families will be availed to these same support resources.

“We are thrilled that AVER-RMC’s membership will be joining the OutServe-SLDN family,” said Andy Blevins, OutServe-SLDN Executive Director. “As an organization, we are broadening the scope of our mission and seeking to provide additional support to our veteran and military family communities. Ensuring that our chapter support functions are included in that streamlined system of support and resources is integral. I look forward to using the combined Colorado and Wyoming chapter as a model for our chapters throughout the world, enabling us to provide the needed support and resources to all members of our nation’s LGBTQ military and veteran communities.”

Members of the newly combined chapter will be joining together for the first time in celebration of Veterans Day, marching in the Denver Veterans Day Parade on November 10th. This Veterans Day is the 100th anniversary of the World War 1 Armistice, the collective efforts of world leaders to end the four-year bloody conflict. Veterans Day has since been celebrated on the anniversary of this Armistice, to honor all that have answered the call to serve this nation through military service.

Those interested in participating are encouraged to contact the chapter leadership for more information on how to get involved for the Veterans Day events and future programming; chapter leadership can be contacted via email, at colorado@outserve-sldn.org.

One Colorado: Because of you, we won!

By Daniel Ramos, Executive Director, One Colorado

The day after the election in 2016, I sent you an email to unpack what had happened. The election of President Trump, and the fact that we didn’t win a pro-equality majority in the state Senate, left all of us feeling scared, but also resolute to never stop fighting for a fair and just state.

Last night, our hard work paid off. Thanks to you and your support, Colorado made history. We elected Jared Polis – the nation’s first openly gay man to be elected governor. We elected a pro-equality attorney general in Phil Weiser. We increased our pro-equality majority in the state House, and we won a pro-equality majority in the state Senate.

Simply put, last night’s election results in Colorado are unprecedented and historic.

But victories don’t come without hard work. Thanks to you and your support, One Colorado and its vast network of volunteers were able to put in the time and effort to help make last night happen.



All I have left to say is thank you. Thank you for never giving up. It speaks volumes how far Colorado has come in just 26 years. In 1992, Colorado was known as the hate state when it passed Amendment 2. Today, in 2018 – we have elected our first openly gay governor and pro-equality majorities in the state House and Senate.

I am so proud of our state, and I can’t wait to see what kind of work we can accomplish together to ensure Colorado continues to move forward as a fair and just state for all.

PS: Check out our statement on last night’s election results and be sure to share on Facebook to spread the good news!

Historic Number of LGBTQ People Elected to U.S. House; LGBTQ Pickups Helped Strengthen New Democratic Majority

Eight openly LGBTQ candidates have won their races for the U.S. House and one will head to a recount – ensuring a historic number of openly LGBTQ candidates in the U.S. Congress next year. Three of the LGBTQ candidates won seats currently held by Republicans, one won in a key swing district held by a retiring Democrat, and four were incumbents. U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin won a resounding reelection in Wisconsin and Kyrsten Sinema’s race for U.S. Senate in Arizona remains too close to call.

“An unprecedented rainbow wave of LGBTQ Congressional candidates helped strengthen the new Democratic majority, flipping three seats and securing eight seats in all,” said Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund. “LGBTQ candidates won over independents and even Republicans to win in some of the most competitive districts in the nation, proving out LGBTQ candidates can secure big wins in tough places. With more LGBTQ candidates in the U.S. House than ever before, we have the opportunity to finally pass equality legislation too long ignored.”

“There was hand-wringing among some politicos about whether LGBTQ candidates would provide the best opportunity for Democrats to pick up seats in red districts. Instead we saw LGBTQ candidates talk openly about their lives to a degree unseen in past elections – and it resonated with voters. We tripled the number of LGBTQ women members of Congress, doubled the number of LGBTQ people of color and increased our overall number of LGBTQ members from six to eight. And we played a key role in securing a pro-equality Congress. America needs authentic, values-driven elected officials in the halls of power right now and voters found those qualities in our out LGBTQ candidates.”

LGBTQ Victory Fund raised more than $235,554 for its endorsed LGBTQ U.S. House candidates and more than $366,000 for its U.S Senate candidates this cycle.

Call for Lavender Graduation and High Tea Ally Nominees

The LGBTQ Student Resource Center is hosting their fall Lavender Graduation & High Tea on December 5th from 2 – 6 p.m.

If you are graduating or know an ally you believe deserves to be recognized, fill out the following forms no later than November 26th!

GRADUATES: https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSdaYmiSNzprlb7xfO…/viewform

HIGH TEA NOMINATIONS: https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLScU9QNhZ5tFV2WfGZ…/viewform

Gay Country Music Superstar Ty Herndon Releases “Walking in Memphis” Dance Mix Video

Country star Ty Herndon has released a new music video for his rendition of the Marc Cohn classic “Walking in Memphis.” This is the third video in a four-part series of dance mixes which also contain Herndon’s smash hit “Living in a Moment” and a cover of Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.”

“Walking in Memphis has always been one of my top five favorite songs to sing,” states Herndon. “We actually cut it for the cover album that’s coming in January. I thought it would be a cool dance mix. And I was right. We had a great time in the studio with this one. We cut the video in at a place called the Rain Studio in Los Angeles.”

 

DNC Celebrates LGBTQ Victories

DNC Chair Tom Perez issued the following statement following the results of last night's elections:

“Congratulatations to all of the newly-elected LGBTQ Democrats on their historic victories last night. The DNC was proud to invest and organize in LGBTQ communities across the country this cycle, and I want to congratulate all of our LGBTQ Democrats for running extraordinary campaigns on the issues that matter most. From Oregon and Colorado, to Kansas and Michigan, Democratic LGBTQ candidates broke down barriers and made history yesterday, while voters in Massachusetts soundly rejected discrimination based on gender identity.

“We’ve come a long way as a nation in our march toward LGBTQ equality, and none of our progress would have been possible without the courage of the countless LGBTQ organizers and activists who marched for it, refused to back down, and demanded a seat at the table.

“The Democratic Party stands with the LGBTQ community in the fight for dignity and equality for all people, no matter who they love or how they identify.

“Democrats put hope on the ballot, and that’s why the American people elected Democrats up and down the ballot across the country. We never backed down from our values of inclusion and opportunity, because we know that those are not only our party’s values, they’re America’s values.”

Congratulations to all of tonight’s newly-elected and re-elected LGBTQ Democrats, including:

Federal
WI-Sen: Sen. Tammy Baldwin
CA-25: Katie Hill
CA-41: Rep. Mark Takano
KS-03: Sharice Davids
MN-02: Angie Craig
NH-01: Chris Pappas
NY-18: Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney
RI-01: Rep. David Cicilline
WI-2: Rep. Mark Pocan

Statewide
CO-Gov: Jared Polis
CT-Comptroller: Hon. Kevin Lembo
MA-AG: Hon. Maura Healy
MI-AG: Dana Nessel
NC-Court of Appeals: Hon. John Arrowood
OR-Gov: Gov. Kate Brown
Guam-LG: Josh Tenorio 

Some Historic State Legislative Wins:
 
Sonya Jaquez Lewis is the first openly LGBTQ Latina elected to the Colorado State House. 

Jennifer Webb is the first openly LGBTQ woman elected to the Florida state legislature.
Brandon Woodward and Susan Ruiz became the first two openly LGBTQ members of the Kansas House of Representatives.

Laont Robinson is the first openly LGBTQ man and first person of color elected to the Illinois General Assembly.

J.D. Ford became the first openly LGBTQ member of the Indiana General Assembly.

Mary Washington became the first openly lesbian woman elected to the Maryland state Senate, and Gabriel Acevero became the first openly gay man of Afro-Latino descent elected to the Maryland General Assembly;

Jeremy Moss is the first openly LGBTQ person elected to the Michigan state Senate;

Megan Hunt became the first openly LGBTQ member of the Nebraska House of Representatives.

Gerri Cannon and Lisa Bunker both won seats in the New Hampshire House of Representatives, becoming the first openly transgender people to serve in the New Hampshire State House.

Nickie Antonio became the first openly LGBTQ person elected to the Ohio state Senate

Malcolm Kenyatta became the first openly LGBTQ person of color elected to the Pennsylvania state legislature

Cody Thompson restored representation in the West Virginia House of Delegates, becoming the body’s only openly LGBTQ member.

For additional LGBTQ wins and live tracking of LGBTQ Candidates, go to victoryfund.com/results2018

Koelbel Urban Homes: The New Modern in Denver

Koelbel Urban Homes (KUH) has quickly emerged as a leader in creating urban neighborhoods that promote community and synergy by integrating life, work and play.

As the newest division of legendary developer Koelbel and Company, KUH is focused on in-fill properties, designing and building innovative homes tailored to each unique site.

Offered homes run the gamut of detached single-family homes to svelte modern attached designs featuring today's popular spaces, such as rooftop decks and open-plan concepts. All KUH homes, of course, are designed for optimum living and with respect for the surroundings.

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