Wednesday, December 12, 2018

152 LGBTQ Elected Officials Call on 116th Congress to Act on Four Key Initiatives to Advance LGBTQ Equality

More than 150 openly LGBTQ elected officials and newly elected officials from across the nation are calling on the incoming U.S. Congress to act on four key initiatives related to LGBTQ equality. The letter was drafted after a closed-door convening of LGBTQ elected officials at LGBTQ Victory Institute’s International LGBTQ Leaders Conference last week. The conference is the largest convening of LGBTQ elected officials in the world – with more than 140 elected officials from 26 countries, as well as 400 other advocates and leaders.   
 
The letter calls on Congress to:
  1. pass The Equality Act to expand non-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity;
  2. reduce HIV/AIDS by forming an advisory commission, advocating a “Getting to Zero” goal, and taking proactive measures to address disparities in communities of color;
  3. protect trans people from anti-trans Trump administration policies and other measures; and
  4. improve LGBTQ rights globally by supporting asylum claims and ensuring LGBTQ rights is a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy.

“LGBTQ political power is growing thanks to the rainbow wave of LGBTQ people who won elected office in November – and this letter is the first sign of us wielding that new power,” said Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Institute. “The current U.S. Congress failed to advance equality policies and legislation that most Americans support: non-discrimination protections, addressing the HIV/AIDS crisis, protecting trans people from abusive policies, and being a moral voice on the global stage. The next Congress can remedy these wrongs and LGBTQ elected officials are determined to add their voice and energize their constituents around these important measures. The officials who attended our conference and signed this letter won elected office because voters demanded authentic, values-driven leadership. That is what they are delivering on and we hope the new Congress delivers as well.”
The letter will be delivered to members of Congress in the next session and was spearheaded by West Hollywood City Councilmember John Heilman and organized by LGBTQ Victory Institute. The complete text can be found at victoryinstitute.org/116congressletter.
The 152 signatories so far include:
Zach Adamson, Vice President of Indianapolis City-County Council (IN)
James Aguilar, San Leandro Unified School Board Trustee (CA)
Victor Aguilar, San Leandro City Councilman-elect (CA)
Ben Allatt, Vice President of Harrisburg City Council (PA)
Raghib Allie-Brennan, Connecticut State Representative-Elect
Francena Amparo, Dutchess County Legislator (NY)
Nickie Antonio, Ohio State Representative and State Senator-Elect
Judy Appel, Berkeley Unified School District School Board Trustee (CA)
Kelvin Atkinson, Nevada Senate Majority Leader
Barbara Baier, Lincoln Board of Education Member (NE)
John Bauters, Mayor of Emeryville (CA)
Wendy Berry, West St. Paul City Councilmember (MN)
Jeremy Blake, Newark City Councilmember
Joshua Boschee, Minority Leader in North Dakota House of Representatives
David Bria, Yardley Councilmember (PA)
Lisa Bunker, New Hampshire State Representative-Elect
Sara Burlingame, Wyoming State Representative
Deborah Butler, North Carolina State Representative
Ed Butler, New Hampshire State Representative
Christopher Cabaldon, Mayor of West Sacramento (CA)
Park Cannon, Georgia State Representative
Andres Cano, Arizona State Representative
James Cappleman, City of Chicago Alderman
Kevin Carden, Recorder in Corporation of Harpers Ferry (WV)
James Chang, Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board Commissioner (CA)
Cesar Chavez, Arizona State Representative
Justin Chenette, Maine State Senator
Chris Clark, Mountain View City Councilmember (CA)
Cathy Connolly, Minority Floor Leader in Wyoming House of Representatives
Richard Conti, President Pro Tem of Albany Common Council (NY)
Christopher Constant, Anchorage Assemblymember (AK)
Julian Cyr, Massachusetts State Senator
Allison Dahle, North Carolina State Representative-Elect
Thomas Davidson, Summit County Commissioner (CO)
Larry Forester, Signal Hill Councilmember (CA)
Michael Defusco, Hoboken City Councilman (NJ)
Scott Dibble, Minnesota State Senator
Beth Doglio, Washington State Representative
Randy Downs, Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (Washington, DC)
Adam Ebbin, Virginia State Senator
Harrie Farrow, Carroll County Justice of the Peace (AR)
Ryan Fecteau, Maine State Representative and Assistant Majority Leader
Greg Ford, Vice Chairman of Wake County Board of Commissioners (NC)
Larry Forester, Signal Hill Councilmember (CA)
Shay Franco-Clausen, Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority (CA)
Jesse Gantt, Vice President of Susquehanna Township School Board (SD)
Brian Garcia, Tempe Union Governing Board Member (AZ)
Joseph Geierman, Doraville City Councilmember (GA)
Steven Glassman, Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner (FL)
Diana Gonzalez, Vermont State Representative
Mary Gonzalez, Texas State Representative
Michael Goodnow, Bremerton City Council (WA)
Steve Hansen, Vice Mayor of Sacramento (CA)
Bruce Harris, Mayor of Chatham Borough (NJ)
John Heilman, West Hollywood Councilmember (CA)
Rosanna Herber, Director-Elect of Sacramento Municipal Utility District
Leslie Herod, Colorado State Representative
Dana Hilliard, Mayor of Somersworth (NH)
Jon Hoadley, Michigan State Representative
Matt Hughes, Town of Hillsborough Commissioner (NC)
Megan Hunt, Nebraska State Senator-Elect
Jay Irwin, Ralston School Board Member (NE)
Andrea Jenkins, Vice President of Minneapolis City Council
Laurie Jinkins, Washington State Representative
Anne Kaiser, Maryland House of Delegates
Gabe Kearney, Petaluma Councilmember (PA)
Michelle Kennedy, Greensboro Councilmember (NC)
Audra Killingsworth, Apex Town Councilmember (NC)
Rebecca Kislak, Rhode Island Representative-Elect
Geoffrey Kors, Palm Springs City Councilmember (CA)
Ben Ku, Gwinnett County Commissioner (GA)
Shawn Kumagai, Dublin City Councilmember-Elect (CA)
Sandra Kurt, Clerk of Courts of Summit County (OH)
Jack Patrick Lewis, Massachusetts State Representative
Marko Liias, Washington State Senator
Signe Lindell, Santa Fe City Councilor (NM)
Bill Lippert, Vermont State Representative
Raymond A. Lopez, City of Chicago Alderman
LaWana Mayfield, Charlotte City Councilmember (NC)
John McCrostie, Idaho State Representative
Tippi McCullough, Arkansas State Representative-Elect
Luis Medina, Lewisburg Borough Councilmember (PA)
Douglas Metcalfe, School Director of Twin Valley School District (PA)
Lisa Middleton, Palm Springs Councilmember (CA)
Daniel Miller, Treasurer of Harrisburg (PA)
Brian Mock, Chamblee Councilmember (GA)
Dominick Moreno, Colorado State Senator
Marcia Morey, North Carolina State Representative
Jason Morgan, Washtenaw County Commissioner (MI)
Kevin Morrison, Cook County Board Commissioner (IL)
Jeremy Moss, Michigan State Senator-Elect
Garrett Muscatel, New Hampshire State Representative
Donna Nesselbush, Rhode Island State Senator
Andrea Olsen, Montana State Representative
Laura Parmer-Lohan, San Carlos City Councilmember (CA)
Roy Peterson, New Carrollton City Councilmember (MD)
Greg Pettis, Mayor of Cathedral City (CA)
Michael Poppa, Roeland Park Councilmember (KS)
Karin Power, Oregon State Representative
Jeffrey Prang, Assessor of Los Angeles County (CA)
Austin Quinn-Davidson, Anchorage Assemblymember (AK)
Gabriel Quinto, El Cerrito Councilmember (CA)
Sam Park, Georgia State Representative
Neil Rafferty, Alabama State Representative-Elect
Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, City of Chicago Alderman
Alex Randolph, Vice-President of City College of San Francisco Board of Trustees
Greg Razer, Missouri State Representative
Alex Reber, Millersburg Borough Treasurer (PA)
Lois Reckitt, Maine State Representative
Janelle Rettig, County Supervisor of Johnson County (IA)
Felix Rivera, Anchorage Assemblymember (AK)
Lamont J Robinson, Illinois State Representative-Elect
Paul Rosenthal, Colorado State Representative
Evan Ross, Amherst Town Councilor (MA)
Deborah Ruggiero, Rhode Island State Representative
Susan Ruiz, Kansas State Representative-Elect
Michael Sabatino, Majority Leader of Yonkers City Council (NY)
Janelle K. Sarauw, U.S. Virgin Islands Senator
Lori Schreiber, Abington Township Commissioner (PA)
Chris Schwartz, Black Hawk County Supervisor (IA)
Katie Scott, Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners (MI)
Kristin Seale, Director of Rose Tree Media School Board (PA)
Damon Seils, Mayor Pro Tempore of Carrboro (NC)
Debra Shore, Commissioner of Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
Jeffrey Slavin, Mayor of Somerset (MD)
Paul Smedberg, Alexandria City Councilmember (VA)
Carlos Guillermo Smith, Florida State Representative
Marque Snow, Omaha Public Schools Board of Education Member (NE)
Karen Stegman, Chapel Hill Councilmember (NC)
Ty Stober, Vancouver Councilmember (WA)
Ron Strouse, Mayor of Doylestown (PA)
Michael Sutphin, Blacksburg Town Councilmember (VA)
Eric-John Szczepaniak, Kenowa Hills Public Schools Board of Education Member (MI)
Joshua Tenorio, Lieutenant Governor-Elect of Guam
Brianna Titone, Colorado State Representative-Elect
Tyler James Titus, Erie City School Board Director (PA)
Dave Upthegrove, King County Councilmember (WA)
Alex Valdez, Colorado State Representative
Nancy VanReece, Nashville and Davidson County Metro Councilmember
Lawrence Webb, Chair Falls Church City School Boardmember
Jennifer Webb, Florida State Representative-Elect
Tyller Williamson, Monterey City Councilmember (CA)
Claire Wilson, Washington State Senator
Matthew Wilson, Georgia State Representative-Elect
Brett Withers, Nashville and Davidson County Metro Councilmember
Patrick Wojahn, Mayor of College Park (MD)
Brandon Woodard, Kansas State Representative
Zach Young, Goodlettsville City Commissioner (TN)
JoCasta Zamarripa, Wisconsin State Assemblymember
Ahmad Zahra, Fullerton City Councilmember (CA)
Amy Zanelli, Lehigh County Commissioner (PA)
Les Zendle, Desert Healthcare District Director (CA)

Uno Mas Taqueria: Farm-to-table, absolutely fresh locally sourced food


Uno Mas Taqueria y Cantina is one of those cool little hole-in-the-wall gems that once discovered, you don’t want to tell your friends about in case it gets too busy.

They opened in 2013, bringing elevated street tacos to South Pearl, along with specialty tequillas and drinks, traditional tortas, appetizers, and classic Mexican desserts.



Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Get Your Tickets for the largest Nuggets Pride Night ever

Make sure you grab your tickets and help One Colorado take over the Pepsi Center for the third annual LGBTQ Pride Night with the Denver Nuggets on Friday, December 14th! Get your tickets here!

The Nuggets will be taking on the Oklahoma City Thunder -- you won’t want to miss it! All ticket purchases will include a Denver Nuggets Pride Night t-shirt and a $5 donation to One Colorado.

OUT on VOD: 1:54



 In 1:54, Tim is a shy sixteen-year-old athlete with a natural gift for running, dealing with the loss of his mother as well as his sexuality. However, the last four years of high school have been tough on him because of Jeff and his crew. In his last year of school, Tim is sick and tired of feeling like a loser, and wants to shine for once. He decides to stand up to Jeff by dethroning him in the 800m championship, the event Jeff is known for in school. But behind the competition and rivalry, a secret is wreaking havoc. After a personal video is shared on social media, Tim’s private life is about to explode into the public eye. Soon Tim finds himself pushed to the edge because of the pressure he endures, the edge where human limits reach the point of no return.

Sin City Classic LGBTQ Sports Festival Returns for 12th Year

The Greater Los Angeles Softball Association (GLASA) is pleased to announce that 20 sports will compete at the 12th annual Sin City Classic Sports Festival. With registration now open, the festival has grown to include a global footprint and has become the world’s largest annual LGBTQ sporting event. The 2019 Sin City Classic will take place on January 17-20, 2019, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“As the festival continues to thrive, we know our athletes’ expectations remain high. To that end, we have added more nightly events than ever before to help keep the athletes busy both competing and making connections with other athletes and friends over the course of the four days,” said Ken Scearce, tournament director for Sin City Classic.

Each January the festival brings together LGBTQ sports associations from around the world in order for LGBTQ athletes, fans and allies to enjoy a weekend full of competition, companionship and fun. In addition to a full roster of sporting competitions, the festival includes nightly social events, including an Opening Night registration party and the Closing Night celebration, which will be held at the LINQ Promenade’s Brooklyn Bowl.

This year the Sin City Class has adopted a new initiative, “Play You.” The tournament welcomes all athletes, regardless of sexual orientation, and promotes an open environment for everyone to participate in sports through the “Play You” initiative. Athletes attending the festival “play” sports in their local communities, but it is not always easy to be “you” in some cities. The Sin City Classic encourages athletes to attend, participate and live authentically.

GLASA started the Sin City Classic 12 years ago as a softball tournament. Over the years the tournament has grown to include over 240 participating softball teams, as well as an additional 24 sports having participated at some point throughout the years. GLASA remains committed to creating the best experience possible for all the dedicated athletes who participate and the fans and allies to come to enjoy the festival.

“Since 1978, GLASA’s mission has been to create a fun, safe and welcoming environment for LGBTQ people to play sports, regardless of their athletic experience or ability. While our primary focus is softball, partnering with many other great sports organizations on the Sin City Classic has allowed us to reach so many more people,” said GLASA Commissioner Larry Ruiz. “We sincerely hope that the Sin City Classic in Las Vegas is a blast for everyone who attends. We also hope that it helps to grow excitement for LGBTQ sports in local communities everywhere.”

One Colorado: Time is running out to enroll in health insurance

By Cara Cheevers, Policy Director, One Colorado Education Fund
Do you need to purchase health insurance on Connect for Health Colorado, our state’s health insurance marketplace? You’ve only got a few more days to do so to have health insurance that starts on January 1, 2019.

Are you seeking insurance coverage for transition-related care or a person living with HIV that needs specific prescription drug coverage? We’ve got some resources that will help find the insurance carrier that’s right for you.

Here’s what you need to know: 

• Saturday, December 15, 2018 is that last day that you can purchase health insurance that will begin on January 1, 2019
• You have until January 15, 2019, when open enrollment ends, if you don’t need insurance that starts on January 1st.
• You can talk to a navigator and purchase health insurance online from Connect for Health Colorado.

We’ve also released three new and improved health insurance guides, so that transgender Coloradans and people living with HIV can make informed decisions about which insurance companies provide them with coverage that meets their needs: 


• 2019 Transgender Health Insurance Buyer’s Guide
• 2019 Hormone Therapy Prescription Coverage Guide
• 2019 PrEP and HIV Prescription Coverage Guide

These guides not only look at whether the seven plans on the marketplace cover behavioral health services, hormone therapy, and gender-affirming surgery, but also review the availability of an LGBTQ health navigator, coverage of puberty blockers for minors, quality of hormone therapy coverage, and HIV prescription coverage.

Don't wait to get covered! You have until December 15, 2018 to get health care that starts on January 1, 2019. Shop online now or call 855-PLANS-4-YOU.
 

P.S. Don't forget to tell your friends and family — share this on Facebook and Twitter with the hashtags #GetCovered, #COHealth, and #LGBTQHealthMatters!

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.

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.

Monday, December 10, 2018

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.

Nice to See StevieB: Done With School

By StevieB

Today was the last day of class. I have to say this is the very first time I’m sad about this. Historically, I’m counting down the days until the semester ends. Dreading the last couple of weeks. But, this semester has been completely different. My classes have been amazingly interesting; Feminist/Queer Philosophy and a history class about Denver.

This is ironic as the history class was based upon the racist KKK dickheads that controlled Denver in the early days. Followed by a class based on liberating modern voices in queer literature. In fact this morning I received this...




It didn’t hurt that I’m 100 years old and actually lived the ‘80’s/‘90’s AIDS crisis. At one point I was explaining Act Up to 20 year old girls. Like I was on the front porch of a gay retirement home in a rocking chair. But, hey, I guess I got an "A".

The Denver history class is motivating me to start a new YouTube channel. Based loosely around the traditional history narrative about a western US city, but with a marginalized voice perspective. Like what happened to Denver’s China Town? Spoiler: Racists. It’s callled the "1880 Race Riot", but really it was a "white assholes with torches"

So, yeah. This semester was actually amazing and I’m sad to see it go.