One Colorado: How did your legislators vote on the conversion therapy ban for minors?

By Sarah Clark, Organizing Manager, One Colorado

We did it! After five years, the bill to ban conversion therapy for minors in Colorado is headed to Governor Polis's desk for his signature!

Conversion therapy is based on the false claim that being LGBTQ is a mental illness that needs to be cured ? a view that has been rejected as scientifically invalid by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and every major medical and mental health group for decades.

Your elected officials recently cast their vote in favor of banning this harmful practice or voted to allow the practice to continue.

We want to show your elected officials that LGBTQ Coloradans and their families care about their votes and are watching to ensure that our elected officials are representing us. Send them a quick email now.

Boulder, CO Named One of SeniorAdvice.com's Top 20 Cities for LGBTQ-Friendly Retirement in 2019

SeniorAdvice.com has released their annual list of America's top cities for gay-friendly retirement in 2019. This is the third annual list of best cities for LGBTQ seniors by SeniorAdvice.com and compared to the previous lists, there were many additions as well as several repeats that were identified. 

For the 2019 list, SeniorAdvice.com considered multiple factors, including the following: percentage of LGBTQ population in the area, available social activities, festivals, weather, LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce presence, presence of gay-friendly senior communities, quality of healthcare, number of hospitals and pharmacies, local and state legislation protecting the LGBTQ community, cost of living, the city's score according to the Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index, and the city's SeniorScore™. SeniorScore™ is the first comprehensive un-biased scoring system specifically designed to identify and measure the livability for seniors, and was created by SeniorAdvice.com. The SeniorScore™ ranking is calculated by compiling and factoring over 100 variables, including access to health care and number of senior residents, to help determine how well a specific location accommodates the comfort and needs of senior citizens.
Multiple cities in Florida made the list, including West Palm Beach, for its numerous LGBTQ groups and services, Ft. Lauderdale, mainly for its high senior population, and Tampa, for its affordable living and beautiful beaches. Arizona and Ohio also had several cities make the list. Tucson has year-round warm weather and many retirement communities, and Tempe established protections for LGBTQ individuals from discrimination at home, work and in public spaces in 2014. Toledo boasts continued efforts to foster and embrace diversity and has low housing prices, and Dayton has a number of community programs and services in the city specifically benefitting its LGBTQ citizens.

Previously, the list of top cities for LGBTQ seniors predominately focused on larger U.S. cities. However, this year there was no limit on the size range of cities included. The 2019 list highlights small, medium, and large-sized cities in the United States. SeniorAdvice.com defined small cities as those having 10,000-50,000 residents, medium-sized cities as those ranging in population size of 50,000-500,000 residents, and large cities as having over 500,000 residents. A total of 6 cities were repeats from last year's list and 14 cities were new additions.

The following U.S. cities have been named by SeniorAdvice.com as the most accommodating for LGBTQ seniors in 2019:

1. New Orleans, LA
2. West Palm Beach, FL
3. Tucson, AZ
4. Toledo, OH
5. Alexandria, VA 
6. Tempe, AZ
7. Ft. Lauderdale, FL
8. Austin, TX
9. Dayton, OH
10. Tampa, FL
11. Pittsburgh, PA
12. Boulder, CO
13. Albuquerque, NM
14. Asheville, NC
15. Eugene, OR
16. Salt Lake City, UT
17. Boise, ID
18. Buffalo, NY
19. Bridgeport, CT
20. Santa Ana, CA

According to recent estimates tracked by Gallup Surveys, the national population identifying as LGBTQ is increasing – among the top 50 metropolitan areas, the LGBTQ population averages 4.5 percent. By 2050, the senior population is expected to double to an astonishing 88 million people aged 65 and older. With these numbers increasing each year, the need to discover locations that are welcoming to LGBTQ seniors also increases. SeniorAdvice.com recognizes that the LGBTQ older adult community is currently a very important part of the American population to consider, and has dedicated much time and energy to supporting this group.

 SeniorAdvice.com has previously released several rankings highlighting top places for LGBTQ seniors: "Top 20 Cities for LGBT-Friendly Retirement in 2018," "America's Best Cities for Gay-Friendly Retirement", and "The Top Fifteen LGBT-Friendly Senior Living Communities in the U.S."

HRC Legal Director Sarah Warbelow to Testify at Congressional Hearing on the Bipartisan Equality Act

Today, Sarah Warbelow, Legal Director of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, will testify on Capitol Hill about the urgent need for the Equality Act — crucially important, bipartisan legislation that will finally provide clear, comprehensive non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people across the country. The hearing on the legislation will take place this morning in the Education and Labor Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Human Services. Backed by nearly 70% of Americans, hundreds of members of Congress, more than 180 major businesses and more than 350 statewide and national organizations, the Equality Act has growing, unprecedented support.

“For countless LGBTQ Americans, discrimination is tragically still part of their everyday lives,” said HRC Legal Director Sarah Warbelow. “No one should live in fear of discrimination or harassment, yet in 30 states, LGBTQ people are still at risk of being fired, refused housing or denied services simply because of who they are. The Equality Act is critical for the rights and welfare of millions, and it’s vitally important that Congress pass it and provide clear, consistent protections nationwide.”

The historic hearing today will also include the personal story of Kimberly Shappley, the mother of a transgender child, as well as testimony from Patrick Hedren, the vice president of labor, legal and regulatory policy for the National Association of Manufacturers.

WATCH: HRC President Chad Griffin on introduction of the Equality Act
WATCH: Explainer -- Why Do We Need the Equality Act?
WATCH: Fired for being transgender: Carter Brown’s story
WATCH: Civil Rights Leaders and Advocates Highlight Critical Need for the Equality Act
WATCH: Sally Field, Sam Greisman are Americans for the Equality Act

Discrimination is a real and persistent problem for LGBTQ Americans. HRC polling has found that nearly two-thirds of self-identified LGBTQ Americans report experiencing discrimination. Currently, 50 percent of LGBTQ Americans live in the 30 states that still lack statewide legal non-discrimination protections, leaving their residents and visitors at risk of being fired, denied housing, or refused service because of who they are or whom they love. The Equality Act would guarantee existing civil rights laws apply to LGBTQ people by providing clear, consistent non-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation or gender identity across key areas of life, including employment, housing, credit, education, public spaces and services, federally-funded programs and jury service.

The Equality Act has growing, unprecedented support. More than 180 major corporations have joined HRC’s Business Coalition for the Equality Act. Recent polling finds that a growing majority of Americans — including Republicans, Democrats and Independents — support LGBTQ non-discrimination protections and LGBTQ equality. A recent survey by PRRI found that nearly seven in 10 Americans support laws like the Equality Act. More than 350 statewide and national organizations have endorsed the legislation, including social justice, religious, medical and child welfare organizations.

HRC recently launched a public awareness and advertising campaign called “Americans for the Equality Act.” Filmed by award-winning directors Dustin Lance Black and Paris Barclay, the series debut video featured Academy Award-winning actress Sally Field and her son Sam Greisman. The campaign will feature prominent figures in entertainment, sports and beyond speaking about the need for the legislation.

Natura Obscura Now Extended through September 29!

Due to popular demand, Natura Obscura has been extended to September 29! Since opening on January 11, more visitors have come to MOA's indoor gallery than in all of 2018!

Natura Obscura is an immersive arts exhibition located at their indoor facility at the Englewood Civic Center. Produced by MOA, Prismajic and about 30 additional local artists, it is a self-guided exploration through a surrealist, dreamlike forest that combines art, sculpture, and the latest in augmented, sensor based, and digital technologies.

The installation will be open through September 29 and a time slot reservation ticket is required to enter. Tickets are still available for purchase online. Weekends sell out quickly, so don't delay in getting your tickets.

Project Angel Heart Celebrates 25 Years of Dining Out For Life

Project Angel Heart is announcing Thursday, May 2nd, 2019, as the date for the 25th annual Dining Out For Life®, presented by Bank of America, in Denver and Boulder. Participating restaurants will donate 25 percent of sales on that date to support Project Angel Heart, a nonprofit organization that prepares and delivers medically tailored meals to Colordans living with HIV/AIDS, cancer, heart disease and other life-threatening illnesses.

While Dining Out For Life is an event taking place in 50+ cities, Project Angel Heart is proud to host the largest event internationally, with 32 percent more restaurants and 35 percent more dollars raised than any other market. With an estimated 250 local restaurants and breweries, 80,000+ diners and 200+ volunteers involved, it’s easy to dine out and give back at your favorite neighborhood eatery.

Over the past 25 years, Dining Out For Life has raised nearly $6.2 million to help Project Angel Heart prepare and deliver nutritious, medically tailored meals specifically for clients living with HIV/AIDS. The organization also provides meals for thousands of people living with cancer, end-stage renal disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other life-threatening illnesses.

This year’s list of participating restaurants includes more than 200 returning restaurants and many new restaurants, including notable newcomers Death & Co, Palenque Mezcaleria, French 75, Julep, Señor Bear, Family Jones, and Ash'Kara. While all participants will donate 25 percent of food sales on the date of the event, more than 20 percent will also donate 25 percent of bar sales.

“Our local restaurant community is incredibly generous, making it so that all diners have to do to support a great cause is show up and enjoy," said Amy Daly, director of marketing and communications at Project Angel Heart. "Many restaurants have participated in Dining Out For Life for more than 10 years, and a handful have participated all 25 years.”

DNC Chair On Historic Lightfoot Win in Chicago

DNC Chair Tom Perez released the below statement following Lori Lightfoot’s historic election as mayor of Chicago, Illinois:

“Congratulations to Chicago Mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot on her historic victory tonight. In 2018, trailblazing candidates made history, and broke records across the nation. With Lori’s election, that trend shows no signs of stopping.

“As the first openly LGBTQ woman of color to be elected mayor in any of America’s 100 largest cities and the first black woman to serve as Mayor of Chicago, Lightfoot is an inspiration to thousands of LGBTQ people of color who have a new role model in elected office.

“This historic win reaffirms that our diversity is our greatest strength, and that our elected leaders should reflect the diversity of the communities they represent. I look forward to working with Mayor-elect Lightfoot as she fights to build a brighter future for all. The people of Chicago will be well served with her leadership.”

National Out to Win Day Aims to Increase Representation

Today LGBTQ Victory Institute and 18 partner organizations are participating in the first National Out to Win Day, which aims to raise awareness about the severe underrepresentation of LGBTQ people in elected office. Partner organizations and influencers throughout the country are urging LGBTQ people to pledge to consider a run for office and to nominate LGBTQ people they believe should consider a run. Additionally, LGBTQ elected officials across the nation will wear rainbow to raise the visibility of out officials.

People can take the pledge or nominate an LGBTQ person to run at outtowin.org.

Currently in the United States, LGBTQ people hold just 0.1 percent of elected positions despite being 4.5 percent of the population. America needs to elect 22,272 more LGBTQ people to achieve equitable representation. In an effort to increase representation, those who pledge to consider a run or accept the nomination will receive videos of encouragement from LGBTQ elected officials, resources from campaign experts, and other information intended to make running for office more accessible.

April 2 was chosen for National Out to Win Day because of Kathy Kozachenko’s election to the Ann Arbor, Michigan city council on this day in 1974, becoming the first openly LGBTQ person ever elected to public office. This National Out to Win Day marks the 45th anniversary of that historic achievement. More information about the day is available at outtowin.org.

“Many barriers to entry exist for LGBTQ people considering a run for office, but among the most significant is that we need to be asked more times than white straight cisgender men before we give it serious consideration,” said Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Institute. “Forty-five years ago, Kathy Kozachenko achieved what many thought impossible, so today we continue her legacy by telling LGBTQ people that they can do it too. We need to be asked more times – and we hope for many LGBTQ people, their first ask comes from a friend or colleague or family member on National Out to Win Day.”

House Judiciary Committee Holds Historic Hearing on the Bipartisan Equality Act

Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) released the following statement ahead of the first-ever hearing on the Equality Act set to take place this morning in the House Judiciary Committee. The crucially important, bipartisan legislation will finally provide clear, comprehensive non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people across the country. The Equality Act has unprecedented support and is backed by nearly 70% of Americans, hundreds of members of Congress, more than 180 major businesses and more than 330 statewide and national organizations.

“No one should live in fear of discrimination or harassment because of who they are or whom they love,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “LGBTQ Americans still face real and persistent discrimination in their everyday lives, and their rights should not be determined by what side of a city or state line they live on. It’s crucial that Congress advance the bipartisan Equality Act, and today’s historic hearing by the House Judiciary Committee is an important first step toward ensuring LGBTQ people are protected from discrimination across this country.”

WATCH: HRC President Chad Griffin on introduction of the Equality Act

WATCH: Explainer -- Why Do We Need the Equality Act?

WATCH: Fired for being transgender: Carter Brown’s story
WATCH: Civil Rights Leaders and Advocates Highlight Critical Need for the Equality Act

The historic hearing today will include personal stories from Carter Brown and Jami Contreras, as well as testimony from Sunu Chandy, Legal Director, National Women's Law Center; Tia Silas, Vice President and Global Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, IBM Corporation; Rev. Dr. Dennis Wiley, Pastor Emeritus, Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ; and Kenji Yoshino, Chief Justice Earl Warren Professor of Constitutional Law at New York University School of Law.

Discrimination is a real and persistent problem for LGBTQ Americans. HRC polling has found that nearly two-thirds of self-identified LGBTQ Americans report experiencing discrimination. Currently, 50 percent of LGBTQ Americans live in the 30 states that still lack statewide legal non-discrimination protections, leaving their residents and visitors at risk of being fired, denied housing, or refused service because of who they are or whom they love. The Equality Act would guarantee existing civil rights laws apply to LGBTQ people by providing clear, consistent non-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation or gender identity across key areas of life, including employment, housing, credit, education, public spaces and services, federally-funded programs and jury service.

The Equality Act has growing, unprecedented support. More than 180 major corporations have joined HRC’s Business Coalition for the Equality Act. Recent polling finds that a growing majority of Americans — including Republicans, Democrats and Independents — support LGBTQ non-discrimination protections and LGBTQ equality. A recent survey by PRRI found that nearly seven in 10 Americans support laws like the Equality Act. More than 330 statewide and national organizations have endorsed the legislation, including social justice, religious, medical and child welfare organizations.

LGBTQ Civil Rights Leaders & Judiciary Vice Chair Rep. Scanlon Call for Passage of Bipartisan Equality Act

 

Today, ahead of the first-ever hearing on the Equality Act tomorrow in the House Judiciary Committee, civil rights leaders and advocates joined Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon on Capitol Hill to highlight the critical need, efforts and unprecedented support for H.R. 5. The crucially important, bipartisan legislation would provide clear, comprehensive non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people and strengthen existing protections for all people covered by the United States’ civil rights laws. Leaders of civil rights organizations and members of the LGBTQ community shared stories of discrimination that demonstrate the urgent need for the long overdue, historic legislation. The House Judiciary Committee and Chairman Jerry Nadler (D-NY) will hold the first hearing of the Equality Act on Tuesday April 2 at 10:00 AM.

“The Equality Act is a long time coming — the result of the courage of activists and advocates who have risked their lives, raised their voices, and demanded that we tear down the barriers to the American Dream for the LGBTQ community,” said Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-5). “Every American should be able to live, work, and attend school in an environment free from hate, free from discrimination, and free from artificial limits imposed by prejudice. The Equality Act will ensure the full legal and social equality of the LGBTQ community and Congress must have the courage to codify these rights into law.”

“Tomorrow, we take an important step toward equality as Congress holds the first hearing in history on a comprehensive LGBTQ civil rights bill,” said HRC National Press Secretary Sarah McBride. “For too many LGBTQ people, discrimination isn’t just a risk, it’s an everyday reality. No one’s rights should depend on the zip code they live in or which side of a state line they work on, which is why we urgently need the Equality Act.”

“Too many transgender people are denied peace, dignity, and safety, and we were reminded of the tragic consequences of that over this past weekend—on Sunday morning, we were heartbroken to learn of the death of Ashanti Carmon, a young Black transgender woman,” said Mara Keisling, Executive Director of the National Center of Transgender Equality. “To be sure, no single piece of legislation can hope to permanently end assault and murder against transgender people. But the Equality Act is a necessary step to point our nation in the right direction.”

“Protecting LGBTQ Americans from discrimination is about people, not politics. It’s about building a country where every one of us can go about our daily lives without the fear of discrimination or violence - no matter who we love, who we are, or where we live,” said Masen Davis, CEO of Freedom for All Americans.

“This transformative legislation would ensure that LGBTQ people across the country have clear, consistent protections in the public sphere. And the bill would clarify our civil rights laws to strengthen protections for all people — including women, religious groups, and people of color,” said Kristine Lucius, Executive Vice President for Policy, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. “When our society is more equal, we are all better for it.”

“At its best, America is defined by an abiding faith in the values of love, compassion, and respect for our common humanity,” said Winnie Stachelberg, Executive Vice President of External Affairs at the Center for American Progress. “I am proud to join advocates in every corner of our nation in urging Congress to pass the bipartisan Equality Act of 2019. And I hope this week’s historic hearings on the bill will bring our nation closer to finally passing this vital piece of landmark legislation.”

F*** Me Gently With A Chainsaw, Heathers the Musical is Coming to Denver!

Equinox Theatre Company presents the second show of their 11^th season: Heathers: The Musical, April 5 through 27 with shows Friday and Saturday nights.

Heathers The Musical is the darkly delicious story of Veronica Sawyer, a brainy, beautiful teenage misfit who hustles her way into the most powerful and ruthless clique at Westerberg High: the Heathers. But before she can get comfortable atop the high school food chain, Veronica falls in love with the dangerously sexy new kid J.D. When Heather Chandler, the Almighty, kicks her out of the group, Veronica decides to bite the bullet and kiss Heather’s aerobicized ass...but J.D. has another plan for that bullet.

“I’m so excited to be bringing Heathers to our audiences at The Bug Theatre,” said Director Deb Flomberg-Rollins. “The original movie shocked me to my core when I first saw it. I’d never seen a movie take such a frank and harsh look at the hallowed halls of High School, and I connected to so many of the moments and characters — from Veronica’s struggle to find her place in the world to the bullying of Martha Dunstock. Without Heathers there would be no Mean Girls, Jaw Breaker or Clueless and it paved the way for hit shows like Beverly Hills 90210 and Freaks and Geeks and so many more films and shows that address the universal themes of the desire to belong, the crushing weight of isolation, and dealing with the spark of burgeoning sexuality that affect teenagers across the country."

Misterb&b Gives LGBTQ Community & Allies Opportunity To Invest

Misterbandb, the world’s largest short-term rental marketplace dedicated to the Gay community, has launched a Wefunder campaign to give guests, hosts, and the public the opportunity to invest in the company to help launch expansion to hotels.

Homosexuality is illegal in a third of the world, and in 8 countries, it is punishable by death. In the U.S., hate crime incidents increased by 17% from 2016 to 2017, as reported by the FBI’s yearly "Hate Crime Statistics" report, with 20.6% due to sexual-orientation -- the largest increase since 9/11.

Not knowing whether a host will be welcoming makes “traveling while gay” for men, women, and gender non-conforming people around the world dangerous - and potentially life-threatening.

At hotels, global gay travelers have been rejected or forced to book separate rooms. The only solutions available to them are third-party, unverified, user-generated reviews.

misterb&b was created to give its community the freedom to book an entire home or rent a private room at the home of a gay or gay-friendly host, and with many located in gay-friendly neighborhoods.

Now, after verticalizing the short term rental industry, misterb&b wants to build equality into the sharing economy and give back to a community that’s been historically economically marginalized, by providing the misterb&b community with the power of part ownership of the company.

The funds, raised through Wefunder, which reached half a million dollars in just 7 days, will be used to provide gay and gay-friendly hotel rooms on the platform.

This new offering curates gay-friendly and welcoming hotels that have been hand-selected by the company’s editorial team, with high quality, exclusive, and verified reviews from LGBTQ travelers. What’s more, misterb&b travelers will be able to discover and connect with others from the misterb&b community staying at their hotel, and to explore the city together - especially because there’s truly safety in numbers.

Crowdfunding provides a way for all individuals (even non-accredited investors) to participate in investment opportunities and reap the benefits.

Matthieu Jost did not want to go the traditional route of investment for this round because he wanted to extend the opportunity first to the misterb&b community, many of whom may not be accredited investors.

“This is a unique opportunity to own a part of misterb&b and help us create a more welcoming world. We are reaching out to the most passionate people in the community: our hosts and our guests, as well as LGBTQ allies,” said Matthieu Jost, founder of misterb&b. “We want to provide the opportunity to financially benefit from our successes - giving back to a community that’s been historically economically marginalized.”

While the sharing economy for short-term rentals has increased, it has been difficult for gay hosts and travelers to feel secure and welcome. misterb&b is a response to strong demand for collaborative tourism in the booming niche of global gay tourism, a $100B market. The gay market is also a premium segment, traveling twice as much as other travelers.

“The online travel industry is already generating massive business worldwide and innovation keeps on thriving in this sector,” said Jean Bourcereau, managing partner at Ventech, a member of misterb&b’s board of directors. “misterb&b’s early commercial traction and tremendous growth over the past two years have proven the huge value of their differentiated offer for both hosts and guests.”

misterb&b is a graduate of 500 Startups and have raised US$13.5M from institutional investors like Project A and Ventech, and from angels like Joel Simkhai (founder of Grindr, sold for $300M USD). The marketplace has 310,000 hosts in over 135 countries.

"We have a penchant for companies with strong growth and revenue. Not only does misterb&b have both, but they also have a stellar team,” said Christine Tsai from 500 startups

For more information and to invest, interested hosts, guests and allies can visit https://wefunder.com/misterbandb

The Gay Vegans: A Note to Restaurant Owners

By Dan Hanley

Well, to be honest up front, this is more than a note.

Mike and I eat out often. We have our favorites and also check out new places to us often. I have have had so many “not good” experiences in the last several months that I decided it was time to write about them.

I won’t share which restaurants I have had experiences in. I’ll also add that we typically only go to restaurants where we think we can get a delish vegan meal.

First I’d like to offer a kind word of advice to restaurants that have no interest in serving vegan options or bringing in people who want a delish vegan dish. I guess this is more of a request. If you fall into this category, no judgement, simply let people know. That would be sweet. Then we don’t waste our time, and you and your staff don’t get irritated. I honestly don’t care if you think vegans are difficult to cook for or that you love beef. I’m there to have a delish vegan meal. I didn’t come into your restaurant to cause a ruckus or debate food with you. There are many ways to communicate to people that you don’t serve vegan dishes. Save us all the time. Thank you.

Now to restaurants that do want to serve delish vegan food and welcome people who want this type of food.

If you’re not an all-vegan spot, please label dishes that are vegan or can be made vegan. This is super helpful.

Please put as much time in creating delish vegan meals as you do other meals. We love amazing food. And serving crappy vegan food is not good for veganism (or for you).

Please teach your staff about veganism. Getting an “I’m not sure” when asking about whether a dish is vegan or not leads me to believe that the person serving me my meal is unsure of what they are serving me, which doesn’t bring a high level of confidence.

Please keep your unused tables clean. My expectation isn’t that a table is cleaned immediately after a customer leaves, which is different from walking into a place where more than half of the empty tables are dirty. The cleanliness deal also refers to your restrooms. If your restroom is dirty it makes me think that your kitchen might be dirty and then I question whether to stay or not.

When I write about restaurants I look at delish vegan options and hospitality. The way your staff treats people matters. Kindness is super easy. Guests asking about ingredients only want to make sure they’re not consuming anything they don’t wish to consume. A kind, friendly server is a huge deal.

I hope this short list is helpful. A couple of delish vegan options on your menu can certainly change your business plan and bring so many more people in. I am frequently going out to eat with a group of people and I am the only vegan, yet the restaurant is chosen based on what has options for me. That ten top in the back with one vegan could certainly help on a slow Monday night.

Thank you for reading.

2019 LGBTQ Denver Mayoral Forum

Join One Colorado for a forum with candidates for Denver Mayor this Thursday to discuss issues that impact LGBTQ Coloradans and their families. Confirmed participants are Mayor Michael Hancock, Penfield Tate, Dr. Lisa Calderon, Kayln Heffernan, and Jamie Giellis.

Out singer Mathew V releases latest single “Catching Feelings”

Out Canadian singer-songwriter Mathew V is thrilled to release his latest single “Catching Feelings” via 604 Records. The extremely danceable track marks an evolution in Mathew’s career, following the release of his 2018 album 'The Fifth.' Co-written and produced by Ryan Stewart, Mathew is proud of his latest creation. “Knowing Ryan’s catalogue, when we finally got into the studio together, I knew I wanted something fun, cheeky and playful. The song developed in front of our eyes, and it really became our lovechild for a few months.”

“Catching Feelings” is infused with fun lyrics and dynamic beats, accomplishing Mathew’s goal for the song. “I really wanted this song to be something people could dance to. That really isn’t something I’d done before and it was super fun to explore that side of me. I want this to be a song people can listen to when they are thinking of their high school crush. Channelling nostalgia, fun, and playful energy.”

One Colorado: Support SB19-085: It's Time for Equal Pay for Equal Work!

By Sarah Clark, Organizing Manager, One Colorado 

Your elected officials will soon be considering SB19-085,  a crucial piece of legislation aimed at addressing the pay gap in Colorado.  We know that pay equity is a real and persistent problem for LGBTQ Coloradans and their families and it's time to level the playing field.  It's time to let your elected officials know that you support equal pay for equal work. 

Based on data collected in our 2016 needs assessment,  transgender Coloradans, cisgender women, and LGBTQ people of color make less money on average compared to heterosexual, cisgender white men.

SB19-085 works to address pay inequity by prohibiting employers from doing the following:

⇒ Seeking the wage rate history of a prospective employee
⇒ Relying on a prior wage rate to determine a wage rate
⇒ Discriminating or retaliating against a prospective an employee for failing to disclose the employee's wage rate history
⇒ Discharging or retaliating against an employee for actions by an employee asserting the rights established by the bill against an employer

This bill is likely to be heard in the state senate this week before it moves to the state house. 

Click here to contact your elected officials and ask them to support equal pay for equal work. Our elected officials need to know that their votes affect the lives of real people.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to keep Colorado moving in the right direction.