Thursday, May 2, 2019

National LGBTQ Task Force: An Excuse to Discriminate


By Victoria Kirby York, Deputy Director of the Advocacy and Action Department, National LGBTQ Task Force

Today, the Trump administration released a religious refusal rule that allows medical providers to choose not to provide care to a patient based on their personal beliefs. This is discriminatory, harmful, and outright immoral.

Donate today so we can continue our leadership in monitoring and responding to the Trump administration’s policies through the FedWatch program.

Trump claims that allowing health care providers to deny care based on their religious beliefs will not harm LGBTQ people, but we know that is not true. We have seen people use exemptions like this to refuse service in businesses and foster care.

This rule will have negative impacts on transgender people, the LGBTQ community, women, people of color, people living with HIV, and more who could be denied life-saving health care.

It is even more unconscionable that this rule was announced on the National Day of Prayer that focused on the theme “love one another.” As a Christian, I know that this is not what Jesus had in mind when he said to love your neighbor as yourself.

Today’s rule is dangerous, and we are anticipating a much worse health care proposal from the administration any day now. Everyone deserves affordable, quality health care, especially the most marginalized who already face barriers to access.

Donate today so we can continue our leadership in monitoring and responding to the Trump administration’s policies through the FedWatch program.

FedWatch enlists over 300 federal policy experts from more than 120 organizations who monitor changes being made by the Trump administration and let you know what you can do to help stop them.


Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Cotopaxi Questival - An Adventure Race Like No Other

24 hours. Your city. And a group of friends.

The Cotopaxi Questival is a 24-hour adventure race where teams of 2-6 friends explore the unknown in their city and the wild spaces around it, do things they never thought possible, and share the excitement with a fun and supportive community. Make 2019 the year you step off the map of your own life and explore new spaces with Questival.

Enter code "Q-SPOTLIGHT-DEN" at checkout to get $10 off of each Denver Questival ticket in your order.

Retired NFL Player Jeff Rohrer Raising Kids with Ex-Wife and His New Husband Under the Same Roof

Jeff Rohrer is redefining the term blended family.

Last fall Rohrer, 60, who played for the Dallas Cowboys in the 1980s, made history as the first-known NFL player past or present to enter into a same-sex marriage when he wed Joshua Ross, 37, a celebrity aesthetician. It was a milestone in more ways than one, since Rohrer had only begun coming out to his family and friends the year before. The L.A.-based commercial producer had struggled with his sexuality for years, long after it brought his 17-year marriage with Heather Rohrer, 56, to a difficult and painful end in 2011.

But today, the retired athlete is truly happy as he raises his and Heather’s two teenage kids — daughter Isabella, 16, and son Dondillon, 15 — with both his ex-wife and his new husband, all under the same roof.

NCLR Condemns Decision by International Sports Court Permitting Discrimination against Caster Semenya

Today, in a divided 2-1 opinion, the international Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld a proposed rule by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) forcing women with high levels of testosterone to take suppressants in order to compete in some women’s races.

The case was brought by South African runner Caster Semenya, who challenged the proposed restriction.

The opinion found that the proposed rule is “discriminatory,” but that “such discrimination is a necessary, reasonable and proportionate means of achieving the IAAF’s aim of preserving the integrity of female athletics.” The opinion also “expressed some serious concerns as to the future practical application” of the proposed rule, including: difficulties of implementing it and the likelihood of “unintentional noncompliance”; the lack of “concrete evidence of actual (in contrast to theoretical) significant athletic advantage” by women with elevated testosterone; and the side effects of hormone suppressing treatments.

Statement by NCLR Legal Director Shannon Minter: “Today’s divided opinion by the Court of Sports Arbitration is cruel, unprincipled, and riddled with internal contradictions. The court acknowledges that the International Association of Athletics Federation rule requiring Caster Semenya to alter her body in order to compete is discriminatory, will be difficult if not impossible to administer, and may subject Caster to dangerous side effects—and yet the court has allowed this shameful rule to stand. Caster is a woman and has earned her success. There is no justification for this intrusive and unworkable policy, which targets Caster based on racist and sexist stereotypes about how women “should” look and behave. The history of women’s sports is riddled with similar attempts to scrutinize women’s bodies and force them into sexist molds, and women of color, in particular, have borne the brunt of those failed efforts. We applaud Caster for her courage in fighting this injustice, and we join millions of other advocates across the globe in calling on the International Association of Athletics Federation to abandon this discriminatory rule.”

Books: A Better World Starts Here

Today we live in a world of activism. From the Me Too movement to the environment, people everywhere are fighting to make their world better. In her new book, A Better World Starts Here: Activists and Their Work, author Stacy Russo presents the stories of activists contributing towards the common good.

A Better World Starts Here: Activists and Their Work presents activists doing inspiring work in their communities and beyond through an inclusive and far-reaching examination,” Stacy explains. “It is a book of struggle, but also a book of hope, joy, and liberation. This unique and diverse collection provides an intersection of different forms of activism that are all committed to eradicating various types of injustice and oppression.”

Examples of the activism Stacy profiles include anti-racist action, feminist and women’s rights work, art activism, animal rights work, LGBTQ activism, environmental activism, food justice action, human rights work, and mindfulness practice within an activist context. The book includes interviews with the following inspiring individuals:

Carol J. Adams, Writer
Helene Aylon, Artist
Ruth Behar, Anthropologist
Steve Bell, Prison Library Project
Kameke Brown, Farm Sanctuary
Julia Feliz Brueck, Sanctuary Publishers/Vegans of Color Community Project
Michelle Carrera, Chilis on Wheels
Celeste Chan, Foglifter Journal and Press/Queer Ancestors Project
Yago S. Cura, Los Angeles Public Library/Hinchas de Poesia
Ardeth DeVries, Old Dog Haven
Sarah Rafael Garcia, Barrio Writers/LibroMobile
Marisela Gomez, Public Health Professional/Physician Scientist
Judy Grahn, Poet
Michelle Habell-Pallan, Women Who Rock
Janet Holmes, Photographer
Aquila Hope, Trans Activist/Certified Holistic Life Coach
Hilary Kinavey, Be Nourished
Lark Lo, Blk Grrrl Book Fair/Feminist Preschool/Black Kids in Outer Space
Beth Pickens, Consultant for Artists and Arts Organizations
Edwin Ramirez, Stand-up Comedian/Poet
Kate Jessica Raphael, UltraViolet/KPFA Women's Magazine
Bamby Salcedo, TransLatin@ Coalition
Sonya Renee Taylor, The Body is Not an Apology
Sandi Torkildson, Room of One's Own Bookstore
Sara Vander Zander, Facing Homelessness/BLOCK Project

A Better World Starts Here will inspire those who wish to feel more empowered in their activism; support current activists in their own important work through the stories of others; and ultimately provide promise for a better world for all readers.

Black LGBTQ Advocate Helps Launch Taskforce - Black Youth Suicide and Mental Health

Today, the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) -- the nation’s only civil rights organization working at the intersection of racial justice and LGBTQ/SGL equality -- joined the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and mental health practitioners to launch a new, emergency taskforce focused on the growing problem of suicide and access to mental health care among Black youth.

“Students who do not feel safe and affirmed cannot be expected to demonstrate what they know and learn. This is not new news. We know that when students are not supported they disengage and dropout, which can impact life opportunities and future ability to earn money,” said David Johns, Executive Director of the National Black Justice Coalition. “In honor of Nigel Shelby, Jamel Myles, Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover, McKenzie Adams and so many other babies whose names we may never know, we need to act urgently to address the trauma, stress, and mental health needs of children, youth and young adults, especially those from racial and sexual minority communities.”

Chaired by Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), the CBC Taskforce on Black Youth Suicide and Mental Health will focus on educating Congress members about this mental health crisis and identify solutions and legislative recommendations. The taskforce will also convene experts in Washington, DC and around the country.

The event took place on the last day of National Minority Health Month. The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Pediatrics published a report last year showing that the rate of suicides for Black children between the ages of five and 12 has exceeded that of White children -- and more than a third of elementary school-aged suicides involved Black children.

Other research shows that LGBTQ people are nearly 3 times more likely than others to experience a mental health condition like major depression. Fears about coming out, gender-based violence and the rising epidemic of discrimination, abuse and violence against Black LGBTQ/SGL people also leads to higher rates of anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse -- even among school-aged children and teens.

Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Return your ballot today, less than 1 week remains!



If you care about any one of these important issues facing Denver, you'll be sure to cast your vote. Not only does it impact us locally, but we've seen local issues ramp up nationally. Your ballot must be returned to a drop-box before 7pm on May 7th, but why wait? Return yours today!


Travel: Palm Springs Delivers As One Of The Top LGBTQ Desinations Perfect For A Fun, Safe And Welcoming Summer Getaway


Fabulous pool parties. Stylish bars and impeccably designed hotels. Pampering spas and energetic nightclubs. Lavish events. There's no question that the Palm Springs ranks as one of the world's top destinations for LGBTQ travelers. Whether traveling as a couple or looking for a singles scene, Palm Springs offers a splashy summer scene.

A wide range of stay options include men's resorts, welcoming hotels, and romantic boutique retreats. In fact, there are more gay resorts in Palm Springs than anywhere in the world.

Nightlife abounds in both Uptown and downtown, with a concentration of nightclubs on centrally located Arenas Road. See six drag and female impersonator shows, from Sunday brunch to a rat-pack inspired supper club. Catch a show at the Copa Nightclub, just next door to the popular gay-owned restaurant Tropicale. Or win at Fabulous Bingo at the Ace Hotel every Monday.

Palm Springs has a number of well-attended LGBTQ events throughout the year. In September, cinephiles flock to Cinema Diverse, the Palm Springs LGBTQ Film Festival. Palm Springs Leather Pride weekend kicks off in late October and ends with the crowning of Mr. Leather. Show off your best costume at the huge block party on Arenas every Halloween then stay for the eye-popping Greater Palm Springs Pride that follows in early November.

As a leading LGBTQ destination, Palm Springs honors and celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising. Attend the Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast May 15 commemorating this event at the Palm Springs Convention Center. The Palm Springs Cultural Center presents the Stonewall Humanitarian Awards, Tuesday, June 13, supporting the Transgender Health and Wellness Center and the Transgender Community Coalition (TCC).

Denver Zoo Helping Save 1,800 Flamingo Chicks in South Africa

Denver Zoo has joined an international rescue and rehabilitation effort of more than 1,800 lesser flamingo chicks and eggs in Kimberley, South Africa. The chicks and eggs were discovered abandoned at Kamfers Dam in January after severe drought hit the area, forcing the adult flamingos to leave in search of food and water. Local conservation agencies swooped in to help the vulnerable birds. The chicks and unhatched eggs were sent to animal hospitals and rescue centers throughout the country.

With so many birds to care for, volunteers from zoos around the world flocked to South Africa to help nurse the flamingos back to health. Denver Zoo is one of a group of AZA-accredited zoos that has committed resources and multiple animal care experts to assist in the effort. Veterinary Technician Eva Smoot spent three weeks in Pretoria, where she worked with more than 50 chicks that were suffering from serious health problems, including broken legs, lesions and malnutrition. Bird Keeper Anton Morrison also spent two weeks in Pretoria and returned last weekend, and Bird Curator Katie Vyas will head there in May. Organizers hope to have the birds rehabilitated and released back into their flock in May.

COLGBTQCC: What’s happening in the LGBTQ Business Community

By Jim Smith, Chair, Colorado LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce

Can you believe the first quarter has already come to an end!? I know I am personally thrilled to see the warmer weather come our way. I love the four seasons we have in Colorado and they tend to be spaced just about right that when I finally tire of one the next is upon us. And Spring is always one to bring a lot of changes and that is no exception with the chamber!

I am very excited to make a few announcements.

We Moved!
Well more like we have an actual office space! Thanks to the generosity of the American Red Cross and the Denver Public Schools we now have a physical office space. The address is:

Colorado LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce
444 Sherman Street, Suite DBC
Denver, CO 80203
720-900-4522

And while I am throwing thanks and appreciations, a huge THANK YOU goes to Christopher Leach and his team at Contract Furnishings for their very generous donation of office furniture for the new office. The space is still a little bare on the walls but coming together! Do you have something you want to donate to the office? Let me know at jim.smith@colgbtqcc.org

Welcome Boulder Chapter!

That’s right, our first chapter is starting up in the Boulder County area and we have a Launch party on May 20th. Come celebrate our growing chamber at this event and meet our newest members!

Save the Date for the 2019 Power Gala
Our Gala will be on October 12th this year! Don’t miss out on this amazing event and mark your calendar now!

I want to hear from YOU!
We strive to bring value to your membership and help connect, promote, advance, and advocate for your business. Do you have ideas or suggestions for us? I would love to hear them. Any feedback you have is welcomed. Email me at jim.smith@colgbtqcc.org or call me at 970-216-9511.

Don’t forget to look through our online calendar for other events that might not be listed below. I look forward to seeing you soon! And here’s to a great 2nd quarter!

DNC Announces 20th Annual LGBTQ Gala Celebrating 50 Years Since Stonewall


Fresh off helping elect the largest number of LGBTQ members Congress has ever seen, the Democratic National Committee will host its 20th Annual LGBTQ Gala in New York City on June 17. Attending the event will be DNC Chair Tom Perez, along with every LGBTQ member of the new House Democratic majority, and special guest Queer Eye star Karamo Brown, who will highlight the historic progress the LGBTQ community has made since Stonewall 50 years ago.

Additional speakers and celebrity guests will be announced in the coming weeks.

What started as a small dinner held by former DNC Treasurer Andy Tobias in 1999 has since grown exponentially to one of the DNC’s marquee galas, and traditionally the organization’s top-raising event. This year’s 20th Anniversary Gala will celebrate the growth of not only this gala, but of the political power of the LGBTQ community.

“I’m ready to do my part in helping elect Democrats up and down the ballot,” said LGBTQ activist and TV personality Karamo Brown. “Last year, our community joined together and broke records. Now, it’s time to continue that momentum and help build the infrastructure our eventual Democratic presidential nominee will need to win. I’m excited to join Chair Tom Perez and our LGBTQ members of Congress to kick off the 2020 election cycle.”

“The 2018 midterm election was a landmark moment for the LGBTQ community. LGBTQ representation was boosted all across the country and at every level of government. Now, as we enter the most important presidential election of our lifetime, it’s critical that we build on the progress we’ve made," said DNC Chair Tom Perez. “The new House Democratic Majority is holding President Trump accountable and putting forward a legislative agenda to expand opportunities for everyone, including the LGBTQ community through the Equality Act. I’m excited to host LGBTQ activist Karamo Brown and fellow allies at this year’s gala.”

“Fairness and equality are core American values. I’m proud to be a member of the only political party that’s fighting to bring our country closer to realizing these ideals in our time,” said House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee Chair David Cicilline. “I’m looking forward to taking part in this event and to continue this fight until every LGBTQ American is equal in the eyes of the law.”

“In 2018 we reset expectations across the country of who runs for office and who we support as candidates. In the 116th Congress, there are more women, people of color and members of the LGBTQ community than ever before. Together we are working to ensure that everyone's voice is heard and everyone has access to opportunity. I'm proud to be a part of this new House Majority -- and a co-chair of the Equality Caucus --  as we work towards these goals, “ said Rep. Sharice Davids

IGLTA Hosts a Record-Breaking Annual Global Convention in New York City

Nearly 700 delegates representing 49 countries and territories gathered at the New York Hilton Midtown 24-27 April for IGLTA’s most successful convention to date. The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association’s premier event united global thought leaders to discuss tourism trends, technology developments, workplace inclusion and human rights—wide-ranging topics connected through the lens of LGBTQ+ travel.

“We could not be more proud of our first New York City convention, from content to collaboration,” said IGLTA President/CEO John Tanzella. “Thanks in large part to the support of our host, NYC & Company, we were able to engage far more tourism businesses than ever before and showcase the world of LGBTQ+ travel in all its diversity.”

CATS Breaks Box Office Record-Highest Grossing Single Week Engagement in DCPA Broadway’s History

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts announced today that for its 10th Denver engagement, the 2019 North American Tour of CATS has broken the box office record for the highest-gross of an eight-performance engagement at The Buell Theatre. The production grossed $1,724,149.75 during the show’s April 24-28, 2019 engagement, creating an estimated economic impact of more than $6.2 million to Denver from travel, hotels, restaurants, parking and other businesses patronized by both theatergoers and production staff.  This figure is based upon a Broadway League report which found that, on average, when a Broadway show is in a city, it contributes an economic impact of roughly 3.6 times the gross ticket sales to the local metropolitan area’s economy.  
 
Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, the record-breaking musical spectacular has captivated audiences in over 30 countries and 15 languages, is now on tour across North America! Featuring new sound design, direction and choreography for a new generation — experience CATS for the first time as it begins a new life, or let it thrill you all over again!
The original Broadway production opened in 1982 at Broadway’s Winter Garden Theatre, where it ran for 7,485 performances and 18 years. CATS was originally produced on Broadway by Cameron Mackintosh, The Really Useful Company Limited, David Geffen, and The Shubert Organization.
CATS returned to Broadway in 2016 in a stunning revival at the Neil Simon Theatre. Preview performances began Thursday, July 14, 2016, and officially opened on Sunday, July 31, 2016. CATS played its final performance on Saturday, December 30, 2017 after 16 previews and 593 regular performances.
The creative team for the new production of CATS includes John Napier (Scenic & Costume Design), Natasha Katz (Lighting Design), Mick Potter (Sound Design), choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, based on the original choreography by Gillian Lynne, and direction by Trevor Nunn.
Since its world premiere, CATS has been presented in over 30 countries, has been translated into 15 languages, and has been seen by more than 73 million people worldwide. Originally directed by Trevor Nunn with choreography and associate direction by Gillian Lynne, scenic and costume design by John Napier, lighting design by David Hersey, and sound design by Abe Jacob, CATS opened in the West End in 1981. The musical debuted on Broadway in 1982 where it won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Both the original London and Broadway cast recordings won Grammy Awards for Best Cast Album. CATS hit song “Memory” has been recorded by over 150 artists from Barbra Streisand and Johnny Mathis to Liberace and Barry Manilow. The Tony Award-winning Best Musical held the title of longest-running musical in Broadway history until it was surpassed in 2006 by Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera. The original Broadway production closed on September 10, 2000 and is currently the fourth longest-running show in Broadway history. This marks the first tour of the first-ever Broadway revival of the iconic musical.
The first-ever, live-action film adaptation of CATS, produced by Universal Pictures and Working Title, will open on Dec. 20, 2019. 
The revival of CATS is produced by The Shubert Organization, James L. Nederlander, The Really Useful Group and Cameron Mackintosh.

Monday, April 29, 2019

One Colorado: Pink Party early bird pricing ends tomorrow night!



By Garrett Royer, Development Manager, One Colorado   

One Colorado's 14th annual Pink Party — pride weekend's premier dance fundraiser — is coming up soon and tomorrow is the last day for you reserve your early bird tickets!

Early bird tickets start at $40 for the party and $60 with Tracks entry — prices will increase tomorrow at midnight to $50 for the party and $70 with Tracks entry, so make sure to save your spot before time runs out.

Looking back on all the progress we've made in the last year, there's so much to be proud of: we elected the nation's first openly gay governor, added a third gender option on Colorado driver's licenses, passed a ban for conversion therapy on minors, and passed a comprehensive identity documents bill for transgender Coloradans. This Pride, it's time to celebrate!

Featuring an open bar, music, a photo booth, plenty of entertainment, and lots of special guests, this year's Pink Party is the place to celebrate Pride.

Grab your tickets before midnight tomorrow, and we'll see you this summer!

HRC Launches Powerful New Video of Olympian Adam Rippon in “Americans for the Equality Act” Campaign



Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization released a new video from HRC’s Americans for the Equality Act campaign featuring Olympian and figure skater Adam Rippon. As an openly gay athlete, Rippon calls on Congress to advance the Equality Act — bipartisan legislation that would finally extend clear, comprehensive non-discrimination protections to millions of LGBTQ people nationwide. The Americans for the Equality Act series, filmed by award-winning directors Dustin Lance Black and Paris Barclay, was first launched in March and has featured Academy Award-winning actress Sally Field and her son Sam Greisman, transgender singer and songwriter Shea Diamond and actress Justina Machado.

“An out and proud star both on and off the ice, Adam Rippon is a trailblazing athlete whose advocacy is changing countless hearts and minds,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “As LGBTQ Americans face real and persistent discrimination in their everyday lives, Adam Rippon is using his global platform to urge Congress to pass the Equality Act and to extend comprehensive non-discrimination protections to all LGBTQ people.”

“So much of the progress of the LGBTQ movement has hinged on our ability to tell our stories and move people — and that’s the same spirit with which we’ve approached this compelling project,” said Emmy Award-winning director Paris Barclay when the campaign launched last month.

“Every American deserves a fair shot at a job to support themselves and their family, and the security of a roof over their head. These are key ingredients in what we’ve long cherished as our ‘American Dream.’” said Academy Award-winning director Dustin Lance Black. “But until the Equality Act is signed into law, this dream may not be a reality for far too many Americans in many areas of our wild and wonderful country.”

Rippon won the hearts of America and the world at the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea where, in winning a bronze medal in the team competition, he became the the first openly gay athlete to medal in a Winter Olympics. Known for his refreshing candor and wit, his rise to fame on the global stage has provided him with a platform to speak out in support of LGBTQ rights and the freedom to be oneself. He has inspired young and old with his passion and charm, becoming a role model and icon to millions. Rippon was also a competitor and winner on Dancing with the Stars: Athletes with professional dancer Jenna Johnson, where he became the first openly gay celebrity to win the competition. An outspoken advocate for LGBTQ equality, he has called out Vice President Mike Pence and the Trump administration on their anti-LGBTQ record. HRC honored Adam Rippon with the HRC Visibility Award at the 2018 Los Angeles Dinner and the HRC Upstander Award at the 2019 HRC Time to THRIVE Conference.

Currently, 50 percent of LGBTQ Americans live in one of the 30 states without statewide legal non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people — leaving millions at risk of being fired, denied housing or refused service simply 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.

Reintroduced in Congress on March 13, the Equality Act has growing unprecedented support, including from nearly 70 percent of Americans, hundreds of members of Congress, 190 major businesses and more than 350 social justice, religious, medical and child welfare organizations. Recent polling finds that a growing majority of Americans support federal non-discrimination protections and LGBTQ equality. A recent survey by PRRI found that nearly seven in 10 Americans support laws like the Equality Act, including majorities in every single state and majorities of Republicans, Independents and Democrats alike.

Over the coming weeks, HRC will roll out additional videos in the Americans for the Equality Act series featuring a powerhouse lineup of supportive film and television actors, influencers, musicians and professional athletes, including Alexandra Billings, Charlie and Max Carver, Dustin Lance Black, Paris and Christopher Barclay, Gloria Calderon Kellett, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jane Lynch, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Justin Mikita, Karamo Brown, Marcia Gay Harden and Nyle DiMarco. The Americans for the Equality Act series is modeled after HRC’s successful Americans for Marriage Equality campaign.