LGBTQ Student Resource Center : Stonewall 50th Anniversary Barbecue

By Steve Willich, Director, LGBTQ Student Resource Center

June 28, 2019 will mark the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, which is widely credited as the start of the modern gay rights movement in the United States. From Wikipedia:

The Stonewall riots (also referred to as the Stonewall uprising or the Stonewall rebellion) were a series of spontaneous, violent demonstrations by members of the gay (LGBT) community against a police raid that began in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. They are widely considered to constitute the most important event leading to the gay liberation movement and the modern fight for LGBT rights in the United States.

To commemorate this important anniversary, the LGBTQ Student Resource Center would like to bring members of the Auraria campus together to build community and celebrate the progress that has been made.

On June 28 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., we will be hosting a barbecue in the Tivoli Quad. In addition to food, we will have lawn games, music, and a few speakers. Please RSVP via this Eventbrite link so that we know how much food to order: www.eventbrite.com/e/stonewall-50-year-anniversary-barbecue-tickets-62664980644

We will also have an art station available. One of the projects that will be available for folks is to decorate a “brick”, representing the bricks that were thrown by the patrons in the riots. Our plan is to use these “bricks” in our Center to build a “wall” of support and allyship for the LGBTQ community on campus.

Additionally, we are using this event to kick off a Tri-Institutional LGBTQ Faculty & Staff Social Group, to help build community for these groups.

We hope to see many of you there!

Celine Dion ends Las Vegas residency, Debuts new track "Flying On My Own"

On June 8, international superstar Celine Dion took the final bow of her iconic 16-year Las Vegas residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. The sold-out crowd was treated to special moments throughout the show including a performance of Celine’s new song "Flying on My Own (Live from Las Vegas)" from her upcoming album, Courage, due for release in November of this year. View performance clip here. Touching moments included a photo collage backdrop set to ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ featuring images from Celine’s Colosseum shows from the very beginning, and photos of Rene Angelil, her late husband and former manager, and their three boys, who also joined Celine and her longtime orchestra and band on stage during the emotional final curtain call.

“I’m both proud and humbled by what we’ve accomplished at the Colosseum since we began sixteen years ago, when René and I first shared this dream,” said Celine. “This entire experience has been a huge part of my show business career…one that I will cherish forever. I have so many people to thank, but the most important ‘thank you’ goes to my fans, who gave us the opportunity to do what we love.”

In March 2003, Celine Dion forever changed the landscape of Las Vegas entertainment with the premiere of her first residency A New Day… which played 717 shows from March 25, 2003 through December 15, 2007. On March 15, 2011, she made a triumphant return to Caesars Palace with her second residency, Celine which played 424 shows. Across the 16 years, Celine performed 1,141 shows to more than 4.5 million fans at The Colosseum. The residency was presented by Concerts West/AEG Presents and Caesars Entertainment and directed by legendary Grammy Awards producer Ken Ehrlich.

“The incredible vision that Celine and Rene had almost two decades ago has completely re-written the history and future of entertainment in Las Vegas, “ said John Meglen President & Co-CEO of Concerts West, a division of AEG Presents. “For this vision to materialize into a world-renowned success is remarkable and we congratulate Celine and her entire team, cast and crew. Caesars Palace has been an amazing home for Celine and her shows for all these years. We are honored to have been part of this extraordinary journey and excited for our future together.”

“For an improbable 16 years, Celine Dion has reigned as the Queen of Las Vegas entertainment from The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, the home we built for her pioneering residency. On behalf of all of my colleagues at Caesars Entertainment, and of course the employees of Caesars Palace, we want to thank her and her late-husband René Angélil, and our partners at AEG/Concerts West, for their faith that Caesars Palace was the right place for Celine Dion to draw her millions of fans from around the world to see her perform,” said Gary Selesner, president of Caesars Palace. “We also want to thank the musicians, singers, dancers, technicians, ushers and security officers for their selfless contributions to what will surely go down in history as one of the longest-running and most successful shows ever. While it’s sad to see it end, it’s also a moment of triumph for everyone involved, and clearly our hearts will go on, filled with memories of Celine’s stirring performances night after night after night at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.”

Following the monumental end of her 16-year Las Vegas residency, Celine will embark on her Courage World Tour kicking off September 18 in Quebec City and stopping in over 50 cities across the U.S. and Canada. The tour will be her first in the U.S in over ten years.

Denver Metro Hike for Hope This Sunday

Denver Metro Hike for Hope is less than a week away! Hosted by the AFSP Colorado Chapter, the hike will take place on Father's Day - Sunday, June 16th at Red Rocks Trading Post in Morrison.

Hike for Hope is a fundraising event to join together our community of survivors of loss and individuals with lived experience to help support AFSP's mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. Money raised goes toward raising awareness, funding scientific research and providing resources and support to those affected by suicide.

Denver Pride Kicks Off Now!

Happy Pride, Denver! Here's your guide to all of the Official Denver Pride events happening this week.

Kindness - Hard To Believe

Kindness returns with their third full length album titled Something Like A War set for release on September 6, 2019 on Female Energy and you can hear the first track 'Hard To Believe' with Jazmine Sullivan now.

The album is a culmination of years spent collaborating with the likes of Robyn, Jazmine Sullivan, Seinabo Sey and Cosima among many others. Produced entirely by Kindness themselves (Adam Bainbridge) the record is a collection of works representing a period of reflection and transformation over the course of four years following their second record Otherness.

Now based in London, the album was recorded in several locations, while Kindness was primarily based in New York during the writing and recording of the album. Following a series of select shows in June, Kindness will embark on a world tour in late 2019 with a new live band.

Kindness, who uses they/them pronouns, has remained busy since Otherness, working across several projects: they co-produced five tracks on Solange’s album A Seat at the Table, and contributed production, writing, and vocals to Blood Orange’s Freetown Sound and Negro Swan albums in addition to production on Robyn's latest album Honey.

High Court in Botswana Rules to Decriminalize Same-Sex Relations

Today a full bench of the High Court of Botswana ruled to shake remaining relics of its colonial past and to strike down section 164(a) and (c), and section 167 of the penal code which criminalize same-sex relations, or “carnal knowledge against the order of nature”, and prescribe a prison sentence of up to 7 years for those found guilty. The court unanimously ruled that the provisions are discriminatory, against public interest and unconstitutional.

In particular judges stated that "a democratic society is one that embraces tolerance, diversity and open-mindedness" as well as highlighting that discrimination serves to hold back not only LGBTIQ people, but society as a whole by stating that "societal inclusion is central to ending poverty and fostering shared prosperity."

With this decision, the court has continued its record of trailblazing recognition of the human rights of LGBTIQ people in the country. In 2014 the High Court ruled that the government had to allow the registration of LEGABIBO, the country’s leading LGBTIQ organization. In 2017, in two separate cases – one concerning a trans man, and the other a trans woman - the High Court ruled that the refusal of the National Registration to change the gender marker of trans people violates their rights to dignity, privacy, freedom of expression, equal protection under the law.

Katlego K Kolanyane-Kesupile trans ARTivist from Botswana, and OutRight Action International’s Religion Fellow commented:
“I'm happy to see that the courts of law in Botswana have opted to support the dignity of Batswana by removing these clauses which render people criminals merely for whom they love. I am proud that this has happened in my lifetime, and look forward to educating Botswana to fully understand what this means to current and future generations of LGBTIQ people and their families. Justice will always shine brighter in the light than hate.”

With this ruling Botswana joins Angola, Mozambique, India, Trinidad and Tobago and other countries around the world which have also recently struck down similar colonial-era laws. Unfortunately, there are numerous countries which still maintain this discriminatory colonial-era relic, including places such as Singapore, Sri Lanka, Uganda and, disappointingly also Kenya, where the High Court ruled last month to maintain its barbaric law.

Jessica Stern, Executive Director of OutRight Action International commented:
“Same-sex relations are a crime in around 70 countries. Today that number has decreased by one. This achievement is not only testament to the resilience and perseverance of the LGBTIQ movement in Botswana, but also a source of inspiration for LGBTIIQ movements across the continent and the world where such laws are still in effect. We commend the High Court of Botswana for upholding international human rights standards and taking this historic decision, and urge authorities in Botswana to swiftly take the necessary steps to ensure full implementation of the ruling, so that it translates into real change for LGBTQ people.”

Meet Your 2019 Denver Pride Parade Grand Marshals!

Governor Jared Polis, the nation’s first openly gay governor, will serve as one of the five grand marshals leading the 2019 Coors Light Denver PrideFest Parade. Polis joins First Gentleman Marlon Reis, State Representative Brianna Titone, Mardi Moore, Executive Director of Out Boulder County and Drag Performer Peppermint.

The Coors Light Denver Pride Parade serves as the centerpiece of Denver PrideFest, which takes place June 15-16 in Civic Center Park. Typically attracting more than 100,000 spectators, the parade steps off at 9:30 am on Sunday June 16 and marches from Cheesman Park to the festival at Civic Center via Colfax. This year’s PrideFest pays tribute to the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, which launched the contemporary LGBTQ civil rights movement.

Rita Wilson, Daughtry, Gavin DeGraw, Hunter Hayes & More Show Support For The LGBTQ Community at GLAAD + Ty Herndon 'Concert For Love & Acceptance' In Nashville During Pride Month

GLAAD, LGBTQ media advocacy organization, hosted its 5th Annual GLAAD + Ty Herndon Concert for Love and Acceptance, presented by CMT, Ketel One Family-Made Vodka, and Southwest. Herndon and CMT’s Cody Alan co-hosted the concert, which took place at the iconic Wildhorse Saloon during CMA Fest in Nashville last evening. 

Daughtry performed a special acoustic set at the event, which featured a coalition of artists and celebrities appearing and performing to accelerate acceptance for LGBTQ people. Singer, songwriter actress and producer Rita Wilson performed several hits from her album, Halfway to Home. Surprise guests included Gavin DeGraw and Hunter Hayes, who took the stage to perform.

“This has become the world’s largest LGBTQ country music event, and this year’s incredible lineup sent a powerful message of allyship to kick off LGBTQ Pride month,” said Zeke Stokes, Chief Programs Office at GLAAD and Executive Producer of the 2019 Concert for Love & Acceptance. “Each year, the Concert for Love & Acceptance gets bigger and better, and some of the biggest names in country music as well as up and coming artists are making it a priority stop on their CMA Fest schedule.” 

Pictured above L to R: Tayla Lynn, Brody Ray, Mickey Guyton, Ty Herndon, Rita Wilson, Harper Grae, Brandon Stansell at the 2019 Concert for Love & Acceptance Concert.

Co-host and performer Ty Herdon closed the show with his recently re-recorded 1995 hit “What Mattered Most.” Herndon came out in 2014 and chose to update the lyrics of the song with male pronouns to reflect his true identity and to make a powerful statement within country music in honor of Pride Month. The video for the new version of “What Mattered Most” was released this past week. The 2019 Concert for Love & Acceptance also included appearances and performances by Herndon, Chely Wright, Harper Grae, Tayla Lynn, Billy Gilman, Brody Ray, Brandon Stansell, Antigone Rising, Lee Brice, Tyler Rich, Mickey Guyton, and WWE Superstars Sonya Deville, Paige, and Mandy Rose.

During last year’s Concert for Love & Acceptance, GLAAD also announced the Ty Herndon Rising Stars Grant, bestowed upon young people for their commitment to enhancing LGBTQ inclusion and representation in music. The grant is eligible to LGBTQ young people who are working to accelerate acceptance in the music industry. Applications for the grant are now available at glaad.org/risingstars.

QueerX Fest Closes w/Stars, Activists, Cannabis & Cookie Bar, and Lots, Lots More

This past weekend, Revry’s 4th annual queer music, film, and industry festival QueerX sponsored by Lexus, was the toast of the town as it kicked off Pride week in West Hollywood, California. The weekend was abuzz with influencers, musicians, editors, activists, top industry execs and celebs including the cast of Pose’s Dominique Jackson, Johnny Sibilly and MJ Rodriguez as well as State Of Pride’s Raymond Braun and trans activist Blossom Brown.

The festival blew the roof off the iconic Whisky a Go Go with performances by all female rock band Pink Fly, Jordy, Davy Boi and rising pop phenom and Billboard featured artist, Slayyyter, who gave her first live performance ever; and headliner Brooke Candy wowed the crowd with her RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni backup dancers Laganja Estranja and Gia Gunn all in full cheetah attire.

The Closing Night Gala completed the three day fest with the star-studded Revry Visibility Awards including incredibly moving speeches from Nikita Dragun (Dragun Beauty), Nik Dodani (Atypical), Brigette Lundy-Paine (Atypical), Loey Lane (Influencer) and WNBA three time champion Sue Bird. A closing unlike any other festival, the event included a free cannabis bar by Lowell Herb Co that passed out organic hand rolled joints and Selffee machines that printed attendee’s selfie faces on delicious vegan cookies. The Tourist Office of Spain hosted the evening with dynamic Flamenco performers and a live raffle a trip for two to Barcelona, won by singer/dancer Saturn Rising.

The winners of the festival’s screening competition were announced with the overall Audience Award going to Michael Cicetti’s 5A5B which includes the prize of travel, accommodations and entry into Rio Web Fest in beautiful Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Left to right below include the winners Best Drama Series - The New 30 - Walt Bost, Best Comedy - 5A5B - Michael Cicetti, Best Documentary - Linish - Manuel Rodriguez, Best Drama Short - Hiding in Daylight - Gregory G. Allen, Best Music Video - Pink Fly - Renee Phoenix.

Pride and Presidents: Bospar Polled Americans About Pete Buttigieg, Donald Trump

Bospar has discovered how Americans feel about the electability of LGBTQIA candidates now that Pete Buttigieg is running for president. Buttigieg is the openly gay mayor of South Bend, Indiana.

Bospar conducted the survey for the 50th anniversary of Pride Month, polling over 2,000 American adults from May 24-31, 2019. The PR agency discovered that an overwhelming majority of Americans would vote for a straight man (91%) or a straight woman (90%) and that 78% believe the U.S. is ready for a female president.

Is America Ready for an Openly Gay President?

When asked if they would vote for a gay president, 69% said they would. However, a smaller percentage (52%) believe America is ready for an openly gay president.

Of those who would not vote for an openly gay or lesbian president, who was in all other ways their ideal political candidate, top reasons were:

• I don't believe a gay president would have my best interests at heart (38%)                 
• I believe an openly gay president would make the United States look weak (32%)
• LGBTQIA people go against my religion (30%)
• LGBTQIA people go against nature (23%)
• I am uncomfortable with LGBTQIA people (19%)             

A majority of Americans (57%) would also vote for a transgender president. While no transgender candidate is running – yet – the top choice was Caitlyn Jenner, followed by Laverne Cox.

Americans Like Buttigieg

If Pete Buttigieg becomes the Democratic presidential nominee, 65% of Democrats – along with 26% of Republicans and 39% of other voters – say they’ll vote for him.

Of those that will not, only 20% (across party lines) cited his sexuality.

Only about 1 in 5 Americans read the recent Time magazine feature on Pete Buttigieg, but a majority of those who did liked him more after reading it – including 72% of Republicans.

Americans feel that Buttigieg will work hardest for the LGTBQIA community if elected. The LGBTQIA community put Bernie Sanders in the number two spot, while straight Americans put Donald Trump at number two.

“A growing number of Americans are ready for a gay or lesbian president and Mayor Pete’s historic race will only accelerate that trend,” said Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund. “For many, until recently, a viable LGBTQ presidential candidate seemed unlikely or a distant dream. But as Americans see Mayor Pete stumping at town halls and speaking to voters from the presidential debate stage, skepticism about the electability of an LGBTQ candidate will fade. More than two-thirds of Americans already say they will vote for a gay or lesbian president – we only have one-third to convince.”

“The data tells us that the future will bring a more tolerant electorate,” said Gabrielle Ayala, a principal of Propeller Insights. “Across the board, younger Americans are more open to having someone other than a straight man as the president of the United States. Of the three generational groups we looked at, millennials are the most willing to vote for Pete Buttigieg. Given that this group also puts human rights as their political priority, we see that they care less about wealth and more about a future in which all Americans have a fair shot.”

“Never in my life did I think I would see an openly gay man run for the presidency – and get so much support,” said Curtis Sparrer, a principal of Bospar. “Regardless of political party, our research shows that Buttigieg’s candidacy is helping Americans feel better about LGBTQIA equality and people. Whether he wins or not, Buttigieg has scored a crucial victory.”  

WalletHub Names Colorado 2019's 5th Funnest State in America!

Source: WalletHub

With summer just around the corner and people planning out their vacations, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2019’s Most Fun States in America as well as accompanying videos.

To determine the states offering the greatest variety and most cost-effective options for enjoyment, WalletHub compared the 50 states across 26 key metrics. The data set ranges from movie costs to accessibility of national parks to casinos per capita.

Fun in Colorado (1=Most Fun; 25=Avg.)

• 16^th – Restaurants per Capita
• 17^th – Movie Theaters per Capita
• 28^th – Amusement Parks per Capita
• 15^th – Performing-Arts Theaters per Capita
• 14^th – Fitness Centers per Capita
• 18^th – Access to National Parks
• 7^th – Casinos per Capita

Mega Bog - Truth In The Wild

Today, Mega Bog shares "Truth In The Wild," the latest single off her forthcoming new album Dolphine. Gorilla Vs. Bear, who premiered the song and its accompanying video today, write, "The dream-like video... acts as the perfect visual complement to the song's breezily mystical vibe, offering a misty window into Birgy's mind. Her vivid, almost mantra-like free association lyrics elegantly flowing over the measured, jazzy instrumentation, as she blurs the lines between the surreal and the profound in a way that she seems able to do like none other."

The video was directed by Vanessa Haddad, who says it "melds inspiration from early Top of the Pops-style live-music performances and the science-fiction worlds of Ursula K. Leguin, especially her story 'Diary of a Rose.' In the story, a 'psychoscopist' uses new technology to view the projected subconscious imagery of her patient."

Travel: Cocktail Contest, Underwater Rainbow Flag Highlight Key West Pride Activities

A parade down Duval Street Sunday culminated activities for the annual Key West Pride celebration that attracted thousands of revelers to the southernmost city in the continental U.S.

At the Saturday evening finale of the Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic, a New York City bartender created a cocktail inspired by the Florida Keys signature Key lime pie to take top honors.

Sam Benedict won with a vodka concoction he dubbed the "Key Key." Flavored with juice from tiny yellow Key limes, it also contained other ingredients including coconut milk, pineapple juice, simple syrup, egg whites and bitters.

“Never having been to Key West, I had to do a lot of homework, and Key lime pie was my first stop,” said Benedict. “I started messing around with Key lime flavors and this is what I came up with.”

Benedict and other finalists, chosen during two elimination rounds that featured 14 regional champions, competed on an outdoor stage on Key West’s Duval Street.

A panel of judges including former NSYNC singer Lance Bass evaluated contestants’ cocktails on their appearance, aroma, balance and taste, as well as the bartender's showmanship.

“I'm excited to crown a winner tonight,” Bass said. “We brought incredible bartenders from all around the country and it’s led to this moment today.”

As well as Bass, judges included former “American Idol” finalist LaToya London, comedy writer/actor Bruce Vilanch and Key West drag queen Sushi.

Benedict’s prizes include $15,000 in charitable donations to be made in his name.

On Friday, divers unfurled a rainbow flag, an internationally recognized LGBTQ symbol, underwater on an artificial reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

The installation of the banner on the 523-foot-long Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg took place about seven miles south of Key West.

The Vandenberg's flag, however, doesn't just feature the traditional rainbow stripes. It also incorporates the blue flag of the Florida Keys’ “alter ego,” the Conch Republic. The island chain symbolically "seceded" from the United States and proclaimed itself the independent Conch Republic in 1982 to protest the establishment of a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint at the entry to the Florida Keys.

The Vandenberg, a former missile tracking ship that monitored Soviet launches during the Cold War, was purposely scuttled 10 years ago to create an artificial reef. It is the world’s second-largest vessel intentionally sunk for that purpose.

The artificial reef was created to relieve human pressure from natural coral reefs, provide additional habitat for marine life and create recreational fishing and scuba diving opportunities.

The flag is to remain on the Vandenberg throughout the summer.

Nice To See StevieB: In a Mustang Listening to Radiohead

By StevieB

Ever have date anxiety? That feeling of nervousness that rushes over you, making your brain convince you that you don’t really need to interact with the outside world. That delivery Taco Bell and YouTube Vloggers are enough of a friend base to sustain you in this world.

This week had my brain playing this game of sabotage. Like picking shredded cheese out of my chest on the couch is a viable social strategy. I still managed to pilot my car to the top of parking garage adjacent to Racines Restaurant to meet a solid massive of man. Like solid thickness. Which is weird for me, and also completely refreshing. For the last thousand years I’ve been the big spoon, I think it’s time to little spoon for a while.

May I take this opportunity to advocate for Denver’s centrally located "date" restaurant, Racines? It really is the best "first date" eating establishment. It’s calm, it’s low pressure, and it has low walls around the patio to leap over in case the date is going badly. A Wendy’s is right next door, so after your great escape you can walk over and drown your sorrows in a Frosty as the date collects his car from valet. Then you can drive home without dripping Frosty on your seats. Trust me; I speak from experience. But! Not this week.

Halfway through the cobb salad, I began to be thankful for leaving my sofa and YouTube friends at home and for venturing into the cool summer breeze of Denver’s early evening. The conversation was easy, both agreeing that Betty Friedan is a product of her time, and still should be celebrated as sparking the second wave of feminism. Ya, know dudes on dates conversation. I began to have a rising internalized squee as all the anxiety washed from my brain due to a sense of happiness. Happiness based upon the connecting to someone with a similar world outlook, but not to similar…. We also made-out like teenagers in his car, steaming up the windows like I was in a Mustang listening to Radiohead.

DDFL: All The Love/Half The Price

Today through Sunday the Dumb Friends League is offering 50% off adoption fees for adult dogs (1-year-old and older) at their Quebec Street Shelter only.

All adoptions include spay/neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations, microchip ID and a free office visit with a participating veterinarian. The standard adoption screening process still applies during all reduced-fee promotions.