Showing posts with label Denver Element. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Denver Element. Show all posts

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Theater Review: Southern Baptist Sissies


By Philip Doyle

My fellow brothers and sisters… before I commence, give me the opportunity to drag my old soapbox out of the closet…  Allow me the opportunity to regale you with some high praise for two of our community’s essential institutions:

First, let us praise ELEMENT, Denver’s Gay Men’s Wellness Initiative.  The efforts of the good people of ELEMENT strengthen our community by inspiring all of us to lead healthy lives.  Through programs that include The Mile High Meth Project, Boyfriend University and the Volunteer Outreach Touch Team, they have empowered us with the tools to grow as a community and to love ourselves. 

Second, there has been a resurrection of gay theatre in Denver.  Guided by the divine hand of Steven Tangedal, we can all look to a future that celebrates our artistic diversity by the Theatre Out Denver production company. 
Let us raise our hands to your computer screen and recognize their love.  It is time to rise up and embrace their noble efforts and show our support for this worthy cause.  For goodness sake, go bare witness to Southern Baptist Sissies.

Southern Baptist Sissies written by Del Shores explores the emerging sexual awareness of four gay young men living in the zealous center of the Bible belt. Fans of Del Shores may remember his play “Sordid Lives” that was followed by a LOGO television series of the same name.  

The young men in Southern Baptist Sissies follow a path of inspired comedy and heart breaking sorrow.  The play is presented within two diametrically opposed settings of a Baptist church and the local gay bar, one representing religious structure and the other sexual freedom.  We watch the characters journeying both worlds, searching for love and acceptance.

The conflicted and inevitable journeys of the four male leads are presented with a respectful emotional conviction under Steven Tangedal’s competent direction.

James O’Hagan-Murphy, Brock Benson, Preston Lee Britton, and Stefin Woolever, are perfectly cast as the plays four conflicted and likable heroes.  O’Hagan-Murphy never misses a beat and provides the momentum of the show.  Stefin Woolever, delivers a character with a beautifully honest innocence that impressed me.

Todd Black as the preacher approaches his character with a subdued realness, a wise choice for a character that could otherwise be an overbearing caricature.  Linda Suttle portrays a misguided and conflicted parent.

David Ballew and Samara Bridwell provide a welcome laugh as drunken gay bar pals.  They are exaggerated, boisterous and catty cliché’s that we all can relate to. 

Did I mention the hot strippers? Oh yes, there are cameos by Cisco Yocisco and Bobby Lindsay from Boylesque. 

So, my brothers, my sisters … as I step down off my soapbox let me remind you of this:  There are times in our lives, especially during the election year, when we are confronted with judgmental deprecating righteousness.  So, it is time to rise above!  Testify!  Love yourselves and each other.  

 Show your support and go see Southern Baptist Sissies!  Amen.

Southern Baptist Sissies is presented by ELEMENT and Theatre Out Denver. All proceeds will benefit The Denver ELEMENT that provides HIV education, prevention and outreach efforts to Denver's gay/bi male community.

Southern Baptists Sissies plays Friday and Saturday evenings between Feb. 24 – Mar. 24 at 8pm at Crossroads Theater, 2590 Washington at Welton in Five Points. For tickets visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/218171.

Friday, February 24, 2012

Advertiser Shout Out: The Denver Element

At The Denver ELEMENT … WE LOVE GAY MEN!

And we want all of us to be as Strong, Healthy, and Empowered as we can be. We promote the journey of mental, physical, and social well-being for all gay men. We achieve this by providing opportunities for community building, personal growth, HIV/Substance use prevention, education, and the celebration of life.

Check out our Boyfriend University, Touch Team, Probe Community Conversations, and Healthy Relationships programs to see what all the excitement is about.

Whether you’re young or old … tall or short … positive or negative … pretty or prettier … there’s a place for you at ELEMENT. Join us in transforming Denver’s Gay Male Community!

Sean Wolfe gives it to me hard and fast

Drew Wilson
Sean Wolfe
By Drew Wilson

Sean Wolfe is one of the big names in gay erotic fiction.

As both a fan and friend of his for many years - we were both part of a writing group that included notable local gay authors Matt Kailey and Jerry Wheeler - I've had ample opportunity to admire his continued successes and to enjoy his work.

And I do mean enjoy! So I was very pleased to have had the opportunity to chat with him recently to discuss his new book, his new position at The Denver Element, and much, much more.

Keep reading for more hard and fast insights into the mind and work of Sean Wolfe.

Drew: Hey Sean, what can you tell me about your latest book? Is it really going to be your last?
Sean: My new book is called “Give It To Me.” It’s the second in a two-book series. The first one in the series was called, “Hard and Fast” … and is about what most of us consider “good boys” … teachers, honor roll students, preacher’s kids, etc. and their sexual coming-of-age and exploits.

“Give It To Me” is the flip of that (sexual pun intended) … about “bad boys” … thieves, politicians, bondage masters, rapists … and tales of their sexual misadventures.

I wanted to call it “Shut Up and Take It,” but my publisher thought that was a little harsh. Both books challenge readers to examine our own ideals and morals, and to reconsider what is “good” and what is “bad.” To look deeper and know that things aren’t usually as black and white as they might appear.

“Give It To Me” is my 10th erotica book … and definitely my last. Though not normally words you would hear coming from my mouth … “Enough sex, already!!” LOL. But it won’t be my last book. I’m focusing on more mainstream, non-erotic books now. I just finished my first non-erotic novel, a supernatural/psychological thriller.

As a writer of erotica, what is your "go to" scenario for maximum sexiness? 
This is so gonna make me sound like a chick. <sigh> But I think sexy only happens when the entire body is engaged and excited … it’s not all about the cock and ass. That is hot and exciting. But “sexy” is when the partners are so overwhelmed with one another that they struggle to catch their breath and swallow … that they can’t control their moans or the chill bumps on their skin … that the tickle and taste of their partner’s tongue on their body threatens to evaporate them.

 It’s about the emotion happening inside them, and not the sensation happening with their bodies. Oh jeez, that was so Sally Field. Drink your juice, Shelby!

Seriously, drink your juice, Shelby!
What impact has the Internet had on erotic writing/publishing? It was certainly a game changer for the video porn industry. Has it been the same for books or do readers still like to read? 
Yes, the Internet has had a big effect on written erotica. It’s so easy to pull up a porn video and get off. You don’t even need to fast forward through a whole video anymore … you can just watch individual scenes that are perfect for your particular … personal gratification needs.

But I don’t think it’s the same for books. People who read erotica aren’t reading it for the specific goal of getting off. Videos are much more visual … and hands free … more convenient for that purpose. People read erotica for the same reason they read anything else: they want to get wrapped up in the story and the lives of a character that is living a life (mostly) different than their own.

Though many men have told me that they enjoyed a happy ending after reading my stories, I am venturing a guess that it was after they’d finished the story and then made their own video in their heads about what they’d just read. It’s too hard and messy to turn the pages while your energy is focused … elsewhere. I admire their dedication to fine literature and the art of reading.

Poot!
What life lessons can gay men learn from reading erotica? 
That life is hard. <clears throat> Sorry, it was too easy.

Seriously, though, what I hope that gay men can learn from MY erotica, at least, is that sex is only a part of who we are as whole, perfect, and beautiful human beings. That sex can be HOT and interesting and fun and creative and funny and sad and multi-faceted. That sometimes it’s just a fuck, and sometimes it’s so much more. And that either is perfectly fine.

Oh yeah … and not to take ourselves too seriously. All it takes is one fart during sex to make you realize you’re not the fucking center of the Universe.


For someone wanting to get into the works of Sean Wolfe, what is your recommended reading list? Do you have a personal favorite book or story?
I have two favorites of my own books … and they’re my favorites for opposite reasons.

All of my books, with the exception of my first solo effort, are based on a common theme that ties each of the stories in the book together. “Close Contact” was my first published solo book. It’s a compilation of 23 short stories that I’d written for several gay magazines, and the stories are completely random and not connected in any way. I like that book because they are many of my earlier stories, and many of them have a lot more humor in them than some of my later books.

My other favorite is “Eight Inches.” Because there are only eight stories in this one, instead of the typical 12-20 that are in my other books, they are longer stories, and I was able to do a lot more character and story development with them. All of the stories and characters are inter-connected, and they all tie together as the book progresses.

So you're done with erotica but you will be continuing to write?
Yes, I’m “theoretically” focusing on more mainstream, non-erotic books. I just finished my first non-erotic novel, and am cleaning it up and hoping to send it out to agents soon.

I’ve been saying that since June.

Though I had no trouble writing the 412 page book itself … I find myself stuck on writing the synopsis and query letter. This might come as a surprise to you, but I have a little difficulty in being … brief. <sigh>

Come on in, the water's fine at The Denver Swim Club.
Where and how can we keep up with everything Sean Wolfe related?
The Denver Swim Club. <looks around nervously> Was that my outside voice??

I’m not very good at self-promotion. I post something on Facebook about once a month. And I don’t have a webpage. I’ve been saying I need to get one for several years, and I still can’t bring myself to get one put together.

If anyone out there is phenomenal at putting together a hot website and wants to take me on as a “project” … I would not complain. I also could not pay, since I work for a non-profit. But, I’ve been told that I give … Oooops, outside voice again. Sorry.

In what ways does sex and sexuality inform your new position at The Denver Element?
One of the things I love about my work with The Denver ELEMENT is that we are sex positive. We know that sex is hot and complicated and diverse … and that it’s an important part of who we are as gay men. We’re not embarrassed or ashamed of it, and there is no judgment placed on sex or the men who engage in all of its many … varieties. We embrace it and love it and encourage it. At ELEMENT we realize there is no cookie-cutter response to sex … we all experience it differently. We try to educate gay and bi men that there is a very large menu of options when it comes to sex and taking care of ourselves. And that’s important to us because we want gay men to be around for a long time. They are our current … and future … sexual and emotional partners, afterall.

In a nutshell, what have you learned over the years as an expert on sex and sexuality that the average "civilian" doesn't know?

Mostly that I’m not an expert on sex or sexuality. I know a lot about it … and I’ve been told that I’m good at … writing … it. Yeah, that’s it. But sex and sexuality are such individual qualities and aspects of who we are.

 It’s so very different for each of us. I can only be an expert on ME, and hopefully get close to being an expert on my partners – or close enough to make it enjoyable for all of us.

Other than that, sex and sexuality are sources of constant learning and experimenting and practicing for me. If they aren’t changing every so often, then I get bored. One of my favorite mantras is: “I don’t know what I don’t know, but I know that I don’t know it.” Learning the stuff I don’t know and adding it to my sexual toolbox is the exciting part.

That … and do NOT douche with cold water!

Succulent.
Author Christopher Hitchens famously said that “the four most overrated things in life were champagne, lobsters, anal sex, and picnics.” Agree or disagree?
Disagree.

 I adore champagne, and it makes me giggle like a little school girl. If you wanna get me in the sack, pop open a bottle – and don’t ask any questions if the cork goes missing. It’s embarrassing for everyone involved.

 Lobsters are sweet and succulent and buttery – and make the perfect after-sex dinner. And if you can watch me suck down twelve pounds of slippery pre-historic swimming/walking/sliding creatures with giant claws and still wanna take me to bed, then … well, I am in love.

At this point, I would hardly think I need to extol the virtues of anal sex. Let’s just say I’m a fan. A very big and dedicated fan.

Picnics are a’ight. As long as they consist of champagne, lobster, and anal sex.

Anything else you'd like to discuss?
Yes. Are you single? I have a bottle of champagne, a twelve pound lobster, and …

Sean Wolfe's books are available at Amazon.com. For more information - and the occasional update - check out his Facebook page by clicking here

Friday, February 17, 2012

The Denver Element loves you!

At The Denver ELEMENT … WE LOVE GAY MEN!

And we want all of us to be as Strong, Healthy, and Empowered as we can be. We promote the journey of mental, physical, and social well-being for all gay men. We achieve this by providing opportunities for community building, personal growth, HIV/Substance use prevention, education, and the celebration of life.

Check out our Boyfriend University, Touch Team, Probe Community Conversations, and Healthy Relationships programs to see what all the excitement is about.

Whether you’re young or old … tall or short … positive or negative … pretty or prettier … there’s a place for you at ELEMENT. Join us in transforming Denver’s Gay Male Community!

Friday, February 10, 2012

MileHighGayGuy Advertiser Shout Out: The Denver Element

At The Denver ELEMENT … WE LOVE GAY MEN!

And we want all of us to be as Strong, Healthy, and Empowered as we can be. We promote the journey of mental, physical, and social well-being for all gay men. We achieve this by providing opportunities for community building, personal growth, HIV/Substance use prevention, education, and the celebration of life.

Check out our Boyfriend University, Touch Team, Probe Community Conversations, and Healthy Relationships programs to see what all the excitement is about.

Whether you’re young or old … tall or short … positive or negative … pretty or prettier … there’s a place for you at ELEMENT. Join us in transforming Denver’s Gay Male Community!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Things To Do In Denver When You're Gay: Denver ELEMENT/Compound Beer Bust

Join The Denver ELEMENT as they host the Compound Beer Bust this Saturday, May 28 starting at 6pm. It's only $6 for all the Bud/Bud Light, soda or juice you can handle. So come on down and drink up because 50 percent of the night's proceeds will benefit The Denver ELEMENT.  

The Denver ELEMENT envisions a Denver community where all gay men are empowered and inspired to create a life they love living through well-being and connection.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Denver Element announces Touch Team training

Save the DateIn 2011, Touch Team trainings will take place the last Saturday of every month (except when those fall on holiday weekends). Reserve your space for our next training.

The Touch Team are gay guys from our own community, just like you. If you are good in groups, have a knack for talking to other gay men and community members, and want to be a part of creating a healthier, more vibrant gay male community in Denver, then this is the place for you! 

The Touch Team is a great opportunity to make a difference in our community while having a ton of fun.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Things to do in Denver When You're Gay: Community Conversations with Element and Embrace

ELEMENT and EMBRACE are hosting two Community Conversations. One will be on Saturday, December 4 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The other conversation will be Wednesday, December 8 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Both conversations will occur at ELEMENT at 950 Logan, Garden Level. 

What’s happening?
Currently, there is an increase of syphilis in our community. Element and Embrace are working to develop messages around prevention and testing that are meaningful and nonjudgmental for our community.

What can we do?
Engage in our community conversation. Element and Embrace want men who are sexually active and use the Internet to hook up (however, all gay and bi men are welcome to attend). The nonjudgmental conversation will provide:
  • Syphilis 101,
  • Review of marketing campaigns for gay and bi men in other cities,
  • Details on what is happening in Denver, and
  • An opportunity to develop messages that are meaningful to our community to educate ourselves about our sexual health.
Please RSVP to Deryk at 303-725-6549 or deryk@sageriver.com. Lunch/dinner will be served (please let Deryk know if you have any specific dietary needs).

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Things to do in Denver when you're gay: Boyfriend University

 
Check out Meet and Treats and Meat this Saturday, July 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. presented by Boyfriend University, a program of Denver ELEMENT.

Come learn and share with other gay men about love, affection, dating, and relationships while learning about the Boyfriend University program. Enjoy ELEMENT s meat and treats at this ice cream and hot dog social. Please bring a picnic-y side dish for yourself and maybe some to share and RSVP by emailing Gabriel or Clint. Gabriel@thedenverelement.com or Clint@thedenverelement.com

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Jobs: HIV Prevention Outreach and Program Coordinator for ELEMENT

HIV Prevention Outreach and Program Coordinator for ELEMENT: Under the direct supervision of the Program Director or designate, HIV Prevention Out Reach & Program Coordinator develops and implements HIV prevention, health promotion and community development initiatives for gay, bisexual and trans-men consistent with the program's stated goals and objectives. The HIV Prevention Out Reach & Program Coordinator works collaboratively with program staff, community volunteers, Community Advisory Board members and partner agencies as a means of discharging the duties described herein. Please visit our web site for more information.

ELEMENT, Denver's Gay Men's Wellness Initiative, is a socially activist program for gay, bisexual and transmen in the Denver metro area. They are a cross-cultural, multi-generational group of men who are creating a gay men's community that is more compassionate, cohesive, educated and connected. ELEMENT is out to promote an altruistic community of men who are committed to making a difference — in our own lives, in the lives of our friends, and in the gay men's community as a whole. ELEMENT fosters opportunities for communication, meaningful engagement and personal leadership. ELEMENT envisions a stronger and more vibrant community of gay and bisexual and transmen. This is accomplished through their HIV Prevention and Education programs and treatment program; The Mile High Meth Project. ELEMENT is supported by The Mile High Council, a 501c-3.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

ELEMENT Conversation Series: HIV Stigma, Status Disclosure, and Intimacy

On April 17th, Denver Element invited the Denver gay community to a town hall conversation on HIV stigma, status disclosure and intimacy. The Element conversation series is designed to keep the community engaged and the conversation about HIV/AIDS alive. Whether you know your status to be positive, negative, or if you don't know your status, Element invites you to continue the conversation on the following dates:

Tuesday, May 11, 6-8PM
Tuesday, May 18, 6-8PM
Tuesday, May 25, 6-8PM

For more information Element's Conversation Series or to RSVP, give Michael at call at 720-382-2900, ext. 10. or email him at michael@thedenverelement.com.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

What's the deal with HIV in Denver?

Are Poz guys isolated from the rest of the gay community here in Denver? Has HIV fallen off our radar screens?

Wanna talk about it?

The Denver Element will be hosting a community conversation entitled 'HIV Stigma, Status Disclosure, and Intimacy' on Saturday, April 17 at the Ramada Inn Downtown Denver from 4-7 p.m.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Talk about Tina with Denver Element and The Mile High Meth Project

Click the pic for more information about talking about meth with The Denver Element and The Mile High Meth Project.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Things to do in Denver when you're gay: Talk about Tina with The Mile High Meth Project and Denver Element

The Mile High Meth Project and Denver Element want to talk to Denver gay men about meth. Do you use? Do your friends? Have you quit? Are you trying to quit?

Click the pic for more information or visit TheDenverElement.com.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Calling all Gay Spirit Warriors!

The next installment of the Denver Element's Conversation Series takes place Tuesday, February 23, from 6-8 p.m. and the topic is Gay Spirit Warriors.

Sounds fierce!

Based upon the book of the same name, the folks at Element say that this conversation begins a journey of self-discovery and transformation for men who believe that loving their brothers intimately and wholeheartedly is a cause for celebration. This is a conversation for men who are ready to move beyond conformity and stereotype, to turn wounds into strength and exile into inclusion. Are you ready to resolve doubts, put aside self-judgment, and hone the unique gifts you were born with? Don t miss out on this stimulating conversation. Call Christopher at 720-382-5900, ext 10 to reserve your spot.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Gay Comedy Night with Denver Element and the Homo Culture Collective


Get your laugh on with the Denver Element crew. Their Homo Culture Collective program of infotainment, exploring gay history, aesthetic, and art with multiple options for participation and the next event is Gay Comedy Night which will take place on January 29 and feature an evening of sitcom funnies and stand up video clips. Contact Corey at 720-382-5900 ext. 13 or corey@thedenverelement.com for more information.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Things to do in Denver when you're gay: Reclaim Your Spirit with Denver Element

The Denver Element's Conversation Series returns on Tuesday, February 9, from 6-8 p.m.

Explore the mind, body, spirit connection in Reclaiming Your Spirit. From a practical point of view, what role does spirituality play in our everyday lives? Join us as we explore spirituality as self-expression and empowerment for gay men.

Friday, January 8, 2010

Things to do in Denver when you're gay: Element Conversation Series

On January 12, the Denver Element invites you to the latest in their Denver Element Conversation Series - Exploring Body Image.

Evidence shows that American men are becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the appearance of their bodies. The male body is increasingly objectified and sexualized in popular print ads. Advertisements promoting weight lifting, exercise products, and underwear are classic examples of this objectification. What role does gay culture play in our perceptions of our bodies? Denver Element invites men of all body shapes and sizes to join them as they explore body image from our own perspectives.

To RSVP, contact Christopher at 720-382-5900 or Christopher@thedenverelement.com.

For more information on the complex topic of gay men and body issues check out this list of books and videos from the University of Pennsylvania.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Things to do in Denver when you're gay: Gays on Ice

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? The Denver Element is hosting Gays on Ice and has reserved Big Bear Ice Arena from 6:30-8:30 p.m. this Saturday. Skate rental is $3. Sounds like a great time.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Element invites you to Thanksgiving

The Denver Element invites you to a Thanksgiving Day of drop-in conversation, board games, and desserts.

The group will meet to discuss "Holidays: Joy or Pain in the Ass?" from 3:30-5 p.m. and then move into decorating holiday cookies and making New Year's cards. At 7 p.m. the group will provide hot cocoa, cider, and light snacks. All are welcome to stay all day or just pop in at any time.