Patricia Nell Warren's The Front Runner

First published in 1974, Patricia Nell Warren's The Front Runner was a breakthrough bestseller about the triumphs and tragedies of a gay Olympic hopeful named Billy Sive. It is an absolute classic so do yourself a favor and run out and get yourself a copy today.

At the time of publication in 1974, here's what one reviewer from The St. Louis Post Dispatch had to say about the impact of The Front Runner: "Fascinating ... (Patricia Nell Warren) offers compassionate insight of a viciously persecuted minority ... She overcame my entrenched prejudices so that I was cheering for the Front Runner as he raced for the final tape."

Pretty powerful stuff.

The pic is a scan of my paperback copy of The Front Runner that I picked up in 1991 at Capitol Hill Books for $1.50. That is one seventieslicious cover illustration, isn't it?

Meet the Denver FrontRunners

Taking their name from the famous Patricia Nell Warren book, The Frontrunner (buy a copy TODAY if you've never read it!), the Denver FrontRunners are a group of local GLBT folks who meet up twice a week to stretch their long sexy legs, socialize and enjoy some beautiful Colorado scenery.

Saturday morning walk/run:
Denver Frontrunners meets every Saturday morning at 9 a.m. (gay time), in front of the Moore Elementary school at 9th Avenue, between Downing and Corona Streets, across the street from the King Soopers market. Walkers tour the Cheesman Park area, catching views of the Front Range. Runners most often head to Washington Park via the Marion Street Parkway (total run = 5 to 6 miles). Most everybody meets up for food and fun at a local spot afterwards.

Thursday evening trail runs:
Some of the runners also meet regularly for Thursday evening trail runs in the Foothills (daylight permitting). The locations and times do vary.

Check out the FrontRunners' great looking new website at Denver FrontRunners.

DATE: Denver Area Tennis Enthuisiasts

The 2007 season has officially ended. However, weather permitted, DATE will still meet on Saturday mornings and Monday evenings at City Park during the off-season. So, come out and swing!

DATE is a very informal group and they like it that way. They play a mixed doubles format, based on level. They split up the courts based on level and folks just sort of jump in and play a few games and then switch things up to make sure everyone gets to play. If there are enough courts, people play full sets. DATE is not a competitive group, so if you're looking for that, join a USTA team too! DATE is a social tennis group that is full of players who are just out to enjoy themselves and improve their tennis games.

Be sure to check out DATE for more information.

What is the CGIHA?

Founded in 2000, the Denver-based Colorado Gay Ice Hockey Association (CGIHA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to train GLBT hockey players for national and international competition in an environment free from all forms of harassment and discrimination, and which encourages fair play, openness, and friendship; and to provide a compelling and social atmosphere which promotes the growth of leadership, coaching, and playing skills. The CGIHA overseas the Coors Light Colorado Climax hockey teams which participate as openly gay teams in mainstream leagues and in North American tournaments. Find out more at www.cgiha.org.

Brittney Elizabeth in Colorado

Fresh young singer/songwriter Brittney Elizabeth has become the go-to-gal for setting the musical backdrop to some of television’s most talked about programs, with a pair of songs from her debut album, Breathe In finding their way onto nearly a dozen television series. Music Supervisors have gone positively Elizabethan, lusting over the songs, “Last Song For You” and “Los Angeles With Open Arms”, both co-written by the 20-year old singer and scheduled to lend their emotional impact to an impressive array of shows including upcoming MTV’s The Real World: Hollywood, The Paper, My Super Sweet 16, Engaged and Underage, The Diary Series, Trick It Out, Cribs, High School Stories, Newport Harbor and True Life. Other shows that will be including Brittney’s songs include Lifetime Television’s American Psychic Challenge, E! Entertainment Television’s top rated show Keeping Up with the Kardashians and Oxygen Network’s Bad Girls Club.

George Romero's Diary of the Dead at Starz FilmCenter

When a group of young filmmakers venture into the woods to shoot a low-budget horror film and discover that the dead have arisen from their graves to feast on the flesh of the living, they decide to capture the chaos on camera for the ultimate “cinema verite” experience but find that it causes more than the usual production headaches. Forty years after the original Night Of The Living Dead veteran filmmaker George A. Romero infuses his long-running series with a re-animating dose of Blair Witch sensibility.
Starts February 15 at the Starz FilmCenter.

Community HIV forum tonight

The monthly Community HIV Forum is tonight at Our Savior's Lutheran Church at 9th and Emerson beginning at 6 p.m. Dr. Greenberg will be speaking on "Understanding your Labs," and food will be provided by Whole Foods Catering. The educational forum is a monthly event which now takes place on Tuesdays. This forum is intended for people living with HIV.

Be a parrot's Valentine

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and what better time to show a little loving to the parrots in the Sanctuary program at The Gabriel Foundation Aviary and Adoption Center? The Foundation provides sanctuary and permanently cares for birds who are not suitable for adoption or placement in foster care, as well as for birds whose owners have asked that they remain at The Gabriel Foundation. All sanctuary birds receive the same high level of care as the birds available for adoption and foster care. For a mere ten dollars, you can make a sanctuary sponsorship donation, and in celebration of Valentine’s Day, receive a simple, but heartfelt, heart-shaped pin with a photo of one of the sanctuary parrots you will be helping. Find out more at The Gabriel Foundation.

Wilde to open this month

There's no official opening date yet but I have it on good authority that the new dancebar and lounge, Wilde, will be finally opening their doors sometime in February.

Located at 2157 Downing Street in Denver, wilde should be a very welcome addition to the club scene in town. Find out more at wilde.

Romantic Colorado Getaways: Crested Butte

Today, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Crested Butte, Colorado one of its 2008 “Dozen Distinctive Destinations.” Since 2000, the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP) has annually selected communities across the United States that offer cultural and recreational experiences different from the typical vacation destination. From dynamic downtowns and stunning architecture to cultural diversity and commitments to historic preservation, the selected destinations boast a richness of character and exude an authentic sense of place.

“Crested Butte is a delightful hidden gem that offers a rare mix of beauty, history and adventure,” says Richard Moe, president of the NTHP. “Filled with endless recreational opportunities no matter the time of year, this authentic mountain town is arguably one of the most charming vacation destinations in the Rockies.”

To commemorate being part of the NTHP’s prestigious Dozen Distinctive Destinations list, the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum will host a celebration on Sunday, Feb. 17 from 5 – 7:30 p.m. The museum also will debut its new textiles exhibit. The exhibit features historic clothing from Crested Butte that will rotate frequently using the museum’s sizable textile collection. The museum, located at 331 Elk Ave., nominated Crested Butte for the designation. Visitors and residents are invited to enjoy an evening of Crested Butte fun, refreshments and free admission to the museum.


Nestled in a stunning valley of wildflowers and majestic mountain peaks, this year-round destination is a recreational paradise offering a dizzying array of activities for any traveler—from the avid sports enthusiast to the history buff. The former coal mining town has faithfully held onto its 19th century heritage, retaining the heart and spirit of the landscape while creating a main street that oozes charm.

Historic attractions include the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum. Built in 1883 and one of the oldest standing structures in town, the building first housed the Crested Butte Hardware store and later a blacksmith shop and gas station. The museum is now a repository for relics from the town’s past mining era and more recent ranching and skiing history. It also houses the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame as Crested Butte has the unique distinction of being one of the birthplaces of mountain biking.

The village of Mt. Crested Butte is easily accessed from town by a free shuttle bus. Named after the 12,162-foot peak that has become the area’s signature, Mt. Crested Butte offers skiing and snowboarding thrills like few others at Crested Butte Mountain Resort. Once the snow melts and summer blossoms, visitors to the area can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, climbing, fishing, kayaking and river rafting. Festivals and other cultural events run year-round, providing dynamic entertainment alternatives.

To book personalized vacation packages and request visitor information, call the Gunnison-Crested Butte Tourism Association’s toll-free line, (800) 814-8893, or visit Crested Butte.

Divided We Fail: Affordable Healthcare for All

HRC joins fight for affordable health care

Today the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, announced that it has joined the growing coalition of organizations supporting the platform of Divided We Fail, a movement to propel our nation’s leaders to work together to provide all Americans with access to affordable, quality health care and long-term financial security.

“While access to quality, affordable health care should be considered a basic right, it is fast becoming a high-priced luxury that is out of reach for more and more people,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “We are pleased to join with these organizations that are committed to responding to this urgent health care crisis affecting all Americans, including the GLBT community.”

Divided We Fail is a joint collaboration between AARP, Business Roundtable, Service Employees International Union and National Federation of Independent Business. Launched in January of 2007, Divided We Fail is committed to compelling our presidential candidates, member of Congress and business and civic leaders to find common-sense solutions to the problems facing health care and financial security for all Americans.

For more information on Divided We Fail, please visit Divided We Fail.

Denver Nightlife

Female Illusionists cast their spells every Saturday at 8 and 10:30 p.m. at BJ's Carousel.





Hamburger Mary's is making sure that February and March will be exciting with the grand opening of their patio, new brunch menu and many more special events. Of course you can still catch all of your favorites including the Dream Girls, Slut Bingo, and Thank God it's Glitter Friday!

Things to do in Denver when it's Valentine's Day

Come find romance on Valentine's Day at JR's with $.50 beers and 1/2 price everything! Plus, ask your bartender about getting a rose with the purchase of a drink from the night's sponsor. Play your cards right and it won't be the only rosebud you get that night.



If you've already landed a sweetheart, take him to Lannie Garrett's Valentine Night show for a romantic evening in the sensual showroom of Lannie's Cabaret.

Or you cold always just dance your tail off on Valentine's Day at POUND NIGHT at The Compound with DJ Chaotic.

Florida Romance

From the moon over Miami to Lovers Key State Park and Seaside, the Sunshine State is a year-round romantic escape for couples looking to strengthen their bond. Below are some packages and ideas for planning a warm getaway for two. For more ideas and offers, click VisitFlorida.

Crystal River – The Plantation Golf Resort & Spa invites couples for an aquatic getaway. Located along the Crystal River inlets, the Resort offers a unique opportunity to observe native Florida manatees in their natural habitat. The Winter Manatee Snorkel Package includes one night’s accommodations, breakfast, guided boat tour, wetsuit, mask, fins, snorkel, tax and gratuities. The package rate during midweek is $142 per person per night based upon double occupancy and $209 per person single occupancy; weekend rate is $147 per person per night based upon double occupancy and $220 per person single occupancy. (800) 632-6262. www.plantationinn.com.

Orlando – Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress invites couples to reconnect with The Amour Package. This romance package includes: accommodations with rates starting at $369; breakfast for two at Cascade restaurant or from room service; late checkout of 2 p.m.; champagne with seasonal berries, chocolates and a rose. (407) 239-1234. http://grandcypress.hyatt.com.

Palm Beach – Chef Girard Coughlin of The Chesterfield Palm Beach’s Leopard Lounge and Restaurant has created a Valentine’s dinner to dine for. The first course includes crab bisque or chicken satay; the second course includes baby gem lettuce with feta, tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, olives and herb vinaigrette; third course includes beef tenderloin, lobster risotto or pan seared sea bass; dessert is a chocolate lovers trio – chocolate mousse, orange chocolate crème brule and chocolate ice cream (on one plate). This feast for two is $140. (800) 243-7871. www.chesterfieldpb.com.

Pensacola Bay – The Pensacola Bay Area offers a multitude of activities, giving couples the chance to bond and just have fun. Couples can explore the pristine coast on a sea kayak or bike. Several bike trails wind around sand dunes along the Gulf of Mexico, and Tiki Island on Pensacola Beach rents bicycles for two. Known as the “Canoe Capital of Florida,” Coldwater Creek and Blackwater River in nearby Milton offer wonderful canoe and kayak excursions to secluded picnic spots. Lanier Sailing charters boats either for the afternoon or an entire week. www.visitpensacola.com.

Lovers Key (near Fort Myers) – Adventure adds to romance, so grab a picnic lunch and head for Lovers Key State Park. Rent a kayak and paddle into Estero Bay’s dolphin territory. Or, watch the sunset from the shaded gazebo. www.floridastateparks.org.


Miami – Captain Masoud and RA Charters welcome couples to try their hand at the wheel or simply enjoy the romantic opportunity of holding hands on the bow of a sailing vessel gently cruising on the calm waters of Biscayne Bay while watching the sun set or the moon rise above the city lights of Miami. (305) 666-7979. www.racharters.com.