Fri. Mar 14th – Downtown Democratic Forum
Time: 6:45 am – 8:00 am
Location: Baur’s Ristorante, 1512 Curtis St.
Topic: The Legislative Options Shrink (speaker: Sen. Ken Gordon)
Cost: $13.00 with reservations
RSVP: 303-861-8050 or jmasdenver@att.net by noon on Wed.
Sat. Mar 15th – Multi-County Assemblies for House Districts 3, 6, 9,
and Senate District 35
Time: 9:00 am – 10:00 am (for house districts)
10:00 am – 11:00 am (for SD 35)
Registration for all begins at 8:00 am
Location: Latino Cinema, 777 Peoria St, Aurora
Delegates to these Assemblies will be elected at the Denver or Arapahoe County Assemblies
Multi-County Assembly for House District 1
Time: 9:00 am – 10:00, registration begins at 8:00 am
Location: Sooper Credit Union, 5590 W. Evans Ave
Delegates to this Assembly were elected at the Denver or Arapahoe County Assemblies
House District 8 Monthly Meeting
Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Location: Whittier Community Center, 2900 Downing St.
Future Events to Look Forward to include:
May 10th: 1st Congressional District Assembly and Convention
May 17th: State Assembly and Convention
For more details on any of these, or other upcoming events, please visit the Denver Democrats’ website and calendar here.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Senate approves bill with provision to repeal HIV immigration ban
The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, praised the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations today for approving an important provision to repeal our nation’s discriminatory travel and immigration ban on HIV positive individuals. The provision was secured by Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and Gordon Smith (R-OR) and is part of the Senate’s legislation to reauthorize PEPFAR, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. The underlying legislation, authored by Senators Joe Biden (D-DE) and Richard Lugar (R-IN), now moves to the Senate floor, however a date has not yet been determined.
“We appreciate the support by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and now urge the full Senate to repeal this unjust and sweeping policy that deems HIV positive individuals inadmissible to the United States,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “There remains no public health rationale for treating HIV more harshly than other communicable diseases. This draconian policy must end.”
In December of 2007, Senators Kerry and Smith introduced legislation, the HIV Non-Discrimination in Travel and Immigration Act (S. 2486), to repeal the ban.
“We know the urgency of this fight and the effectiveness of PEPFAR, and today we took a step forward in fighting this disease smarter, harder and with greater fairness and common sense than ever before,” said U.S. Sen. John Kerry. “The inclusion of these reforms will end a discriminatory law that stigmatizes people with HIV, while putting us on a path to save millions of lives with the best vaccines available.”
“The United States is a country founded on the principles of acceptance and freedom and should not forbid individuals with HIV - including AIDS experts - from entering the United States,” said U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith. “It’s time to get rid of this thoroughly outdated law.”
In the House of Representatives, U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) introduced the legislation, H.R. 3337, in August 2007.
“The HIV/AIDS travel and immigration ban is a discriminatory violation of human rights, has no basis in public health, and should be repealed," said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. “Changing the law is the right thing to do and will align our immigration policy on HIV/AIDS with the existing policy in place for all other diseases.”
HRC and Immigration Equality, a national organization working to end discrimination in U.S. immigration law, collaborated together to help lift the discriminatory travel and immigration ban.
“The United States has enforced this antiquated policy for too long with no public health rationale for discriminating against HIV-positive people in such a severe manner,” said Victoria Neilson, Immigration Equality's Legal Director. “Immigration Equality and the coalition of activists fighting against the ban are encouraged that years of hard work resulted in this major step. We are confident that the upcoming vote by the full Senate will be successful and will move the United States one step closer to lifting the HIV immigration ban.”
The travel and immigration ban prohibits HIV positive foreign nationals, students, and tourists from entering the U.S. unless they obtain a special waiver that only allows for short term travel. Current policy also prevents the vast majority of individuals with HIV from obtaining legal permanent residency.
The ban was originally enacted in 1987, and explicitly restated in 1993, despite efforts in the public health community to remove the ban when Congress reformed U.S. immigration law in the early 1990s. While immigration law currently excludes immigrants with any “communicable disease of public health significance” from entering the U.S., only HIV is explicitly named in the statute. For all other illnesses, the Secretary of Health and Human Services retains the ability, with the medical expertise of his department, to determine which illnesses truly pose a risk to public health.
“We appreciate the support by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and now urge the full Senate to repeal this unjust and sweeping policy that deems HIV positive individuals inadmissible to the United States,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “There remains no public health rationale for treating HIV more harshly than other communicable diseases. This draconian policy must end.”
In December of 2007, Senators Kerry and Smith introduced legislation, the HIV Non-Discrimination in Travel and Immigration Act (S. 2486), to repeal the ban.
“We know the urgency of this fight and the effectiveness of PEPFAR, and today we took a step forward in fighting this disease smarter, harder and with greater fairness and common sense than ever before,” said U.S. Sen. John Kerry. “The inclusion of these reforms will end a discriminatory law that stigmatizes people with HIV, while putting us on a path to save millions of lives with the best vaccines available.”
“The United States is a country founded on the principles of acceptance and freedom and should not forbid individuals with HIV - including AIDS experts - from entering the United States,” said U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith. “It’s time to get rid of this thoroughly outdated law.”
In the House of Representatives, U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) introduced the legislation, H.R. 3337, in August 2007.
“The HIV/AIDS travel and immigration ban is a discriminatory violation of human rights, has no basis in public health, and should be repealed," said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. “Changing the law is the right thing to do and will align our immigration policy on HIV/AIDS with the existing policy in place for all other diseases.”
HRC and Immigration Equality, a national organization working to end discrimination in U.S. immigration law, collaborated together to help lift the discriminatory travel and immigration ban.
“The United States has enforced this antiquated policy for too long with no public health rationale for discriminating against HIV-positive people in such a severe manner,” said Victoria Neilson, Immigration Equality's Legal Director. “Immigration Equality and the coalition of activists fighting against the ban are encouraged that years of hard work resulted in this major step. We are confident that the upcoming vote by the full Senate will be successful and will move the United States one step closer to lifting the HIV immigration ban.”
The travel and immigration ban prohibits HIV positive foreign nationals, students, and tourists from entering the U.S. unless they obtain a special waiver that only allows for short term travel. Current policy also prevents the vast majority of individuals with HIV from obtaining legal permanent residency.
The ban was originally enacted in 1987, and explicitly restated in 1993, despite efforts in the public health community to remove the ban when Congress reformed U.S. immigration law in the early 1990s. While immigration law currently excludes immigrants with any “communicable disease of public health significance” from entering the U.S., only HIV is explicitly named in the statute. For all other illnesses, the Secretary of Health and Human Services retains the ability, with the medical expertise of his department, to determine which illnesses truly pose a risk to public health.
Pet of the Week: Norman
Your help and well wishes are needed: Norman's in the hospital.
Norman came to The Gabriel Foundation 11 years ago from a veterinarian whose clients abandoned him there when he was desperately ill.
He was blind in one eye, emaciated, and in terrible feather condition. The veterinarian had performed surgery on Norman's sinus which was severely infected and Pseudomonas bacteria had traveled the optic nerve and blinded him. Norman was also diagnosed at that time with ocular and choanal papillomas.
Right now, Norman is hospitalized, on meds, and cultures are pending. Norman has suffered for 11 years from chronic sinus discharge and his sinuses are flushed daily. Surgery to open up the eyelid on his right eye was deemed to be more risky than beneficial. Norman has adapted to his extremely limited eyesight.
If you can help The Gabriel Foundation by donating to Norman's hospital fund, your tax-deductible donations will be greatly appreciated and are very much needed.
Click HERE to make a donation to Norman's Fund.
Norman came to The Gabriel Foundation 11 years ago from a veterinarian whose clients abandoned him there when he was desperately ill.He was blind in one eye, emaciated, and in terrible feather condition. The veterinarian had performed surgery on Norman's sinus which was severely infected and Pseudomonas bacteria had traveled the optic nerve and blinded him. Norman was also diagnosed at that time with ocular and choanal papillomas.
Right now, Norman is hospitalized, on meds, and cultures are pending. Norman has suffered for 11 years from chronic sinus discharge and his sinuses are flushed daily. Surgery to open up the eyelid on his right eye was deemed to be more risky than beneficial. Norman has adapted to his extremely limited eyesight.
If you can help The Gabriel Foundation by donating to Norman's hospital fund, your tax-deductible donations will be greatly appreciated and are very much needed.
Click HERE to make a donation to Norman's Fund.
Cinema Q at Starz presents Gregg Araki's 'The Living End'
The Denver Film Society is proud to announce the first of April's two films in their monthly Cinema Q program celebrating the best in new GLBT titles coming April 4 to the StarzFilmCenter:
THE LIVING END: REMIXED & REMASTERED.
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Gregg Araki`s acclaimed Outlaw Couple romance has been totally revamped in 'The Living End: Remixed & Remastered'. This take-no-prisoners story of two HIV-positive lovers on the run in 90`s America is more powerful and politically charged than ever.
THE LIVING END: REMIXED & REMASTERED.
.jpg)
Gregg Araki`s acclaimed Outlaw Couple romance has been totally revamped in 'The Living End: Remixed & Remastered'. This take-no-prisoners story of two HIV-positive lovers on the run in 90`s America is more powerful and politically charged than ever.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Get True Colors 2008 tickets before they're available to the general public
From now until Thursday, HRC members and supporters can purchase tickets for the True Colors 2008 tour before they go on sale to the general public. Click here today to get your tickets. You can use the code "HRC2008”.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Last night for STOMP
If you're looking for something to do this weekend, remember that Sunday is the last night for STOMP in Denver. It's an exultant exercise in rhythm and athleticism. Don't miss it! Do feel free, however, to miss '10,000 BC'. Man, that movie sucked.www.denvercenter.org
Denver Democratic County Convention was crazy (and full of GLBT people)
I'm getting ready to put myself to bed because it's been a long day but just wanted to post up a couple of observations about today's Democratic County Convention:
1. Holy Moley, there were a lot of people! Probably 10 times more than the last two conventions I attended. People are really fired up about Hillary and Obama.
2. Fun Fact: The Democratic National Convention is here in 2008 and was last here 100 years ago in 1908.
3. Things were a lot more disorganized than they should have been.
4. There were a whole lot of members of the GLBT community representing (whoo-hoo!). Either that, or Democrats all just look like a bunch of homosexuals.
1. Holy Moley, there were a lot of people! Probably 10 times more than the last two conventions I attended. People are really fired up about Hillary and Obama.
2. Fun Fact: The Democratic National Convention is here in 2008 and was last here 100 years ago in 1908.
3. Things were a lot more disorganized than they should have been.
4. There were a whole lot of members of the GLBT community representing (whoo-hoo!). Either that, or Democrats all just look like a bunch of homosexuals.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
The B-52s on tour
The B-52s have announced a special tour of select clubs and theaters to celebrate the release of their much-anticipated new album, 'Funplex' (3/25, Astralwerks). The "Worlds Greatest Party Band," pioneers in the fusion of dance, punk and vintage rock, will keep the party going on for fans around the world beginning with these 13 kick-off dates including one at Colorado's legendary Gothic Theatre.
THE B-52S FUNPLEX TOUR 2008:
Wednesday 4.23 - Paradise Rock Club - Boston, MA *
Friday, 4.25 - TLA - Philadelphia, PA *
Saturday, 4.26 - 930 Club - Washington, DC
Monday, 4.28 - Clutch Cargo's - Detroit, MI *
Tuesday, 4.29 - House of Blues - Cleveland, OH *
Thursday, 5.1 - House of Blues - Chicago, IL *
Friday, 5.2 - Kentucky Derby - Louisville, KY
Sunday, 5.4 - Gothic Theatre - Englewood, CO *
Tuesday, 5.6 - Show Box - Seattle, WA *
Wednesday, 5.7 - Roseland - Portland, OR
Thursday, 5.8 - State Fair - Dixon, CA
Friday, 5.9 - venue TBD - San Francisco, CA *
Sunday, 5.11 - House of Blues - Anaheim, CA *
Find out more at B-52s on myspace and their official website at B-52s.
Here's a little YouTube treat of my favorite song off of the legendary 'Cosmic Thing' album (don't tell anybody but I think I'm the only person in the world who hates the song 'Love Shack').
HRC gets a million viewers on YouTube
Videos produced by the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, have been viewed more than 1,000,000 times on the popular online video site YouTube. HRC has created nearly 70 videos on a wide variety of subjects relevant to the fight for GLBT equality. The first clip was posted in September 2006.“Each of these one million views represents one mind changed or one person activated to make a difference,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “As online video continues to gain popularity, HRC is proud to be a leader in using the medium to advance our message of equality.”
HRC’s channel at HRC on YouTube currently hosts 68 videos on topics ranging from employment discrimination, the failed military “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, and National Coming Out Day to the Transgender Day of Remembrance. The most popular video—accounting for more than 450,000 views—is “Take Action Against Hate Crimes,” which was honored with a 2007 Progressive Source Award for Best Call to Action video and can be seen below.
Denver Democratic Convention Volunteers Needed
The Democratic Party of Denver is in need of over 250 volunteers for the Denver County Democratic Convention & Assembly on March 8th for volunteers for the following positions:
Delegate Check – In (117 positions): . Will check in all delegates and alternates, and provide them with their voting credentials. May also refer those with questions to the appropriate contact for resolution. Must be gracious, work well under pressure, be able to quickly review alphabetical lists of names, process delegates check-in quickly, and communicate well with others.
Floor Marshals (45 positions): Will be assigned to individual House Districts, will remain in the Wells Fargo Theatre for the length of Convention/Assembly proceedings, and will assist with efficient and orderly seating and voting processes. Must be able to stand/walk for long periods of time, and interact with multiple people at one time.
Runners (10 positions): Will respond, as needed, to requests for additional materials, information, etc. Must be able to respond, and walk moderate distances (within the Convention Center site), quickly.
Ushers (20 positions): Will ensure delegates/alternates/observers are appropriately seated, respond to concerns quickly, and may be called upon to maintain order during the Convention and Assembly. Must be able to stand for long periods of time, work very well with people, work well under pressure, and respond as needed.
Greeters (10 positions): Will greet guests as they enter the Convention/Assembly site, ensuring that guests know where to go, and may assist those with limited mobility to get to the Wells Fargo Theatre and breakout rooms, for the Convention and Assembly meetings. Must possess strong customer service skills.
Volunteers shifts are from 6:30a.m.-12:30p.m., on March 8th, at the Colorado Convention Center. Volunteer training will be held on Friday, March 7th, 2008 at 5p.m., at the Convention Center, Wells Fargo Theatre.
To volunteer, contact volunteers@denverdemocrats.org or call (303)830-8242, by no later than 6pm on Wednesday, March 6th, 2008. Youth, ages 15-17, may also volunteer if accompanied by a parent.
To volunteer, contact volunteers@denverdemocrats.org or call 303-830-8242, by no later than 6 p.m. today!
Delegate Check – In (117 positions): . Will check in all delegates and alternates, and provide them with their voting credentials. May also refer those with questions to the appropriate contact for resolution. Must be gracious, work well under pressure, be able to quickly review alphabetical lists of names, process delegates check-in quickly, and communicate well with others.
Floor Marshals (45 positions): Will be assigned to individual House Districts, will remain in the Wells Fargo Theatre for the length of Convention/Assembly proceedings, and will assist with efficient and orderly seating and voting processes. Must be able to stand/walk for long periods of time, and interact with multiple people at one time.
Runners (10 positions): Will respond, as needed, to requests for additional materials, information, etc. Must be able to respond, and walk moderate distances (within the Convention Center site), quickly.
Ushers (20 positions): Will ensure delegates/alternates/observers are appropriately seated, respond to concerns quickly, and may be called upon to maintain order during the Convention and Assembly. Must be able to stand for long periods of time, work very well with people, work well under pressure, and respond as needed.
Greeters (10 positions): Will greet guests as they enter the Convention/Assembly site, ensuring that guests know where to go, and may assist those with limited mobility to get to the Wells Fargo Theatre and breakout rooms, for the Convention and Assembly meetings. Must possess strong customer service skills.
Volunteers shifts are from 6:30a.m.-12:30p.m., on March 8th, at the Colorado Convention Center. Volunteer training will be held on Friday, March 7th, 2008 at 5p.m., at the Convention Center, Wells Fargo Theatre.
To volunteer, contact volunteers@denverdemocrats.org or call (303)830-8242, by no later than 6pm on Wednesday, March 6th, 2008. Youth, ages 15-17, may also volunteer if accompanied by a parent.
To volunteer, contact volunteers@denverdemocrats.org or call 303-830-8242, by no later than 6 p.m. today!
I'm gonna be a star
NBC’s former Manager of Casting is launching a new casting and acting studio in Denver. Cathy Reinking (whose casting credits include “Frasier” and “Arrested Development”) has partnered with former Second City instructor Meridith Crosley to found the Eliot Street Collective.Located in West Denver (2460 Eliot Street near Federal and 25th), Eliot Street Collective is housed in a versatile 2000 sq ft. storefront with high ceilings, exposed brick and softwood floors.
“Soiree”, an Open House, is scheduled for Friday, April 4 at 7pm, featuring food, drink, music and the photography of Lucia De Giovanni.
Reinking is well known to the Denver community as having recently been the Broadcast Media Agent at Maximum Talent. She will run a casting studio out of the Collective, providing services for film, episodic television, commercials, print and theatre. Reinking recently cast commercials for IBM and the Dish Network; the feature film, “Woodshop”, produced by 42 Productions in Boulder; as well as working as a Casting Consultant on NBC’s current crop of pilots. “I’m passionately devoted to getting more work for local actors,” she says. “There’s some phenomenal talent here.”
The two women will also host performances, artists showings and parties; and rent the space for meetings, rehearsals and shows.
“We want the Collective to have a funky, rock and roll appeal,” says Crosley. “There’s potential to become a real destination for experimental performances. No one else is really doing it.”
For class schedules, bios and other info, visit Eliot Street Collective or call 720-985-8852.
Domestic Partnership Expansion Bill Passes WA State Senate
The Washington state senate voted 29-20 to pass a Domestic Partnership Expansion bill extending more than 160 new rights and responsibilities to registered domestic partners under state law. The legislation, which passed the House last month by a 62-32 vote, now goes to Governor Chris Gregoire's desk.
"The Human Rights Campaign congratulates Equal Rights Washington on this important step forward and thanks fair-minded legislators for taking action that promises real benefits for same-sex couples in Washington and their families," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "For the second time in as many years, Washington legislators have helped move same-sex couples toward full equality."
A 2007 law created a domestic partner registry that provided specific rights and responsibilities to same-sex couples as well as opposite sex couples with one partner over age 62. The bill the Senate passed will expand on the 2007 law.
HRC is proud to partner with Equal Rights Washington by encouraging our members in the state to contact their elected representatives in both the House and the Senate. HRC also thanks its members in Washington for taking action to help pass this important legislation.
The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
"The Human Rights Campaign congratulates Equal Rights Washington on this important step forward and thanks fair-minded legislators for taking action that promises real benefits for same-sex couples in Washington and their families," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "For the second time in as many years, Washington legislators have helped move same-sex couples toward full equality."
A 2007 law created a domestic partner registry that provided specific rights and responsibilities to same-sex couples as well as opposite sex couples with one partner over age 62. The bill the Senate passed will expand on the 2007 law.
HRC is proud to partner with Equal Rights Washington by encouraging our members in the state to contact their elected representatives in both the House and the Senate. HRC also thanks its members in Washington for taking action to help pass this important legislation.
The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
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