Poll: 75% of Americans say military gays should serve openly

Three in four Americans now believe gay and lesbian military personnel should be able to be out on the job, compared with 62% in 2001 and 44% in 1993, according to a Washington Post-ABC News poll. The survey found that majorities of Democrats, Republicans and independents agree that out gays should be allowed to serve. The Washington Post (7/19)

Denver author and trans activist Matt Kailey comments on HRC hiring of Allyson Robinson

Here's what Matt Kailey, local author and trans activist, has to say about the hiring of transwoman Allyson Robinson as the Human Rights Campaign's associate director of diversity:

"There is a lot of buzz on the blogs about HRC's hiring of transwoman Allyson Robinson as the organization's new associate director of diversity. Some complain that it's tokenism and that HRC is hiring her to assuage a trans community angered over the organization's abrupt about-face on an all-inclusive ENDA. Others say that it's about time that HRC hired a transperson, regardless of their reasons. Some are annoyed with Robinson for taking the job, while others applaud her.

While I agree that HRC is the most politically powerful national GLB(T) organization in the country and that what they do has far-reaching influence and consequences, I think that we need to recognize that they are one organization, and that true power can be gained at the grassroots level if we decide to take it. Colorado has an all-inclusive ENDA. HRC didn't do that--we did. Our grassroots activists in Colorado made it so. We need to take back power at the local level and not turn it over to HRC or any other national organization, which includes not putting all our stock, one way or another, in what they are doing.

That said, trans and gender-diverse people, including gay men and lesbians who express their gender in non-traditional ways, still suffer from employment discrimination in most cities and states, and there is no all-inclusive federal ENDA to protect us. So since HRC is now hiring transpeople--and, honey, we need the jobs--let's all get those resumes updated!"

Allyson Robinson named HRC's Associate Director of Diversity

HRC today announced that Allyson Robinson has been named Associate Director of Diversity of the organization. Robinson, a longtime activist and ordained minister, will lead HRC and its volunteer base in promoting awareness of transgender issues and ensuring that all program areas demonstrate measurable commitment to transgender equality and inclusion.



“I am delighted that Allyson Robinson has joined the HRC team and I am eager to begin the hard work of educating the public and our elected officials about transgender issues with her,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese. “Allyson’s background of facilitating communication and fostering meaningful relationships make her the ideal person to fill this crucially important role.”

Read more after the jump.


“Advocacy to me means being a voice for the voiceless by ensuring their perspectives are heard and their needs fully considered,” said Allyson Robinson, the new HRC Associate Director of Diversity. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to join HRC at this crucial moment in its support of full inclusion for the transgender community, and look forward to working with HRC Steering Committees and in partnership with other fair-minded and LGBT-inclusive organizations to lead that effort nationally.”

Allyson is a 1994 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, where she majored in physics. She received her Master of Divinity degree in theology, with a capstone emphasis in Social Justice, from Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary in 2007. Prior to her transition, she pastored congregations on two continents for nine years.

Robinson’s hiring has been applauded by leaders of the transgender community.

“Allyson is a committed activist for trans people and the people who love them,” said best-selling author Jenny Boylan. “A lot of work needs to be done to mend fences between HRC and the trans community, and Allyson, by dint of her dedication, compassion, and articulate insight, is the one to do it. I am sure her wisdom, poise, and humor will do well for all the members of our community, and I wish her all the best.”

“Allyson is a great addition, and as someone who works closely with HRC nationally and locally, I’m delighted to add her energy to expand the quantity, quality and awareness of fully inclusive workplaces and to support our diversity initiatives in Boston,” said HRC Business Council and Steering Committee member Diego Sanchez.

“Allyson comes to the position with my full support. Her ministerial teachings and learning, combined with her West Point training will be a great asset to HRC and the LGBT community where she will be able to listen to hearts and emotions of all people”, said Meghan Stabler, HRC Business Council and HRC Houston Steering Committee member. Stabler continued, “As a transgender person, she will be able to educate internally within HRC and externally with the community and allies on key issues, including HRC’s call for an inclusive ENDA.”
Robinson was selected to be Associate Director of Diversity following a four-month national search.

“The idea to create this new position came to life in spring 2007, just weeks into my new job. I envisioned strengthening HRC's capacity to fulfill our stated commitment to transgender equality and inclusion,” said Cuc Vu, HRC Chief Diversity Officer. “Allyson now rounds out our diversity team and we will continue striving to meet our goals.”

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.



Rendezvous 2008 - Wyoming's Pride Event

If you are looking for a relaxed, friendly adventure, you might need a trip to Rendezvous! If you are longing for good food, fun people, and entertainment, you might need a trip to Rendezvous! Sponsored by the Denver Wrangler, Rendezvous is Wyoming's Pride Event and takes place this year from August 6-10.


Get your campers, tents, RV’s, sleeping bags, and all your other camping gear ready, because it is right around the corner. As always, there will be lots of fun activities, hilarious contests, good food, informative workshops, great entertainment, and time for dancing and socializing and sharing your best jokes and tall tales around the campfire.

Rendezvous Schedule of Events:
Thursday: Rendezvous' 5th Annual Film Festival
Friday: Friday will be No Talent Night, Fractured Fairies Tale, and singer Susie Brenner.
Saturday: Rendezvous Festival with games, entertainment, ice cream, vendors and wet t-shirt and jockey shorts contests.

Delta Goodrem: Lost Without You

Good for lip-synching if you're a drag queen. Very dramatic.

Rock to Win at The Fillmore for DNC

Celebrate GLBT equality at the Democratic National Committee Convention! The Human Rights Campaign is sponsoring a DNCC premiere event, "Rock To Win," on Tuesday, Aug. 26, at the Fillmore Auditorium, 1510 Clarkson Street, Denver, featuring long-time friend and Oscar and Grammy-award winning artist Melissa Etheridge.

"Rock to Win" will also feature performances by Cyndi Lauper and Rufus Wainwright. This summer, Cyndi hit the road for the second annual True Colors Tour in partnership with the Human Rights Campaign. This year's tour emphasized the importance of voting and participating in 2008's historic elections. The concept of the tour was conceived by Cyndi stemming from her desire to give back to the GLBT community for the love and support they have given her throughout her career. Wainwright, who is openly gay, previously performed at HRC's landmark concert series and tour, "Equality Rocks." Other artists and special guests who will be in attendance at "Rock to Win" will be announced in the days to come.

"Rock To Win" is sure to be an incredible evening of celebration. Get your tickets early - we expect this to be one of the hottest tickets in town that week!



General Admission tickets are $98 per person, and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com. To purchase very limited VIP tickets and VIP Boxes with open bar and reception access, please visit boxofficetickets.com.

2008 Up Your Alley Fair

This year's Up Your Alley Fair takes place in on Sunday, July 27, 2008 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Up Your Alley Fair is located in San Francisco's South of Market district on Dore Alley between Folsom and Howard Streets. The fair has expanded to the adjoining block of Folsom Street between 9th and Juniper Streets and on to Tenth St. this year to give the crowds some breathing room.

Bay of Pigs

Bay Of Pigs is the official Folsom Street Fair/Up Your Alley Saturday Night Event. It's not too late to hop a flight to fabulous San Francisco and experience the one and only Folsom Street Fair.

25 Years of Folsom Street Fair

San Francisco's Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) Historical Society and Folsom Street Events are celebrating 25 years of the Folsom Street Fair with a new exhibit at the GLBT Historical Society entitled Fun, Frolic, Fetish: Celebrating 25 Years of the Folsom Street Fair. The exhibit will open on July 24th, the Thursday prior to the Dore Alley Fair.

Colton Ford: Tug of War

Fresh off several special appearances opening Cyndi Lauper's True Colors Tour, comes Colton with his new video, the title cut of his debut album, Tug of War.