Pet Portraits By Maurice Becnel

Immortalize your furry friends with a pet portrait by Maurice Becnel. Clients admire Becnel's ability to capture the essence of a pet's personality in his work.

Says Becnel, "Painting animal portraits, for me, is more fun than it is work. I began painting them several years ago. The first one I did was for a friend on her birthday. Because it was a gift it never dawned on me that other people would commission me to do more. Word got out and before I knew it more and more of the emails I was receiving from my website were going to the dogs! And cats!"

Are You Gay With Something To Say? Bloggers Wanted For Denver's Best Gay Blog!

Are you a new or experienced writer or blogger? Do you want to be? Or maybe you're just some gay guy with something to say? Well, what better forum for you than MileHighGayGuy?

MileHighGayGuy is looking for regular and guest bloggers to write about local news and events, do music and movie reviews, or write opinion or feature pieces from a gay perspective.

These are unpaid positions but offer the opportunity to be published in Colorado's Best Gay Blog (2010, 2011, 2012 OUTstanding Awards, Denver 2012 #WebAwards), expand your audience and gain valuable experience. There's also swag available in the form of free movie and concert tickets, music, books and other cool stuff.

If interested, shoot an email over to Drew Wilson at drew@milehighgayguy.com. And if you've got column or story ideas to pitch, this is the place to do it.

Colorado Log Cabin Republicans Invite You To Their Monthly Social

Still have your ballot? Don't mail it! Deliver it to a Voter Service Center or Drop Box.


Now that that's out of the way; the Colorado Log Cabin Republicans invite you to enjoy two-for-one drinks tomorrow, Nov. 5,  at their monthly social at Xbar beginning at 6:30pm.

Election Day Repost - The Gay Vegans: Don't Forget What the Bigots Did

By Dan Hanley

What an amazing week!

Watching gay couples get married in Oklahoma, Virginia, West Virginia, Nevada. Legal marriage is now in a majority of the states. I wept as I watched couples who had been together 20, 30 years finally being allowed to legally marry.

Of course many are not happy. As I write, the state of South Carolina is doing everything they can to not allow gays to marry.

And as hundreds of couples marry around the country, I ask each of you to not forget.

Please don't forget the bigots and the religious extremists. Please don't forget those who used every waking breathe to keep marriage from us.

Please don't forget those who had the power to simply say yes, or vote yes, and instead said or voted no.

Please don't forget those who demonized us, and continue to demonize us.

Which brings me to my point.

Many of these same people are running for election or re-election across the country. Some of them want people to forget their horrible words and votes against gays and lesbians. Some of them think they will get more votes by demonizing us.

Don't let them do it. Don't let them win.

We have the power. It's called the vote.

Vote. Make sure they know we haven't forgotten. Make sure we speak with a loud voice.

This post originally appeared on Dan Hanley's website The Gay Vegans. Republished with permission.

Gay Help Wanted: MileHighGayGuy Is Hiring

Do you like working in and for the gay community? 

Are you friendly and outgoing?
 
Award-winning MileHighGayGuy.com is seeking advertising sales reps. The position requires someone who is self-motivated, detail-oriented and who, preferably, is familiar with the GLBT community. This is a contract position and pay will be commission-based.
 
To apply, email resume and references to Drew Wilson at Drew@milehighgayguy.com.

Good Chemistry – Denver’s Gay-Friendly Dispensary

GoodChemistry, Denver’s gay-friendly dispensary, is guided by four core principles:

SCIENCE – Good Chemistry believes that Cannabis has significant therapeutic benefits and work to support and expand its study.

ACCESS - Good Chemistry believes that many barriers exist which fundamentally restrict access to safe reliable medical grade cannabis and search for meaningful ways to remove them.

DIGNITY - Good Chemistry believes in the fundamental and inalienable right of a person to choose their medical treatment. Recognizing that often patients who take cannabis are subjected to unfair treatment under the law, Good Chemistry is committed to defending and protecting the rights of their patients.

COMPASSION - Good Chemistry recognizes that medical cannabis is a potent and effective medicine for many patients who cannot afford it and is dedicated to providing for those in need.

Advertise With Denver's Best Gay Blog - MileHighGayGuy

Do you want to advertise to Denver’s gay community? Of course you do, it’s the 7th largest in the United States! And the best way to reach them is with MileHighGayGuy – Colorado’s Best Gay Blog.

"Bearracuda has placed ads on MileHighGayGuy.com for all of our Denver events and they've provided a huge exposure to our party! Between that and the shout-outs we get from MileHighGayGuy, we've seen our numbers grow and grow. Highly recommended!!" - Matt Mikesell, founder of Bearracuda.

Just click the Advertising page or email sales@milehighgayguy.com to get started today.

Get OUT the Vote Tomorrow and Make Your Gay Voice Heard!

Tomorrow is Election Day, and it's more important than ever for the voices of LGBT and ally voters to be heard at the polls.

Click here to find your polling place.

BeTested.co: Let's Change the Future of HIV/AIDS

We will change the future of HIV/AIDS in Denver and throughout Colorado. It's no longer a dream. We will change the future of HIV/AIDS. There is not a cure or vaccine yet, but remarkable advances have transformed HIV from being a deadly infection to a manageable, chronic disease. The future of HIV/AIDS is in our hands.

What you can do - Test, Talk, PrEP, PEP, Treatment, End Stigma.

Tranifesto - Voting Trans: Do You Vote Your Identity?

By Matt Kailey

Even when I’m being logical, not emotional, it’s difficult for me to understand a gay or lesbian Republican, and it is only slightly easier for me to understand a trans Republican. (Well, I personally don’t understand why anyone is a Republican, but with the way the Democrats have been acting, they may be my next curiosity.)

But between the two parties, the Democrats, in my recent lifetime, have leaned toward LGBT friendly, and the Republicans have often qualified as LGBT antagonistic. And in my mind, Republican LGBT people are voting against their own best interests. But I think that way because, like most people, I vote my identity – and my primary identity is trans, gay, and queer.

I am aware every minute of my life that I am trans, although I’m not always consciously thinking about it. But it informs my politics, my employment, my writing, my choice of friends, and quite a few of my activity choices. I am also aware that I am gay or queer, the two words that I use to define my sexual orientation. And these things feature extremely prominently in my identity and my everyday life.

I believe that we all vote our identity. But each one of us has a hierarchy with regard to our identity that influences our life, our politics, and our vote. And intellectually, I know that not everyone’s sexual orientation or trans experience is at the top of their identity hierarchy.

If your identity is tied strongly to your employment and to your ability to make and retain a lot of your money, then you may choose a fiscally conservative candidate or public policy, even if that candidate or policy is not LGBT friendly.

If your identity is tied strongly to a particular ethnic, religious, or community group, then you may choose a candidate or public policy that will benefit that group, even if that candidate or policy is not favorable to LGBT people.

There are certain social issues that people feel so strongly about one way or the other – public assistance programs, abortion, immigration, the death penalty, gun control, drug decriminalization, health care – that their identity is linked far more closely to that issue than it is to their LGBT status, and they will vote accordingly.

These people are voting their identity – they are just voting the identity that trumps all the others in their own personal hierarchy.

(Editor's Note: Despite the fact that Matt Kailey, one of my closest friends, passed away earlier this year I will continue to republish his writing on MileHighGayGuy.com - as I did when he was alive - as a resource for the gay community to know more about trans people. This post originally appeared on Matt Kailey's award-winning website Tranifesto.com)

Mark Your Calendars for Denver Arts Week

Denver Arts Week takes place November 7-15 and celebrates the Mile High City's vibrant arts and culture scene, from visual arts, theater, music, and film, to museums, dance, opera comedy, history and heritage!

Things To Do In Denver When You're Gay: Free Winter Activities

From the Downtown Denver's Grand Illumination to the 9NEWS Parade of Lights, Denver shines all winter long. Click here to see Denver's best free activities and attractions. 
 

Nice To See StevieB: Checking Monsters

Monster in The Closet
by MoMoCookie

By StevieB

I got home super late last night. One of those nights where you dump your belongings and drag yourself up the stairs. I dumped my countless number of bags inside the door and stripped naked as I ascended the stairs.  My only goal was to be horizontal within my 800 thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets. Nothing was going to stop me. One thing did. 
I stopped and checked my closet for monsters. 

In my sleep deprived state, it hit me. I just checked my closet. I began to think; do I do this a lot? Yes, without even thinking of it. Every night I'm alone I open my closet door and flip on the light to ensure that there isn't anything evil lurking behind the Pumas. Hiding behind the flannel shirts.  I'm a fully fledged adult, and yet I check for monsters in my room. 

I'm sure this habit began when I was eight. My brother hid in my closet one evening to jump out and scare me. To this day it is my foundation in my belief that brothers are just simply assholes.  Ever since that night I have checked my closet. This habit has ingrained itself into just who I am for my entire life, so much so that I don't even remember or acknowledge doing it. 

In the movie 'The Dark Knight' The Joker says, “We stopped checking for monsters under our beds when we realized they were inside us." So maybe, that fact that I'm a full ground man and still checking behind the closet door every night, symbolizes  that I don't have a monster inside of me.  That evil is still an abstract. To be pushed away with one small ritual. 

This post originally appeared on Steven Bennet's website Nice to See StevieB. Republished with permission.

Check Out the Event & Party Line Up for Aspen Gay Ski Week 2015

Cowboys & Cowgirls at Caribou

Aspen’s premier private night club and restaurant will be hosting the Wednesday party in western style. The Caribou Club will once again open it’s doors and welcome Gay Ski Week attendees for an evening of dancing and cocktails.

Surround yourself with the Aspen you always hear about…luxury, excellence and a fabulous time. This party is not to be missed, join Billy and friends for a great evening at the Caribou! This event will benefit the Matthew Shepard Foundation There will be a $40 donation at the door, this event is not covered under Black Diamond passes but is covered under Patron Passes. Exclusive VIP area for Patron Pass holders.

Masquerade Ball

Get ready to dance the night away at the Sky Hotel in Aspen in your best costume and mask. A night of intrigue and mystery is in store for you when you walk through the doors of the Sky Hotel. The event will be held on two levels with dancing, VIP, Complimentary cocktail as you arrive, dancing boys & girls and much much more!

Party will kick off around 9pm and go until 2am on Thursday, January 15th. The Sky Hotel is located in downtown Aspen at 709 E. Durant Street. Tickets are $75 in advance, will be more at the door and entrance is included in all passes. Exclusive VIP area for Patron Pass holders. 

Ultraviolet Dance Party

Get ready to dance your tails off! Friday’s Ultraviolet Dance Party will be a glow in the dark neon extravaganza. Get your brightest, glow in the dark, shimmer outfits out for this party. We will have glow sticks and black light a plenty for this psychedelic event. Music will be provided by a DJ Stuart, stand by for name of bio as we are firming up the details now. Exclusive VIP area for Patron Pass holders.

Friday night will consist of a comedy act early, followed by a an outrageous dance party. We are excited to announce the Lezberados as our Comedy show on Friday night. Get your tickets now while the price is low. Buy Tickets Now 450 S Galena St. Aspen, CO 81611 • (970) 544-9800 • Tickets $125 in advance for 2 shows

Pool & Dance Party

What do you get when you put 750 people, a DJ, Bud Light, food, drinks, two pool, water slide, fountains, lazy river and steam rooms….well, you will just have to find out. Don’t miss the grande finale of Aspen Gay Ski Week at the pool on Saturday, January 17th.  It is a night to remember and you will want to bring your best retro or retro style swim wear for this year’s event. Towels and lockers are available and transportation is through RFTA or you can cab it or drive. Tickets are $135 in advance, but will be more expensive at the door. Buy Your Tickets Now Exclusive VIP area for Patron Pass holders.

Downhill Costume Contest Tables

Tables are going fast so don't delay. You and five of your friends will have the best time of the week at this event. Table includes swag, cocktails, beverages, costume props and more. $600 for a table of 6, the sooner you buy...the closer to the front you will be. 

The adventure is held at Gondola Plaza with a comedic host and hysterical judges as well as the crowd watching you ski down the hill in your costume to music of your choice. There will be prizes in each category with a grand prize valued at over $1,000! There will also be plenty of Bud Light, Svedka and swag to keep the laughs coming. Book Your Table Now

Patron VIP Expanded Benefits

Patron Passes are now on sale with expanded benefits over last year. We will have a new larger VIP reserved section at venues for you, more complimentary cocktails, Fabulous gift bag with more items, first two rows seating at the Downhill event (as available), 1 day comp lift ticket. Pass gets you VIP access & Seating to all events including Comedy and the Downhill.

We depend on our Patrons to help us reach our fundraising goals for the follwoing year. Thank you in advance for enabling us to fullfill our mission. Price is $850 with a taxable donation of $250 and much more! Buy Your Ticket Now

Deals and Discounts on Andrew Christian With MileHighGayGuy!

Andrew Christian is one of the largest retailer and manufacturers of men’s underwear on the web. They carry hundreds of styles from cutting edge basics to performance fabrics, to body enhancing designs and everything is made in sunny Los Angeles, California.

Click the pic to start your summer shopping today!