Jarec Wentworth Extortion Trial Likely to Begin in July

Prosecutors and defense attorneys in the Jarec Wentworth extortion case yesterday asked a judge to OK a new trial date — July 7.

Oregon Becomes Fourth Jurisdiction to Protect LGBT Kids from Conversion Therapy

The National Center for Lesbian Rights and the Human Rights Campaign applaud Oregon Gov. Kate Brown for signing House Bill 2307 into law, making Oregon the fourth jurisdiction—behind California, New Jersey, and the District of Columbia—to protect LGBT youth from the dangers of conversion therapy.

Today, Brown held a bill-signing ceremony to celebrate House Bill 2307, which protects LGBT youth from mental health providers attempting to change their sexual orientation or gender identity through practices that are linked to substance abuse, extreme depression, and suicide. It goes into effect immediately.

“We could not be prouder that Oregon has joined the ranks of states leading the way to protect LGBT youth from conversion therapy,” said the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) #BornPerfect Campaign Coordinator and Staff Attorney Samantha Ames. “Oregon families can now have confidence that a trusted professional will not use their state license to profit from their children’s pain, and Oregon kids can now rest easy in the knowledge that they are protected from being forced or coerced to undergo treatment for who they are. We are one step closer to the day when all LGBTQ youth know they were born perfect.”

“Oregon has sent a strong message—one of hope, acceptance, and love for young people who happen to be LGBT,” said HRC Legal Director Sarah Warbelow. “Thanks to the state's leaders who stood up against discrimination, LGBT young people in the state are now protected from this destructive and demeaning practice that should have no place in any therapy - a practice that uses fear and shame to tell them the only way to find love or acceptance is to change the very nature of who they are. HRC and our partners are proud to have played a role in this victory and are committed to passing these same protections nationwide."

NCLR and the Human Rights Campaign, in conjunction with Basic Rights Oregon and other groups, played a key role in organizing the coalition behind the bill, which was sponsored by State Representative Rob Nosse. A broad range of groups supported HB 2307, including national LGBT organizations, mental health organizations, faith leaders, youth advocates, and civil rights organizations.

The bill signing ceremony comes the same week that U.S. Congressman Ted W. Lieu introduced the Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act, the first nationwide bill that would protect LGBT people from the dangers of conversion therapy. Lieu announced the bill at a press conference on Tuesday that was attended by survivors of conversion therapy, members of the mental health and medical community, faith leaders, and representatives from NCLR, HRC, and the Southern Poverty Law Center.

HRC and NCLR have partnered with state equality groups across the nation to pass state legislation to end this dangerous practice, including laws passed in California, New Jersey, and the District of Columbia. In August of 2013, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld California’s law, which was signed by Democratic Governor Jerry Brown in 2012. On Monday May 4, 2015 the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision to uphold New Jersey’s law, which was signed by Republican Governor Chris Christie in August of 2013. NCLR attorneys have assisted in the defense of every state bill to date.

For more information about the dangers of conversion therapy and NCLR’s #BornPerfect campaign visit www.NCLRights.org/BornPerfect or HRC's resource page.

'Chocolate City' now Available On Demand

To celebrate its release in select theaters and On Demand nationwide, the sexy urban drama Chocolate City has unveiled three brand new clips from the film. My favorite is "Changing Room."

Many Transgender Immigrants Flee Persecution and Attacks at Home—and Find More of the Same in U.S. Facilities.

By Jake Naughton

Just before 1 p.m. on May 22, 2009, Johanna Vasquez was waiting for the bus in Houston. The afternoon was calm, and she was on her way to meet her boyfriend of the last several months when a police car pulled up. Though she had been doing nothing wrong, she feared she knew where the encounter would end.

Vasquez had been living undocumented in the United States for 11 years, but her immigration status was the last thing on her mind at that moment. She was a transgender woman, born Moris Vasquez Villanueva in Jucuarán, El Salvador, where she had been tormented throughout her youth for her identity. At 16, she was brutally gang-raped by seven men who called her “a sickening piece of trash.” Violence against transgender women is widespread in El Salvador and elsewhere in Central America, and she had come north in search of a life free of abuse and persecution. 

Houston police charged her with tampering with a government record—a permanent resident card she had acquired through a friend, onto which she had pasted her own photograph. Trans women often deal with issues concerning I.D. cards because their real documents rarely match their appearance. So if they want to avoid scrutiny or rejection, they carry fake I.D.s. Vasquez had one with the name she preferred to be called. She pleaded guilty to the charge.

Though she had been taking hormones for seven years and had been living as a woman since leaving El Salvador, at Harris County Jail outside Houston she was placed in custody with men, which is common for transgender detainees. When she was transferred to another facility, guards laughed and mocked her on arrival. Then they shaved her head.

“From the moment they arrest you they already start treating you differently, as if you’re someone from another planet,” says Vasquez, now 34. “They start treating you badly. They don’t know how to treat you, like a man or a woman. That’s when you start suffering and being afraid.”

Anti-bullying bill that protects LGBT students signed by Nev. governor

Nevada Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval (pictured) signed anti-bullying legislation that would create an anti-bullying office in the state's Department of Education and provide resources to report incidents. 

"No students should be in pain," said Sandoval. "All students should have the opportunity to thrive and succeed." Nevada joins 17 other states and Washington, D.C., in enacting anti-bullying laws that include a provision protecting students based on gender identity and sexual orientation.

Researchers: Data faked in study about LGBT canvassers changing voters' minds

A study published in December in Science magazine claiming that LGBT people advocating marriage equality can change voters' minds has been retracted after it was discovered that University of California at Los Angeles graduate student Michael LaCour faked results. The study claimed that a 20-minute, one-on-one conversation with an LGBT political canvasser could steer voters in favor of same-sex marriage.

Congressman proposes federal legislation to end conversion therapy

Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif., proposed legislation to ban the widely discredited practice of conversion therapy throughout the country. The measure, called the Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act, would classify conversion therapy as fraud under the Federal Trade Commission Act. 

"What the bill will do is outlaw conversion therapy by saying that you cannot advertise that you're doing conversion therapy, you cannot say that it works, you cannot promote it and you cannot profit off of it," Lieu said.

Inspiration + Adventure Await This Summer at Denver’s Mile High Attractions

Craftsmanship and curation combine for an unparalleled season of offerings in Denver this summer, rich with top athletes and musicians, history’s best artists and most notable work, and an incredible variety of craft beer and on-trend restaurants. 

“The Mile High City is an active, adventurous place, so it’s no wonder it attracts travelers intentionally seeking the outdoor and cultural offerings we provide on a daily basis,” said Richard Scharf, president and CEO, VISIT DENVER.  “Denver really is a four-season destination, but if I had to pick a favorite time of year, looking at how much is happening in our great city over the next few months, right now I would say summer.  Ask me again this fall when there’s a new season of sports, beer brewers promoting their craft, and artists are showcasing their creations.”

Check out some of Denver's summer attractions after the jump.

Irish PM to NBC News on Why He Voted Yes in Ireland's Same-Sex Marriage Referendum

Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny talked to NBC's Bill Neely on why he voted yes for the country to adopt same-sex marriage.

"It is about removing discrimination. It is about removing inequality. It's historic, and that's why I'll be voting yes," Kenny told NBC News.

Historic Victory for Marriage Equality in Ireland

Two days ago, Ireland became the first country in the world to pass marriage equality through a national referendum, and the 21st country to decide to afford same-sex couples full marriage rights.

“Voters in Ireland had a rare opportunity to make their country and the world more just and more equal -- and that's just what they did,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “As these election results prove, momentum for equality reaches around the globe. HRC is proud to join our partners in Ireland in celebrating this historic victory which guarantees that everyone has the same right to marry the person they love. Love can’t wait, not in the United States or in Ireland, and it is clear it won’t wait any longer.”

The referendum asked voters to approve language that updates Ireland’s constitution to state, “Marriage may be contracted in accordance with the law by two persons without distinction as to their sex.” Through an unprecedented voter registration campaign and voter mobilization effort by the Irish LGBT community, including the Yes Equality campaign, voters voted overwhelming for equality.

The fight for marriage equality in Ireland was led by tireless and courageous advocates from across the country, including those in the Yes Equality campaign – which was organized by the Gay and Lesbian Education Network (GLEN), the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) and Marriage Equality. HRC was proud to support and share our experiences fighting for equality with our Irish counterparts, and earlier this week, HRC President Chad Griffin wrote an op-ed encouraging Irish Americans to reach out to their friends and family to vote in the referendum.

The situation for LGBT people around the world varies widely. As some countries embrace equality, in others, LGBT people continue to suffer from discrimination, persecution, and violence.


Ireland joins 20 countries in opening their doors to marriage equality.


But on the other end of the spectrum, anti-LGBT discrimination continues to put lives at real risk. 75 countries currently criminalize same-sex relationships. Even worse, hundreds of transgender individuals have been brutally murdered in
the last year.


Moreover, across the globe, governments from Nigeria to Kazakhstan have fought to silence equality advocates and organizations with so-called “anti-propaganda” laws and legislation, which is a disturbing trend that creates barriers to advocating for equality and lead to human rights violations.

Federal Court Orders Alabama Probate Judges to Allow Marriage Equality Statewide

NCLR Alabama marriage equality case plaintiffs John Humphrey and James Strawser.

A federal district court last week ordered that all Alabama probate judges must comply with the U.S. Constitution and may not refuse marriage licenses to same-sex couples after four leading civil rights organizations requested the court expand a lawsuit to cover all same-sex couples and probate judges statewide. The district court’s order will take effect when the United States Supreme Court issues its decision in several pending cases seeking the freedom to marry in four states. The Supreme Court marriage cases were argued in April, and a ruling is expected by the end of June.

U.S. District Judge Callie V. S. Granade’s ruling applies to all probate judges in Alabama’s 67 counties. The state’s probate judges are responsible for issuing marriage licenses. The ruling expands the court’s order earlier this year requiring the issuance of same-sex marriage licenses in Mobile County.

Today’s order by the federal district court makes clear that probate judges are obligated to obey the United States Constitution and issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples regardless of a ruling issued earlier this year by the Alabama Supreme Court, which stated that county probate judges could not issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Licenses must be issued in Alabama as soon as the U.S. Supreme Court rules on the marriage cases now pending before it.

"This is a victory for the LGBT community of Alabama," said Susan Watson, executive director for the ACLU of Alabama. "We applaud the court for its ruling that puts an end to the chaos created by the Alabama Supreme Court. Today love is triumphant."

“It’s a shame that it had to come to this,” said Americans United Legal Director Ayesha N. Khan. “Probate judges, and the Alabama Supreme Court, should have seen the writing on the wall with the federal court’s earlier rulings. It is time for bigotry against same-sex couples to come to an end – in Alabama and elsewhere.”

National Center for Lesbian Rights Legal Director Shannon Minter added: “Today’s ruling is a powerful affirmation of the rule of law and the founding principle of our nation that states may not deny rights guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution. Same-sex couples and their children deserve the same respect and protections that their neighbors enjoy, and today’s ruling guarantees that Alabama’s same-sex couples will soon be treated the same as other families.”

"Judge Granade's ruling is decisive and definitive. It ends the chaos and confusion that Attorney General Strange and Chief Justice Moore have intentionally caused through their reckless rejection of federal constitutional principles,” said David Dinielli, SPLC deputy legal director. “As soon as the United States Supreme Court issues its ruling in June, Judge Granade's decision will go into effect, and probate judges in every county of Alabama will be bound by a federal court order to comply with constitutional principles of fairness and equality. This is a good day for all Alabamians who believe in the rule of law."

Most Alabama probate judges started issuing same-sex marriage licenses in February after Granade declared unconstitutional an Alabama law and an Alabama constitutional provision banning same-sex marriages. The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court subsequently declined to stay Granade’s ruling.

The Alabama Supreme Court halted same-sex marriages throughout the state March 3 by ordering probate judges to stop issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Granade’s latest order overrides the Alabama Supreme Court’s order.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Alabama, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, the National Center for Lesbian Rights and the Southern Poverty Law Center jointly filed the motion March 6 asking Granade to expand her ruling to apply to all same-sex couples and all probate judges throughout the state.

The motion sought class action status to include all same-sex couples in Alabama who wish to marry and have their marriage recognized by the state as plaintiffs and all probate judges of the state as defendants. The request was filed as part of the lawsuit, Strawser v. Strange, brought by five same-sex couples after previously obtaining an order from Granade requiring the issuance of marriage licenses in Mobile County.

Learn more about Strawser v. Strange.

Idina Menzel to Launch National Tour of "If/Then" in Denver This October

Tony Award-winner and Broadway superstar Idina Menzel ("Wicked," "Rent," "Frozen," "Glee") will launch the National Tour of "If/Then," reprising her critically-acclaimed, Tony-nominated performance in seven select cities. The show will run at the Buell Theatre October 13-25. "If/Then" is a featured production of the 2015-16 Denver Center for the Performing Arts Broadway season. Subscriptions are on sale now.

Life Sentence Upheld in Slaying of Gay Porn Studio Head

A state Superior Court this month rejected Harlow Cuadra’s plea for relief and upheld his life sentence for the brutal slaying of Cobra Video producer Bryan Kocis in 2007.

Colorado Ski Country’s Top 11 Summer Events

As the days grow longer and the temperatures in Colorado’s mountains warm up, outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of fun summer activities at Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) member resorts. From hot air balloon festivals to hiking and biking, the diversity of summer activities and events in Colorado Ski Country grows every year. Additionally, several CSCUSA member resorts will host the world’s best road and mountain bicyclists as they test themselves on the most challenging terrain Colorado offers.

Whether it’s summer or winter, Colorado has a mountain for everyone. After the jump is a roundup of featured summer events at CSCUSA member resorts.

Imagine 2020 - Call for Proposals for Denver's Cultural Plan

Attention Denver’s creative minds! Denver Arts & Venues and the Denver Commission on Cultural Affairs has launched the IMAGINE 2020 Fund to support new, innovative programs inspired by one or more of the vision elements outlined in the IMAGINE 2020 Cultural Plan. The call for proposals is open now through June 12.