People Exclusive: Matt Dallas and Blue Hamilton Open Up About Their 2-Year-Old Son Crow: ‘This Was the Family We Imagined in Our Dreams’

When Matt Dallas first got a glimpse of his son, it was love at first sight.

“We locked eyes. And he had a giant smile on his face,” Dallas tells PEOPLE exclusively of his son Crow, now 2½. “It was a moment. Instantly we knew, that’s our kid!”

It had been quite a journey for the former Kyle XY star and his husband of nearly a year, singer Blue Hamilton. The couple, who also have a YouTube channel, matt + blue, went through a certification process to become foster parents, in the hopes that it would lead to a formal adoption.

“There were so many kids, and so many stories that broke our hearts,” says Hamilton, 36, of the 19,000 children in foster care in the couple’s home state of Arizona. “We wanted to feel like we were doing something good for a child out there.”

Last summer, Dallas and Hamilton received word that Crow, then 22 months, would be coming to stay with them. “We didn’t have diapers or food or toys,” says Dallas. “We spent the whole day getting ready. We were giddy!” Crow was officially adopted five months later.

Now, “it’s as if he’s always been here,” says Dallas, 33. “Blue and I both knew that we would love [an adopted child] the same [as a biological one]. The amount of time we spend with that kid and the bond we have, it makes no difference. He’s ours.”

And Crow is keeping his dads busy. “He is so magnetic,” says Hamilton of his sports-loving toddler. “No matter where we go, people just zoom into this kid. He’s special. He could change the world.”

As far as adding to the Dallas-Hamilton brood? “I would love for him to have a sibling,” says Dallas. “But we want Crow to cement his place in this family. Right now, we’re just enjoying this time.”

Adds Hamilton, “In the end, this was the family we had imagined in our dreams.”

Lawyers' Committee Response to Multi-State Challenge Concerning Treatment of Transgender Students

The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law (Lawyers’ Committee) issued the following statement in response to litigation filed by eleven states challenging the Obama administration’s issuance of guidance regarding schools’ treatment of transgender students:

“The states that have mounted this litigation are standing on the wrong side of history,” said Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. “The arguments proffered by those who stand opposed to the rights of transgender students harken back to a dark era in which ‘separate but equal’ policies were standard operating procedure for school districts. Today, all students across our nation’s public schools are entitled to dignity and fair treatment, regardless of their gender identity or other protected status.”

The guidance, issued two weeks ago, requires schools to treat transgender students no differently than it treats other students of the same gender identity with regard to school functions and facilities—including the use of restrooms, locker rooms and other facilities —or risk losing their federal education funds under Title IX. While the relevant legal issues will be resolved in court, the Lawyers’ Committee recognizes the need for greater efforts to protect the rights of transgender students and applauds the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Justice for issuing needed guidance to promote the uniform and equal treatment of students, regardless of gender identity.

Three-quarters of transgender students report feeling unsafe at school, while 59 percent have been denied access to restrooms consistent with their gender identity. The intersection of race and transgender identity can be particularly difficult for students to navigate: almost half of African-American transgender individuals have attempted suicide, compared with 41 percent of all transgender individuals and 1.6 percent of the general population.

Statement on 11-state lawsuit to retain pro-LGBTQ discrimination policies

The National LGBTQ Task Force is condemning the legal action by 11 states to retain their pro-LGBTQ discrimination policies. The states face losing billions in federal funding if they continue to ignore federal law and allow discrimination against transgender students.

"This is yet another example of politicians opposed to equality squandering millions of dollars to defend pro-discrimination policies, instead of investing this money in their states. Indeed, the majority of the states involved in this action have high levels of poverty, homelessness, and unemployment — all but three refused the Medicaid expansion. While this suit might please their high-powered donors, sadly it does nothing to help the people in their states," said Meghan Maury, Senior Policy Counsel, Criminal and Economic Justice Project Director

Puerto Vallarta Becomes First "Gay Travel Approved" City in Mexico

For years, Puerto Vallarta has been celebrated as the premiere vacation destination for the LGBT community in Mexico. Now, Puerto Vallarta is being honored as the first city in Mexico to be granted Gay Travel Approved status by GayTravel.com.

Gay Travel Approved is GayTravel.com’s seal of excellence bestowed upon select travel partners around the world that have shown themselves to be deserving of recognition and praise by the LGBT community.

“With more than 20 years of history as the go-to resource for memorable, lifetime travel experiences, a seal of approval from GayTravel.com carries significant weight,” said GayTravel.com CEO Steve Rohrlick. “In fact, meticulous surveying of gay travellers revealed 9 out of 10 gay travelers said that it would be very important for them to know a destination is ‘Gay Travel Approved.’ Being ‘Gay Travel Approved’ lets the world know that GayTravel.com’s team of experts, influencers and editors along with feedback from our discerning followers have given a travel partner the distinction of having that ‘je ne sais quoi’ that LGBT travelers appreciate. Puerto Vallarta has long been a favorite LGBT destination and GayTravel’s Celebrity Gurus have experienced the warmth of the people and the inclusiveness of the culture first-hand: www.gaytravel.com/gay-guides/puerto-vallarta. It is our distinct pleasure to bestow Gay Travel Approved 2016 to Puerto Vallarta.”

The Gay Travel Approved designation is not handed out lightly. Recipients must be nominated and offer a safe and welcoming environment for LGBT travellers. In addition, there must be something special and unique to the travel experience — whether it's the good energy that is palpable, the sense of inclusiveness, the feeling of well-being when you are there — those things that make an impression and carry forward with you wherever your journey takes you.

“Having worked closely with the GayTravel.com team, I know personally how passionate they are about ensuring that the destinations and properties they recommend are safe, welcoming and top quality. Because of this, we are deeply honored that Puerto Vallarta is the first city in Mexico to receive Gay Travel Approved status.” Gustavo Rivas-Solis, Director of US and Canada Campaign, Latitude.”

GayTravel.com encourages its readers to offer recommendations for "Gay Travel Approved” travel destinations, accommodations, cruises, tours, events, restaurants, and venues and to also provide feedback on an existing Gay Travel Approved travel partners by emailing recommendations@gaytravel.com.

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.

Lambda Literary Partners with NYC Department of Education to bring LGBTQ Writers in Schools Program to Students

Lambda Literary, the global leader advancing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender literature, today announced a historic partnership with the New York City Department of Education to make its LGBTQ Writers in Schools Program available to K-12 students in the largest school district in the nation.

The initiative has been made possible through funding from City Council Member Daniel Dromm to increase support for and encourage learning and dialogue about LGBTQ young people throughout New York City public schools.

"I am proud to help bring the LGBT Writers in Schools program to New York City," said NYC Council Education Committee Chairperson Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights, Elmhurst). "Young people often turn to literature to find positive LGBT role models and experiences, so it is important to make these books available to them. This partnership between the NYC DOE and Lambda Literary will benefit all NYC public school students by introducing them to new ideas and ways of thinking--the hallmarks of a sound education. I will continue to do all that I can to support and expand this innovative work."

Lambda's LGBTQ Writers in Schools program is working in collaboration with New York City's first-ever LGBT Community Liaison, Jared Fox, who has recruited educators throughout New York City to assign LGBTQ books to their students in preparation for an in-person author visit.

"Our partnership with Lambda Literary will provide students with an incredible opportunity to hear directly from LGBTQ writers and have important conversations about diversity and inclusivity," said Jared Fox, NYC DOE LGBT Community Liaison.

This spring the LGBTQ Writers in Schools Program will bring 20 authors, including Adam Silvera, Bil Wright, Naomi Jackson, Alex Gino, Peter Cameron, Cris Beam and Ariel Schrag to schools across the City to discuss their work openly with students and to encourage diversity. The program is also sponsoring a keynote address by National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson who will address a group of educators during a Professional Development conference next month. A number of publishing partners donated classroom sets of books including HarperCollins, Picador, Scholastic, NoBrow Press, and Simon and Schuster. This initiative broadens the foundation of experience for students of literature, creative writing, English, secondary education, history and social studies.

"We're thrilled to be working with New York City Department of Education to introduce great LGBTQ books to their students to enrich their reading lives and further their understanding of the LGBTQ experience," said Tony Valenzuela, Lambda Literary's Executive Director. "This is an historic partnership advancing Lambda Literary's work with young people that we hope will be a model for school districts across the country."

For additional information about the LGBTQ Writers in Schools Program, email Project Coordinator, Monica Carter (mcarter@lambdaliterary.org).

OUT on DVD/VOD: Those People

Those People from Wolfe Video on Vimeo.

THOSE PEOPLE presents a complicated gay love triangle, brimming with erotic tension, and opens a fascinating window into upper crust, young Manhattanites struggling to find themselves amidst a myriad of moral, emotional, and erotic choices.

On Manhattan's gilded Upper East Side, an impressionable young painter, Charlie (Jonathan Gordon), finds the man of his dreams in an older pianist from across the globe, Tim (Haaz Sleiman, 'The Visitor"). Unfortunately, Charlie is also consumed with desire and love for his manipulative best friend, Sebastian (Jason Ralph, "The Magicians"), who is embroiled in a Bernie Madoff-esque family financial scandal. Sebastian's coping mechanism is non-stop moneyed hedonism, and he insists Charlie join him on his self-destructive streak of sex, drinking and partying at his father's massive penthouse. In the wake of Sebastian's dangerous downward spiral, their tight-knit group of friends must confront the new realities of adulthood. Manhattan's Upper East Side provides the backdrop for a riveting tale of entitlement, privilege, loyalty, and their complicated effect on a young man's chance at love.

Beautifully shot, and capturing in fine detail a morally suspect world of elite Manhattan's young and rich, THOSE PEOPLE creates an unforgettable sense of place, mood, and time to tell an erotic story of the ethics of desperation disguised as desire. An award-winning debut feature from young, NYC raised writer/director Joey Kuhn.

Are your triggers holding you back from greatness?

By Rosalie Chamberlain

Fear that underlies bias about others can show up in ways we might not expect. It can show up in the individual who wants to succeed but holds themselves back because of fear, and it can show up in the leader who cannot see the talent that is right before them because there is too much focus on what/who is comfortable. The sense of discomfort or difficulty and our emotional reaction to that discomfort is the trigger process we are looking for.

Triggers show up in our emotional reactions. They do not always look like fear, though I believe a kind of subtle fear is at the root of each one of our triggers. If we have done some work on our unconscious biases, it may be helpful to review what we’ve discovered. Protecting ourselves from fearful situations is only natural. Our built-in desire for safety comes from a long ago evolutionary time when human beings had to be defended and reactive against the real dangers to their physical existence. There was no time to ponder. For survival, the reactions needed to occur instantaneously without lengthy thought.

However, these days our fight or flight instinct is overused and overworked and not always in proportion to its natural, instinctual purpose to protect us from truly harmful situations. We do experience—or our brains interpret experiences as—threats to our sense of well-being, to our sense of self, to our sense of success. Whether perceived or real, this “threat” brings on the same reactions. In order to become more thoughtful leaders, we need to grow in awareness of the difference between real bodily harm and perceived personal threats of a less existential kind.

Triggers are important to be aware of because triggers and fears become habits. The more we allow them to operate below our full conscious awareness, the less power we have to change them or to create a different outcome based on more beneficial insights and habits. Just as with our unconscious biases, triggers can cause us to miss valuable opportunities. If we are triggered to react emotionally to our colleagues and team members, we may overlook the ways we can support each other’s success. We have a choice to proceed differently, but often don’t recognize it. Our realities will become (or remain) governed by these triggers. Even if you do not know what it is, others could interpret the message as unwelcoming and implying disinterest.

For instance, biases can be either a bias for or a bias against something or someone. Reactions to a bias can manifest as tension, anxiety, frustration, uncertainty and even anger. These body sensations are connected to what our mind is thinking or perceiving even when we are not conscious of those thoughts. We just feel the need to protect or defend. If you recognize an emotional reaction to someone or to their opinion, notice what body language is taking place in you. You may want to roll your eyes, disengage or turn away. It could be that you are aware of the reaction and prefer to put on a face that is bland, sort of a poker face. While a poker face may seem like a neutral expression, it is a mask to cover up what is really going on. Question if you have intolerance, dislike or bias about the other person’s perspective or way of being. This is not inclusion. This is exclusion of different perspectives. Being open to listening to other perspectives does not mean that you have to agree. How much can it hurt to be open to really listening? How much might it help?

I am a firm believer that our thoughts create our realities. We can change our reality by focusing on our thoughts and making changes in them that can produce a more productive outcome. If you approach fears and triggers with a mindset of curiosity, you will be better able to set judgment aside and discover new possibilities. Remember to proceed with self-kindness and acceptance, as you create a dialogue with your unconscious biases. Self-judgment is another emotional reaction that can be triggered by fear of the unknown. Judgment, in this context, is not useful to us. Non-judgment is a key piece because it is a state of being that provides us the opportunity to consciously observe situations. Have a curious mindset about where the judgment of self or others comes from. We will always have more time for discernment when it is necessary. But for now, we are on a fact-finding mission: what triggers influence our decision-making?

A powerful partner in the way our thoughts create our realities is language. Begin to listen to language—yours and the language of others. Notice if you use words like “hate,” “don’t like,” “crazy busy,” etc. My clients are amazed at how their energy and perspective shifts when they recognize language that has a negative tone. Our words help create our reality and empowering words have an amazing impact on that reality. You can generate positive changes in yourself and in others simply by paying attention to the words you use. Words can trigger negativity. It’s likely you have had the experience of reacting emotionally to what someone else has said. What words trigger your hot buttons? What do others say and do that trip your emotional trigger? In order to grow in conscious awareness, we have to know what our triggers are and be aware of what happens to us when a trigger occurs. The next time one of your triggers is tripped, explore the following questions:

• What is happening to my energy?
• Where is my focus?
• What can I do to get back on track, get grounded or centered?
• What motivates me and what de-motivates me?

For instance, if you get off track on a goal or action because something did not go quite the way you anticipated it would; do you give up, beat yourself up, complain about the situation or the others involved, and create a vicious cycle that keeps you running on a hamster wheel? Our reaction to triggers happens instantaneously.

As you work more deeply on your awareness about triggers and their effects, remember to take a breath and slow down. By slowing down and learning about the trigger and your defensive emotional reaction, you have a better chance of ending these types of internal struggles. You benefit, and so do those you lead.

Try the following exercise to help identify your triggers: 

1. Identify a challenge you see and experience in your world.
2. What are the perspectives that are learned and the ones that are habitual? List these.
3. List alternative perspectives to approach the perceived challenge. Once you examine other perspectives, what might be another way of looking at the challenge or situation?

Rosalie Chamberlain is the Owner of Denver, CO-based Rosalie Chamberlain Consulting & Coaching. A thirty-five year organizational culture and eighteen year corporate coaching veteran, she specializes in maximizing talent and productivity within organizations. She is a skilled consultant, facilitator, coach and speaker in the areas of diversity and inclusion strategy, multicultural competency, leadership development, and talent management, with expertise in managing and leveraging diverse talent.

Previously, Chamberlain was a Diversity & Inclusion Manager for a national American Lawyer Top 100 law firm. She received her diversity and inclusion credentials from Cornell University’s Institute for Labor & Relations (ILR) and was certified through the International Coaching Federation. To learn more visit www.rosaliechamberlainconsulting.com and connect on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Her new book, Conscious Leadership in the Workplace, is available on Amazon as well as other online booksellers.

Lively gender rights debate on PBS' "Point Taken" Featuring Carmen Carrera

Check out last night's episode of Point Taken on PBS, about whether the U.S. is moving too quickly or too slowly on gender rights. Carmen Carrera (model/activist, Season 3 alumna of RuPaul's Drag Race) featured in a "Facebook Live" interview.

Augustana Arts presents Colorado Masterworks Chorus

Augustana Arts presents the Colorado Masterworks Chorus, led by Artistic Director Evanne Browne, performing the Brahms’ German Requiem in a special piano four-hand arrangement, composed by Brahms for his premiere performance in London in 1871.  This historic version of the Requiem allows the listener to experience the beauty and power of the solo-quality voices of the Masterworks Chorus, free from heavy orchestral instrumentation. Soloists for this performance are Adam Ewing, Haley Montoya, Susan Olenwine, and Sara Parkinson.

Augustana Arts presents Colorado Masterworks Chorus at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 10 at Augustana Lutheran Church, 5000 East Alameda Avenue, Denver, CO. Tickets are $25 adult; $20 senior; $15 student; $10 children age 4-17 years and are available online at www.augustanaarts.org or by calling 303-388-4962.

Want To Reach Gay Denver? Advertise With Denver's Best Gay Blog!

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.

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#TarzanChallenge Week 1: Chili Mango Chicken

Warner Bros. Pictures’ The Legend of Tarzan has teamed up with Chef’d to develop a weekly paleo-type “jungle meal” menu inspired by the film. The first meal is "The Legend of Tarzan's Chili Mango Chicken.

AIDS Walk Colorao - Register Today

Summer fundraising season has officially begun leading up to AIDS Walk Colorado on August 13th! Have you registered yet?

A Wider Bridge to Bring Jerusalem Dance Group c.a.t.a.m.o.n. to the United States for Unique Cultural Experience

A Wider Bridge, the LGBTQ advocacy group building connections between the Israeli and North American LGBTQ communities, announced the U.S. tour of c.a.t.a.m.o.n., the innovative dance group that is part of a new and pluralistic cultural revival in Jerusalem.

“Something profound is happening in Jerusalem, and c.a.t.a.m.o.n. is a key part of the city’s cultural renaissance. The movement is fueled by a new generation of Jerusalemites, many from the city’s LGBTQ community, who are seeking change through the medium of art,” said Arthur Slepian, Executive Director of Wider Bridge. “Through arts and culture that challenge the boundaries of religion, race, gender, and sexuality, these young artists are cultivating a new and hopeful environment of pluralism, diversity and understanding in a city that has seen much tension and division.”

A Wider Bridge is thrilled to be presenting c.a.t.a.m.o.n.’s North American tour as they introduce Urfa, a performance that brings Middle Eastern culture to the forefront and captivates audiences with its exuberance, humor and sensuality. The dance group is founded and choreographed by Elad Schechter and seeks to take modern dance out of performance halls and into the streets, creating a meeting point between art and everyday life in open urban public spaces. Each performance showcases c.a.t.a.m.o.n.’s unique performance style that breaks down cultural boundaries and creates a new spirit of understanding through art.

The c.a.t.a.m.o.n. tour continues A Wider Bridge’s tradition of sharing cultural experiences to build meaningful relationships between the Israeli and North American LGBTQ communities. Through this cultural exchange, A Wider Bridge and c.a.t.a.m.o.n. bring together communities with art and stories of the human experience.

2016 Pink Party: DJ Grind has a special message for you!

 

There's a special Pink Party Kickoff this Saturday, May 28th at Tracks and a special discounted ticket price to go along with it. Use the promo code 'kickoff' for $30 off the regular ticket price and buy your ticket here.