Educators double down on protecting rights of LGBTQ students and members

In light of the recent murder of 49 Latino and Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ) people in Orlando, Fla., and on the heels of escalating and unprecedented misguided legislative efforts to pass discriminatory laws, the nearly 7,000 delegates at the NEA Representative Assembly (RA) today approved a new business item calling on the Association to join a national effort to prevent acts of violence targeted at LGBTQ individuals and to protect their civil rights. The RA is the top decision-making body for the 3 million-member National Education Association.

“Every student matters, and every student has the right to feel safe, welcomed, and valued in our schools,” said NEA President Lily Eskelsen García. “Educators are responsible for our students’ education and safety, including those students who are perceived or identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning. Unfortunately, due to the recent horrific event in Orlando and the actions in state houses across the country where politicians are playing games with the lives of children and teens who are seen as different, now is the time for educators to boldly and assertively assume a leadership role in this human and civil rights issue.”

LGTBQ students are more likely to face bullying and harassment in school, causing them to do poorly in school and even prompting them to drop out at higher rates than other students. Additionally, they suffer high rates of homelessness than other students. A 2013 national school climate survey conducted by GLSEN, the leading national organization fighting to end anti-gay bias in K-12 schools, identifies the rate of verbal and physical harassment by gender identity. The findings indicate that transgender students are far more likely than other students (63 percent vs. 40 percent) to avoid bathrooms because they feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Nearly 56 percent of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students feel unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation, while almost 38 percent feel unsafe due to their gender expression.

“The action the delegates took today is not only timely and right but also necessary to ensure that everyone – regardless of gender identify or expression – has the opportunity to thrive and achieve,” continued Eskelsen García.

The NEA RA delegates call for a multi-pronged approach involving national partners, state, and local affiliates of the NEA to take action to promote a culture of safety, support, and affirmation that ensures civil rights and advocacy for LGBTQ members and students. They call on the NEA to support the pending legal challenges to newly enacted laws that would, in effect, license discrimination against LGBTQ individuals.

The RA delegates also call on the U.S. Department of Education to enforce Title IX’s prohibition against discrimination based on gender identity. Earlier this year, the NEA issued legal guidance describing the legal rights of transgender students. In addition to spelling out their rights, the guidance provides to NEA members, state affiliates, and the general public key best practices.

“We are uniquely positioned to lead the discussion, address these emerging issues, and create a safe, supportive environment for LGBTQ students,” said Eskelsen García. “This timely action creates a legal and political roadmap for educators and allies to advocate for the rights of transgender students and stand together in opposition to anti-transgender legislation, policies, and practices. We owe it to our students. They need to see us take a bold stand against discrimination whatever form it takes.”

Cassius - The Missing

Acclaimed French duo Cassius have released the video for their lead single "The Missing" feat. Ryan Tedder, off their new album Ibifornia out August 26 via Interscope / Polydor. Cassius teamed up with director collective We Are From LA (Pharrell's "24 Hours of Happy", Cassius' "I <3 U So") to create the first video of its kind where viewers can swap the video actors by clicking on them in real time. The video allows users to try more than one hundred different combinations and imagine an open world where love is shared between all humankind. Viewers have a choice of twenty different characters to swap through for one hundred original versions of the video.

"It's 2016 and there are so many crazy things happening in the world today... Listening to 'The Missing' and watching the video makes us think about one thing that Pharoah Sanders understood and translated in a song better than anyone: 'Love is Everywhere,' 'Love Is In Us All.' We have to believe in this... For real." - CASSIUS

Log Cabin Republicans Urges Against So-Called "First Amendment Defense Act" Hearing

Log Cabin Republicans has sent a letter to House Oversight & Government Affairs Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) in opposition to a hearing for the so-called "First Amendment Defense Act" (FADA) scheduled for Tuesday, July 12.

The First Amendment Defense Act is an overly broad piece of legislation that goes beyond "religious freedom" and instead allows for a literal license to discriminate citing mere "moral convictions". The legislation further provides protections for individuals who not only believe marriage is solely the union of "one man and one woman," but that "sexual relations are properly reserved to such a marriage" — a distinction that could negatively impact single mothers and domestic partners, regardless of sexual orientation. You can read the full text of the legislation at this link.

"In allowing people to claim 'moral convictions' as a legal justification for refusal of service, the First Amendment Defense Act goes beyond protecting the free exercise of religion and provides justification for discrimination based on mere whim," Log Cabin Republicans President Gregory T. Angelo states in his letter to Chairman Chaffetz. "People of faith are protected by our nation’s ultimate law: The Constitution of the United States of America. LGBT Americans have no such federal protections; in 28 states there are no laws whatsoever protecting LGBT Americans from discrimination. Log Cabin Republicans will continue in dialogue with common-sense conservatives and people of faith as we work to strike a balance between LGBT equality and religious liberty. Discussion — not legislation — is what is needed at the present time."

You can read the full letter Log Cabin Republicans sent to Chairman Chaffetz -- as well as every member of the House Oversight & Government Reform Committee — at this link.

USS Ronald Reagan support Pride Month Observance

Lt. Jon Fujiwara, from Westminster, Colorado, speaks to Sailors about being proud of who they are as individuals during a Pride month observance event in the aft mess decks aboard the Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76).

“It’s awesome to see everyone come out and support the community, and it was an awesome event,” said Fujiwara. The USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jamaal Liddell/Released)

Meet the Woman Who Could Become the First Out Trans U.S. Senator

Last week, The Advocate covered the historic news for American history about Misty Snow, an out transgender woman who has a fighting chance to become a U.S. senator.  In the article, “Meet the Woman Who Could Become the First Out Trans U.S. Senator,” The Advocate writes about the 31-year-old from Utah who has the potential to unseat one of Congress’s most vocally anti-LGBT members.

Misty Snow made history Tuesday when she became the first transgender woman to win a major party’s nomination for the U.S. Senate.  Snow will face Republican Sen. Mike Lee in November's general election. Lee, a close friend of failed presidential candidate and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, has coauthored several anti-LGBT bills, including one seeking to invalidate nationwide marriage equality, and another attempting to enshrine a so-called right to discriminate against LGBT people into federal law.

Despite her opponent's long history of anti-LGBT rhetoric, Snow says she's not worried about attacks from the Tea Party or other right-wing groups targeting her gender identity.

DNC Statement on Mike Pence being vetted for Trump VP

“Pitting Americans against each other is at the heart of Donald Trump's dangerous and divisive campaign, so it's fitting he'd consider Mike Pence to join him. Trump has supported many of the same types of reckless policies that Mike Pence has forced on Indiana – including the anti-gay Religious Freedom Restoration Act that has cost Indiana’s economy millions while demonizing LGBT Hoosiers. That he would consider Pence is a reminder that Trump lacks the judgment to serve in the highest office in the land." – TJ Helmstetter, DNC spokesperson

Denver Limo – The Hottest Limousines in Denver!

Denver Limousine offers the hottest stretch limousines in Denver Colorado! Whatever the occasion, Denver Limousine’s team of professional drivers and top-of-the-line fleet of vehicles is waiting to serve you.

Nice To See StevieB: Hunter

By StevieB

It was a crisp autumn morning. A sea of flannel and Carhartt covered the field. It had been cleared of its crop recently, the corn harvested. In the early morning light, hunters gathered, the fall air of Colorado showing itself on the breath. Anticipation also hung in the air. This was the first time all season that the hunters would be able to raise their rifles to fire the polished steel at the migratory geese that pass over Colorado.

I stood at the edge of this group of men. They in their flannel, me in a Wal-Mart knockoff of an OP Ski jacket. It was too large for my slight frame, as the jacket was a hand-me-down, twice removed. I held my rifle in proper stance in the crook of my arm. At twelve years old this was my first trip out. To the field, with the men of flannel. The thought of pulling a trigger, and possibly killing a beautiful creature sickened me. So much so, I had not slept a wink the night before. Throughout Hunter Safety Class, the training class my Father said would “toughen me up” I asked, “why do we want to kill innocent animals?” The teacher shaking his head explaining a Copenhagen infused version of Makumba Matata.

The other boys in the crowed, all seemed excited. The opportunity of finally being able to use their steel sticks of death was all they spoke about. I slowly side-stepped away from the other kids. It was a church event, so a long history of not being “one of the good Mormon boys” was already established. It seemed like hours had gone by since my Brother and I were dumped off in the field, as our Father wandered off to speak to other Bishops from other Wards.

As I waited for geese to rain from the sky, I began to let my mind wander. It wandered to the very first time I saw a marching majorette in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. One day I was going to be the first male, professional majorette. That was going to be my profession. Majoretting. Having everyone focused on me. As I stood in the field, I decided to practice my skills. Using my rifle as my baton. I began to spin my rifle in my hand. Just as I got the feel of the spinning rifle in my hand, my concentration was broken with a loud, “Brother Bennett!! Brother Bennett! Your Son…..!!!” I looked up to see several people, backing up from me and calling for my Father. My father appeared from the crowd of flannel; running over and grabbing the gun from my hand in mid-swing.
We marched to the truck as my Father screamed. How could I do such a thing after my costly training in Hunter Safety class. How could I embarrass him in front of his church? I screamed back that killing beautiful birds was just wrong. As he slammed the truck door, and expelled me from ever joining church events, both my Father and I learned a lot about each other. I would never be the Son he wanted. He would never be the Dad I needed. But, I would grow up to be the first-best male majorette in the world. That would teach him. 

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

The Feline Fix, Colorado's Leading Spay/Neuter Source for Community Cats

Divine Feline is Colorado’s leading spay/neuter source for free roaming (“community”) cats and a significant provider of spay/neuter services for pet cats, all through their in-house clinic, The Feline Fix. 

To date The Feline Fix has performed more than 27,000 spay/neuter surgeries, preventing the births of hundreds of thousands of unwanted cats in Denver and surrounding communities. 

For more information about the clinic, or to request a reservation for your tame, stray or feral cats, please click here. 

Divine Feline is a Colorado nonprofit corporation and a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. All contributions are tax deductible. To make a donation please click here.

Neil Patrick Harris on His 5-Year-Old Twins’ Adventurous Appetites: ‘They Love Any Raw Fish’

Being married to a chef, Neil Patrick Harris doesn’t have too many responsibilities when it comes to the preparation of meals.

“I don’t have to do too much cooking. I tend to be the sous chef and washer of dishes,” the father-of-two and husband to chef David Burtka tells PEOPLE. “But I have lately taken to making a mean eggs-in-the-hole for the children.” he says of his five-year-old twins, Harper and Gideon. “Real, real proud of that. When the egg isn’t hard-boiled in the middle, that’s all I care about.”

The kids, however, seem a bit more gastronomically sophisticated. “Their palates are amazing. Their favorite foods are oysters on the half-shell; they love any raw fish,” he says. “We ordered grilled octopus recently and I didn’t even get a single bite.”

Harris shows them Master Chef Junior, which they love, and even lets them help out in the kitchen. (He hopes to “someday retire” off of their culinary careers, he adds, half-jokingly.)

As the actor is currently in Vancouver filming A Series of Unfortunate Events for Netflix, he takes red-eye flights back to New York City to be with his family. Before school starts in the fall, they have lots of travel planned, including a stop Michigan (where Burtka is from) and possibly extending his time in Canada.

“I’ve been having a love affair with Vancouver. There are parks everywhere,” says Harris, who’s recently starred in a series of spots for Heineken Light (and has the beer on tap in his brownstone). “The rain has made the trees exploding with flowers everywhere you look.”

Another plan for the rest of the summer? Cocktails. Lots of them. “We’ve been on a bit of a tequila kick, to be honest.”

3 Secrets to Help Your Dog Stay Calm Through Parties and Fireworks

Every year, countless American dogs panic, hide, or even run away on July 4, terrified by the loud fireworks and boisterous barbecues that their humans enjoy so much. For many dogs and dog owners, Independence Day can be an unhappy event that's more stressful than it is fun.

So how can you relax on Independence Day and enjoy the peace of mind that Fido is calm and safe?

The dog behavioral experts at OneMind Dogs are sharing some secrets that will help both you and your dog breathe easy on July 4.

SECRET #1: EXUDE A CALM ATTITUDE
Dogs automatically associate the emotion surrounding an experience with the event itself, so if you're alarmed by the fireworks or worried about keeping Fido calm, he will be, too. If you maintain an upbeat, serene attitude, your dog will mirror that behavior.
 
SECRET #2: LEAD WITH BODY LANGUAGE
While soothing words can help calm your own nerves, body language is what your dog naturally understands and responds to first. Communicate to your pooch that it's okay to hide in a safe place by showing him where to go.
 
SECRET #3: REASSURE WITH SMALL TREAT PORTIONS
Reward your dog throughout the day using smaller bits of treats. To keep your dog interested in remaining calm and following your lead, spend time finding which treat works best as an incentive.

Colorado is the State for Cycling with New Summer Offerings and Exciting Future Bike Plans

A large part of the lure of Colorado is its outdoor offerings, and there are few better ways to explore the state than on two wheels. From paved paths and bike lanes to mountain bike trails and cycling events, visitors flock to the state to ride. Colorado’s Governor, John Hickenlooper recently launched the Colorado Pedals Project and committed $100 million over the next four years to make Colorado the best state in the nation to ride a bike. 

 

In January 2016, the Governor announced 16 priority trails projects that are in various stages of planning and building and will drastically increase the recreational cycling opportunities in Colorado over the next several years. Some examples include The Colorado Front Range Trail, a multi-use trail extending from the borders of Wyoming to New Mexico; The Colorado Riverfront Trail connecting Palisade, Grand Junction and Fruita; Paths to Mesa Verde linking Mancos, Mesa Verde National Park, Cortez and the Phil’s World Mountain Bike Trails System and more.

 

Enhancing the Pedals Project, several Colorado communities are unveiling brand new bike trails over the next year as well as new cycling events, packages and clinics as an entree for what’s to come. Below is a listing of some of Colorado’s most exciting new cycling offerings. For more information, visit www.COLORADO.com.

 

New Bike Trails:

 

Hummingbird Trail (Aspen), Opened August 2015: This is the Hunter Creek area's first machine built trail, and features playful grade reversals to keep water off the tread, plenty of fun on the descent and respite from short steeper sections on the way up.

 

US 36 Bikeway (Boulder to Denver) Phase 2 Opened March 1, 2016: The second phase of the US 36 Express Lanes commuter bikeway Louisville/Superior and Boulder opened in March 2016. Leisure and commuter cyclists can now ride the entire 18 miles of bikeway from Denver to Boulder. 

 

Oil Well Flats Recreation Area (Cañon City), Most Recent Trail Opened October 2015: This unique trail system offers bikers all-season riding with panoramic views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, varied topography, stunning landscapes and trails for all ability levels.

 

Legacy Loop Trailhead (Colorado Springs), Opening Spring 2017: A new trailhead for the Legacy Loop will be constructed to provide improved access for trail users. The trailhead will also accommodate large groups for special events.

 

Teaser and Happy Hour Trails (Crested Butte) Happy Hour Opened September 2015, Teaser Opened June 2016: Two new trails were recently completed at the Evolution Bike Park at Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR). Teaser, an intermediate man-made flow trail, and Happy Hour, the newest CBMR and Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association collaborative trail that connects the bike park to the town of Crested Butte for uphill and downhill use.

 

Pronghorn Trails Area (Del Norte), Opening September 2016: These new purpose built, singletrack, non-motorized trails are intermediate and located on never before available terrain. They will open with 6.5 to 8 miles of trails that connect into Del Norte.

 

Downtown Protected Bike Lanes and Expanded Bike Sharing (Denver), Opened December 2015: The new protected bike lanes on Lawrence and Arapahoe Streets span from the Auraria Campus to 24^th Street. These are the first bike lanes in Denver to be protected with a row of parking. Additionally, the city’s public bike share program, Denver B-cycle has added several new stations around the city for people to enjoy short-term bike rentals.

 

Divinity Flow Trail (Durango), Opened June 2016: Chair 4 at Purgatory Resort takes riders to the top of the lift where they can ride mountain bikes down to the plaza via a new 2.5 mile purpose built flow trail.

 

Pump Track (Eagle), Opened June 4, 2016: Eagle’s new Pump Track was constructed by Momentum Trail Concepts, utilizing funds from the Town of Eagle’s Open Space fund. It is said to be one of the largest and best pump tracks in Colorado.

 

Alder Park Trail (New Castle), Opened June 2016: This is a short, but fun switch backing trail that climbs up and over a small hill to connect to the Colorow Trail. Primarily used as the start of a ride on Colorow, beginners can use this trail to improve on their skills.

 

Downhill Mountain Biking (Powderhorn Mountain Resort), Opened Summer 2016: Powderhorn Mountain Resort will debut downhill mountain biking with two new mountain bike trails in summer 2016. A newly built high-speed quad will service the bike trails. Powderhorn is also working with local area bike shops to build and grow a downhill bike series.

 

New Cycling Events and Offerings:

 

Ride First Class Package at St Julien Hotel & Spa (Boulder), Now-September 2016: Elite cycling and luxury living meet at St Julien Hotel & Spa this summer during the Cognoscenti bicycle tours. To complement Cognoscenti’s five unforgettable bike rides, St Julien is offering an elite package for competitive cyclists and casual cruisers alike. Package includes accommodations, meals, cocktails, "Back in the Saddle Tune-Up" spa treatment and more.

 

Breck Bike Guides Tuesday Night Clinics (Breckenridge), Summer 2016: Tuesdays throughout summer, Breckenridge’s only year-round bike shop will offer clinics ranging from mechanical to outdoor skills, race tactics, nutrition and women’s only nights. Clinics began June 7.  

 

Chasing Epic: 4th of July, Peak Wildflower and Fall Foliage Tours (Crested Butte), July 1-4, July 22-25, September 23-26, 2016: Chasing Epic works exclusively with local guides who have an intimate knowledge of the community and the trails. Trips include guided rides, lodging, dining and exclusive demo bike rentals.

 

At Your Pace Bike and Brews Guided Day Tours (Denver, Boulder, Glenwood Springs and Carbondale, Summit County), Summer 2016:  Experience Colorado’s famed cycling offerings followed by a taste of the state’s thriving craft beer scene with one of several Bike and Brews guided day tours.

  

Frisco Women’s Mountain Bike Clinic (Frisco), July 21: The Frisco Adventure Park will host a women’s mountain bike clinic with local endurance athlete, Jaime Brede. The clinic will focus on the fundamentals of mountain biking with the goal to instill confidence and build skills.

 

Viceroy Snowmass Offers Cycling Program with Pro Rider, Will Frischkorn (Snowmass), Summer 2016:  New for summer 2016, the Viceroy Snowmass is offering a fully customizable cycling program led by former pro cyclist, Will Frischkorn (Tour de France competitor for Garmin).

 

Snowmass Enduro World Series Mountain Bike Race (Snowmass), July 30-21, 2016: Snowmass will serve as the only U.S. stop of the Enduro World Series bike competition. Aspen Snowmass has been chosen to host round five (out of eight rounds) of the prestigious Enduro World Series.  

MCCA to Host 2016 Annual Pathways Conference & Diversity Gala, Honoring Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder

The Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA) will host its annual Creating Pathways to Diversity Conference in Washington, D.C. on Monday, July 18, 2016. The two-day educational conference offers practical development tools and resources for individual lawyers and organizations with programs focused on global diversity, inclusive leadership and talent optimization. Following the Pathways Conference, MCCA will host its annual Diversity Gala on Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

In addition to the educational programming, the Creating Pathways to Diversity Conference will honor legal and corporate leaders who have continued to fight for diversity and inclusion in the legal profession including recipients of the 2016 Paula L. Ettelbrick Award (for advancing lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender attorneys) and the 2016 George B. Vashon Innovator Award (for innovative best practices to assist diverse attorneys).

At the MCCA Diversity Gala, the Honorable Eric Holder, former Attorney General of the United States, will be in attendance to receive the 2016 MCCA Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades-long work supporting diversity initiatives in the public and private sectors. The 2016 MCCA Employer of Choice Awardees, who have shown a strong commitment in creating and preserving diverse and inclusive corporate legal programs and departments, will also be honored. Richard Liu, News Anchor for MSNBC and NBC, will host the Diversity Gala for the second year in a row.

PRIDE.com Celebrates LGBT Pride with the Launch of 360 Virtual Reality Series Featuring Daniel Franzese

Today, PRIDE.com released its first immersive 360 virtual reality video featuring Looking star Daniel Franzese, who captured his experience at this year’s LA PRIDE.  The 360-tour of LA PRIDE takes viewers right to the action on Santa Monica Blvd. with Franzese as he reminisces about his first experience at a Pride event.

Solidarity@Auraria - #SomosOrlando - An Event to Remember and Memorialize the Victims of the Orlando Shooting

Shortly after the Orlando tragedy that has deeply affected the Latinx and LGBTQ communities, a campus committee entitled Solidarity@Auraria was convened to formulate a campus response.

As an initial step, the group will be hosting a #SomosOrlando Memorial Event on Monday, July 11 from 12:30 – 2 p.m. in the Tivoli Commons. The goal for this event is to remember and celebrate the victims, promote healing and community, and enlighten attendees regarding sexuality and intersectionality of identities.