Nice To See StevieB: Big Wheel

By StevieB

When I was five or six I wrote a letter to Santa declaring my love for him.

No, not that I would love it if he brought me toys. That I was desperately in love with him. Since he was the source of all things wonderful in my world I screamed like a Justin Bieber fan on Christmas morning when rushing out to the tree I found the love letter back from my idol.

“Santa” had received my letter and upon delivery of the big-wheel, wrote on the top of the box that he too was fond of me. My fay heart was reeling. It was akin to Zak Spears sending me a letter on scented stationary declaring that he wouldn’t know peace until I was his. But with a big-wheel.

Jebus I was a strange and effeminate little boy. But this may explain why I have a fondness of guys with beards.

When I was just out of high school I found another man that rocked my world in such a complete way as my big-wheel boyfriend. I declared my love for an amateur body builder named JT. Every glance was like Christmas morning. Every time he looked my way it was un-wrapping my big-wheel. But, like my favorite toy from my childhood the time with the body builder didn’t last long. Both were cheap plastic and within months broke. Leaving me broke along with the plastic.

Steve grows up into a well adjusted, contented guy. Who happens to wander around Facebook and stumbles upon his first love. No, Not Santa. The former amateur body builder.

It’s funny how what you yearn for, desire to have forever and ever is just temporary and you can look back grateful that what you wanted never came to be. If I could Say something to my 15 year old self it would be to live by the mantra: All things are in fact temporary.

I’m learning lately that happiness is not a state where you get rid or give up on your desires. Rather, you change your relationship with them. The ability to stay present and to remain open to emotions without getting "hooked" is something I’m learning and increasingly is carried over into my daily life.

All things are impermanent ...not quite the same thing as temporary, but similar. There is nothing wrong with thinking about the past or present or future ... but the goal is to not be hooked by thoughts, as well as to not be hooked by emotions.

Nick Jonas Brought Home the Bacon

Watch Nick Jonas perform “Bacon” at the MTV VMAs last night.

Colorado Christian on "Shame List" of Worst Campuses for LGBT Youth

Campus Pride today releases its 2016 “Shame List,” highlighting for the first time a national list of “The Absolute Worst Campuses for LGBTQ Youth.” The national listing includes 102 campuses that openly discriminate against LGBTQ youth in policies, programs and practices as documented on the site listing.

“Most people are shocked when they learn that there are college campuses still today that openly discriminate against LGBTQ youth. It is an unspoken secret in higher education, how they use religion as a tool for cowardice and discrimination,” said Shane Windmeyer, Executive Director of Campus Pride. “This lists uncovers the religion-based bigotry that is harmful and perpetuated against LGBTQ youth on these campuses,” continued Windmeyer.

The Shame List was first published online December 1, 2015 as a way to highlight fifty-seven campuses who had received or requested Title IX exemptions to freely and openly discriminate against LGBTQ youth. At that time, the campuses applying for these discriminatory waivers did so privately. It was not public information. According to Campus Pride, often times even faculty, staff and students did not know.

“I attended Westmont College in California. While they have not applied for a Title IX waiver, it is clear that their past and current policies and practices are anti-LGBTQ,” said Donald Scherschligt, a Campus Organizer working on this project with Campus Pride. “Nobody should have to live my experience. I hope this listing will help colleges like Westmont realize the future is one of inclusion, especially within higher education. We need to call out these shameful acts.”

Since then the United States Department of Education has published online the letters of campuses related to Title IX exemptions. Campus Pride spent the last six months compiling a database and researching all public records related to anti-LGBTQ policies, programs and practices at these campuses. The criterion to be the “absolute worst” campus includes either of the following: 1) Received and/or applied for a Title IX exemption to discriminate against LGBTQ youth and/or 2) Demonstrated past history and track record of anti-LGBTQ actions, programs and practices.

“Ultimately these campuses are dangerous for vulnerable LGBTQ youth and others. All families and youth deserve to know this information – and so do corporations who do business with these campuses – from those who hire and recruit, vendors who contract food service, sell books, make donations and in any other way provides goods or services to a college or university,” Windmeyer said.

This is the first-time Campus Pride has released a listing of the worst anti-LGBTQ campuses across the country. Every year Campus Pride releases a “Best of the Best” listing highlighting college campuses with the most inclusive LGBTQ-friendly policies, programs and practices. The 2016 Best of the Best list can be found online at CampusPride.org/CampusPrideTopCampuses. The full listing of 250+ LGBTQ-friendly campuses can be found online at CampusPrideIndex.org

“If your values and religious belief system include bigotry or discrimination toward any group of people, put it on your Admission brochure. Otherwise Campus Pride will do it for you,” Windmeyer concluded.

OUT on DVD/VOD: Tab Hunter Confidential

After an incredible year on the film festival circuit and a theatrical run across fifty cities in the United States, the acclaimed documentary Tab Hunter Confidential is available to rent or own on Blu-Ray and DVD from FilmRise. Based on Tab's New York Times best-selling memoir, producer Allan Glaser and director Jeffrey Schwarz (I Am Divine) have assembled dozens of past and present Hollywood stars, and most importantly the man himself, to talk frankly about being a survivor of the Hollywood roller coaster.


Throughout the 1950s, Tab Hunter reigned as Hollywood's ultimate heartthrob. In dozens of films, and in the pages of countless magazines, Tab's astonishing looks and golden-boy sex appeal drove his fans to screaming, delirious frenzy, solidifying him the prototype for all young matinee idols to come.

Tab Hunter Confidential is available on iTunes with exclusive bonus features and also on Amazon Instant, Google Play, Vudu and more. The Blu-Ray & DVD is available nationwide, with autographed copies only available on Tab Hunter's official website, www.tabhunter.com.

Gay Help Wanted: Assistant Director for LGBTQ Student Resource Center

From Steve Willich, Pronouns: He/Him/His, Director, LGBTQ Student Resource Center:

We are excited and proud to again post for the position of Assistant Director for the LGBTQ Student Resource Center on the Auraria campus here in Denver! Our previous Assistant Director left the position for personal reasons, so we are again looking for that amazing candidate to help us move our program forward!

Information about the position, including how to apply, are posted on the MSU Denver online job portal site at: http://www.msudenverjobs.com/postings/8789

The posting will be available until September 7, so get your applications in!

George Takei Donates Puppet from "Kubo and the Two Strings"

In a special ceremony on Thursday, August 25, iconic actor and human rights activist George Takei presented the Japanese American National Museum (JANM) the “Hosato” puppet, the character he voiced in the film Kubo and the Two Strings. The puppet will be included in a retrospective on his life and career that the museum will exhibit in 2017.  Travis Knight, CEO of LAIKA studios and director of the film, along with producer Arianne Sutner and other LAIKANS, attended the special event. 

George Takei and Hosato, the puppet he voiced in the fantastical epic adventure Kubo and the Two Strings

Logo Reveals Finding Prince Charming Cast

Logo today announced that its brand new reality dating competition series, “Finding Prince Charming,” will premiere on Thursday, September 8th at 9:00 PM ET/PT with a special 90-minute episode immediately following an all-new episode of "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars” and will simulcast on VH1.

The first of its kind journey to find love will feature handsome and alluring interior designer, Robert Sepulveda Jr. as the sought-after prince charming who is searching for the man of his dreams.

Sepulveda, born on the island of Puerto Rico now lives in Atlanta, Georgia, where he works at his interior design firm specializing in luxury residential and commercial spaces. He founded the Atlanta Rainbow Crosswalks, a historic LGBTQ civil art project with the mission of advancing awareness of diversity and equality through public art and community outreach.

Hosted by Lance Bass, “Finding Prince Charming” will include 13 charismatic and gorgeous suitors, all housed together, who will compete to find love and win the heart of one of the nation’s most eligible gay gentleman.

Do You Want To Reach Denver's Gay Community? 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.

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

Bearracuda Underwear Night

One night only, it's Bearracuda Denver Underwear Night at Trade. Join DJs Mateo Segade and Dirty Diesel on Saturday, August 27 at TRADE and be ready to get intimate in your intimates. Featuring Go-Go Bears, Sexy Visuals, Chunky Beats & Heavy Petting. Powered by GROWLR and MileHighGayGuy, of course! 

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.

Koelbel Urban Homes: The New Modern in Denver

Koelbel Urban Homes (KUH) has quickly emerged as a leader in creating urban neighborhoods that promote community and synergy by integrating life, work and play.

As the newest division of legendary developer Koelbel and Company, KUH is focused on in-fill properties, designing and building innovative homes tailored to each unique site.

Offered homes run the gamut of detached single-family homes to svelte modern attached designs featuring today's popular spaces, such as rooftop decks and open-plan concepts. All KUH homes, of course, are designed for optimum living and with respect for the surroundings.

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.

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

Meet Daniel Ramos, One Colorado's New Executive Director

After a search led by One Colorado’s Board of Directors, the organization announces that Daniel Ramos as the organization’s new Executive Director.
 
Most of you already know Daniel from the tremendous work he’s done at One Colorado for the past five and a half years. Before being named One Colorado's Executive Director, Daniel built their safe schools program, served as Political Director, and – most recently – served as Deputy Executive Director. 
 
For Daniel, One Colorado's mission of building a fair and just Colorado is personal. He grew up in the northern Colorado town of Sterling – later graduating from the University of Colorado at Boulder and getting his Masters of Public Administration at the University of Colorado School of Public Affairs. Daniel knows how hard we have all worked together to advance equality in our state, and knows our work is not yet finished. From making sure every LGBTQ young person feels safe, welcome, and empowered to make change in their school, to creating a state that affirms the lives and experiences of transgender people, defeating religious exemption proposals that would turn back our victories, and addressing issues of immigration reform, homelessness, a living wage, paid family leave, reproductive health, and voter disenfranchisement – these are just some of the things we must do to make sure no part of our community is left behind.

The Feline Fix - Caring for Colorado's Community Cats

More than 20,000 cats are euthanized annually in Colorado simply because there are not enough homes for them all. Unfortunately, we can't simply adopt our way out of the problem. 

An unaltered female cat, tame or feral, may become pregnant as early as five months of age and bear two to three litters per year for her entire life; which for a feral cat is roughly five years.

The purpose of Divine Feline and it's clinic, The Feline Fix, is to reduce the number of unwanted and homeless cats and to promote the health and welfare of all cats, feral and tame, through the practice of providing quality and affordable spay and neuter services and the practice of TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return).

The Gay Vegans: Be Yourself!

By Dan Hanley

There is so much going on in our communities.

With everything going on, it seems many have lost a sense of how to communicate or debate without completely demonizing whoever they disagree with. This is a huge bummer for me, as someone who is always trying to engage with others and to encourage our readers to be a part of the debate. Please remember through all of this, no matter what, to be yourself.

Yes, there are those who will attack you and in some cases even get ugly. Even people you are in relationship with might get a little pissy. We cannot remain silent. And it’s pretty simple to express ourselves without being judgmental or unkind to others. Also, there is no shortage of opportunities to speak out against something that horrifies and speak up for something that we wholeheartedly support.

Turn to politics. It’s vital that we are involved and if we remain silent people who do not value what we value could get elected. Get involved.

With veganism and animal rights there are opinions all over the place as to what that means. If you don’t think promoting cage free eggs or humane meat helps animals who are suffering right now, then say something. If you’ve made a vegan recipe that blew your mind, share it. Support a group that fights for what you believe in and don’t be afraid to speak out for what you believe in. There are so many voices out there, and a lot of noise, so make sure yours is part of that!

Be yourself. Wear a t-shirt that promotes your beliefs. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. Promote a link on your social media. Make a donation to a non-profit that matches your values.

The most important thing to me personally is that when you do all of this, do it with kindness, compassion and love. Remember that, especially when expressing your opinions on animal rights and animal cruelty, that you may be the only voice that a suffering animal has. There are times when disrupting and being loud are necessary, but when expressing yourself to people you know and during your day to day life, kindness prevails.

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