Anti-LGBTIQ Hate Bus Tours The United States

The so-called FreeSpeechBus, is currently spreading its hateful message through the streets of New York City. The organizers behind the bus include the International Organization for the Family, labeled a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center, and the notoriously anti-LGBTIQ group National Organization for Marriage. The bright orange bus is covered in the message, “It’s Biology: Boys are boys...and always will be. Girls are girls...and always will be. You can’t change sex. Respect all.”
Jessica Stern of OutRight Action International commented,

“Free speech is a constitutional right, but language has consequences. Trans youth already have an extremely high risk for violence, discrimination, and suicide. Broadcasting a message that erases and denies the reality that transgender and intersex children and youth exist is irresponsible, factually misleading, disrespectful, and dangerous. This vehicle is part of the reason trans youth are driven to suicide.”

A group of individuals and organizations advocating for the human rights of LGBTIQ people have banded together calling attention to the bus’s harmful message. They are asking New York City’s political and civil society leaders to join them in speaking out against the harmful, untrue and discriminatory message it promotes and the violence against trans individuals it will likely encourage.
Gillian Kane, Senior Policy Advisor at Ipas, an international women's reproductive health and rights organization, a member of the coalition, stated,

“We call on politicians everywhere that the bus is traveling to take a stand for diversity and respect for all people—including intersex, transgender, and gender non-conforming people— and to speak out against the hate and transphobia propagated by this bus.”

A similarly styled bus received strong pushback in Spain earlier this year and was recently banned in Madrid on the premise that it was discriminatory and could incite hate crimes. After the bus was banned, it received high-profile attention from the likes of Chelsea Clinton who Tweeted, “Please don't bring these buses to the U.S. (or anywhere).”
Kimberly Zieselman, JD Executive Director of "interACT: advocates for intersex youth, commented,

“This isn’t biology--this is hatred rooted in an entirely false understanding of the human body. Being a girl or a boy isn’t about biology, it is about gender. The reality is that biological sex is on a spectrum, and no amount of argument will prove otherwise. Approximately 2% of children are born intersex, meaning they transcend typical notions of what the “FreeSpeechBus” says is “boy” and girl.” This bus attempts to erase the lived realities of the incredibly brave young people I work with every day who do not fit into this binary. In the same way that gender is not limited to strict male and female categories, neither is our biological sex.”

Haven Herrin, Executive Director of Soulforce, an LGBTQI social justice organization that challenges Christian Supremacy through spiritual healing, radical analysis, and strategic direct action, added their perspective commenting,

“Religion that denies the sacred being of trans and intersex children is no religion at all - it's a gross abuse of power. We need to send the message to trans and intersex youth that they are cherished just as they are and that they don’t have to conform to pressure from hateful ideologies.”

The bus will also be stopping in New Haven, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC.

"Top Chef" Packs Its Knives and Heads to Colorado for Season 15

Emmy and James Beard Award-winning “Top Chef” sets its sights high and heads to the state of Colorado for season 15. Production will begin this spring with a new batch of talented chefs battling it out for the coveted title amongst the breathtaking landscapes and thriving culinary scenes in Denver, Boulder and Telluride. Set to premiere later this year, the series returns with host Padma Lakshmi, head judge Tom Colicchio, along with Gail Simmons and Graham Elliot at the judges table. The announcement was made today in partnership with the Colorado Tourism Office and the Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media.

“We are always on the hunt for the next great culinary destination and Colorado is fast becoming a hot spot for young chefs and foodies, making it an ideal backdrop for our upcoming season,” said Shari Levine, Executive Vice President, Current Production, Bravo Media. “Our new cheftestants will have an abundance of inspiration to pull from as they cook amid the awe-inspiring scenery and explore the bourgeoning culinary scenes from cities to mountain resorts.”

Cathy Ritter, director of the Colorado Tourism Office adds, “Colorado is the ideal locale for ‘Top Chef’s’ first visit to the Rocky Mountains, and we cannot wait for viewers to experience the scenic beauty, hospitality and vibrancy of some of our thriving culinary destinations, including The Mile High City of Denver, Boulder and Telluride.”

“Top Chef” is the number one food show on cable among P25-54 in 2017-to-date. The season 14 finale (3/1/17), which crowned Brooke Williamson (Los Angeles, California) “Top Chef,” hit season highs among all key demos, delivering 2.2 million total viewers, 1.3 million P25-54 and 1.1 million P18-49. The finale was also the most watched episode in over three years (Nielsen, Live+3; since season 11 finale on 2/5/14).

Lavender Graduation - Call for Graduates

The LGBTQ Student Resource Center is seeking students in the LGBTQ community who will graduate this spring, or that did graduate in Fall 2016, for their Lavender Graduation ceremony. This is an event that they host each spring to honor LGBTQ graduates, and the additional effort that they had to put in to graduate. College is hard enough without an oppressed identity, so it's nice to take the time to recognize these students.

If you or anyone that you know fits the above description, be sure to RSVP for the event, so the Center can ensure that they are properly recognized.

Lady Gaga releases Andrelli Remix for "Million Reasons"

Six time Grammy award winner Lady Gaga releases the Andrelli Remix for “Million Reasons,” taken from the fifth studio album Joanne. 

Download and stream “Million Reasons (Andrelli Remix) HERE.

Denver Young Artists Orchestra Exclusive Discount Offer

Come see the senior level orchestra of the Denver Young Artists Orchestra in Revolution: Stravinsky, Concertos and Premieres concert on Sunday, April 30, 2:30 p.m. at Boettcher Concert Hall at Denver Performing Arts Complex. The concert will feature "Rite of Spring" by Igor Stravinsky along with Sarasate's "Zigunerweisen" featuring the 2016-2017 Young Artists Orchestra concerto Competition winner, Bryant So, and an original piece by the 2016-2017 concerto competition winner, Dianna Link!

Spotlight subcribers can get a 10% discount at AXS.com. Click on the BUY OFFER button and enter in the code DYAO10 to receive 10% off of your order!

Wacky Key West 'Drag Race' to Star High-Heeled Female Impersonators

Dragsters sporting high-heeled shoes instead of monster-sized wheels are to sprint along a challenging course at the Great Conch Republic Drag Race scheduled Saturday, April 22, in Key West.

Held in the 700 block of Duval Street, the island's appropriately nicknamed "main drag," the zany race is set for 2-5 p.m. and is hosted by the Bourbon St. Pub Complex.

The traditional auto-racing atmosphere is enhanced by organizers dressed as "pit crew" and a sound system blaring the noise of revving engines, but the event's focus is on the often-hilarious female impersonators competing in full makeup and wigs.

Wearing startlingly high heels mandated by race rules, they attempt to dash down the street faster than their rivals while trying to avoid spills, broken heels and wardrobe malfunctions.

Racers typically are required to navigate an obstacle course of tires and various other street hazards as spectators cheer for their favorites. The participants also get a "diva-style" ride down Duval Street in shopping carts propelled by local male dancers.

According to event organizers, the offbeat competition drew some 1,700 onlookers in 2016.

Race registration is free. Past years' contestants have included a senior citizen visiting from Canada, who donned homemade heels held together with duct tape and said he was having the best time of his life.

This year, Bourbon St. Pub plans to provide high-heeled shoes and costumes for racers who might need them. Donations are welcome in return.

The drag challenge is part of Key West's 35th annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration. The 10-day festival commemorates the Florida Keys' symbolic 1982 secession from the United States and formation of the independent republic.

The celebration runs through Sunday, April 30, with events including a "sea battle" featuring tall ships, a pet stroll benefiting the local Xena Fund pet charity and a Duval Street bed race dubbed "the most fun you can have in bed with your clothes on."

The Gay Vegans: 21st Century Vegan!

By Dan Hanley

I was just at Expo West for the past three days and just had to write a quick post about my immediate thoughts.

The world has obviously changed since I became vegan 21 years ago, and after walking the aisles of Expo West I am ecstatic to say that veganism today has an all-time high of options. No matter your favorite vegan food, flavor, texture or item, there is something new and amazing coming, and coming soon.

A quick tease:

Gluten-free and soy free pre-made pancake mix from Follow Your Heart. And it’s delicious!

Intensely flavored vegan cheese by Leaf.

Field Roast’s new Mac ‘n Chao.

Northern Lights gummy vitamins that taste fantastic.

Cave Shake! Delicious coconut milk shake.

And so much more. Organic seeds so we can grow our own food to organic nuts and better ways to grow food. My list goes on and on. The world is getting better and better for vegans.

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

Come Out. Get Fit With Stonewall Fitness.

Looking for more guidance and direction at the gym? Someone who can help you design a workout to maximize each workout at the gym so you can accomplish more than you ever thought possible? Check out Stonewall Fitness. Whether you're just starting out or looking to mix up your current routine, no matter if your gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer or straight, you can be a part of it.

Books: The Disneyland Encyclopedia

Since its humble beginnings in the mid-1950s, Disneyland has captured the imagination of millions of visitors. Author Chris Strodder launches his new, completely updated and expanded third edition of The Disneyland Encyclopedia (Santa Monica Press/April 2017) with over 50 new entries and 300 new photos. This new edition of The Disneyland Encyclopedia spans the entire history of the park, from its founding more than 60 years ago to the present day.

This fascinating book features detailed explorations of 600 Disneyland topics, including lands, attractions, restaurants, stores, events, and significant people. Each of the main encyclopedia entries illuminates the history of a Disneyland landmark, revealing the initial planning strategies for the park’s iconic attractions and detailing how they evolved over the decades.

“Disneyland is more than beautiful and entertaining; it’s wondrous and transportive,” Strodder explains. “Like a magnificent work of art, Disneyland reveals more and more of itself with intense study. Ultimately, the best lesson of all is that there is always more to learn, especially in dynamic, ever-changing Disneyland. As Disneyland continues to reach new heights, so will we, in our appreciation.”

Mike Posner chats with Prince Rama's Taraka Larson on the Talkhouse Music Podcast

Mike Posner is a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter whose mega hit "I Took a Pill in Ibiza" has been streamed more than a billion times; last week, he released a book of poetry titled Teardrops and Balloons. 

Taraka Larson fronts the beloved psych-pop group Prince Rama, and is a pop music theorist who has lectured on the subject at New York University and Melbourne College in Australia. 

In a talk that was part theory discussion, part psychoanalysis, the two discuss where truth is to be found in the inherent artifice of art, the temptation to glorify one's suffering in one's work, how you know when you've created good art (and when you haven't), Prince Rama appearing in James Franco's new Lifetime film, and much more. Hear the full episode here.

Perfume Genius - Slip Away

Perfume Genius, nom de poster-wraith of musician Mike Hadreas, will release his fourth album, No Shape, May 5 on Matador Records. The album was recorded in Los Angeles, produced by Blake Mills, mixed by Shawn Everett.

The video for the first single, "Slip Away," was directed by longtime Bjork collaborator Andrew Thomas Huang and is co-presented by The Fader, whose current Perfume Genius cover story is a peek into his mindset upon completing the album in January.

Victory Fund Endorses Eight LGBTQ Candidates; Historic Opportunity to Increase Representation in Minneapolis

Today Victory Fund, the only national organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ leaders to public office, endorsed eight candidates in state and local races. Three received spotlight endorsements because of their potential to make an outsize impact on equality if elected this year.

Candidates receiving spotlight endorsements include Andrea Jenkins, a Black transgender woman running for Ward 8 of the Minneapolis City Council; Phillipe Cunningham, a Black transgender man running for Ward 4 of the Minneapolis City Council; and Felix Rivera, who will become the only openly LGBTQ elected official in Alaska if elected to the Anchorage Assembly.

“We have a historic opportunity in Minneapolis to elect three openly LGBTQ people to the city council – including two candidates who would become the first openly trans people of color elected to the city council of a major U.S. city,” said Aisha C. Moodie-Mills, President & CEO of Victory Fund. “Americans are growing increasingly aware of trans equality and issues, and wins for Andrea and Phillipe will inspire other trans people to run for office and further inclusion in their communities.”

Victory Fund is focusing its 2017 efforts on increasing LGBTQ representation at the state and local levels. State and local LGBTQ officials are critical to mitigating the effects of anti-equality legislation and policies coming from the federal government and dozens of state legislatures.

Spotlight Candidates

Phillipe Cunningham, Minneapolis City Council, Ward 4 (MN)

Andrea Jenkins, Minneapolis City Council, Ward 8 (MN)

Felix Rivera, Anchorage Assembly, District 4 (AK)

Endorsed Candidates

Jillia Pessenda, Minneapolis City Council, Ward 1 (MN)

Ernie Schlegel, Reading City Council, District 5 (PA)

Endorsed Incumbents

Tim Eustace, New Jersey State Assembly, District 38

Chris Seelbach, Cincinnati City Council (OH)

Ed Zippirch, Red Bank City Council (NJ)

Since 1991, Victory Fund has helped thousands of openly LGBT candidates win local, state and federal elections.

Denver Limo, Inc. - The Hottest Limos In Colorado!

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Nice To See StevieB: Demolition Man

By StevieB

There was just enough room between the last pole of the chain link fence and the side of the house. The fence was festooned with warning signs. “Keep Out” and “Guard Dog on Duty” but I knew there weren’t any dogs. At least I didn’t think so, at any point a couple of muscled watch-dogs could have leapt from the old Victorian house. I stopped halfway between the fence line and the massive edifice, hearing only my heartbeat and Interstate 25 humming off in the distance, I trusted that if there were dogs, they would have attacked me by now.

In my youth I did this almost nightly, just to look inside the hulking manors before they were ripped from the ground. My motivation was to be the last human to walk the decks of the Titanic before the rust and water pressure turned the iron to dust. Back then I would wander around theses houses thinking of the Silver Barons that built the brick and mortar, and within days the reception parlor and massive staircases would be gone from the Earth. These 1890’s monuments, sitting in the city’s once finest neighborhood were replaced by condo buildings to overlook Interstate 25 and downtown.


Now it seems the tide of obliterating our Victorian history has turned. The thinned out herd of massive mansions, with their stone and wrought iron filigree, do not get hunted down and murdered as they sleep anymore. Some survived. Somehow. In our new, enlightened and mature sense of preserving the past, the houses that once sat in the finest neighborhoods turned skid-row has now returned back to the city’s finest neighborhood.

“I hadn’t done this in years.” I thought as I pulled a sheet of plywood from a back window. I guess I didn’t need to. “They hadn’t torn down a Victorian house in ages.”

As I made my way through the house I could see a considerable change, this particular mansion wasn’t set for the chopping block; it was being prepped for “restoration.” Fifteen years earlier I explored the house that once stood next door. In a gaping hole in the upstairs bedroom I jerked off watching the city below me. Now condos “priced in the mid-300” have taken its place.

The feel of this house was different somehow. In the dozens of house I’ve explored I felt the Green Mile death walk sensation, this feeling was one of anticipation. Looking out of an upstairs window, out at the city, I started to jerk off. As I glanced over at the next-door condo building I met the eyes of one of the tenants on their balcony.

“Guess it’s all changed.” I said to the front parlor room as I kicked out the plywood on the front door. I ducked into a homeless shelter-turned-hipster club as the cop car turned the corner.

Print all In new window Tell a CO senate committee to ban conversion therapy

By Garrett Royer, Denver Field Organizer, One Colorado

This Wednesday, a committee in the Colorado Senate will be voting on a bill that will protect LGBTQ young people from so-called "conversion therapy” — a dangerous and discredited practice that falsely claims to change their sexual orientation or gender identity. Colorado Senate leadership has chosen to send the bill to the “kill committee” instead of giving this bill a fair hearing. For the third year in a row, senate leadership has chosen politics over banning this harmful practice.

CLICK HERE to tell the committee to protect LGBTQ youth and support this ban. All the nation’s leading medical and mental health organizations have come out against these practices — which include the use of shame, verbal abuse, and even aversion techniques like electric shocks. These practices pose serious health risks, including depression, guilt, helplessness, hopelessness, social withdrawal, and even suicide.

You can help end these practices in our state by telling our lawmakers that you want them to protect young LGBTQ people by supporting this bill.

We know Vice President Pence supports funding groups that practice conversion therapy. It's time for Colorado to send a message that we support LGBTQ young people and don't want this happening in our state.

We can’t turn our backs on young people and allow one more young person to be targeted and hurt by these dangerous and discredited practices.