Key West Pride to Celebrate Diversity in Paradise June 7-11

Pageants, a cocktail competition and a parade featuring a segment of a 1.25-mile-long rainbow flag are among the attractions for visitors to Key West Pride 2017. The annual festivities, set for Wednesday through Sunday, June 7-11, celebrate diversity and equality in the southernmost city, a perennial favorite vacation destination for LGBT visitors.

The celebration also offers visitors a chance to experience Key West's "One Human Family" atmosphere of inclusion and recognition that all people are created equal.

The 2017 schedule features pool parties, nightly drag shows and aquatic adventures including snorkeling, kayaking and sunset sails. Activities also include curator-led tours of an exhibit chronicling legendary playwright Tennessee Williams' decades on the island, a pride-themed street fair on famed Duval Street, a one-of-a-kind trolley tour documenting the LGBT community's impact on Key West history and culture, a burlesque show with an LGBT flair and a lively brunch served with a drag show on the side.

Contests bring excitement to the five-day festival, including pageants to select Mr. and Miss Key West Pride.

Scheduled highlights include the 2017 Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic's Wednesday night Pride kick-off gala, Friday night's contestant runoffs and Saturday night's final round. The contest features regional winners from LGBT bars in 17 North American cities, all competing to create an original Key West cocktail that reflects the island's creativity and spirit. Now in its fourth year, the challenge is believed to be North America's largest annual LGBT bartending competition.

Saturday's final round is scheduled for 7 p.m. on an open-air stage in the 700 block of Duval Street in the heart of Key West's LGBT entertainment district. Stoli USA's national LGBT ambassador Patrik Gallineaux is set to host, with a panel of celebrities on hand to judge the dueling bartenders.

The winner is to be named honorary grand marshal of the 2017 Pride Parade. The all-welcome procession is to feature a 100-foot section of Key West's famed 1.25-mile-long sea-to-sea rainbow flag, created in 2003 by the late Gilbert Baker. The parade is slated to begin at 5 p.m. Sunday, June 11, and proceed up Duval Street from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean.

Aurora fox Arts Delays Priscilla Opening

The Friday and Saturday, April 21 and 22 performances of "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" at the Aurora Fox Arts Center were cancelled and opening night postponed until Friday, April 28. Staff members are currently reaching out to all patrons who purchased tickets for this weekend to offer exchanges for future performances. The show will resume the regular performance schedule beginning Friday, April 28 and continue through the scheduled closing on Sunday, May 28.

After the final dress rehearsal on Thursday night, the decision was made to delay the opening and give the cast and crew more time to safely rehearse.

Last Call for Lavender Graduation

Last call for any students who identify on the LGBTQ spectrum who are graduating this spring semester for the annual Lavender Graduation ceremony. RSVP by phone at 303-556-6333, or email taylor.j.stephan86@gmail.com by April 28.

Dodgers to Host Fifth Annual LGBT Night June 9 at Dodger Stadium

The Los Angeles Dodgers today announced that they will play host to their fifth annual LGBT Night at Dodger Stadium on Friday, June 9 (vs. CIN, 7:10 p.m.). A special event ticket package that includes a game ticket for the Dodgers’ June 9 game and an exclusive Dodger LGBT t-shirt (image attached) is available for purchase now at www.dodgers.com/LGBT.

For the first time ever, the Dodgers have partnered with LA Pride and will host the official 2017 LA Pride kickoff party on June 9 at Dodger Stadium beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Right Field Plaza Bar and lasting until first pitch at 7:10 p.m. Produced by non-profit organization Christopher Street West, LA Pride is Southern California's biggest LGBTQ+ celebration, with the annual Festival taking place in West Hollywood June 10-11. The annual Festival celebrates the LGBTQ+ community through music, art and culture along with community activations and signature events.

LGBT Night at Dodger Stadium will feature a ceremonial first pitch by Golden Globe Award winning actor Matt Bomer. Bomer has been married to publicist Simon Halls since 2011, and the couple has three sons, including a set of twins. In 2012, Bomer was given an Inspiration Award for his work at the GLSEN Awards. He is an LGBT rights activist.

Other scheduled special guests June 9 include Billy Bean (Major League Baseball Vice President & Special Assistant to the Commissioner),Brian Pendleton (founder of #ResistMarch), who will also throw out a first pitch, actor Noah Galvin (best known for his role as Kenny O'Neal on the ABC sitcom The Real O'Neals), actor Guillermo Diaz (currently starring as Huck in the ABC series Scandal) and Paul Katami and Jeff Zarrillo, best known for being plaintiffs in the landmark case that wound its way to the Supreme Court of the United States successfully overturning Prop. 8 and restoring marriage equality to California. Katami and Zarrillo can be heard weekly on their popular radio show/podcast “The Husbands” on iTunes and UBNradio.com.

The Dodgers will also recognize several athletes, coaches and people who work or participate in the amateur or professional sports industry as featured on Outsports.com. 

The national anthem will be performed by Dot Marie Jones. Jones received three consecutive Emmy Award nominations (2011, 2012, 2013) for her role as football coach ‘Shannon Beiste’ on FOX’s mega-hit television show Glee. A retired athlete, Jones attended California State University Fresno. Most recently, Dot has appeared in major and recurring roles on Modern Family, Jane The Virgin, 2 Broke Girls, Teachers and Doubt. She is currently being pursued for a couple high profile features and is looking forward to her next big venture. She is an impassioned supporter of charities that empower children and teach acceptance. Accompanying Jones will be members of the Gay Men’s Chorus and Trans Chorus of Los Angeles. The Gay Men’s Chorus and Trans Chorus of Los Angeles uses musical experiences to share stories, fostering acceptance and transforming communities into places where all can be their true authentic selves.

“We are once again proud to work with so many incredible partners for our fifth annual LGBT Night at Dodger Stadium,” said Dodgers’ Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Lon Rosen. “We are especially excited to partner with LA Pride for the first time ever. The Dodgers, with a proud history of diversity, recognize the value of an inclusive environment.”

Denver - United In Love

 

It's less than a week away until the United in Love concert, a benefit for the Denver Actors Fund.

Release: Victory Fund Endorses 8 LGBTQ Candidates; Danica Roem Could Make History

Today Victory Fund, the only national organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ leaders to public office, endorsed eight candidates in state and local races. Danica Roem, running for a seat in the Virginia House of Delegates, received a spotlight endorsement, and would become the first state legislator to win as an openly transgender candidate if elected.

“We have a groundbreaking opportunity to make Danica Roem the first state legislator to win as an out trans candidate – and we are determined to help her to a primary victory this May,” said Aisha C. Moodie-Mills, President & CEO at Victory Fund. “Currently there is zero trans representation in any state legislature, making it easy for extremist politicians to push forward the flood of anti-trans bills we’ve seen across the country. Representation is power, so a win for Danica is a critical first step to electing more trans people who can be a voice for the community and fight back against anti-equality efforts.”

Among the other endorsees are three LGBTQ candidates running for local races in Texas. The Texas state legislature continues to introduce dozens of bills targeting the LGBTQ community, including a religious exemption bill that allows business owners to deny service to LGBTQ people. If elected, these local LGBTQ leaders can help protect people in their communities by passing policies that mitigate the effects of any anti-equality bills from the state legislature.

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

Spotlight Candidate

Danica Roem, Virginia House of Delegates, HD-13

Endorsed Candidates

Reginald Bledsoe, Newark School Board (NJ)

Johnny Boucher, Grand Prairie Independent School District, Position 4 (TX)

Joshua Carter, El Paso Community College Trustee, District 7 (TX)

Omar Narvaez, Dallas City Council, District 6 (TX)

Henry Sias, Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Judge (PA)

Endorsed Incumbents

LaWana Mayfield, Charlotte City Council, District 3 (NC)

Carol Becker, Minneapolis Board of Estimate and Taxation (MN)

Beats, Eats and Seats: Summer in Denver Brings New International Events, Hundreds of Festivals and Blockbuster Exhibitions

Denver is known for its 300 days of sunshine and the abundance of urban adventure that comes along with its Rocky Mountain backdrop. This summer, The Mile High City will be home to new international events, blockbuster exhibitions, family-friendly festivals and plenty of hotel deals for an ideal summer getaway.

“This summer is going to be one of the best we have ever seen in the city,” says Richard Scharf, president and CEO of VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau. “With the return of a professional cycling race, groundbreaking culinary events, world-class art exhibits and creative festivals, paired with our exceptional weather, this summer in Denver is going to be remarkable for our visitors.”

There is an abundance of activity in Denver this season – from romantic date nights and girlfriend getaway ideas to family events; sports and recreation options to music festivals and unique museum exhibits, and a bit of everything in between. There are also dozens of discounted hotel rates to encourage visitors to make a weekend of it.

Below are just a few of the exciting things happening in Denver in the coming months; for a full list of events, things to do and hotel deals, go to the VISIT DENVER website.

The Gay Vegans: Create Your Community

By Dan Hanley

Mike and I have been in the LA area for almost two years now. Recently we bought our new home, and we are beyond stoked.

We landed in the amazing town of Monrovia, about thirty minutes northeast of downtown LA. We knew nothing of Monrovia before moving here, and we fell in love.

It’s not always easy making a big move and settling in. We have been super lucky.

Regardless of where you are and what community looks like to you, creating a community of people to experience life with can be pretty amazing. For me, I reach out to other bloggers, other activists, neighbors and people wanting to change the world. Not everyone I try to build relationship with is 100% in agreement with every one of my thoughts, opinions and values, which is important to me so I can learn other points of view. For example, not everyone in my circles is vegan. Most are not gay.

I decided to write this post because I hear from blog readers all of the time who are “the only one”. The only vegan. The only person of color. The only non-heterosexual. Many tell me they feel alone. I always write them back about creating community. Reaching out to others and finding a common bond.

Ideas? Here you go: join a running group or other type of exercise group; go to a vegan potluck; create a vegan potluck; create a meetup; bring a speaker to your local library; if you go to a place of worship, reach out there; check out local bloggers; find Facebook groups for local activists (we have a Facebook group called Resist Monrovia!); Google your favorite cause and find a local connection or non-profit that supports the cause and get involved. I could go on and on.

It really does make a difference to create community.

Books: Handbook of LGBT Tourism and Hospitality

Harrington Park Press released the Handbook of LGBT Tourism and Hospitality: A Guide for Business Practice on March 7, 2017. Authored by LGBT travel experts Jeff Guaracino and Ed Salvato, the book includes interviews with nearly a hundred industry experts, and analyzing multiple emerging trends among LGBT travelers. 

The Handbook of LGBT Tourism and Hospitality is an easy-to-read, practical, and relevant guidebook with a simple goal: to help marketing professionals, business owners, and allied professionals compete in the increasingly competitive global LGBT travel and hospitality industry. Dozens of contributors helped make this book the most inclusive and comprehensive guide of its kind. It is intended for industry specialists in the tourism and hospitality fields, as well as academics and students in tourism and hospitality studies.

To prepare this handbook, co-authors Guaracino and Salvato traveled to six continents and worked with hundreds of individuals and companies. Input from almost a hundred expert industry consultants and authorities helped make this book the most inclusive and comprehensive guide of its kind. 

Given the vast opportunity for diverse marketing to LGBT travelers, it is published at an opportune time as the LGBT tourism and hospitality industry expands in a challenging political climate. 

According to Thomas Roth, President of Community Marketing & Insights: “[This volume is] Educational. Balanced. Entertaining. Practical. Required! These are just a few words that come to mind when reviewing this tremendous achievement. Jeff and Ed share invaluable insights that can only come with decades of personal experience and professional success in LGBT travel. They’ve formulated all that and more into a well-organized manual for any reader, from the doe-eyed newbie to the long-time veteran, to help set and achieve realistic goals. It can be read in one sitting or referenced throughout a career. Or both.” 

According to Bob Witeck, President of Witeck Communications: “Our human impulse to travel is grounded in curiosity, adventure, and romance—whether we’re gay or straight. What often sets LGBT travel apart are our lifelong needs for community, acceptance, and safety. Few writers are better than Jeff Guaracino and Ed Salvato to distill their expert knowledge across 6 continents into the best practices found in this one essential book.”

Time to Work Up An Appetite, Dining Out For Life is This Thursday

250 Denver/Boulder Restaurants & Breweries take part in Dining Out For Life Denver on Thursday, April 27 to benefit Project Angel Heart so plant to eat out and eat often!

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.

Mark Your Calendars for Aspen Gay Ski Week 2018!

Yes, it's already time to start thinking about Aspen Gay Ski Week 2018 so save that date!

The Claws Are Out on TNT This June 11th

 

TNT's Claws is a midnight-dark, wickedly funny meditation on female badness set in a Central Florida nail salon, where there is a lot more going on than silk wraps and pedicures. Niecy Nash (Getting On, The Soul Man), Carrie Preston (True Blood), Harold Perrineau (Lost, Oz), Jenn Lyon (Justified), Judy Reyes (Scrubs), Karrueche Tran (The Nice Guys), Jason Antoon (Famous in Love), Kevin Rankin (Dallas Buyers Club, Friday Night Lights), Jack Kesy (The Strain) and Dean Norris (Breaking Bad) star in this hour-long dramedy.

'The Get Down Part II: Original Soundtrack From The Netflix Original Series' available today

The Get Down Part II: Original Soundtrack From The Netflix Original Series is available today at all digital music providers via Baz Luhrmann's label House of Iona, and RCA Records.  

 

Executive produced by Luhrmann and Nas, The Get Down Part II: Original Soundtrack From The Netflix Original Series features performances by Alessia Cara, 6LACK, DJ Cassidy, GRACE, Lil Yachty, Sam Dew, Nasir Jones as "Mr. Books," Herizen Guardiola as "Mylene Cruz," Justice Smith, Skylan Brooks, Tremaine Brown, Jr., Shameik Moore and Jaden Smith as "The Get Down Brothers," and Dillon Cooper as "Grandmaster Caz" performing the song "Mr. Bill" with lyrics written by Grandmaster Caz. The album includes tracks produced by Luhrmann, Elliott Wheeler, Salaam Remi, Grandmaster Flash, Anderson .Paak, Dallas Austin, and more.

Shiver With Antici...pation for The Rocky Horror Show

In the ultimate cult classic The Rocky Horror Show, sweethearts Brad and Janet, stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a transvestite scientist. As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters, including a rocking biker and a creepy butler. Through elaborate dances and rock songs, Frank-N-Furter unveils his latest creation. In this special 25th anniversary revival this deliberately kitschy rock 'n' roll sci-fi gothic musical is more fun than ever.
 
Performances will be May 26 through July with performances on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 PM with a pay-what-you-can Industry Night on Thursday, June 29. There will also be two Midnight Audience Participation performances on Saturday, June 10 and Saturday, June 24. All other shows will be non-participatory. Tickets are $20 in advance/$25 at the door/$17 for groups of 6 or more in advance only. All performances will be at The Bug Theatre at 3654 Navajo Street in Denver. Tickets and more information available online at www.EquinoxTheatreDenver.com.