RiNo Pilots Denver Day Works Program

RiNo is getting a deep clean with the help of Denver’s community experiencing homelessness, thanks to a new partnership between the RiNo Art District and Business Improvement District, Denver Human Services (DHS), and the Denver Day Works program. In a pilot program launched Tuesday, Sept. 5, Denver Day Works workers - members of the Denver community who are experiencing homelessness - will provide neighborhood cleaning for three weeks to maintain a clean, welcoming environment before, during, and after the RiNo Art District’s annual street art event, CRUSH.

“RiNo is committed to advancing meaningful ways to support our community experiencing homelessness and to providing them with pathways to employment and success,” said Jamie Licko, RiNo Art District President. “Our neighborhood has needs that the Denver Day Works program can fill, and so this pilot partnership with DHS to bring Denver Day Works here was one we pursued strongly. We want to create a sound structure that we can use to employ the help of these individuals on an ongoing basis in our district. We are committed to finding a way to make it a permanent partnership.”

The Denver Day Works program, which provides low- to no-barrier work experience for people experiencing homelessness will employ up to 36 individuals per week in RiNo, for three weeks. Workers are paid $12.59 an hour for their services. While on-site, RiNo businesses will be backing the effort and supporting the success of the effort. To date, Wolf Properties, Denver Central Market, Crema Coffee and The Rackhouse have committed to help by providing meals and facilities for the workers’ use while on site. Throughout the workday, DHS will offer employment training and services to the workers with the goal of helping them obtain long term employment. “Denver Day Works is a key part of our new strategy to connect residents to a good home, good health and a good job so that they can live a good life here in Denver,” Mayor Michael B. Hancock said. “Through this pilot partnership with the RiNo Art District and Business Improvement District, we’re going to connect even more individuals in our city who are experiencing homelessness with training, job opportunities and the right services at the right time.”

$1 Million in Funding to Help HIV Organizations Impacted by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma Announced atUSCA

A $1 million fund to help HIV organizations impacted by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma was announced today at the opening of the 21st annual U.S. Conference on AIDS in Washington, DC. The $1 million is being donated by Gilead Sciences.

The announcement was made at the USCA’s opening plenary as the conference honored those working in communities devastated by the hurricane. Delegates from the affected regions were on stage for the announcement. Grants from these funds are being coordinated by AIDS United in collaboration with NMAC.

“Gilead’s generous contribution will make a tremendous difference for people living with HIV and for organizations serving them that were ravaged by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma,” said NMAC Executive Director Paul Kawata. “We must make sure that we reach the organizations most in need as rapidly as possible.”

AIDS United will support the administration of the funds as part of the rapid response arm of its new Southern HIV Impact Fund. NMAC will appoint an HIV Hurricane Relief Advisory Panel made up of local community leaders to identify local needs and priorities to support AIDS United grantmaking.

“There is no greater emergency than the devastation of these powerful hurricanes,” said AIDS United CEO Jesse Milan Jr. “We are thankful this rapid grantmaking process is in place and thrilled that Gilead is making available up to $1 million to support relief efforts for the HIV community.”

In addition to the $1 million donation by Gilead Sciences, AIDS United has allocated $150,000 from the Southern HIV Impact Fund. AIDS United today released a request for applications for organizations in the affected communities. The awards will be made on a rolling basis.

“With hurricane-impacted regions facing a long recovery process, it is more important than ever that the critical services provided by HIV organizations in these areas continue to reach those in need,” said Gregg H. Alton, Executive Vice President, Corporate and Medical Affairs, Gilead Sciences. “Gilead, AIDS United, and NMAC are committed to supporting their efforts to restore and maintain programs.”

The U.S. South is an epicenter of the HIV epidemic in the U.S. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than half of new AIDS diagnoses and deaths occurred in the south. In 2015, Florida ranked first among states in terms of new diagnoses, Texas ranked third, and Louisiana ranked 11th.

“Hurricane Harvey adds a heightened sense of urgency to the organizations serving people living with HIV/AIDS,” said John Barnes, executive director of Funders Concerned About AIDS, which brought together Gilead Sciences and other partners to create the Southern HIV Impact Fund. “We are calling on organizations across the country to join Gilead Sciences and others in supporting the work that must be done to reverse these troubling trends.”

Organizations, businesses and individuals can make donations to the AIDS United Southern HIV Impact Fund at here.

Stonewall Fitness: Diet Versus Working Out

By Dirk Smith

 

The internet, oh the internet… Is full of fitspiration memes with motivational quotes pasted on a picture of someone showing off their ass or cleavage. Between all that cleavage is no shortage of fitness and nutrition advice on how to have a body just like that. From so called “health tonics” (lemon water anyone?) to everybody’s special “Butt Blaster” fitness challenges and the like. With all this information out there, there is no shortage of resources and places to help you find programs and advice to help you work toward achieving your fitness goals.
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Most of it is bullshit however. While it doesn’t hurt to try new things and everybody is unique in the way that there is no “one solution” toward achieving anything, what works for someone else won’t necessarily work for you and vice versa. Unfortunately my computer doesn’t have nearly enough memory to cover all the bullshit so we’re going to narrow the focus on a topic I have had many discussions about. ​

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What percentage of your effort should be devoted to diet versus exercise when it comes to “slimming down” or getting those abs we all seek to do our laundry on. I’ve seen many memes and “fitspiration” posts that’ll say “70% Diet, 30% gym” or perhaps “Abs are made in the kitchen” or some variation of that. (I mean I have looked all over my kitchen and I have not found any trolls producing sexy ab muscles.)
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As much as I am an advocate for fitness purely for aesthetics (I am not), I can tell you that there is no magic number of how much time and energy should be devoted to eating healthy and exercising in order to achieve your ideal physique. Like I said, every individual is unique in the way that what works for me isn’t necessarily going to work for you.​

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But did you go through all that effort to click the link and read this far just to hear that? No.

No matter what your pursuit in fitness, aesthetics, work, relationships, life or whatever else. The one constant that we can all universally control within ourselves is our effort. “80% Diet, 20% Gym” or whatever the numbers you might see are bullshit. It is 100% Diet, 100% Gym. As in you put your absolute 100% best effort in your eating habits and training routine. Just like you would put 100% of your best effort in all aspects of your life.
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True champions approach every opportunity and tackle every challenge at their personal best. Your best effort should be applied in all aspects of your life, and especially in the things that you pursue. Anything that suggests anything less than your best is simply not worth your time.

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.

Denver International Wine Festival Returns for 13th Year

Mark your calendars! Wine Country Network, Inc., has announced the dates for its 13th Annual Denver International Wine Festival. 

The three-day wine and food festival showcases the largest selection of international and domestic wines at any Grand Tasting in the Rocky Mountain region, and was recently named one of the “Top 10 Can’t Miss Fall Wine Festivals” in the U.S. by Fodor’s.

The Debt Free Guys: How Can I Attract More Money?

 

Ever wonder how you can attract more money into your life? If you found out would you be willing to follow through? This Queer Money episode will show you how. Are you willing to do it?

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.

First Look: Rami Malek is Freddie Mercury in 'Bohemian Rhapsody'

Entertainment Weekly has debuted a first look image of Rami Malek as iconic Queen frontman Freddie Mercury in the upcoming film Bohemian Rhapsody. The photo is released today, September 5, on what would have been Mercury’s 71st birthday. The film will be released on December 25, 2018 from Twentieth Century Fox/New Regency Productions. 

NCLR: Trump’s Decision to End DACA Could Put 75,000 LGBT Young People’s Lives At Risk

National Center for Lesbian Rights Executive Director Kate Kendell issued the following statement in response to today’s Trump administration announcement that it will be ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program:

“Today, the Trump administration needlessly took aim at the estimated 800,000 young people, including over 75,000 LGBT people, who came to the United States as children, work, pay taxes, and are protected from deportation under DACA. In doing so, the Trump administration rescinded not only this program but our country’s promise to protect these young people—many of whom have never known a life outside of the U.S.

For the 11 percent of DACA recipients who identify as LGBT, today’s announcement is even more chilling. In an announcement that lasted only minutes, this administration just turned the lives of tens of thousands of our community members upside down, putting their dreams, their futures, and potentially their safety at risk.

We join with the millions of others who pledge to do all in our power to resist this brutally vicious and depraved directive and to stand with these young people.”

Milk n Cooks - Joy District

Check out the latest from twin DJ duo Milk N Cooks.

Transgender Woman’s Murder Featured on Investigation Discovery’s 'Grave Mysteries'

On Tuesday, September 12, true-crime network Investigation Discovery will be featuring the murder of Ty Underwood in Tyler, Texas on its new series Grave Mysteries.

In this episode of Grave Mysteries, transgender woman of color Ty Underwood has finally got a fresh start after moving to a new city to live as her true self. She works at a retirement community while pursuing a degree in nursing and has a vibrant social life. But something is missing from Underwood’s life - love. Underwood is very cautious when meeting love interests; but her quest to find Mr. Right goes horribly wrong when she is shot to death in her car after leaving home to meet a possible suitor. Detectives learn that her last line of communication was through the chat app Kik, known for providing anonymity to its users. This app seems to be the link to her killer, but will they be able to uncover that person’s identity?

This episode features interviews with Underwood’s close friends, actual police footage from the incident and reenactments utilizing transgender actresses as to accurately and truthfully tell this tragic story.

Rhein Haus: Serving Up Weiners Und Balls in Downtown Denver

Rhein Haus is a gay-owned, two-story, 14,000 square-foot Bavarian-inspired restaurant in Downtown Denver with house made sausages, pretzels, and other authentic eats, 24 German and local drafts, Bavarian-inspired cocktail list, and four indoor bocce courts.

The Gay Vegans: Easy Home Cooking, Vegan Style

By Dan Hanley

The idea of cooking meals at home rather than going out to eat could be met with a simple “of course” from some while being completely foreign to others. And to clarify, cooking in this post means actually cooking, not putting something frozen into a microwave.

I have a long history with fast food and processed food. When I started dating Mike my typical meal consisted of frozen Amy’s burritos or veggie burgers with tater tots. Whenever we do a meal similar to that these days we call it a “Dan’s meal”. For us, some days it’s perfect for us to just cook up some veggie burgers and add a salad with dark greens to it. Or even tater tots! But there are also several quick meals that we can prepare.

One I talk about all of the time is super simple, super affordable and super good for you. Note: I am not a dietician or nutritionist. There are three components: beans, rice, dark leafy greens. In a skillet I start with garlic and onions in olive oil, then add a can of beans. For me it’s usually black beans but pick a bean. I add cooked rice to this, again your choice. You can also add quinoa. Then it gets even more fun! Your choice of greens! My go-to greens are spinach, Swiss chard or kale. Once the greens are added you can go for it and personalize it even more with more veggies and spices. I add a little cayenne pepper and if I have peppers or broccoli that needs to be used I toss those in.

The diversity of this dish means you can switch around all of the time. Once the rice is cooked it takes about five minutes in a skillet. Cost wise, it’s tough to beat. I get three bunches of greens for $5.00 at our market and am always looking for beans on sale. You can also buy whole beans in bulk and soak them.

Try this and let me know what you think! Remember, you can take this idea and make it your own with your own favorite beans and veggies.

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.

The Little Dog Laughed: Can His Hollywood Career Survive a Run-In with a New York Call-Boy?

Mitchell Green is a Hollywood star on his way to the A-list -- if he can only keep that pesky “recurring case of homosexuality” under wraps. When Mitchell falls for a young call-boy while in New York for a premiere, his acerbic, fast-talking Hollywood agent, Diane, takes matters into her own hands. Meanwhile, the call-boy, Alex, is trying to figure out what he wants: Mitchell, or best friend/lover Ellen. He is torn between his desires for glitter and money and his longing for love, with all its requisite complications. Throughout all this, the tabloid-mad public keeps at everyone’s heels, waiting anxiously for someone to fall.

Vintage Theatre presents the Denver premiere of “The Little Dog Laughed” September 8 through October 22*. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays and Monday, September 25 at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 2:30 p.m. at the Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora 80010. Tickets are $15 - $30 and available online at www.vintagetheatre.com or by calling 303-856-7830.