More than 100 Members of Congress wrote to Defense Secretary Jim Mattis asking him to provide any “discussions or correspondence between the White House and the Pentagon” that purportedly informed President Trump's decision to ban transgender individuals from serving in the military.
The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), who have been at the center of the legal fight against the ban, commended the Members’ action. The military studied this issue for nearly a year and concluded that transgender service members serving openly benefits the military and promotes military readiness. The ban has been met with opposition and criticism from the highest ranking military officers as well as countless service members, veterans, and bipartisan members of Congress.
NCLR Legal Director Shannon Minter and GLAD Transgender Rights Project Director Jennifer Levi issued the following statement in response:
“The President’s abrupt decision to override the military’s carefully considered policy on transgender service members showed a shocking disregard not only for the thousands of currently serving transgender troops, including those deployed overseas, but also for the experience and expertise of military leaders.
We commend the more than 100 Members of Congress who are demanding answers about why the President reversed military policy without input from military advisers. The President’s blatant disregard for military judgment destabilizes military operations and weakens our Armed Forces.
Every day this ban is allowed to stay in place, our national security is undermined and transgender service members who have proved their fitness to serve are being unfairly targeted and demeaned. That’s why we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to end this discriminatory and harmful ban.”
In the weeks since the president announced his intention to implement a discriminatory and reckless policy to block transgender people from serving in the military, NCLR and GLAD have filed a motion asking the courts to block the president’s policy, and are leading two of the four legal suits filed against the president—representing nearly a dozen transgender servicemembers, from coast to coast.
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
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.
Rhein Haus: Serving Up Weiners Und Balls in Downtown Denver
The Gay Vegans: 'NYC Vegan'
Before I begin I’d like to give those of you new to The Gay Vegans blog a friendly reminder that I am not a professional book reviewer. I hardly ever will review a cookbook, in fact this is only the second one in six years of having my blog. I write this not to lower your expectations for what you are about to read but to put a spotlight on this specific cookbook, one I am ecstatic to still be exploring.
“NYC Vegan” is full of recipes that make me salivate while turning the pages. Before agreeing to support the book’s blog tour, Mike and I had already pre-ordered copies and were super excited when our copy came. We wanted the cookbook because we have been following Michael and Ethan on social media for years, paying special attention to all of the amazing food they would share. Another reason we wanted the cookbook was because Michael and Ethan are two of the most compassionate people we know, and we have been fortunate to have spent a little time with them. We knew their new cookbook would be a great addition to anyone who includes compassion while cooking.
“NYC Vegan” brings me to New York City. It also brings me into the lives of Michael and Ethan, which is awesome. I love the personal notes from them that are scattered throughout the book. With these and the little bit I know about them, I all of a sudden had a list of the recipes I wanted to try.
It won’t be a surprise to anyone who knows me that of all of the recipes in the book I chose the Diner-Style pancakes to try first. I am a pancake guy. Recipes on my list to try next are the Lasagna, the Shepherdless Pie and the Colcannon. I loved reading the Colcannon recipe! I’m Irish and have never heard about it. Reading through the cookbook I learned so many other things, always a treat.
Important factors about a cookbook that I would promote to friends and family include the ingredients (would I already have them in the house and/or are they easy to find) as well the ease of the recipe. Most times I just want to make a meal so it has to be easy, and easy for me means really easy.
The Diner-Style Pancakes in “NYC Vegan” meet both of these factors. We had all of the ingredients and I think most of you will have them. The recipe was easy to follow and I never felt that I was lost or couldn’t understand something. The last thing you want to feel when trying a new recipe is stupid.
Before I knew it, I was handing Mike a plate of pancakes. I added blueberries, which is usual for me and pancakes. They were delicious and I will try their suggested additions of chocolate chips, strawberries or bananas in the weekends to come.
Aside from the recipes, the layout of the book, the photography and the information on culinary New York City all added to why I love this book. “NYC Vegan” provides an escape to the flavors and cuisines of New York City.
Monday, October 9, 2017
Cherry Creek North: Have You Ever Been Someplace That Just Feels Right?
What sets it apart? Perhaps it’s the walkability of the area, or lodging that provides all the comforts of home. Maybe it’s the laughter spilling out of a gallery during a nightly wine tasting, or alfresco dining on a patio laced with flowers. When you’re in Cherry Creek North, you can sit back and exhale. Life feels good here.
Mitchell Green is a movie star who could hit big if it weren't for one teensy problem
Vintage Theatre presents the Denver premiere of “The Little Dog Laughed” through October 22 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.
Do You Want To Reach Denver's Gay Community? Advertise With Denver's Best Gay Blog!
Just click the Advertising page or email sales@milehighgayguy.com to get started today.
The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide to Colorado-Crafted Gifts and Experiences
Step Back in Time
Roast chestnuts, ride horse-drawn carriages and shop for hand-made gifts in historic Georgetown and its outdoor European-style holiday market. Witness the joys, pleasures, and pastimes of the 1840's at Bent's Old Fort western
trading post. The spirit of the season comes alive with wagon rides,
games, toy making, taffy pull, piñata break, frontier cooking,
storytelling, and other holiday festivities culminating in candlelight
tours. Holiday activities kick off nightly with Gold Camp Christmas in
Victor and Cripple Creek complete with a self-guided tour of the area’s
decorated mine head-frames (the above-ground structure of the shaft)
and the Elf Emporium loaded with gifts made by local crafters. Catch a
glimpse of ancient Colorado history at Mesa Verde National Park’s Luminaria Holiday Open House. A visit to the Colorado Model Railroad Museum in Greeley brings out the inner child during its Holiday Festival of Trains.
Revel in Holiday Markets and Festivals
Don’t miss some of the state’s best Christmas markets and holiday open houses including Greeley’s Festival of Trees and the Festival of Enchantment in Pueblo. The Boulder County Winter Farmer’s Market in Longmont is an ideal place for gift buying alongside seasonal local produce. Palisade Olde-Fashioned Christmas
features a parade of lights, a soup challenge, and craft vendors. The
holiday season also brings festive art fairs, pop-ups and maker sales
across rural Creative Districts across the state: Mancos Creative District hosts the Mancos Olde Fashioned Christmas with an art fair and festive celebrations in town, Salida Holiday Festival features caroling, arts and crafts and tractor-pulled hayrides. Pueblo Creative Corridor hosts seasonal weekly art walks and sales throughout the holiday season.
A Natural Colorado Christmas
Visit a Colorado tree farm or acquire a Christmas tree cutting permit from the US Forest Service to harvest your tree. For a special twist, harvest your holiday tree on a trip with the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Let pine-scented needles of ponderosa, fir, and juniper grace your doorway in a wreath from Llama Pack Farms in Masonville or create and decorate a wreath at the Covered Bridge Farm in Montrose.
Give the Gift of Going—or Staying!
Give the gift of a guest ranch experience, or better yet—bring your
family to gather for a true cowboy Christmas at one of Colorado’s dude and guest ranches
where packages include holiday meals, winter outdoor activities and
more. Rural lodging and guest packages offer memorable staycations and
include winter fun with the Ski, Swim, Stay weekends combining hot springs fun in Glenwood Springs with skiing at Sunlight Mountain, or a Monarch Mountain Snowmobile & Stay
package at one of Colorado’s best-loved ski resort gems. For the
non-skier, more relaxing winter stays with wildlife viewing, hiking and
horse carriage rides are offered at the scenic the Platte River Fort. For those who love summer-season outdoor fun and challenges a weekend at the original Colorado camp for adults, Camp Shenanigans.
The Outdoors Gift-Wrapped
The world’s biggest elk herd, Gold Medal Waters, and epic vistas ensure Colorado is at the top of any outdoors person’s list. Stock the hunters’ shelves with equipment from Karifu or Denver Tents. Anglers will appreciate a Colorado-custom-made Bamboo fishing rod from South Creek Limited, hand-tied flies from Duranglers or ice-fishing excursions to various lakes across Colorado. Give the gift of exploration with a park pass to a Colorado State Park. For those that like to play in the snow, Colorado is home to leading manufacturers of must-have winter toys: Meier Skis for custom-made skis, Moots for fat bikes, and Mountain Boy Sledworks for traditional and iconic sleds.
Edible and Flavorful Gifts
From single origin coffee beans by Bestslope Coffee Company in Fruita and Nuance Chocolate small-batch “bean to bar” chocolate makers of Fort Collins, to gorgeous bitters, botanicals, and cocktail making kits from Strongwater,
there’s a bounty of craft selections for epicureans. Easily shippable
gifts guaranteed fresh and made with love include peppered jellies from Minturn Saloon, rose-infused honey from hives across Weld, Larimer and Boulder Counties by Bee Squared Apiaries, cheese from Jumpin’ Goat Dairy, and mango salsa from Colorado Black Diamond Salsa. Or send the gift of Colorado via a basket of curated and assorted goodies from Colorado Crafted, or Cured
in Boulder offers a discerning taste of native specialties including
cheeses, and salami in its Colorado gift box. Learn how to make your
own holiday cheeses along with other seasonal gifts with The Art of Cheese in Longmont. Send the chef in the family mountain-inspired recipes with the new Half-Baked Harvest cookbook by Colorado mountain chef and food blogger, Tieghan Gerard.
Craft Beverage Gifts and Winter Warmers
Colorado’s award-winning breweries, wineries, and distilleries are
reason alone to celebrate. Enjoy drinking or giving the gift of beer
with some inspiration from Colorado’s top winter brews or gift a regional beverage tour, such as the Craft Beverages of SW Colorado. Head to Palisade for a winter wine tour, and for spirits from the ski slopes, visit Crested Butte’s Montanya Rum. Make your own Christmas cheer with Marble Distilling Company’s The Dude
cocktail made from award-winning Moonlight Expresso coffee liquor. Get
that whiskey lover something to treasure—a rare Maryland-Style Rye from
Denver’s Leopold Bros—only available November-December.
Made and Making in Colorado
Across the state, there is a wide range of crafters and
manufacturers offering custom-made products including outdoor recreation
gear, luxurious facial products, cowboy hats and homeware. Fashion
seekers will love hats, including fedoras from Greeley Hat Works or Dom wool hats from Icebox Knitting. Cooks will enjoy wooden crafted bar and kitchenware from David Rasmussen and western-lovers will covet leather goods from Zapata Ranch’s Ranchlands Store. Pamper loved ones with luxurious rose oil from Osmia Organics, or Lavender Hydrosol from Colorado Aromatics. Treat that preening man with beard oils and salves from The Vintage Grooming Company. Or why not give the gift of making: CoCo Crafted
of Colorado Springs offers budding crafters the chance to create wall
hangings, art, embroidery, and painting. More specialized classes
include leather-working with The Makerie for fiber classes at Table Rock Llamas. For aspiring chefs looking to sharpen their skills, try an animal breakdown or sausage-making class at Boulder Butchery Guild.
After all that Planning…Some Colorado-Style Self-Care
You made the holidays special for everyone else, but don’t forget
some self-care. Give yourself a little downtime with Colorado inspired spa treatments or a soak in some of the state’s natural hot springs.
Celebrate National Coming Out Day with 'The Freedom to Marry'
Now available on iTunes, Amazon and Vimeo. Available on Netflix on November 1.
Logo and NewNowNext Launch #LetterToMyself in Advance of National Coming Out Day
Below is a sampling of quotes from participating talent and activists:
Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman: “You are light. You are right.”
Melissa Etheridge: “Start loving yourself as much as you want others to love you.”
Daniel Franzese: “The sooner you can learn to accept yourself, the sooner the world will be ready for your greatness.”
Alicia Garza: “The goodness of the world only prevails when we are courageous enough to defend it.”
Jazz Jennings: “You will see change be brought upon this world – a change that you will help create.”
Peppermint: “Thank you for daring to find your place even though it meant you will be called names and attacked.”
Gavin Russom: “Find other girls like you and listen to their stories. They will help you understand your own.”
Sasha Velour: “There will be many missteps. Make sure you are wearing cute shoes.”
The full letters from all 40 prominent LGBT figures can be found at http://logo.to/2xZJnem.
DNC on AG Sessions’ License to Discriminate
In response to guidance released by Donald Trump’s Department of Justice on ‘religious freedom’ that has been labeled a
‘license to discriminate’ against LGBTQ people, women, and others,
DNC spokesperson Joel Kasnetz released this statement:
“If
Jeff Sessions is attacking LGBTQ people, it must be a day that ends in a
‘y.’ Religious freedom is a fundamental right, but the attorney
general’s directive is nothing but a
license for businesses to discriminate.
Auditions: 'Seussical' at the Arvada Center
Auditions are by appointment only, call 720-898-7200 to schedule a time.
Professor Marston & the Wonder Women | New York Comic Con Trailer Released!
Professor Marston & The Wonder Women debuted a new trailer today at New York Comic Con! Check it out now and see Luke Evans, Rebecca Hall and Bella Heathcote in theaters this Friday!
Nice To See StevieB: At The Car Wash
You know the lady that stands in the lanes of the carwash and when the attendant is done up selling you to a forty-dollar carwash she looks at your windscreen in hopes of sell you her chip repair services? And how she tries to hit on you?
No? Just me then.
I have very few obsessions. Other then, well a certain British Sci-fi show and Pumas and Apple products and the gym and…maybe… we should stop. The most unnecessary of my compulsive behavior would be my obsession of keeping my car clean. Really, really clean. This manifests in a car wash every four days. What? It’s dirty. Unclean.
This resulted in friends saying things like “you’re going to strip the wax if you wash that car too much.” Which led directly to me waxing my spoiled spoilered baby once a month. Thanks.
Mostly I can fight back and just go to the drive through bay and wash my silver saloon with the high-pressure wand. But, when it’s really dirty or I’ve had a bad day it goes to the fancy car wash. This is where I feel like a bad Dad If I just get the twelve dollar car wash, like the extra rinse and “clear coat” finish will stop evil from coming to the sports sedan. Oy vey iz mir, so I get the thirty-nine ninety nine dollar car wash so no one will judge me.
It was during one of these trips that I met my girlfriend, Dana. I complemented her on her Pumas; she sold me on rock-chip repair feeding into my obsession of keeping the Lotze perfect. I was a match made in heaven. Unfortunately, last Saturday she wanted to take our relationship to the physical level. Oy vey iz mir!
As I paid for my forty-dollar bath she approached me to see how the windscreen was holding up after her handy work. I said how it was great which was code for wanted to her to slowly work her hands over my bicep. This is when she offered more than her windshield services. Every fiber in my body stopped the physical reaction of retching upon her Rush Tee-shirt. But, then I stopped; she does have nice Pumas. I wonder if I’d get a discount at the car wash?
Friday, October 6, 2017
Do You Want To Reach Denver's Gay Community? Advertise With Denver's Best Gay Blog!
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