HRC Scores Colorado Companies’ LGBTQ-Inclusive Workplace Policies in New Corporate Equality Index

Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, announced a record number of the nation’s major companies and law firms are advancing vital policies and practices to protect LGBTQ workers around the world, according to the 2018 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), an annual report assessing LGBTQ inclusion in major companies and law firms across the nation, including nine in Colorado.

This year, a record-breaking 609 businesses earned the CEI’s top score of 100, up from 517 last year -- a single-year increase of 18 percent. This record sets a new high water mark for corporate leadership over the 15-year history of the CEI.

In total, 947 companies and law firms were officially rated in the new CEI, up from 887 in last year’s. The report also unofficially rated 137 Fortune 500 companies, which have yet to respond to an invitation to participate in the CEI survey assessing their LGBTQ policies and practices. The average score for companies and law firms based in Colorado is 83 percent. Of the nine companies ranked, three earned 100 points, one earned 90 points and above, and two earned 80 points and above.

“At a time when the rights of LGBTQ people are under attack by the Trump-Pence Administration and state legislatures across the country, hundreds of top American companies are driving progress toward equality in the workplace,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “The top-scoring companies on this year’s CEI are not only establishing policies that affirm and include employees here in the United States, they are applying these policies to their operations around the globe and impacting millions of people beyond our shores. In addition, many of these companies have also become vocal advocates for equality in the public square, including the dozens that have signed on to amicus briefs in vital Supreme Court cases and the 106 corporate supporters of the Equality Act. We are proud to have developed so many strong partnerships with corporate allies who see LGBTQ equality as a crucial issue for our country and for their businesses.”

Employer Name	City	Score
Western Union Co., The	Englewood	75
Arrow Electronics	Centennial	80
CH2M HILL Companies Ltd.	Englewood	90
Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc.	Denver	60
DaVita Inc.	Denver	85
Holland & Hart LLP	Denver	55
Ball Corp.	Broomfield	100
Newmont Mining Corporation	Greenwood Village	100
Level 3 Communications Inc.	Broomfield	100

Key national findings revealed in the 2018 CEI:

• 609 companies earned a perfect 100 points, up from 517 in the 2017 report;
• Gender identity is now part of non-discrimination policies at 83 percent of Fortune 500 companies, up from just 3 percent in 2002;
•  459 major employers have adopted supportive inclusion guidelines for transgender workers who are transitioning;
• 137 Fortune 500 companies were given unofficial scores based on publicly available information.

The CEI rates companies and top law firms on detailed criteria falling under five broad categories:

• Non-discrimination policies
• Employment benefits
• Demonstrated organizational competency and accountability around LGBTQ diversity and inclusion
• Public commitment to LGBTQ equality
• Responsible citizenship

The full report, including a searchable employer database is available online at www.hrc.org/cei.

Brian Justin Crum - Wild Side

 Singer-songwriter Brian Justin Crum shows off his "Wild Side" in the music video for his brand new single. "Wild Side" - written and produced by Frankmusik - is a celebration of the exploration of sexuality, sensuality and consensual submissiveness, a side that fans of the America's Got Talent alum have not yet seen. Brian shares, "It's important for me as an artist that I share all parts of myself without shame. My fans have seen my vulnerable side, but I am ready for them to see more of me now."

The video for "Wild Side" shows scenes of sensuality, but also includes archival footage depicting LGBTQ conversion therapy practices. Brian says, "It is important that we acknowledge how far we have come from the archaic time when LGBTQ people were sent to mental hospitals and psychiatric wards to find a cure for their 'sickness,' but we still have so far to go. We need to have a healthy attitude towards consensual sex amongst partners. I hope this song opens up that dialogue so members of the LGBTQ community no longer feel shame for their sexual expression."

Named donors make possible completion of Denver Botanic Gardens 10-year Master Development Plan

Denver Botanic Gardens announces two named donors whose contributions will help realize a 10-year Master Development Plan. Robert and Judi Newman and Ginny and John Freyer together have contributed the final amount of funds to make possible the construction of a new center for science, art and education.

The Freyer-Newman Center will house valuable herbaria, art and library collections while providing additional space for critical scientific, conservation and education activities. This new building will highlight the intersection of art and science at the Gardens through the creation of a public venue that centralizes the collections, provides needed, suitable access that is unique to these collections, and accommodates expanded research activities, educational programming and community engagement.

This recent donation, coupled with Tuesday’s support from Denver voters for funding through the General Obligation Bonds, allows for construction on the Center to begin in spring 2018. The 50,000-square-foot complex will feature: new gardens; six new classrooms; four galleries; new herbaria for vascular plants, mushrooms and slime molds; laboratories; and a new library.

“This most generous gift from the Newman and Freyer families will dramatically expand the Gardens’ ability to help transform lives in Denver and beyond,” said Denver Botanic Gardens CEO Brian Vogt. “Our mission of connecting people with plants plays out in many ways – through both art and science – so the establishment of a Center dedicated to the marriage of both will enable so many varied and significant impacts.”

Robert and Judi Newman said of the project: “This is a perfect fit for our interests in education, arts, science programs and facilities. We are honored to partner with the Freyers – longtime supporters of Denver Botanic Gardens – and the people of Denver. Congratulations to the staff and volunteers of the Gardens.”

Ginny and John Freyer added: “The Freyer family is thrilled and excited to join the citizens of Denver, the Newman family and leadership of Denver Botanic Gardens in completing the Gardens’ Master Plan. The science, art and education building will complement the Gardens’ world-class reputation.”

CA asks to intervene as plaintiff in trans military ban lawsuit

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra filed a motion to intervene on behalf of the State of California in Stockman v. Trump, Equality California’s federal lawsuit challenging Trump’s transgender military ban. The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD)—the organizations that secured a nationwide preliminary injunction against the ban in Doe v. Trump—serve as co-counsel in Stockman. In his motion, Attorney General Becerra seeks to protect the State of California and its 92,000 transgender residents from what he calls a “patently discriminatory federal policy.” 

“Equality California thanks Attorney General Becerra for taking this important stand on behalf of our community and our military,” said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur. “The State of California is home to the largest LGBTQ population and military population in the country. We cannot stand idly by while the federal government attempts to discriminate against loyal, patriotic, and brave members of the transgender community.”

Attorney General Becerra’s motion to intervene is based on several arguments, including that implementing Trump’s transgender military ban would:
• Impede the California National Guard’s ability to recruit and retain members that would protect the State’s natural resources in times of need,
• Force California to violate anti-discrimination laws and discriminate against its own residents in staffing the California National Guard, and
• Threaten the State’s ability to safeguard public institutions of higher learning from discrimination in ROTC programs.

The National Guard has been deployed more than 40,000 times since September 11, 2001, and there are currently 18,000 service members in the California National Guard. The Governor of California is the Commander-in-Chief of the California National Guard and relies on it in times of state emergencies, such as the recent massive wildfires across wine country. In 2014, The Williams Institute estimated that 6,700 transgender Americans were serving in the National Guard across the 50 states and found that transgender Americans were twice as likely to be serving or have served in our nation’s military.

“The State of California recognizes that Trump’s discriminatory ban harms not only transgender service members and our military, but also those who rely on our National Guard for emergency assistance. This point is particularly critical in California, which has been facing unprecedented wildfire devastation. We need to embrace every qualified person who is willing to serve, not turn people away simply for being transgender,” said Shannon Minter, legal director at NCLR, which is based in San Francisco.

“For the Attorney General to take this step sends a powerful message about the gravity of the harm caused by this ban,” said Jennifer Levi, GLAD’s Transgender Rights Project Director. “We should be embracing the contributions of dedicated, courageous Americans who are serving and want to serve. Blocking qualified transgender Americans from serving makes our military weaker and our nation less safe and less fair.”

The State of California seeks to join the case by November 20, the day the United States District Court of Central California is set to hear argument.

Cherry Creek North: Have You Ever Been Someplace That Just Feels Right?

One hundred and forty years ago, Cherry Creek North was part of a small town called Harman. Since then, Cherry Creek North has emerged as a staple in the fabric of Denver and Colorado, blossoming into a very special mixed-use district.

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. 

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.

'Pixelated' - the 8-Bit Art of Mike Whiting

Denver Botanic Gardens announces its 2018 outdoor exhibition of large-scale sculptures by contemporary American artist Mike Whiting. Pixelated: Sculpture by Mike Whiting, on view April 28 – September 23, 2018 at the Gardens’ York Street location, features brightly-colored metal sculptures created within the pixelated aesthetic of Pac-Man and other 8-bit vintage video games. This is the first outdoor solo exhibition for the artist and features several new works created to complement and contrast the Gardens’ landscapes. Exhibition-related programs will be announced at a later date. The exhibition is included with general admission.

Mike Whiting says “Gardens are in their own way virtual spaces—carefully created environments. They have the power to transport you, to give you the feeling of faraway places. Similar are the digital environments of video games. The contrast of the sculptures’ geometric and manmade materials can seem at odds with the gardens, but they are connected in the dialogue about the re-presentation of nature.”

Whiting’s work explores the relationships between the natural world and the artificial world of digital media along with two distinct visual styles: 8-bit graphics — which have enjoyed a recent resurgence in games like Minecraft — and minimalist sculpture. Graphics in early video games such as Donkey Kong and Space Invaders were reduced to simplified pixel forms because of technological limitations, while the minimalist art movement created objects that were purposefully simplified. Pixelated investigates the opposite intents of these two artistic approaches that result in a strikingly similar visual outcome.

Three of Whiting’s sculptures are typically on display in Denver’s River North Art District (RiNo): Pinkie (2010), Mr. Green (2010) and Rhino (2010). Pinkie and Mr. Green are part of the Pixelated exhibition. The California-based artist received his BFA from Brigham University in Utah and his MFA from Pratt Institute in New York. He has been the subject of solo gallery and museum exhibitions and part of group exhibitions throughout the U.S.
Lisa Eldred, Director of Exhibitions, Art and Interpretation at the Gardens, states, “Mike Whiting’s work offers a wonderful juxtaposition to Denver Botanic Gardens’ natural surroundings. The layered understandings of his sculpture provide an art experience that not only resonates with art and video game enthusiasts, but also with children exploring the world around them through color and form.”

MCA Denver Launches $18 Million Elevated Heartbeat Campaign

The Museum of Contemporary Art Denver (MCA Denver) recently announced the launch of an $18 million capital campaign to support the museum in its next phase of institutional growth, and to strengthen its leading role in channeling the city’s creative and youthful energy. The Elevated Heartbeat Campaign will fund the renovation of the building to better serve the museum's growing audience and programs, expand MCA’s exhibition and programming platform, and launch a civic art initiative that will support Denver area artists. It will also substantially increase the endowment and thereby ensure the longevity and future of the museum.

“As passionate supporters of MCA Denver for over a decade, Michelle and I have never been more excited about the museum’s future,” said Mike Fries, Board Chair and CEO of Liberty Global. “Adam Lerner and his team have curated world class exhibitions, delivered innovative and impactful programming, and brought the power of art to thousands of teens in our community. Michelle and I are thrilled to support this campaign which provides the capital and energy to ensure that MCA continues to be the center of creative energy in Denver.”

The David Adjaye-designed museum, now in its tenth year, will be named the “Mike and Michelle Fries Building” at MCA Denver and undergo a series of renovations to help increase capacity, expand programming, and better serve its audience. The museum is working with Adjaye Associates to make significant enhancements, including expanding and rethinking the teen space, adding a rooftop stage, and improving the entry experience. The museum is also commissioning a new, major artwork for the exterior of the building that will be announced in the coming months.

The decision to improve the building was made following significant growth in the museum’s program offerings and audience. Attendance has doubled since 2014 with over 75,000 visitors in the past year. Among those visitors, 10,000 teenagers visited or participated in museum programming, up from 1,500 when the museum launched its teen programming in 2013. The museum also hosted over 120 education and experiential programs in the past year. MCA Denver continues to be a hub for young audiences, with 18-34 year olds making up the the largest category of museum visitors. MCA Denver has benefitted from the rapid growth of Denver over the past decade and, through this campaign, reaffirms its commitment to cultivating the next generation of museum-goers.

As a laboratory for fresh ideas, MCA Denver exhibitions and programs have become a model for the field. Twenty-two museums across North America have presented exhibitions developed and organized by MCA Denver since 2009 and the opening of the building. Upcoming exhibitions include a large scale Cleon Peterson exhibition, a career retrospective of Tara Donovan, and a group exhibition focused on the legacy of Georgia O’Keefe. Thanks to a grant from the Mellon Foundation, the museum recently launched its three-year long Animating Museums program, inviting 14 art museum professionals from around the country to visit MCA Denver, and learn innovative practices from the museum staff and leaders in the field to bring back to their home institutions.

“Having been involved with every phase of MCA Denver’s growth since the beginning, we are thrilled to support the museum’s continued success under the leadership of Adam Lerner and Nora Burnett Abrams. Our endowment gift ensures MCA Denver will always have strong direction and curatorial voice” said Mark Falcone, former Board President and Trustee Emeritus. The Falcone and Bruss gift endows and names two key staff positions: the Mark G. Falcone Director and the Ellen Bruss Curator positions.

Strengthening the museum’s support for the local art community, the campaign also funds a new civic initiative commissioning Denver artists to produce art for an art-sharing program that allows anyone in the city to borrow works by Denver’s leading artists for up to a year. Called The Octopus Initiative (putting art in the hands of many), the program will launch in March 2018 and take over the space formerly occupied by the Open Shelf Library. Complete details for the program will be shared in early 2018.

“The Octopus Initiative,” which both supports the artists in our community and gives wide audiences an unprecedented level of direct experience with the art, symbolizes everything we are trying to do in the next phase of growth by deepening our commitment to the vitality of art in our community” said Adam Lerner, the Mark G. Falcone Director and Chief Animator.

Galantis and ROZES - Boys On Boys

 

A bunch of handsome fellas are featured in this cool cover of Galantis and ROZES’ single “Girls on Boys” called “Boys on Boys.”

The video is directed by Jake Wilson and was filmed at Nowhere Bar in NYC. A few of the gents featured in the video are Sam Digiovanni, Jeff Chastain, Johnny Dister, Adam Perry, Johnny Sibilly and Scott Bixby, among others.

Tori Amos: The First Place That Gave Me A Chance Professionally Was A Gay Club

In a new interview, Grammy-nominated musician Tori Amos talked with Hornet Stories’ Alexander Kacala and explained how she got her start in gay bars.

On getting her start in a gay bar:
Well, when I was 13 years old, the first place that gave me a chance professionally was a gay club. There were all men there. My father had his clerical collar on as a minister [and we were] turned down at all these other piano bars. We walked into Mr. Henry’s on Wisconsin Avenue and there was a man there with a studded something. It should have been a key but my Dad didn’t get it. And he asked, “Will you give my daughter a chance?” And the person said, “Can she play?” And my dad said, “Yes, she can.” And the person said, “Well, she can play for tips and then lets see how it goes.”

On using that experience to expand her musical horizons:
The audience embraced me and started asking me to play songs that I hadn’t heard of. I knew hundreds of songs but I didn’t know necessarily all the ones that were being requested of me. I had The Beatles’ catalogue, but they weren’t really asking for that. They wanted musical theater, show tunes, and ’40s, some of those wonderful torch songs. So they made a deal with me. They said, “If you learn as many as you can and come back next week, we will be here.” I went and learned things and then I came back and back and back. And that was the beginning.

NBA's Jason Collins and MLS's Robbie Rogers Talk Allies in the Locker Room and Coming Out

Former NBA star Jason Collins and LA Galaxy star Robbie Rogers recently sat down together to discuss how their coming out affect professional sports and how the allies in their lives helped pave the way for them to live their true lives. The video is the third in a series of stories from a partnership between Barefoot Wine and OUT, titled “One Stride, Many Journeys.” 

Check out the video after the jump and be aware, it autostarts! 

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 Debt Free Guys Are Frugal, Yet Fabulous, Tonight on Facebook Live

Join the Debt Free Guys on Facebook Live tonight to talk about throwing fun, fabulous and frugal cocktail parties.

Nice To See StevieB: Nothing But Net

By StevieB

If you follow my non sequiturs elsewhere on the web, you would have noticed that I have started going to the gym after midnight. This is for several reasons: I’m up anyway, the gym is empty and I don’t have to wait of equipment, but mostly it is due to my worsening Agoraphobia, or Anthropophobia. It is easier to have the entire gym to myself in the middle of the night.

A couple of weeks back I stepped into the empty basketball court, just to get a drink of water. As I paused to wipe my chin I noticed the basketball court was completely flooded with light. A sense of emptiness was overwhelming as it usually was filled to capacity with guys at various stages of shooting hoops. That night it was deserted. The smell of the hardwood, along with the strange buzz left-over from high school gym class hung in the air. I get a strange feeling on basketball courts. A feeling of wanting to be in control, wanting the mastery of the wood and colorful lines, the enjoyment and comradeship of competition. Yet, as I stood next to the water fountain, the feeling of eighth grade gym class washed over me. The same feeling I would get from sitting in the CEO chair in a board room, hosting a dinner party, or being in front of a naked woman. A feeling of not understanding what should happen. A feeling that everyone around me knows the natural chain of events (enjoys them in fact) but hasn’t let me into the circle.

As I turned to leave the uncomfortable environment, I noticed a basket ball over in the corner.... Without thinking I went over and picked it up. I attempted to dribble. I wasn’t that bad. Until I hit my shoe. I walked out in front of the basket. All the technique I had ever learned was from Mr. Johnson’s gym class during the First Bush administration.

Aimed the ball. Flipped the wrist. Shot. Missed.
Aimed the ball. Flipped the wrist. Shot. Not even close.
Aimed the ball. Flipped the wrist. Shot. Missed.
Aimed the ball. Flipped the wrist. Shot. Hit the rim.

I left the court, and turned in the ball to the front desk as if I had a great game with my boys. The next night I found myself back on the wood.

Aimed the ball. Flipped the wrist. Shot. Not even close.
Aimed the ball. Flipped the wrist. Shot. Hit the rim.

I had watched a dozen YouTube videos. I took notes on finding my aim...

Aimed the ball. Flipped the wrist. Shot. Hit the rim.
Aimed the ball. Flipped the wrist. Shot. Nothing but net.

I squealed. As I heard the squee bounce off the gym walls the glass court door opened and in walked a couple of guys talking to me in Greek about a “pick up” game. I pretended I was a deaf-mute and ran out of the court like a chunky eight year old girl running home, after the mean girls would not let her play Barbies. I left the ball on the wood.

The next night. I stood with fortitude. I announced to the empty gym, “This is Sparta!”

Aimed the ball. Flipped the wrist. Shot. Nothing but net.
Aimed the ball. Flipped the wrist. Shot. Nothing but net.
Aimed the ball. Flipped the wrist. Shot. Nothing but net.