Grindr Adds New Transgender Inclusive Features

Grindr, the world's largest queer mobile social network, today announced changes to its app to be more inclusive of transgender users. The changes include profile fields for gender identity and pronouns, system-wide gender-neutral language, and an FAQ to help non-transgender users interact respectfully. They were informed by a community engagement process that centered the voices and needs of transgender people through a survey of transgender users and a formal consultation with the National Center for Transgender Equality. Grindr implemented the update to users worldwide at the end of Transgender Awareness Week, and brought on transgender activist, writer, actress, and producer, Jen Richards, to feature in a new video promoting the changes.

Jen Richards, transgender activist, writer, actress, and producer, speaks with transgender guests to promote Grindr's new transgender inclusive features.

"As the largest global queer social network, Grindr has always had trans men, trans women, and non-binary users on the app. We are proud to release these updates to our core functionality to firmly establish that we are committed to making Grindr a welcome and safe space for all trans people," said Peter Sloterdyk, VP of Marketing at Grindr. "To ensure we heard from a range of trans people, we polled trans users and consulted transgender community leaders to guide our thinking."

Starting today, the app and website copy have been updated to include gender-neutral terms. Grindr users will also notice a new "Identity" section in their user profile that includes options for listing their gender and pronouns. Users can pick from a list of common gender identities like "trans man," "woman," "cis man," "non-binary," "non-conforming," and "queer." Users will also have the option to write in their gender identity if it doesn't already appear on the list. Pronouns can also be included on the new profiles including "He/Him/His," "She/Her/Hers," "They/Them/Theirs" or users can specify pronouns not listed.

"One thing we heard over and over again from trans people using Grindr was that they felt unwelcome as other users would often only want to ask them about what it means to be trans or approached without knowing how to speak respectfully about trans issues," said Jack Harrison-Quintana, Director of Grindr for Equality. "That's why we created written resources linked from the gender identity fields in the profile to answer users' questions and decrease that burden on trans people."

The resources address a number of questions from "What's the difference between trans and intersex," to "Is it ok to ask a trans person about their birth name?" and "Why do some people want to be called they?"

These new features are a part of Grindr's long history of working to be more inclusive of transgender users. In October 2013, when Grindr first introduced "Tribes," the company included "Trans" in the list of tribes available creating official space for its transgender users. The company itself has also been certified as a Transgender Friendly Workplace by TransCanWork.

Lo Moon - Thorns

 

Following the release of the band's recent single "Thorns", Los Angeles' Lo Moon today share the track's vivid visuals. Coupling the song's lush arrangement with interpretive choreographed movement and a colorful backdrop, the short is perfectly complementary.

Of the video, director Tarik Karam offers: "When I heard the song, I immediately fell in love with the idea of taking an entire relationship - from its birth - and compressing it to the length of a 4 minute song. The song has this incredible ability to be both full of love and desire but also sad and mournful. I felt that using split screens to allow us to see multiple stages of a relationship would convey a similar powerful juxtaposition."

OUT on DVD/VOD: Thirsty

Thirsty recounts the true-life story of Scott Townsend, who, from a tender age, was ruled by his slippery gender. Growing up a girly-boy in the projects of Cambridge, MA, under the watch of Doris, his dysfunctional, single mom, Scott was prey to bullying and assault. Already a talented singer and performer, Scott grew up to be revered drag queen Thirsty Burlington, and to delight club goers in Provincetown, MA with her spot-on impersonation of Cher. But even in a gay mecca, being Thirsty comes at a price. Inspired by events in Scott/Thirsty’s life, THIRSTY is a true-life musical adventure as dramatic as it is entertaining.

The film is directed and co-written by Margo Pelletier. Margo passed away after a heroic battle with ovarian cancer in 2016. As an artist, Margo always was clear on her vision for the film, Thirsty.

When Margo met Scott Townsend, a.k.a. Thirsty Burlington, she realized that she had found the perfect protagonist for the post-queer politics that she herself had been exploring previously in her former work. Because Margo became a filmmaker at the age of 48, not too many funders were willing to take a chance on her and her vision. Often, the key for any great artist to overcome lack of financial support in a way that keeps them in the game is to surround themselves with a strong support system, and Margo did just that with key collaborators on this film, whether they be her producing partner, Lisa Thomas, Laura Kelber, the co-writer, or Fabrizio Fama the film’s lead editor.


“If I can take anything from watching Margo’s experience as a director on Thirsty, it’s this, “Always pursue your dreams no matter how out of reach they may seem and never compromise your vision. Surround yourself with people who bring love and passion to their work and, if you do that, people will rise to the occasion for you beyond your wildest dreams", said producer Lisa Thomas.

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.

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.
​
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. ​

---

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.)
​
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.​

---

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.
​
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.

Meet the Debt Free Guys

 

Despite having had thirteen years of experience working in financial services, the Debt Free Guys were financial messes. They were two thirty-something financial services professionals with $51,000 of combined credit card debt, living in a basement apartment. After reaching rock-bottom, they crawled out of debt and now use their personal and professional experience to help others achieve financial independence.

StevieB: Defending Socrates' Virtue

By StevieB

In my mind I am waging a heated war. In my mind.

The unlawful combatant that is preemptively attacking my reinforced boarder, you ask? My Ancient Philosophy Professor. Okay, so mostly I’m killing him twice weekly with my mind powers. Okay, so I’m mostly staring down his evil gaze whilst he attempts to teach me Plato’s Republic. Yes, I’m learning new definitions and arguments for how we as a society define our concepts of “intent” verses “action” but, still that’s not the point. I hate this professor with every fiber of my knowledge yearning being.

The most important thing to pass along to you in this blog post is that, yes; it is widely known that Socrates liked his guys young. Real young. But, in Protagoras, by Plato I have learned that Socrates was not a Pedophile. It is clearly written that Socrates’ latest boyfriend has a beard. Stating that his taste in men is when the beard first grows in on the face. But, heaven forbid you bring this fact up in the middle of class! This Professor sure likes to box up the world’s strongest and most quoted philosopher as a boy licker. Lasers shot from my eyes. In my mind.

Okay, this isn’t really the reason I want him dead. It is because I wrote an eight page paper on the concept of Akrasia. You know, the state of mind in which someone acts against their better judgment through weakness of will. I stopped myself from using example of dating dudes ten-fifteen years younger to explain this concept. Instead maintained a professional tone. At the end of this project I submitted a paper I was really proud to complete. I got a C. Okay, a C-. I would share with you why I got such a low grade, based upon his full-page hand written tear down, but I cannot possible read his handwriting. I can make out “I know you can do better than this…” What??? You don’t know me!!! Jerk. Upon my failure to read his comments, he then announced that he will not review any student papers. “Not my policy.” He stupidly announced. 

I have one more paper to write before the semester ends on the 13th of December. I’m sure “I can do better” not that I know what that is.

Small Business Saturday: Shop Small at More Than 175 Small Retailers in Cherry Creek North

In 2010, American Express founded Small Business Saturday to help businesses flourish by encouraging people to shop at small businesses on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. In 2016, 112 million people shopped at small businesses around the country on the day and spent an estimated $15.4 billion. Seventy percent of the retailers in Cherry Creek North are small businesses.

In celebration of Small Business Saturday and with proof of purchase, Cherry Creek North will be giving away four CCN gift cards, two valued at $250 and two valued at $500. After making a purchase at a Cherry Creek North business on November 25, visitors can stop by the Small Business Saturday Headquarters at 2nd Avenue and Fillmore Street from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., show a receipt and be entered for a chance to win.

When visiting Cherry Creek North, it’s easy to park or valet once and walk the 16 blocks to everything Cherry Creek North has to offer. Many public parking garage options include $5 flat rates on weekends and evenings or valet opportunities at numerous locations throughout the area. Many small businesses offer free parking for customers and visitors can also hail a free Eco-Ride USA cart at Moxy Denver Cherry Creek, which is offering free parking for the first 30 cars, and ride for free to their favorite local business in the area.

For more information on Small Business Saturday, visit the website, or the Facebook, Twitter (@AmericanExpress) or Instagram accounts (@ShopSmall). Take part in the conversation using the hashtag #ShopSmall.

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.

Upcoming Webinar: Connect for Health Colorado 101

Do you or someone you know still need to get health insurance for 2018? Do you have questions about Colorado’s open enrollment period and how to use our state's exchange, Connect for Health Colorado? Are you a transgender Coloradan worried about getting coverage for the care you need?

Join One Colorado and the Colorado Health Network on Wednesday, December 6th, 2017 from 6:00 - 7:30 PM for a webinar on navigating Colorado’s health insurance landscape as an LGBTQ individual. During the webinar, you’ll learn how to get enrolled in the best insurance plan for your needs, about the policies and protections in place for you as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer patient, and get other important resources and deadlines for this year’s open enrollment season. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask a health navigator questions related to your care and review the 2018 Transgender Health Insurance Buyer’s Guide.

Time is running out! You must enroll by December 15th if you want to have health insurance coverage as of January 1, 2018, and open enrollment ends for everyone else on January 12th, 2018.

Honor Transgender Resilience Today

Today, November 20, we remember those transgender and gender non-conforming people who have been killed by violence in the last year, and celebrate the resilience, strength and beauty of the trans community.

Tonight, we encourage you to join trans people and their allies at a vigil in your community for the 18th annual Trans Day of Remembrance (TDOR), an event to commemorate transgender and gender non-conforming people murdered by anti-trans violence worldwide.

2017 has been the deadliest year on record for the trans community in the US, with over 26 transgender and gender non-conforming people killed by violence— almost all of whom were Black, Latinx, American Indian, immigrants and/or disabled. This continued a tragic pattern from the last 2 years, each of which were previously the deadliest years on record.

Yet during this tragic time, when we’re so frequently fighting against attacks on our communities, art has the power to show us who and what we’re fighting for.

Our vision is a world where everyone can be their full selves, in every aspect of their identities, without fear of discrimination, harassment or violence That’s why, for four years, we’ve partnered with Forward Together’ to create a space for transgender and gender non-conforming artists of color to celebrate their identities.

This year, 10 visual artists and writers of color from across the country created five stunning images and five gorgeous poems for TDOR. We hope you’ll join us in lifting up their visions of trans liberation.​

Will you SHARE this year’s TDOR artwork and writing with two people you know to show your love for and solidarity with trans communities?

Best Things to Buy on Black Friday’ Report: 10% of Items Offer No Savings

Source: WalletHub

With 53 percent of American consumers saying that Black Friday no longer offers the best deals of the year, the personal-finance website WalletHub took an in-depth look at 2017's Best Things to Buy on Black Friday. WalletHub determined that 10 percent of items offer no savings compared with their pre-Black Friday prices.

To find out whether shoppers are really getting the best deals, WalletHub analysts compared the “Pre-Black Friday Price” against the actual Black Friday price of a broad selection of items. In doing so, WalletHub identified the offers that are truly worth the hassle of partaking in the year’s biggest shopping craze.
  Top 10 Deals (Additional Discount for Waiting Until Black Friday)
 

1	Dell™ Inspiron 15 5000 Gaming Laptop ($369)		6	HP Z240 Tower Workstation ($1,234)
2	Sony - 70" Class Smart - 4K Ultra HD TV ($800)		7	Disney Minnie Mouse Hot Rod Coupe 12 Volt ($291)
3	Whirlpool 6.4-Cu.-Ft. Electric Range ($316)		8	Lifetime Combo-Four 8'  Tables and 32 Chairs ($459)
4	Canon EOS REBEL T6 DSLR Camera ($300)		9	Kenmore 26.1-cu.ft. Side-By-Side Refrigerator ($551)
5	Vitamix A3500 Blender #062944 ($250)		10	HP PageWide Pro 477dw Printer ($200)

 

Top 5 Product Categories			Worst 5 Product Categories
1	Books, Movies and Music (53%)		6	Consumer Electronics (16%)
2	Video Games (only the software) (38%)		7	All Other Product Categories (12%)
3	Toys (24%)		8	Furniture (8%)
T-4	Consumer Packaged Goods (19%)		T-9	Apparel & Accessories (7%)
T-4	Computers and Phones (19%)		T-9	Jewelry (7%)

For the full report, click here. And for the latest Black Friday deals (updated daily), click here.

Trey Pearson - Love Is Love

 

Openly gay artist Trey Pearson has released the music video for "Love Is Love," the title track off of his debut solo pop album, available now.
 
Trey says, "I wanted the music video to be a tribute to all LGBTQ sacred spaces. Gay bars and queer spaces have been a refuge for me over this last year, and it is where I have been able rebuild my life after losing so much when I came out. I'm overjoyed to be able to make a video about a gay love song that takes pride in these spaces that mean so much for our community."

Recently, Trey came out of the closet to make national news. His announcement started a national conversation with a television appearance on The View. It has been covered by The New York Times, Billboard, CNN and more, as he became the #1 trending topic worldwide on Facebook. Trey cites his journey of coming out - from the initial pain to eventual freedom - as the inspiration that lead to the creation of his upcoming album.

Why I stand with LGBTQ youth and One Colorado

By Tracy Selph

I am an ally, a parent, and a teacher who has seen firsthand the positive impact that inclusive and supportive school environments have in a child’s life and community. I started teaching in 1991 and through the privilege of getting to know hundreds of families, I’ve learned how important it is that all children feel supported at home and in school. That’s why I’m proud to work with organizations like One Colorado who are committed to protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students.

Support One Colorado’s safe schools program by scheduling your Colorado Gives Day donation today.

As a teacher and parent, I work with One Colorado to create Gay Straight Alliances (GSAs) at different schools in Jefferson County. In addition to professional training for educators, GSAs are one of the best ways a school can guarantee an inclusive and supportive environment for our LGBTQ youth and One Colorado works in communities across the state to make sure that every student has access to a supportive student club.

  We want our schools to provide a quality education and a supportive environment for our children. For LGBTQ youth, the typical school day brings even greater challenges in addition to the enormous stress of balancing academics, athletics, work, home, and social lives. Our state needs advocates like One Colorado to show students that they’re not alone and that they have allies.
 
  One Colorado is an essential link in educating our school community, creating social connections for the LGBTQ community, and advocating for equal protections with legislators and businesses.

Whether it’s with our vote, our actions, or our wallets, let’s support LGBTQ Coloradans and their families this year on Colorado Gives Day. Please consider a gift to One Colorado’s vital work in empowering LGBTQ students.