One Colorado: Thank you and an update on the Masterpiece case

By Daniel Ramos, Executive Director, One Colorado

I just wanted to take a moment to show my gratitude for your support on Colorado Gives Day. Thanks to our generous supporters yesterday, One Colorado raised over $33,000!

Yesterday may have been Colorado Gives Day, but it was also the day the US Supreme Court heard arguments in the Masterpiece Cakeshop vs. Colorado Civil Rights Commission case - a case that could have a significant impact on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Coloradans and their families.

Over the past 3 months we’ve worked to sign Colorado businesses, faith leaders, community organizations, and conservatives onto friend-of-the-court briefs in the case to show that people from various perspectives believe that LGBTQ Coloradans should be protected from discrimination. We likely won’t have a decision from the Supreme Court until the middle of next year, but there have been some great articles, columns, and editorials across Colorado on the case in the past week. I’ve included a couple of links below if you want to share on Facebook:

My Durango Herald guest column - The Masterpiece Cakeshop case isn’t about cake

Denver Post Editorial - Legal arguments made by Colorado baker fall short

Colorado Politics - OPINION: Let’s pray the U.S. Supreme Court doesn’t legitimize discrimination

Denver Post - Judd and Veiga: Supreme Court should uphold Colorado discrimination law in wedding cake case

This last year has shown us that the victories we fought so hard for are still on shaky ground. Our work to advance equality for LGBTQ Coloradans and their families continues.

We’re so grateful to have the support of our community from every corner of Colorado. 2017 has proven that, despite all of the uncertainty, we will always be stronger together.

Thank you for your enthusiasm, passion, and continued support.

Cherry Creek North's Winter Fest is the Best!

Experience the joy of the holiday season in Cherry Creek North with Winter Fest on Dec. 9.

This festive celebration will transform Fillmore Plaza (between 1st and 2nd Avenues on Fillmore Street) into a winter wonderland with live ice carving, elves, carolers, temporary fire pits, face painting, complimentary treats and warm beverages, a live DJ, the Denver Police Department’s Mounted Patrol Unit, giveaways, photo stops and more. 

Additionally, special guests Garett Bolles (current Broncos player) and Mark Randall (former Nuggets player) will join Winter Fest for a meet and greet and photo opportunities. Attendees are encouraged to bring footballs, hats and other gear for the players to sign.

Support The Alexander Foundation on Colorado Gives Day!

Each year, The Alexander Foundation receives countless requests from individuals who are literally struggling to survive and make ends meet. Here are a few of the stories they've received this year alone:

• “Rick” is a Transgender male and hoping for assistance with some medical bills after being diagnosed with cancer. With your help, The Alexander Foundation can help Rick.

• “Barb” has been struggling to make ends meet, and as it’s getting colder she’s having difficulty paying her heating and electrical bills. The Alexander Foundation can help Barb with your support.

• “Chase” is a high school senior getting ready for college next fall, and recently came out to his family. Unfortunately, he was kicked out of the house for being gay, and is left with very little money. The Alexander Foundation is able to offer Chase a scholarship with the donations of our community.

• “Jen” was just laid off from her job, and as a single mom, she cannot pay rent for her and her two kids this month. The Alexander Foundation can help Jen stay in her home with your donation. Your support (whether $1 or $1,000) is invaluable in helping The Alexander Foundation achieve their mission of providing financial assistance to the LGBT community of Colorado.

Team up with the Alexander Foundation and ColoradoGives Day Now!

National LGBTQ Task Force: Masterpiece Cakeshop Case Could Roll LGBTQ Rights Back A Half-Century

The National LGBTQ Task Force was out at full strength on the steps of the Supreme Court to rally for the court to uphold the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people in the lead up to the court hearing oral arguments in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission. The case is about showing that religion should never be an acceptable reason to refuse services to anyone.

The Masterpiece Cakeshop case is one the most dangerous cases for the LGBTQ community in recent years. Rea Carey, executive director of the National LGBTQ Task Force described it in stark terms, “This case has the potential to roll us back more than a half-century to a time when LGBTQ people were in the closet, afraid to be ourselves. We refuse to return to those ugly days.”

Naomi Washington-Leapheart, the director of faith work at the Task Force, started the rally off in prayer calling for, “Divine interruption to these attempts to use government to exclude and punish vulnerable communities.” After which she told the crowd, “We will not stand by while our rights are eroded before our eyes! We are here to turn over these tables of discrimination! We are here fight back against bullying done in God’s name. We are here to denounce any notion of piety that compels hospitals and businesses and social service agencies to turn people away. We are here, and we won’t go back!”

Victoria Rodríguez-Roldán, the Task Force’s director of trans and disability justice, told the crowd she and the Task Force were here, not for cake, but for those that are disabled and would be at risk of discrimination if the court ruled in favor of Masterpiece. She spoke about queer homeless youth that would be at risk of increased bigotry and abuse at the hands of those in the foster care system if the court ruled in favor of Masterpiece and for the trans community that would be put at increased danger and would face even greater levels of discrimination.

During Rodríguez-Roldán’s speech, she slammed the plaintiffs and the hate group representing them — Alliance Defending Freedom — for “using God's name, in vain, as an excuse to perpetuate bigotry and to oppress their fellow human beings. They seek to deny a fundamental promise of this republic: That everyone has the right to be who they are in the world, free of injustice, and oppression.”

Task Force Senior Policy Counsel Candace Bond-Theriault, who was an author of the SCOTUS amici curiae brief that a coalition of groups including the Task Force signed onto, also spoke to the crowd. Bond-Theriault expressed how, “It’s important to consider the sweeping implications that a ruling for Masterpiece Cakeshop will have for LGBTQ people of color.” She spoke about how she understands this personally, telling the crowd, “As a Black queer woman, I know that members of my community will most be harmed if the justices choose corporations over individuals and allow discrimination against protected classes to become constitutionally protected.”

The National LGBTQ Task Force is the oldest national LGBTQ advocacy group in the country. The Task Force builds power, takes action, and creates change to achieve freedom and justice for LGBTQ people and their families. As a progressive social-justice organization, the Task Force works to achieve equality and equity for all and toward a society that values and respects the diversity of human expression and identity.

The National LGBTQ Task Force amici curiae brief was joined by: GLAAD, Basic Rights Oregon, Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity, LGBT Technology Partnership, National Coalition for LGBT Health, National Equality Action Team, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States, SisterSong: National Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective, Autistic Self Advocacy Network and Witness to Mass Incarceration.

Tony Valenzuela to step down as Lambda Literary Executive Director

The Board of Directors of Lambda Literary announces that Executive Director Tony Valenzuela will step down in June of 2018, bringing his successful nine-year tenure to a close.

 

Under Mr. Valenzuela's extraordinary leadership, Lambda Literary has become highly regarded for its educational and cultural programs, and as a steward and ambassador for LGBTQ literature worldwide.

 

As Lambda Literary celebrates its 30^th anniversary in 2018, it is also a fitting time to celebrate the accomplishments of Mr. Valenzuela. During his tenure he led the expansion of programs including LGBTQ Writers in Schools and Lambda LitFest Los Angeles, and brought greater visibility, diversity, and success to the Lambda Literary Awards, the Writers Retreat for Emerging LGBTQ Voices, and the

Lambda Literary Review.

 

Since becoming executive director in 2009, Mr. Valenzuela has expanded the organization's budget fivefold, building a strong, diverse revenue stream of foundation, government, and corporate grants, individual donations, fees, advertising, and event revenue. Most of all, he has worked successfully with the Board of Directors to secure immense goodwill for Lambda Literary as the premier organization supporting LGBTQ readers and writers everywhere.

 

Dorothy Allison, author of the bestseller Bastard Out of Carolina, winner of the first Lambda Literary Award for Lesbian Fiction in 1988, says, "For almost a decade Tony Valenzuela has been leading Lambda Literary in doing something vital for all the struggling writers in our community. His energy and focus have been wonderful to behold."

 

"Lambda Literary has had a champion in Tony Valenzuela for the last nine years," said NYC Council Education Committee Chairperson Daniel Dromm (D-Queens).  "It has been a pleasure to work with him to establish the LGBTQ Writers in Schools program in NYC public schools. By bringing LGBTQ authors and literature into classrooms, Tony has helped connect students with positive LGBTQ role models and stories-something that will benefit these young people their entire lives."

 

John D'Amico, councilmember and former mayor of West Hollywood, which has been home to Lambda Literary's book club and sponsor of Litfest LA, declares, "Lambda Literary is an important part of the City of West Hollywood's commitment to the literary arts and the LGBTQ community. Working with Lambda Literary and Tony Valenzuela has opened further the view into who we are and helped the city and the residents earn the honor of being strong supporters of LGBTQ writers." 

 

"There is no question that Lambda Literary commands the respect and passion among its membership and the greater community because of the creativity and innovation of this director," says Amy Scholder, president of the Board. "Tony's visionary leadership has attracted many of us to this organization, to which we now feel an enduring commitment."

 

Tony Valenzuela will serve as Executive Director of Lambda Literary until the end of June 2018. The Board has begun planning for this important leadership transition and will launch a comprehensive national search for his successor in January.

Dan Chadburn - Held in the Light

A native of Oregon, New Age artist Dan Chadburn began studying classical piano at the age of nine, eventually earning a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance at Pacific Lutheran University. Following three national tours as a pianist and singer/songwriter, and the release of three albums in the Contemporary Christian genre, he moved to Los Angeles and enrolled in the film scoring program at U.C.L.A. Soon he was scoring for television and working as a pianist and session musician. He went on to study in London and received his Master of Music in Electroacoustic Composition. Since then, he has released seven highly acclaimed albums in the New Age genre. He and his husband, composer and musician Tom Nichols, have written together for the past 20 years. They have composed songs for GALA choruses, as well as many inspirational and faith-based songs.

Chadburn recently released Held in the Light, a collection of improvised melodies woven in with classic hymns including “How Great Thou Art” and “Amazing Grace.”

“After nearly losing my father following a serious health scare last year, I decided to record and dedicate this album to my parents, who have always loved me and encouraged me to share my gift of music,” Chadburn states.


 
With his sweeping melodies, resonating chords, and rich textures, Chadburn’s albums have consistently appeared in the Top 10 of Zone Music Reporter’s Top 100 chart, with several reaching #1 on One World Music Radio's monthly Top 100 chart. Additionally, he and his albums have received multiple award nominations from One World Music Radio, Enlightened Piano Radio Network, Zone Music Reporter, WAMA and others.

Chadburn has a heart for service and giving back. Profits generated by the sale of several tracks from his albums are donated to specific charitable organizations, including Matthew Shepard Foundation, Tyler Clementi Foundation, Whitman-Walker Health, TheCenterOrlando.org, Sitar Arts Center, and the National Family Resiliency Center.

OUT on DVD/VOD: Jesus Meets the Gay man

Jesus Meets the Gay Man held its world premiere at the Whistler Pride Festival, and went on to screen at the Montreal Views of the World Film & Music Film Festival, as well as Toronto Pride. The film features an ensemble cast including Fearless Fred, Carla Collins, Paul Bellini, Scott Thompson, and many more.

“I didn’t write this documentary for LGBT people, I didn’t write this documentary for Christian people, I wrote this for human people”, said director Jean-Claude Lafond. “This isn’t a film for just one group. It’s a film for everyone to enjoy.”

A story of reconciliation, forgiveness and renewal wrapped in Monty Python-like sketches and a jazzy dance number, Jesus Meets the Gay Man is a fun documentary that will have you see Jesus in a new light, while at the same time convincing you to work on your abs! Developed by looking at the questions of what Jesus would have said or done if He had met a gay person, the film aims to bridge the gap between Christians and the homosexual community, who have been at odds on this issue, with critical thinking and humor. In this age of so much information on the Bible and on the topic of homosexuality, can the LGBTQIA and the Christians find forgiveness?

“We love to find films that are unique and completely unexpected, and Jesus Meets the Gay Man qualifies for that distinction without a doubt”, said Richard Ross, Co-President of Breaking Glass. “Almost impossible to describe, the film is a documentary that is completely strange, somewhat demented, and absolutely hilarious.”

The film will be released on January 9th on DVD and VOD through iTunes, Amazon Instant, and through local cable and satellite providers.

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.

Masterpiece Cakeshop: Huge LGBTQ Equality Case at Supreme Court

By Rebecca Isaacs, Executive Director, Equality Federation

Today the Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission. It’s one of the most significant LGBTQ equality cases, and perhaps civil rights cases, of our lifetimes. A loss could gut decades of work to secure nondiscrimination protections.

Please read and share the piece I published on HuffingtonPost. It features the story of a child who was denied care at the dentist because she had two moms. By educating your friends and family about what this case is really about (hint: not cakes!) you’ll help us elevate our values and discredit the opposition.

No matter what happens in this case, Equality Federation will continue fighting for fairness and justice in every community we call home, and we are proud you are a part of this movement!

Okely - I've Been Thinking

 

Closing out his 2017 Okely has also released a new video for "I've Been Thinking", a track from his June 2017 release In A Mood.

"'I shot and directed this video with a friend of mine during an amazing week of writing in NYC," Okely explained. "She'd let me stay on her couch for a couple of weeks after my first major US tour wrapped. New York is so beautiful and so ugly all at once, it's a very special place to me, and this video captures a very special time. I fell in love, over and over again."

Debt Free Guys: What Will Happen If You Don't Change?

 

Are you drowning in debt? Are you scared for retirement? What’s your credit score? The data show that the queer community’s struggling with all these questions and more. Statistically, this includes you.

What should you do? First, watch subscribe to the Debt Free Guys' YouTube channel. After that:
• Download their Hopes & Dreams Worksheet: https://debtfreeguys.lpages.co/launch... •
• Download their Financial Blockers Worksheet: https://debtfreeguys.lpages.co/launch... • Download their What Are You Willing To Do? Worksheet: https://debtfreeguys.lpages.co/launch...

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.

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.

The Gay Vegans: Another World AIDS Day

By Dan Hanley

Every year I write about World AIDS Day and every year it is the least read blog post I write for the year.

Yet I keep writing them. I guess I keep writing them so that the world doesn’t forget about amazing people like my dear friend Felix Godinez who lost his battle against HIV/AIDS, along with 43,000+ others, in 1992.

If you are any type of activist, especially if you are an activist for the liberation of anyone, HIV/AIDS is an important issue. Even if you don’t know anyone who battled HIV/AIDS, it effects you.

If you work against poverty, racism, prejudice, white supremacy, bigotry and/or hate, HIV/AIDS is an important issue for you. If you work towards total liberation, HIV/AIDS is an important issue for you.

Last year just over 1,000,000 people died due to HIV?AIDS related causes. “Getting to Zero”, one of the themes this year, will take work from all of our communities.

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.