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Friday, December 15, 2017
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Stonewall Fitness: Introducing the Denver LGBTQ+ Weightlifting Club
It is my pleasure to introduce you to the Denver LGBTQ+ Weightlifting Club. My name is Dirk (sometimes known as David) Smith. I am a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with my Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Metropolitan State University of Denver. I have been working as a trainer, coach and instructor in Denver for seven years.
I decided to start an LGBTQ+ Weightlifting club here in Denver for many reasons. I have always wanted to work with the LGBTQ+ community in terms of encouraging people to be more active and fit. There are many physical, mental and spiritual health benefits to exercise and fitness. Exercise has been shown to help strengthen the immune system to better combat HIV/AIDS and Cancer as well as treat and reduce the risk of developing diseases like diabetes and hypertension among many others. It is no secret that people within the LGBTQ+ community often face many issues that affect their mental health, from depression, anxiety, stress, body image, eating disorders, even suicide. Consistent exercise has been shown to have a positive impact in helping people handle those issues.
Those are great reasons for LGBTQ+ people to take up exercise but I’d like to share with you why it’s so important to me and specifically why I chose weightlifting.
The first reason is I have firsthand experience in this myself, at one point I was very depressed and overweight. I had a hard time really dealing with the world because I didn’t feel good about myself. I often see this in many of my friends and people that I meet going through the same things I did.
The second reason is there seems to be a lot of crappy shit happening in the world and frankly, it’s depressing. I don’t like politics regardless of whoever is in office, and I try to stay out of political discussions; but it doesn’t mean I don’t care. How can I change the world as an individual when it seems like so many bad things are happening to our community? I can’t. But what I can do as an individual is to help empower the people within our community to stand up for what we believe in and perhaps to be able to better process current events a little more… optimistically. The best way I know how to do that is through exercise!
Thirdly (Is that a word?) A big problem with the fitness industry is the heavy focus on aesthetics. People associate exercise with looking better, because we are constantly shamed to think of ourselves as ugly. Aesthetics doesn’t mean better health. The LGBTQ+ community faces a lot of body image issues that contribute to depression and anxiety issues that are already so prevalent. Beauty as they say is in the eye of the beholder, and it all comes down to confidence. Exercise builds confidence, confidence builds self-image, people with better self-image are naturally more attractive; regardless of the firmness of your abs or plumpness of your booty. My goal is to help people build confidence within themselves through weightlifting. I don’t care how much you weigh, how you look, or even how much you can lift. What matters to me is that when you lift; you put in your best effort every time.
But how can lifting things up and putting them down build self-confidence? Well, when two people love each other… haha kidding! In my experience, working at many different types of gyms and facilities, you tend to see the same types of people. Specifically I understand people are intimidated by gyms and exercise in general, because when you walk in you suddenly realize you have no idea what the f*ck to do. What the hell is that guy over there making so much noise for? Damn that girl is running so fast! Is this some kind of medieval torture device?! I am pretty sure that person over there is laughing at me! What the hell am I doing here? It is quite humbling to say the least, and without purpose and focus for your visit to the gym, it is quite easy to lose motivation despite your best intentions to improve your fitness.
Fourthly, my goal is to help you find your ultimate “why?”, as in “Why are you even here?” Gyms are… unique places, to say the least. However, they are also full of opportunity for each person who walks into one to discover their true potential. You don’t have to be athletic to be an athlete. A gym might seem like a big place at first, but when you come in with a specific focus and readiness to push your limits, you’ll realize that everybody is there for the same reason, to better ourselves.
Fifthly, to focus on the journey; not the destination. Have you ever caught yourself admiring something/ someone cool and said “There is no way I could ever do that?”, yes you have! We all have! It’s easy to see a person’s accomplishments, but what we don’t see is how much work they put into their achievement. Do you think Michael Phelps popped out of his mother and went on to win 23 Olympic Gold Medals? Of course not, it was the result of years of discipline and hard work. Weightlifting is not something you can achieve in a day, to learn the proper technique for each lift alone requires a lot of time and practice. It’s a process, a journey and one if you stick with, you will discover the amazing places that it will take you.
The Denver LGBTQ+ Weightlifting Club is a new venture for me just as much as it is for you. I want to learn how to become a stronger coach and more effective leader. This club will help me to better understand how I can better contribute to the LGBTQ+ community and movement by meeting and learning from people who might face issues and needs that I otherwise wouldn’t understand. It’s a process for me just as much as it is for you, and my goal is to learn and grow not only as a professional, but as an individual.There are two disciplines in competitive weight lifting. Power lifting which comprises of the Bench Press, Squat and Deadlift. Then there is Olympic Lifting which comprises of the Clean and Jerk and the Snatch (teehee). These lifts represent the most basic movements to develop muscular strength and power. By teaching you how to do these lifts properly and help guide you to achieving your physical potential in performing these lifts, my hope is to help you find the focus, guidance and confidence to move forward in all aspects of your life.
“Is this like Crossfit?” No, and I will smack you for thinking it is. Crossfit is its own program, style, methodology or whatever you want to call it. Keep in mind the sport of weightlifting has been around for over 120 years, Crossfit has only been around since 2000. While Crossfit does take a lot of inspiration from weightlifting, it is evolved into it’s own, distinct and very different style.
Do I have to lift as much as the next person? Nope! All I care about is the weight that you lift is realistic in terms of your conditioning (We don’t want injuries now) but is still challenging for you. It doesn’t matter if you can lift 50lbs or 500lbs. If it challenges you and you put in your best effort, that’s all I can ask for.
I don’t fit the (ideal standard for a Greek God), will I be able to participate? Yes! If you can move your body, you can exercise. The human body is physically capable then any of us will be able to comprehend. Even if you have any limitations that might prevent you from doing certain things, remember there is ALWAYS something you can do. The more you practice and work at it, your body will adapt to the demands you place on it. This is how we build strength, endurance and power. Exercise does not discriminate. The weights will always weigh the same regardless of your age, gender identity, sexual orientation, skin color, physical abilities or conditioning. By participating you will learn how to use those weights to achieve the things you set out to do.Sounds like a lot for just lifting things up and putting them down, doesn’t it? It’s certainly is important to me and I hope I can help it be important to you too. Every Sunday we will get together to “lift each other up” (cheesy pun!) by building a community of support through encouragement and hard work.
Save the Date: One Colorado's 2018 Legislative Session Happy Hour
One Colorado is hosting this happy hour to give you an opportunity to grab a drink or two, meet pro-equality legislators, AND learn about what we're expecting in the new year.
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.
Thursday, December 14, 2017
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 Triangle is Back, Kinda Sorta
The Triangle Bar is opening its doors on Friday, December 15, in the heart of downtown. Located at the site of the former Triangle Lounge, the building has been restored with modern updates including attached cafe that will feature full lunch and dinner menus and a grab-and-go counter, including locally sourced ingredients with a focus on sustainability. The cafe will serve Starbucks coffee, and will be open starting at 7 a.m. every day.
“We are thrilled to be bringing The Triangle Bar back to Denver in a new, modern format,” said Sean O’Grady, owner of The Triangle. “We have exciting things planned, and can’t wait to welcome our LGBTQ family and allies.”
Bully - Running
Bully released their sophomore album, Losing via Sub Pop Records this past fall to critical acclaim with UPROXX naming it one of the best rock albums of 2017. Today, they are debuting their new music video for single "Running." The video, which was shot in Nashville and directed by Alan Del Rio Ortiz, is a stylized take on early 90's videos. Without being too on the nose, the imagery explores how we run away from our feelings and how the media portrays millennials and youth.
Increasing Gonorrhea Rates Reported in Denver: Get Tested, Treated
Recent data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment show that the number of gonorrhea cases in the Denver metro area has increased significantly among young people, especially in people under the age of 30. From 2012-2016 infection rates increased 97 percent in Colorado, and five Denver metro counties (Adams, Arapahoe, Denver, Douglas and Jefferson) accounted for 63 percent of all gonorrhea cases in Colorado.
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that affects both men and women. Anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhea, and it can be transmitted through any type of sex. Gonorrhea can increase a person’s risk of getting or giving HIV, and if left untreated, it can cause serious and permanent health problems including infertility. Gonorrhea can be prevented by using condoms correctly, every time a person has sex.
The rapid increase of gonorrhea cases in Denver metro, and across the state, emphasizes the need for routine STD testing and prevention efforts more than ever. Especially alarming is that the infection is beginning to outsmart the last recommended treatment.
“In the Denver Metro area, we are starting to see gonorrhea infections that have lower sensitivity to one of the two main antibiotics we use,” said Karen Wendel, MD, director, STD/HIV Prevention and Control, Denver Public Health. “Though we haven’t yet seen failures with current treatments in Denver, all people with gonorrhea should get treated as quickly as possible to avoid serious health problems, prevent the spread to others, and to avoid evolution of the bacteria that could result in future antibiotic treatment failures.”
Screening for gonorrhea is important since many people who have infection will not have symptoms. People who should get tested include women younger than 25, anyone with new or multiple sex partners, men who have sex with men, pregnant women younger than 25 or with other risk factors for STDs, and people living with HIV. Anyone experiencing symptoms of gonorrhea such as itching, burning or other discomfort in the genital area should seek treatment (a one-time shot and prescribed oral antibiotic) right away through their doctor or local public health department. Treatment is easy and effective if taken immediately, and as prescribed.
Free or low-cost STD testing is offered at locations throughout the greater Denver metro area, including at local public health clinics and in community settings.
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that affects both men and women. Anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhea, and it can be transmitted through any type of sex. Gonorrhea can increase a person’s risk of getting or giving HIV, and if left untreated, it can cause serious and permanent health problems including infertility. Gonorrhea can be prevented by using condoms correctly, every time a person has sex.
The rapid increase of gonorrhea cases in Denver metro, and across the state, emphasizes the need for routine STD testing and prevention efforts more than ever. Especially alarming is that the infection is beginning to outsmart the last recommended treatment.
“In the Denver Metro area, we are starting to see gonorrhea infections that have lower sensitivity to one of the two main antibiotics we use,” said Karen Wendel, MD, director, STD/HIV Prevention and Control, Denver Public Health. “Though we haven’t yet seen failures with current treatments in Denver, all people with gonorrhea should get treated as quickly as possible to avoid serious health problems, prevent the spread to others, and to avoid evolution of the bacteria that could result in future antibiotic treatment failures.”
Screening for gonorrhea is important since many people who have infection will not have symptoms. People who should get tested include women younger than 25, anyone with new or multiple sex partners, men who have sex with men, pregnant women younger than 25 or with other risk factors for STDs, and people living with HIV. Anyone experiencing symptoms of gonorrhea such as itching, burning or other discomfort in the genital area should seek treatment (a one-time shot and prescribed oral antibiotic) right away through their doctor or local public health department. Treatment is easy and effective if taken immediately, and as prescribed.
Free or low-cost STD testing is offered at locations throughout the greater Denver metro area, including at local public health clinics and in community settings.
VH1's "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars" Season Three To Premiere On January 25
After a three-time Emmy Award-winning season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” left fans shook and grasping for their masks, fan-favorite queens from previous seasons will battle it out for their second chance at the crown on “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars.” The new season will return with an explosive 90-minute premiere on an all-new night, Thursday, January 25 on VH1.
“The rumors are 100% true, baby,” said executive producer and host RuPaul. “The ‘All Stars’ three debut delivers my most legendary queens, and they’re fired up and ready to take over the mother-tucking world. #RealNews #FakeEyelashes.”
The nine queens competing for the gold and title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar” were previously announced in an hour-long televised pre-season episode, and include: Aja (season nine; from Brooklyn, NY), BenDeLaCreme (season six; from Seattle, WA), Chi Chi DeVayne (season eight; from Shreveport, LA), Kennedy Davenport (season seven; from Dallas, TX), Milk (season six; from New York, NY), Morgan McMichaels (season two; from Los Angeles, CA), Shangela (seasons two & three; from Los Angeles, CA), Thorgy Thor (season eight; from Brooklyn, NY), and Trixie Mattel (season seven; from Los Angeles, CA).
Koelbel Urban Homes: The New Modern in Denver
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.
Wednesday, December 13, 2017
BREAKING: Bermuda Senate Votes to Repeal Marriage Equality
Today, the Human Rights Campaign, America’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, urged the Governor of Bermuda — John Rankin — to veto legislation passed by the Bermuda Parliament repealing marriage equality. If the measure becomes law, the British overseas territory will become the first territory in the world to take away the right of same-sex couples to marry. The Bermuda Tourism Authority has warned of severe consequences if the measure becomes law.
“If Governor Rankin signs this measure into law, it will rip away the right of loving same-sex couples in Bermuda to marry. That’s unconscionable,” said Ty Cobb, director of HRC Global. “With international business and tourism as its major industries, Bermuda’s people, international reputation, and economy would all be harmed by this legislation. It is crucial that Governor Rankin reject this assault on equality.”
Under the guise of passing domestic partnership benefits, the bill seeks to strip loving same-sex Bermudan couples of the right to marry. The effort is being led by the Progressive Labour Party, which took power in July. Passed by the Bermuda Senate today, the legislation was also approved by the Bermuda House of Assembly late last week. It now goes to Governor Rankin — who is the representative of the British monarch — for consideration.
In a letter to Senators, the Bermuda Tourism Authority warned of consequences for the tourism industry if the measure becomes law, citing economic fallout over anti-LGBTQ measures in North Carolina and Indiana. The letter states, “Significantly, it’s not only LGBT travelers that care about equal rights based on sexual orientation. Our research indicates many companies, consumers and travelers, including the overwhelming majority of the younger visitors powering Bermuda’s growth, care about this issue. It’s why the fallout in North Carolina and Indiana has proven so detrimental.”
Bermuda achieved marriage equality through a Supreme Court ruling in May this year. In the case brought by Bermudian Winston Godwin and his Canadian partner Greg DeRoche, the couple challenged the Registrar-General’s rejection of their application to marry. According to Grant Spurling, a lawyer who represented the couple in the marriage equality case, “the (Bermuda Supreme) Court is bound by legislation” under Bermuda’s legal system, unlike in the United States where courts can overturn legislation or policies that violate the Constitution. Thus, Bermuda’s legislature has primacy over the courts in many instances.
“If Governor Rankin signs this measure into law, it will rip away the right of loving same-sex couples in Bermuda to marry. That’s unconscionable,” said Ty Cobb, director of HRC Global. “With international business and tourism as its major industries, Bermuda’s people, international reputation, and economy would all be harmed by this legislation. It is crucial that Governor Rankin reject this assault on equality.”
Under the guise of passing domestic partnership benefits, the bill seeks to strip loving same-sex Bermudan couples of the right to marry. The effort is being led by the Progressive Labour Party, which took power in July. Passed by the Bermuda Senate today, the legislation was also approved by the Bermuda House of Assembly late last week. It now goes to Governor Rankin — who is the representative of the British monarch — for consideration.
In a letter to Senators, the Bermuda Tourism Authority warned of consequences for the tourism industry if the measure becomes law, citing economic fallout over anti-LGBTQ measures in North Carolina and Indiana. The letter states, “Significantly, it’s not only LGBT travelers that care about equal rights based on sexual orientation. Our research indicates many companies, consumers and travelers, including the overwhelming majority of the younger visitors powering Bermuda’s growth, care about this issue. It’s why the fallout in North Carolina and Indiana has proven so detrimental.”
Bermuda achieved marriage equality through a Supreme Court ruling in May this year. In the case brought by Bermudian Winston Godwin and his Canadian partner Greg DeRoche, the couple challenged the Registrar-General’s rejection of their application to marry. According to Grant Spurling, a lawyer who represented the couple in the marriage equality case, “the (Bermuda Supreme) Court is bound by legislation” under Bermuda’s legal system, unlike in the United States where courts can overturn legislation or policies that violate the Constitution. Thus, Bermuda’s legislature has primacy over the courts in many instances.
Nation's Top Family Lawyers Oppose State Religious Exemption Laws for Adoption
“We
firmly believe that protecting the best interests of a child should be
one of the highest priorities in the practice of matrimonial law,” said
Madeline Marzano-Lesnevich,
president of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. “The Academy
urges every State to support legislation that ensures equal treatment of
all qualified parents, which would help to ultimately place more foster
children in permanent homes.”
In
all, the Academy’s resolution calls for States to create or alter
policies in order to ensure that the best interests of children in
foster care override any form
of discriminatory treatment of potential parents that might be based
upon gender identity or sexual orientation. In addition, the AAML will
be working with its State Chapters to help further support measures that
can close adoption shortage gaps, which may
have been worsened by any discriminatory approval practices.
The AAML Resolution Against Discriminatory Practices In The Placement Of Foster Care & Adoption has been posted on the group’s website at:
www.aaml.org.
It has been crafted by the AAML LGBT Committee, which is dedicated to
helping same-sex couples and families overcome the many challenges that
they continue to experience.
Civil and Human Rights Coalition Applauds Withdrawal of Mateer, Decries Confirmation of Willett
Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement after the White House indicated the nomination of Jeffrey Mateer to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas will not be moving forward, while at the same time, the Senate voted, on a party-line basis, to confirm Don Willett to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit:
“Jeffrey Mateer should not serve as a federal judge, and we welcome the decision to not move forward on his nomination. He failed to disclose to the Senate outrageous comments demonstrating clear bias. As is now widely known, Mateer described transgender children as proof of “Satan’s plan.” He also blasted efforts to prevent gay conversion therapy, a practice that groups like the American Pediatric Association and American Psychiatric Association have said is mentally harmful. Such a person is not worthy of a lifetime appointment to the federal judiciary.
Instead of continuing their rush to pack the courts, President Trump, Leader McConnell, and Chairman Grassley must engage in a more deliberative process and move forward on nominees who will rule fairly. The people place incredible trust in our federal judiciary, and only those worthy of that awesome responsibility should be confirmed. However, the welcome news about Mateer and Brett Talley is marred by the confirmation of yet another unworthy Trump judicial nominee. Don Willett has expressed antipathy to women’s rights in the workplace, and his confirmation to the powerful federal court of appeals is an affront to equal dignity for women, especially at this moment in history. He has advanced a troubling right-wing agenda throughout his career, both on and off the bench. Willett’s record of extreme legal views earned him a place on then-candidate Trump’s list of 21 potential Supreme Court nominees assembled by the far-right Heritage Foundation and Federalist Society. He has a clear conservative bias and a disturbing record not only on sex discrimination, but also on LGBTQ rights, voting rights, equal opportunity, and affirmative action.”
Last month, The Leadership Conference sent a letter to the Senate urging opposition to Willett. That letter is available here.
“Jeffrey Mateer should not serve as a federal judge, and we welcome the decision to not move forward on his nomination. He failed to disclose to the Senate outrageous comments demonstrating clear bias. As is now widely known, Mateer described transgender children as proof of “Satan’s plan.” He also blasted efforts to prevent gay conversion therapy, a practice that groups like the American Pediatric Association and American Psychiatric Association have said is mentally harmful. Such a person is not worthy of a lifetime appointment to the federal judiciary.
Instead of continuing their rush to pack the courts, President Trump, Leader McConnell, and Chairman Grassley must engage in a more deliberative process and move forward on nominees who will rule fairly. The people place incredible trust in our federal judiciary, and only those worthy of that awesome responsibility should be confirmed. However, the welcome news about Mateer and Brett Talley is marred by the confirmation of yet another unworthy Trump judicial nominee. Don Willett has expressed antipathy to women’s rights in the workplace, and his confirmation to the powerful federal court of appeals is an affront to equal dignity for women, especially at this moment in history. He has advanced a troubling right-wing agenda throughout his career, both on and off the bench. Willett’s record of extreme legal views earned him a place on then-candidate Trump’s list of 21 potential Supreme Court nominees assembled by the far-right Heritage Foundation and Federalist Society. He has a clear conservative bias and a disturbing record not only on sex discrimination, but also on LGBTQ rights, voting rights, equal opportunity, and affirmative action.”
Last month, The Leadership Conference sent a letter to the Senate urging opposition to Willett. That letter is available here.
Victory Fund Endorses Three Historic LGBTQ Candidates for 2018
Today Victory Fund, the only national organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ leaders to public office, endorsed three candidates who can make history with election wins in 2018. Assemblyman Nelson Araujo, running for Nevada Secretary of State, would become the first openly LGBTQ person to win statewide office in Nevada and one of just four openly LGBTQ statewide elected officials in the United States. New Hampshire Executive Councilor Chris Pappas, running for U.S. Congress, would become the first openly LGBTQ person elected to Congress from the state, and Judge John Arrowood would become the first openly LGBTQ person to win a statewide race in North Carolina if elected to the Court of Appeals.
“The 2018 election cycle is on-track to be a historic one for our community – with more openly LGBTQ people running for office in more places,” said Victory Fund President & CEO Annise Parker. “These three endorsees are poised to be groundbreaking candidates, running for elected offices that have never been held by LGBTQ leaders. Yet while they are historic candidacies, we know they can win on election day because they are strong candidates with long track records of addressing the needs of their communities. Victories for these three candidates will tick off milestones in our movement for equality, but importantly, will also improve the lives of the people they serve.”
This is the third round of endorsements by Victory Fund for the 2018 election cycle. The complete slate of 22 openly LGBTQ candidates can be seen at victoryfund.org/ourcandidates.
Since 1991, Victory Fund has helped thousands of openly LGBTQ candidates win local, state and federal elections.
“The 2018 election cycle is on-track to be a historic one for our community – with more openly LGBTQ people running for office in more places,” said Victory Fund President & CEO Annise Parker. “These three endorsees are poised to be groundbreaking candidates, running for elected offices that have never been held by LGBTQ leaders. Yet while they are historic candidacies, we know they can win on election day because they are strong candidates with long track records of addressing the needs of their communities. Victories for these three candidates will tick off milestones in our movement for equality, but importantly, will also improve the lives of the people they serve.”
This is the third round of endorsements by Victory Fund for the 2018 election cycle. The complete slate of 22 openly LGBTQ candidates can be seen at victoryfund.org/ourcandidates.
Since 1991, Victory Fund has helped thousands of openly LGBTQ candidates win local, state and federal elections.
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.
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