By emergent writer, Lambda Literary means those who have published at least one but no more than two books of fiction, nonfiction or poetry. Last year's winners were H Melt & Victor Yates.
Thursday, January 4, 2018
Markowitz Award for Emerging Writers Now Open
By emergent writer, Lambda Literary means those who have published at least one but no more than two books of fiction, nonfiction or poetry. Last year's winners were H Melt & Victor Yates.
Breaking Glass acquires entire filmography from auteur SCUD; erotic VOYAGE to begin this February
Breaking Glass Pictures will begin releasing the catalogue with the erotic drama VOYAGE on DVD & VOD February 20th with the rest of the catalogue to arrive throughout 2018. Breaking Glass acquired rights to the film in September in a deal negotiated between Breaking Glass CEO Rich Wolff and writer/director SCUD of Artwalker following the successful US release of UTOPIANS. VOYAGE will have a DVD and VOD release February 20th on iTunes, Amazon Instant, Google Play, Vudu, and through local cable and satellite providers.
The film held its world premiere at the Chicago International Film Festival where it received the Q Hugo Artistic Achievement Award, and went on to play numerous festivals, including the San Paolo International Film Festival and Kyoto International Film Festival. Prior to its upcoming US release, VOYAGE screened theatrically in Hong Kong and Taiwan.
“SCUD is truly a master of cinema”, said Rich Wolff, CEO of Breaking Glass Pictures. “Each of his films are raw, beautiful, haunting, and, above all, powerful. We are proud to bring his entire filmography to US audiences in 2018.”
VOYAGE centers on a young psychiatrist who embarks on a lone voyage from Hong Kong along the coast of South-East Asia to overcome his depression. On the sea, he records stories of people departed from this world prematurely, and reflects on the sad experiences he encountered with former patients. Meanwhile, what awaits him on the shore is the ultimate irony of life.
Scud (雲翔) is a film scriptwriter, producer, and director. He was born in mainland China amid the Cultural Revolution, and was given his name by his eldest uncle Li Kang (力匡), a poet and writer of Singapore, and raised by his grandmother. He moved to Hong Kong at 13, and devoted the next 20 years to a career in IT, where he worked for multi-national companies, but eventually founded a public listed company, and acquired a bachelor degree through part-time study. He then migrated to Australia, but was still not satisfied. Realizing that he had fulfilled the dream of others but not his own, he returned to Hong Kong in 2005 to start Artwalker, an independent film company.
Surge of Power: Revenge of the Sequel - Gay Superhero Soars Into Theaters
Creator Vincent J. Roth returns to the cape-clad title role of Surge, cinema's first out gay superhero. Roth is joined by a star-studded cast representing the forces of good and evil including "Star Trek" alums Nichelle Nichols and Robert Picardo, comedian Bruce Vilanch, "SuperFriends!" Shannon Farnon, Academy Award nominee Eric Roberts, The Exorcist's Linda Blair, "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century" star Gil Gerard and the original Incredible Hulk Lou Ferrigno. The award-winning film has screened at festivals and conventions across the globe, taking home prizes for Best Comedy, Best Villain, Best Special Effects and Most Inspirational Lead Character.
Surge of Power: Revenge of the Sequel will open January 5 in Los Angeles, expand to New York on January 19 and continue nationwide.
Wednesday, January 3, 2018
Know Your Status - Being Sure Is Beautiful
There are more than a dozen HIV and STD testing sites throughout the Denver-Metro area. Testing is free, fast and completely confidential. Find a location and get tested today.
The Jumper Mayback Story: The Life and Times of a Gay Clown
Jumper’s grandfather served as a volunteer clown within various charity organizations for 25 years and at the time of his death in 1977, at the age of 84, he served as the official clown for the Corpus Christi State School. The young Jumper moved to Houston, Texas in 1977 with his family and embarked on various learning studies that have contributed to the diversity in his paintings. However, it wasn’t until a religious experience during a painful time in his life enabled his vision to fully take shape. “This is the part that a lot of people wrote me off as crazy,” states Jumper. “I was being sexually harassed at work and was at a really low point in my life. One afternoon I went into a deep meditative prayer and that’s when what I call a ‘spark’ rushed into me that raised up Jumper. I truly believe God was talking to me and directing me in the mission through my art. I never painted before that spark.”
Jumper believes it is a person’s traumas that define an individual. He releases his joys and pain into the art and becomes the storyteller of the creations. Jumper’s techniques are self-taught through intense experimentation leading to an end result which is truly unique and representative of the artist. It’s about understanding love, peace and the transformation of an individual.
“Please forgive me if I talk about Jumper as a separate entity within me but that is the case. I have learned to accept the ridicule from almost everyone,” he jokes. “When Jumper began his painting, it began from a vision which he titled ‘Alien in the Box’. It was a story of Jumper in the circus and helping children understand they are loved unconditionally. Jumper’s painting evolved rapidly from childlike to the amazing abstracts he is known for today.”
Jumper’s art is a constant evolution of color and complete abandonment of the paint. It is an unplanned performance that creates the extraordinary works. The complexity within Jumper’s art comes from within. Jumper is unashamed to teach the world a lesson in compassion. His art is a beacon for ending hate, bullying, and intolerance in the world.
Not long after Jumper began his career as an artist, he started to receive national and international recognition for his work. In 2013, Jumper held his first gallery show, which ultimately led to an exhibition at Art Dubai. It was there that Jumper received a documentary film deal and was dubbed the Jackson Pollock of the 21st century.
“I was told by the Minister of Arts and Culture, ‘you’re the 21st Century Jackson Pollock with a lot of color.’ I was intrigued by the statement and a friend gave me a copy of Pollock’s documentary when I returned home. I viewed the film and was amazed at Pollock’s talents. I’m honored to be compared to Pollock,” recalls Jumper.
Shortly after Art Dubai, Jumper had the opportunity to present 39 pieces of art in Venice, Italy. Another career highlight occurred when Jumper was invited to exhibit his art at the Galerie Du Louvre. “I made a series specifically for Paris. It was a great honor to have my art in the Louvre. It all seems so surreal.”
Jumper appreciates the opportunities he has been given and takes time to give back to multiple LGBTQ organizations around the country through both financial and artistic contributions. He and his partner David actively support GLAAD, the Human Rights Campaign, the Matthew Shepard Foundation, AIDS Foundation Houston, The Montrose Center, Houston Gay Pride and the Trevor Project in addition to other local and national charities.
Jumper believes one of the largest challenges facing the LGBTQ community is the community itself. “We can’t fight intolerance and bullying when we play along with the bigots. I know so many LGBTQ friends who are out in our “safe” community but at their workplace they play “straight”. This is a cause for alarm. When you can’t live a free healthy life at work, then you’re in an unsafe work environment.”
Jumper also offers words of encouragement to other developing artists. “LGBTQ artists should be free to be themselves. Art is a very personal experience. A great artist knows why they create their art. Sometimes the art is created from severe personal pain and at other times, it could be happiness. I would urge artists to reach deep within and discover that reason. If they can’t discover that reason, then their art will never make it to greatness. Art is not easy. It’s a gift from your soul.”
In the next decade, Jumper would like to actively pursue his mission of ending hate, bullying and intolerance through art. “I want my art to cause the viewer to step back and realize why Jumper created it. If it causes the viewer to take a breath and let Love enter their heart, then Jumper has fulfilled his mission.”
Woof! Britney Spears Walks Scruff Founder on a Leash
“When you are summoned up on stage by Britney Spears, you do what you are told!” Those were the words emphatically expressed by the founder of the world popular dating app Scruff, Johnny Scruff, after Pop Music Icon Britney Spears hand selected him to be pulled from her audience, strapped into a harness, walked on a leash and spanked to the song “Freakshow” at one of the final performances of the critically acclaimed Vegas spectacle, “Piece of Me” on December 30th.
Johnny, a Las Vegas native and resident, attended the concert with his cousins Karlie and Kallie - all huge Britney fans. One of Spears bodyguards approached them before the show and asked Johnny if he would be willing to go on stage if selected. Johnny relayed his interest to the guard with a whopping "Hell Yes!" To keep expectations (and excitement) in check, the guard explained that it wasn’t a sure thing, but that he would return to pull him if he was chosen. Once curtain time arrived, so did the guard - informing Johnny that he’d in fact been selected by the Queen herself.
Britney then called on Johnny during her "Freakshow" number, so he got to work bitch! He got so into his role, that Ms. Spears laughed that he might be having a little more fun than she and her dancers were! "Being strapped in a harness, spanked, and walked on a leash by Britney and her dancers was glorious submissive heaven!" says Johnny, whose SCRUFF app connects more than 12 million guys across the globe. "And it was all while wearing my SCRUFF shirt! I wish I could tell my gay teenage self that I would be having this epic moment one day. I will be reliving it for a long time.”
OUT on DVD/VOD: Just Charlie
Just Charlie traces with nuance and sensitivity one young person's struggle with gender identity through the lens of a gritty, sports loving blue-collar community and a tough family struggling to accept it.
Set in Tamworth, a gritty, small working class Midland town in the UK, teenage soccer star Charlie and his family see soccer as a way out of a dead end factory life for him. But Charlie is struggling with gender dysphoria, and is torn between his father's expectations and shedding his male identity. With dramatic yet surprising results for himself, his family, and his community, Charlie begins a gender transition while continuing to pursue the dream of becoming a soccer star.
Just Charlie is the feature film directorial debut of theatre & TV actress / director Rebekah Fortune. Inspired by emotional real life accounts from transgender communities, Fortune was inspired by these resonant stories to create a poignant account of one young teen's identity transition in a small, gritty British town.
Said Fortune, "Just Charlie is a film about chasing your dreams, and accepting those who are different because - sometimes - the rules on how to love, what you can do, and who you should be, are meant to be broken. This is a story about identity, who we think we are and who we really are. About being true to ones self in the face of terrible adversity."
Featuring a breakout lead performance from theatre / TV actor Harry Gilby (star of the play version of The Full Monty). This film marks his cinema debut, and he was nominated for Most Promising Newcomer at the British Film Awards.
DCPA’s Off-Center Seeking Submissions of New Works By Colorado Artists
Each of the five winning works will be awarded $1,000 and produced as part of an evening of micro theatre that will run for 24 performances at BookBar in October/November 2018. This event is conceived and led by Meridith Grundei, who was featured as one of Westword’s 2017 100 Colorado Creatives.
“Micro theatre – short pieces with incredibly intimate audiences of just 10-15 people – is a unique approach to performance that is popular internationally, and we are excited to bring the format to Denver,” said Charlie Miller, Off-Center Curator. “Meridith was inspired by the micro theatre she experienced in Mexico. Her passion was infectious and it was clear that this format would be a perfect fit for Off-Center as a different kind of site-specific theatrical experience.”
“I’m looking forward to the ways that this project will engage the larger Denver artistic community. In addition to Colorado-based playwrights/creators, Off-Center also plans to hire all performers and other collaborators locally. The idea of presenting these new works in a non-traditional setting also brought about a new partnership with BookBar, a local business that we admire. They regularly host literary events that bring the community together over food and wine and we can’t wait to activate their spaces with new stories by Colorado creatives,” Miller said.
Submission Guidelines
Submissions must:
Be original, unpublished works that have not been previously produced. Writers/creators must have sole rights to all matters contained within the piece.
Be written/created by a Colorado resident
Have a run time of between 10 and 15 minutes, and be no more than 30 pages
Feature no more than 3 performers
Reference or relate to a work of literature
Take place in a location where there are books (a library, book store, living room, etc.)
Have simple technical and production needs
Be submitted online by 11:59pm on March 5, 2018 at http://dcpa.today/micro
Performance pieces that incorporate different art forms (dance/movement, music, visual art, etc.) are also encouraged to apply. To propose a non-scripted interdisciplinary work, please submit a written description of the work and include imagery or links to video to help convey your ideas.
The Denver Center for the Performing Arts provides equal opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, or disability. Applicants must be age 16 or older.
Monday, January 1, 2018
Andrea Gibson - Your Life
When you envision a “poetry show,” it’s safe to assume that you’re not envisioning what takes place at an Andrea Gibson performance. Unassuming in their somewhat trademark black hoodie or sleeveless tee, Andrea approaches the mic like an amalgamation of a comic, a protest leader, and an award-winning poet (which Andrea is).
A combination of heartfelt narratives that tackle larger cultural issues, while mixing in just the right amount of gut-wrenching honesty and tongue-in-cheek jokes, Andrea’s set pulses with the nuanced little moments that paint all of our lives.
Their new album ‘Hey Galaxy’ is out Jan. 12 and finds Andrea exploring life in the wake of the 2016 presidential election, both personally and on a broader cultural scale. Sometimes with instrumental accompaniment, sometimes solo, Andrea reflects on the Pulse massacre (“Orlando”), coming to terms with one’s own queerness (“Your Life”), discovering the beauty of a best friendship (“Angels of the Get-Through”), what it’s like to finally find love (“Radio”), and more.
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.
Nice to See StevieB: Jeep Steve
I have been thinking about buying a new car. Although it seems I just bought my Jeep Wrangler, it’s been four years. It boggles my mind to type that four years have passed since my Jeep was brand new. I love my Jeep, but the itch for a new vehicle grows larger with each passing day. I mean, I would keep my knobby tired, super cool friend forever. But, change is also good. What is catching my eye, you ask? Well, something that is the furtherest thing from a Jeep; a VW Wagon. The Alltrack, actually. But, yes. It’s a station/estate wagon. About half the size of the Wrangler.
For some odd reason station/estate wagons appeal to me. The sport ones anyway. There’s this cool. I don’t care what you think vibe. Kind of like a Jeep. Just in a different direction. Other than the Douche Bro. aspect people attribute to a Jeep in traffic.
I guess I should go test-drive the Alltrack again and make sure I can live the next four years sitting so low in traffic. And whether I can give up that butch feeling that comes over me when I enter Chessmen Park in a 4X4.
Friday, December 29, 2017
Undies & Lube: Underwear Should Be Fun to Wear
From grow-ers to show-ers... Today’s modern underwear fabrics fit all kinds of shapes and sizes. They’re also designed to fit a variety of activities. Here’s what you need to know about the top fabrics and when to wear them.
Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic fiber that doesn’t wrinkle. Today’s polyester isn’t the same cheap nasty fabric of the 60’s and 70’s. New manufacturing and weaves have created material. It lasts longer and much more durable than before.
Also gone are the boring pastel colors. Polyester can be produced in bright vibrant colors and doesn’t fade. Polyester fabric stretches, does not wrinkle, and provides that feeling of being encased without extreme sweating.
Many times it’s combined with other fabrics to add durability and structure. Thanks to new weaving patterns interlocking polyester with other fabrics. Read the label and feel the material. Get to know how polyester can provide that special night with a new twist.
Spandex
Spandex is a synthetic fiber made from polyurethane, sometimes called Elastane. It’s elastic, durable, lightweight and resistant to moisture. Almost 60 years old, Spandex has seen a major evolution in the fabric. Created to replace the use of rubber in underwear for women... Spandex became the rage once Olivia put them on in Grease.
Spandex provides little support for men by itself. Spandex is often combined with other fabrics. Offering the support people need and body hugging fabric every gay man loves. It’s breathable, draws moisture from the skin, and very form fitting.
Polyester spandex blends are used in compression shorts, swimwear. And let's not forget about underwear that puts on a show. Polyester spandex blend fabric is great for running, biking, and working out. Or just showing off in meggings.
Modal
Modal is a rayon crafted from beech trees. It's similar in texture to silk or cotton. But it's less likely to fade or shrink. Most companies combine it with spandex. Creating one of the best fabrics for everyday underwear.Modal keeps its shape, resists wrinkles. It can be dyed in vibrant colors that don't run or fade. What you'll really notice most about this fabric... it's oh so soft on your skin.
Modal absorbs 50% more moisture than cotton and won't pill from friction. But it doesn't trap moisture and odors like cotton.
This is a luxury fabric that's comfortable to wear all day. It offers moderate support and lots of movement. Modal is not the first choice for a heavy work out such as biking, running, or cross fit. It's the perfect choice for daily activities and avoiding swamp crotch.
Nylon
Nylon material has been around for nearly 100 years, developed as an alternative to silk. It’s a synthetic fabric made from petroleum. Nylon can be made thinner than other fabrics. Making it useful for all types of underwear designs.
During heavy workouts, nylon alone will keep your skin and crotch dry. It just won’t last as long as other materials. It’s also prone to snags, pilling and tears. So it’s commonly combined with cotton to help it last longer. Nylon cotton blends provides a higher level of comfort and more breathability too.
Nylon is an okay choice for everyday underwear. But it’s a great choice for special occasions or for putting on a show. Mostly because the lower durability. You’ll get more daily mileage out of other fabrics.
Supplex® nylon is nylon that looks and feels like cotton fabric. It’s breathable and comfortable to wear. Supplex® nylon is perfect for every day and vigorous activities. Thanks to its stretch quality.
Supplex® nylon can take dyes and vary in thicknesses. Keeping its form and color after multiple uses. It’s also waterproof, washable, and dries quickly. Makit it perfect fabric for underwear while traveling.
Conclusion
Today you have a huge variety of colors, fits, and designs to express your sexy and active sides. When shopping for new underwear… Choose the cut that shows off your stuff and fits how you like. Pick the fabric that’s ready for the activity or event. Visit Undies & Lube and let your wildest fantasies fly.
Harmony Chorale Honors Bayard Rustin, the Man Behind the Dream
Harmony, the Denver region’s all-inclusive LGBTQSA chorus, will be the second choir in the nation to perform The Man Behind The Dream. Composed/arranged by Cincinnati Men’s Chorus Artistic Director Steve Milloy, the work combines traditional Black spirituals with contemporary music. Award-winning R&B singer Hazel Miller and her band will accompany Harmony, along with the Arvada High School Chorale.
“We are energized and riding high as we forge into in our 26th season,” said Bill Loper, Artistic Director, Harmony: a Colorado chorale. “The story of Bayard Rustin is fascinating, and our commitment has always been to embrace inclusivity, kindness and acceptance through song.”
The 70-plus member chorale, which includes singers ages 25-85, is pumped to continue it’s storytelling following Harmony’s Spring performance Tyler’s Suite, dedicated to a young gay musician who died by suicide in 2010 after being bullied by his roommate during his first weeks of college. His death brought nationwide attention to the issue of cyberbullying and the struggles facing LGBT youth.
Bayard Rustin: The Man Behind the Dream performances are scheduled for February 3 at Denver’s Central Presbyterian Church at 3 and 7:30pm; and February 11th at Monfort Concert Hall in Greeley. Tickets and more information are at .
Founded in 1991, Harmony: a Colorado chorale is Denver metro and Northern Colorado’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and straight ally voice all-inclusive choir. Committed to embracing and inspiring an inclusive community through song, the 70-member plus choir performs two-to-three major concerts each year.
Through its Harmony in the Schools program, the group actively uses music to eradicate hate, bullying misunderstanding and to create a better world, especially for LGBTQA kids. Harmony's commitment to the LGBTQ community has been recognized by the Colorado Business Council.
Are You Gay With Something To Say? Bloggers Wanted For Denver's Best Gay Blog!
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.
One Colorado's Holiday Wish List
This year hasn't been what any of us had hoped it would be. It’s been painful, exhausting, and has made my hair a bit more gray. But, we’ve never lost faith in our vision of a Colorado where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people can have every opportunity they deserve. That’s why I’m asking you to join me in taking a stand for what we believe in.
If I could write a holiday wish list for next year, it would be this:
• Every LGBTQ young person can be safe, out, and respected in their school;
• Every LGBTQ Coloradan has access to adequate and affordable health care;
• Colorado government agencies, boards, and commissions reflect LGBTQ Coloradans and our families;
• On Election Day 2018, Colorado elects pro-equality majorities in the state house, state senate, and a pro-equality Governor;
• No transgender Coloradan faces discrimination, harassment, or violence because of who they are.
Because there will be more at stake in 2018 than ever before, I hope you will consider a donation before the end of the year. Your time and resources have allowed us to make Colorado a more fair and just state for LGBTQ Coloradans and their families in 2017 — and we have plenty more to do in the New Year.
PS: If you give before midnight on December 31st, your gift to One Colorado Education Fund will go twice as far thanks to a generous matching grant!
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