I have been thinking a lot about intersectionality these days, more than usual. I would love to hear from you about intersectionality and what it means to you as a person and as an activist.
For me, this is all about thinking, and living as if, our social justice movements considering all of the intersections of identity, privilege and oppression in order to be just and effective. You might have read this exact definition before as it comes from author and activist (among many things) Ijeoma Oluo. It’s the best definition of intersectionality I have found for me.
I wrote “for me” as I realize that there could be many definitions of this. This is the purpose of this blog post. I want to hear about your definition and how you incorporate intersectionalism in your life and activism. I am super teachable.
I am a gay, white, cisgender, vegan, person of faith, sober, male who works daily in human rights and animal rights to make the world a better and safer place for all living beings.
Intersectionality is crucial.
Thanks for reading. I would be super grateful for your thoughts.
If you’d like to learn more about Ijeoma Oluo, click here.
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.
Some of the world's biggest pop, rock and country artists are celebratingElton John's most beloved and legendary catalogue of hits with the release of Revamp (Island Records) onApril 6.
The superstar lineup features artists both new and iconic
reinterpreting the timeless songs of the over 50 year writing
partnership that Elton andBernie Taupinshare.
These renditions and artists show the depth of the catalogue these two
icons have created, which can easily cross musical genres and their
unparalleled influence across popular music of all styles. A second
album with additional reimagined Elton John and Bernie Taupin hits, Restoration (Universal Music Group Nashville), will also be released on April 6.
Revamp features
the hits reimagined by the best in pop, rock and urban with Mary J.
Blige, Alessia Cara, Coldplay, Miley Cyrus, Florence And The Machine,
Lady Gaga, The Killers, Mumford and Sons, P!nk and Logic, Q-Tip ft. Demi
Lovato, Queens of the Stone Age, Ed Sheeran, and Sam Smith. "It's
always a huge compliment when an artist loves your song enough to take
the time and effort to rework it," adds Elton John. "As songwriters,
Bernie and myself are thrilled when singers we admire and respect as
much as those on Revamp & Restoration choose
to add their own unique twist in the process. It means that our music
is still relevant and ultimately that our songs continue to reach new
audiences. We're humbled and thank them all for their generosity." "Because
of our love of all kinds of music, we're not stuck in one genre," said
Bernie Taupin. "From day one we borrowed from everything that's good
about American music - whether it's blues, country, gospel, pop, pure
rock - everything got thrown in the mix. I think that's why our music
over the years has been so varied. It would be tiring if you just got
stuck in one niche your entire career, especially when it's one as long
as ours."
Today Nick Leonard, DFL candidate running in Minnesota’s special election to replace Al Franken’s vacated U.S. Senate seat, announced that his campaign is capping all individual contributions at $50. Leonard is challenging newly appointed incumbent Tina Smith for the DFL endorsement.
Nick Leonard’s run for the U.S. Senate could prove to be both historic and groundbreaking in the history of American politics: in addition to the bold progressive step of “capping” individual campaign donations, he would be the first openly gay man to serve in the U.S. Senate.
In making the announcement, Nick’s campaign launched FIFTY, the campaign’s commitment to keep big money and influence out of politics while providing greater and equal access to the political process for more voters of all income levels. The campaign also announced it will accept no corporate PAC money.
“When political campaigns, processes and decisions are so heavily influenced by big money, far too many people are precluded from the opportunity to participate in the political process, including running for office. FIFTY is about leveling the playing field for all people. Votes, not money, are the basis for a fair and equitable democracy, so we committed to a $50 cap ensuring voters can afford to invest in that process no matter their income,” explains Leonard. “Any and all contributions of FIFTY are as influential and important as the same FIFTY commitment from the likes of supporters like Warren Buffett, Oprah, or Ellen DeGeneres. We like to talk about “getting the vote out”, yet until we engage voters on a level they relate to, big money will continue to influence the political landscape while deterring the average person from participating in a meaningful way. The average person is tired of it, and FIFTY is our way of proclaiming “politics as usual” is no longer acceptable … I guess you could say we’re just not buying it anymore.”
Raised in the rural, small-town of Walnut Grove, Nick Leonard has deep Minnesota roots, complimented by a classic high-quality Minnesota education and possesses the dedication, experience and ability to represent Minnesota. Throughout his life, Leonard has been a community builder and an advocate for civil rights. As a lawyer, he has represented clients of all walks of life, from advocating for individuals’ civil rights to protecting Minnesota's largest companies’ patent rights. As an entrepreneur, Leonard has sought business opportunities to create communities and bring people together. Leonard, an untiring community leader for over 30 years, and in the tradition of a true Minnesota progressive, is committed to building strong relationships through fair and open dialogue to pass laws that will address discrimination, sexual harassment and oppression.
Toad the Wet Sprocket's summer tour brings them to Fort Collins and Arvada this August and all I want is to feel this way, to be this close, to feel the same.
70th Anniversary of Fibark Whitewater Festival (Salida):For those with a competitive edge, join in on the 70th anniversary of Fibark, a whitewater festival June 14-17.
Contestants have the choice to participate in several river events
including Raft Rodeo, downriver race and slalom race. This three-day
event will also be accompanied by live music, lineup to be announced in
April.
ATV and Rafting Blast with Mile Hi Rafting (Dumont):Clear
Creek is the steepest rafted river in Colorado and conveniently located
just 30 miles west of Denver. Mile Hi Rafting is offering a scenic
one-hour ATV tour with lunch riverside, followed by a ‘Blast’
intermediate whitewater raft trip on Clear Creek. Starting mid-May
through August, guests can enjoy this multi-activity offering for $149.
Canyoning withCanyoning Colorado (Ouray):Ouray,
Colorado is known for its ice climbing in the winter, but in
the summer months, the same waterfalls can be explored through
canyoning. Canyoning entails repelling down waterfalls and exploring
river canyons, and Canyoning Colorado is offering new half day and full
day tours and trainings for all abilities this summer.
Fishing at Badger Creek Ranch (Cañon City):
For those who love to fish and appreciate the comfort of a warm bed and
good food, Badger Creek Ranch is just the place. The ranch is nestled
in the high country of Colorado’s central Rocky Mountains. By the
nature of the landscape, many fishing opportunities are available within
easy reach of the ranch including fly fishing on area rivers and
streams as well as fishing in high mountain lakes and reservoirs.
Jet-Boating with Jet Boat Colorado (Grand Junction):
Visitors can satisfy their need for speed on a jet-boating excursion
with Jet Boat Colorado, the first company in the state to offer
jet-propelled boating experiences of this magnitude. Launched in summer
2017, the company’s Wild Mustangjet boat — also
equipped with a 420-horsepower, fuel-injected engine — takes passengers
on exhilarating Colorado River adventures featuring fishtails, speed
runs and “cowboy spins.”
Water Adventures atJohn Martin Reservoir State Park (Las Animas):Called
the sapphire on the plains, the John Martin Reservoir is one for people
and wildlife to enjoy with its peaceful surroundings. The reservoir
provides visitors with uncrowded boating, fishing, wind water sports and
amazing conditions for a wide variety of wind water sports.
New Belgium Timberline Cruiser Regatta at Frisco Bay Marina (Frisco):The Town of Frisco is known to celebrate several unique events at the Frisco Bay Marina. On June 23,
Frisco Bay Marina will host the 11th annual New Belgium Timberline
Cruiser Regatta, a fun sailing race open to anyone with a sailboat.
Costumes and creativity are encouraged.
New Whitewater Park on the Eagle River (Eagle):The
town of Eagle has announced The Eagle River Park will open summer 2018.
The world-class whitewater park will feature an in-stream design
optimizing the river’s natural morphology, which will also offer
riverside recreation areas. Welcoming all athletes and visitors, its
proximity to I-70 will make it an easy trip for people to visit.
Playing on the Beach at Medano Creek (Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve):Medano
Creek in Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is something of a
mystery. Each spring it emerges from the mountains behind the sand dunes
to form a wide, shallow and gently flowing stream. Visitors wade into
it to cool hot feet after tromping around the dunes, build sandcastles,
boogie board and splash around in its rhythmic waves before it retreats
back into the mountains just as quickly. The peak of the creek’s annual
flow is late May.
Scenic Tour with Twin Lakes & Interlaken Boat Tours (Twin Lakes):
Twin Lakes and Interlaken Boat Tours provides narrated boat tours of
Twin Lakes, located among the highest peaks in Colorado. The tours
include both the upper and lower glacially formed lakes and the historic
Interlaken resort, established in the late 1800's as a getaway for
wealthy mining tycoons. Tours run daily from May through September.
Tickets start at $20 for adults, $10 for children.
Soaking in Hot Springs at Iron Mountain Hot Springs (Glenwood Springs):The
Iron Mountain Hot Springs caters to all who appreciate relaxing with a
warm soak surrounded by mountain views. Glenwood Springs’ newest hot
spot offers 16 natural mineral hot springs soaking pools and a
freshwater family pool with a jetted spa. All are located alongside the
Colorado River with Rocky Mountain views that soothe and inspire.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding and Kayaking Adventures with Limelight Hotel Aspen (Aspen):Guests
of the modern luxury Limelight Hotel will get the chance to go on a
guided lesson with Charlie MacArthur, founder of Aspen Kayak Academy.
This three-hour lesson is accompanied with a picturesque tour of the
Nature Preserve located on the east side of Aspen. The paddle boarding
and kayaking package will be offered every other Wednesday in May through September.
Water Activities in Grand Lake (Grand Lake):Colorado’s
deepest and largest natural lake, Grand Lake lies just one mile from
the western entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. From swimming at
the beach, fishing or sightseeing at Cascade Falls, activities in Grand
Lake won’t fall short on the list of water activities this summer.
Nearby Lake Granby also offers delightfully cool water and boating
opportunities.
Waterfalls at Rifle Falls State Park (Rifle):
On a hot summer day, the mist that drifts from the exhilarating gush of
water over 70-foot-high limestone cliffs and the dark caves below them
in Rifle Falls State Park are a sublime natural air conditioner. These
geologic attractions near Rifle draw photographers, spelunkers, fishers
and campers to this singular state park.
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 atdrew@milehighgayguy.com. And if you've got column or story ideas to pitch, this is the place to do it.
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.
On Sunday, April 8th, Style Fashion Week guests can look forward to a debut collection by Andrew Christian, who will close out the three-day runway series at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Style Fashion Week Palm Springs has partnered with the Desert Aids Project to support the LGBT community. Guests can additionally look forward to collections by House of Grayling Purnell, Andre Emery, Richard Hallmarq, David Tupaz, Mario De La Torre, Royal Heart, Bohimi, Glaudi, Sweet Talk Swim, Smock Me, Underrated in addition to live music performances by Sofia Zorian and Mann.
Independent singer, songwriter and producer Lauv releases his brand new single “Chasing Fire, “which he co-wrote and co-produced.
Lauv said of the single, “’Chasing Fire’ is about fighting for something that’s already over. It’s the beginning of the end. It’s desperation. It’s grand. But it’s hopeless.”
The nation’s oldest and largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) military organization is proud to join forces with The OUT Foundation in production for the Murph + OUTWOD Challenge. This Challenge is a national fundraiser benefiting the LGBTQ military community, culminating on Memorial Day, May 28, 2018. Additional information about the campaign can be found at www.murph.outwod.com.
“We are thrilled to finally have an opportunity to join forces with The OUT Foundation,” said Kai Blevins, OutServe-SLDN’s Director of Education, Chapter & Veteran Services. “One-hundred percent of the proceeds raised through this fundraising campaign will be funneled directly into our programming services, enabling our organization to continue to support and advocate for the entire LGBTQ military and veteran community, as we work towards an equitable and just system. At a time when our community, and particularly our transgender siblings, are under attack in the military and across the nation, this campaign affirms what we know to be true: we deserve to live healthy lives, free from discrimination.”
“Our partnership with OutServe-SLDN is something I am so proud to be a part of,” says Will Lanier, The OUT Foundation’s Executive Director. “The dedication that both of our organizations have to our community is unwavering, and this initiative is a testament to that fact. Now, more than ever, we must come together as a united front to protect the rights and lives of every single human in the LGBTQ community. We honor those who have served, those who currently serve, and we want to foster the future service members with the strength and tenacity to proudly serve their country.”
In addition to raising awareness about the LGBTQ military and veteran communities, the Murph + OUTWOD Challenge pays tribute to an LGBTQ servicemember killed in action earlier this month. Our dear friend, and OutServe-SLDN member, Christopher “Tripp” Zanetis was lost in Iraq after the helicopter he was in crashed into some power lines. “Tripp was a brave and kind soul, always looking for an opportunity to help out the person next to him,” said Andy Blevins, OutServe-SLDN’s Law & Policy Director. “An avid ‘CrossFitter’ himself, we can think of no better way to honor his legacy than by encouraging our entire community to participate in this challenge – for LGBTQ servicemembers and veterans, for our dear friend Tripp, and, most importantly, for themselves.”
This campaign comes in the midst of LGBTQ Health Awareness Week and follows intensive work from both organizations, focused on raising awareness for physical and mental health-related resources for the LGBTQ military and veteran communities. The health awareness week focuses on the cycle of discrimination and disparity that the LGBTQ community faces with respect to their physical and mental health, when compared to their straight and cisgender (non-transgender) counterparts.
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