Sign up for One Colorado's Gubernatorial Forum on LGBTQ Issues

One Colorado is presenting a Gubernatorial Forum on LGBTQ issues on Thursday, June 7th, and they want you to be there!

Candidates vying to be our next Governor will participate in a forum at the EXDO Event Center, where they will answer questions on issues important to LGBTQ Coloradans and their families. After the forum, there will be a cocktail meet and greet where you’ll have a chance to chat with the candidates themselves!

Click here to sign for the gubernatorial forum and learn where the candidates for Governor stand on LGBTQ issues.

Attendance is free, but a suggested donation of $10 is highly encouraged to ensure the event is successful. When you sign up, you can submit a question that may be asked of the candidates. Please keep in mind that not all questions submitted will be able to be used at the forum.

DCPA’s Off-Center Announces Selections and Finalists for 'Bite-Size', An Evening of Micro Theatre by Colorado Artists

Off-Center, the most unconventional line of programming at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) is proud to announce the selections for Bite-Size, an evening of original, short plays and performance pieces by Colorado artists, presented at BookBar and directed by Meridith C. Grundei.

Each of the five selected works will be awarded $1,000 and produced as part of an evening of micro theatre that will run for 24 performances at BookBar (4280 Tennyson St.) October 23 - November 18, 2018. This event is conceived and led by Meridith C. Grundei, who was featured as one of Westword’s 2017 100 Colorado Creatives.

“This was an incredibly competitive process with 213 eligible submissions from 101 Colorado zip codes,” said Charlie Miller, curator of Off-Center. “Every script was read by at least three different readers in a blind process that ensured the works were judged on their own merits, with the identity of the playwright hidden. The reading and selection committees were impressed with the depth of talent and quality of work that has come out of our vibrant creative community. Choosing only five for production was heartbreaking, so we have selected twelve additional pieces to be part of a post-show reading series at BookBar. This gives our twelve finalists the opportunity to hear their work out loud and share their wonderful pieces with the community.”

This evening of micro theatre will feature five original, short works by local artists. It will be performed environmentally at BookBar, with each piece performing in a different indoor or outdoor space simultaneously. The evening will accommodate 70 audience members; groups of ten at a time will see each piece in different orders. During scheduled breaks between performances, audiences will have the ability to purchase wine/tapas and socialize.

“Micro theatre is a unique approach to performance that is popular internationally, and we are excited to produce it with local artists in 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.

Tickets for Bite-Size may be purchased at denvercenter.org, 303-893-4100 or in person in the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex at 14th and Curtis later this summer.

Victory Fund Endorses 24 More LGBTQ Candidates for 2018

Today LGBTQ Victory Fund, the only national organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ leaders to public office, endorsed 24 more LGBTQ candidates, raising to 133 the total number of candidates endorsed this cycle. Two newly endorsed candidates and three previously endorsed candidates were awarded Spotlight status, a designation given to state or local candidates in history-making races. Additionally, trans candidate Christine Hallquist was awarded Game Changer status in her groundbreaking race for Vermont governor. Spotlight and Game Changer candidates receive additional support and services from Victory Fund to ensure they win on Election Day.
 
This is the seventh round of endorsements by Victory Fund for the 2018 election cycle. All currently running openly LGBTQ endorsed 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 Gay Vegans: Who Is Your "Them"?

By Dan Hanley

I recently posted a note about a teenager who identified himself as gay dying from suicide. He had left a note that included statements saying he couldn’t handle the hate and abuse any longer.
Words are powerful. Actions are powerful. “Those people.” “Them.”
I also have recently been along the border of Mexico, in Tijuana, trying to help people who have fled their home and are trying to find a safe place in the US. I’m not surprised, but the vile words used towards these people shook me. I was posting some news on Twitter and searched for #caravan and was brought to a world of so much hatred towards people that the ones posting didn’t even know!
“Those people.” “Them.”
I get that people disagree. I get that you might not like Republicans or immigrants or gay people or gun owners. Them. And I believe that we all have more in common than not. I don’t have to demonize you just because I disagree with you.
I disagree with those that vilify and attack immigrants or those wanting to come into the US. I will disagree, and then take action to support immigrants. It’s that easy. Sure, those who attack immigrants will then attack me on social media. I can handle it. Cowards thrive in the anonymous comments of social media.
And while all of this is going on, I have to continue to look in the mirror and make sure I don’t have a “them”. Whether it’s a group of people or an individual, I need to always be sure that my words and actions don’t hurt others.
Thanks for reading.

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.

Nice To See StevieB: Dragcon

By StevieB

Did I mention that we went to Dragcon this last weekend? I understand how it could go unmentioned as there has been a lot going on. With my Mother’s death and finials week for school it sort of seemed like the red tape at the end of a sprint.

Dragcon is the Rupaul’s Drag Race convention occurring annually in Los Angeles. All things dragish are celebrated. For me it was a reward for ending this last semester of school. My final grades haven’t been posted, but I’ll reward myself for by passing grades now. We flew out a couple of days before the event started and took a trip to Hogsmeade, via the Harry Potter land inside Universal Studios, Hollywood. Where I drake my fill of Butterbeer, and rode all the wizarding rides.
 

Kim Chi; Good enough to eat

The drag-convention was absolutely amazing. I was able to have a picture taken with my favorite Queen, Kim Chi. And one of my all-time heroes in life, Michelle Visage. I follow Michelle on her podcast where she speaks a lot of good health via food choices and most importantly life choices. She’s quite remarkable in her life outlook. All-in-all it was a great time and I am grateful for the timing to come at the end of such a tumultuous period.

Ariana Grande: No Tears Left To Cry

 

In case you missed it ... watch Ariana Grande perform her new single “No Tears Left To Cry” at the Billboard Music Awards.

Pixelated: Sculpture by Mike Whiting

Check out Pixelated through through September 23 at Denver Botanic Gardens. Mike Whiting's sculptures, created within the pixelated aesthetic of vintage video games, are featured throughout the Gardens’ natural landscapes.

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.

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.

Gay Help Wanted: LGBTQ Student Resource Center Assistant Director

They're looking for an Assistant Director for the LGBTQ Student Resource Center on the Auraria campus in Denver. Information about the position, including how to apply, are posted on the MSU Denver online job portal site at: http://www.msudenverjobs.com/postings/10874.

The full position announcement is listed at this site as well as application instructions. Be prepared to attach a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references with contact information (separate documents) to your application. If you have specific questions concerning this position please contact the department at 303-615-1125. The posting will be available until June 4, so get your applications in!

Making Over Social Media Superstars ... This Week on RuPaul's Drag Race

In this week's highly anticipated episode of RuPaul's Drag Race, the queens give some of today’s hottest social media superstars drag makeovers. You won't want to miss it!

Colorado Activists are Convening June 10-12

You know that we're in the fight of our lives to defend our democracy. You've marched in the streets, attended town halls, and called your representatives – but the attacks on our communities aren't slowing down.

That's why it's so important that we take time now to regroup, inspire, and mobilize.

This is exactly what we'll be doing in Washington D.C. on June 10-12 at the ACLU Membership Conference. You play a critical role in the future of our democracy – and the future of Colorado – so we hope you can make it.

Register now to unite with fellow ACLU members who are resisting the Trump agenda and fighting for civil rights and liberties in our country.

Meet your Colorado representatives and senators and lobby them on civil liberties issues including the Dream Act. We'll sharpen our organizing skills, engage in dialogue about key issues, and have a chance to speak directly to our representatives so that we can take charge this legislative session. And we're excited to have leaders like Cecile Richards, Representative John Lewis, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Kerry Washington, and Questlove join us while we do it.

News headlines may just focus on what's at stake nationally, but we have to remember the immediate impact that local issues have on our community – and the power that we have to shape them. Let's make sure the Colorado activists like you have the tools we need to make an even bigger impact in 2018.

You can now pay what you want to attend all three days – for as low as $125. If you're booking hotel rooms, today is the last day to use our special rate. We want to make sure this conference has the biggest impact possible, so we hope you can join other Colorado activists to make sure our voices are heard.

Register for the 2018 ACLU Membership Conference today!
 
Via - ACLU of Colorado

Books: Two Journeys to One Wondrous Life

The seventh of eight children, Lee Klein was born in 1924 in Lincoln, Nebraska. In “Two Journeys to One Wondrous Life,” he shares his story of being a closeted gay man in the military and his life moving forward.

In the aftermath of repealing “Don’t ask, don’t tell,” the book offers a fascinating look into the past and what it was like for a gay man to serve in the military.

“The book is the sharing of blocks of time in my life revealing how I had to live two separate lifestyles, so I could keep my security clearance and keep my gay life in the closet for most of my adult life,” said Klein. “I also hope to influence young gay men and women by letting them know that it gets better.”

OUT in Theaters: The Misandrists

Cartilage Films is leading the revolution with the national theatrical rollout of Bruce LaBruce's The Misandrists.  Following a world premiere at Berlinale and screenings at Karlovy Vary, Sitges, Raindance London and Guadalajara, legendary provocateur LaBruce (Gerontophilia, Hustler White) comes to the States with The Misandrists.  Balancing sharp social commentary and salacious popcorn entertainment, LaBruce's latest feature is an experience that's a blast to watch and just as much fun to dissect afterwards.
 
The Misandrists will begin its national rollout May 25th with a weeklong run in New York City at the Village East Cinema.  The following week, the film will switch coasts for a week's showings in Los Angeles at the Nuart Theatre starting June 1st.  LaBruce will introduce screenings at both openings.  The Misandrists will continue to open throughout Pride Month in Washington DC, Austin, New Orleans, Seattle, Denver, Philadelphia, Cleveland and more.