Friday, November 16, 2018

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.

Denver Limo, Inc.: The Hottest Limos at the Lowest Prices!

Denver Limo, Inc. is the leader in ground transportation in Denver, Colorado. Providing limousine service in Colorado for over 17 years, Denver Limo, Inc. has the hottest limousines, SUV limos, and Party Buses in the state - and they're currently available at the lowest prices of the year! 

Thursday, November 15, 2018

Wally's Wiconsin Tavern - a Taste of Sheboygan in Downtown Denver!

The menu at Wally's Wisconsin Tavern is 100% inspired by owner James Weimann's Sheboygan upbringing. The white cheddar cheese curds are sourced straight from Wisconsin and the fish fry is walleye! 

Have a request for a favorite Wisconsin beer or dish? Let 'em know! The menu continues to evolve and grow. 

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.

HIV Testing and Prevention for the LGBT Community: A Conversation with Henry Raymond

Rutgers scholar Henry Raymond, an expert in HIV/LGBT populations, is researching HIV prevalence and behaviors among hard to reach LGBT communities in order to monitor the epidemic and provide data to design appropriate education and intervention strategies in HIV prevention.

While there has been great progress in the prevention and treatment of HIV over the last decade, the disease is still a persistent problem around the world, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,

Raymond, an associate professor at Rutgers School of Public Health, discusses some of his recent research – which took place in San Francisco – into hidden, hard to reach, populations in order to identify trends and behaviors of LGBT populations that vary by geography, race, and ethnicity.

“While some preventative interventions, such as the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are increasing, there is still a need for targeted strategies that will continue to increase access to HIV testing, prevention and care, and treatment, without making disparities in HIV worse,” said Raymond.  “PrEP is ‘the thing’ in HIV prevention today – statewide and nationally, but there are disparities in uptake and adherence.”


 
What is the significance of “hidden populations” in your research? Raymond: The reason they are considered hidden is that they are not usually included as a special population in typical data collection activities. We might want to know about the HIV prevalence among female sex workers, for instance, but in household surveys women are unlikely to admit they engage in sex work and often are not even asked about it. This means we have to use epidemiologic methods to study the incidence, location, and management of the disease.  Because of stigma or illegality, hidden populations may also not be involved in prevention planning or other programs, making it difficult to determine exactly how many are being overlooked and neglected. Being able to access these populations and collect data on size and conditions of health will help ensure they are included.

 
What trends are you finding related to behaviors associated with HIV testing and prevalence? Raymond: It really depends on where and what population. For example, in San Francisco the trend in new HIV infections among men who have sex with men is going down across all race and ethnic groups, while at the same time the trend in new infection among adult transwomen is high and stable. In contrast to that, New Jersey is seeing more new HIV diagnoses among Black / African American and Latino men who have sex with men compared to white men who have sex with men.

 
What are the implications of your research findings?  
Raymond: That all epidemics are local, and locally obtained data is part of the best practice toolbox that will help to develop policy and adopt programming to address it.

 
Is there anything from your research that you have found personally surprising? Raymond: How much these communities appreciate the chance to have their concerns illustrated and communicated by participating in research.

Some of Raymond’s recent work was presented at the annual American Public Health Association meeting in San Diego, November, 2018. Check out the studies he presented here.

W HOTELS MAKES MUSIC WITH PERFUME GENIUS TO BENEFIT LGBTQ IMMIGRATION EQUALITY

W Hotels Worldwide today announced the second phase of their newest music initiative, W Records with the addition of Matador recording artist, Perfume Genius, to the boundary breaking project. W Records launched last month by presenting the first artist, Amber Mark and has already released two exclusive tracks plus a music video with the rising star. W Records will be launching another two exclusive tracks starting today with “Alan (Rework)” from Perfume Genius. W Records will release a second exclusive track from Perfume Genius next week.

W Records is once again reaching beyond the music to support a cause that both the W brand and artist hold dear. All W Hotels proceeds from the streaming of Perfume Genius’ exclusive tracks with W Records will benefit Immigration Equality, the nation’s leading LGBTQ immigrant rights organization. Immigration Equality represents and advocates for people from around the world fleeing violence, abuse and persecution because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or HIV status.

Marriott International officially partnered with Immigration Equality in January 2018 to fund and support the “LGBTQH Asylum Program” which provides expert legal representation for vulnerable individuals seeking asylum in the U.S. who have fled their home country for fear of persecution due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Marriott International supports Immigration Equality in part through the company’s social impact platform, Serve 360 (#serve360), one way that the company pursues its global promise to Welcome All and Advance Human Rights.

“Working with Perfume Genius and Immigration Equality is an incredible opportunity to unite our passions for music and LGBTQ+ equality around the world,” said Anthony Ingham, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide. “Since the brand’s inception we have been pushing the conversation around equality, visibility and inclusion. From our global Pride celebrations to our QUEER ME OUT speaking panels and LGBTQ+ guides for worldwide destinations we love, we are proud to be continuing the conversation, which is far from over. It’s a true honor to be able to continue that work through our newest endeavor in the music space, W Records.”

Both Perfume Genius tracks were recorded at the W Sound Suite at W Seattle - Perfume Genius’ (Mike Hadreas’) hometown. Additional tracking took place at the legendary Robert Lang Studio in Shoreline, Washington where Nirvana made their last record. For “Alan (Rework),” Hadreas brought in an all-female string section.

Books: Boystown Season 9

BOYSTOWN series author Jake Biondi will release the ninth installment of his popular BOYSTOWN book series on December 14. “The ninth book is a very special one and a Christmastime release date seemed appropriate,” Biondi told fans of his BOYSTOWN book series. “Because of the success of the series, fans from all over the world have been asking me when book nine will be available. The events of the ninth book take place during the holiday season, so the timing is perfect.”

“I decided to mix things up a bit in Season Nine,” Biondi explained. “While the twists and turns that fans have come to expect from the series are absolutely present, the ninth book employs some different story-telling techniques and explores some of the characters’ relationships in a deeper way. And the ending? Well, it will blow readers away!”

Biondi has once again teamed up with designer Anna Crosswell of Cover Couture to create the latest BOYSTOWN book cover, which features five of the “BOYSTOWN boys” that fans have come to know.

“BOYSTOWN is my favorite guilty pleasure,” said cover model Jake Jensen. “I love the relationships, drama, intrigue, and twists and turns. Each book is full of sexy surprises and I can’t put them down.” He added, “It was a huge honor to get asked to be one of the cover models for BOYSTOWN. I love the series, so having the opportunity to have my face as part of the brand is very cool.”

Matt Bailey also appears on the new cover. “From the moment I started reading the BOYSTOWN series, I fell in love with it. Such a captivating series that leaves you wanting more. I couldn’t put the books down. Each one ends with a killer cliffhanger leading you into the next book.” Regarding being featured on two of the series book covers, Bailey stated, “This is such a cool experience, to see myself on the covers of this great book series.”

Biondi said, “I love that fans are connecting with the characters and want to know what the future holds for them. The broad appeal of the book series is amazing. BOYSTOWN has an incredibly diverse audience.”

Cover model Kyle Goffney said of Biondi, “He’s professional, encouraging, talented, and focused, all of things which I respect and admire.” Goffney added, “It’s really cool to be a part of something so creative and enticing. It’s not every day a guy gets featured on the book covers of such a cool series.”

“It’s been an absolute pleasure working with BOYSTOWN series creator Jake Biondi,” said Jensen. “I have a great amount of respect for his writing and his work.”

Bailey previewed, “There’s some exciting things in store for the BOYSTOWN series, and I’m honored to be working on this project as well as being on the covers. Jake is very creative and this is only the beginning.”

BOYSTOWN Season Nine is currently available for pre-order on iTunes, Kindle, and Nook: www.boystowntheseries.com/order-season-nine.html The series is available in paperback, audio book, and all e-book formats. Readers may order autographed paperback copies of the books directly from BoystownTheSeries.com.

Bone appétit: 7 Thanksgiving pet safety tips from the Denver Dumb Friends League

Ah, Thanksgiving. Friends and family have arrived for the holiday, the turkey is roasting and timed around a favorite football game (or two), the table resembles a groaning board and you are ready for those Norman Rockwell moments to begin. Or are you? Oh sure, mishaps keep life interesting and provide stories for years to come, but before the day has a chance to head south, be sure you know how to keep your pets safe. While you may not be able to control Uncle George’s “back in my day” stories or Aunt Helen’s relentless questions about having children other than the four-legged variety, you can celebrate Thanksgiving with your pets and keep them protected; thereby eliminating any future pet fodder at holiday tables. (Sorry, we can’t guarantee the same for Uncle George.)
Let’s gobble to it and share some things to keep in mind this Thanksgiving to keep your pets healthy and safe.
  1. Talkin’ turkey
The centerpiece of the meal is, of course, the turkey. Your pet is probably like you and has been eyeing the roasting bird for hours while salivating over the delicious smells wafting through the house. Your pup may look at you with eyes of anticipation and, frankly, expectation, but is it OK to share? The good news is that you can give him a taste if the turkey is well cooked, skinless and boneless. Don’t overdo it though because the bad news is that even small amounts of turkey can cause a life-threatening condition called pancreatitis in pets. Instead of actual turkey, buy a treat or food made just for them.
  1. The sides have it
Stuffing, potatoes and rolls, oh my! While the consequences of you gorging on these delights may be a nap, it’s much different for your pet. Animals have a hard time digesting fatty foods and ingredients in those items. Plus, other foods you may be serving can be poisonous to pets, so it’s best to keep your feast on the table and out of their food bowls.
  1. You want a piece of me?
If we’re honest, no one really needs dessert. While that statement may be controversial for humans, it isn’t for pets. Some ingredients, such as chocolate and the artificial sweetener xylitol—commonly used in gum and sugar-free baked goods—can be deadly for cats and dogs. More pie for you!
  1. Bin there, dump that
This seems obvious but be sure all garbage is secured and inaccessible at all times. You know pets are mischievous creatures who can sniff out any remnants, including bones, from a mile away. Chances are the trash will also contain things that are dangerous for pets to consume, such as onions, raisins and grapes. So, while you’re relaxing and recapping the day or even if you’re in and out of the kitchen, make sure the trash is tied up and out of the paw zone.
  1. Ready, set, tablescape
Table settings and holiday decorations are just as important as the meal for Martha Stewart wannabes. As you implement your vision, remember that certain types of flowers and plants—such as amaryllis, ferns, hydrangeas—are toxic to pets, so make sure arrangements and other decorations are out of paw’s reach.
  1. Rules of the house
Before that holiday giving spirit extends to guests sharing nibbles with your pet, make sure everyone knows what is and isn’t OK to share. It’s a good idea to provide your guests with treats just for your pets in case it’s impossible for them to resist the inevitable soulful, pleading stares of the furry residents.
Also, remember holidays can be stressful on pets, too, and they may need a break from the festivities. Make sure pets have a quiet, safe space, away from the celebration.
  1. Guests come, guests go
Even if hellos and goodbyes aren’t long and lingering, your pet can dart out of doors in a flash—and you may not even notice. Be sure your pet’s tags and microchip ID are up to date in case he manages to make a run for it; doing so will give you the best chance of being reunited with your furry friend.
With a bit of forethought before you paws to give thanks, you can have a fun and safe Thanksgiving for all guests, including those with fur. We wish you all the joys of the season.

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.

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Lambda Legal Welcomes Avery Belyeu as Head of the South Central Regional Office

Lambda Legal announced today that Avery Belyeu (pictured) will be joining the organization as director of its South Central Regional Office in Dallas.

“Avery has been in the trenches fighting for LGBTQ rights – from working as an intern at Equality North Carolina to serving as Education Director at The Trevor Project – and we are delighted she will be leading our Dallas office,” Lambda Legal Interim CEO Richard Burns said. “Avery joins us at a challenging time and in a challenging region. With her dedication and drive, we look forward to tremendous growth in the eight states that comprise our South Central Region. Welcome aboard, Avery.”

Belyeu comes to Lambda Legal from the Education Development Center, a Massachusetts-based nonprofit where she has focused on suicide prevention strategy with the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention. In this role she has worked with senior leaders in the private and public sectors to advance suicide prevention strategy nationwide. Prior to that, Belyeu worked at The Trevor Project, the country’s leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ young people under 25, where she held several positions, including Education Director.

Belyeu’s expertise includes managing teams, developing strategic partnerships, and organizational planning and implementation. During her time at the Trevor Project, Belyeu led a network of volunteers that participated in fundraising and programming in cities across the country, and she helped to raise the organization’s visibility to create new opportunities for fundraising with major donors and large corporations. She is an in-demand speaker on the topic of LGBTQ rights especially around the intersections of LGBTQ people and faith and religious identities.

Belyeu attended Appalachian State University where she received a Bachelors in Science degree. She has pursued graduate work in higher education administration at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and she is currently completing a Master in Divinity Degree from Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth Texas. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Religious Institute, a multi-faith organization dedicated to advocating for sexual, gender, and reproductive health, education, and justice in faith communities and society, and on the Transgender Working Group of the National LGBT Task Force’s Practice Spirit Do Justice Initiative.

“I am so delighted to join Lambda Legal, an organization I’ve known and respected for years, and one whose passion for justice and willingness to fight the good fight no matter the odds has been an inspiration,” Belyeu said. “I can think of no place I’d rather be at this time than Lambda Legal, and I’m especially excited to be working with Lambda Legal to advance LGBTQ civil rights in the South."

Lambda Legal’s South Central Regional Office covers Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado and New Mexico.

Open to All Announces New Partnership with Elected Officials


The Open to All coalition continues to grow!

Today, New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer and Open to All announced the expansion of the nationwide Open to All effort with the new Local Electeds Against Discrimination (LEAD) Taskforce with the support of businesses across New York City.

Fifteen lawmakers from around the country, including Mayor Libby Schaaf of Oakland and Mayor Catherine Pugh of Baltimore, have joined Comptroller Stringer in supporting Open to All. This taskforce builds on their early leadership with the goal of reaching elected officials in all fifty states.

Comptroller Stringer’s taskforce, Local Electeds Against Discrimination (LEAD) is a national network of elected leaders who support Open to All and are also taking a stand for nondiscrimination protections in their cities and states. The LEAD taskforce brings together local elected officials from across the country to share model nondiscrimination policies, strategies for encouraging businesses to pledge to be Open to All, and ideas for bringing together local communities to oppose discrimination.

By signing the Open to All Elected Officials Pledge and joining the LEAD Taskforce, lawmakers agree to: 


• Take a stand for nondiscrimination in their city or state and work to create a welcoming and safe environment for all people regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion or disability.


• Oppose discrimination against individuals or denial of goods or services based on any of these characteristics, and to work to ensure businesses provide all goods and services to everyone on the same terms.

Once they sign the pledge, Open to All is asking elected officials to take action by engaging businesses in their communities and inviting them to sign the Open to All business pledge. They are also encouraged to come together with their fellow elected officials from across the country to share ideas, best practices, and strategies for creating and implementing model nondiscrimination policies and practices in local communities as a member of the LEAD taskforce.

The announcement that New York City is Open to All is also supported by Gap Inc., which recently signed on to the Open to All business pledge at over 2,300 Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Athleta, and Intermix stores across the country, spanning all 50 states, including 190 stores in the state of New York. Last month, Gap Inc. joined Yelp, Marriott International Inc., Levi Strauss & Co., Lyft, as well as more than 1,500 small businesses and 200 nonprofits, in partnering with Open to All. 


Take Action:
• SHARE the news on social media with the hashtag #OpenToAll
• VISIT the LEAD Taskforce for more ways to take action
• DONATE $50 to help Open to All reach ten more elected officials

GDASA: Denver's LGBTQ Sports Association




Looking for a safe and positive atmosphere for the LGBTQA community through engaging social and competitive sports within Colorado?

Greater Denver Area Sports Association welcomes and encourages everybody to join and participate. And more leagues are coming soon!

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.

Tony Smith, City Arts and Civic Leader, Announces Bid for Denver City Council District 10

After 18 years as both a District 10 resident and employee of the Cherry Creek Arts Festival and extensive discussions with constituents from across the district, Tony Smith has announced his candidacy to represent District 10 on Denver City Council.

“Building community and consensus among the diverse voices of District 10 has been my life’s work and passion for nearly two decades,” said Tony. “I want to bring that experience and passion to city government – and now more than ever, we need to connect to and feel represented by our local government officials. Together, we will find innovative solutions to creating affordable housing, strengthening neighborhoods through smart growth, safety, historic preservation, health, wellness, support of our vulnerable populations and elevating businesses with intentional strategies to help them thrive.”

For the past 18 years, Smith has worked for District 10 nonprofit CherryArts as the Marketing and Operations Director. During his tenure, Smith was instrumental in the fiscal, cultural and economic impact success of the organization’s flagship event, the Cherry Creek Arts festival. The organization’s mission provides access to arts experiences and supports art education year-round to 350,000 annual festival attendees and more than 20,000 students throughout the year. Smith is proud of how the CherryArts mission enables the exploration of imaginations and celebration of community while simultaneously being a vital cultural and economic engine for the city. He has also been a tireless advocate for District 10 as an appointee to the Denver Commission on Cultural Affairs, Denver Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Denver Commission on Aging, Governor’s Council for Physical Fitness and service on Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods Board of Directors.

“We live in consequential times which is why we need elected officials who can genuinely connect to constituents and advocate for them at the local level, and develop solutions to pressing issues,” said Mark Ferrandino, former Colorado Speaker of the House. “I can’t think of anyone else who could do this job better than Tony. He’s a self-less, proven leader who wakes up every day with relentless passion to connect, engage and serve.”

Travel: Chicago Spas

Just in time for Holiday travel plans, Passport.com highlights their favorite spas in Chicago that are bound to melt the tightness in your back, rejuvenate your skin and leave you with a clear mind when your done.