Why Alex Leach Supports TAF on CO Gives Day

By Alex Leach , Scholarships Chair, The Alexander Foundation

I initially became involved with The Alexander Foundation as a member of the scholarship committee. Through this role, I was able to see firsthand the amazing work the foundation was able to accomplish with the generous donations received for our scholarship fund. These scholarships allow students to accomplish their goals, and with your donations we can continue to support their dreams. A donation to us is a donation to these promising students.

You don't have to wait until December 4th to participate! Visit ColoradoGives.org/TheAlexanderFoundation to schedule your donation early!

One Colorado: Contribute to LGBTQ Equality in 2019

By Daniel Ramos, Executive Director, One Colorado

 

The last year was a big one for us and we had some incredible victories. We need to keep working for LGBTQ Coloradans in 2019. Will you schedule your Colorado Gives Day donation today to keep this work going?

So much has happened in 2018 that we thought we would take a moment to look back on all our work over the last 11 months. We started off with an especially busy legislative session in the Spring, from a contentious fight to save the Colorado Civil Rights Division to the defeat of a bill that would have permitted adoption agencies to discriminate against LGBTQ parents.

Over the summer, our team visited Pride festivals in every corner of our state, from Durango to Fort Collins and during that time, over 10,000 Coloradans signed our petition to ban the harmful practice of conversion therapy. (If you haven’t signed it yet, you still can here!)

We launched a series of regional trainings to talk with LGBTQ Coloradans about their experiences with healthcare and arm them with the tools to become their own best advocates. Our team put on four Gay-Straight Alliance Leadership summits up and down the front range and on the Western Slope - attended by over 300 students, teachers and parents.

And then came the 2018 Election. The results of this election seem to indicate that a rainbow wave has truly come to the state, with the largest delegation of openly LGBTQ officials elected, including the state’s first transgender lawmaker and the nation’s first openly gay Governor!

Our incredible team of volunteers played a huge role in these succesess. We made 40,681 phone calls to talk to pro-equality voters and filled 294 volunteer shifts this Fall. We hit the pavement and knocked on 6,128 doors. And you, our supporters, turned out to vote in huge numbers - the highest of any mid-term election since One Colorado was founded - with 83% of our supporters voting this year.

We have an incredible opportunity to pass pro-equality legislation next year and build on our victories - but we can’t do it without your support. Schedule your Colorado Gives Day donation today. Let’s finish 2018 strong.

You’ve been incredible this year. Help us build for 2019.

DCPA selects two projects for its spring residency of Powered By Off-Center out of 56 local submissions

 

Off-Center, the most unconventional line of theatrical programming at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA), has selected two projects that will receive a Powered by Off-Center residency:

Untitled Crypto-Judaism Project by Jessica Kahkoska and Conspiracy Theory G by Jennifer Faletto. Between two and six performances of each work in progress will be offered in The Jones at the corner of Speer & Arapahoe. Dates will be confirmed and tickets will go on sale at a later date.  
Off-Center designed Powered Byas an opportunity for local creators of all kinds to develop their projects with the DCPA’s staff, facilities and financial support, culminating in a series of public showings. Local artists were encouraged to submit performance pieces for consideration; a selection committee of more than 30 individuals participated in the review of 56 submissions, each of which was evaluated by seven people.  

Nine semi-finalists and five finalists were named; two projects were awarded residencies. Each of the two selected projects will receive a $5,000 budget for development over the next four months including research, travel, production-related expenses, and artistic and production staff support. These residencies will culminate in between two and six performances for the public. “We’re giving our local artistic community a new place to play and a platform to experiment, engage and excite us all,” said Charlie Miller, curator of Off-Center. “I was so inspired by all of the creative ideas we received and the quality of the proposals made it difficult to select just two. We are thrilled to support these two projects and to help Jessica and Jennifer experiment with new theatrical ideas, processes and forms to tell their exciting and unique stories.”

Art and culture unite for a Luminarias festival during the First Friday Art Walk

The First Friday Art Walk and Luminarias Festival unite on Friday, December 7 for a free evening in Denver's Art District on Santa Fe, starting at 5:30 p.m.

As always, hundreds of artists will be displaying work in studios and galleries along Santa Fe Drive with late-night hours in addition to Luminarias festivities.

Enjoy a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will be roaming the galleries along the Luminarias path.

Luminarias—or Farolitos—are a tradition of the southwest. Candles are carefully placed in sand inside of a bag, providing a warm glow that will take over Santa Fe Drive in Denver for one night only.

Farolito means “little lantern” in Spanish, and luminary, or luminaria, means “festival light.” The term luminaria was used in reference to a vigil bonfire, though it’s primarily northern New Mexicans who have kept this distinction.

Nice To See StevieB: Wreath Be With You

By StevieB

Every season, in my head anyway, starts with the changing of the door wreath. I’m not sure how this seems to be hardwired into me. I do know that it was something I was raised with, a sort of family tradition. One in which my sisters and I still do religiously.

It is pretty odd, this tradition growing up in a household without a lot of traditions. Apart from the ones pressed upon us by the Mormon Church doctrine. None of us children have multiple spouses, stockpile food stores for the coming apocalypse, or the very worst of them all….use white bread. It is a testament to our development that we escaped the churches brainwashing of "all food must be highly processed."

I thought about this while I placed my holiday wreath upon my door. Then I stood back to survey my fantastic wreath. The wreath, as one would expect, then gets compared to the next door neighbors. The Nguyen’s. Oh, man…. I. Hate. Them. With their stinking wreath all made of home-decorated pine cones. Each pine cone individually wrapped with colorful ric-rac trimming. Where do they get off?! Last year, after I placed my silver-glitter dipped "winter-wonder land" wreath on our entry way door, they had the nerve to come back with battery operated garland festooned about their door. I guess money can’t buy taste.

This year I have decided to not descend to their level of one-upmanship. A classic evergreen wreath, deconstructed; if you will. Maybe a bit like Mormon Christ would of carried as he roamed the mid-west.

Fox’s RENT to match World AIDS Day donations to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS

In recognition of World AIDS Day on Saturday, 12/1, FOX’s upcoming live musical production of RENT is matching donations to BROADWAY CARES/EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS, up to $20,000.

Visit RENT’s Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Instagram to donate, or donate directly here! 

“RuPaul’s Drag Race Holi-slay Spectacular” First Look!

The first photos from the set of “RuPaul’s Drag Race Holi-slay Spectacular” have leaked (see above) and things are looking fabulously festive!

The one-hour “RuPaul’s Drag Race Holi-slay Spectacular” will bring back franchise favorites including Eureka O’Hara, Jasmine Masters, Kim Chi, Latrice Royale, Mayhem Miller, Shangela, Sonique, and Trixie Mattel. The eight queens will return for an extraordinary holiday-themed episode filled with jaw-dropping surprises, eye-popping fashions, and epic performances choreographed by Todrick Hall. Following the special, viewers will get to see an extended first look at RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 4.

Call for SOL Board of Directors Applications

The SOL Board of Directors is responsible for maintaining the continuity of SOL, reviewing and tracking the completion of the SOL and BSeedz programs, govern the organization through policies and objectives, acquire sufficient resources for SOL and BSeedz operations, and account to the public for the services of SOL and BSeedz. Directors are asked to complete a two-year term on the board, and work with the board and SOL staff to move SOL forward and meet the needs of LGBTQ survivors of violence.

Click here to download and complete an application, and email to board@solcolorado.org by December 7th, 2018.

~

La Junta de Directores de SOL es responsable de mantener la continuidad de SOL, revisar y seguir la finalización de los programas SOL y BSeedz, gobernar la organización a través de políticas y objetivos, adquirir recursos suficientes para las operaciones de SOL y BSeedz, y rendir cuentas al público por servicios de SOL y BSeedz. Se les pide a los Directores que completen un período de dos años en la junta, y que trabajen con la junta y el personal de SOL para hacer avanzar SOL y satisfacer las necesidades de los LGBTQ sobrevivientes de violencia.

Haga aquí para descargar y completar una solicitud, y enviar un correo electrónico a board@solcolorado.org antes del 7 de diciembre de 2018.

Support LGBTQ+ Coloradans by Supporting The Alexander Foundation

By Jamie Ho, Volunteer Chair, The Alexander Foundation

I support The Alexander Foundation because this organization provides direct support to the Colorado LGBTQ+ population. Beyond financial support, I donate my time to serve on the Board. I decided to get involved with TAF because we can either be supporters of advocacy in the form of financial support, or we can take that extra step to become a more active participant of advocacy and change.

If you are able, please consider a financial donation to support TAF through Colorado Gives Day. You don't have to wait until December 4th to participate! Visit ColoradoGives.org/TheAlexanderFoundation to schedule your donation early!

If you are not in a position to donate financially this year, please consider volunteering your time. We have many volunteer opportunities, ranging from one-time event help to serving on the board of directors (we especially need help in the finance/treasurer arena) to helping out on a committee. If you’re interested please email us at taf.information@gmail.com.

MileHighGayGuy Gift Guide: TOTO Limited Edition Box Set 'All In' Out Today!

Today TOTO have released their definitive box set: All In via Legacy Recordings (a division of Sony Music).  This limited-edition box set will not be made available in retail stores and is only available to purchase via the band’s website.
 

All In features the following TOTO albums on seventeen LP’s and thirteen CD’s: Toto, Hydra, Turn Back, IV, Isolation, Fahrenheit, The Seventh One, Kingdom Of Desire(Double LP set), Tambu(Double LP set), Mindfields(Double LP set), Toto XX(Double LP set).  Two Blu-Ray’s are also included: Toto IV in 5.1 surround sound along with a Live in Paris 1990 Concert.

The set also includes a previously unreleased Live In Tokyo EP from their 1980 tour, along with an album titled Old Is New. 

The Old Is New LP features ten tracks, seven are previously unreleased along with “Spanish Sea,” “Alone” and “Struck By Lighting”which are featured on the band’s most recent greatest hits collection 40 Trips Around The Sun.  All of the music in the box set was personally remastered by TOTO along with Grammy award winners Elliot Scheiner, Gavin Lurssen and his team. 

One of the new tracks on Old Is New “Devil’s Tower” makes its debut on all of the streaming services today.

“We originally recorded this track with Mike and Jeff Porcaro back in 1981 during the sessions for TOTO IV," Steve Lukather remarked.  "We never recorded a lead vocal or had lyrics for this one, so Joseph finished it up for us recently.”

Also included in the box set is an 80-page hardcover book which includes new essays, and previously unseen photos.  All box sets will include a numbered 8"x 8" certificate of authenticity personally signed by the band.

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.

Pence Refuses to Acknowledge LGBTQ People in White House World HIV/AIDS Day Event for 2nd Straight Year

 

Today, Mike Pence hosted the White House’s World HIV/AIDS Day event. During the event, Pence failed to acknowledge the LGBTQ community for the second year in a row and, according to the DNC, lied about the administration's record combating HIV. Here are some of the lies he told, and some of the truths he forgot to mention, via the DNC:

THE LIES HE TOLD
Pence boasted about the success of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program, despite the fact the Trump administration diverted funds from the program to offset the costs of its family separation policy.

Poz: “Trump Agency Is Using Federal HIV Funds to Separate Immigrant Families”
 
Pence celebrated the 15th anniversary of PEPFAR, calling it “one of the most successful investments in health care and humanitarian aid in American history,” while Trump’s budget proposal slashed the initiative’s funding.

Daily Beast: “Trump’s Budget Cut for HIV/AIDS Would Kill 300,000 People Per Year, Report Says”

Pence claimed Trump brought a “renewed energy and focus” to the battle against HIV/AIDS.

THE TRUTHS HE FORGOT TO MENTION
Trump fired the remaining members of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS after several members quit because Trump "doesn't care" about the issue.

Huffington Post: “Trump Terminated All Members Of HIV/AIDS Council Without Explanation”

Trump still hasn’t appointed anyone to lead the White House Office of National AIDS Policy.

Washington Blade: “Trump needs AIDS wake-up call”

Trump announced the “Deploy or Get Out” rule, which could remove HIV+ military personnel from service.

Newsweek: “How Trump’s ‘Deploy or Get Out’ Policy Could See People With HIV Kicked Out of Military For No Reason”

Pence, while governor of Indiana, opposed a needle exchange program and exacerbated the local HIV/AIDS crisis.

Politico: “How Pence's slow walk on needle exchange helped propel Indiana's health crisis”

25 Unique Lodging Spots That Take the Colorado Adventure Indoors

From the Rockies Playground to the Pioneering Plains, it’s no secret Colorado boasts an array of outdoor activities. What may surprise Colorado travelers is the diverse range of lodging options across the Centennial State; from solar-powered huts and hip hostels to cabin living and overnight accommodations in a jail, train station or castle. The following unique properties ensure adventure doesn’t end at the door but begins the moment you check in.

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.

LGBTQ Student Resource Center Welcomes New New Assistant Director

The LGBTQ Student Resource Center welcomes the newest member of their team, Kyla Hines! Kyla will be starting as the Assistant Directoron Monday, December 3.

Kyla Hines (pronouns she/her/hers) is a local Coloradoan, growing up just north of Denver in Louisville, Colorado. 

Kyla received her Bachelors in Education from the University of Montana and her Masters in Counseling from Portland State University. Kyla is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor with experience working in educational and community settings, specializing in serving underserved populations including the LGBTQ community and individuals with disabilities. 

Kyla’s goal in working with students is to provide a space where students feel empowered to bring their whole selves allowing for congruency and growth. 

When not working you will find Kyla spending time with her family that includes one human and three fur babies. Kyla considers herself a “lazy athlete” who enjoys any physical activity that is followed by good food and conversation. Kyla can often be heard asking, “have you heard this podcast?!”