Brazilian Congressman Jean Wyllys – who became the first openly LGBTQ person to serve in the National Congress of Brazil in 2011 – announced he has left the country and will not return because of increasing death threats against him. Wyllys is a frequent target of attacks from the notoriously homophobic and recently elected Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro – and allies of the president are widely believed behind many of the death threats. In March of last year, Wyllys’ political ally and close friend Marielle Franco, a city councilmember in Rio de Janeiro outspoken on LGBTQ rights, was shot and killed. Yesterday it was announced that the suspects in her killing were members of a death squad linked to President Bolsonaro’s son. Wyllys was reelected late last year and was set to begin a third term next month until his resignation announcement this afternoon.
While in office, Wyllys was the driving force behind efforts to push forward LGBTQ equality legislation and defeat anti-LGBTQ policies pushed by opponents. In December 2017, he spoke at LGBTQ Victory Institute’s International LGBTQ Leaders Conference, telling the crowd: “The dominant forces in our society, which are predominantly tied to evangelical religious groups and the economic elite, launch acts of defamation, calumny and other forms of attacks against me every day of the year.”
He went on to say at the conference: “In 2016, there was a coup against the government that introduced a new hegemony that is homophobic, and racist, and sexist. After that coup, the new government has sought public support by trying to convince the population that corruption is not the primary problem – the primary problems are gays, lesbians, and women. It’s made life very difficult for LGBTQ people and activists trying to make change.” The coup he refers to is the impeachment of former president Dilma Rousseff.
“President Bolsonaro is among the most bigoted elected officials in the world and his poisoning of Brazilian politics has empowered and emboldened the homophobic forces targeting Jean Wyllys,” said Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Institute. “Jean fearlessly pushed for LGBTQ equality legislation despite violent opposition from extremist lawmakers who threatened violence and worse, but with the increasing death threats, we respect his decision to seek safety. Fortunately, Jean’s example and historic election in 2011 inspired many more openly LGBTQ Brazilians to seek elected office in city councils and legislative assemblies across the nation. His legacy and impact cannot be erased and we know he will find new ways to continue the fight and make Brazil a better country for LGBTQ people and other marginalized communities.
“While it is a sad moment for Brazil,” Mayor Parker continued, “Bolsonaro is just one player in the rise of right-wing populist leaders across the globe who are targeting vulnerable populations. This reality only furthers LGBTQ Victory Institute’s commitment to train and provide leadership development to LGBTQ candidates and leaders throughout the world, especially in South America, Latin America and the Caribbean.”
LGBTQ Victory Institute’s international program works to increase the participation of LGBTQ people in the democratic system of their country in order to advance equality. Its next International LGBTI Leaders of the Americas Conference will be held in Bogota, Colombia in May, and more than 300 people are expected to attend.
Friday, January 25, 2019
Thursday, January 24, 2019
Uno Mas Taqueria: Farm-to-table, absolutely fresh
Uno Mas Taqueria y Cantina is one of those cool little hole-in-the-wall gems that once discovered, you don’t want to tell your friends about in case it gets too busy.
They opened in 2013, bringing elevated street tacos to South Pearl, along with specialty tequillas and drinks, traditional tortas, appetizers, and classic Mexican desserts.
Do You Want To Reach Denver's Gay Community? Advertise With Denver's Best Gay Blog!
Just click the Advertising page or email sales@milehighgayguy.com to get started today.
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
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.
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.
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!
Tuesday, January 22, 2019
Palizo Italiano: Authentic Northern Italian on Denver's South Pearl Street
Looking for delicious and classic regional Northern Italian food in Denver?
Look no further than Palizo Italiano for farm-to-fork from local produce, the freshest fish, antipasti, risotto, Colorado striped bass, 48oz ribeye, and much more. And all pasta is hand-rolled in-house from scratch.
Derrick Barry Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary of Britney Spears' 'Circus'
 |
| Derrick Barry, Desmond is Amazing and Big Apple Circus' Stephanie Monseu in the Mirror Room at the Big Apple Circus |
Logo to air Encore Viewing of 'Transmilitary'
Approximately 15,500 transgender people serve in the U.S. military, notably the largest employer of transgender people in the U.S., but must conceal their gender identity due to military policies that ban their service. “TransMilitary” chronicles the lives of four troops who are defending their country’s freedom while fighting for their own: Senior Airman Logan Ireland, Corporal Laila Villanueva, Captain Jennifer Peace, and First Lieutenant El Cook. They put their careers and their families’ livelihoods on the line by coming out as transgender to top officials in the Pentagon in hopes of attaining the right to serve openly. The transgender community was able to breathe a sigh of relief in 2016 when the ban was lifted, giving them the chance to serve openly. After taking office in 2017, President Trump said that he would reinstate the ban against transgender troops and in January of 2019 he succeeded when the Supreme Court of the United States passed a law that barred trans individuals from serving in the armed forces.
Denver Limo, Inc.: The Hottest Limos at the Lowest Prices!
Do You Want To Reach Denver's Gay Community? Advertise With Denver's Best Gay Blog!
Just click the Advertising page or email sales@milehighgayguy.com to get started today.
Seasons of Love: Unplugged
The cast of Fox’s upcoming live production of RENT sing “Seasons Of Love” unplugged. The live musical production of the groundbreaking, Tony Award-, Grammy Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical RENT will air Sunday, Jan. 27 on FOX.
Ride the Rockies Announces 2019 Route
The annual Denver Post Ride the Rockies Cycling Tour, Presented by Flexential, is celebrating its 34th year as the beloved Colorado institution and one of the Denver Post Community Foundation’s signature events. The 2019 route is a seven day loop, beginning and ending in one of the Centennial State’s most famous mountain towns, Crested Butte. The ride will take place from Sunday, June 9th to Saturday, June 15th, and is prefaced with a opening day prologue, which starts on Mt. Crested Butte on Saturday, June 8th. From there, day one of the 2019 Ride the Rockies promises to pack a punch as riders will roll west out of town, straight up Kebler Pass. The daily mileage varies between 40 miles and 83 miles, with total of 445 mi., and approximately 28,230 feet in total elevation gain.
“The 2019 Ride The Rockies showcases some our Colorado's most iconic passes and it is an epic climbing Tour. They will ride over beautiful passes as well as have vistas and views of the surrounding mountain ranges and valleys. Not only will the participants in this year's Tour want to come back and visit but some will never want to leave,” said Ride the Rockies Tour Director, Deirdre Moynihan.
Each day will bring its own highlights and challenges for the advenventous, citizen cyclists. Certain days will consist of higher mileage endurance rides, offset with lower mileage days, including the final 31.2 mile celebratory stage on Day 8 from Gunnison to Mount Crested Butte. These last 31.2 miles will serve as both a home stretch and recovery ride from the previous Day 6. On Day 6, riders will complete the climax of the race in terms of elevation gain, gaining almost 7,000 feet from Hotchkiss to Gunnison. Other tour highlights include the Collegiate Peaks, Monarch Pass, Independence Pass, Black Canyon and Gunnison National Park. Day 2 will serve as the longest day of the 2019 Ride the Rockies tour, and while the first 32 miles on this day are mostly flat, the climbing is set to begin as riders will grind their way up towards their second encounter with the Continental Divide.
“We are proud to put our name behind this iconic Colorado event for the sixth consecutive year," said Jason Carolan, chief innovation officer of Flexential. "The event continues to gain notoriety, attracting cycling enthusiasts from all over the world to the Rocky Mountains, and most importantly supporting a great philanthropic cause.”
The epic ride encompasses sublime scenery and showcases some of Colorado’s most spectacular mountain towns, including; Buena Vista, Snowmass, Carbondale, Hotchkiss, Gunnison, and of course, Crested Butte. The accessibility of a once bustling mining hub, downtown Crested Butte, gives riders traveling from farther distances an added convenience by allowing them to have a home base to park automobiles and leave essentials where the ride will begin and end. Additionally, for the second year in a row, RTR will open up the ride to outside participants for “Ride The Rockies’ 1-Day Loop,” on Sunday, June 9th. The loop-day ride, open to riders and locals alike, will be a 63 mile loop starting and ending in Crested Butte.
Ride The Rockies is a non-competitive event that is no longer held as a lottery event. The ride is currently open to cyclists of all ages, and participants are encouraged to ride at their own pace. All registrations are on a first come, first serve basis, until the ride is sold out. Proceeds from the event benefit The Denver Post Community Foundation and all the funds raised are returned directly to Colorado nonprofits. Open Registration to the public begins on January 18th, and a list of everything that the tour fee includes can be found on the website at www.ridetherockies.com/registration/.
Calling All Denver Drag Performers!
On Valentine’s Day (February 14), the LGBTQ Student Resource Center at Auraria will be hosting their annual Love Is A Drag event. The theme this year is Throwback Thursdays and they are still accepting applications for performers. Information on signing up can be found here: https://goo.gl/forms/G2XDJMWbbbe9U2zS2.
IGLTA to Honor Miami Tourism Pioneer
The award recognizes a tourism professional from the association’s membership in more than 80 countries who has shown a longstanding commitment to making the world a more welcoming place for LGBTQ+ travelers. Hanns Ebensten, the award’s namesake, is largely considered the father of LGBTQ+ travel, having organized the first gay group tour in 1973.
After retiring from the GMCVB last year, Neary launched Tours ‘R’ Us, using his extensive knowledge of Miami to lead LGBTQ+, arts and culture group tours in his home city. He also currently serves on The Miami Beach Cultural Arts Council and the Miami Beach Pride Committee and is a founding board member of the Greater Miami Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.
“I am honored and humbled to be chosen for this Hall of Fame award!” Neary said. “I remember Hanns Ebensten and how he advertised in After Dark magazine for his travel programs and dreamt of going on his trips to Egypt and other exotic locations. He was the pioneer in gay travel and am thrilled to be receiving this award named in his honor!”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)