Denver Arts & Venues is now accepting applications for 2019 Urban Arts Fund

Through the award-winning Urban Arts Fund (UAF), Denver draws locally, nationally and internationally-renowned artists who turn once vandalized walls into stunning works of art which fill communities with pride.

Denver Arts & Venues encourages emerging artists and artists representing marginalized communities to apply. Projects with well-planned youth development and community engagement components, projects in neighborhoods and city council districts which currently have few or no UAF projects, and first-time applicants will be given preference.

The UAF is a graffiti prevention and youth development program funded through Denver Arts & Venues which facilitates the creation of new murals in perpetually vandalized areas throughout the City and County of Denver. The UAF provides access to positive, creative experiences for youth and transforms dilapidated areas into well-tended and active community gathering spaces.

Since 2009, with the help of more than 3,500 youth and 800 community participants, the UAF program has facilitated nearly 300 new murals and has helped protect more than 450,000 square feet of walls from vandalism.

Applications will be accepted at CallForEntry.org through March 18. Learn more about Denver Public Art opportunities and Urban Arts Fund at DenverPublicArt.org.

In wake of landmark decision, ABA issues guidance for judges performing same-sex marriages

The American Bar Association Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility released today a formal opinion giving judges guidance related to their options for performing same-sex marriages under the Model Code of Judicial Conduct.

Formal Opinion 485 comes as states are implementing the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, and incorporates guidance developed for judges in Ohio, Arizona and Nebraska. That landmark decision found the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution prohibits states from refusing to license marriages between individuals of the same sex, and mandates that states recognize a marriage between two people of the same sex when their marriage was lawfully licensed and performed out-of-state.

The formal opinion differentiates between the obligations of a judge whose performance of marriages is either mandatory or optional. In either case, Formal Opinion 485 said the Model Code of Judicial Conduct is violated “by refusing to perform marriages for same-sex couples while agreeing to perform marriages of opposite-sex couples.”

If a judge is not obligated to perform marriages, the judge “may decline to perform all marriages for members of the public” while maintaining that prerogative for “family and friends,” the opinion said. Still, the judge must be consistent and not discriminate based on sexual preference in performing those specific marriages.

“The public is entitled to expect that judges will perform their activities and duties fairly, impartially and free from bias and prejudice,” Formal Opinion 485 says. “Further, while actual impartiality is necessary, it is not sufficient; the public must also perceive judges to be impartial. If state law authorizes or obligates a judge to perform marriages, a judge’s refusal to perform same-sex marriages while agreeing to perform marriages for opposite-sex couples is improper” under the judicial model code.

The ABA Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility periodically issues ethics opinions to guide lawyers, courts and the public in interpreting and applying ABA model ethics rules to specific issues of legal practice, client-lawyer relationships and judicial behavior. Formal Opinion 485 and other ABA ethics opinions are available on the ABA Center for Professional Responsibility website.

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Sean Hayes to Receive Stephen F. Kolzak Award at 30th Annual GLAAD Media Awards!

GLAAD will be honoring Sean Hayes with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award at the 30th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles.

GLAAD’s Stephen F. Kolzak Award is presented to a LGBTQ media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting LGBTQ acceptance. The award is named after a legendary casting director, who devoted his life to raising awareness in the entertainment industry about the discrimination faced by LGBTQ people as well as people living with HIV. Previous Stephen F. Kolzak honorees include Jim Parsons, Laverne Cox, Ellen DeGeneres, Troye Sivan, Ruby Rose, Chaz Bono, Wanda Sykes, Melissa Etheridge, Pedro Zamora, Robert Greenblatt, Paris Barclay and Sir Ian McKellen. Sean Hayes will be joined in Los Angeles by stage and screen stars including the cast of Queer Eye, Jameela Jamil (The Good Place), Imagine Dragons front man and LGBTQ ally Dan Reynolds, and Nico Santos (Crazy Rich Asians, Superstore).

“For many Americans, the TV character of Jack McFarland was one of the first out and proud gay men who they met and cheered for. Sean’s portrayal of Jack changed countless hearts and minds, and increased LGBTQ visibility at a time in history when representation and inclusion were low,” said GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. “On screen and off screen, Sean uses his platforms to advance stories and messages that make the world laugh, make the world think, and further acceptance of all.”

Sean Hayes returned to his iconic role as Jack McFarland on NBC’s “Will & Grace,” which was revived on the network in 2017 after originating in 1998. The show has received an Emmy Award, six Emmy Award nominations, four Screen Actors Guild Awards, two TV Guide Awards, an American Comedy Award and seven Golden Globe nominations. 
Hayes starred in the 1998 LGBTQ fan favorite film Billy’s Hollywood Screen Kiss and also starred as a gay dad in the NBC sitcom Sean Saves the World. He has appeared on television projects including Scrubs, 30 Rock, as well as Martin & Lewis.
He married his partner Scott Icenogle in 2014 and the two produce videos on their YouTube Channel The Kitchen Sync. They performed a viral lip sync in response to the passage of marriage equality and also penned ‘Plum,’ a children’s book about the sugar plum fairy together. Hayes previously presented GLAAD’s Vanguard Award to LGBTQ ally Kristin Chenoweth at the 22^nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards. He recently worked with GLAAD to promote the Together Movement, calling on marginalized communities to support and take part in LGBTQ Pride Month. He also has participated in Spirit Day alongside the cast of Will & Grace by sending video messages of support of LGBTQ youth.

Comcast Partners with 1st LGBTQ+ Streaming Network, Revry

First global LGBTQ+ streaming network, Revry, announced a deal with Comcast that will soon bring its service to Comcast’s Xfinity X1.

With Revry’s authentically diverse mix of films, series, music, podcasts and originals, the forthcoming launch on Xfinity X1 is part of Revry’s plans to continue to expand its reach. One of several partnerships the streaming network expects to announce this year, Revry’s availability on X1 bolsters Revry’s cumulative reach to over 50 million viewers across platforms.

At launch, Xfinity X1 customers will be able to subscribe to the service and access it over the Internet by saying “Revry” into their X1 Voice Remote. Additionally, they can simply say “Pride” or “LGBTQ” to access Xfinity X1’s broader LGBTQ Film and TV on demand destination, the first diverse, community endorsed LGBTQ entertainment experience in the home that features one of the most complete libraries of LGBTQ entertainment, soon to include Revry available anywhere. X1 customers will be able to sign up for Revry directly on X1, and add it to their service for $6.99 per month.

“Launching on X1 will be a game changer and allow Revry to bring more authentic LGBTQ+ stories and content to millions more homes in the US,” states Revry CEO Damian Pelliccione. “Our dream of becoming easily accessible to people who need to hear these stories from around the world is one step closer to becoming a reality!”

“We’re excited Xfinity X1 customers will soon be able to enjoy Revry Originals like Room To Grow and Queens of Kings starring Drag Race Winner Aquaria, plus movies, shorts, music and podcasts all within the ease of the X1 experience,” said Jean-Claire Fitschen, Executive Director, Multicultural Consumer Services, Comcast Cable. “Revry’s expansive offering includes stories of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender experience that our customers will love and greatly complement our current collection of programming for this audience.” Revry is a source for authentic queer representation with fresh, innovative LGBTQ content from all around the world. Committed to inclusion and creating a space for all voices in the LGBTQ+ community to be seen and heard, Revry is making investing in the queer community a family affair with its equity crowdfunding campaign on SeedInvest which is closing shortly.

Nice To See StevieB: Noob

By StevieB

Five years ago was I really a noob that took bathroom selfies with a iPad???? Yes. The answer is yes.

HRC Urges Lawmakers to Advance Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019

Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) — the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization — reiterated its call for Congress to advance H.R. 8 — the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019. Scheduled for markup today in the House Judiciary Committee, the common-sense legislation would close the dangerous gap in federal law that makes it possible for individuals who are prohibited from gun possession, like domestic abusers and persons with violent criminal histories, to have easy access to firearms. For decades, LGBTQ people have been a target for bias-motivated violence, and easy access to deadly weapons has compounded this threat.

“The LGBTQ community and other communities disproportionately targeted by hate violence cannot wait any longer for common-sense gun safety legislation,” said HRC Government Affairs Director David Stacy. “It’s far past time that Congress take action and help save lives by closing the dangerous loophole in background checks for gun sales. One more death is one too many, and this common-sense, bipartisan measure would be a critical first step in addressing the crisis of gun violence impacting our communities.”

Under current federal law, only licensed gun dealers are required to conduct a background check before completing a gun sale. However, a loophole permits individuals who are not licensed dealers to sell guns without conducting a background check and with no questions asked. This is a significant gap in the law that allows individuals who are prohibited from gun possession to evade that law and buy guns through private sale transactions at gun shows, online, or anywhere else.

In 2016, after a gunman killed 49 people - most of them LGBTQ and Latinx - in Orlando’s Pulse Nightclub, HRC’s Board of Directors adopted a resolution that addresses both the epidemic of hate that has fueled anti-LGBTQ-motivated murder, assault and discrimination as well as common-sense gun violence prevention policies that would help keep the LGBTQ community safe. The resolution established HRC’s organizational position that the safety of LGBTQ people in the United States requires the adoption of common-sense gun violence prevention measures, including limiting access to assault-style rifles, expanding background checks, and limiting the ability of those with violent records to access guns.

Requiring a background check for every gun sale is a common-sense policy supported by 97 percent of Americans, including both Democrats and Republicans, law enforcement officials, and NRA members.

According to Everytown for Gun Safety, more than 33,000 gun deaths happen every year.

Colorado Tourism Office Announces Plan for ‘Colorado Concierge’ Training

The Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) today convened a statewide Colorado Hospitality Advisory Group to shape a new workforce training platform aimed at turning frontline workers into Colorado experts and training them in Colorado-style customer service.

 

A key goal of the training is to position frontline workers across the state to inspire the visitors they serve to seek out more experiences, especially in the state’s lesser-known destinations, to generate powerful word-of-mouth and generate even more economic impact from travelers.

 

“Our goal is to transform service counters across the state into concierge desks,” said CTO Director Cathy Ritter. “By giving frontline workers a chance to become a Colorado Concierge, we can help foster amazing 1:1 experiences that can transform a traveler’s time in our state into an experience they’ll never forget, take them to places they never would have found on their own and inspire word of mouth about Colorado that money just can’t buy.”

 

The new online customer service training, set for launch by June 30, will be available free of charge as a resource for all Colorado businesses. The training platform will include digital badging, certifications and other incentives for workers to complete various modules as well as the full training suite. The training system also will become the primary means of educating the more than 400 volunteers who staff the ten Colorado Welcome Centers at Colorado’s major gateways.

 

“Once visitors arrive in Colorado, we have a great opportunity to educate them about our state and the many experiences that will make their visit memorable or even life- changing,” said Sonia Riggs, President & CEO of the Colorado Restaurant Association and chair of the advisory group. Riggs also is a member of the Colorado Tourism Board.

 

The 30+-member Colorado Hospitality Advisory Group group includes wide representation from the Colorado tourism industry and outdoor recreation, ranging from the Broadmoor and Four Seasons to Airbnb, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Colorado academic institutions, and both urban and rural destinations.

 

The CTO has contracted with TravPRO Mobile to create the online training platform, which will incorporate videos, text, photography and quizzes for an interactive and easy-to-use learning experience. The training will be accessible from phones, laptops and tablets.

 

The initiative is the latest outcome of the CTO’s Colorado Tourism Roadmap, a statewide strategic plan aimed at sharpening the Colorado tourism industry’s competitive advantage.

URGENT: Vote on anti-LGBTQ bill happening in less than 24 hours

By Sheena Kadi, Deputy Director, One Colorado

By Take action NOW and tell the committee to VOTE NO on House Bill 1140 and make sure discrimination against LGBTQ Coloradans doesn't become legal in Colorado.

You may have seen that Representative Stephen Humphrey, R-Greeley has introduced one of the most mean-spirited, blatantly anti-LGBTQ bills we've seen in the Colorado State Legislature in years.

Whether it's in the areas of adoption and foster care, health care, housing, marriage, employment, or public spaces, House Bill 1140 is designed to roll back protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Coloradans and their families in nearly every facet of our lives.

Send an email and tweet to tell the House State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee how dangerous House Bill 1140 is.

This proposal goes as far, if not farther, than the infamous Amendment 2, which resulted in Colorado getting a reputation as the "Hate State." We don't need to turn back the clock on all the progress we've made. Whether it's obtaining a marriage license, adopting or fostering a child, working at a job, or accessing healthcare, House Bill 1140 will create a license to discriminate against LGBTQ Coloradans for practically any reason.

Make your voice heard TODAY and tell the committee to VOTE NO.

OUT on DVD/VOD: Devil's Path

 

Opening in Los Angeles on March 1 and out on DVD & VOD on March 5, Devil's Path follows two men who meet up in a popular wilderness park for a casual hookup. What seems like an innocent and random meeting quickly descends into a horrific nightmare as the two men soon find themselves in the terrifying position of being the next victims in a deadly game of cat and mouse.

Key National LGBTQ Military Organizations Applaud Congressional Referendum in Support of Open Trans Military Service

Today, Congressman Joe Kennedy III (D-MA,4) lead efforts for a resolution opposing President Trump’s ban on openly transgender servicemembers from serving in our nation’s military and urging the Department of Defense to not reinstate this discriminatory policy as litigation against the Administration’s proposed ban continues.

OutServe-SLDN, the American Military Partner Association (AMPA), and SPARTA, the nation’s three key advocacy and support organizations for our LGBTQ military, veteran, and military family communities, issued the following responses:

“We applaud Congressman Kennedy and the co-sponsors of this referendum for the unwavering and visible support of our nation’s patriots, no matter their gender identity,” said OutServe-SLDN Executive Director Andy Blevins. “As the litigation surrounding this unnecessary and unwarranted ban continues, our brave, transgender service members remain steadfast in their selfless service and commitment to our nation. We applaud the efforts of our Congressional leaders as they work to eclipse the hostility coming from the Trump-Pence Administration and remind our service members that we see them, we are proud of them, and they will not be left behind.”

“At this very moment, thousands of patriots who happen to be transgender are willing to risk their very lives for our nation — from active duty military members to qualified recruits who want to serve,” said American Military Partner Association President Ashley Broadway-Mack. “While the Trump-Pence administration unconscionably singles out these brave transgender Americans for discrimination, it’s crucial that Members of Congress make clear they stand behind them and are grateful for their service and sacrifice. We are thankful for Representative Joe Kennedy’s leadership on this important resolution.”

“We thank our leaders for their support of transgender service members who contribute every day to the increased readiness and lethality of our military as their authentic selves,” said SPARTA President Blake Dremann.

Do You Want To Reach Denver's Gay Community? Advertise With Denver's Best Gay Blog!

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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.

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.
 
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OUT in Theaters: Giant Little Ones

Opening in select theaters in March, Giant Little Ones is a heartfelt and intimate coming-of-age story about friendship, self-discovery and the power of love without labels. 

Franky Winter (Josh Wiggins) and Ballas Kohl (Darren Mann) have been best friends since childhood. They are high school royalty: handsome, stars of the swim team and popular with girls. They live a perfect teenage life – until the night of Franky's epic 17th birthday party, when Franky and Ballas are involved in an unexpected incident that changes their lives forever.