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.

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.

ROCKETMAN - Teaser Poster & New Featurette!

Check out the first poster for Rocketman featuring aron Egerton as Elton John, photographed by David LaChapelle.

Opening May 31, Rocketman is an epic musical fantasy about the incredible human story of Elton John’s breakthrough years. The film follows the fantastical journey of transformation from shy piano prodigy Reginald Dwight into international superstar Elton John. 

This inspirational story – set to Elton John’s most beloved songs and performed by star Taron Egerton – tells the universally relatable story of how a small-town boy became one of the most iconic figures in pop culture.

Agriculture and Forest Products Industry Leaders Gather to Support LGBT Diversity

The Cultivating Change Foundation hosted its third annual reception in Oregon to celebrate the love of agriculture and agriculturists on Friday, February 15. The Foundation’s mission is one-of-a-kind: to value and elevate lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals in the agricultural industry through advocacy, education, and community. It’s a unique mission that has gathered tremendous support from across Oregon’s agriculture and forest products industries.

The reception’s organizers, Jeff Sherman and Kirk Maag, each have deep roots in agriculture. Sherman hails from Baker City, Oregon, where he grew up working on his family’s farm and ranch. Maag grew up working alongside his parents and grandparents on their farm and feedlot near Vale, Oregon.

Maag now works as a natural resources attorney and serves on the Cultivating Change Foundation’s Board of Directors. When asked why he supports the Foundation’s work, he responded: “It’s simple. I believe that every young person who is passionate about the agriculture and forest products industries should feel welcome, regardless of that person’s sexual orientation.” Maag feels strongly that we need to share the message that the ag and forest products industries are welcoming to all.

Alexis Taylor, Director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture, served as one of the co-hosts for the reception. She supports the Foundation’s mission because “[its] mission of valuing and elevating LGBT agriculturalists through advocacy, education, and community is vital to ensuring no young person feels they can’t farm, ranch or work in agriculture and be their true self. It is crucial for the agriculture community to be aware of the value LGBT individuals bring to our industry.”

Peter Daugherty, Oregon’s State Forester, explained the importance of the Foundation’s work in remarks last year to the Board of Forestry: “While as leaders we don’t always agree on policy, it is really inspiring to see that we can agree on creating positive change for LGBT individuals who are passionate about agriculture and forestry and that all individuals have a right to just and fair inclusion in a society in which all can prosper, participate, and reach their full potential.”

Many other leaders within Oregon’s agriculture and forest products industries served as co-hosts for the reception, including the deans of Oregon State University’s Colleges of Agriculture and Forestry, the CEO of the Oregon Food Bank, executives from some of the state’s most prominent agriculture and forest products trade associations, and many others.

The Foundation’s next big event is the Fifth Annual Cultivating Change Summit in Des Moines, Iowa. The Summit is an annual agricultural industry conference that brings together LGBT individuals and allies from across the country.

Books: A Baker's Passport

Baking is an international language, an art form, and for some, a calling. The term applies to everything that comes out of the oven: soufflés, meat and poultry, cakes, sweet and savory pies, breads, and of course cookies. Food writer, pastry chef and educator, Susie Norris believes that home-baked meals and mood-lifting sweets unite communities and families around the world. In her new cookbook, A Baker’s Passport, Susie shares over 200 technique-driven recipes culled from her global travels and her award-winning blog, Food Market Gypsy, designed to inspire home cooks as well as experienced chefs.

“I’m a lifelong, culinary road-tripper traveling through the world’s great food towns and traditions to explore what is baking where. This book visits beautiful countries with artisan baking traditions,” says Norris. “By exploring recipes in their regions, we help keep those traditions alive and relevant.”

A Baker's Passport presents recipes with easy-to-follow steps and measurements. The photography is beautifully simple and highlights the detail of each dish, often with travel photos from its region. Recipes include sweet and savory favorites such as Black Forest Cake from Germany, Enchiladas from Mexico, and French classics like Quiche Lorraine, Coq au Vin, and Creme Brûlée.

“My goal is to bring the joy of regional baking home. Take an international culinary excursion without leaving your kitchen with A Baker’s Passport and taste the world! With this book as your passport, we’ll bake together.”

Dido - Give You Up

 

Dido has released the beautifully shot video for her stunning new single ‘Give You Up’. Shot in both Paris and London, the video is directed by Sophie Muller (Björk, Beyoncé, Radiohead, Blur) and perfectly encapsulates the pain of heartbreak.

Incredibly empowering and moving, ‘Give You Up’ was written by Dee Adam, Si Hulbert and Australian duo The Opposite Kids (Denny Thakrar and Rob Agostini). “It’s just so perfect,” Dido said of the track. “It's a good break up song, where you’ve been hurt but feel strong. It's that point in a relationship where you are pulling yourself out of the gutter and deciding that it's their loss. Which I can totally relate to.”

One Colorado: Sign the Open to All pledge and receive free membership with Good Business Colorado

By Sarah Clark, Organizing Manager, One Colorado

Late in January, a bill was introduced that would allow discrimination in the areas of adoption, housing, and public accommodations. Last week, that legislation was killed in a committee hearing. Today, we're asking you to sign the Open to All Colorado pledge to reaffirm that when a business opens its doors in our great state, that business is open and welcoming to all Coloradans.

We are partnering with local businesses to join on to the Open to All Colorado Campaign, a coalition of businesses that believe in the simple principle that no one should have to worry about whether they will be denied service or face hostility because of their race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion and/or disability.
 
Once you've signed the Open to All Colorado Pledge, take your commitment to doing business the right way one step further and become a member of Good Business Colorado, a statewide organization that is the business voice for a strong, thriving, and sustainable Colorado. Good Business Colorado is offering one free year of membership (valued at $250.00) to businesses that sign the Open to all Colorado pledge before Memorial Day. To learn more about Good Business Colorado, visit www.goodbusinesscolorado.org.

By signing the Open to All pledge, your business is eligible to be listed on Yelp as "Open to All", receive a window cling and be listed on the national Open to All website.

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.