Meet Your 2019 Denver Pride Parade Grand Marshals!

Governor Jared Polis, the nation’s first openly gay governor, will serve as one of the five grand marshals leading the 2019 Coors Light Denver PrideFest Parade. Polis joins First Gentleman Marlon Reis, State Representative Brianna Titone, Mardi Moore, Executive Director of Out Boulder County and Drag Performer Peppermint.

The Coors Light Denver Pride Parade serves as the centerpiece of Denver PrideFest, which takes place June 15-16 in Civic Center Park. Typically attracting more than 100,000 spectators, the parade steps off at 9:30 am on Sunday June 16 and marches from Cheesman Park to the festival at Civic Center via Colfax. This year’s PrideFest pays tribute to the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, which launched the contemporary LGBTQ civil rights movement.

Rita Wilson, Daughtry, Gavin DeGraw, Hunter Hayes & More Show Support For The LGBTQ Community at GLAAD + Ty Herndon 'Concert For Love & Acceptance' In Nashville During Pride Month

GLAAD, LGBTQ media advocacy organization, hosted its 5th Annual GLAAD + Ty Herndon Concert for Love and Acceptance, presented by CMT, Ketel One Family-Made Vodka, and Southwest. Herndon and CMT’s Cody Alan co-hosted the concert, which took place at the iconic Wildhorse Saloon during CMA Fest in Nashville last evening. 

Daughtry performed a special acoustic set at the event, which featured a coalition of artists and celebrities appearing and performing to accelerate acceptance for LGBTQ people. Singer, songwriter actress and producer Rita Wilson performed several hits from her album, Halfway to Home. Surprise guests included Gavin DeGraw and Hunter Hayes, who took the stage to perform.

“This has become the world’s largest LGBTQ country music event, and this year’s incredible lineup sent a powerful message of allyship to kick off LGBTQ Pride month,” said Zeke Stokes, Chief Programs Office at GLAAD and Executive Producer of the 2019 Concert for Love & Acceptance. “Each year, the Concert for Love & Acceptance gets bigger and better, and some of the biggest names in country music as well as up and coming artists are making it a priority stop on their CMA Fest schedule.” 

Pictured above L to R: Tayla Lynn, Brody Ray, Mickey Guyton, Ty Herndon, Rita Wilson, Harper Grae, Brandon Stansell at the 2019 Concert for Love & Acceptance Concert.

Co-host and performer Ty Herdon closed the show with his recently re-recorded 1995 hit “What Mattered Most.” Herndon came out in 2014 and chose to update the lyrics of the song with male pronouns to reflect his true identity and to make a powerful statement within country music in honor of Pride Month. The video for the new version of “What Mattered Most” was released this past week. The 2019 Concert for Love & Acceptance also included appearances and performances by Herndon, Chely Wright, Harper Grae, Tayla Lynn, Billy Gilman, Brody Ray, Brandon Stansell, Antigone Rising, Lee Brice, Tyler Rich, Mickey Guyton, and WWE Superstars Sonya Deville, Paige, and Mandy Rose.

During last year’s Concert for Love & Acceptance, GLAAD also announced the Ty Herndon Rising Stars Grant, bestowed upon young people for their commitment to enhancing LGBTQ inclusion and representation in music. The grant is eligible to LGBTQ young people who are working to accelerate acceptance in the music industry. Applications for the grant are now available at glaad.org/risingstars.

QueerX Fest Closes w/Stars, Activists, Cannabis & Cookie Bar, and Lots, Lots More

This past weekend, Revry’s 4th annual queer music, film, and industry festival QueerX sponsored by Lexus, was the toast of the town as it kicked off Pride week in West Hollywood, California. The weekend was abuzz with influencers, musicians, editors, activists, top industry execs and celebs including the cast of Pose’s Dominique Jackson, Johnny Sibilly and MJ Rodriguez as well as State Of Pride’s Raymond Braun and trans activist Blossom Brown.

The festival blew the roof off the iconic Whisky a Go Go with performances by all female rock band Pink Fly, Jordy, Davy Boi and rising pop phenom and Billboard featured artist, Slayyyter, who gave her first live performance ever; and headliner Brooke Candy wowed the crowd with her RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni backup dancers Laganja Estranja and Gia Gunn all in full cheetah attire.

The Closing Night Gala completed the three day fest with the star-studded Revry Visibility Awards including incredibly moving speeches from Nikita Dragun (Dragun Beauty), Nik Dodani (Atypical), Brigette Lundy-Paine (Atypical), Loey Lane (Influencer) and WNBA three time champion Sue Bird. A closing unlike any other festival, the event included a free cannabis bar by Lowell Herb Co that passed out organic hand rolled joints and Selffee machines that printed attendee’s selfie faces on delicious vegan cookies. The Tourist Office of Spain hosted the evening with dynamic Flamenco performers and a live raffle a trip for two to Barcelona, won by singer/dancer Saturn Rising.

The winners of the festival’s screening competition were announced with the overall Audience Award going to Michael Cicetti’s 5A5B which includes the prize of travel, accommodations and entry into Rio Web Fest in beautiful Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Left to right below include the winners Best Drama Series - The New 30 - Walt Bost, Best Comedy - 5A5B - Michael Cicetti, Best Documentary - Linish - Manuel Rodriguez, Best Drama Short - Hiding in Daylight - Gregory G. Allen, Best Music Video - Pink Fly - Renee Phoenix.

Pride and Presidents: Bospar Polled Americans About Pete Buttigieg, Donald Trump

Bospar has discovered how Americans feel about the electability of LGBTQIA candidates now that Pete Buttigieg is running for president. Buttigieg is the openly gay mayor of South Bend, Indiana.

Bospar conducted the survey for the 50th anniversary of Pride Month, polling over 2,000 American adults from May 24-31, 2019. The PR agency discovered that an overwhelming majority of Americans would vote for a straight man (91%) or a straight woman (90%) and that 78% believe the U.S. is ready for a female president.

Is America Ready for an Openly Gay President?

When asked if they would vote for a gay president, 69% said they would. However, a smaller percentage (52%) believe America is ready for an openly gay president.

Of those who would not vote for an openly gay or lesbian president, who was in all other ways their ideal political candidate, top reasons were:

• I don't believe a gay president would have my best interests at heart (38%)                 
• I believe an openly gay president would make the United States look weak (32%)
• LGBTQIA people go against my religion (30%)
• LGBTQIA people go against nature (23%)
• I am uncomfortable with LGBTQIA people (19%)             

A majority of Americans (57%) would also vote for a transgender president. While no transgender candidate is running – yet – the top choice was Caitlyn Jenner, followed by Laverne Cox.

Americans Like Buttigieg

If Pete Buttigieg becomes the Democratic presidential nominee, 65% of Democrats – along with 26% of Republicans and 39% of other voters – say they’ll vote for him.

Of those that will not, only 20% (across party lines) cited his sexuality.

Only about 1 in 5 Americans read the recent Time magazine feature on Pete Buttigieg, but a majority of those who did liked him more after reading it – including 72% of Republicans.

Americans feel that Buttigieg will work hardest for the LGTBQIA community if elected. The LGBTQIA community put Bernie Sanders in the number two spot, while straight Americans put Donald Trump at number two.

“A growing number of Americans are ready for a gay or lesbian president and Mayor Pete’s historic race will only accelerate that trend,” said Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund. “For many, until recently, a viable LGBTQ presidential candidate seemed unlikely or a distant dream. But as Americans see Mayor Pete stumping at town halls and speaking to voters from the presidential debate stage, skepticism about the electability of an LGBTQ candidate will fade. More than two-thirds of Americans already say they will vote for a gay or lesbian president – we only have one-third to convince.”

“The data tells us that the future will bring a more tolerant electorate,” said Gabrielle Ayala, a principal of Propeller Insights. “Across the board, younger Americans are more open to having someone other than a straight man as the president of the United States. Of the three generational groups we looked at, millennials are the most willing to vote for Pete Buttigieg. Given that this group also puts human rights as their political priority, we see that they care less about wealth and more about a future in which all Americans have a fair shot.”

“Never in my life did I think I would see an openly gay man run for the presidency – and get so much support,” said Curtis Sparrer, a principal of Bospar. “Regardless of political party, our research shows that Buttigieg’s candidacy is helping Americans feel better about LGBTQIA equality and people. Whether he wins or not, Buttigieg has scored a crucial victory.”  

WalletHub Names Colorado 2019's 5th Funnest State in America!

Source: WalletHub

With summer just around the corner and people planning out their vacations, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2019’s Most Fun States in America as well as accompanying videos.

To determine the states offering the greatest variety and most cost-effective options for enjoyment, WalletHub compared the 50 states across 26 key metrics. The data set ranges from movie costs to accessibility of national parks to casinos per capita.

Fun in Colorado (1=Most Fun; 25=Avg.)

• 16^th – Restaurants per Capita
• 17^th – Movie Theaters per Capita
• 28^th – Amusement Parks per Capita
• 15^th – Performing-Arts Theaters per Capita
• 14^th – Fitness Centers per Capita
• 18^th – Access to National Parks
• 7^th – Casinos per Capita

Mega Bog - Truth In The Wild

Today, Mega Bog shares "Truth In The Wild," the latest single off her forthcoming new album Dolphine. Gorilla Vs. Bear, who premiered the song and its accompanying video today, write, "The dream-like video... acts as the perfect visual complement to the song's breezily mystical vibe, offering a misty window into Birgy's mind. Her vivid, almost mantra-like free association lyrics elegantly flowing over the measured, jazzy instrumentation, as she blurs the lines between the surreal and the profound in a way that she seems able to do like none other."

The video was directed by Vanessa Haddad, who says it "melds inspiration from early Top of the Pops-style live-music performances and the science-fiction worlds of Ursula K. Leguin, especially her story 'Diary of a Rose.' In the story, a 'psychoscopist' uses new technology to view the projected subconscious imagery of her patient."

Travel: Cocktail Contest, Underwater Rainbow Flag Highlight Key West Pride Activities

A parade down Duval Street Sunday culminated activities for the annual Key West Pride celebration that attracted thousands of revelers to the southernmost city in the continental U.S.

At the Saturday evening finale of the Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic, a New York City bartender created a cocktail inspired by the Florida Keys signature Key lime pie to take top honors.

Sam Benedict won with a vodka concoction he dubbed the "Key Key." Flavored with juice from tiny yellow Key limes, it also contained other ingredients including coconut milk, pineapple juice, simple syrup, egg whites and bitters.

“Never having been to Key West, I had to do a lot of homework, and Key lime pie was my first stop,” said Benedict. “I started messing around with Key lime flavors and this is what I came up with.”

Benedict and other finalists, chosen during two elimination rounds that featured 14 regional champions, competed on an outdoor stage on Key West’s Duval Street.

A panel of judges including former NSYNC singer Lance Bass evaluated contestants’ cocktails on their appearance, aroma, balance and taste, as well as the bartender's showmanship.

“I'm excited to crown a winner tonight,” Bass said. “We brought incredible bartenders from all around the country and it’s led to this moment today.”

As well as Bass, judges included former “American Idol” finalist LaToya London, comedy writer/actor Bruce Vilanch and Key West drag queen Sushi.

Benedict’s prizes include $15,000 in charitable donations to be made in his name.

On Friday, divers unfurled a rainbow flag, an internationally recognized LGBTQ symbol, underwater on an artificial reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

The installation of the banner on the 523-foot-long Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg took place about seven miles south of Key West.

The Vandenberg's flag, however, doesn't just feature the traditional rainbow stripes. It also incorporates the blue flag of the Florida Keys’ “alter ego,” the Conch Republic. The island chain symbolically "seceded" from the United States and proclaimed itself the independent Conch Republic in 1982 to protest the establishment of a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint at the entry to the Florida Keys.

The Vandenberg, a former missile tracking ship that monitored Soviet launches during the Cold War, was purposely scuttled 10 years ago to create an artificial reef. It is the world’s second-largest vessel intentionally sunk for that purpose.

The artificial reef was created to relieve human pressure from natural coral reefs, provide additional habitat for marine life and create recreational fishing and scuba diving opportunities.

The flag is to remain on the Vandenberg throughout the summer.

Nice To See StevieB: In a Mustang Listening to Radiohead

By StevieB

Ever have date anxiety? That feeling of nervousness that rushes over you, making your brain convince you that you don’t really need to interact with the outside world. That delivery Taco Bell and YouTube Vloggers are enough of a friend base to sustain you in this world.

This week had my brain playing this game of sabotage. Like picking shredded cheese out of my chest on the couch is a viable social strategy. I still managed to pilot my car to the top of parking garage adjacent to Racines Restaurant to meet a solid massive of man. Like solid thickness. Which is weird for me, and also completely refreshing. For the last thousand years I’ve been the big spoon, I think it’s time to little spoon for a while.

May I take this opportunity to advocate for Denver’s centrally located "date" restaurant, Racines? It really is the best "first date" eating establishment. It’s calm, it’s low pressure, and it has low walls around the patio to leap over in case the date is going badly. A Wendy’s is right next door, so after your great escape you can walk over and drown your sorrows in a Frosty as the date collects his car from valet. Then you can drive home without dripping Frosty on your seats. Trust me; I speak from experience. But! Not this week.

Halfway through the cobb salad, I began to be thankful for leaving my sofa and YouTube friends at home and for venturing into the cool summer breeze of Denver’s early evening. The conversation was easy, both agreeing that Betty Friedan is a product of her time, and still should be celebrated as sparking the second wave of feminism. Ya, know dudes on dates conversation. I began to have a rising internalized squee as all the anxiety washed from my brain due to a sense of happiness. Happiness based upon the connecting to someone with a similar world outlook, but not to similar…. We also made-out like teenagers in his car, steaming up the windows like I was in a Mustang listening to Radiohead.

DDFL: All The Love/Half The Price

Today through Sunday the Dumb Friends League is offering 50% off adoption fees for adult dogs (1-year-old and older) at their Quebec Street Shelter only.

All adoptions include spay/neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations, microchip ID and a free office visit with a participating veterinarian. The standard adoption screening process still applies during all reduced-fee promotions.

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.

Jared Gelman - Proximity

Rising LA-based pop star Jared Gelman has released a new music video for his song “Proximity,” just in time to kick-off pride month. The video premiered this weekend at the 4th Annual QueerX Festival in West Hollywood and is now available to watch exclusively through Revry.

“The song itself has a lot of sexual undertones, so I wanted to juxtapose that with a video that solely featured me” says Gelman about the visuals for his video. Diving deeper into his artistic choices, he continues, “The aim was to maintain the sonic undertones of intimacy, even when parts of the visual were more in your face.”

Sign Up For a Stop on One Colorado's Statewide Tour

By Daniel Ramos, Executive Director, One Colorado

Pride is right around the corner, and we're hosting our statewide tour townhall to hear from you about what's next for LGBTQ equality in Colorado.

This year we have been able to accomplish so much together - from electing our nation's first openly gay Governor, to continuing the push to ban conversion therapy, to making it easier for transgender Coloradans to update their identity documents.

SO, WHAT'S NEXT? Sign up to learn more.

What: One Colorado for All Statewide Tour - Denver
Where: First Unitarian Society of Denver (1400 Lafayette St. Denver, CO 80218)
When: Thursday, June 13th 6:00PM - 8:00PM
RSVP here | Invite friends on Facebook here

Looking forward to seeing you there!

WalletHub - 2019’s Best Cities for Gamers (and Gaymers)

Source: WalletHub

With the Electronic Entertainment Expo 2019 drawing large crowds June 11-13 and the gaming industry bringing in over $130 billion per year globally, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2019’s Best Cities for Gamers as well as accompanying videos. 

To determine the best places to be a serious gamer, WalletHub compared the 100 largest cities across 23 key indicators of gamer-friendliness. The data ranges from average internet speed to video-game stores per capita to number of esports tournaments.
 

Top 20 Cities for Gamers
1	Seattle, WA		11	Las Vegas, NV
2	Irvine, CA		12	San Diego, CA
3	Los Angeles, CA		13	Washington, DC
4	Orlando, FL		14	Denver, CO
5	Atlanta, GA		15	Fremont, CA
6	New York, NY		16	Miami, FL
7	San Jose, CA		17	Houston, TX
8	San Francisco, CA		18	Anaheim, CA
9	Austin, TX		19	Sacramento, CA
10	Raleigh, NC		20	Dallas, TX

Joey LaBeija - Tears In My Hennessey

Joey LaBeija has long been known in New York's underground as a DJ and producer of jagged club music, as well as fourth generation member of the legendary vogue house House of LaBeija .

Affiliated with friends and collaborators like Bbymutha and LSDXOXO, his DJ sets mix everything from ballroom to reggaeton to edits from forward-thinking club.

Today he  shares the lead single from his most personal project to date  - a new full length album also called  Tears In My Hennessey.

“Tears In My Hennessey is an introspective journey about allowing myself to meet with disaster, embracing vulnerability and deciding which path to take in order to heal: self care or destruction.”

“I wrote this project over the course of two months last summer while I was living out of my recording studio in Brooklyn with no money on the verge of a breakup to my partner of 3 years. Each song is very specific to circumstance at and was produced/recorded/finished one by one until the record felt complete. Sonically, the production and songwriting is a solid nod to my musical influences Roisin Murphy, Robyn, Burial, Missy Elliot & Portishead.”

DNC: Trump’s False Statement on Trans Service Members

DNC Veteran and LGBTQ Media Director John Santos on Trump’s claim  that his administration banned trans service members because “they take massive amounts of drugs:”

“Our country’s military deserves more than a commander-in-chief who is willing to lie and make up facts to support his senseless and harmful policies against trans service members. All service members who put their lives on the line for their country deserve the respect of their leaders, but President Trump’s discrimination makes a mockery of their sacrifices. Our country and our military deserve better than his failed leadership.”