Choose Your Own Adventure for Spring Break Fun in the Snow or Sun in Colorado

From snowy mountain adventures and wildlife viewing on the plains to high desert sun and exciting events in every region of the state, Colorado is the place to “Shine a Little Brighter” for spring break fun in the snow or sun. March and April are some of the snowiest months in Colorado’s high country and some of the most beautiful and mild months for warm weather experiences at lower elevations.

Visitors to the state are encouraged to “Do Colorado Right” and embrace the state’s interpretation of responsible tourism — showing care not only for destinations but for others, including the people who call Colorado home. For more information and travel ideas, visit www.COLORADO.com.

For more spring break 2022 travel inspiration, visit www.COLORADO.com.

Choose Your Own Spring Adventure:

• Fishing in Fort Collins: Early spring in Fort Collins is the perfect time to cast a line in area rivers before they wash out later in the season. Warm March days kick-off the seasonal snowmelt cycle, meaning fresh water feeds rivers and streams and the fish are eager to feed on spring hatches. Check Northern Colorado Fishing Outfitters for boat trips, river trips, ice fishing, fly fishing (all weather dependent).
• Wine Tours in Palisade: Grand Valley Grapes and Grains Adventures is offering two new winery tours available through April 14, 2022. The Governor's Cup Tour is perfect for the local wine lover who wants to expand their knowledge or the visitor who wants to try Colorado’s finest wines. The New Vintage Tour explores new wineries in the Palisade area.
• Jeep Tours in Cañon City: Colorado Jeep Tours is located in Colorado’s climate capital, which means its weather is milder when compared to the rest of the state. Take advantage of this and take an open-air Jeep tour through some of Cañon City’s most beautiful scenery while also gaining knowledge of local history and geology. Tours take guests to the Royal Gorge, Red Canyon Park and Garden Parks Fossil area.
• Zoo Camp at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs: Parents need not stress about finding childcare this spring break – they can sign their kiddos up for camp at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. How does an elephant know when to migrate? Or how does an animal know to “play possum” for safety? Children are invited to discover the amazing innate behaviors animals use throughout the wild world.
• Snow Beach in Aspen: Snow Beach ASPENX Gray Malin - Chaise Lounge is a one-of-a-kind “club” on top of Aspen Mountain. This is the first time this area will be brought to life in winter/spring with a pop-up experience available for a limited six-weekend run starting on Friday, February 18, and ending on Sunday, March 27. The experience offers a new take on après-ski during Aspen Snowmass’ 75th Anniversary ski season. The outdoor setting features beach-themed décor in an alpine environment with bottle service and multi-course food pairings.
• Avalanche Safety Training in Buena Vista: AIARE (American Institute for Avalanche Rescue and Education) is the leader in avalanche training, and the Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center (RMOC) teaches AIARE certified courses all spring to help backcountry enthusiasts protect themselves from avalanche dangers. Courses include Avalanche Prep, AIARE 1, AIARE 2, and AIARE Avalanche Rescue. Group courses are available through early April and private instruction can also be arranged.
• Spring Skiing at Resorts Across Colorado:
  • The longest ski season in Colorado usually belongs to Arapahoe Basin (often open into mid-June!), and their epic terrain and family-friendly spring concert series make it a sure bet for smiles.
  • Breckenridge Ski Resort celebrates its 60th anniversary this winter season with special events and the debut of the new Freedom Superchair. The resort also stays open until Memorial Day for plenty of sunny spring skiing.
  • A short drive-time from Denver and a famously friendly staff make Loveland Ski Area another good choice for families, typically open into early May.
  • Monarch Mountain, near Salida, is a super-approachable locals’ favorite mountain. Lessons are available for everyone and a laid-back vibe will welcome guests along with the occasional spring cookout in the parking lot.
  • Logging the most snowfall in Colorado nearly every year, Wolf Creek Ski Area outside Pagosa Springs is a reliable springtime spot for some great powder, paired with a super-friendly, down-to-earth personality and terrain for every level.
• Sand Fun at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve: Climb up and tumble, sled or sandboard down North America’s largest sand dunes at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in the San Luis Valley. A big spring bonus: The mystical Medano Creek returns this time of year, flowing by the base of the dunes and creating a beachy environment with pulsing, small waves.
• A Two Helmet Day in the Grand Junction Area: Outside of Grand Junction, Powderhorn Mountain Resort sits on the edge of the Grand Mesa, the world's largest flat-top mountain. The area enjoys a reputation for outstanding tree skiing and diverse terrain. Vitiros can spend the morning on the slopes, then head into town where they can mountain bike on the area’s famed singletrack pretty much any day of the year. One of the most famous riding areas is the Tabeguache trailhead, better known as the Lunch Loops.
• Bird Watching in Eastern Colorado: The Colorado Birding Trail is a network of 54 trails renowned for their magnificent landscapes and unique bird species. On Colorado’s eastern plains, find the exotic-looking Greater Prairie-Chicken in April and May (viewing tours recommended) or the springtime migrating beauties on the Playa Trail.

Spring Break Lodging and Packages:

• Family Fun at Beaver Run Resort in Breckenridge: The Sprawling Beaver Run Resort is kid heaven, with a huge game room, an indoor-outdoor pool, several hot tubs and large suites and family rooms available — all in the heart of one of Colorado’s mountain playgrounds, Breckenridge.
• Family Spring Break Vacation Special at C Lazy U Ranch in Granby: The ultimate Spring Break retreat, C Lazy U invites guests with a Family Spring Break Vacation special (on select dates between March 1 and April 3) to settle into rustic, upscale cabins with cozy wood-burning fireplaces. Committed to family-focused programming that allows for a healthy mix of time together and time apart, C Lazy U provides robust kids and teens programs (ages three to 17) and offers various winter activities, such as horseback riding, cross country skiing and snowshoeing, ice skating and hockey, snow tubing and wagon sleigh rides.
• Glamping at Kinship Landing in Colorado Springs: Whether Colorado Springs is the end goal of a spring break road trip or if the goal is a relaxing staycation, Kinship Landing is the perfect home base. Visitors can book a bunk room for the whole crew or a camping deck and pitch a tent (with indoor plumbing a few steps away). 
• New Uphilling Experience with Park Hyatt Beaver Creek’s General Manager: Beginning in February, Park Hyatt Beaver Creek General Manager Herb Rackliff will guide private groups on an uphill ski adventure that gives advance access to one of Colorado’s premier mountains. The luxurious ski-in/ski-out property in the heart of Beaver Creek village is partnering with Paragon Guides to provide guests with appropriate equipment for their uphill journey.
• Spring Adventures at YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park: Popular for family reunions, YMCA of the Rockies enjoys a breathtaking location in Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, plus a full menu of activities. Choose to hide away in the fully stocked craft room or try archery, ziplining, yoga, astronomy, hiking or horseback riding — and end every day with s’mores around the campfire.

Choose Your Spring Event:

• Women in Their Infinite Forms, Denver, March: Dairy Block, Denver Milk Market & the Athena Project are partnering to present Women In Their Infinite Forms, an art installation celebrating Women’s History Month. Local artists are invited to use mannequin heads to create their vision of Women In Their Infinite Forms. The pieces will be auctioned off to support the Athena Project, a Colorado nonprofit focusing on empowering women through the arts. Dairy Block will also be hosting Spring First Friday Art Walks in the Alley on May 6 and June 3 in partnership with Inside Her Studio.
• Telluride Gay Ski Week, March 3-6, 2022: Telluride Gay Ski Week was founded in 2002. Since then, it has been a week to look forward to for participants and locals alike. The schedule of entertainment includes an opening-day party, daily après ski, pool parties, late-night lounge happenings, with events extending well into the morning hours, including the signature White Party and much more.
• Ski Joring & Crystal Carnival, Leadville, March 4-6, 2022: A fearless skier navigates an obstacle course connected by tow rope to a horse and rider galloping at top speed, and it all takes place in the middle of town, in addition to a winter carnival with other snowy activities.
• Snowmass Live Comedy Series, March 9, 16 and 23, 2022: The Collective is bringing the laughs to Snowmass this winter with the Snowmass Live Comedy Series. Featured comedians include the creator of Los Angeles live show, “The Goddamn Comedy Jam”, writer, producer, actor and musician, Josh Adam Meyers as well as The Collective’s own Sarah Sanders and Sarah Tiana, an LA based stand-up comedian and writer on “Lights Out” with David Spade.
• Monte Vista Crane Festival, March 11-13, 2022: Every March, sandhill cranes migrate through southern Colorado, stopping in the potato fields, prairies and wetlands near Monte Vista. The tall, elegant birds are best spotted in the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge — and during the annual Monte Vista Crane Festival, visitors can join in a viewing tour and an arts-and-crafts fair.
• BrewSki, Frisco, March 12, 2022: The 5th Annual Frisco BrewSki is a non-competitive, happy hour Nordic/cross country ski tour with stops for snacks, non-alcoholic drinks and beer tastings from eight local breweries. Skiing will take place on groomed, scenic, and non-challenging terrain at the Frisco Nordic Center. All ages and skiing abilities are welcome.
• Frozen Dead Guy Days, Nederland, March 18-20, 2022: Frozen Dead Guy Days is a world-renowned spectacle. This homegrown festival pays homage to Bredo Morstol (aka Grandpa), who is frozen in a state of suspended animation and housed in a Tuff Shed on dry ice high above Nederland. Highlights include coffin racing, costumed polar plunging, frozen t-shirt contests, icy turkey bowling, human foosball and more.
• Fly Fishing Film Tour, Ridgway, March 19, 2022: Enjoy fun and inspiring films about outdoor adventure and conservation through the love of fly fishing, and support projects that protect and restore the Uncompahgre River. The Fly Fishing Film Tour is an outdoor-lovers institution, curating a diverse selection of quality entertainment, matched with a party with prizes and great refreshments.
• Cañon City’s 150th Jubilee and Fireworks, April 2, 2022: Celebrate Canon City’s sesquicentennial at its great Jubilee event. Enjoy old-time games, crafts, educational booths, a petting zoo, pony rides, garden tours, food trucks, live music and more. Cañon City’s sesquicentennial will consist of a yearlong celebration of Cañon City’s 150th anniversary of incorporation in 1872.
• 5Point Film Festival, Carbondale, April 21-24, 2022: Intimate yet inclusive, the laid back vibe of this festival is a direct reflection of its birthplace, the Carbondale community. Founded in 2007, the 5Point Adventure Film Festival showcases curated, soulful outdoor films, art, and performances—all shown in one common space.
• Sunsation, Copper Mountain, Copper Mountain, April 22-23, 2022: The annual spring bash will feature two days of free live music in the resort’s Center Village, artists to be announced. As part of closing weekend festivities, skiers and riders are invited to participate in an annual pond skim tradition like none other on April 23. Participants will race one another down the hill, navigating a specialized course before sending it into the icy water at the base of the mountain.
• Great American Horsedrive, Northwestern Colorado, May 3-9, 2022: Guests can join riders from around the world in this unique experience pushing one of the largest saddle horse herds in the nation. Covering approximately sixty miles of open range, highways and back-roads, this six-day adventure is an authentic Western experience that includes cowboy entertainment, a guest-favorite cookout, many hours in the saddle and memories to last a lifetime.
• 25th Annual Fruita Fat Tire Festival, Fruita - May 6-8, 2022: Celebrate hundreds of miles of world-class trails, test out the latest mountain bikes at the demo at the 18 Road trailhead and Bookcliffs trail system, try out new equipment at the product expo in downtown Fruita and more.
• 2nd Annual Dark-Sky Celebration, Crestone, May 19-20, 2022: This two-day event celebrating Crestone’s International Dark-Sky Community Designation will include outstanding astronomy presentations, Taiko drumming, and more. May 20th will be an all-day community-filled street festival with vendors, food, stargazing  promotion, dancing in the street and other sorts of fun.

MIKI RATSULA: Debut Album Out Mar 25

 

Miki Ratsula has built a sizable audience by openly and honestly welcoming people into their world and is set to release their debut album i owe it to myself on March 25 via Nettwerk Records – a deeply intimate record that touches on mental health, loss, love, and everything in between. The album from the Southern California-based nonbinary singer, songwriter and producer is an acoustic pop dream guided by Miki’s lush, lofi-inspired production that captures the full emotional seesaw that rocks between youth and adulthood. 

They recently shared “sugarcane,” their latest single celebrating the effortless joy of love, and features their friend and occasional songwriting partner, Los Angeles-based musician Dana Williams. “‘sugarcane’ is about the type of love that is just as enjoyable and as effortless as eating your favorite dessert. You can’t believe something so good can exist, and you just can’t get enough of it,” notes Ratsula.

“sugarcane” follows the release of several early album singles, including the raw, personal single “second” which deals with their fears and anxiety around getting top surgery; “reeboks” which is about feeling so anxious about the future that they end up running themselves into the ground; “i walked a mile in my room” which discusses their mental health struggles and its impact on the people close to them; and “suffocate,” their powerful track that they recorded with Sanderson and released in the fall of 2021.

i owe it to myself is a testament to self-love and a gift to anyone seeking the same, and sees Miki at their most vulnerable and fully realized. They use their platform to candidly document their life: from coming out to getting top surgery to their mental health journey. It’s the kind of storytelling that listeners, especially young queer kids, crave and deserve. “I just want to be the artist I needed growing up,” says Miki, and that’s exactly who they’ve become on this heartfelt and impressive debut record. Throughout the record, Miki effortlessly floats between R&B slow jams and acoustic numbers laced with sensual groove, and some of the album’s more powerful moments exist in the soft, nostalgic spaces in between, which often deal with the pain that lives behind closed doors.

“RuPaul's Drag Race UK Versus The World” Drops Star-Studded Trailer Ahead of Season Premiere

Start your engines! World of Wonder just debuted a fierce first look at the series premiere of “RuPaul's Drag Race UK Versus The World”, and the 9 fabulous queens competing. The series is making its way to WOW Presents Plus on Tuesday, February 1st at 4pm ET/ 1pm PT in the US and select territories internationally, day-and-date with its local airing on BBC

In case you missed it, the 9 queens competing are Baga Chipz (UK), Blu Hydrangea (UK), Cheryl Hole (UK), Janey Jacké (Holland), Jimbo (Canada), Jujubee (US), Lemon (Canada), Mo Hart (US), and Pangina Heals (Thailand).

25-YEAR DECORATED TRANSGENDER EMPLOYEE SUCCESSFULLY SETTLES FEDERAL LAWSUIT AGAINST VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY

Olivia Ruth Hill, a highly-successful and awarded 25-year employee of Vanderbilt University who was forced file to file a Federal lawsuit against the University for discrimination and retaliation on the basis of sex, gender identity, and disability, has settled her lawsuit. Ms. Hill and her attorneys filed suit alleging that the University failed to follow its own internal procedures regarding fair treatment of LGBTQ employees. The settlement is confidential, but Ms. Hill is very happy with the results, which hopefully will prevent such unconscionable treatment of any other LGBTQ employees in the future.

"It is my hope that this resolution assures that no transgender person at Vanderbilt will ever have to go through the living hell that I endured," said Hill. "I loved Vanderbilt and devoted myself to the University for 25 years. I am pleased that we were able to resolve this matter."

Hill, who was hired by Vanderbilt in 1996 to work in the University's Facilities Plant, and her legal team filed suit September 2021 on nine counts, based on the University violating Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, including gender identity, and based on Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Tennessee Human Rights Act.

"This case exposed the stunning hypocrisy of Vanderbilt in claiming to have such forward-thinking policies to protect LGBTQ staff and then treating the first person who actually transitioned to such horrible, unnecessary treatment. Vanderbilt cannot 'talk the talk' but not 'walk the walk,'" explained lead attorney Abby Rubenfeld of Rubenfeld Law Office PC. "We believe that justice has been served and that Vanderbilt got the message loud and clear."

Hill was diagnosed with gender dysphoria in late 2017 and began her medically-necessary transition from male to female in February 2019. Hill followed University procedures and notified University administrators in mid-2018 that she would be working full time as a woman and undergoing transition-related medical care at the recommendation of her physician.

Over the course of the next 18 months, Hill continued to be subjected to discrimination and harassment before she was placed on administrative leave in December 2019, while none the men who engaged in the behavior had any repercussions, the lawsuit said. When her immediate supervisor, the Plant Manager, announced his retirement in April 2021, Hill applied for the job but was told she would not get it, with no explanation and after she was forced to interview with some of the named individuals who had harassed her.

During her tenure at Vanderbilt, Hill, a disabled combat veteran of the U.S. Navy, has held every position at the Vanderbilt Power Plant and helped write the Standard Operational Procedures for all equipment within it. In 2019, then-Chancellor Nicholas Zeppos presented her with the Vanderbilt Chancellor Heart and Soul Award for "going far beyond her job expectations while carrying out the spirit and mission of Vanderbilt in all they do." She was never disciplined in her entire 25-year career.

Hill was represented by Nashville attorneys Abby Rubenfeld and John Nefflen and by Thomas Mew of the Atlanta firm Buckley Neal. Rubenfeld was one of the attorneys who successfully went to the U.S. Supreme Court for marriage equality for same sex couples in 2015, and Mew was one of the attorneys who successfully went to the U.S. Supreme Court in 2020 to ensure that the employment discrimination protections of Title VII applied equally to the LGBTQ community. Nefflen is a highly accomplished Tennessee trial attorney. Hill was also assisted by the National Center for Lesbian Rights, the premier national legal organization fighting against anti-LGBTQ treatment.

More than 500 Major U.S. Corporations Join Business Coalition for the Equality Act, Registering Unprecedented Support for Federal Non-Discrimination Protections for LGBTQ+ People

Today, the Human Rights Campaign — the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization — announced its Business Coalition for the Equality Act has reached a new and unprecedented milestone, growing to include more than 500 major U.S. corporations now calling for the U.S. Senate to pass the Equality Act — historic federal legislation that would modernize our nation’s civil rights laws by including explicit protections for LGBTQ+ people, as well as improve protections for women, people of color, and people of all faiths. The Business Coalition, which includes more than 160 Fortune 500 companies, is the largest business coalition to ever come together in support of legal LGBTQ+ equality.

The 503 member companies of HRC’s Business Coalition for the Equality Act represent a major swath of America’s economic engine, with member companies overseeing business operations in all 50 states, company headquarters spanning 33 states and a combined $7.2 trillion in annual revenue. The 503 members of the coalition collectively employ more than 15.3 million people in the United States. The largest previous business effort in support of legal LGBTQ+ equality was the business amicus brief for marriage equality, which included 379 businesses.

Jennifer Kingston, Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Edward Jones: “Edward Jones is a place of belonging, and our longtime support for the LGBTQ+ community is inherent in our purpose-driven culture. We’re very proud of the fact that we’ve earned a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index six years in a row, and we nurture a workplace where all of our associates can be their authentic selves as they pursue their personal growth and possibilities.”

Today’s announcement reinforces the breadth and depth of support for the Equality Act among America’s business leaders, who are joining a majority of Americans, hundreds of members of Congress, hundreds of advocacy organizations, and more than 60 business associations — including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers — in endorsing the federal legislation. Polling from Hart Research Associates has found that 70 percent of Americans (including 50 percent of Republicans) support the Equality Act.

The Business Coalition’s 500-member milestone comes just months following the Coalition’s previous milestone in April, when it surpassed 400 members, underscoring the speed with which support for federal LGBTQ+ protections is gaining widespread traction. The Coalition’s growth also mirrors the fast-growing support across the country for federal LGBTQ+ nondiscrimination protections as indicated by recent polling released by the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI), which revealed an unprecedented 82% of Americans support LGBTQ+ protections in jobs, public accommodations, and housing — including support from majorities of Republicans (67%), independents (85%), and Democrats (92%) favor nondiscrimination protections. The survey’s findings indicate that the number of Americans who support nondiscrimination legislation has risen more than 10 percentage points since 2015.

Cheya Dunlap, Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer at Honeywell: “Inclusion and diversity are essential to Honeywell’s success as a global enterprise. We support protections for LGBTQ+ individuals under the Equality Act because we believe in the importance of creating a fair work environment built on equality, respect and achievement.”

Wilma Wallace, Chief Diversity & Social Impact Officer at REI: “Our co-op and broader society are stronger when everyone—in consideration of their race, gender identity and sexual orientation—can prosper and feel welcome to be their full selves. REI has long been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, and we remain committed to creating a co-op and contributing to a society that is inclusive of all people. The Equality Act is an important step towards ensuring everyone can reach their full potential, and we are proud to support the communities, advocates, companies and legislators working to advance LGBTQ+ rights.”

Joni Madison, Interim President at the Human Rights Campaign: “We are delighted to announce that more than 500 major corporations are now united behind the Equality Act. In 2022, no person should ever be subjected to harassment or discrimination because of who they are. The Equality Act will take major strides toward ensuring that LGBTQ+ people are treated with equal dignity in the eyes of the law, and affirm the longstanding American value that everyone deserves to be treated equally and fairly. It’s time for the Senators of both parties to support the Equality Act and send it to President Biden’s desk for his signature.”

The Equality Act ensures everyone in America, including LGBTQ+ people, are protected from harassment and discrimination in major areas of life. Currently, even if an LGBTQ+ person works for a company that provides clear non-discrimination protections and inclusive cultures, that employee and their family members can still experience discrimination in other areas of life and have no legal recourse. In the majority of states — 29 states in total — that lack explicit nondiscrimination protections, these employees risk being denied healthcare, loans, housing, and basic goods and services because they are LGBTQ+.

More information on the Business Coalition for the Equality Act can be found on HRC’s website here. A full list of the more than 500 members of the coalition can be found here.

La Región 8 de la EPA ofrece una sesión pública de escucha el 1 de marzo sobre la Estrategia preliminar para reducir la exposición al plomo y las disparidades en las comunidades estadounidenses

Hoy, la Agencia de Protección Ambiental de los EE. UU. (EPA, por sus siglas en inglés) anunció una serie de sesiones públicas de escucha sobre la Estrategia preliminar para reducir la exposición al plomo y las disparidades en las comunidades estadounidenses (Estrategia sobre el plomo), de tal modo que las comunidades y los interesados puedan aportar sus comentarios acerca del plan de la Agencia. La exposición constante al plomo en el medioambiente presenta un riesgo para la salud de muchas personas en todo el país. Los niveles muy bajos de plomo en la sangre de los niños han demostrado estar relacionados con efectos adversos en el intelecto, la concentración y los logros académicos. La Estrategia preliminar sobre el plomo define enfoques para fortalecer las protecciones de la salud pública, abordar la contaminación existente por plomo en las comunidades que tienen la mayor exposición y promover la justicia ambiental.

 

“Las comunidades marginadas y sobrecargadas a menudo se ven expuestas desproporcionadamente al plomo, lo cual puede causar efectos negativos de por vida”, señaló Carlton Waterhouse, subadministrador suplente de la EPA para la Oficina de Tierras y Manejo de Emergencias. “Hoy, invitamos a todas las comunidades expuestas al plomo y a otros interesados a compartir sus perspectivas de modo que la EPA pueda asegurar que nuestra Estrategia preliminar para reducir la exposición al plomo y las disparidades en las comunidades estadounidenses resulte ser lo más integral que sea posible.”

 

“La opinión del público es un elemento esencial de la importante labor que realizamos en la EPA para asegurar que las comunidades tengan ambientes libres de plomo”, indicó KC Becker, administrador regional de la EPA. “Alentamos a las personas que asistan el 1 de marzo y aporten comentarios públicos de tal modo que juntos podamos colaborar para reducir la exposición al plomo en nuestras comunidades.”

 

Se realizarán sesiones públicas virtuales de escucha en las 10 oficinas geográficas de la EPA. La Región 8 de la EPA, que abarca Colorado, Montana, Dakota del Norte, Dakota del Sur, Utah, Wyoming y 28 Naciones Tribales, efectuará una sesión de escucha el 1 de marzo desde las 6:00 p.m. hasta las 9:00 p.m., hora local de montaña. Se requerirá inscribirse para asistir al evento. Encontrará los enlaces para inscripciones en cada una de las sesiones regionales de escucha en el sitio web de la EPA: https://www.epa.gov/lead/draft-strategy-reduce-lead-exposures-and-disparities-us-communities. Se ofrecerá interpretación y apoyo para facilitar el acceso a discapacitados.

Durante este evento, los miembros inscritos del público tendrán la oportunidad de compartir sus comentarios sobre la Estrategia preliminar sobre el plomo de la EPA con los funcionarios sénior y gerentes de la EPA. Quienes se interesen en hablar pueden inscribirse para tener 3 minutos asignados en el momento de la inscripción.

Se aconseja a los miembros del público que no puedan asistir a este evento que asistan a cualquiera de las 10 sesiones de escucha o que presenten comentarios mediante el expediente en: http://www.regulations.gov,  ID del expediente: EPA-HQ-OLEM-2021-0762 hasta el 16 de marzo de 2022.

Para conocer detalles sobre la Estrategia preliminar sobre el plomo, las sesiones virtuales de escucha o cómo aportar comentarios del público, visite: https://www.epa.gov/lead/draft-strategy-reduce-lead-exposures-and-disparities-us-communities.

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 of interest to Denver's gay community.

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.

NCAA Facilitator Resigns in Protest Over NCAA’s Failures to Protect Trans Athletes

Today, Dorian Rhea Debussy, Ph.D. (they/them), one of 54 facilitators in the NCAA Division III LGBTQ OneTeam program, resigned in protest of recent actions the NCAA has taken, including a new policy around transgender participation and the lack of nondiscrimination policy language in the NCAA’s newly ratified constitution despite widespread urging and advocacy by national organizations. The Human Rights Campaign responded to the NCAA’s ratified constitution and policy for transgender participation on Friday. Last year, Rhea led 38 OneTeam members in publishing a letter urging the NCAA to take further action to prevent anti-transgender legislation being introduced and passed in the 2021 state legislative session. Their announcement was posted on Athlete Ally’s blog.

Key Points:
• “[A]s one of the few transgender and/or non-binary facilitators and as the only trans-feminine facilitator—cannot remain quiet about recent developments at the NCAA.”
• “[T]heir steadfast opposition to anti-LGBTQ+—and especially anti-trans—legislation appears to have waned in recent years. For example, the NCAA, just last year, awarded championship tournaments to multiple states that had actually passed legislation, which limits the participation of gender diverse student-athletes.”
• “Most alarmingly, the NCAA released a draft of their revised constitution in November 2021. As noted by a number of advocacy organizations, this draft removed previously existing non-discrimination language.”
• “I’m deeply troubled by what appears to be a devolving level of active, effective, committed, and equitable support for gender diverse student-athletes within the NCAA’s leadership. As a non-binary, trans-feminine person, I can no longer, in good conscience, maintain my affiliation with the NCAA.”

An Open Resignation Letter in Protest of the NCAA’s Updated Transgender Participation Policy

Since the creation of the program in spring 2019, I have served as a facilitator of the National Collegiate Athletics Association’s (NCAA’s) Division III LGBTQ OneTeam Program, which is a national training program that fosters LGBTQ+ inclusion in NCAA Division III athletics. As a member of the inaugural training cohort and one of only 54 certified facilitators across the country, I have taken this role very seriously, particularly given the importance of LGBTQ+ inclusion in both athletic and educational settings. Complementing my experiences within the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Kenyon College, my time as a facilitator has been both rewarding and impactful. However, I—as one of the few transgender and/or non-binary facilitators and as the only trans-feminine facilitator—cannot remain quiet about recent developments at the NCAA.

Throughout my nearly three years as a facilitator for the NCAA’s Division III LGBTQ OneTeam Program, I have offered training sessions and individualized guidance to hundreds of coaches, athletics administrators, DEI professionals, fellow facilitators, and student-athletes across multiple colleges and states. During these past three years, there has also been a historic rise in anti-trans legislation, and this is particularly true of legislation aimed at restricting the participation of transgender, non-binary, and intersex student-athletes.

Over the past decade, the NCAA has taken an increasingly stronger stance in support of gender diverse student-athletes. In a 2008 statement, the NCAA noted that gender diverse student-athletes were allowed to participate in affiliated athletic programs; however, they, at the time, deferred to state gender classifications and institutionally specific rules. Within two years, the NCAA adopted its (now former) transgender participation policy, and this policy—which certainly had room for growth in regards to more inclusive and equitable participation for trans-feminine and non-binary student athletes—governed collegiate sports for more than a decade.

In the not-so-recent past, the NCAA has also taken a number of public stances in support of LGBTQ+ rights. For instance, the President of the NCAA publicly condemned Indiana’s 2015 “religious freedom” legislation, which allowed for people to deny services to LGBTQ+ individuals under the guise of religious beliefs. In 2016, North Carolina passed HB2, which required gender diverse people to use the bathroom facilities that corresponded to their sex assigned at birth, and the NCAA’s response was both swift and clear. Publicly affirming their support for gender diverse student-athletes, coaches, and fans, they pulled seven different championships from the state. However, their steadfast opposition to anti-LGBTQ+—and especially anti-trans—legislation appears to have waned in recent years. For example, the NCAA, just last year, awarded championship tournaments to multiple states that had actually passed legislation, which limits the participation of gender diverse student-athletes.

As a facilitator of the NCAA’s Division III LGBTQ OneTeam Program, I have often engaged public efforts to show support for gender diverse student-athletes and to educate a wider audience about gender equity in athletics. During the wave of anti-trans legislation in spring 2021, I—along with two fellow co-facilitators, Seth Hayes of Denison University and Dr. Kyrstin Krist of Methodist University—collaboratively drafted an open letter of support for gender diverse student-athletes, which was then signed by nearly 40 other facilitators of the program. Similarly, I have also publicly spoken about this topic in a variety of venues, including an open conversation that was hosted by Athlete Ally and a recent panel discussion at the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission’s Power of Sport Summit.

Now, I must, once again, speak publicly in support of our gender-diverse student athletes. Earlier this week, the NCAA announced a major change to their transgender participation policy. While the NCAA’s press release notes some similarities to the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC’s) updated policy for the participation of transgender, non-binary, and intersex athletes, there are a number of key differences. Most notably, the NCAA notes that their updated policy still mandates rigid testing schedules for endocrine levels, while the IOC’s updated policy strongly emphasizes the importance of bodily autonomy and scientific evidence in ensuring fairness. Additionally, the NCAA also notes that their updated policy—instead of setting a clear expectation for inclusive and equitable participation—defers to relevant policies of the governing bodies for each individual sport, while also not setting a clear and direct expectation for a trans-inclusive environment. In contrast, the IOC’s updated policy clearly affirms the rights of athletes to participate safely and without prejudice, while also mandating that relevant policies for each sport must fall in line with the IOC’s framework and expectations for an evidence-based, non-discriminatory, and stakeholder-centered approach.

While advocacy organizations and transgender athletes have already begun to critique the NCAA’s updated transgender participation policy, there are also a number of other emerging issues, which coincide with this. Most alarmingly, the NCAA released a draft of their revised constitution in November 2021. As noted by a number of advocacy organizations, this draft removed previously existing non-discrimination language. Earlier this week, a similar coalition continued to advocate for the inclusion of non-discrimination language in the NCAA’s constitution, which is expected to be approved at the January 2022 convention. In the midst of a continued national wave of anti-trans legislation that is often aimed at gender diverse youth and young adults, I find the NCAA’s public response to this important issue as inadequate and troubling at best.

With that being said, I’m deeply troubled by what appears to be a devolving level of active, effective, committed, and equitable support for gender diverse student-athletes within the NCAA’s leadership. As a non-binary, trans-feminine person, I can no longer, in good conscience, maintain my affiliation with the NCAA. Effectively immediately, I publicly resign from my role as a facilitator for the NCAA’s Division III LGBTQ OneTeam Program. While I will no longer facilitate this program, I look forward to continuing to offer support, resources, and training to coaches, athletic administrators, sports teams, and institutions of higher education, who are invested in ensuring a safer, more inclusive, and more equitable environment for gender diverse student-athletes.

And of course, I hope that the NCAA will quickly, actively, competently, and then consistently engage gender diverse student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and fans, so that they can better understand the impact and consequences of their most recent actions on the lives of our transgender, non-binary, and intersex youth and young adults.

Sincerely,



Dorian Rhea Debussy, Ph.D.

pronouns: they/them

Associate Director for the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Visiting Assistant Professor of Women’s and Gender Studies

Kenyon College

Winners of 2022 Stonewall Children’s and Young Adult Literature Award announced

“Too Bright to See” by Kyle Lukoff and published by Dial Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Random House, and “Last Night at the Telegraph Club” by Malinda Lo and published by Dutton Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House, are the 2022 recipients of the Stonewall Book Awards – Mike Morgan and Larry Romans Children’s and Young Adult Literature Award. The award was announced today by the American Library Association’s (ALA) Stonewall Book Awards – Children’s & Young Adult Committee of the Rainbow Round Table, during LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience, held virtually Jan. 21 - 24.

The Stonewall Book Award – Mike Morgan and Larry Romans Children’s and Young Adult Literature Awards are given annually to English-language works of exceptional merit for children or teens relating to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender experience. The award will be presented to the winning authors or editors at the American Library Association Annual Conference & Exhibition in Washington, D.C. in June.  

“Through rich language, intimate attention to detail, and deft command of genre, these books bring to life queer pasts, celebrate queer presents, and imagine queer futures,” said Stonewall Book Awards – Children’s and Young Adult Committee Chair Dani Crickman.

 One Stonewall Book Award — Children’s Award Book was named:

 “Too Bright to See,” written by Kyle Lukoff, published by Dial Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC.

 Bug’s house has always felt haunted. But after Uncle Roderick dies the summer before middle school, the ghosts seem to be urging Bug to ask new questions. Lukoff brings lyricism and empathy to this atmospheric mystery.

 One Stonewall Book Award — Young Adult Award Book was named:

 “Last Night at the Telegraph Club,” written by Malinda Lo and published by Dutton Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC.

 As the expectations of her family and society close in on Lily Hu, she discovers her true self hidden in the shadows of the Telegraph Club. Lo brings to life young lesbian love and Chinese American experience in 1950s San Francisco’s Chinatown.

 Three Stonewall Book Awards – Mike Morgan and Larry Romans Children’s and Young Adult Award Honor Books were named:

“Almost Flying,” written by Jake Maia Arlow and published by Dial Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

On a road trip with her future stepsister, Dalia’s theme park dreams are finally coming true. But when she realizes she has a crush on another girl, the summer becomes a rollercoaster of emotions. This story of queer joy explores what it means to be yourself and find family.

“The Darkness Outside Us,'' written by Eliot Schrefer and published by Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

In this multi-layered mystery, two teenage spacefarers from warring societies leave a climate-ravaged future Earth on a deeply personal mission. Ambrose and Kodiak are compelling characters whose enduring romance and visceral battle for survival carries the reader along in this exceptionally crafted science fiction novel.

“Grandad’s Camper,” illustrated and written by Harry Woodgate and published by Little Bee Books.

A vibrant road trip through the past with Grandad takes readers on an adventure just like the one he used to have with Gramps. Woodgate captures family, loss, and love in this beautiful and visual story that bridges generations.

The members of the 2022 Stonewall Book Awards - Children’s and Young Adult Committee are: Chair Dani Crickman, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts;  L. Lee Butler, The Key School, Annapolis, Maryland; Lindsey Helfrich, Sacramento Public Library, Elk Grove, California; Juliana Paslay, Contra Costa County Libraries, Antioch, California; Becky Reiser, Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton, California; Sarah F. Rodriguez, Scarsdale Public Library, Stratford, Connecticut; Angie Rundle, St. Louis County Library, Saint Louis, Missouri; David C. Saia, Heim Middle School,  Williamsville, New York; Shayna Szabo, LA County Library, North Hollywood, California; Julia Verbanic, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, Buffalo, New York; Jayne Walters, Indianapolis Public Library – West Indianapolis Branch, Indianapolis, Indiana; Lea Wentworth, McCracken County Public Library, Paducah, Kentucky; and Stuart Wilkinson, Sonoma County Library, Guerneville, California.

For information on the Stonewall Book Awards – Mike Morgan and Larry Romans Children’s and Young Adult Literature Award and other ALA Youth Media Awards, please visit www.ala.org/yma.

The Rainbow Round Table (RRT) – formerly known as the GLBTRT - of the American Library Association is the oldest professional association for LGBTQIA+ people in the United States. It is committed to serving the information needs of the LGBTQIA+ professional library community and information and access needs of individuals at large. It is home to GLBT Book Month (tm), a nationwide celebration every June and the Stonewall Book Award, the first award honoring LGBTQIA+ books. The Rainbow Round Table is committed to encouraging and supporting the free and necessary access to all information, as reflected by the missions of the American Library Association and democratic institutions.

ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus Launches 'Björn from ABBA and Friends’ Radio Show on Apple Music Hits

Award-winning singer, songwriter, producer and ABBA founding member Björn Ulvaeus today launches 'Björn from ABBA and Friends’ on the Apple Music Hits global radio station. Björn is the latest artist to join the award-winning Apple Music radio lineup which includes shows hosted by The Weeknd, Elton John, Shania Twain, Mark Hoppus, J Balvin, and many more. This new four-part series features conversations with friends, collaborators, and artists about all things ABBA. 

The inaugural episode of 'Björn from ABBA and Friends’ features special guest Nile Rodgers, who joins Björn to share stories and discuss songwriting secrets, ABBA’s enduring influence, and the keys to their success and undeniable catalog. Additional guests include playwright Catherine Johnson, who penned the book of the stage musical and first film adaptation ‘Mama Mia!’, and creative director for the forthcoming ABBA Voyage concerts, Johan Renck. 

"I’m excited to be bringing the show to Apple Music Hits because I have long wanted to ask some emotionally intelligent as well as intellectual people who know about ABBA about why they think our songs have lasted for such a long time — almost 40 years — because I don’t understand it myself,” said Björn. "Sometimes when I see the number of albums we’ve sold — which they say is around almost 400 million — I can intellectually grasp that, but emotionally I never have been able to because I don’t know why all this happened. I just know that we wrote our songs as best we could, and then recorded them as best as we could, and that was it. What happened afterwards was a phenomenon that I never quite understood. But maybe my guests here on this series will help me to understand it. Maybe they have some input that that I’ve waited for for so long. I’ve talked to several people about this already of course, but no one has come up with a really good answer, so I think that is in essence is what this this series is about. It’s about finally getting some questions that I’ve had for a long time answered".

Listen to Björn from ABBA and Friends every day this week at 12:00p PST on Apple Music Hits or binge the full series anytime on-demand with an Apple Music subscription at apple.co/_ABBARadio.