City Hires New Executive Producer for the Aurora Fox Arts Center

Aurora Director of Library and Cultural Services Midori Clark announced the hiring of seasoned theater professional Richard R. Cowden as the new executive producer of the Aurora Fox Arts Center, effective Aug. 28.

 

Cowden comes to the Aurora Fox Arts Center from his most recent role as general manager and executive director of Denver’s Mizel Arts and Culture Center, where he oversaw all the center’s cultural activities including the Wolf Theatre Academy, Denver Children’s Theatre, the Neustadt JAAMM series and other programming. He is also the former director of the arts at Vermont’s Castleton University, where he led the departments of art, music and theatre, while also serving as director of the campus’s Fine Arts Center; he also served as the head of the Department of Theatre Arts at Colorado Mesa University from 2006 to 2010. Cowden is also the creator of the CICERO public speaking system, which he used to provide high level presentation coaching to celebrities, political leaders and Fortune 500 executives.

 

“We are very excited to have Richard (Rich) as the new executive producer of the Aurora Fox Arts Center,” said Clark. “Rich’s vast expertise in all the aspects of theater production, along with his teaching experience, makes him a well-rounded leader and visionary for the Aurora Fox.”

 

As a director with over 50 productions to his credit, Cowden was the associate artistic director of Denver’s Edge Theatre Company, where he directed the world premiere of Jonson Kuhn's “Newark Violenta” and received a Broadway World award as best director for his direction of the regional premiere of “Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo.”

 

“I am so humbled and honored to assume the executive producer role at the Aurora Fox, a place I've visited as an audience member so many times and where I've had such wonderful experiences, said Cowden. “I believe in the Aurora Fox's role at the center of the metro area's theatre community, and I'm looking forward to creating work that is thought-provoking, uplifting, challenging, and sometimes just plain silly. Rather than thinking of the Aurora Fox as a community theatre in a traditional sense given our professional focus, I want folks to feel welcome here regardless of their background, their cultural identity, their economic status, or even their level of interest in the theatrical art form--in other words, I envision the Aurora Fox as the community's theatre.”

 

Other professional credits as an actor, singer and director include sharing the Carnegie Hall stage with Stephen Sondheim as a member of Essential Voices USA, starring in Iceland's top-rated comedy series “Spaugstofan” and appearing as a featured soloist for the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Richard holds an MFA in directing from the Ohio University School of Theater and a BA in Music Theatre from Colorado Mesa. A sought-after presenter and teacher, he taught acting, directing, playwriting, improvisation, script analysis and theatre history for over 25 years.

 

Cowden also wrote and directed the Wolf Theatre Academy’s post-pandemic “comeback” production, “Emergence,” in 2021 and directed 2022’s “Matilda” and “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged),” “Puffs” for WTA and recently helmed the Denver Children’s Theatre production of “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.” He also serves on the executive committee of the Collaborative of the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). 

 

Cowden will oversee the operations of the Aurora Fox Arts Center, an award-winning professional theatre, a program the city of Aurora’s Cultural Services Division. The Aurora Fox is a member of Actors’ Equity Association, Small Professional Theater Tier 1 that employs five full time staff, 200 local theatre artists annually and two performance spaces: a 242-seat proscenium theater and a 72-seat corner thrust black box “studio” theater. The Aurora Fox is committed to the celebration of diversity and authentic representation of the Aurora community in its selection of plays, casting process and pursuit of theatrical innovations.

AQUA Announces 'Barbie World Tour' for a Nostalgia-Fueled Journey Across the US

In an exhilarating blast from the past that's set to resonate across the nation, AQUA, the Danish dance-pop powerhouse, is poised to embark on their eagerly awaited "Barbie World Tour" across the United States this fall. Fresh off the sizzling success of their sold-out headline shows at New York's Irving Plaza and Los Angeles' The Belasco this summer, the trio is poised to embark on an eagerly awaited nationwide tour, recapturing the hearts of fans across the country.

"We’ve been working for this for 27 years! Performing two sold out shows in NYC and LA this summer was a dream come true, and to be able to come back soon for a nation-wide tour is absolutely insane. We cannot wait to meet everyone for the first time, face to face." - AQUA

There will be a Spotify Fans First presale beginning on Monday, August 28th at 10:00am EST. Tickets will be available to the general public on Wednesday, August 30th at 10:00am EST.

Human Rights Campaign HBCU Program Announces New Cohort of PrEP Ambassadors

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRCF), the educational arm of the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, and the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) program is proud to announce its new PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) Ambassador cohort. This year, 12 students will serve as PrEP Peer Educators to eliminate HIV & AIDS-related stigma on HBCU campuses through public education regarding PrEP, HIV testing and treatment. Since its inception, this program has helped educate some of the most vulnerable communities, including college students, about preventative care and the continuing realities of the HIV epidemic.

 

The 12-person cohort consists of students from HBCUs across the country, including: Gevon Finley, Dillard University; Maya Wilson, North Carolina A&T State University; Kalya Dudley, John Jay College of Criminal Justice; Ryan Lastie Jr., Dillard University; Shania Stowe, Winston-Salem State University; Amarachi Okafor, Stillman College; Cheyanne Harris, Spelman College; Korinne Seveur, Spelman College; Maya Hawkins, Winston-Salem State University; Jamal Carr, Bowie State University; Tyronae Smith, Dillard University; and Kynna Burney, North Carolina A&T State University.

 

“We are thrilled to welcome this dynamic cohort of HBCU students and take great pride in the work they’re doing to continue spreading the message of HIV awareness on the respective campuses,” said HBCU Director, Leslie Hall. “As a Black gay man and HBCU alumni, I’m aware of the hurdles college aged youth face when it comes to knowing their status and taking the appropriate measures to maintain their optimal health. The creation of this ambassadorship program serves as an outlet for those who may be unfamiliar with the nuances surrounding HIV, but want to take measures to ensure their community is educated on this impactful topic.”

 

Currently, about 1.2 million people are living with HIV in the United States, but it is estimated that roughly 13% of this group are unaware of their status. HIV disproportionately impacts Black individuals (42.1% of all new diagnoses in 2019 were among Black people), followed by Hispanic people (21.7% of new diagnoses).  and individuals aged 13-24 make up 1 out of every 5 new cases of HIV, but 44% of that demographic are unaware of their status—with only 24% of college students having been tested for HIV. Despite these alarming statistics, over half of HBCUs have no formal HIV prevention policies, fueling this program’s mission of supporting those who are all too often left vulnerable to the HIV epidemic. Through this ambassadorship cohort, the HBCU program will work to ensure that PrEP is offered on or near HBCU campuses to further protect the communities most at risk.

MAGNUS RIISE releases music video for single "EARTHQUAKE"

 

Today, Indie artist Magnus Riise proudly presents the release of his new music video "Earthquake" starring Barrett Foa, and directed and choreographed by Monika Felice Smith (Bella Poarch’s "Build A B*tch," Doja Cat’s "Attention"). The video opens on a gay couple that looks like they’ve got it all, but the story quickly descends into a toxic, yet intoxicating push-and-pull that lives right below the surface.

About the making of the video, Monika Felice Smith says: "I really enjoyed bringing our "Earthquake" music video to life for Magnus Riise. I connected strongly with the original concept that Magnus approached me with. MANY humans can relate to being in toxic relationships and the inevitable cyclical nature of them. Magnus' desire to capture moments of the relationship under the water really intrigued me. I had never worked with bodies or cameras underwater until this video came along! It was a beautiful challenge and one that makes me so happy to say that we accomplished so successfully. My bread and butter is movement direction and choreography, thus making the process so enjoyable to decipher when and where we would express love vs. hostility within the couple's connection and body language. Our actors dove right in and committed wholeheartedly to my vision and direction, what a gift. I'm a huge fan of a dark undertone and this video emotes this from the beginning. It was fantastic working with the entire team on this one. Everyone was so dedicated and skilled in their craft. Thank you to our fabulous co-star Barrett Foa for bringing me on, believing in my work enough to pass my name along and make this thing happen! It truly does take a village and this project would not have happened without all hands on deck. I hope everyone enjoys the video just as much as we enjoyed creating it!"

Paul Feig is the director of films like Bridesmaids, Spy, A Simple Favor and more. In this personal essay for PEOPLE, Feig, 60, reflects on the “fear and intolerance” that led to the Aug. 18 dispute over a Pride flag and the killing of his friend Lauri Carleton, 66, at her store Mag.Pi in California. The shooter, 27, was later killed by police. “Why do you need to do this?” ​Those were the last words spoken by my friend Lauri Carleton to the man who shot and killed her as he tried to rip the Pride flag down from in front of her gift shop in Lake Arrowhead, California. On the afternoon of Friday, Aug. 18, the man pulled up in front of her shop and started yelling about the abomination that the Pride flag represented to him and how he was tired of looking at it whenever he drove past. She didn’t fight with him or meet him with the same level of aggression. Rather, Lauri calmly walked out and asked him why he needed to do this. She had been confronted before by other people about her flag. Others had torn it down. She heard their issues with it and sent them on their way. But she never took it down. It was a big flag. Big flags make a big statement. Lauri had just ordered a new, big flag because she was concerned that the current flag had gotten too faded by the sun. The sun shines bright in Arrowhead most of the time. It makes lots of colors fade. But it just keeps on shining. Lauri’s light shined brighter than the Arrowhead sun, and now it shines no more. ​Fear killed Lauri. Intolerance killed her too. I understand that kind of fear and intolerance. I grew up in a conservative household. My parents were both religious and I adopted their beliefs as a kid. I was afraid of gay people. I had never met one (that I was aware of) but would hear the stories from the kids at school about what gay people did. I couldn’t process it, and so I was scared of them. ​But then I joined the local theater company in my small Michigan hometown and met all the people I was scared of. They became my closest friends. They were fun and funny and talented and loved all the things I loved. They weren’t scary or unfamiliar at all. They were people just like me and all my other friends. When I moved out to Los Angeles in the 1980s to pursue a career in filmmaking, I met even more people of all kinds, the “others” who didn’t live in my small Michigan town, people of all races and beliefs and orientations. I realized just how small and fearful my old worldview was, and I fought to change it in myself. ​There’s so much rhetoric of fear these days against the “others,” especially the LGBTQIA2S+ community. I can see the young me hearing it all today and being even more afraid than I was of the locker room talk from my school days. It’s easy to slide into fear. It’s the default setting of the human brain. It can get us out of dangerous situations. But when it’s exploited and misinterpreted, it can ruin lives. Words matter. The fear they create matters. And they can snuff out the sunshine of a beaming loving soul if they’re acted upon. Let’s let the colors of our flags shine bright and let the fear that threatens them fade through communication, community and connection. Let’s reach across the divides and show that fear is unfounded, that it is merely a fear of the unknown and that, once known, that fear can turn into acceptance and even friendship. We have to if we are to keep moving forward. It’s what Lauri would have wanted.

Paul Feig is the director of films like Bridesmaids, Spy, A Simple Favor and more. In this personal essay for PEOPLE, Feig, 60, reflects on the “fear and intolerance” that led to the Aug. 18 dispute over a Pride flag and the killing of his friend Lauri Carleton, 66, at her store Mag.Pi in California. The shooter, 27, was later killed by police.

“Why do you need to do this?”

​Those were the last words spoken by my friend Lauri Carleton to the man who shot and killed her as he tried to rip the Pride flag down from in front of her gift shop in Lake Arrowhead, California.

On the afternoon of Friday, Aug. 18, the man pulled up in front of her shop and started yelling about the abomination that the Pride flag represented to him and how he was tired of looking at it whenever he drove past. She didn’t fight with him or meet him with the same level of aggression. Rather, Lauri calmly walked out and asked him why he needed to do this. 

She had been confronted before by other people about her flag. Others had torn it down. She heard their issues with it and sent them on their way. But she never took it down. It was a big flag. Big flags make a big statement. Lauri had just ordered a new, big flag because she was concerned that the current flag had gotten too faded by the sun.

The sun shines bright in Arrowhead most of the time. It makes lots of colors fade. But it just keeps on shining. Lauri’s light shined brighter than the Arrowhead sun, and now it shines no more. 

​Fear killed Lauri. Intolerance killed her too. I understand that kind of fear and intolerance. I grew up in a conservative household. My parents were both religious and I adopted their beliefs as a kid. I was afraid of gay people. I had never met one (that I was aware of) but would hear the stories from the kids at school about what gay people did. I couldn’t process it, and so I was scared of them.

​But then I joined the local theater company in my small Michigan hometown and met all the people I was scared of. They became my closest friends. They were fun and funny and talented and loved all the things I loved. They weren’t scary or unfamiliar at all. They were people just like me and all my other friends.

When I moved out to Los Angeles in the 1980s to pursue a career in filmmaking, I met even more people of all kinds, the “others” who didn’t live in my small Michigan town, people of all races and beliefs and orientations. I realized just how small and fearful my old worldview was, and I fought to change it in myself.

​There’s so much rhetoric of fear these days against the “others,” especially the LGBTQIA2S+ community. I can see the young me hearing it all today and being even more afraid than I was of the locker room talk from my school days. It’s easy to slide into fear. It’s the default setting of the human brain. It can get us out of dangerous situations. But when it’s exploited and misinterpreted, it can ruin lives.

Words matter. The fear they create matters. And they can snuff out the sunshine of a beaming loving soul if they’re acted upon.

Let’s let the colors of our flags shine bright and let the fear that threatens them fade through communication, community and connection. Let’s reach across the divides and show that fear is unfounded, that it is merely a fear of the unknown and that, once known, that fear can turn into acceptance and even friendship.

We have to if we are to keep moving forward. It’s what Lauri would have wanted.

'Theater Camp' Arrives on Digital 9/14

 

Theater kids, and theater kids at heart, rejoice! Searchlight Pictures’ heartwarming and hilarious ode to the stage, Theater Camp, arrives on Digital and Hulu on September 14.

The “sweet, wacky and very funny” film (Johnny Oleksinski, New York Post) is Certified-Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes and Hulu subscribers can stream it beginning September 14 when it debuts on the platform.

Fans can add the movie to their digital collection also on September 14 when Theater Camp becomes available to buy from all major digital retailers including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu, with exclusive behind-the-scenes bonus content.

Cinephobia Releasing Presents "The Latent Image"

 

Cinephobia Releasing is proud to announce the North American Premiere of THE LATENT IMAGE, a twisted, beautifully crafted deep dive into the imagination that explores just how deadly inspiration can truly be. From writer-director Alexander McGregor Birrell (Sleepaway Slasher), the film stars Joshua Tonks and Jay Clift as two men caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse that threatens to turn a dark fantasy into a stark, inescapable reality. The LATENT IMAGE is set to screen in Los Angeles on Thursday, September 7 at the Lumiere Music Hall.

“The Latent Image is a striking example of indie genre cinema – taut, creepy, and smart with a dense atmosphere of sexually charged dread, what’s not to love", said Ray Murray, President of Cinephobia Releasing.

THE LATENT IMAGE centers around thriller writer Ben, who, while struggling for inspiration, retreats to an isolated rural cabin to start work on his latest novel. One night, he wakes to find a wounded man in the cabin claiming to be a hunter whose car had broken down nearby. Intrigued by the intruder, Ben decides to secretly use him as inspiration for the antagonist in his new book. But, as the man helps Ben enact increasingly dangerous scenarios for the story’s captive protagonist, Ben's ambition may not only destroy the peaceful world he's created, but take his life in the process.

"Horror films and thrillers have always been my passion", said Birrell. "The cast and crew really gave their all and it was a wonderful experience to see and feel the scenes coming to life on set, even if that sometimes meant feeling real fear in those dark woods!"

THE LATENT IMAGE world premiered at London's Soho Horror Film Festival, and went on to screen at Outshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival and Queer Screams Festival. The film is set to screen at Fargo Moorhead LGBT Film Festival this September.

"Having The Latent Image come to North American audiences is a dream come true", said Birrell. "This film is a love letter to a lot of US genre cinema and I hope people enjoy it."

Denver Art Society Open Mic Night Friday, September 8

 

Denver Art Society’s Open Mic Night is a live show in which attendees may perform on stage whether they are amateurs or professionals, often for the first time!  Performers sign up in advance for a time slot and are welcome to perform comedy, music, poetry, rapping, spoken word or whatever you like. There is no fee to perform but times slots are limited. Sign-up at:  Denver Art Society: Open Mic Night (signupgenius.com)

Stories on Stage presents "Random Acts of Kindness" on Sunday, September 17

Stories on Stage presents "Random Acts of Kindness" on Sunday, September 17 at 2:00 p.m. at Su Teatro Cultural and Performing Arts Center, 721 Santa Fe Drive, Denver. Tickets are $26 and are available at www.storiesonstage.org or by calling 303-494-0523

 

The show features Jessica Robblee, Sam Gregory, and Martha Harmon Pardee performing stories and poems about random acts of kindness. Join them at the free milk and cookies reception after the show!

 

A random act of kindness is an unexpected act of charity or helpfulness and is often done for a stranger. According to the Mayo Clinic, kindness has been shown to increase self-esteem, compassion, and improve mood. The “helper's high” is the uplifting feeling that we experience after doing an act of kindness to others.

 

Stories on Stage has announced Stories on Stage Book Club. The club members will receive a story from an upcoming show and participants will meet, via Zoom, the Thursday before the show to discuss the story! The first virtual meeting is Thursday, September 14 at 7:00 p.m. MT.  Contact abbe@storiesonstage.org or call 303-494-0523 to join in.

 

Celebrating their 23nd Season, Stories on Stage presents renowned actors performing dynamic and entertaining short stories.

MICHAEL LINGTON UNVEILS OFFICIAL VIDEO FOR #1 HIT "MOON GODDESS"

Michael Lington gives an explosive performance of his No. 1 hit “Moon Goddess” in the evocative black and white official video, out now. The acclaimed saxophonist is joined by guitarist Angie Swan (David Byrne, will.i.am) in the video, which was directed by Ryan Wave of 4sure Media. View HERE. A nod to Ramsey Lewis’ classic “Sun Goddess,” “Moon Goddess” is from Lington’s new EP, Looking Ahead.

“I’m very passionate about ‘Moon Goddess’ and super excited to share this video with my fans – I’m so grateful for them,” says Michael Lington. “I wanted the video to capture the vibe of the song – like we’re in a void and close to the moon – and Ryan Wave did so with a very classic, cinematic feel.”

A hard-grooving, emotionally empowering track, “Moon Goddess” showcases the intuitive dynamic Lington created co-writing and co-producing with famed saxophonist/producer/horn arranger David Mann for the first time. With a freewheeling and soulful energy reminiscent of classic CTI Records releases, the album version of “Moon Goddess” features an infectious, jangly funk intro and subsequent solo by guitarist Paul Jackson Jr. Veteran jazz/R&B drummer Michael White also joined them in the studio.

“Moon Goddess” charted at No. 1 on Radiowave’s Groove Jazz 100. The single hit #2 on the Smooth Jazz Network Top 100 tally and appeared in the top five of the Billboard Smooth Jazz Airplay and Mediabase Smooth Jazz charts. The Jazz World hailed “Moon Goddess” as “a funky, uptempo track that will truly light up the night.” Smooth Jazz Therapy praised the “mellifluous yet edgy” song.

Exploring the Cosmic Odyssey of "Babylon 5: The Road Home"

Are you ready to embark on an interstellar journey like no other? Brace yourselves for a triumphant return to the iconic universe of Babylon 5, as the epic saga continues with "Babylon 5: The Road Home." In this thrilling new installment, we follow the intrepid John Sheridan on a voyage that defies the boundaries of time and reality, all in the pursuit of finding his way back to his rightful place. Get ready to be enthralled as you traverse through multiple timelines and alternate dimensions, encountering familiar faces and unraveling the deepest cosmic mysteries that lie at the heart of existence.

"The Road Home" stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Babylon 5, a show that has captured the hearts and minds of fans for three decades. This year, as the series celebrates its 30th anniversary, the creators have outdone themselves with a spellbinding animated adaptation that pushes the boundaries of storytelling and animation technology. Join the cast and the brilliant minds behind the scenes in the special featurette "Babylon 5 Forever," where they lift the veil on the creative process that brought this visionary project to life.

Behind every great saga, there are visionaries who breathe life into its characters and worlds. "The Road Home" boasts an exceptional lineup of creators, including the esteemed J. Michael Straczynski, the mastermind behind Babylon 5. Joining him are the talented Bruce Boxleitner, who lends his voice to the beloved John Sheridan, and supervising producer Rick Morales, whose insights illuminate the inner workings of this remarkable journey. Through their audio commentary, gain an unparalleled glimpse into the minds of the creators as they navigate the intricate narrative webs they've woven.

What's a return to Babylon 5 without the voices that defined the series? Prepare to be swept away by the familiar cadences of Bruce Boxleitner as John Sheridan, Claudia Christian as Susan Ivanova, Peter Jurasik as Londo Mollari, Bill Mumy as Lennier, Tracy Scoggins as Elizabeth Lochley, and Patricia Tallman as Lyta Alexander. These seasoned actors infuse the film with the same magic that made the original series an unforgettable experience.

As the universe expands, new characters step into the spotlight, seamlessly weaving into the cosmic tapestry. Paul Guyet, known for his roles in "World of Warcraft," takes on the enigmatic characters of Zathras and Jeffery Sinclair. Anthony Hansen, recognized from "God of War," embodies Michael Garibaldi, while Mara Junot lends her voice to a Reporter and the Computer Voice. Familiar voices from Phil LaMarr ("Futurama") as Dr. Stephen Franklin, Piotr Michael ("Hogwart's Legacy") as David Sheridan, Andrew Morgado ("Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness") as G'Kar, and Rebecca Riedy ("Magic: The Gathering Arena") as Delenn grace the screen with their presence.

The driving force behind "The Road Home" is none other than J. Michael Straczynski himself, who both penned the script and served as Executive Producer. His creative vision is brought to life under the skillful direction of Matt Peters, known for his work on "Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons." The supervising producer, Rick Morales, acclaimed for "Mortal Kombat Legends: Snow Blind," ensures that every detail is meticulously crafted. The esteemed Sam Register takes on the role of Executive Producer, ensuring that the legacy of Babylon 5 is faithfully upheld.

NEW DATA: Nearly 8-in-10 LGBTQ+ Americans Report Increased Fears for Personal Safety

Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation released new analyses of data of proprietary questions from Community Marketing Insight’s (CMI) 17th Annual LGBTQ+ Community Survey, co-sponsored by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and others. The analysis, which reveals the virtually universal impact gender-affirming care bans are having on LGBTQ+ adults, comes just two months after HRC officially declared a national state of emergency for LGBTQ+ people for the first time ever. Nearly 8-in-10 LGBTQ+ adults report feeling less safe as a result of gender-affirming care bans, and nearly half report that gender-affirming care bans impact the physical and/or mental health of themselves or their loved ones.   

The survey follows an unprecedented spike in anti-LGBTQ+ state legislation, with more than 550 bills introduced in 43 states, and more than 80 signed into law — more than doubling last year which was previously the worst year on record. The wave of harmful and discriminatory legislation and concurrent spike in anti-transgender rhetoric and violence prompted HRC to declare a state of emergency in June.   

“Just two months after HRC declared a National State of Emergency for LGBTQ+ people, this survey reveals that the current climate of hostility and fear is only growing worse, and that gender-affirming care bans are taking a detrimental toll on the physical and mental health of LGBTQ+ Americans,” said Kelley Robinson, President of  the Human Rights Campaign. “Extremist, anti-LGBTQ+ politicians and their allies are waging a dangerous and cruel misinformation campaign that seeks to stigmatize not only gender-affirming care but transgender and non-binary people as well. Through fear mongering and propaganda, extremist leaders are working overtime to manufacture panic, rile up their base, and coax them into opposing healthcare for transgender people, even though it’s endorsed by every major medical organization. The rhetoric and misinformation is having a virtually universal impact on LGBTQ+ people, and further plunging us into a state of emergency that’s threatening the health and safety of every LGBTQ+ person.” 

Significant findings from the 17th Annual Community Survey include: 

• 43% of LGBTQ+ adults report that gender-affirming care bans impact the physical and/or mental health of themselves or their loved ones.
  • 80.1%  transgender and non-binary adults report the same.   

• 79.1% LGBTQ+ adults report that gender-affirming care bans make them feel less safe as an LGBTQ+ person. 
  • For transgender and non-binary adults, this number increases to more than 9 in 10 (94%).  

Currently, there are 21 states across the U.S  that have enacted laws banning gender affirming care. Collectively, these states are home to nearly 97,000 transgender youth age 13-17–meaning that a third of all transgender youth in the United States currently live in states where they have lost access to gender-affirming care, or had their access severely limited (note that several of these bans have been temporarily enjoined by federal courts and are not currently in effect). Results from the 17th Annual LGBTQ+ Community Survey, fielded April-June 2023 by Community Marketing Insights (CMI), and co-sponsored by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and others, reveal that the vast majority of LGBTQ+ adults view these bills as harmful to their health, safety, and well-being, as well as that of the larger LGBTQ+ community. Many are also choosing where to live, work, travel, and spend money based on the presence or absence of these laws.  

The impact of these bills extends beyond direct threats to health and well-being. Nationwide, nearly two-thirds (62.2%)  of LGBTQ+ adults said that they would not consider moving to a state with a gender-affirming care ban, and one-third (34%) of LGBTQ+ people, including more than half (53%) of transgender and non-binary people, said that if their current state enacted a ban on gender-affirming care, they would consider moving to a different state – or, that they had already moved or started steps to move out-of-state as a result of their state’s gender affirming care ban.  

"The results of this survey make clear that we Floridians will be repairing that damage of anti-LGBTQ laws passed in this state for years to come,” said Nadine Smith, Executive Director of Equality Florida. “Conferences are canceling, talent is fleeing and the best and brightest are abandoning our universities, while LGBTQ+ people are feeling more unsafe than ever before. These attacks have to stop.” 

Autumn is Provincetown’s Secret Season: A Second Summer of LGBTQ+ Events, Festivals and Cape Cod’s Glorious Fall Weather

Provincetown, MA – Blue skies, sunny weather, and sea breezes don’t end on Labor Day in Provincetown. The LGBTQ+ haven is spectacularly situated 60 miles out to sea at the sandy tip of Cape Cod. September is when Ptown begins its Secret Season, a glorious Second Summer that runs through early November. The summer beat continues but without the peak season crowds at Provincetown's fabled beaches, restaurants, art galleries, guesthouses, and boutiques.

It’s the time of year when those in the know head for the country’s most beloved queer sanctuary, when festivals, events, and celebrations of LGBTQ+ life, art, and literature make Provincetown a balmy haven for everyone. Here’s what’s in store for Fall 2023. 

SEPTEMBER

Swim for Life and Paddler Flotilla Weekend September 8-10

The 36th Provincetown Swim for Life & Paddler Flotilla is an annual event in one of the largest natural harbors in the world, where thousands of swimmers brave its unpredictable waters, chilly currents, and surging tides in the name of charity. The Provincetown Harbor event is a 1.2-mile swim along the shallow East End shoreline. They also sponsor a Swim in Wellfleet’s Great Pond that is one mile. To date, more than $7 million has been raised for AIDS, women’s health, and the community.

PAW Pet Appreciation Week & Parade September 17-23

CASAS (Carrie A. Seaman Animal Shelter) is hosting Pet Appreciation Week. CASAS is a no-kill animal shelter designed to support the animals of lower Cape Cod.  The kickoff party for Provincetown’s Pet Appreciation Week is at the Provincetown Brewing Company during their weekly “Barks & Brews” pet tea happy hour. The events include the annual Blessing of the Animals at the Church of Saint Mary of the Harbor, the Commercial Street Pet Parade, and the Boat-slip “Pet Tea.”

The Provincetown Tennessee Williams Theater Festival September 21-24

The Provincetown Tennessee Williams Theater Festival seeks to promote Tennessee William’s connection to the Cape by celebrating his avant-garde spirit and cultural contributions to the artistic community through a series of inspiring performances each year. This year’s theme is “Astounding: Tennessee Williams, Science Fiction and Fantasy,” with performances of plays and dramatic short stories by Williams that feature spaceships, aliens, vampires, ghosts and bizarre imaginary worlds.

Mates Leather Weekend September 28-October 2

Mates Leather Weekend brings together people who are looking to socialize and party with like-minded and leather gear-wearing peers. 

OCTOBER

Washashore Festival October 7-9

The Washashore Music & Arts Festival is a “Genre Bending Queer Music Festival,” an annual gathering celebrating the union of live music, good beer, and the everlasting singularity of Provincetown. Presented by Provincetown Brewing Co., Crown & Anchor, and Tangle-Made Productions, the Washashore Festival is committed to uplifting and reflecting Provincetown’s unique soul with performers that embody free expression, individuality, beauty, diversity, acceptance, and joy. There is a Net Gala at Crown & Anchor on October 7 while on October 8, Provincetown Brewing Company hosts The Righteous Babes Revue, the Red Room showcases Nectarine Girl and Man on Man, while Crown & Anchor presents a concert featuring Jordy. The concerts continue on Sunday, October 9, with a full line-up that includes Boy Radio and Rae Kahlil.

Women’s Week October 9-15

Whether it’s getting to see the best performers and comics in queer culture today, or just walking down Commercial Street holding hands, no festival on the planet celebrates women like Women’s Week. Highlights include Tea Dance, Crisp Autumn Sailing, wine tastings, film screenings, whale watching, the Women’s March Rally, and performances by Poppy Champlin, Diana DeMuth, and Lisa Koch.

Trans Week - the Original Fantasia Fair October 16-23

Part learning experience, part social gathering, and part reunion, the Original Fantasia Fair is a full immersion experience, meaning attendees can and usually do spend an entire week 24/7 presenting their gender as they identify.

Spooky Bear Halloween Weekend October 27-29

It will be a frightfully furry weekend in Ptown with Spooky Bear Halloween Weekend, with a monstrous medley of parties, dances, a haunted house, and a costume ball.

NOVEMBER

Provincetown Food & Wine Festival November 1-5

“Local Food for Global Wines” is the theme of this year’s Provincetown Food & Wine Festival. Ticketed events include the Opening Reception, Wine Dinners, and Grand Tastings.

Mr. New England Leather November 17-19

The annual pageant to name Mr. New England Leather 2024 with a Victory Celebration and a weekend to socialize.

Red, White & Royal Blue: Topping Charts and Making Cinematic History

Red, White & Royal Blue's opening weekend reception surpassed all expectations, with fans globally contributing to its exceptional success. The film has clinched the #1 spot on Prime Video in its opening weekend, standing tall among the top three most-watched romantic comedies of all time on the platform. 

Praised by both audiences and critics, the film boasts a "Certified Fresh" rating on the Tomatometer and an impressive 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

The impact isn't confined to the screen. Casey McQuiston's bestselling novel of the same name has reemerged, climbing to the 14th spot on the Amazon Best Sellers list, thanks to the film's influence.

Denver Choruses' 2023-24 Season: A New Era Unfolds with Vibrant Concert Lineup!

The Denver Gay Men's Chorus is excited to announce the concert schedule for the Denver Choruses’ 2023-24 season! It's going to be a big year and quite honestly, a new era!

For starters, the Denver Gay Men's Chorus welcome Johnny Nichols, Jr. as new artistic director, and the organization’s first BIPOC leader. And close friends, the Denver Women's Chorus, are also celebrating DGMC's 40th anniversary. The choruses will present 20+ concert events over eight months, feature acclaimed guest artists, and more including:

𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗹𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 - Like the Winter Solstice, hinting at the light to come and the birth of new opportunities, Winter Soulstice celebrates the holiday season and DGMC’s new Artistic Director, Johnny Nichols, Jr., with music that honors the earth, celebrates diversity, and dances to the festive rhythm of soul music.

𝗡𝗲𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 - Cancel the trip to New York City! DGMC’s Neon Lights will shine brighter than the Great White Way! Experience a tribute to Broadway filled with flashy dances, razzle dazzle, and inspirational telling the important stories of the LGBTQIA+ community.

𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁! - For our Pride show 2024, DGMC Shouts! for justice, equality, unity, love, and joy! Raising their voices to the songs of the LGBTQIA+ (including allies) composers and performers who were brave enough to inspire the world with their truth.

And now through August 31, get 25% off all tickets! Learn more about each, including dates and locations at denverchourses.org.