Latin American and Caribbean Mental Health Leaders Unite Against Conversion Practices

Mental health professional guilds, organizations, and associations from over seven countries in Latin America and the Caribbean have joined forces to issue a powerful statement condemning conversion practices aimed at altering or suppressing sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Conversion practices, deeply rooted in homophobia and transphobia, are denounced by these organizations for lacking any scientific basis and being extreme forms of discrimination. They inflict severe mental health damage on individuals within the LGBTIQ community, leading to issues such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, self-esteem challenges, and even suicidal thoughts.

The signatory organizations include prominent bodies such as the Caribbean Alliance of National Psychology Associations, Latin American Psychoanalytic Federation, Federal Council of Psychologists of Brazil, Federation of Psychologists of Venezuela, Colombian Professional Association of Psychology, Peruvian Society of Psychoanalysis, Gender and Sexualities Commission of the Professional Association of Psychologists of Chile, and the Professional Association of Psychologists of Santa Fe, Argentina - First Circumscription.

In emphasizing the importance of inclusive approaches within mental health practice, these organizations stress the need to respect the identity of LGBTIQ individuals while rejecting all forms of discrimination.

The joint statement urges mental health professionals to actively denounce and confront conversion practices within their professional spaces, as well as in the media and public forums. Furthermore, the organizations call upon governments in Latin America and the Caribbean to enact effective legislation and public policies that prevent conversion practices and ensure victims have access to the necessary professional care. The overarching goal is to prioritize the well-being and rights of LGBTIQ individuals by eradicating these harmful practices.

Outright International, an organization dedicated to human rights advocacy, has documented the global use of conversion practices and is actively collaborating with partners worldwide to eradicate them. The organization's research sheds light on the nature, extent, and impact of these harmful practices.

Maria Sjödin (pictured), Executive Director of Outright International, emphasizes the crucial need to "convert mindsets, not identities" and advocates for a world where all individuals can live authentically and free from discrimination. Mental health professionals, she states, can play a pivotal role in curbing the demand for conversion practices and ensuring they have no part in it.

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Gallery 1261 Presents "Genesis," A Solo Exhibition By Denver-Based artist Robin Cole

Gallery 1261 is proud to present "Genesis," a solo exhibition by Denver-based artist Robin Cole. Drawing from the deep reservoirs of personal transformation and the vastness of the natural world, Cole's work bridges the realms of science and spirit, presenting a harmonious confluence of the internal and external wilderness.

Said Cole, “My work explores an inner wilderness by way of an outer one. I believe that the natural world is not only an inherent part of us as human beings (and we of it), but that it is the original, exquisitely sensitive mirror in which we find our own inner terrain and wildness reflected. My work has always been an act of reverence for the natural world. There is an element of science in it, in the desire to study and observe. But there is an element of spirit, too, in the continual reaching for something just beyond the visible.

These images come as often from within as without, informed as significantly by emotional texture and imagination as observation. This is particularly true since becoming a mother—a primal event that has acquainted me with the processes (both physical and metaphorical) of germination, gestation, birth, and revelation. As I gaze at the world through this new lens, with a tiny hand clasped in my larger one, I find moments of the purest joy sneak up on me in a way they never have before, like new constellations among previously familiar stars. I find a sense of possibility suffuses our everyday lives, as beautiful and honest as the vision of a double rainbow above the vast plains of my creative life to date.

I am interested in elemental experiences that possess this added, dream-like resonance, like a vision of tiny embryonic mysteries, or the ethereal glow of a nameless light in a white landscape. These are the times when the veil feels thin, when an omnipresent but unnoticed magic moves beneath the surface of the ordinary. In my work, I aim to weave this need for understanding into a broader and equally honest experience of imagination.” – Robin Cole

Gay Catholic Community Leader Responds to Pope Francis' Decision to Bless Same-Sex Couples

In response to the recent announcement from the Vatican approving the blessings of same-sex couples, Richard Zaldivar, executive director-founder of The Wall Las Memorias, a Los Angeles-based LGBTQ+-Latino community organization, expressed his appreciation for this development.

Zaldivar commented, "The news that our Catholic church will be able to bless same-sex couples is a positive step for our LGBTQ+ community. We are grateful for this decision, as it addresses a long-standing need for a safe spiritual space in our church, especially for those in committed relationships. While recognizing that progress takes time, we acknowledge and thank Pope Francis for his leadership on this issue and his efforts to promote inclusion for all Catholics in the church."

This decision is viewed as a meaningful move towards fostering inclusivity within the Catholic Church, providing acknowledgment and acceptance for members of the LGBTQ+ community seeking spiritual recognition within the institution.

Get Ready for a Hilarious Holiday Extravaganza: Paul Lynde's Festive Special on Amazon Prime!

TRAILER - Making the Yuletide Gay from Cinephobia Releasing on Vimeo.

Get ready for a baby boomer's delight with a side of festive hilarity! The comedic genius Bruce Vilanch, known for "Get Bruce!", teamed up with director Scott Rockett to create a side-splitting TV special hosted by none other than the iconic Paul Lynde, brilliantly channeled by Michael Airington.

In this uproarious holiday extravaganza, Lynde plays host to a star-studded lineup featuring Tab Hunter (played by Spencer Day), Sal Mineo (brought to life by David Hernandez), and the flamboyant Liberace (performed by David Maiocco). Joining the merry band are Evie Harris (played by Jack Plotnick), along with special appearances by Seth Rudetsky, Jackie Beat, and Lady Bunny as themselves.

This outrageously funny variety special takes your favorite queer legends from both past and present on a tour de force of festive performances. The musical romp, filled with original music and lyrics by the 14-time Emmy-winning composer and arranger Dominic Messinger, is a celebration of Christmas with a queer twist.

Liberace's piano numbers, cheeky sexual innuendos, a never-ending flow of libations, and a collection of daring Christmas song remakes that would make your grandmother blush – this fabulous special has it all. It's a perfect blend of nostalgia and contemporary humor, promising to bring a little Christmas QUEER into your celebrations.

You can catch all the laughter and merriment exclusively on Amazon Prime.

WalletHub: Denver Is 2023’s 9th Best City for New Year’s

Source: WalletHub

With venues hiking their prices significantly during New Year’s, putting a strain on people’s wallets that have already been hit hard by inflation, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2023’s Best Cities for New Year’s, along with its infographic of 50+ New Year’s Facts – Traditions, Spending & More.

To determine which cities are the best for safely ringing in the new year without breaking the bank, WalletHub compared the 100 biggest cities across 26 key metrics. The data set ranges from the legality of fireworks and the nightlife options per capita to food affordability and forecasted precipitation for Dec. 31.  

Celebrating New Year’s in Denver (1=Best; 50=Avg.):

• Overall rank for Denver: 9^th
• 43^rd – Avg. Alcoholic Beverage Price
• 41^st – Restaurant Meal Costs
• 1^st – Availability of Affordable Fine Dining
• 54^th – Traffic Congestion
• 1^st – Legality of Fireworks
• 24^th – Walkability

'The Color Purple' In Theaters December 25

Warner Bros. Pictures invites you to experience the extraordinary sisterhood of three women who share one unbreakable bond in “The Color Purple.” This bold new take on the beloved classic is directed by Blitz Bazawule, a multi-medium artist whose breakout first feature is the highly acclaimed “The Burial of Kojo.” The film’s all-star producers are Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders and Quincy Jones. 

“The Color Purple” stars Oscar nominee Taraji P. Henson (“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”), SAG Award winner and Tony Award nominee Danielle Brooks (“The Color Purple,” “Orange Is the New Black”), Tony nominee and Emmy Award winner Colman Domingo (“Euphoria,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”), Tony Award nominee Corey Hawkins (“Six Degrees of Separation,” “In the Heights”), Oscar- and Grammy-winning artist H.E.R. (“Judas and the Black Messiah”), Grammy nominee Halle Bailey (“The Little Mermaid”), Oscar nominee Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (“King Richard,” “Ray”), and Grammy-winning artist Fantasia Barrino in her major motion picture debut. 

 The screenplay is by acclaimed playwright Marcus Gardley, who won a WGA Award for “Maid.” His script is based on the novel by Alice Walker and based on the musical stage play, book (of the musical stage play) by Marsha Norman, music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray. 

Joining director Bazawule behind the camera are a roster of acclaimed artisans, including Oscar-nominated director of photography Dan Laustsen (“The Shape of Water”), Oscar-winning production designer Paul Denham Austerberry (“The Shape of Water”), editor Jon Poll (“Bombshell,” “Meet the Parents”), costume designer Francine Jamison-Tanchuck (“Glory,” “One Night in Miami…”) and choreographer Fatima Robinson (“Dreamgirls”). The music is by Oscar nominee Kris Bowers (“King Richard,” “Green Book,” documentary short “A Concerto Is a Conversation”). 

Warner Bros. Pictures presents a Harpo Films Production, an Amblin Entertainment Production, a Scott Sanders Production/a QJP Production, “The Color Purple.” It will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures and is set to open in theaters in North America on December 25, 2023 and internationally beginning 18 January 2024.

“Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" Available Today on VUDU

Grab your friendship bracelets and popcorn because you can finally experience the concert for yourself at home! Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour is available today on Vudu, Fandango’s premium on-demand service. Fans can now watch the Certified Fresh film in SD, HD and UHD for $19.89.

 

To celebrate the long-awaited release, when fans rent Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour on Vudu, they will get 13% off their next Vudu purchase. Additionally, viewers will be entered for a chance to win 2 tickets to Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour LIVE in any city of your choice (ARV is just $500 - $250 per ticket. Travel and Accommodations are not included.) Official rules can be viewed here. 

Cult-Classic THUNDERBIRDS Coming to WOW Presents Plus on Christmas Eve

Emmy-winning multi-platform media company World of Wonder today announces they have licensed the cult-classic Gerry Anderson marionette series, “Thunderbirds”. This iconic acquisition marks a pivotal expansion of WOWPP's licensed content library and underlines the brand's commitment to continuing to expand the streamer’s content offerings beyond their robust library of original content. All 32 episodes of the 1965 series will drop on WOW Presents Plus in the US and Canada on Christmas Eve (December 24) 2023.

Thunderbirds, created by director and celebrated puppeteer Gerry Anderson, originally debuted on the ITV network in 1965. The series gained notoriety for its pioneering artform called “supermarionation” (a mashup of “super,” “marionette,” and “animation”). The process relied on specially constructed marionettes with manually manipulated bodies and electrically controlled mouths. The 32-episode series itself follows the Tracy family in the year 2026 as they run ‘International Rescue’ - a top-secret organization whose ongoing mission is to rescue people trapped in extraordinarily dangerous situations using their advanced Thunderbirds machines.

“Part of our mission with WOW Presents Plus is to bring viewers classics that deserve another look,” said World of Wonder co-founders Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato. “The artistry and humor of Thunderbirds is as fresh as the day it was made. Barbie is not the only doll who loves pink. Growing up Thunderbirds was appointment viewing especially with Lady Penelope swishing around in her pink Rolls Royce with the license plate FAB 1. Thunderbirds is must-see TV!”

Thunderbirds will join the WOW Presents Plus’ content library which features over 1,500 hours of ambitious and diverse programing, including the entire international Drag Race franchise, WOW Presents Plus’ original series, World of Wonder’s award-winning documentary films, and more.

PEOPLE Exclusive: Why Jonathan Bailey Says Doing 'Sweeping Gay Love Story' Fellow Travelers Was a 'No-Brainer' After Bridgerton

Jonathan Bailey could have gone in any direction after his runaway success as the male romantic lead in Bridgerton's second season.

But choosing to play a gay man opposite Matt Bomer in Showtime's Fellow Travelers, another romantic period drama — this one spanning the 1950s Joseph McCarthy communist trials to the 1980s AIDS crisis — was a "no-brainer" for the British actor.

"I had looked for these gay stories, a sweeping gay love story, and I hadn't really seen them," Bailey, 35, tells PEOPLE in this week's issue. "This ticked every single box, and it's something I know I'll be proud of for the rest of my career."

Bailey first grabbed the attention of TV viewers with his breakthrough performance as Anthony Bridgerton, the proud, surly viscount on Shonda Rhimes's sudsy Regency-era drama Bridgerton.

Make Your Gay Voice Heard: Take the 25th Annual LGBTQ Travel Survey by Community Marketing & Insights

Community Marketing & Insights (CMI) is conducting its 25th Annual LGBTQ Travel Survey and invites your participation. This study, spanning decades, has been instrumental in driving positive change within the LGBTQ community worldwide.

Your input, which should take about 10 to 12 minutes, contributes to this ongoing effort. Plus, completing the survey by December 31, 2023, qualifies you for entry into a drawing for one of forty $50 gift cards.

To respect your privacy, find CMI's privacy policy here. To start the survey, click here. Your contribution makes a difference—participate today!

PFLAG Greeley's Annual LGBTQ Scholarship: Empowering Tomorrow's Gay Leaders

PFLAG Greeley, a steadfast ally and advocate for the LGBTQ community, celebrates the accomplishments of LGBTQ youth through its annual scholarship program. This initiative isn't just about financial aid—it's a beacon of recognition, support, and encouragement for these remarkable individuals.

The purpose of this scholarship is threefold: to acknowledge exceptional lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer youth; to inspire them to pursue higher education; and to contribute to a more positive societal perception of the LGBTQ community.

Eligibility for this scholarship is open to graduating LGBTQ high school students residing in Greeley, Evans, Windsor, or Eaton, Colorado. Applicants must plan to attend a post-secondary institution within a year of receiving the award and must meticulously follow the application guidelines by the specified deadline.

Awardees receive the scholarship funds directly to cover education-related expenses, ensuring the money goes toward tuition, registration fees, housing, and other essential educational costs.

It's worth noting that PFLAG is an independent non-profit organization, unaffiliated with any other group or religious entity. Their impactful work is made possible, in part, thanks to the generous support of the First Congregational United Church of Christ, which provides space for PFLAG Greeley Meetings free of charge.

The 2023 scholarship winners—Aakyriah Williams from Early College Academy, Ariel Moroka-Fisk from Greeley Central High School, and Chloe Shultz from Eaton High School—each received a $1000 scholarship, honoring their achievements and potential.

Selection for this scholarship is based on specific criteria, including self-identification within the LGBTQ spectrum, integrity, determination, community involvement, and a strong potential to achieve personal and educational goals.

WalletHub: Denver Ranks in the Top 15 Most Fun Cities in America

Source: WalletHub

With entertainment accounting for 4.7% of average annual consumer expenditures in the U.S., the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2023's Most Fun Cities in America.

To help Americans find the cities with the greatest selection of cheap, fun activities, WalletHub compared more than 180 U.S. cities across 65 key metrics, ranging from fitness clubs per capita to movie costs to the average business hours of breweries.

Fun in Denver (1=Most Fun, 91=Avg.):

• Overall rank for Denver: 12^th
• 16^th – Festivals per Capita
• 21^st – Restaurants per Capita
• 13^th – Playgrounds per Capita
• 67^th – Bar Accessibility
• 56^th – Parkland Acres per Capita
• 26^th – Fitness Centers per Capita
• 15^th – Dance Clubs per Capita
• 18^th – Number of Attractions
• 28^th – Avg. Beer Price 

Ilana Glazer Live in Denver February 13

Comedy Works Entertainment proudly welcomes ILANA GLAZER LIVE! to Paramount Theatre in Denver, CO on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at 8:00pm. Tickets go on sale Friday, December 8^th at 10:00am and may be purchased at ParamountDenver.com.

Test Yourself Colorado: Free At-Home STI/HIV Testing Kits

Public Health Institute of Denver Health is working to reduce the stigma and improve outcomes for STI/HIV testing in Colorado. As part of this effort they now offer free and low-cost at home testing kits! Learn more at Test Yourself Colorado. - via One Colorado