August 16, 2017 :: Advocacy Issue

AU G UST 16, 2017 | O U TFR O NT M AGA ZINE .CO M | F R E E

R

E

S I S T

Jared Polis Fights for Governor’s Seat

Colorado Trans Service Members Speak Out

CHN’s 30th AIDS Walk

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CONTENTS AUGUST 16, 2017 VOL41 NO16

12 08 COLORADO HEALTH NETWORK MOTIVATES QUEERS TO MOVE FOR ITS 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF AIDS WALK 14 ACTIVE DUTY: COLORADO TRANS SERVICE MEMBERS SPEAK OUT 20 RAINBOW ALLEY: A COMMUNITY FOR OUR QUEER YOUTH 22 THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE THE GENDER IDENTITY CENTER 26 REYNALDO MIRELES OFFERS SAGE ADVISE 30 FIGHTING FOR A SEAT: QUEERS PUSH FOR A SPOT IN THE STATE’S CAPITOL 34

28

TRANS ADVOCATES BREAK MYTHS & MISCONCEPTIONS IN ‘YOUR IN THE WRONG BATHROOM!’ 36 SERVING LGBTQ PEOPLE WITH LOVE 42 DUELING WITH DEPRESSION: WANDERING THOUGHTS

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30

Presents

30

th

SERVING THE LGBT COMMUNITY OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS SINCE 1976

Anniversary

Walk For Life & 5K Run

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Your Skin is Your Own Work of Art

By Dr. Richard Asarch, Colorado Dermatologist Our skin is not only the first thing that others see, it is also a visible reflection of our overall health. I like to refer to the analogy of a fine painting when helping patients choose which treatments will improve their skin’s health and appearance. If you picture your skin as a painting- our own work of art- then the treatments you choose will be the tools to help you improve the painting.

Colors and texture are immediately visible on the surface of a canvas. Much like a painting, as we age, fine changes happen at the surface. Discoloration or textural and tonal changes in our skin cause it to lose the vibrant, healthy appearance of more youthful skin. I recommend DermaSpa Rx Skin Nutrition Products, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments, Microdermabrasion- often

combined with micro-channeling (DermaFrac) - chemical peels, and light fractional laser treatments to address the surface of the skin.

As we continue to age, the foundational layer of our skin begins to change, Damage to the underlying collagen and elastic fibers of the dermis cause our skin to lose its elasticity. The tools I use to repair the underlying structure of our skin- (the canvas)- are various lasers including: Sublative, Fractional, Radio Frequency, and Ultrasound treatments.

All of these options help to tighten and thicken the dermis resulting in smoother and firmer skin.

As we age further, our skin becomes significantly more lax, and we start to lose supportive bony structures (the stretcher bars of the canvas) and supportive volume

S P O N S O R E D CO N T E N T under the skin, which leads to a sunken appearance. To regain the contour of our beautiful “painting” we can improve the supportive structure with injectable fillers to replace missing volume and restore our youthful appearance.

Whatever stage you find your skin- “your work of art”- to be in, these non-invasive or minimally invasive procedures and treatment options can make a world of difference with little to no downtime. To augment these procedures, add effective topical agents such as those found in the DermaSpa Rx line of products to your skin care routine and enjoy creating and maintaining your own work of art.

For more information or to speak with someone about your skin concerns you may call 303-761-7797 or go to Dr. Asarch’s website: www.AsarchCenter.com

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Colorado Health Network Motivates Queers to Move for its

30th Anniversary

of AIDS Walk

By Lacy Bursick On Saturday morning, you will most likely catch Robyn Dibble standing behind a table handing out food to someone who may not have eaten in a few days. It’s where he has spent a lot of his Saturday mornings for more than a decade, when he started volunteering at the Colorado Health Network food bank.

When he got started, volunteering gave him an opportunity to give back to the community while giving one of his weekend mornings purpose.

“The food bank is one of those places where you can see the difference that is being made, Dibble said. “You are handing that food across the table and somebody is going to be able to eat because of that.”

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The Colorado Health Network (CHN) is a statewide organization in Colorado, serving nearly 4,000 individuals living with HIV/ AIDS, and those at risk. CHN also offers a food bank, dental services, STD/STI testing, and mental health and counseling services.

For Dibble, it was an organization that hit home. The Colorado resident was diagnosed with HIV in the late 80s at age 20.

“I lived the 90s not knowing what the future would bring other than the fact that it probably wouldn't be good,” Dibble said.

After losing a couple of friends, he

asked himself the same question that many living with the disease ask, why am I still here?

“What am I doing to help those who are in the same circumstance as me, but maybe not in the same financial situation or having a family support system,” Dibble questioned.

That is when he reached out to the Colorado Health Network to see how he could get involved.

To this day, HIV/AIDS is the largest pandemic in human history, and it is still the most prevalent in today, because there is still no known cure.

Every 9.5 seconds, someone in the U.S. is infected with HIV/AIDS, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That is why the AIDS Walk Colorado, hosted by CHN, is one of the most important fundraisers for queer people in the state — even as it approaches its 30th anniversary this August 19th.

The AIDS Walk will take place at Cheesman Park in Denver in effort to raise awareness, remember those lost, and fundraise for nearly a dozen important Colorado health organizations.

“This walk in its peak raised 1.6 million dollars in the mid 90s, but declined as the crisis declined and HIV and AIDS transformed into a chronic disease that can be managed with medication, if you have access to those medications,” said Darrell Vigil, Chief Executive Officer for Colorado Health Network.

He explained that 85 percent of the patients CHN serve fall into the 138 percent federal poverty level making them eligible for medicaid.

“The clients we are serving today are really lacking resources, and the services that we provide help eliminate barriers to treatment and care when our clients are facing issues with unstable housing or homelessness or lack of access to food,” he said. “We are able to provide those so that they are able to once again focus on their treatment and care which makes them healthier and makes our communities healthier.”

“The clients we are serving today are really lacking resources, and the services that we provide help eliminate barriers to treatment and care when our clients are facing issues with unstable housing or homelessness or lack of access to food” transmission. The first is testing people so that they can be aware of their status and getting them into treatment. The second is getting those considered high-risk on the prevention method called PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis). PrEP is the use of anti-HIV medication that keeps HIV negative people from becoming infected. PrEP is approved by the FDA and has been shown to be safe and effective when taken daily.

“As we can help them get their viral loads to undetectable levels, then they are far less likely to transmit HIV. Helping folks get healthier and helping keep them from transmitting HIV to others are our major goals,” Vigil said.

Transmission is most commonly from male to male sexual contact, and then injected drug use. More than 60 percent of the people with HIV/AIDS in Colorado fall under the MSM transmission category.

“About 64 percent of our clients identify as LGBTQ,” said Richard Blair, Director of Development for Colorado Health Network. “So this cause has always been something that’s really important to the LGBTQ community and remains so today.”

In Colorado, there are 11,000 people known to be living with HIV/AIDS. This does not the 1 in 5 people living with HIV/AIDS who are not aware of their status.

The epidemic began in 1981 when the CDC reported that five gay men, who were all reported as previously healthy, died from a rare lung infection in Los Angeles. Soon after, hundreds of doctors across the U.S. came forward with the same case. The disease became known as GRID (Gay-Related Immune Deficiency).

Vigil said there are two parts to stopping

Queer people were scared and scientists

were still unsure how it was being passed. It wasn’t until 1983 that the CDC reported the disease could be passed through heteorosexual sex and from mother to child.

Today the CDC estimates that there are 1.1 million people in the U.S. living with HIV/AIDS, and there are 56,300 new infections reported every year.

CHN services are open for anyone in the Denver area going through hard times. Clients utilize the food bank, get the services they need, and may not be back again for months.

“It is interesting to see the different faces. There is still a need. That is why I do it,” Dibble said.

The AIDS Walk is a great way to remember those lost and also celebrate the lives of those who are living today.

This year will feature a live performance at noon featuring Blake Lewis, a former American Idol. There will also be food trucks, vendors, a kiddie corner, and the 9th annual AIDS Walk Colorado volleyball tournament.

To get involved, visit AIDS Walk Colorado’s website or Colorado Health Network’s website. Anyone can participate by registering for the 5k walk and joining in the AIDS Walk activities.

Stay up to date with other Colorado Health Networks event on their website.

This November they have a scotch tasting event, as well as a Red Ball for World AIDS Day in December.

Blair said, “We at Colorado Health Network welcome to anyone to get involved. It is a community effort.”

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2017 CONCERT SCHEDULE FREE SHOWS

(ALL AGES WELCOME) THE LATIN CONCERT SERIES Presented by FirstBank in association with 95.7 The Party August 24 – Gaby Moreno with Vanessa Zamora August 25 – Mariachi Sol De Mi Tierra with Fiesta Colorado August 31 – Inspector with Izcali September 3 – Levitt Pavilion Denver Cumbia Festival featuring: Disco Movil Marakey, Chavos HV, Chavos Dun Dun, Tropical Kaoba, & Tropa Vallenata September 16 – Mexican Independence Celebration featuring: Ceci Bastida & much more!

THE COLORADO CONCERT SERIES Presented by Bonfils Blood Center in association with 93.3 Denver’s Modern Rock August 17 – Haunted Windchimes with co–headliner Edison August 18 – My Body Sings Electric with co–headliner Chemistry Club September 8 – Pandas & People with co–headliner Chimney Choir September 23 – Dragondeer with co–headliner Strange Americans THE LEVITT PAVILION DENVER CONCERT SERIES August 9 – Hippo Campus with Slow Caves & Corsicana – Presented by KBCO 97.3 August 10 – The Dustbowl Revival with Charley Crockett – Presented by KBCO 97.3 August 13 – The Band of Heathens with Blake Brown & The American Dust Choir – Presented by KBCO 97.3 August 19 – Smooth Hound Smith with Anthony Ruptak & the Midnight Friends – 93.3 Denver’s Modern Rock August 26 – Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe – Presented by KBCO 97.3 August 27 – New Breed Brass Band with the Denver Municipal Band – Presented by 95.7 The Party August 30 – Ripe with Chris Daniels & the Kings & Freddy Gowdy – Presented by 95.7 The Party September 2 – Chali 2na with Reason the Citizen and POVi – Presented by 95.7 The Party September 9 – Jonathan Tyler with the School of Rock – Presented by KBCO 97.3 September 10 – Humming House with Treehouse Sanctum – Presented by KBCO 97.3 September 17 – Katastro with Mouse Powell and Forgotten Roots – Presented by KBCO 97.3 September 21– SHEL with Megan Burtt – Presented by KBCO 97.3

TICKETED EVENTS

(VISIT TICKETMASTER.COM TO PURCHASE TICKETS) August 11– 311 with New Politics August 26 – Beer Festival (21+) September 22 – Josh Abbott October 7 – Cody Johnson with a co–headliner

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BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH MUSIC Levitt Pavilion Denver presents 60+ concerts a year with a diverse calendar of professional artists, from Colorado-based acts to emerging national and international musicians. The best part is that 50 of these concerts are FREE! We believe in the power of music and work to present the Levitt audiences with quality music acts. Levitt Pavilion Denver is a launchpad where you can hear tomorrow’s stars today!

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TRANS MILITARY RALLY Photos by Charles Broshous A rally to support transgender men and women serving in the United States Armed Forces was held on the west steps of the Colorado State Capitol on August 6. An intimate gathering of people came out to show their support for transgender troops after Donald Trump announced that they would no longer be able to serve in the military.

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Active Duty:

Colorado Trans Service Members Speak Out am a U.S. Marine and will always be a Marine. I am also a transgender woman.”

Add to that: badass. Whether leading her platoon into hand-tohand combat in Iraq or fighting for the rights of service members in courtrooms as an attorney, Emma Shinn is a bad ass.

I first met up with Shinn at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Detention Center in Aurora. She is defending an undocumented resident held here. My first thought was how striking she is. Among the other attorneys gathered here, she stands out. Standing 6’1 in an elegant black pant suit, Shinn has soft shoulder-length blonde hair, and carries herself with the kind of “don’t mess with me” attitude only a former soldier can possess.

It’s that same attitude that brought her here today.

To speak out against President Trump’s call to ban all transgender people from the military.

“It’s very much a [situation of] can someone cover your back, cover your six, and that’s really all that matters,” she said. And she should know.

As a battalion leader during the now historic Operation Phantom Fury, she helped overtake and then rebuild the Iraqi

Photos provided 1 4 \\ A U by G Emma U S TShinn 1 6and , 2Logan 0 1 7Ireland

By Yvonne Wright

stronghold of Fallujah. Her tank was at the center when her platoon was hit by a coordinated ambush with machine guns and grenade launchers.

“We got rocked pretty hard,” she said. “I had grooves in the barrel of my .50 caliber machine gun from rounds bouncing off of it.”

It’s heroics like this that brought dozens of Coloradans into the streets to protest the proposed ban. Not one, but two rallies were held in Denver following Trump’s July 26th tweets announcing his plan for the ban.

Shinn served for 20 years, on every continent except Antarctica.

Now a practicing attorney, she is one of the estimated 135,000 trans veterans or retired personnel from the National Guard or Reserve service. Those figures come from a Defense Department commissioned study done by the Rand Corporation.

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They’re considered the most accurate because the research is survey based and captures not only those serving openly, but the majority who serve while still in the closet.

Colorado based Air Force Staff Sergeant, Logan Ireland, is trying to change that.

A security forces airman who deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan, he came out as transgender in 2015, three years after his transition began.

“We served in silence for too long,” he said. “As brothers and sisters, we will not rest until equality rings true.”

Rand estimates right now there are 15,500 active duty and reserve transgender servicemen and women. Last year the Department of Defense told them it was okay to serve openly. Thousands came out. Now, they could lose their jobs, their pensions, and their retirement.

"For my president to deny an able bodied, fully qualified person the inherent right to raise their right hand and serve their country, potentially giving their own life for our freedoms, is doing this country an injustice,” Ireland said.

This is in sharp contrast to 2015 when his Air Force unit sent him to the White House to meet with then President Barack Obama. Since then he’s been working with about 100 transgender recruits. They were scheduled to begin service July 1 of this year. So far, that has not happened.

Because of his active duty status, he is limited in what he can now say. But, in earlier interviews with the media, Ireland questioned why the U.S. would drag its feet on letting in transgender recruits at a time when recruitment is down.

The newest estimates from the Pew Research Center show only 13 to 20 percent of those trying to get into the military meet qualifying standards. Of those serving, 40 percent are racial and ethnic minorities. With Trump’s approval rating among non-whites hovering under 20 percent, there is concern the number of incoming recruits will drop even more.

“It’s like throwing away 15 battalions of highly trained qualified troops,” said Shinn. “Trans people have been serving since the dawn of time, it’s just whether we’re serving openly or not.”

Trump’s reasoning? In one of the three tweets, he stated “Our military must be focused on decisive and overwhelming victory and cannot be burdened with the tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender in the military would entail.”

Shortly thereafter, detractors started pointing out the military spends 10 times more on Viagra than transgender health care. The Rand report estimated health care costs for transgender soldiers to run between $2.4 to $8.4 million a year. Yet, the Defense Health Agency recorded the military spending $84.2 million in 2014 on erectile dysfunction medications.

Shinn points to a F-35 jetfighter.

Already the most expensive weapons program in U.S. history, this summer’s government estimates have it tipping the $1.5 trillion mark.

“Each F-35 costs $35 million and it doesn’t even fly yet . . . Not having one unproven aircraft can fund eight years of trans service health care,” she said.

More concerning, for both Shinn and Ireland, is the part of Trump’s tweets that refer to transgender military members as a “disruption”.

“Without fault or failure, 18 other allied countries have allowed transgender troops to service in their militaries since the 90s,” said Ireland. The Rand report studied those foreign militaries and found “in no case was there any evidence of an effect on the operational effectiveness, operational readiness, or cohesion of the force.”

For now, life goes on. Shinn is finding civilian life more forgiving than the current military climate. After transitioning last year, she says she has not lost one, single client. In fact, she says her law firm has grown. She’s heading up the Colorado Name Change Project. It provides pro bono legal services for transgender individuals seeking to update their documents. And Shinn was selected as the 2017 Attorney of the Year by the Colorado LGBT Bar Association.

Ireland is currently taking part in security forces training. He tells the Air Force Times he will not go down without a fight.

“I would like to see them try to kick me out of my military.

You are not going to deny me my right to serve my country when I am fully qualified and able and willing to give my life.”

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LEGAL DIRECTORY

ARMS EXTENDED, HEAD BACK, TOUCH YOUR NOSE AND TAKE 4 STEPS TOWARDS THE RIGHT DUI ATTORNEY

THE ORR LAW FIRM

303-818-2448 • OrrLawFirm.com 720 S Colorado Blvd • Denver, CO DUI • Criminal Traffic Felony • Marijuana Defense

Millions of drivers are arrested every year for driving under the influence, which equates to approximately one in every 165 drivers in the United States. This problem is only getting worse with the legalization of marijuana. While being charged or accused of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is stressful, it’s critically important to face the situation head on and be prepared. Choosing the right attorney could mean the difference between jail-time, probation, or dismissal. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a DUI attorney:

will be heard. It is to your advantage that the judge knows the attorney’s reputation and respects him or her. This can mean a less harsh sentence for you or even the dismissal of your case.

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LICENSE AND EXPERIENCE Make sure that you hire a licensed attorney and that they’re the best DUI attorney with extensive knowledge and experience. While criminal defense attorneys often handle a number of different criminal matters, it may be to your advantage to hire a firm whose sole focus is on DUI cases.

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CREATE A LIST OF POTENTIAL ATTORNEYS There are a number of resources available online, but a good place to start is by soliciting recommendations from a trusted source, friend, or colleague who knows about the attorney’s overall process, how they performed, and their track record.

KNOW YOUR COSTS You have the right to know upfront what everything is going to cost and should be in a written contract. While additional fees may be incurred along the way, the average cost for a non-injury, non-property damage DUI is between $5K and $12K.

HIRE LOCAL A local attorney will be more familiar with the courts, judges, and prosecutors where your case

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A DUI is a serious matter. Make sure you have competent representation.

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The opinions expressed in this article are general in nature. For specific legal advice, please contact an attorney.

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Rainbow

A Community for Our Queer Youth

Alley

enn Vaught was only 13 years old when she was on the youth board that created Denver’s Rainbow Alley. Now, 19 years later, Vaught is thriving.

“My days there taught me everything from how to write grants for my nonprofits, to filing permits for rallies, and leading marches... More important though, I learned the value of community and standing as one voice growing up there,” she said.

Now known by her stage name of Onyx Steele, Vaught is this year’s Colorado Mister Gay Pride. She’s an accomplished political organizer, emcee, DJ, comedian, drag king, and all-around performer. She credits her time with Rainbow Alley for giving her the strength and the courage to chase her dreams.

The program operates in the basement of Denver’s GLBT Center. It’s a safe place for LGBTQ youth between the ages of 11 and 21. Teens can join group discussions, educational programs, social events, or just hang out with friends.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly one-third of LGB teens attempted suicide at least once last year. The 29 percent figure is dramatic when compared to the six percent rate among heterosexual teens.

While the CDC doesn’t track suicide attempts among transgender youth, other studies are uncovering alarming results.

Onyx Steele competes in Colorado Mister Gay Pride.

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By Yvonne Wright

One, conducted by the National Center for Transgender Equality, found 92 percent of trans individuals report trying to kill themselves before the age of 25. Ninety-two percent.

“I know people whose parents disowned them and have been homeless and kicked out... Sometimes they have issues with trust or different things that make them uncomfortable,” said Noah Jansen, a Wheat Ridge High School sophomore who came out as trans right before starting high school.

FROM THE 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey – Done by the National Center for Transgender Equality

He is one of the few teens whose parents, friends, and family embraced his process from the very beginning.

“We sent a big email out to all the family and all the friends. My personal community has always been very supportive,” he said. For those who don’t have it as easy, Jansen volunteers at Rainbow Alley and he’s created a Gay-Straight Alliance at his high school.

“It’s my personal extension of Rainbow Alley to Wheat Ridge,” he said. “Some of the kids can’t get there, or their parents won’t let them, so I thought I could bring Rainbow Alley to them in whatever way possible.”

54%

77%

Fifty-four percent of people who were out or perceived as transgender in K–12 were verbally harassed, and 24% were physically attacked.

More than three-quarters of respondents who were out or perceived as transgender in K–12 had one or more negative experiences, such as being verbally harassed, prohibited from dressing according to their gender identity, or physically or sexually assaulted.

17%

Seventeen percent of people who were out or perceived as transgender left a K–12 school because the mistreatment was so bad, and 6% were expelled.

These kinds of programs are crucial. The CDC study found LGB students are 140 percent more likely to skip school than their heterosexual counterparts because of bullying and safety concerns. This same research shows LGB students had fewer suicidal thoughts if they attended schools with LGBTQ programs and policies prohibiting homophobic behaviors.

“Now more than ever we need places like Rainbow Alley because a lot of things are changing for better and for worse,” said Jansen.

Vaught couldn’t agree more. This year she’s working on several fundraisers for the program. She also said she wants to work on initiating a buddy/volunteer program with the alumni.

According to data from the 2015 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), of surveyed LGB students:

“I just want all future generations to reap the same benefits through the programs there as I did.”

34% 10%

were threatened or injured with a weapon on school property

were bullied on school property

28%

were bullied electronically

24%

Twenty-four percent of people who were out or perceived as transgender in college or vocational school were verbally, physically, or sexually harassed.

23% % of LGB students who had dated or went out with someone during the 12 months before the survey had experienced sexual dating violence in the prior year

18%

of LGB students had experienced physical dating violence

18%

of LGB students had been forced to have sexual intercourse at some point in their lives.

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There’s No Place Like The

By Addison Herron-Wheeler

Gender Identity Center

ome storm the streets, demanding equal rights for individuals who are marginalized — trans folks, people of color, queer people, refugees. They shout down the detractors and organize protests in the name of equal rights. This is important, and essential to ensuring advocacy for those who don’t always feel they have a voice in society.

There are others who set aside hardline politics at the door, and rather than protest, choose to make a cozy, inviting home for those who feel they don’t have anywhere to turn. The Gender Identity Center is one of those places.

They don’t bring politics into the equation, because they don’t want anyone to feel alienated or unwelcome. What they do is provide a space where trans and nonbinary people can simply be themselves. Without this, all of the protesting and fighting is in vain.

“I regret that we have to exist at all,” lamented Karen Scarpella, PhD, who serves as both executive director and clinical director of the GIC. “We teach folks who are uninformed, misinformed, want to support the community better, go to employers, go 2 2 \\ A U G U S T 1 6 , 2 0 1 7

to non profits and medical places. To help teach people, that’s advocacy for us. We support what One Colorado does and let them take the lead with activism. While other people are changing the world, we are holding people while we wait for the world to change.”

The GIC exists for many purposes, depending on the needs of the community members who walk through the door.

Much like the Room of Requirement in the Harry Potter series, a magical room that changes its function depending on the needs of the people who enter it, the GIC can serve as a therapist’s office, a place to eat lunch and chat with friends, a beauty salon, a school, a refuge, a free clothing boutique, and soon, a doctor’s office.

The inviting front reception room is adjacent to a kitchen, and leading off of it are many, many rooms for intake, therapist’s visits, and more. The therapy rooms are all decorated in different, fun styles to make them more inviting for the nervous first-time visitor. There is a mountain cabinthemed room, a beach-themed room, a safari room, and a relaxing room with soft lighting that is conducive to meditation and deep thought.

While the center does offer practical services such as counseling, recommendations for hormone treatment, support groups, and basic human services, all completely free of charge to the patrons, its overall function is to be a place where people can congregate and feel a sense of unity with one another.

“We offer affirmation and confirmation of human worth and dignity,” Scarpella explained. “I think that all the groups and the counseling and services are wonderful, but I think the moment when somebody unsure of themselves and lacking in confidence comes in and sits across from the table with someone and talks about the weather or the Broncos — that’s normal.

I think normalizing the spectrum of human variances is what is needed.”

And truly, those who do turn to the center to utilize its services are greeted by a sense of community.

Jane Haas, a trans woman who identifies as bisexual, struggled her whole life with gender and sexual identity. She covered her identity as bi, presenting as gay and finally coming out as bisexual at 36. However, she was still living her life as a man. Haas didn’t come out as trans until she was 57. After nearly six decades without very many resources, she turned to the Center not quite knowing what to expect.

“I went down there and had my intake session and started counseling after I came out and started living full time in my gender identity, but I was still struggling about whether or not I should do hormone replacement therapy, because on a subconscious level I really wanted to but was so afraid of all the risks involved physically,” Haas told OUT FRONT. “I’m the kind of person who doesn’t like to take any kind of medication that’s not necessary, but it became pretty clear during therapy that I really wanted to see what HRT could do for me and I found the kind of support I needed there from my therapist.”

Haas also discovered a lot more than therapy and a recommendation for HRT when she became a part of the family at the GIC. She discovered an entire community.

“One thing my therapist told me that really rang true for me, she said ‘in my experience, the people who have the most success transitioning are the ones who have a lot of support,’ and so I turned to the GIC for that support and I started attending support group meetings regularly, which I still do,” Haas explained. “I also volunteer there; it’s a way to get involved with the community and offer support, receive support. She was right about that one hundred percent. I don’t know what I would have done without the support I’ve gotten from my therapist, the people I’ve met. The whole organization is like a family.”

The GIC offers support groups for trans men and women, non-binary people, and folks who are transitioning or thinking about transitioning. They also offer support to all ages and provide a lot of basic workshops, such as makeup tips for trans women. Therapy is free and readily accessible at the GIC, and soon, they will expand to include a small clinical room where other medical needs can be met pro-bono. But most of all, they provide a place for those who have felt for so long that they don’t fit in to call home.

OUTFRONTONLINE.COM

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REYNALDO MIRELES

OFFERS SAGE ADVISE “I don’t want my voice to be silent, there’s so much I want to be able to tell younger people.”

Mireles’ story mirrors that of many who utilize the program.

Mireles is not alone. He’s part of the backbone of the LGBTQ community. The strongest part.

The elders who paved the way — who today serve as the base — the widest and sturdiest part of the tree from which everything else blossoms, on which everything else relies.

Growing up in a small, Texas town, he was kicked out of his house when he came out at age 21. Religion played a big role in family dynamics in the 80s. When his Latino culture of strong family bonds clashed with his family’s Catholic beliefs that homosexuality is a sin, Mireles eventually found his family embracing him, but not his sexuality.

At 51 he’s not what I think of when I think “elder”. Yes, his hair is tinged with gray. Tiny lines crawl up the sides of his intensely brown eyes and cradle his infectious smile. It’s a smile I see a lot during our conversation. It’s obvious he loves his job. His face lights up when he talks about the people he serves as the program director for the Colorado branch of Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE).

“Our community members have aged gracefully, have inspired others, [and] have gone before others,” he said. “Here we’re very fortunate to have a place where people can just be themselves. And that’s how people feel when they come here, you can just be yourself.

That’s empowering.”

More than 100 people come to Denver’s GLBT Center every week to participate in a variety of activities that range from a “telling our story” group, to art, yoga, and cooking classes. Others meet outside the center for coffee. Community connection, he said, is the most pressing need for people over 50.

“As people get older, they get more isolated,” he said.

“We have quite a bit of people coming out at an older age. All their lives they’ve been told to be in the closet, to live a different lifestyle . . . Now they’re getting older and saying ‘I need to be able to find community, someone else that’s like me,’” he said.

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“My dad would just plead with me, ‘please change this, change this for your mom’s sake, for our sake,’” he said.

The silver and turquois cross he wears around his neck is a symbol of his Catholic beliefs, beliefs he still holds dear. “We have people in the church who are on the down low. We really just want to be ourselves. There’s some churches that are accepting and welcoming.

Others who say ‘no we can’t have them here,’” he said.

“How do you form a bridge?” he asked. “One from the church hierarchy and the other from the LGBT community. And how can we actually walk together?” Building bridges is something Mireles does every day. As a social worker, he has helped hundreds, if not thousands of people work through issues like this.

It all began when he moved to Denver in 1997.

“I too was giving up on my own life, of not knowing where to find support. There was a time when I needed to find help that I came to The [GLBT] Center,” he said. From there he found the now defunct program El Futuro (The Future) and later became a program coordinator for the group for gay Latino men.

Mireles went on to become a program manager for the Colorado AIDS Project. This was what eventually led him to his passion for helping the

By Yvonne Wright

“Our community members have aged gracefully, have inspired others, [and] have gone before others. Here we’re very fortunate to have a place where people can just be themselves.

And that’s how people feel when they come here, you can just be yourself. That’s empowering.”

no ifs or ands... just nice butts.

LGBTQ’s aging population, as he realized that a lot of his clients who live with HIV were aging and needed support.

In addition to community connections, SAGE does outreach work with a variety of organizations.

“We are trying to build a safety net for people as they start aging into nursing homes and assisted living,” Mireles said.

“Know that people when they get into nursing homes are more afraid to be out because it’s the same bullies they grew up with that are now in the nursing homes.” To combat this SAGE works on educating staff who can help elders in assisted living be who they are.

Politically, the organization works on many campaigns — like same-sex marriage. This one Mireles got to take advantage of himself when last year he married his partner of more than 14 years. He still notes generational differences. “We don’t walk down the street hand-in-hand,” he said. But he notices younger couples feeling comfortable with public signs of affection. They didn’t grow up in a time when doing this could cost them their lives.

Things are changing. For one, Mireles said more transgender members are coming to SAGE looking for support. The message he wants to get out is the program welcomes everyone.

“I know that there are many that will again spin their wheels going around The [GLBT] Center not knowing what people are going to say – are they going to be rejected – we are welcoming here,” again Mireles emphasizes the program is for everyone over 50.

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As far as what he has to say to younger generations?

“You have a voice! You have a voice! Use it!”

OUTFRONTONLINE.COM

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AURORA PRIDE Photos by Charles Brohous and Molly McCormick

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THE INAUGURAL AURORA PRIDE TEAM

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AURORA PRIDE Photos by Charles Brohous and Molly McCormick

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By Ryan Howe

Fighting for

a Seat Queers Push for A Spot in the State’s Capitol

ack in June, Representative Jared Polis entered Colorado’s very crowded race for governor. He announced his candidacy via Reddit, the popular social news and discussion website, on Monday June 12, the first day of Denver’s Pride week.

He spent the evening replying to Reddit user’s questions about the increase of traffic in the state, how the real estate market is pushing the middle class out of Denver and Boulder, Colorado’s relationship with oil and gas companies, renewable energy, and his thoughts on other states suing Colorado for legalized marijuana — he replied, “stoopid states”.

At 12:51 he signed off for the night with a classic goodbye, “hitting the hay! Night all! xoxo”.

It’s fitting. Polis became a tech millionaire by building and selling online businesses in the late 90s and early 2000s, acquiring him a new worth somewhere around $400 million. That makes him one of the wealthiest members of the United States Congress.

If anything, Jared Polis knows how to cater to people online.

His comment about the states suing Colorado was his highest voted comment.

Polis is entering a race with top-tier candidates, big egos, a hostile national environment, weak parties, and wide-open seat — due to Gov. John Hickenlooper’s term limits. In the coming months, we’ll see if he can translate that connection and his vision for the state to Colorado’s range of voters.

“What I think this state needs is a bold vision for the future. That’s really why I wanted to run for governor.

To really be able to talk about the big issues, and big 3 0 \\ A U G U S T 1 6 , 2 0 1 7

plans,” Polis said. “And not just the ideas, but the ability to transform them into reality.”

Unsurprisingly, Polis seemed confident in OUT FRONT’s office on June 17, the Saturday of Pride weekend.

Oh yeah, Jared Polis is one of the nations only openly gay men in congress, and was the first gay parent to have a seat in our nation’s capitol.

If he snags Hickenlloper’s seat, he’ll be the first openly gay governor.

A Colorado native, Polis navigates Denver’s streets and elaborate Pride parties every Father’s Day weekend.

This year, he was celebrating the LGBTQ community alongside his personal victory of announcing his run for governor.

Photo provided

by Jared Polis

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Polis is entering with big ideas. At the top of his list is getting Colorado to use 100 percent renewable energy by 2040, ensuring parents can access free, full-day preschool or kindergarten for children age 3 and older, and encouraging companies in the state to provide stock options to employees.

“There is not going to be good news coming out of Washington on any of these items,” Polis stressed.

“If we are going to make any progress on these issues, it’s going to be at the state level. These are the issues I hear about from my friends and neighbors. People want a vision for the state where we live. We are very proud as Coloradans. We want to preserve what makes Colorado special. And I’m excited to offer my mission to do that.”

In order for him to achieve this, he’ll first have to fight his way through a few battles.

First the primaries. Alongside Polis on the democratic side are former state Sen. Mike Johnston, Cary Kennedy, a former state treasurer, businessman Noel Ginsburg, and former republican Erik Underwood.

After the primaries, he’ll be up against one of the republicans gunning for the seat.

The Republican side features Doug Robinson, the nephew of Mitt Romney; George Brauchler, the prosecutor of the Aurora theater shooter; former state legislator Victor Mitchell; Greg Lopez, the former mayor of Parker; Lew Gaiter; Stever Barlock, who co-chaired Denver’s 2016 Donald Trump presidential campaign; Doug Robinson; Joanne Silva; and former candidate Jim Rundberg.

Take a breath. Let that settle. Think about PrideFest 2016.

All those colors. All those beautiful people. Now come back.

Polis knows his voters, and with the title of the nation’s first openly gay governor on the line, he made a point hit One Colorado’s annual Pink Party on Saturday during Pridefest and mingle with some of our state’s best queer advocates.

It’s not something that Polis takes lightly. Although he hasn’t spoken about the queer bills that continuously get killed at the capitol, he did address making sure queer students across the state feel safe within the halls of their schools.

“We need to do more at the state level to make sure that school districts across our state are able to make sure that there is a welcoming and safe learning environment for every kid, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, sexual identity,” he said. “There are districts that do that well, and there are districts that have a little way to go right here in our state.”

This is battle that One Colorado, the state’s leading LGBTQ advocacy group, knows all too well as the Colorado Gay-Straight Alliance Network works out of the same office.

As school rolls back into session across the state, One Colorado is planning a statewide leadership tour — hitting Fort Collins, Denver, Colorado Springs, and Grand Junction — to ensure that students have the tools that need to build really strong 3 2 \\ A U G U S T 1 6 , 2 0 1 7

Gay Straight Alliances and clubs.

“What we are hearing from students around the state is that bullying and harassment is getting worse,” Daniel Ramos One Colorado’s director, said. “We want to make sure that our students and educators have the tools that they need to best advocate for safer school communities.”

It’s not only the students who are experiencing hostile environments. Earlier in the year, One Colorado went on tour talking to queers across the state, and found that same increase in discrimination and hate speech outside of the schoolyard, and into our local communities.

That’s only one of the battles that One Colorado continues to fight.

This year, once again, two LGBTQ related bills have died at the capitol — one that would protect queer people from the use of conversion therapy here in the state, and one that would change the restrictions in place in order for transgender people to change the gender on their birth certificate.

While many of the pro-equality champions One Colorado endorsed during last year’s election won their races and have vowed to stand up for Colorado queers at the Capitol, voters did not elect a pro-equality majority in the state’s Senate.

Unfortunately, it was the Senate who failed to pass the ban on conversion therapy and blocked the bill that would allow transgender people to, with a doctor’s note, have their birth certificate changed to reflect their gender identity.

As it sits now, Colorado does not have a pro-equality majority at the Capitol, which makes it difficult to pass bills that would help protect queer people. Although we have six queer representatives at the capitol, they are still struggling to garner enough support for these bills. This is not something Ramos or One Colorado is overlooking.

“What’s important for us is that the more LGBTQ representation we have at all levels, whether it be the school board, city council, or governor of our state, that we have a voice at the table and conversations start to change,” Ramos said. “The more and more people we elect that are part of our community, can speak on our community, and really represent the key policy and program priorities, the better off LGBTQ folks will be.”

That includes Jared Polis.

As Polis navigates his way through the muddy waters of the Governor’s race, his left-leaning ideas will be put through the ringer. But his dedication to the queer community of Colorado is not something he will back down on. He recognizes the plights of the queer community continues to face, and knows that change must first start locally.

“We’ve come a really long way on equality issues, but I want people to know that we are not there yet in this state or nationally,” Polis said. “We aim for a future where it shouldn’t matter at all who you are or who you love, and we are going to continue to fight until we reach that.”

We’re celebrating and

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OUTFRONTONLINE.COM

// 3 3

Trans Advocates Break Myths & Misconceptions in

'You’re In the Wrong Bathroom!' ow does that work?”

When you were little and that question arose, you simply took things apart — but that didn’t always work so well. In ‘You’re in the Wrong Bathroom!’ by Laura Erickson-Schroth and Laura Jacobs it’s time for different way of seeing things.

This is the second book that EricksonSchroth and Jacobs collaborated on. Back in 2014, the Erickson-Schroth published Trans Bodies, Trans Selves, and Jacobs contributed a few excerpts and helped edit the book.

Laura EricksonSchroth

Ripping a page from the 1973 book Our Bodies, Ourselves, Erickson-Schroth wanted to produce something with voices from every part of the trans community and share trans health information with the public. Jacobs didn’t hesitate to jump on board. Now, they’ve put their minds together once again and released another book educating the masses on trans people.

Approximately one million transgender individuals live in the U.S. One million. Let that number sink in.

So why do many people think they don’t know anyone who is transgender?

3 4 \\ A U G U S T 1 6 , 2 0 1 7

Laura Jacobs

By Terri Schlichenmeyer

34TH ANNUAL

“Chances are,” the authors wrote, “you’ve met one (or more) of them.”

The answer goes back to a 1960s-era estimate that didn’t take race or economics into account, and that may still lead to myths and wrong assumptions. Misunderstandings happen because of that old study, lines blur, and it’s crucial to ask ourselves why it bothers us so much.

It’s a myth to believe that any single thing can define a “trans” person, the authors stress. Each individual decides who they are or will be, what they’ll be called, whether to have surgery, and how they’ll dress.

And no, you cannot ask what’s in their pants, but you can respectfully inquire about preferred pronouns.

The sexuality of a transgender individual may be complex, or it may be a fluid process filled with surprises, but transitioning isn’t a way to “trick” anyone into anything. Disclosure to friends, family, and potential mates is likewise not easily defined, so it’s best left to the individual. Obviously, none of this is easy.

Trans people have been around for centuries and were once revered in various cultures throughout history. They are not “broken” or “trapped in the wrong body” and they do not need to be “fixed.” They’ve gone through many steps to transition, and the vast majority will not have regrets for it. And using “safety” as an argument for denying them bathroom usage is incorrect ¬¬— unless you’re talking “safety” for the trans individual zierself.

Questions. You’ve got a zillion of them and, especially if you’re transitioning or thinking about it, so do your friends and family.

‘You’re in the Wrong Bathroom!’ can answer twenty of them.

Beginning at the basics with “Identity,” authors Laura EricksonSchroth and Laura A. Jacobs take the most common lore about the “T” in LGBTQ and gently correct any wrong beliefs that may be lurking in readers’ minds.

That’s a good start, but there were times when the authors seemed too nice; more adamant language could have been appropriate. Even so, there’s a good sense of mind-easing in most cases here, followed by a carefully-measured MYOB tone.

At some point, then, and no pun intended, this book transitions more toward gender-nonconforming readers and less for cisgender folks, giving the latter even better insight.

There’s a lot of education as well as food for thought inside this book, for those who’ve transitioned as well as those who are pondering it and for their loved ones. If you need something to help set the naysayers right, ‘You’re in the Wrong Bathroom!’ will work.

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Dueling with Depression:

By Mike Yost

Wandering

I remember the first time I saw the preview for the Pixar movie, Up. You may recall the scene where Doug is introduced, and just as soon as he starts to talk, he — SQUIRRLE! My boyfriend at-the-time was sitting next to me in the theater. He immediately turned toward me with a big smile, pointing at me excitedly, “That’s you!”

To be fair, he wasn’t wrong. I try to unplug from depression by reading a book or walking around Denver with my camera. Maybe go for a drive along I-25 late at night listening to the entirety of Tool’s Lateralus. Maybe just stay in to masturbate.

But my thoughts tend to drift, wandering away from the present and dragging me into a maelstrom of anxious thoughts whirling and ricocheting off the inside of my skull. I try to concentra — SQUIRRLE! Dammit!

There are days I can’t even focus on these depression articles without my mind being pulled in five different directions, usually accompanied with booming, selfdeprecating voices reminding me that the deadline is fast approaching and I haven’t slept, or that I’m only a few paychecks away from living under a bridge on Speer Boulevard, or that I’m going to die alone.

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And from what I hear, I’m not alone in this catastrophizing. Others tell me when they try to unplug, anxiety seizes the helm, predicting the most disastrous futures imaginable. We become paralyzed with worry.

Thoughts Instead of listening to Maynard, I’m building and refining multiple contingencies for all these dreadful tomorrows soon to tumble out of the sky with a thunderous crash, crushing my bones into powder.

Of course, I fail to realize all these anticipated calamities exist only in my brain.

Writing becomes a chore. Listening to music becomes trivial. Focusing on my breathing becomes futile — after all, I’m going to die homeless and alone under a bridge. In that context, what does it matter what I do? This whole self-care strategy becomes a large pile of poo left on the lawn by a talking dog named Doug.

Until I remind myself I’m just chasing squirrels in my head again, and that self-care isn’t about solving anything.

I’m taking pictures just to take pictures.

I’m not trying to fix or ignore or engage all those frenzied anxious thoughts needling at my consciousness. I give myself permission to just “waste time.”

My thoughts still wander, but I don’t follow them. I just focus on my breathing and go back to taking photos. My thoughts wander again. I don’t follow them again.

I focus on my breathing again and go back to listening to Maynard. Repeat until enlightened.

This was (and still is) a challenge for me—to just let go. To recognize that engaging in self-care for the sake of selfcare works to break up that decades-old, weary pattern of anxious and depressive thought. To realize I have zero obligation to chase down any of those vexing, irksome squirrels.

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TRACKS

FRIDAYS

3500 Walnut St, Denver (303) 863-7326 tracksdenver.com

SATURDAYS

TRADE

SUNDAYS

475 Santa Fe Dr, Denver (720) 627-5905

2-4-1 drinks 7 p.m. – closing Neon Party Shirts Off-Half Off! 3-4-1 drinks 4 – 8 p.m.

Kai Lee’s KiKi at 9 p.m.

CLUB Q 3430 N. Academy Blvd, Colo. Springs (719) 570-1429 clubqonline.com

COMPOUND BASIX

SATURDAY BEER BUST

TRACKS

$8 Bottomless Beers // 3:30 – 7:30 p.m.

SUNDAY FUNDAY

BL

$1 Bud/Bud Light // 7 - 11 p.m.

T. ES

N AL

WRANGLER

CLOCKTOWER 16 T

AL

AV E

.W

ES

T.

L

31ST AVE. WRANGLER

T

HAMBURGER MARY’S

17TH AVE. XBAR

COLFAX AVE.

R VD BL .

11TH AVE. OGDEN ST.

1ST AVE.

BROADWAY

COMPOUND BOYZTOWN

CLARKSON ST.

6TH AVE. TRADE

WASHINGTON ST.

8TH AVE.

LI’L DEVILS

OUTFRONTONLINE.COM

// 4 5

R+R DENVER

CHARLIE’S BLUSH & BLU

EE

629 E. Colfax Ave, Denver (303) 832-2687 xbardenver.com

ST .M

K

ES

YORK ST.

X BAR

H

PA R

O AH AP

COLORADO BLVD.

3090 Downing St, Denver (303) 837-1075 denverwrangler.com

.

ST

UT

AR

HAMBURGER MARY’S 1336 E 17th Ave, Denver (303) 993-5812 hamburgermarys.com/denver

AK

W

SANTA FE DR. KALAMATH ST.

500 Santa Fe Drive Denver, Colorado (303) 893-6112

THURSDAY SKIVVY STRIPDOWN

SP

GLADYS: THE NOSY NEIGHBOR

475 Santa Fe Dr, Denver

BROADWAY

145 Broadway, Denver (303) 722-7977 compounddenver.com

Also don’t miss Thursday Skivvy Stripdown & Sunday Funday 7pm-11pm, $1 Bud/Bud Light

DOWNING ST.

CHARLIE'S® NIGHTCLUB

THE HOTTEST COLORADO NIGHTLIFE

BLUSH & BLU

BAR TAB

OUTBACK CLASSIFIEDS ENVISIONED

BY BOBERTO

Always FREE to listen and reply to ads!

Playmates or soul mates, you’ll find them on MegaMates Washington:

(202) 448-0824

www.megamates.com 18+

4 6 \\ A U G U S T 1 6 , 2 0 1 7

OUTFRONTONLINE.COM

// 4 7

$1290 due $189/mo.

$1380 due $179/mo.

2017 SUBARU FORESTER 2.5i

2017 SUBARU CROSSTREK 2.0i

36 month lease. $189 per month plus tax. $1290 due at signing plus tax.

10,000 miles per year with approved credit. No security deposit required.

36 month lease. $179 per month plus tax. $1380 due at signing plus tax.

10,000 miles per year with approved credit. No security deposit required.

MSRP $23,632 Model code HFA Package 01 Stock #175690

MSRP $22,570 Model code HRA Package 01 Stock #176111

$1360 due $159/mo.

$1390 due

$189/mo.

2017 SUBARU IMPREZA 2.0i

2017 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5i

36 month lease. $159 per month plus tax. $1360 due at signing plus tax.

10,000 miles per year with approved credit. No security deposit required.

36 month lease. $189 per month plus tax. $1390 due at signing plus tax.

10,000 miles per year with approved credit. No security deposit required.

MSRP $19,377 Model code HJA Package 01 Stock #175797

MSRP $26,520 Model code HBD Package 01 Stock #175568

2017 SUBARU LEGACY 2.5i PREMIUM 36 month lease. $179 per month plus tax. $1380 due at signing plus tax.

10,000 miles per year with approved credit. No security deposit required.

MSRP $25,331 Model code HAD Package 11 Stock #175186

$1380 due $179/mo.

And so the

adventure

begins

*2017 Subaru Legacy not as pictured

Family Owned and Operated for Over 45 years (719) 475-1920 · 1080 Motor City Drive · Colorado Springs BestBuySubaru.com ·

/heubergermotors

Expires 08/30/2017

COURTESY DELIVERY AVAILABLE TO ANYWHERE IN COLORADO