February 2023 :: Tainted Love

Photos by Roxanna Carrasco

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RESERVATION OF RIGHTS

Tainted Love

A huge facet of the LGBTQ community is love and relationships. While a major focus today— and rightfully so—is our identities, whom we love is still a big part of it. But in light of the past few years, the reality of a lot of folks’ experiences with love, and the current state of affairs when it comes to queer marriage equality, another sappy, love is love issue didn’t seem in order.

So, I’m proud to present to you the Tainted Love issue. From satanic love and sex rituals to breakup photo shoots and the lowdown on threats to marriage equality, this issue has it all. We dive head-first into the issue of love, and—as is human nature—tear it apart.

So, whether you’re healing from a breakup, worried about the legal status of your marriage, or just plain sick of the same Valentine’s Day rhetoric, sink your teeth into this juicy content.

-Addison Herron-Wheeler

Photos by Roxanna Carrasco

The Many Limitations of the Respect for Marriage Act

by Ray Manzari

On December 13, 2022, President Joe Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act into law, granting federal protections for both same-gender and interracial marriages. However, the bill does have some key limitations, leaving the future of marriage equality hanging in the balance of the Supreme Court.

Anti-LGBTQ state laws could undercut the Respect for Marriage act, should the Supreme Court choose to overturn same-gender marriage protections. The act also leaves an exemption for religious nonprofits to not recognize same-gender marriages, which could affect adoption opportunities for queer couples. In addition, the act fails to address a long-lasting problem that penalizes the marriages of people with disabilities—regardless of their sexuality.

But the most glaring limitation of all is that the legality of same-gender marriage still rests on the 2015 Supreme Court case Obergefell v Hodges. Should the Supreme Court overturn Obergefell, same-gender marriage laws would return to the states.

Startlingly, a majority of states, both conservative and liberal, have pre-existing laws that ban same-gender marriages. Thirty-two states, including Colorado, have either constitutional or statutory bans on same-gender marriage, which would go back into effect should Obergefell be overturned. The Respect for Marriage Act wouldn't change that, but it requires all states to recognize same-gender marriages performed in other states and federally recognizes these marriages.

The Respect for Marriage act repealed the 1996 Defense of Marriage act, which was signed by President Bill Clinton and defined marriage as “one man, one woman.” In 2013, the Supreme Court ruled that part of this law was unconstitutional in the case U.S. v Windsor. In 2015, the court issued another ruling, Obergefell v Hodges, which required all states to license and recognize same-gender marriages.

Concern for the future of marriage equality ramped up last year when the Supreme Court ruled to overturn federal protections for the right to abortions in Dobbs v. Jackson. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas released an opinion concurrent with the ruling which suggested the court should review other cases under the 14th amendment right to “equal protection under laws” such as the right to contraception and same-gender marriages.

When the Respect for Marriage act passed through the Senate, it had a religious liberty amendment attached to it. This language codifies the rights of religious nonprofits—including faith-based institutions, mission organizations, religious educational institutions, and others—to not celebrate or, in some instances, recognize a marriage that conflicts with their faith.

In doing so, such organizations are allowed to deny “services, accommodations, advantages, facilities, goods, or privileges for the solemnization or celebration of a marriage.” In short, religious institutions could still refuse to host or officiate wedding ceremonies, or to provide services, on the basis of religious liberty.

The amendment follows the precedent set by the 2021 Supreme Court ruling of Fulton v. Philadelphia, which declared that a Christian adoption agency could refuse to work with same-gender couples. The argument of religious liberty has long since been used as a proponent of discrimination against same-gender couples, transgender people, women, and others.

Finally, the Respect for Marriage act does not grant protection for people with disabilities, and those individuals still do not have marriage equality. The Disabled Adult Child (DAC) marriage penalty affects any disabled person who receives disability stipends and Medicaid. Should someone who receives a monthly DAC benefit marry, they lose access not only to their stipend but their insurance as well. For many disabled Americans, this means marriage is not a viable option for them.

While the Americans with Disabilities act provides equal access to public accommodations and employment, it does not protect against the DAC marriage penalty. The Respect for Marriage act does not address these issues at all. Advocates have pushed for the passage of the Marriage Equality for Disabled Adults Act, which would remove the penalty from federal law; however, the bill has stalled in the House of Representatives since January 2022.

While the Respect for Marriage act is an important win for same-gender and interracial couples, its many limitations including; states rights should Obergefell be overturned, religious exemptions, and the unacknowledged needs of people with disabilities.

For the Love of Mike

by Ray Manzari

On December 8, 2022, Denver’s beloved drag photographer and dear friend to OFM, Mike Bomberger, was struck by a vehicle while riding his scooter in the Denver metro area. Mike is no longer in a non-medically induced coma, and at the time of this publishing, is beginning to track things with his eyes and move his arms and hands. There is still a long way to go toward recovery. Friends and family alike continue to send healing thoughts and prayers for his recovery.

Several fundraiser events have been held since Mike’s accident, all of the proceeds of which have gone to the go-fund-me created by his family. So far, the go-fund-me has raised a little over $7,000 out of its $20,000 goal. Those wishing to donate can follow the QR code on the next page.

Mike fell in love with photography at a young age through going on nature walks with his father. His first real breakthrough was when he bought his first DSLR camera, and his work was published in OFM just three months later. Made locally famous for his work with the drag and LGBTQ community in Denver, Mike would go on to make lasting friendships and connections with everyone he worked with.

Mike is also an avid scooter enthusiast and would often ride his flip scooter around town. Additionally, Mike never rode without his helmet, knee ,and elbow pads. On the night of his accident, Mike was taken into the ICU wearing all of his protective equipment.

At the time of this publishing, no accident report has been released to Mike's family, another thing his supporters are fighting for to gain clarity.

A blog for updates on Mike’s condition, titled For the Love of Mike, was started by his sister Bex, who provided a comprehensive update detailing the seriousness of his condition on December 12. The Update reads as follows:

Good News

• Mike's body is recovering well.

• His surgeries on his legs went perfectly today, and they will be healed within weeks.

• His chest tube is out, so his collapsed lung is resolved.

• The intra-abdominal injuries to his spleen and kidney have stabilized.

• There is increased reactivity in his pupils and in his pain responses.

• He is breathing mostly on his own, and the tracheostomy will soon replace the ventilator.

• The MRI showed no injury to his spinal cord nor abnormal alignment of the spine.

• His blood pressure and heart rate are looking great.

• Once he is off the ventilator, he could step down to a lower ICU unit or move to a long-term acute care hospital.

The Hard News

• The Diffuse Axonal Injury (Level 3) is the most severe kind of traumatic brain injury one can have.

• Many, many areas of the brain, including the brain stem, are affected by this damage.

• This type of brain injury takes the longest to regain awareness and activity.

• The average "wakeup" time (beginning to wiggle toes, squeeze a hand etc.) is around two months.

• Regaining interactivity and functioning can take six months, one year, five years...

• Regaining of independence is highly unlikely in the next year and possibly ever.

• We need to be prepared for the possibility of a hospital setting as a long term, or even permanent, situation for our Mike.

“Right now, we are hopeful that Mike will be able to regain awareness of what's going on around him so that we can show him the immense love his community has for him. And, of course, we're open and ready to receive any and all miracles the universe has for him.”

Mike Bomberger is an integral part of the Denver LGBTQ scene and the OFM family. We at OFM continue to send love to Mike’s family and wish for a speedy recovery. Scan the QR Code for Mike's Go-Fund-Me!

Photo by Stu Osborne

Colorado Garden & Home Show

February 4-12 Colorado Convention Center ColoradoGardenFoundation.org

Bellco presents the 64th Colorado Garden & Home Show. This is the largest, oldest, and most prestigious consumer garden and home improvement show west of the Mississippi. It is the only consumer show produced by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that contributes 100% of the proceeds from every ticket sold at the show to provide horticultural-related grants and scholarships to organizations and students across Colorado.

The Colorado Garden Foundation transforms 400,000 square feet of Colorado Convention Center into a marketplace of garden and home improvement products.

This year, the Colorado Garden Foundation will recognize its 64-year legacy with a grant ceremony, awarding more than $550,000 this year in grants to horticultural projects across the state, bringing the total contribution to date of scholarships and grants over the years to more than $12 million.

Inspiring Gardens

As in past years, the Colorado Garden and Home Show will showcase eight inspiring landscaped gardens, with this year’s Entry Garden featuring the Denver Public Library Friends Foundation. The garden will showcase the library’s history and new programs.

A Marketplace of Ideas

Visit the theater at the end of the 1200 aisle where there will be 40 educational seminars on a variety of topics, all covered with the cost of admission. Be sure to check out the beautiful gardens and get ideas, inspiration, and advice from more than 500 companies from 25 states that introduce new technologies in landscaping, gardening, energy-efficient heating and cooling products, windows and window treatments, siding, flooring, lighting, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, patio furniture, roofing, gutters, storage systems, decks, spas, and more!

What Else to Look For

Master Gardeners from Colorado State University’s Cooperative Extension Service will answer gardening and horticulture-related questions for free. Look for them in their bright green aprons in the CSU Education Garden. Buy perennials for $2 per pot. On Wednesday, February 8, starting at noon, fading show flowers will be on sale to the public for $2 per pot with the proceeds going to the Arvada Rotary. Most of the potted flowers are perennials and are a great deal for those looking to add to their gardens, or to bring some fresh color into their homes.

Show Hours and Pricing:

Saturdays, Feb. 4 & Feb. 11: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., $12 adults / $10 seniors;

Sundays, Feb. 5 & Feb. 12: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., $12 adults / $10 seniors;

Monday - Friday, Feb. 6 – Feb. 10: Noon - 6 p.m., 2 FOR 1 Admission; Children 12 and under are always free.

Advance discount tickets are on sale at AXS.com

Sponsors

Bellco presents the 2023 Colorado Garden & Home Show sponsored by Carpet Mill Outlet Stores and DISH. Official suppliers include Basalite Concrete Products, GroundWorks, Custom Decks, Lifetime Windows & Siding, Team Dave Logan, Sleep City, ReNew Home Innovation, NationScapes, Stellar Painting, and 5280 Home Magazine.

OFM's Ask a Coach

with Ingomu

Welcome to Ask a Coach, where Ingomu coaches answer your questions about life, work, wellness, or matters of the soul. Share your question with us at coaches@ingomu.com, and we’ll answer them here.

For this edition, we’ve compiled the best takeaways from our Ingomu Coach Panels at the December 2022 #BeMore Days Conference. We’re sharing their top tips for life, soul, wellness, and work here and hope to inspire you. Share your question with us at coaches@ingomu.com, and we’ll answer them here.

From the Life Panel

If you are struggling with self-doubt, make a list of five wins every day. Ask yourself, “What am I proud of accomplishing today? What did I do today that went well?”

- Coach Carli Ward

Surround yourself with people who are encouraging, supportive, and loving, (people) who can get you through the ups and downs. Surround yourself with great people who can celebrate with you but can also help you when you get stopped.

- Coach Suzanne Muller

Before jumping into setting goals, focus on your starting point. Where are you? Are you in a good place? Where do you really want to go? Make sure you are setting goals based on where you are in your life.

- Coach Maria Kaylor

From the Soul Panel

In our culture, there is often a resistance to slowing down. It’s really important to calm our nervous system as a regular practice alongside a meditative practice as part of daily hygiene practices, understanding that we have the tools to lower reactivity and triggers.

- Coach Jacqueline Delibes, HearthMath Certified Coach

All goals matter. Nothing is coming (to us) without reason. Every goal is a teacher. Listen to your teachers. Once you’ve done that, add power to the goal by using this exercise. Think about the goal, and name it in the present tense. Extrapolate what your life will be like, one year, three years, five years, seven years, as this goal manifests. What do you need to do to support it? When in doubt, meditate on it!

- Coach Steve Reinhart, Energy Healer, RMT, ARC

The goals and the dreams that you have are there for a reason, and you are meant to follow them. The seed of your soul’s destiny and your soul’s desire are already within you.

- Coach Sophia Rose, MCLC

From the Wellness Panel

Try to avoid unnecessary busyness, especially in parenting. We do so much out of guilt and obligation and expectations. Let some of that go. It is OK to say no. It is OK to not be busy. It is OK to not do everything that everyone wants you to do. I promise that when you slow down, spend time with your kids, spend time with yourself, you will be more successful at hitting the goals you set for yourself.

- Coach Lisa Freeman, MA, LPC

Take small steps. Instead of getting overwhelmed with goals, make it simple. And, as you achieve the small steps, gradually, you will be able to work towards your bigger goals. Surround yourself with people who support you, who have your back.

- Coach Neelofer Basaria DrPH

Know your priorities. When you know what your priorities are, you know what you are committing to. After that, the only question is, how? If you have more than three things listed, you do not have priorities. Once you know your priorities, you can develop a plan.

- Coach Stephanie Braden, MFP-C, CES, PES

From the Work Panel

If you think about equity, representation, and inclusion. It starts with yourself, and it starts by reflecting on what is important to you, what kind of world do you want to live in? And, exploring our own shadow beliefs, educating ourselves in order to move forward.

- Coach Kimberley Kennedy, PhD

Get comfortable with discomfort. You may not like the way someone is doing something, but that doesn’t mean it's the wrong way. The more you learn about yourself, you will allow yourself to learn about others. And, the more you have an open mind and willingness to learn about others, and be open to do things a different way, the better you will be able to communicate and work effectively with others.

- Coach Anjanette Sullivan, MA

Don’t beat yourself up for not accomplishing a goal you had for the week. See yourself being, doing, and having a goal. Experience it as if it is already yours and before you know it, it will be.

- Coach Joyce Gioia, MBA, CMC, CSP, FIMC

Get it on the calendar, and take action to do it! If you get it on the calendar, that is at least one step accomplished. Also, make a consistent appointment with yourself (to work on goals).

- Coach Sylvia Henderson, MBA

Learn more at OFM.ingomu.com.

Tainted Love

Photos by: Roxanna Carrasco

Model: Coco Bardot Location: Ghost Donkey

DUMP THEM

XOXO, THC

February is the season of love, lust, and getting cozy with your cannabis and cannabis accessories. If you’re looking for a great way to celebrate solo or with a lover, look no further than this list of goodies. Whether it’s muscle pain relief through a calming balm or a calming bath that you seek, LumiBloom has you covered! We can’t get enough of their soothing CBD products with their gorgeous, floral, fragrant aromas, and we can’t recommend these products enough.

Sackville & Co. More Sex More Weed Ashtray

LumiBloom CBD

Want to buy an ashtray that directly supports sex workers? Sackville & Co teamed up with Urban Justice Center's Sex Workers Project to create this cute and vibrant MORE SEX. MORE WEED. Ashtray. This piece will not only be the focal point of your smoke sesh, but help bring real change to the community!

and Night

Hello Again - Everyday, Period, and Hangover

If you have a vagina, you can attest to the fact that it brings a lot of joy but also causes some pain and suffering, especially when it’s that time of the month. FInally, there is a cannabis suppository that can be vaginally inserted if you’re having menstrual troubles, if you’re hung over, and even if you feel just fine and want a little extra buzz. Put some pep in your step—and in your hooha—with Hello Again.

There is now a Cheeba Chew for every time of day! Their new wellness line incorporates THC-V, which counteracts the munchies and gives you an added burst of energy for working out or having a productive session at the computer. Then, when it’s time to get some sleep, try their night blend with CBN for sweet dreams.

Cheeba Chews: Morning, Noon,

I’m a huge gummy connoisseur, and I can honestly say these are some of my favorites of all time. The sour taste is reminiscent of classic, 90s sour candy, and the high hits well and evenly with every dose.

If you're looking for some sweet and savory, THC-infused treats, choose Tsumo Snacks. They're Snoop Dogg approved! No matter what flavor, they're delectable, leaving you wanting more. Just try not to eat the whole bag!

California Corner

If you need a little extra kick in your flower this holiday season, look no further than Presidential’s line of Moon Rock Mini Prerolls. Each package comes with three half-gram joints, and with flower, distillate, and kief nestled inside each one, these babies truly pack a punch when it comes to potency. Go with the classic, or try out one of their many flavor offerings!

For a little extra luxury, try out Presidential’s Moon Rock Mini Blunts. This big sibling of sorts to the Mini Pre-Rolls contains three 0.7-gram, tobacco-free blunts. Like their pre-roll partners, each blunt contains flower, distillate, and kief, along with a variety of flavors, including Blue Raspberry, Grape, Peach Mango, Pineapple, Strawberry, Tropical, and Watermelon. (We were partial toward the Peach Mango—Yum!)

Green Hornet Sour Gummy Variety Pack

Tsumo Snacks: Salsa Verde, Cinnamon Churros, Spicy Onion, and Onion

Queer Word Search

by Kerry Shatzer

The History of Lupercalia A Queer, Kinky Tradition

As far back as the 6th century BCE, even before the Roman Empire began to rise, people of the Italian peninsula have celebrated a festival called Februa in early spring. The most important ritual of the Februa was called the Lupercalia. Sources differ on the specifics of this festival, as information is little and often contradictory. The name alludes to the Luperci—the “brothers of the wolf”—a priesthood in Rome that could reference one of two things: the founding myth of Rome and the twin brothers, Romulus and Remus, who were raised by a mother wolf, or the Arcadian culture-hero Evander, who has an unclear connection to the founding families of Rome. Being a member of the gens (family) Fabia offered an opportunity to join the Luperci, as they claimed to be descendants of Evander.

The origins of the festival that later became known as Lupercalia are unclear, though some scholars believe it originates with the Sabines, who lived in central Italy before the Romans. How they celebrated it is unknown, but in Rome, people celebrated it as a fertility and purification festival, complete with animal sacrifice and symbolic painting on the foreheads of young men in blood and milk. Ovid describes a ritual in which the skins of sacrificed goats were cut into thongs–called februum, where the name of the Februa, and the month of February, got their names–and used to smack people, believing it to impart fertility. Kinky.

Despite the Catholic Church’s attempts to remove all “Pagan” festivals and rituals in the late 300’s CE, Lupercalia persisted up until the year 494, when Pope Gelasius I pushed for its dissolution despite protests from the Roman Senate. Religious figures pushing their personal agendas through a government agency? Color me surprised.

Many people connect the dissolution of Lupercalia with the institution of Valentine’s Day, as the same Pope added Saint Valentine to the Calendar of Saints in 496, but that connection does not seem to have been intended, and in fact the first person known to have connected Lupercalia and Valentine’s day as a celebration of romantic love was Chaucer, in 1382.

Though history is rarely as simple as it looks on the surface, this seems like a familiar tale: A “pagan” holiday is banned by the Catholic Church; more “appropriate” holidays slide into dates that are close to those festival days, either to purposely replace them or through coincidental historical shenaniganry, and after a few centuries, those religious holidays become heavily commercialized. And, in more recent years, the older festivals are reclaimed by modern religions. In this case, the Satanic Temple.

by Alexander DeBerg

Stock Images

Meaning and Celebration in the Satanic Temple

The Satanic Temple was officially founded by Lucien Greaves and Malcolm Jarry in 2013 in the “Satanic Reformation,” a split from the Church of Satan founded in 1966 by Anton LaVey. The Church of Satan does not appear to celebrate Lupercalia, though the Satanic Temple does.

“The Satanic Temple has translated (Lupercalia) into a 'hail yourself' day,” says Legz Fi Daisy. “Satanists I’ve met are typically more interested in creating new traditions that are relevant to our lives today (as opposed to reclaiming or recreating old traditions).” As co-congregation head elect of The Satanic Temple Colorado, she agreed to answer some questions about the holiday, though wanted to note that she could only speak on behalf of the Satanic Temple Colorado congregation, not necessarily for The Satanic Temple Global Organization or for all Satanists.

Beyond being a celebration of self-love, Lupercalia as observed by the Satanic Temple is also a celebration of bodily autonomy. Bodily autonomy is fundamental to the Satanic Temple. Literally. Of the Seven Fundamental Tenets that outline Satanic morality, Tenet III–One’s body is inviolable, subject to one’s own will alone–is by far the tenet that gets the most press. From a long-running campaign to ban corporal punishment in schools to continuing battles to protect reproductive rights, bodily autonomy is a theme in much of the Satanic Temple’s work.

“A lot of this work takes place beyond the congregation level,” Legz Fi Daisy says, “specifically through the Religious Reproductive Rights Campaign, which is organized distinctly from the Congregations.” She goes on to elaborate on some specific efforts of the Religious Reproductive Rights Campaign, such as “warning people about misleading crisis pregnancy centers that are more interested in manipulating pregnant peoples’ emotions than affirming their autonomy over their bodies.”

In addition, she mentions that, “There are efforts to vindicate our rights equal to those of any other religion in the courts.” The Satanic Temple is quick to point out that they are, in fact, a religion, and through being recognized as such, attempt to protect bodily autonomy by advocating for religious freedom.

In fact, a memory deeply etched into my mind is a moment from the Sacrilegious Sunday event held on Easter 2022 by burlesque troupe ConSensual Circus and the Satanic Temple Colorado, who routinely collaborate on events. The burlesque performer reenacted a Satanic abortion ritual in which one recites two of the Seven Fundamental Tenets as well as a personal affirmation during the process of a medical or surgical abortion.

The moment was deeply uncomfortable, but infinitely more freeing. Abortion is such a stigmatized issue that even the most intensely supportive people would rather not see a representation of it. This performer opened the eyes of everyone in the room to how beautiful it can be to reclaim your sovereignty over your own body.

Yourself' 'Hail

Celebrating Bodily Autonomy Without Roe v Wade

All that said, bodily autonomy—specifically reproductive rights were badly diminished in 2022. After the repeal of Roe v Wade by the Supreme Court, people all over the country have been left floundering.

We are lucky here in Colorado to have our reproductive rights protected by state law, and, as Legz Fi Daisy says, “Coloradoans can instead focus on enshrining rights and protections into our laws and constitution.” Elsewhere, though, people are forced to travel across state lines for abortion procedures due to gestation period limits that often end before someone would know they were pregnant or even total bans on procedures.

Legz Fi Daisy insists that this attack is all the more reason to celebrate bodily autonomy. “Cherishing our bodies and our rights bolsters our wills to fight that much harder to defend them.”

She suggests that, “One can celebrate Lupercalia in any range of ways that are personally meaningful to one’s sexuality or lack thereof. Perhaps it’s as simple as some adult fun alone or with an established partner, a safe and responsible hook-up, or even a break-up.

“One could celebrate by making that appointment for reproductive health care, whether for fertility or contraception, or anything that affirms your own worth and autonomy.”

There is a Lupercalia Self-Love Ritual on the Satanic Temple Colorado’s website which is meant to “redirect our focus on the Satanic sentiment of empowering the self.”

In addition, perhaps those of us who celebrate Lupercalia could renew our commitment to ensuring bodily autonomy for everyone, through protests, donations, and volunteering, for example. Being in a position of privilege as we are, in a state that allows us the right of control over our own bodies, it is our responsibility to ensure that right for those who are not so fortunate.

“It’s in the face of claims of authority over our bodies that it becomes important not just to value your autonomy, but to stand up and assert it.”

Ave, and Happy Lupercalia!

February 2023

Horoscopes

by Alanna L.P.

Welcome to Alanna L.P.’s Uplifting Horoscopes. These are very general readings that will resonate with many but not all of you. That’s OK! Take away what makes sense, and leave what doesn’t behind. If you want a deeper understanding of what to expect this month, read your sun sign, your rising sign, and your moon sign.

You can find what those are by going to cafeastrology.com to get a free birth chart reading.

Aries

Love yourself straight from the heart this month, dear Aries. Pamper yourself, and watch the suitors flock to you. Dress up; look good, and turn heads right into your bed.

Mantra: The Fool “I’m taking a chance tonight.”

Taurus

You’ll know when the time is right to move on, dear Taurus. If you need to say goodbye to someone special, you can warm your heart with laughter, love, and friendship. This may catch the attention of someone who could become quite the “special friend.” If you’re not ready to go public with a new relationship right away, don’t sweat it. Your secret is safe under the covers with a new lover for now.

Mantra: 8 of Pentacles – “You can’t put a price on privacy.”

Gemini

If there’s a friend you’ve been wanting to visit, now is the time. Getting out of town could lead to fun, adventure, and romance. Follow your heart and intuition, and you may find a long-distance romance blossoming.

Mantra:Ace of Pentacles – “I’m planting the seeds of love to grow.”

Cancer

Manifest a vacation, dear Cancer. Make a vision board of all the places you’d like to go and see. The love of your life may be just one plane ticket away!

Mantra: Three of Wands – “I want to see it all with you.”

Leo

Committing to a new partner means committing to a new routine, dear Leo. Your wounds will only heal if you allow yourself to be loved. Make time for intimacy in your busy schedule, and your love will grow and grow.

Mantra: 4 of Pentacles — “Money is great, but quality time is priceless.”

Virgo

This Valentine’s Day, be your own Valentine, dear Virgo. Treat your body right—Get that gym membership, and take a spa day. You gotta do you, boo, because you’re the only you you’ve got.

Mantra: 7 of Cups – “I manifest my ideal lover through acts of self love.”

Libra

Settle into the winter, Dear Libra, and snuggle up with a lover. Lose your inhibitions, and you may find yourself falling in love gently, like snow falling softly on a quiet, winter night.

Mantra: Ace of Swords – “I let love illuminate my life.”

Scorpio

Don’t pay attention to what anyone says if you’re thinking about introducing a lover to the family. Whether it be current partners, chosen family, or blood relations, everyone is going to have something to say. They’re only jealous because they wish they had what you had, dear Scorpio.

Mantra: Queen of Swords — “Talk is cheap.”

Sagittarius

Romance is your element this month, Dear Sagittarius. If you’re done with the status quo, try meeting someone through networking. You may just connect with the one that you won’t regret.

Mantra: 2 of Wands-- Good things are on the way!

Capricorn

Love comes in many forms, Dear Capricorn, and this month, you are being called to show your body some love. Do you need extra rest? More exercise? A change in diet? It’s time to show yourself how much you really care. The love from others will follow. Kicking bad habits could lead to surprising love affairs.

Mantra: The Nurturer -- Self-care is self-love.

Aquarius

Happy birthday February Aquarius! We love your eccentric ways! Celebrate you with a sense of play. Try something new and adventurous to keep the fun going. You may find yourself in a fun love game if you do.

Mantra: Defender of Wands – I’m ready for action!

Pisces

Happy birthday, February Pisces! We love how you go with the flow. This month, cozy up with someone familiar. A trip to the sex shop may help you give life a deeper meaning, if you know what I mean. Keep your play consensual and safe, and Valentine’s Day will be a treat.

Mantra: The Devil – “Express yourself, don't repress yourself.” –Madonna “Human Nature”

OFM

BAR TAB | Colorado Nightlife

BLUSH & BLU

1526 E. Colfax Ave. Denver (303) 484-8548 blushbludenver.com

BOYZTOWN

117 Broadway St. Denver (303) 722-7373 boyztowndenver.com

ClUB Q

CHARLIE DWELLINGTON’S

HAMBURGER MARY’S

1336 E. 17th Ave. Denver (303) 993-5812 hamburgermarys.com/denver

ICONS

3 E. Bijou St. Colorado Springs (719) 300-7863 Instagram- @icons_colorado

LI’L DEVILS

255 S. Broadway St. Denver (303) 733-1156 Facebook- @lildevilslounge

LIPSTICK DISCOTEQUE

5660 W. Colfax Ave. Denver (720) 669-3470 Facebook- @lipstickdiscoteque

WILD CORGI PUB

1223 E. 13th Ave. Denver (303) 832-7636 wildcorgipub.com

X BAR

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

#VYBE

1027 N. Broadway St. Denver (720) 573-8886 303vybe.com

CHARLIE’S NIGHTCLUB

900 E. Colfax Ave. Denver (303) 839-8890 charliesdenver.com

DENVER SWEET

776 N. Lincoln St. Denver (720) 598-5648 denversweet.com

WED:

EL POTRERO

4501 E. Virginia Ave. Glendale (303) 388-8889 Facebook- @elpotreroclub

R&R LOUNGE

4958 E. Colfax Ave. Denver (303) 320-9337 Facebook- @randrdenver

TIGHT END BAR

1501 E. Colfax Ave. (303) 861-9103 tightendbar.com

TRACKS

3500 Walnut St. Denver (303) 836-7326 tracksdenver.com

TRADE

475 Santa Fe Dr. Denver (720) 627-5905 Facebook- @tradedenver

THE TRIANGLE BAR

2036 N. Broadway St. Denver (303) 658-0913 triangledenver.com