November 20, 2019 :: Giving Back - Shopping

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Giving Back

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CONTENTS

NOVEMBER 20, 2019 VOL43 NO16

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WHY GIVE WHEN YOU CAN GIVE BACK?

THE LOCAL MORALE OF GIVING BACK

8 SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE GIFT GIVING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON 11 YOLIA CREATIONS ARE WEARING A MOVEMENT 20 HOPE TANK FILLS US WITH HOLIDAY SPIRIT

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Guilt-Free Gift Guide

52 THE QUEER SEXUAL REVOLUTION 54 POWER TO THE POSITIVE 58 TAYLOR SWIFT BRUNCH 60 MATTHEWSHEPARD GALA

SERVING THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS SINCE 1976 PHONE 303-477-4000 FAX 303-325-2642 WEB OutFrontMagazine.com FACEBOOK /OutFrontColorado TWITTER @OutFrontCO INSTAGRAM /OutFrontColorado FOUNDER PHIL PRICE 1954-1993

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FROM THE EDITOR

Why Give when you can Give Back?

A

t this point, it’s cliché to even discuss how the holiday season can be a strain on our emotional energy.

Everyone is already living hand-to-mouth, and now

we’re expected to go out and buy gifts with our limited incomes.

Plus, for some queer folks, affording gifts is the least of their troubles. This time of year often brings up painful memories, and some people don’t have an accepting home to go back to and visit.

if every gift was purposely chosen to cultivate love, health, and togetherness?

Of course, we know this isn’t the way the world really works.

That’s why we’ve created this gift guide for the holiday season.

Every business featured within these pages does their best to give back to our community and other organizations. They aren’t just gay in May, and they chase positivity and change rather than the bottom line.

choice? What if every business supported queer folks, disabled

So, whether you’re spending the holidays with your chosen family or with folks back home, here’s a little something for everyone, with charity and the true spirit of the holiday season in mind.

people, and people of color, with any surplus income? What

-Addison Herron-Wheeler

But what if it didn’t have to be this way? Let us indulge, if only for a moment, in a utopian thought experiment. What if every gift you gave was also a way to give back to a charity of your

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Socially Responsible

GiftGiving this Holiday Season

By Kate Dooley

T

his year, I am trying to remember: I support what I pay for. Holiday shopping doesn’t have to feel like all your hard-earned money is only benefitting the top 1 percent in America.

This time of year is often a scramble, as people aren’t getting their goods until the last minute. If you are someone who meticulously plans their shopping months in advance and then spends this time of year watching the rest of us undergo chaos, I envy you, and I also salute you. Well done.

But, for the rest of us, after an especially exhausting, consumerist Pride month, I am trying to remind myself that intentionality has to be something I hold myself accountable for. By being more conscious of where we spend our money this season, we can reaffirm our power in supporting companies making an impact—rather than companies just making a profit.

Sure, we can all opt to hand-make gifts or decide to just show up and be present with our friends and loved ones, which is debatably the best gift of all.

But, sometimes, nothing can get us into that holiday spirit like gift-giving. We have nearly made it through the last four years of our current presidency—I’m just saying, there’s a lot

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to celebrate this year. Even if it’s the potential end of a very, very real nightmare.

As we quickly approach the weeks where gift-giving reaches its peak, let’s try our best to prevent companies from funding their problematic agendas and consequently profiting off our poor souls. I know; I know; when did letting people know we care become so complicated? But, being socially responsible is worth it. I promise.

In doing some research behind the brands and stores we love, we can start to traverse this capitalist minefield. Who’s really donating to organizations in need? Where are goods being sourced from? And, are those in charge accepting of all individuals?

I’m talking: pro-gay, pro-queer, pro-trans, pro-indigenous, pro-black, pro-elderly, pro-disabled, pro-choice.

There’s no gray area when it comes to business mission statements. Either they are in support of marginalized communities, or they’re choosing to not take a stand on this topic, which speaks for itself. Buying from brands and businesses who care about their customers cannot be the last thing we consider as we rush to buy our friends and loved ones' gifts.

Of course, this is overwhelming. How can we possibly oversee the vast multitude of companies whom we give our hardearned money to everyday? It’s a huge task, and at the end of the day, we cannot reprimand ourselves too harshly.

Holiday Bazaar Fabulous Bake Sale Santa Claus for the kids All proceeds benefit the cats at the Cat Care Society

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I am trying to be a responsible consumer. But, I am also trying not to be too hard on myself for not attending to every problem, all the time. When I get caught up in every single way I may contribute to problematic businesses—from talking on the phone to the toothpaste I use each night—I begin to melt under the realization that this problem is too big.

But, the issue gets smaller when each one of us can reorient our approach to buying even the smallest things, like holiday gifts. It’s November, and stores have already lined their shelves with Thanksgiving and Christmas items. We all become witness to this every year. It’s not just the season of giving—it’s the season of buying.

So, if we’re all buying gifts anyway, why not strive to understand what businesses are making ethical decisions with their profits this year?

Obviously, sociallyconscious goods tend to cost more, and often, this feels like we are placed in a double-bind: either we pay rent and buy goods that may be problematic, or we don’t pay rent and we buy those damn overpriced mittens.

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However, this year, I am striving to remember that even if I buy the smallest gift from an ethically sourced company (that allows me to still pay my bills and get groceries), then I am making a small impact.

No matter how inconsequential our influence may seem, we should all wake up after New Year’s feeling like we: a) refused to give money to an anti-LGBTQ company b) made the people in our lives know how thankful we are for them, and c) we supported the businesses who support us in return.

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Yolia Creations is Wearing a Movement

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By Arjuna Photos provided by Miranda Encina

iranda Encina is the creator and artist behind Yolia Creations, a jewelry business where each product is “hecho con alma.” Their slogan means “made with soul,” and Encina makes each piece by hand, with care.

Encina has always loved art in all of its iterations, but decided to venture into jewelry when their brother started leather making.

It all started with a pair of earrings. The first Yolia Creation was a pair of monarch butterfly earrings, a piece that Encina continues to make to this day. The symbolic associations with butterflies are widely-known; they are natural representations of transformation and beauty, but monarchs specifically represent immigration.

For the artist, monarchs are emblems of resistance to borders.

They said, “A lot of communities embrace the monarch as the symbol of resistance and resilience to imposed borders and how that manifests in the dehumanization of certain communities and violence against their bodies.”

When people started requesting the earrings on Facebook, the high demand told Encina people were thirsty for wearable, meaningful art. “And then I went from there. I began creating jewelry and art that I wanted to make a statement. As an indigenous person, art for me is a ceremony. It is a statement of resistance.”

Encina is Apache and Navajo and also identifies as Two-Spirit.

For them, the indigenous identity is an honor. They explain, “In the indigenous community, it was normal and natural for Two-Spirit folks to exist. Two-Spirit folks see and witness more than one world.”

According to Encina, Two-Spirit people were often in positions of leadership before colonizers targeted and attempted to wipe out the identity. Encina is able to embrace the ways masculinity and femininity are intertwined and often performs gendered duties assigned to both men and women within indigenous ceremonies.

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Aside from earrings, products sold range from leather cuffs and wrap rings to light bottles and bracelets. Many products have phrases and statements on them, like “queer af,” “no one is illegal,” “highly melanated,” and “I am my ancestors’ wildest dreams.” Some quotes on products are also bilingual and include quotes from legendary figures like Frida Kahlo. Additionally, Encina sells pronoun pins and earrings with QTPOC (queer and trans people of color), trans, and genderqueer flags.

Yolia Creations often attends fairs, and when customers stop by the booth, they’re often excited to see art that represents them. People are amazed and relieved when they engage with the products.

“When people come up to the booth, they’re like, ‘Oh my God; you have this; I am reflected in this art.’” For Encina, it is part of what makes it all worthwhile. They added, “Because we do exist, right? And oftentimes, we don't know that we exist, until we find a way to make that connection. And for me, this is how I do it.”

The effect is intentional. “I want the earrings to spark some type of thought or consciousness for other folks when they're being witnessed, but I also want for the person who's wearing them to feel empowered,” said Encina.

The journey of Yolia Creations is inextricably tied to Encina’s own personal growth. An alum from the University of Colorado Boulder, Encina double-majored in Ethnic Studies and Sociology, studying generational violence and silences.

They studied the ways trauma travels through the body and through generations.

Yolia Creations breaks those silences. Encina said, “I have the opportunity to say ‘yes’ to art and something that's going to help me grow as a person spiritually and mentally. I think, as a person of color, I never even imagined that I would even go to college.”

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Activism, resilience, and resistance have always been a tradition within Encina’s family. Encina’s grandmother was involved with the Chicanx movement at CU Boulder, and Yolia Creations is an extension of that work, of a generational movement. Encina said, “Generational movements have happened to get to where I am today, with the privilege to be able to create art and connect with communities. It’s very honoring and humbling for me.”

The jewelry of Yolia Creations demands to be heard and breaks historical silences. The art even offers healing and opportunity to future generations. Encina feels the impact on their two kids, stating, “It has really empowered my children as well.

They will say things like, ‘My mom has her own business.’”

Their children feel like they can also follow what brings them joy because they witness their mom do so as well. Their child actually chose the name Yolia, a word in Nahuatl whose closest English synonym would be “soul.”

Outside of artwork, Encina is involved in healing for many communities. Their professional work has included working for Child Protective Services; being a court appointed special advocate; and serving as a shelter program director for SPAN, the Safehouse Progressive Alliance Network. They are a leader in Out Boulder County, holding a position on the Board of Directors, as well as chairing the QTPOC Steering Committee.

Yolia Creations have been expanding, a function of Encina’s connections with the community. After being a vendor at the Black Women’s March in Denver, Yolia Creations was approached to make products for the next Denver Women’s March. Encina also continues to hold booths at events like Boulder Pride, as well at the Museo de las Americas First Fridays event. Looking forward, Yolia Creations will continue to heal and speak for generations past and present. And who knows; they might even dabble in some beadwork.

You can find Yolia Creations on Facebook and Instagram @Yolia.Crea­tions, or through their website, yolia-creations.myshopify.com

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SPONSORED CONTENT

A visionary runway benefit, Red Ball has grown to be a premiere annual fashion extravaganza and is today one of Denver’s only remaining fashion benefit shows.

Featuring breathtaking collaborations from more than a dozen local designers and salons, Red Ball pushes the boundaries of fashion while raising critical funds to provide services to Coloradans living with and at risk of acquiring HIV and other blood-borne infections.

Red Ball will take place on World AIDS Day this year: Sunday, December 1 from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. at EXDO Event Center in Denver, with a VIP reception from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. prior to general admission. The event will begin with a pre-show featuring five student designers from the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design at 7:10 p.m. The evening will feature a brief program honoring the history of World AIDS Day and the lasting impact HIV has made on the fashion community.

This year’s main runway show will feature more than 60 models choreographed by Jacob Mora, with additional feature dance choreography by Edgar Page.

Jacob Mora hails from Denver, where he is the artistic and executive director of Moraporvida Contemporary Dance. Jacob teaches nationally and internationally and has been on faculty with the University of Wyoming, University of Nevada Las Vegas, and the New York Institute of Dance, as well as serving as the guest artist and teacher for many other schools, festivals, and institutions.

Page is originally from Detroit, MI and spent the greater part of the last decade touring and performing with the world-renowned Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble.

As a principal member of the company, he was featured in numerous works. Page was named a Creativity Connects Fellow, a City of Denver Cultural Partner, an Imagine 2020 Grantee, and the first resident of the Presenting Denver Audience Favorite Award, which resulted in him being named the Artist in Residence

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for the 2020 Presenting Denver Dance Festival. Edgar is also an instructor for the Colorado Ballet.

Sinna-G, local DJ and on-air talent at Mix 100, will coordinate the show’s music, and Denver speaker and humorist Debbie Scheer will be the evening’s MC. The 2019 runway show brings together experienced designers such as James Silvrants, DCR Studios, and Gabriela Couture, and features the work of newer designers. There will also be art by Carlos Valles, Alexandra Knox, and many more.

In addition to the show, guests are invited to visit the World AIDS Day Gallery and to shop a dazzling array of silent auction items—all proceeds from which will go to benefit Coloradans living with and at risk of acquiring HIV. The Calvin Klein Remembers: AIDS Memorial Quilt panel from the NAMES Project will be on display commemorating Calvin Klein employees including Chester Weinburg, the legendary fashion designer who died in April, 1985 and is widely regarded as the first of Seventh Avenue's many losses to HIV/AIDS. Now in its 11th year, Red Ball was created to ignite awareness for World AIDS Day. This international day of observation seeks to recognize the impact that HIV and AIDS have had on our society as well as to increase awareness around preventing the further spread of the disease. More than 39 million people have died of AIDS since the beginning of the epidemic, and an estimated 36 million people currently live with HIV or AIDS worldwide. Red Ball seeks to unite a diverse audience for an event which both marks the day of observance and delivers messages of support to the individuals and families impacted by HIV. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at redballdenver.org. Come join us December 1 at EXDO Event Center to witness debut design creations, mingle with Denver's fashion elite, and enjoy unforgettable, pop-up entertainment throughout the production!

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o t r Pue a t r a l l Va M Meexico

SPONSORED CONTENT

P

By Joe Morales, NEMA News Network

uerto Vallarta, Mexico is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly destination not only in Mexico, but in the Americas. From its eclectic bar scene to its indulgent properties, it is one of my favorite places to visit, and I do often.

Having spent many Gaycations roaming around the city, everywhere from its gayborhood to the high-end properties in the South to the decadent yacht getaways around the Bay of Banderas, I have found some spots NO ONE visiting Puerto Vallarta should miss.

Where to Stay So, first things first, where do you stay when you are Gaycationing in PV? I have personally stayed at a variety of places, and there is certainly something for everyone, regardless of your individual needs or tastes.

If you’re looking for one of the international chains, you’ll have plenty to pick from across the city, from Casa Velas, Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, and The Westin Resort and Spa Puerto Vallarta in the popular Marina, just minutes from the airport to the Hacienda Hilton Puerto Vallarta in the

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Q T B G L e th s e m s o m c l r e A W n e p O h t i w y t i Commun

"hotel zone." Further south, in the city’s Historic Center and South Side, you can find the legendary Casa Kimberly, the Grand Miramar, the Hyatt Ziva, and the destination’s only five-Diamond, all-inclusive, adults-only property the Hotel Mousai. Many of these properties are TAG-certified and members of the IGLTA. Such is the case of the Costa Sur Resort which has had an active, LGBTQfriendly campaign for over five years.

Each property offers its unique take on hospitality, from one-of-a-kind spa treatments, to cooking classes, tequila and raicilla tastings, wellness programs and even the chance to rent a Valentino purse for a day. Much fun to be had.

Puerto Vallarta is also home to several LGBTQ-owned or -run hotels, including the very upscale Almar Resort, which sits on a hilltop and is home to the very popular Top Sky Bar and Mantamar Beach Club. Smaller properties like the Blue Chairs, La Pinata, and Hotel Mercurio are just steps away from the Los Muertos Beach where you can mingle with the likes of Ross Mathews, Mama Tits, Hedda Lettuce, and many of the RuPaul's Drag Race contestants who often vacation in this city. On the weekends, don’t miss the Adam and Steve show at Puerto Vallarta’s original luxury, LGBTQ boutique hotel: Casa Cupula.

Where to Play Of course, you can’t go to Puerto Vallarta without going to Playa Los Muertos beach. The LGBTQ section of the beach officially starts in front of the popular, LGBTQ hotel Blue Chairs and spans just past the Mantamar Beach Club. This is certainly the place to be if you want to see half-naked bodies tanning during the day. Steps away, you will find Basillo Badillo street where you can buy a unique souvenir from local designers like Casandra Shaw or Sergio Bustamante, who also did many of the statues located in the Malecon. If you have time, try the Puerto Vallarta ArtWalk to start your evening with some wine and international artwork window shopping. Continue the day with a local taco tour with Vallarta Food Tours and mingle with the locals before heading out for the night.

The bar scene in PV is quite extensive, offering something for everyone regardless of the night of the week. You can certainly get into some trouble if you aren’t careful. My suggestion would be to bop around the city, checking each one out until you find one that works for what you like. The “gayborhood” is manageable, and it is easy to get to most of the clubs as you hop from one to

another. Most people start the evening at Flamingos, which plays 90s music and normally gets packed early in the night.

Margaritas is right next door and is a nice breather between stops.

One of my favorites is La Noche, which has three floors with a different feel on each floor. This is a great place to start your evening. There is a gorgeous roof deck with spectacular views of the city that will add an awe-inspiring backdrop to your experience.

Ready to dance? I have two favorites that will help you get your groove into overdrive while having a great time. The first one is CC Slaughters, which has a great LGBTQ scene and is always a good vibe with house music and easy-on-theeyes dancers.

Feeling a bit more circuity? Industry and CO*DE are the newest kids on the block, they are reminiscent of the old NYC clubson a grander scale. They're the perfect locations to dance the night (and morning) away. No matter where you end up, you will meet some super friendly (and sexy) people, guaranteed.

Check out the local, LGBTQ publications to see what entertainment options you have. Bars are always opening.

Looking for a more private experience?

How about a luxury yacht getaway?

Hire your private yacht to cruise over to Yelapa and enjoy the day on the Bay of Banderas and its many secluded beaches, or stop by Los Chicos Beach Club in Yelapa or do a day pass at the LGBTQ-owned Casa Pericos or a wellness retreat at Xinalani Retreat. You can also book a tour with Vallarta Adventures for visits to many of the towns located in the south or their private beach club in Majahuitas or the popular Las Caletas Beach where Sports Illustrated shot their Swimwear issue this year.

Where to Eat Puerto Vallarta has more than 370 restaurants ranging from the upscale to mom n’ pop’s dining. LGBTQ-owned Sapphire Beach Club and Azafran offer chef-oriented dining experiences, and Gaby’s Restaurant invites guests to experience dishes that are being recovered in Puerto Vallarta. Barcelona Tapas offers an international fusion

menu with arguably the best sangria in Puerto Vallarta. Also not to be missed is the les-owned El Arrayan. These ladies have traveled Mexico to get you the best dishes around. For beach-front dining you can’t beat La Palapa or El Dorado.

If you are a true foodie, you must visit Café des Artists to try its five-to-sevendish French cuisine menu. Finger-licking good to be true.

Places You Don’t Want to Miss...

A first stop for all visitors to Puerto Vallarta is the world-famous Malecon, the boardwalk that hugs the historic downtown and the coastline of the Bay of Banderas. It is a must-visit location where visitors and locals alike can immerse themselves in the flavor, color, and 24/7 activity that embodies the Puerto Vallarta vibe. The north side of the Malecon starts off at Hotel Rosita and ends by the Amphitheater beside the Plaza de Armas. Attractions include local artwork, statues, seaside artists, shopping, restaurants, bars, and the perfect vantage point from which to

view the legendary Pacific Coast sunsets.

After 10 p.m., the Malecon also becomes the heart of Puerto Vallarta nightlife, as entertainment spills out into the streets for all to enjoy. The Southside of the Malecon includes the colorful Los Muertos Pier and the Rio Cuale crafts market, which make the perfect backdrop for a selfie.

Puerto Vallarta has established itself as a center of creation, exhibition, and promotion. An important contribution to the city's art scene is the weekly ArtWalk, which is held every Wednesday from 6 - 10 p.m. during high season. Low season offers visitors the opportunity to do the tour on their own and include other galleries that are not a part of the regular schedule. The participating galleries in Historic Center exhibit works by important national and international artists.

Puerto Vallarta’s Annual Vallarta Pride festival takes place at the end of May. The 10-day event includes an anti-homophobia march, a Pride Rally, concerts, fashion shows, drag shows, weddings, and women’s parties.

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Hope Tank FILLS US WITH

Holiday Spirit

By Addison Herron-Wheeler Photos by Veronica L. Holyfield

I

n a world of cutthroat, corporate competition, bottom line chasers, and folks who are generally up to no good, there is Hope Tank. The business stands as a beacon of ethical enterprise on South Broadway in Denver, and it’s more than just a good-looking gift shop.

“I started out working in the nonprofit sector, and I was frustrated at the lack of ways for folks to connect to nonprofits that were doing really good work,” said Erika Righter, the mind behind Hope Tank. “There was sort of this feeling that you had to have a lot of money or a lot of time to volunteer in order to make change in your community. Being a caseworker, you know that’s not the case, but often, the biggest barrier for people is information, and Hope Tank was meant to change that.”

Unlike some businesses that do a charity participation event every year or have a special product that gives back, every single item in Hope Tank gives back to one of their partners.

Anything you purchase in the store––from spending $5 on a card to dropping a lot of cash on baby clothes and gifts for

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everyone––benefits a cause. And, it’s not just any cause that the money goes to, because, as Righter points out, selecting the right charity is very important.

“The big thing I see with Denver specifically is that we have a lot of nonprofits, which means we have more than we necessarily need, and some of them aren’t doing good work,” she explained, “and so when it comes to giving back, I always encourage people to do a lot more homework than they usually do.”

However, that doesn’t mean Righter thinks that you have to have the big bucks to make a difference. Hope Tank is a small business, and Righer's a single parent. What matters is that she does research about the companies she wants to give back to and has a strategy for how to be philanthropic.

Righter also works with businesses that want to do better by the environment and the world, and that’s something she sees as missing from a lot of business strategies.

“I think the first thing you need to do if you’re a business that wants to give back is to put into a plan what your philanthropic values are as a company year-round,” she said. “Most of the

work I do actually is in consulting with businesses of all sizes about their impact, so I typically look at where they’re spending money and what they’re supporting every day.”

In addition to all the good work Hope Tank does consulting with other businesses and giving back, they are also just an awesome place to shop. Located right off of the rainbow crosswalk on South Broadway, the store is full of queer-affirming, feminist, protest-oriented, and generally positive gifts. It’s also full of witty, cute items and things outside the norm. Most of all, even if you don’t have a penny in your pocket to spend, the goal of Hope Tank is to spread awareness about how change can be made.

“I think sometimes the term ‘awareness’ can be really loosely used, like some people just set up a booth and get awareness that way, and that’s not what we're talking about. We have

real conversations with real humans about trans issues and racism, and we have about 40,000 people coming through the store every year. So we have a unique opportunity to talk with lots of folks about pretty intense stuff in a space that is usually a little more laid-back.”

Whether it’s creating a community directory for businesses, working with other small business owners on sustainability, or giving back every day with their shop, Hope Tank is all about doing the right thing every day of the year, not just during the holidays, and not just during Pride month.

“I think people really underestimate brick and mortar in Denver,” Righter said. “If you really want our neighborhoods to continue to be diverse, you need to support small business.”

Visit hopetank.org to book an event or learn more about how to make a difference.

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World AIDS Day World AIDS Day is observed each year on December 1 and is an opportunity for remembrance, awareness, and solidarity with individuals and families impacted

by HIV. Colorado Health Network will observe World AIDS Day through events in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo.

CHN provides resources to Coloradans living with and at risk of acquiring HIV, including prevention and testing, PrEP, behavioral healthcare, medical and dental care, insurance navigation, and housing and nutritional assistance.

The impact of HIV and AIDS, particularly in the early days before the advent of effective treatment, was devastating to a generation. Since HIV was first identified, over 35 million people worldwide have died from AIDS-related complications.

World AIDS Day began in 1988 as a day of remembrance to the many lives lost and an urgent call to action for research into

prevention, treatment, and the search for a cure.

While a cure continues to be elusive, incredible strides have been made in treatment and prevention. HIV today is a manageable condition which, for many, may mean taking a once-daily pill. By starting treatment quickly and remaining in care, people with HIV can expect to live full, rich, and healthy lives. We know today that Undetectable=Untransmittable, or U=U: a person with a suppressed, undetectable viral load has zero risk of transmitting the virus. Finally, the advent of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, or PrEP, means that by taking daily medication, individuals without HIV can drastically reduce their risk of acquiring the virus.

World AIDS Day provides the opportunity to celebrate advances in treatment and prevention even as we remember those we have lost and advocate for more

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effective strategies to treat HIV, eliminate stigma, and reduce the continued spread of the virus.

In Denver, Colorado Health Network invites you to observe World AIDS Day by joining us for Red Ball on December 1 from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. at EXDO Event Center. More information can be found and tickets may be purchased at redballdenver.org.

In Pueblo, join Southern Colorado Health Network and several partner organizations at Rawlings Library on December 1 from 2:00 - 4:30 p.m. to show your support for World AIDS Day. The Colorado Springs office will hold an open house from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. on November 27, serving beverages and a light lunch. There will be a station to light candles for those we hold in our memory and a screening of the musical Rent to honor the occasion.

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O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 2 5

Thrifty, Local, and Philanthropic By

By Brandon Brandon Jamil Jamil Photos provided by ARC, Buffalo Exchange, and Peak Thrift Store

I

n our community, we have myriad establishments and non-profits that are dedicated to the well-being and livelihood of local Coloradans.

But, what if I told you that some of the most impactful, helpful, and meaningful establishments that give a lending hand to our LGBTQ community have been hiding right under our noses?

Some of these establishments include Arc Thrift Store, Buffalo Exchange, Goodwill, and Peak Thrift Store. These stores are beloved local staples within our community where we shop, save money, and give.

Upon discovering this information, I wanted to find out just how these companies give back, and also a little more about their background.

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Arc So, I called Lisa Metzler, the PR director of Arc. Lisa explained that Arc is not only a wonderful establishment where you can find almost any household item, but it also “sponsors The Center at Colfax, the annual Human Rights Campagne, the annual transgender brunch, and Newsed Community Development Corporation— just to name a few. The Arc also participates during Pride weekend, as the Arc is an equal opportunity employer.”

Buffalo Exchange At Buffalo Exchange, you can purchase and sell clothes for cash or trade them in for store trade.

But, of course, that’s not all. Shawna Slaviniski, the administrative manager at Buffalo Exchange, stated that, “Buffalo Exchange is an inclusive company that welcomes the LGBT community with open arms.”

Slavinski went on to discuss the rainbow crosswalk walk-off event that brings everyone together, which takes places on Friday before the weekend festivities. Buffalo Exchange also donates clothing to Peak Thrift Store every Wednesday. Also, Buffalo Exchange donates to and participates in the annual aids walk.

Goodwill And then there’s Goodwill. Goodwill, a well-known establishment for clothing, household items, and furniture, offers many great deals for anyone who wants to look fabulous, even if their budget may not be.

Between their specialized and senior, military, and teacher discounts, it’s pretty easy to snag something for cheap. Goodwill offers community support for children who are immersed in high-poverty environments and school districts. The organization also assists with mentorship programs tailored to young men of color, refuges, and their families).

Peak Thrift Store Peak Thrift Store is an inclusive clothing store that also serves our community and the community at large. Ryan Neary, the store manager, stated that “Peak Thrift Store provides jobs, career training, education training and skills for LGBT children that have been discarded by their families. Peak Thrift Store only provides jobs for minors who are currently housed at The Urban Peak, which is the parent company of Peak Thrift Store. Peak Thrift Store is inclusive, and everyone is welcome.”

We wanted to know how the youth were being impacted by all of the services Urban Peak provides, so we spoke with Christina Carlson, CEO of Urban Peak. Christina explained, “The youth here don’t identify as homeless because they’re extremely cared for and supported. Also, at Urban Peak, we provide separate housing departments for men and women.

It’s vital that the youth determine how they choose to identify.”

“We’re expanding our building structure so that we can operate 24 hours a day, and we will have on-site mental health clinicians for our youth,” she added.

“Urban Peak will be able to provide three meals a day for every person that is housed there.”

So, the next time you shop at any of these establishments, keep in mind they’re working extremely hard to give back to our LGBTQ community, and who says we can’t shop, save money, and give back, all while looking fabulous?

O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 2 7

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Why Give when

YOU CAN

GIVE BACK If you checked out the rest of the issue, we’ve probably convinced you that ethical giving is the way to go this year. But where to start? Here’s our guide to everything you should be giving to give back.

O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 2 9

, y t u a e B Beauty, Beauty

Silk Center for Wellness an Aesthetics 1221 Galapago St., Denver Whether your loved one is looking to treat themselves to a wax and lash extensions, start on hormone replacement therapy, or both, Silk could be just the place for a treat yo’self day or a serious step toward self-transformation.

Fluide If you’re looking for makeup that truly honors your gender binary, or lack thereof, look no further than Fluide.

They make glitter for anyone, any time, and their claim to fame is that they don’t put gender on their products. Check out their awesome new Universal Gloss, which comes in many colors and adds shimmer wherever, to whomever. Visit fluide.us to stock up.

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, y t u a e B Beauty, Beauty

Sigil What’s better than gorgeous, great-smelling perfume? Gorgeous, great-smelling perfume that gives back to the community! The new scent from Sigil, Prima Materia, is the tea, and their special holiday campaign, Our Scent, is donating 10 percent of all profits to True Colors United to help support inclusion.

Go to sigilscent.com for more info.

NOTO Agender Oil NOTO's Agender body oil is for anywhere you have body hair or need to use skin oil, and it's made for anyone. The three powerful ingredients, organic hemp seed oil, vetiver, and lavender, give a gender-neutral scent that is perfect for whatever hair you choose to grow. A percentage of sales goes to rotating organizations. So far, the company has raised over $20,000 for groups like LGBT Center LA, Planned Parenthood, and The Trevor Project.

As they say, let's not just look good; let's do good!

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O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 3 3

Stuffers

Stocking for

Hipsters

AU Stream ANC Headphones If you’re looking for audio that gives back, look no further than AU Sounds. AU Stream ANC headphones come with active noise-cancellation, rapid wireless charging, and a 13mm titanium driver. The AU Stream ANCs provide a premium audio quality for music creators and listeners, and they are also a friend and ally of the music community. They pledge to donate one dollar from every Ausounds headphone product sold to MusiCares and the Recording Academy to help them provide a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. Visit ausounds.com.

13: The Astonishing Lives of the Neuromantics

By Yves Navant This local graphic novel looks at life in a dark future where queernes Stock givess is penalized and the rich can literally purchase the body parts of the poor. Part smart, social commentary and part trippy, sci-fi realness with awesome art, Yves Navant’s book is an awesome gift for the woke nerd in your life. Learn more at yvesnavant.com.

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Keel Vodka OK, so it’s not technically cannabis, but Keel Vodka just started making a sparkling soda, and we can’t get enough. They’d be remiss to not jump on the alcoholic seltzer water bandwagon, and it’s a good thing they did, because their smooth, clean vodka pairs wonderfully with the seltzer water flavor. Support a local vodka company and drink Keel at whatever local bars carry it. Find out more at keelvodka.com.

Singular Stock 54 Degrees Celsius ‘I’m Flaming Gay’ Candle What’s more fun than a candle that says “I’m Flaming Gay?” 54 Degrees Celsius makes awesome candles for every occassion, including being really, really gay, and we’re here for it. Snag your own flamer at 54celsius.com.

Owner and local artisan Neil Stock curates fabric decor from cleverly designed, everyday items to meticulously crafted soft furnishings for special occasions.

“I sew and create things that I hope will spark joy, delighting in designing the idea, concept, color and fabric, and bringing to life a cohesive creation of something beautiful,” he said.

Whether you’re looking for holiday stockings and hats or naughty lumberjacks, this is your one-stop shop for queer-owned goodness.

Stock gives his time, talent, and tithes to local organizations. You can shop at singularstock. com

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Stuffers

Stocking for

Hipsters

Adam’s Nest Looking for art, apparel, and jewelry that is politically engaged, socially conscious, a bit naughty, and queer-centric? Adam’s Nest, based in Provincetown, is a must-stop shop for all the schwag, from pins and tees to high brow literature and one-of-a-kind art.

Not only do they deliver fierce and fun messages with their pieces, every item gives back to one of the many LGBTQ organizations they support, like SAGE, Trevor Project, and Rainbow Railroad.

Online ordering is available year round, so get to clicking and snatch up something queer for a cause! Check them out at adamsnest.com.

Super Queer Mugs and More from Hope Tank 64 Broadway, Denver Hope Tank is brimming with gifts that give back, as every single item in the store benefits charity. If you’re looking for queer-specific gifts there, you won’t have to search too far in the brightly colored store. They have a Jonathan Van Ness mug, a gay couple mug, some cute cards, and drag candles, just to name a few items. Come check it all out!

Birdwig’s Corkaine Yard Game Corkaine was created to allow everyone at a party to play games whether it’s parents, kids, and grandparents, or a group of teens. It is a game for everyone and for any occasion, and you can support a local company instead of buying from the big guys or wasting plastic cups on beer pong. Check them out at corkaine.com.

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Find Performance Schedules, Theme Nights and Book Holiday Parties at ChristkindlMarketDenver.com

e m g a r D to Merch Tequila Mockingbird We cannot get enough of Tequila Mockingbird. She was on our Halloween cover, and her special brand of spooky, sexy, queer, and cute is tearing up local burlesque and drag stages and making a major splash—pun intended—in the porn community. Snag some of her sexy merch and support a local, fabulous performer! Follow her on Instagram or Twitter @sexualtequila, or find her Minivids profile.

Ophelia Peaches We’re also obsessed with Ophelia Peaches, the youth drag performer who helped found Dragutante and supports other youth drag performers across the country. Snag her sticker online and help support the cause! Get ‘em at opheliapeaches.com.

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s e l b i d E f o VisionDs ance in Our Heads

A High New Highlands Location 2563 15th st.

Visit Good Chemistry’s new Highlands location to check out what they have to offer. Good Chemistry’s newest LoHi location showcases a cutting-edge store design that is a pleasure to shop in, and the Good Chemistry nurseries offer the finest cannabis grown in Colorado as well as rigorously selected concentrates, edibles, and topicals. With welcoming, knowledgeable budtenders, you’re sure to find all your holiday shopping needs. Good Chemistry proudly stands by Colorado organizations in support of LGBTQ, veteran, and homelessness initiatives who offer a hand up to those in need, making life better for everyone.

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Puffco Peak If you love a good dab, but not that nasty burning in your lungs, you need a Puffo Peak. This nifty little gadget makes your consumption as simple as the touch of a button. Plus, their special Ribbon Pink Travel Pack donates 100 percent of profits to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Get yours now at puffco.com.

The Arcanum Quill Arcanum, a hemp-derived CBD product company for athletes, are proud to support multiple veterans organizations both nationally and locally. They give back to groups like The River Deep Foundation, PTSD Veterans Athletes, an The Reveille Project. They recently sponsored a vet directly, and in the past year, Arcanum has donated over 8 percent of gross profit to organizations, as well as product to help get vets off pharmaceutical drugs and onto hemp-based alternatives. Arcanumedge.com has more info.

PLUS CBD Gummies PLUS CBD offer up their gummies in three different flavors, Uplift, Balance, and Sleep.

These highly-dosed CBD goodies don’t contain any THC, and they will help you relax or prioritize your tasks.

As part of their commitment to strengthening and supporting communities, PLUS contributed $1 for each of the 60,937 units of Rainbow Sorbet gummies sold this summer to the SF LGBT Center, and they regularly give back to and support their community. Learn more at pluscbdoil.com.

O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 4 1

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Kaya’s Homegrown Cannabis Stratos Soothe CBD FullSpectrum This special salve is infused with 300mg THC, 300mg CBD, shea butter, beeswax, and six essential oils: arnica oil, black pepper essential oil, clove oil, helichrysum oil, lemon essential oil, peppermint oil, and wintergreen essential oil. Stratos was created to help people when the company founders left Big Pharma and wanted to use a softer touch. Stratos uses pharmaceutical guidelines when creating products, and strives to make things that heal instead of hurt. Check out stratosthc.com.

Kaya are locally loved, small-batch growers who use proprietary curing techniques and vertical integration to grow some seriously gorgeous and powerful buds. They control the quality of flower from seed to bud and stay as close to full sustainability as possible, something that sets them apart from a lot of growers. They also regularly give to nonprofits, which has been part of our mission since day one. They donated proceeds from Veterans Day week to Colorado Veterans Project, and they're planning to donate to another charity for Black Friday.

Visit kayacannabis.com to see deals and locations.

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s e l b i d E f Visions o Heads Dance in Our TribeCBD - CBD Gummies These CBD gummies are naturally delicious. Each mixed, berry flavored gummy is infused with 10 mg of broad-spectrum CBD oil and contains no added sugar or artificial ingredients. Naturally sweetened with fruit juice, agave syrup, and natural flavoring.

TribeCBD Hemp CBD Sleep Shot

TribeCBD - Broad Spectrum Hemp CBD Oi

This proprietary and natural formula includes 20mg of nanoemulsified broad spectrum hemp CBD oil as well as five proven ingredients to help relax your body and calm your mind. The sleep shots are formulated to drift you into a deep, restful sleep while waking up feeling refreshed.

They have zero calories, zero THC, and come from U.S. sun-grown hemp.

Find quick relief with this broad spectrum formula containing multiple cannabinoids and terpenes to give each serving the maximum benefits of the hemp plant. Mix with your beverage or take it straight under your tongue.

Visit tribecbd.com for more info.

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Escape Artist CBD Strips Formulated for a fast onset and a mild yet energetic high that you’ll feel in as little as 10 minutes, Speed Strips are the new way to escape. Made with sativa-dominant THC distillate and scored for micro-dosing, Speed Strips are discrete, energetic, and effective for cannabis users everywhere. Speed Strips contain 10mg THC/100mg per box and are available in Minty Mint and Sour Lemon.

Escape Artists give back to organizations in their local community such as Sun Valley Kitchen, a group that provides food for underserved communities. Visit letsescape.com for more info.

t c e f r e P r e e f h f T u t S g n i k c o t S WWW.LETSESCAPE.COM O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 4 5

e d a h s t h g i L Cannabis Goodies Colors Disposable Vape Pens These awesome pens are the perfect stocking stuffer. They come in all flavors, and they’re super cute. There’s bound to be a color your friend or significant other would enjoy!

Lightshade Prerolls These prerolls are strain-specific, delicious, and totally a stocking goodie. Get some while the getting is good!

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Coda Signature Bath Bombs These three bath bombs will bring a whole new level of relaxation. The lucky bather can use all three, or they can be shared among friends and family. Get your chill on!

Dutch Girl Stroopwaffle The biggest challenge with these delicious, caramel cookies is to not eat the whole case because they taste so good. The perfect holiday treat!

Dixie Elixir Fruit Punch This punch is tasty and doses out in nice little 10 mg shots that you can either take or add to seltzer water for an awesome edible experience. The perfect gift for an alcohol-sober person this season.

Stratos Tinctures These awesome tinctures come in three styles, Energy, Relax, and Sleep. Whatever it is you need to get done, these pack a serious punch.

Lightshade is a local company who strives to give back to the community.

Find more info at lightshade.com.

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1906 Drops The Drops 1906 just rolled out are amazingly convenient. They’re simple, easy-to-take pills you can pop for a quick dose of one of their signature moods. Get your favorite, or grab the whole collection.

Beboe Pastilles The Pastilles are classic, low-cal, tasty treats that you can discreetly pop before a night out, a movie, or any other fun occasion, and they make a great romantic Christmas gift for a friend or lover.

1906 Beboe Vape Pens The Beboe vape pens are very basic, as they focus on just two moods, Inspiration and Downtime. Just a simple puff on one of them will keep you relaxed or focused for hours, and this makes the perfect stocking stuffer.

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"1906 is proud to stand with the Colorado LGBTQ community to champion shared values of respecting diversity and inclusiveness. Our senior leadership team and staff includes members of that community. We create products that are gender-neutral for all to enjoy and enhance their lives while purposefully working with dispensaries that share our values.

This year, we have been honored to support organizations such as One Colorado, the OUT FRONT Foundation, and Matthew Shepard Foundation in fundraising efforts both directly or working with our trusted partners."

-Jim Freeland, director of retail development, 1906

1906 Go Beans The only thing better than chocolate-covered coffee beans is cannabis-infused, chocolate-covered coffee beans. Try the Go for a night out, or the Love for a sexy night in.

Mood Chocolates The classic 1906 chocolates are such classy, perfect treats. Snack on one to help with sleep, relaxation, sex, or focus.

Visit 1906newhighs.com for more info.

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y t h g u a N but Nice Future Method’s Anal Douche Future Method, the first scientific and comprehensive educational line of sex products, was developed to revolutionize the way people who have anal intercourse prepare for and enjoy sex. Future Method’s founder, Dr. Evan Goldstein of Bespoke Surgical, began the company to address the lack of education, sexual care, and overall wellness for folks who dig getting down but not dirty.

More than 88 percent of men who practice receptive anal intercourse do use some element of cleansing, so Future Method made an ideal product with the right amount of liquid and instructions for use in order to minimize any risk. They strive to do the best they can for the community with education and specifically designed products around healthy anal sex. Learn more at futuremethod.com.

Hot Octopuss This company is serving up a sexual revolution by way of combining body positivity and social justice. With their current movement, #givestigmathefinger, they have tapped on the shoulders of sex and LGBTQ activists to strip down and show the world what’s up.

Through unique products like the AMO bullet, which offers versatility in delivery with its rumbly motor, and the Pulse Solo Essential, known as the trademarked Guybrator, their cutting-edge technology will deliver hands-free pleasure.

Check out hotoctopus.com.

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Temptasia’s Reina and RodeoH Package Brief from Vanilla Kink 111 Broadway Suite 203, Denver If you’re looking to surprise your significant other with a new, *ahem* package, head to your new, local sex accessory shop, Vanilla Kink, and pick up the new Reinia strap-on compatible silicone dildo and adorable backage briefs with a dildo insert. Perfect for sexy time, then cute cuddling in undies after!

Sliquid Organics from Vanilla Kink However, whenever, and wherever you use lube, there are a few boxes you want to be sure to check. Does the lube come from a viable company, and is it organic and good for your body? Sliquid Organics checks all those boxes, and even makes lube specific to people with vaginas, something that is vastly underrepresented. You can get it at your local sex accessory shop Vanilla Kink!

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By Leah Flavell

The Queer Sexual

Revolution

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T

here is a revolution happening right now and, like every great revolution, it is spearheaded by the youth. The modern world is a curious climate. With the internet in nearly every person’s pocket, we are communicating on a global level. This connection is a blessing and a curse.

We are able to connect with people to form communities, but we are also vulnerable to attack. In a post-politically correct society, more and more young people are striving for more ethical lifestyles and a system that is accepting of all. The new rebellion is no longer about causing senseless havoc but choosing who we love and how we love without accepting regulations from a generation that has abandoned us.

It’s been a rocky journey, shuddering to a stop, then speeding off without preamble. Reflecting upon when I first discovered my bisexuality is a strange experience, if only for imagining myself setting off into the wilderness on a mystical adventure to find my sexuality. I wish it had been that whimsical. I ‘came out’ during my second year of senior school, and Year 8 kids were not embracing. The teachers weren’t much better. A byproduct of attending a Catholic school, but the first teacher I approached about establishing a support group for LGBTQ students quickly shut that idea down with red-faced mumblings about it being “inappropriate.”

Other LGBTQ peers in my age demographic had different experiences. A friend of mine named Teddy recounted how he came out at a similar point in his life. Despite knowing he was gay, he identified himself as bisexual to ease the transition and found solace amongst female friends. Most—though not all— of his male friends were supportive and even protective. The gesture was kind, though it also warned him that there would be a negative reception to who he was in the future, something that materialized once again in the form of school students. However, he credits his friends for their support and the strength and resolve it gave him.

But, that’s the younger generation.

What about the older generation who weren’t privy to the community

chatter of the youth and the rising tide of change? While some LGBTQ peers report painless experiences when coming out to family, some do not. In fact, many speak of keeping it a secret from their parents altogether but coming out to the rest of the world, leading an almost double life. Other friends report similar experiences in the workplace, particularly the maledominated manual labour industry. It is a heartbreak and a knockback for the revolution.

These were different times, though, a recent memory when the Internet was young and people were still coming to terms with Facebook. The world has rapidly become digital in a crescendo that has coincided with some of the most controversial political events of the last decade. In a post-Trump world, LGBTQ people have rallied together.

The internet has provided a platform for people to gather while never leaving their homes. There’s a plethora of information at people’s fingertips.

In ways we are falling asleep, but in other ways we are waking up.

It is a strange place to find a revolution, but the web isn’t the true home of this movement. You see it’s heart in the rainbow face paint and wide smiles of a pride parade. There is a feeling that something is changing and it won’t be stopped, because how could anything derail a revolution so fierce in it’s right to exist? And it is not just in the parades or the societies. It is the young teenager who feels completely safe and comfortable coming out in their community. It’s not even needing a dramatic coming out story at all.

It is imperative not to confuse the lines between idealism and reality.

Do young people feel safe and comfortable coming out in modern society? There’s a digital world where teenagers have their sexuality displayed in their Twitter biographies, unapologetic in who they are. The revolution will not be stopped. The beauty of having a movement with the youth at the forefront is that the people who will be inheriting the world can build something better from the ground up. And even if we’re not all the way there yet, we inch closer and closer everyday.

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Photos provided by Herbs & Arts

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S

By Louisa Silverman

imply walking into Herbs & Arts is a spiritual experience. The smells of incense, oils, and candles mingles in the air, and the store is full of warmth and compassion. As co-owner Kaewyn put it, “The store is a living, breathing, beautiful being.” Herbs & Arts is a metaphysical store on East Colfax, and the feeling you get upon entering is intentional. It’s their mission to be a healing, safe place where those from all walks of life can feel welcome.

Kaewyn and her business partner John intentionally have a diverse group of employees—they represent various faiths, ages, sexual orientations, and astrological signs. Kaewyn and John want the Denver community to be able to come into the store and relate to the people there. The staff at Herbs & Arts get all sorts of visitors, ranging anywhere from people in extreme distress seeking faith and spiritual counseling to someone like me who just popped in to buy her girlfriend some sage to smudge her new apartment.

To hear Kaewyn tell it, she came across Herbs & Arts almost by accident when she was 23. At the advice of a sageburning shop-owner from down the street, she wandered into Herbs & Arts one afternoon and asked if they were hiring. She recalls being immediately greeted by a feeling of warmth and lightness.

The feeling turned to awe when she saw the “BFW (Big Fucking Witch)”—her words, not mine—called Morning Glory.

Now retired, Morning Glory founded the store in 1993, hoping to better the world by spreading compassion. She was part of the rebirth of the feminist Goddess movement, and she is also a high priestess, herbal healer, and astrologist, among many, many other things. For Kaewyn, she’s a life coach.

A self-proclaimed “people-lover,” Kaewyn sees the good in everyone and believes it is her gift to reflect their beauty back to them.

“People are divine beings of light,” she said, and that shows in how she makes you feel: important, understood, and loved.

One day, amidst the phone calls and customers, a woman came in, intensely disillusioned with life ever since a tragedy had struck her family. Kaewyn walked her through a meditation, and she recounted to me the visual of the woman’s body physically changing as she was able to release and forgive.

This healing exercise revolves around loving yourself, something Kaewyn is able to illicit in her sessions because she embodies it. “I beam people with love,” she said. “That’s my superpower.”

She draws on this ability by providing counseling services, sometimes informal mini-sessions at the front desk and sometimes formal aromatherapy sessions. Other employees have

specializations in areas like herbalism, reiki, crystals, and tarot reading, combining to give the store a “collective wisdom,” as Kaewyn put it.

Anyone is welcome to learn from these talents by going to the store and asking questions or attending one of their frequent classes and workshops.

The classes and workshops are open to people of all ages and backgrounds.

Some of the classes they offer are Healing Ancestral Lines, Rattle Making and Maintaining your Home’s Sacred Space.

Customers are encouraged to come in and just chat or look around at the vast collection of tinctures, incense, candles, books, and other treasures housed in the shop. Kaewyn, John, and their employees make many of the products they sell, always in accordance with the astrological calendar, keeping in mind harmonious energies and vibrational frequencies. Each product is created with intention and meaning.

It’s no wonder I felt so much power upon crossing the threshold into Herbs & Arts.

It’s a space set apart from the spilled beer and lone bike parts of Colfax. It’s a space where the bottom line is, "Care for each other; care for the Earth.”

O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 5 5

[ REAL ESTATE ]

MARKETPLACE FOR INFO ON PLACING A MARKETPLACE AD 303-477-4000 MARKETING@OUTFRONTMAGAZINE.COM [ ACCOUNTING ]

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PLANNING IS YOUR BEST COVERAGE ■ Call for a Farmers Friendly Review®

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David Salvato Jim Loveridge

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NEMA in Puerto Vallarta This fall, the National Equality Media Association took over Puerto Vallarta to talk all things queer media and explore all things queer Mexico.

They had a blast!

O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 5 7

Taylor Swift Brunch at Triangle, October 20

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What’s scarier than walking into brunch hungover? Walking into a brunch full of Taylor Swifts! That’s exactly what you would have walked into if you went to Triangle on October 20. But everyone pulled such lwwks that it wasn’t scary for long!

Photos by Brian Degenfelder

O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 5 9

Matthew Shepard Gala at Hilton City Center, October 26 The annual Matthew Shepard Foundation’s “Bear to Make a Difference” Gala was held at the Hilton City Center in downtown Denver on Saturday, October 26. The event recognized folks in the community for their work in LGBTQ activism and advocacy as well as allies who have worked tirelessly to improve the livelihood of queer people everywhere.

Photos by Veronica L. Holyfield

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KEEP IT

KEEL 23.8% ABV 0 CARBS 0 SUGAR ONLY 58 CALORIES

O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 6 1

OUTREACH

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For the past three years, three months, and three weeks I have been publicly living as my affirmed male gender.

My name is Cass Daniels, and I am a transgender social worker. When I was born in 1990, the doctor told my parents that I was female, and it took me almost 24 years to figure out that I am actually a man. This process of figuring out my identity was a long, lonely journey, full of struggles and strife. My experience is not unique to gender-expansive individuals, and often it can be difficult to find community, support, and a sense

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of belonging. This common experience is why I am incredibly excited to announce a brand-newclinic called the Transgender Center of the Rockies.

The Transgender Center of the Rockies (TCR) is a brand-new non-profit organization under the Mile High Behavioral Healthcare umbrella.

With the closing of the Gender Identity Center, it is critical to have a space for transgender and gender-expansive individuals to receive competent mental health care and have a space to

form community and relationships. At the TCR, we have a mission to provide holistic and competent, genderaffirming services that aim to empower and support transgender and genderexpansive individuals to live full, meaningful, and authentic lives. We are dedicated to providing social-emotional support and substance abuse treatment for the trans community through individual and group counseling, peerled support groups, employment case management, PreP case management, and community events.

Photo by Veronica L. Holyfield

f-ether

at Cervantes The Other Side, November 9

O U T F R O N T M A G A Z I N E . C O M // 6 3

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