Right Wing Convention Bans Log Cabin

Via the Associated Press:

Organizers of a conservative conference in Denver this summer have told a gay Republican group it cannot have a booth at the event. The Western Conservative Summit is scheduled for June in Denver, where thousands of conservative activists will gather to hear Republican presidential hopefuls like Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and former Pennsylvania Sen Rick Santorum speak. The event is organized by The Centennial Institute, a think tank affiliated with Colorado Christian University.

On Wednesday, the president of the Centennial Institute, John Andrews, said his group had returned a $250 registration fee that the Log Cabin Republicans had sent in to secure a booth at the three-day summit. Because the group advocates for gay marriage, it cannot have an official presence at an event that promotes traditional family structure, he said. "We'd love to have them attend the summit and be in the discussion. But we have to draw the line at a formal relationship between two organizations with diametrically opposed policy beliefs," Andrews said.

Log Cabin says they are "stunned" to be rejected. More from the Denver Post:

The summit is sponsored by Colorado Christian University in Lakewood and its think tank, the Centennial Institute. Summit chairman and institute director John Andrews said Wednesday that the Log Cabin Republicans "advocate contrary to our agenda and our core beliefs." "The Log Cabin Republicans exists to redefine the family," he said. "Log Cabin Republicans think gay marriage should be the law of the land, and Colorado Christian University doesn't believe it should be." Log Cabin Republican members have been told they can still purchase tickets and attend the summit, scheduled for June 26- 28 at the Colorado Convention Center. "It is a pretty common issue we face. They'll take our money but want us in the closet," said Denver resident Michael Carr, a former state Senate candidate and secretary of the state chapter of Log Cabin Republicans.

The Human Rights Campaign is calling on Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker to pull out of the convention unless Log Cabin is allowed to have a booth.

TSA Agents Fired For "Groping" Scheme

The wingnuts are going to have a field day.

Two Transportation Security Administration officials at Denver International Airport (DIA) have been fired for conducting a scam on male passengers. A male and female agent collaborated so the male could fondle the genitals of men he found attractive. At some point in 2014, the male TSA agent told a female coworker that he “gropes” male passengers he finds attractive, and he asked her for help manipulating the system, according to law enforcement documents obtained by KCNC. “He related that when a male he finds attractive comes to be screened by the scanning machine he will alert another TSA screener to indicate to the scanning computer that the party being screened is a female. When the screener does this, the scanning machine will indicate an anomaly in the genital area and this allows [the male TSA screener] to conduct a pat-down search of that area,” the documents said.

(Tipped by JMG ready Jaime)

VIDEO: Trans Activists Storm Stage At Task Force's Creating Change Convention

I reported on this early today and this afternoon the Task Force posted video. The audio cuts in and out early in the clip but returns after few minutes.

DENVER: Mayor Cancels Speech To Task Force After Trans Advocates Storm Stage

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock canceled his planned welcoming address at the Task Force's annual  Creating Change conference last night after a large group of transgender advocates stormed the stage in protest of the recent killing of a Latina teen by Denver police. Michelle Garcia reports at the Advocate:

Task Force deputy executive director Russell Roybal and Creating Change director Sue Hyde welcomed thousands of attendees at this year's conference in Denver Thursday evening, and both showed emotion as they remarked upon the death of queer Latina Jessie Hernandez. Last week, Hernandez was fatally shot by police fire in Denver in a car authorities report was stolen. After Hyde and Roybal introduced the evening's emcee, comedian Kate Clinton, a group of trans activists and allies, led by Bamby Salcedo, stormed the stage with dozens of handmade signs as the chant "Jessie Presente!" filled the ballroom. Shortly after the demonstration, an activist told The Advocate that Creating Change organizers were not told about the action, in case the trans activists would not be allowed into the ballroom of the Sheraton in downtown Denver. Not only did Salcedo demand better accountability on the part of police and the criminal justice system, she also called for LGBTQ organizations to include transgender people on their boards and staffs as decision makers. "If you serve us, you need to include us," Salcedo said to a crowd cheering and raising their fists in solidarity.

After the stage was cleared, Roybal announced that Hancock would not be making his speech. Learn more about the Hernandez shooting at this Feministing post. Follow Creating Change on Twitter at this hashtag.

COLORADO: Pro-Gay Bakery Launches Legal Defense Crowdfunding Campaign

From Azucar Bakery's GoFundMe page:

As many of you know some time ago a person came into my bakery asking to make a Bible shaped cake with discriminatory and hateful words against the LGBT community. I did not feel comfortable writing said message. I would gladly make the cake but would give him the tools to write the message himself. Now that person has filed a complaint with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies against Azucar Bakery for discrimination. At the moment I never thought this story would get so big, just that I was doing the right thing. For better or for worse the story has blown up and in order not to stick my foot in my mouth and say something that would get me into trouble, I have decided to seek legal advice. Many of you have already offered to help; that is why this campaign was started. I will use the funds to help me and the bakery with legal expenses. I would like to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for your support. With love, Marjorie Silva

(Tipped by JMG reader Sean)

COLORADO: Wingnut Files Discrimination Complaint Against Pro-Gay Bakery

A Denver bakery has been hit with a discrimination complaint after declining to make a wedding cake that would have featured anti-gay slurs. Here's how the incident went down, via Out Front:

The gentleman took a seat at one of the tables as the team served him free samples and began building his order. He swiped through pics of Bible cakes on the iPad they presented him, and it appeared he’d found the perfect fit. It was only when he produced a leaf of paper from his pocket — careful not to release it to any of the attending employees, but simply brandishing it for them to read before returning it to his pocket — that the order “got a little uncomfortable,” says Lindsay.

“He wanted us to write God hates …” she trails. “Just really radical stuff against gays.” “He wouldn’t allow me to make a copy of the message, but it was really hateful,” Marjorie adds. “I remember the words detestable, disgrace, homosexuality, and sinners.” However uncomfortable the request made the pair, both maintain that he was never refused service. “I told him that I would bake the cake in the shape of a Bible,” says Marjorie. “Then I told him I’d sell him a [decorating] bag with the right tip and the right icing so he could write those things himself.”

She adds that naturally the cake wouldn’t have her handwriting expertise, but she would be devastated to release a cake via the bakery with such a hateful message fashioned by her own hands. Table-side negotiations quickly broke down. “He told me I needed to talk to my attorney about this,” Marjorie says. Then, he left. A few hours later, however, he was back, asking Marjorie if she’d conferred with her lawyer over the matter. She hadn’t. “I was busy,” she says. “I have a business to run here.”

After the man returned for the third time that day and attempted to make a scene, he was asked to leave. The bakery's owner later received a formal complaint from the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies. She has 30 days to respond. Hit the link and read the full account.

The Most Wonderful Time to be Queer

From the morning radio team at Denver's KS107 FM.

(Tipped by JMG reader Don)

COLORADO: Denver Gay Bar Found Guilty Of Discriminating Against Man In Drag

Colorado civil rights officials have ruled that a Denver gay bar discriminated when its bouncers refused entry to a man in drag. Via the Associated Press:

The civil rights division of the state's Department of Regulatory Agencies has ordered the Denver Wrangler to resolve the dispute with Vito Marzano, a gay man who was wearing a dress and wig when he went to the bar Aug. 31, 2013. The order obtained Monday says the bouncer turned Marzano away because his appearance didn't match the one on his driver's license. But regulators determined that the bar wrongly favors those with a masculine appearance because its dress code bars high heels, wigs and perfume. A bar employee who answered the phone wouldn't comment. Marzano says the order will help protect others from discrimination.

Vito is an "avid JMG reader" and may be participating in the comments. A press release has been posted to the Boycott The Denver Wrangler Facebook page:

Representatives from Marzano’s Boycott the Denver Wrangler protest group (“the Boycott”) has previously made numerous attempts to meet and discuss with the Wrangler staff, including requesting mediation through DORA, but were ignored each time. The Wrangler has no choice now but to comply. Members of the Boycott could not be more thrilled with the determination issued by DORA. This decision helps to protect everyone in the State of Colorado who is gender non-conforming in any capacity from discrimination in places of public accommodation. It also reaffirms the State’s commitment to its lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, asexual, and intersex constituents by saying loudly and proudly that discrimination against anyone for any reason is never acceptable. The Boycott will continue its fight against the Wrangler until all of our trans*, gender nonconforming, and effeminate family members are no longer mistreated, excluded, or abused by the Wrangler staff.

You can read the full DORA ruling at the above link.

I'm particularly annoyed that this action had to be taken against a nightclub that markets itself as a bear bar. Every bear event I've ever attended has been very drag-friendly.

UPDATE: The Denver Post just published a story about the ruling.

Chris Dawkins, owner of The Wrangler, says that several of the premises DORA uses to come to its conclusion are false. "Their opinion has a lot of errors in it," Dawkins said. "I mean, it says we don't serve to women. There are women in all the time. Women love my bar." He goes on to highlight how rigid liquor laws are, noting The Wrangler recently had to pay a fine because "we messed up" and served alcohol to an underage person in 2012. "In this case, it is different from the gay men who wanted a cake for their wedding because we have to comply with liquor law," Dawkins said referring to a recent civil rights case in Colorado where a cakemaker refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple. "The cake maker doesn't have to check an ID, we do."

However, DORA's investigation, which included interviews and research into the bar's policy history, found that The Wrangler is known as a "bear bar" that prides itself on being a popular watering hole for gay men displaying hypermasculine characteristics. "At face value, the (bar's) policies appear legitimate and non-discriminatory," wrote Steven Chavez of Colorado's civil rights division in the order. "However, the evidence indicates that the (bar) uses its policies to select patrons whose appearance is masculine, whether or not they are male or female, for entry into its club."

Fox TV Apology Of The Day

Deadspin has the apology:

While reporting breaking news about the crash of the KOMO-TV helicopter in Seattle, FOX31 Denver accidentally broadcast an offensive photo while scrolling live through a Twitter feed of pictures from the crash scene. The photo was mistakenly broadcast by our control room. It did not come from the tablet many viewers saw being used by one of our anchors. We apologize for the inadvertent broadcast of the image and we are taking immediate steps to prevent such an accident from happening again.

Bolding is mine because apparently viewers thought the anchor himself had been looking at the image, which was, in fact, a big ol' dick.

Denver Nuggets Star Becomes First NBA Player To Join LGBT Allies Sports Group

Denver Nuggets star Kenneth Faried, who has two moms, has become the first NBA player the join Athlete Ally, the group founded by former collegiate wrestling star Hudson Taylor. Amanda Terkel reports at Huffington Post:

"Becoming an Athlete Ally gives me the opportunity to spread a message of inclusiveness throughout the NBA and our country," said Faried in a statement to The Huffington Post, referring to the non-profit group that advocates for gay rights in sports. "I have two moms and I love them both very much. I respect, honor and support them in every way. The bond I have with them has made me realize that I want all members of the LGBT community -- whether they are parents, players, coaches or fans -- to feel welcome in the NBA and in all of our communities." As a member of Athlete Ally, Faried joins Brendon Ayanbadejo of the Baltimore Ravens, Chris Kluwe of the Minnesota Vikings, Scott Fujita of the Cleveland Browns, Connor Barwin of the Houston Texans, as well as professional international sports stars and college players.

That Starbucks Preacher? Child Abuser!

Anti-gay but gay-sounding Denver preacher Bob Enyart, it turns out, is a convicted child abuser. Yesterday Enyart posted a clip of himself pouring a cup of Starbucks (which he bought) down the sewer. After internet ridicule reached viral proportions, Enyart pulled his clip. But it lives on elsewhere.

Totally Not Gay-Sounding Preacher Buys Starbucks To Pour It Down The Sewer

(Via Good As You)

Weekend Mix - DJ Jerry Bonham

How about a dreamy mix of lovely morning music from Denver's DJ Jerry Bonham to get your weekend off on the right foot? Setlist. Website. Facebook.

PREVIOUSLY ON JMG: DJ Michael Fierman. DJ Sin Morera. DJ Herbie James. DJ Paul Ferrer. DJ Dave Huge.

NOTE: This is the sixth in the revived JMG Weekend Mix series in which we highlight major national and up-and-coming DJ talent. This series ran for 28 installments in 2010 with entries from such well-known names as Susan Morabito, Corey Craig, David Knapp, Paul Goodyear, Ted Eiel, and many others. Lots of great names coming in 2012!

COLORADO: Cop Resigns Over Anti-Gay Trolling On Local News Sites

A 13-year Denver-area police officer has resigned after being exposed as the author of numerous anti-gay and racist comments left on the websites of local news outlets.

Lt. Jeff Egnor resigned Tuesday after Douglas County officials confronted him about hundreds of postings on the 7NEWS website, www.thedenverchannel.com, and the KUSA-TV website, according to Undersheriff Tony Spurlock. "A large portion of it was very shocking and inappropriate racial comments, homophobic comments, statements of that nature," Spurlock said. "Our message is while you're here we want you to do your job and serve the community the very best that you can. If you have concerns politically, what happens in the world, you have to do it in an appropriate way and not relate it to this county sheriff's office." Posting under the screen name "Abu Mybutt", Egnor commented on various stories from police shootings to the elimination of the "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" policy that will let gay soldiers serve openly in the military.

Most of Egnor's postings were made on work time from police computers.

Midweek Mix - DJ Jerry Bonham

Shake off those DADT blues for an hour or so with this gorgeous electronic vocal mix from Denver's DJ Jerry Bonham. Website. Facebook.

UPCOMING GIG: Remember The Party, San Francisco, Oct. 10th

PREVIOUSLY ON JMG: DJ Russ Rich. DJ Jeb Edwards. DJ James Torres. DJ Bill Pfeiffer. DJ Mike Ponsades. DJ Steve Sherwood. DJ Pete Savas. DJ Jeff Jackson & DJ Disco Connie. DJ Phillip Kimball. DJ Paul Ferrer. DJ Shane Stiel. DJ Paul Goodyear. DJ Susan Morabito. DJ Seymour Butz. DJ RuBot. DJ Rotten Robbie. DJ Ted Eiel. DJ Herbie James. DJ David Knapp. DJ Dave Huge. DJ Corey Craig.

[Photo Credit: Bearotic]

DENVER: Poz Man Charged With Using Saliva As A Deadly Weapon

Even though the odds of transmitting HIV via saliva are considered to be infinitesimal, a Denver gay man has been been charged with assault with a deadly weapon for spitting on someone.

“We are at the point in the case where it has gone to the deputy district attorney who will handle it and he is currently reviewing it,” [DA spokesperson] Lynn Kimbrough told the Colorado Independent. “The circumstances here are not common… this doesn’t come up very often.” Kimbrough said that off the top of her head, she was unaware of another case where the saliva of an HIV-positive person had been treated as a deadly weapon. “Without knowing a specific case and a specific defendant, I would hesitate to say with certainty.”

According to the police report, Jason Arb, a technician with the Rocky Mountain Offender Monitoring System, arrived at the home of Wiliam O’Kelly to install a monitoring system at O’Kelly’s home for a drunk driving offense. During the visit, O’Kelly objected to the price of the system and told Arb to leave the house. Arb said he would have to report the information to O’Kelly’s probation officer. The two argued and O’Kelly reportedly spit in Arb’s face. Later, upon speaking with O’Kelly’s parole officer, Arb learned O’Kelly was HIV positive, at which point he filed a formal complaint.

A rep from the ACLU LGBT Project says the charge "gives credence to the misperception that HIV can be spread through saliva."

Ted Haggard Incorporates New Church

The world's second-most famous rentboy patron (for the moment) has incorporated a new church in his hometown of Denver.

Ted Haggard, the deposed founder of the New Life megachurch, told the Gazette newspaper on Tuesday that the incorporation of a new church on April 29 was done for accounting purposes — tracking reimbursement of travel costs as they speak at churches and other venues around the country. Haggard predicted to the Gazette that he would return to some form of ministry someday, and he wouldn't rule out that St. James — whose name is derived from a verse in the Bible's Book of James that states "faith without works is dead" — might one day be a real church.

In January, Haggard and his wife Gayle appeared on Oprah to announce that he'd been cured of the gay (and to promote Gayle's book.)

(Tipped by JMG reader Alan)

Activist Tim Gill And Husband Buy Historic Phipps Mansion In Denver

The Denver Post reports today that activist Tim Gill and his husband have bought the historic Phipps Mansion from the University of Denver. Not earth-shattering political news, to be sure, but note how casually the Denver Post's front page story treats their marriage.

Political activist Tim Gill and his husband, Scott Miller, are buying the historic Phipps Mansion from the University of Denver in a deal expected to close by the end of the year. The house, which the university now rents out for events, will be the couple's primary residence. "Tim and I have been looking for a house that was very historic and that has a little bit of land so we can have a proper garden," said Miller, a wealth adviser at UBS. The couple, who married in Massachusetts a year ago, wasted no time making an offer on the house after hearing it was for sale last month. They signed a letter of intent to purchase the 6.5-acre estate a day after touring the property. The deal is slated to close Dec. 15 to accommodate events, including weddings, scheduled through the end of the year.

Just a little real estate news from a local Colorado power couple. Move along.

(Tipped by JMG reader Jerry)

Bash Back "Queer Anarchist" Busted For Smashing Denver Democratic Offices

This a confusing story that I've been following for a couple of days, but it looks like a transgender activist from Bash Back, who once canvassed for the Democratic party, has been busted for smashing the windows of the Denver offices for the Dems. Initially a Democratic spokesman blamed GOP sympathizers for the vandalism. This story is all over Free Republic, where members accuse the Bash Back member of "false flag" criminal activity. Whatever is going on here, it seems like more "queer anarchist" nonsense from Back Back.

Great Nationwide Kiss-In Round Up

In San Diego, activists invaded Doug Manchester's Grand Hyatt.