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THIS ISSUE
> CONTENTS March 4, 2015
6 From the Inbox 10 Republicans block student anti-discrimination legislation 16 The Reality of the Reefer Refund 20 Going Green in the Kitchen
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26 Calendar 28 Middle-class drug dealer still thriving despite legalization 31. Emotional Self-Defense for Beginners 34 Out of Hibernation 36 An Honest Liar 39 A Kiss is Still Not a Kiss 42 Marketplace
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44 Bar Tab 46 Ask the Sexpert 50 BackWords
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Serving the LGBT Community of the Rocky Mountains since 1976 3535 Walnut Street, Denver, Colorado 80205 Phone: 303-477-4000 • Fax: 303-325-2642 Web: OutFrontOnline.com Facebook: facebook.com/OutFrontColorado Twitter: @OutFrontCO • Instagram: /OutFrontColorado Out Front is published by Q Publishing, Ltd., a Colorado corporation and is a member of: Denver Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and Denver Drama Critics Circle. FOUNDER Phil Price, 1954-1993 ADMINISTRATION info@outfrontonline.com Jerry Cunningham, Publisher J.C. McDonald, Vice President MaGGIE Phillips, Operations Manager Jeff Jackson Swaim, Chief Strategist EDITORIAL editorial@outfrontonline.com BERLIN SYLVESTRE, Editor Noah L. Jordan, Digital Content Manager Contributing Writers Kyle Harris, Scott McGlothlen, Shanna Katz, Brent Heinze, Kelsey, Lindsey, Chris Arneson, Jonathan McGrew, Gary M. Kramer, Alison Wisneski, Anna Biscay, Robyn Vie-Carpenter, O’Brian Gunn, Kimberly Hamelin, and Marc Coulter Intern Stefanie Cochrane MARKETING & SALES marketing@outfrontonline.com DUSTIN KRIER, Director of Sales jordan jacobs, Senior Marketing Executive TOPHER LA FLEUR , Marketing Executive JAY DUQUE, Marketing & Events Coordinator National Advertising Rivendell Media/212-242-6863 • sales@rivendellmedia.com ART Josh Murtha & Samantha Angeli CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Laura Baccus, Flor Blake, Charles Broshous, Chad Chisholm, Jay Diers, Christina Gressianu, Nikki Kushner, Hans Rosemond, and Evan Semón DISTRIBUTION Out Front’s print publication is available semi-monthly, free of charge in Colorado, one copy per person. Additional copies of Out Front may be purchased for $3.95 each, payable in advance at Out Front offices located at 3535 Walnut Street, Denver CO, 80205. Out Front is delivered only to authorized distributors. No person may, without prior written permission of Out Front, take more than one copy of Out Front. Any person who takes more than one copy may be held liable for theft, including but not limited to civil damages and or criminal prosecution.
COPYRIGHT & LIMIT OF LIABILITY Reproduction of editorial, photographic or advertising content without written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited. Advertisers are responsible for securing rights to any copyrighted material within their advertisements. Publisher assumes no responsibility for the claims of advertisers and reserves the right to reject any advertising. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles or advertising is not to be considered an indication of the sexual orientation or HIV status of such person or organization. Publisher assumes no responsibility for the loss or damage of materials submitted. OPINIONS EXPRESSED are not necessarily those of OUT FRONT, its staff, or advertisers.
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From the Inbox “I am a lesbian and I live a block away from the location where teen Jessie Hernandez was shot and later died. I just read [Out Front’s] article “Police kill 17-year-old sparking protests and LGBT community support.” I guess I have a few questions. First, you failed to mention that she was just recently released from JAIL for stealing a car and has a criminal record. I also felt as though you undermined the fact that in this scenario she stole yet ANOTHER car and was refusing arrest along with HITTING an officer with her STOLEN car. I’m sorry, but I was raised first to NOT break the law by stealing, robbing, beating, hurting, etc. and if I were caught by the police (even speeding) that I was to obey the police. If they say put your hands up you do so without question … not respond by hitting them with your stolen car. Second, what does this have to do with her being gay??? I understand our gay youth struggle in this straight world but this incident had nothing to do with her being gay, at least that I’m aware of. How are we going to teach our youth, gay or straight, about right from wrong if we’re not going to raise the point that breaking the law is not the correct thing to do? Society these days acts as though the police have an easy job full of simple decisions. They have to protect their lives every day. Doing right from wrong, however, seems to me to be a very simple decision. Thanks for your time.” Police Kill 17-Year-old SParKing ProteStS and lgBt communitY SuPPort
A car hits a cop, the officer is injured, police open fire at the driver. This narrative has repeated itself in Denver at least four times over the past seven months. In Park Hill, at dawn on January 26, the story played out again. Kyle Harris
tHe Denver POlice DePartment SayS JeSSica “JeSSie” HernanDeZ, 17, drove a stolen car toward two officers and hit one, prompting police to open fire and shoot Jessie multiple times, fatally. A friend, who was also in the car, reported to 9 News that police shot at the car before it struck the officer. The Denver Police Internal Affairs Bureau is investigating the killing and has launched an inquiry into the police department’s right to shoot at moving cars. Chief Robert White identified the two police officers involved in the shooting: Daniel Greene and Gabriel Jordan. As information about Jessie was made public, many in the LGBTQ community rallied. Eleanor Dewey, the director of Branching Seedz of Resistance, the Colorado Anti-Violence Program’s LGBTQ youth project says the impact of the shooting is ricocheting throughout Colorado’s Jessica “Jessie” Hernandez queer and trans youth. “A lot of our youth are taking this hard because it hits so close to home,” she says. “For a lot of them, what this last year has been with so much police violence … now, more than ever, our youth are totally at a loss of what to do and how to keep themselves safe. Our youth are afraid of the cops, because there is so little you can do and such little power you have in incidents like this.” Vigils, rallies, and demonstrations have taken place across the city. Protesters demonstrated outside the District Attorney’s office, Tuesday, Jan. 27. There, Anthony Grimes, of the Denver Freedom Riders, spoke to the press about the intersections between racism, homophobia, and police violence. Reverend Patrick Dempsey and others talked about Jessie’s death in relation to a string of police killings in Denver over the past few decades. Protesters held signs including: “Don’t shoot unarmed teens,” “Lethal Force is Terror,” and “Denver Police Hands Off Queer Youth of Color.” After speaking with the press, protesters entered the Webb building and demanded a meeting with Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey, who staff said was out of the office. In a heated discussion with two representatives of the district attorney’s office, protesters pointed out that the D.A.’s office has not prosecuted a police officer for killing since the 1990s. After the protests at the D.A.’s office, Denver’s Independent Monitor, which oversees investigations into the conduct of the police, announced that they would review the police department’s protocol for opening fire on moving vehicles. Jessie’s cousin Jose Castaneda spoke to the crowd about the struggle his family will have paying for the funeral and the already tight economic circumstances Jessie’s mother lives under. “Nobody is going to repay me for my cousin’s life.” Jessie grew up in a house with six children and a mother who struggled to feed her kids, Castaneda says. But Jessie was the family’s joy. “[Jessie] was always smiling. It kills me because I can still see that smile,” he says. Dewey says there has been a national call for financial support and that people have expressed interest in aiding the family. Coordination efforts are underway. Jessie’s killing comes in the wake of the public protest against the killing of Mike Brown in Ferguson, Missouri and Eric Garner in New York City. Protests against police violence have been on the rise in Denver since the police killed Ryan Ronquillo, a 20-year-old man, outside the Romero Funeral Home, during services for his friend.
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What does this have to do with her being gay??? I understand our gay youth struggle in this straight world but this incident had nothing to do with her being gay, at least that I’m aware of. How are we going to teach our youth, gay or straight, about right from wrong if we’re not going to raise the point that breaking the law is not the correct thing to do?
Response from writer Alison Wisneski: Whether or not you identify within the LGBTQ spectrum, to recognize that a queer person of color was killed and that statistically these things are pushed aside is why movements like the support surrounding the Hernandez family and movements like #BlackLivesMatter push forward. Community organizing to surround the family during this difficult time exists not based on Jessie’s past; rather it exists because Jessie did not deserve to be killed. Whether or not a teenager made the “right choice” is not what’s at stake here; what is at stake is the alarming amount of our queer youth of color dying all around us without advocacy to help their names rest in power. Even if you don’t agree with alleged actions, hopefully it’s a movement you can research and get behind. oUTfronT
Wrangling Reason A
Scott McGlothlen
s a bunch of us gathered at a friend’s house for a pre-NYE party, we were figuring out which bar to plant ourselves for the night. The decision seemed near unanimous — The Denver Wrangler — until one guest, one I barely knew, scoffed at the idea. “If that’s the choice, count me out,” he declared. Pressed for reasoning, he explained that it was his belief that the Wrangler didn’t allow drag queens or transgendered persons entrance because they wanted to be a bar for butch men. But something about this didn’t add up. I’d been a patron of this bar for years and always remembered it as welcoming to a diverse crowd. I had seen many a flaming queen get hammered without getting kicked out. Historically, some staff had even dressed in drag on Halloween.
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“Well they don’t say it outright,” the disgruntled guest continued. “They have a policy that your face has to match the face on the photo ID. But it’s total bullshit.” My brain was transported back to my teen years, a time when such a concept wasn’t ‘total bullshit.’ Many of my youthful friends and I had fake IDs. There were several ways an underage person could get past the doorman, but the most popular was to dress in drag and use an older friend’s ID. Alas, I couldn’t pull this off. My strong jawline and big teeth made me look like a busted version of Nancy Kerrigan after a failed series of steroids. Truthfully, I wouldn’t have needed to do drag well in order to make it work. My friends often looked awful as women … and it didn’t matter! They never once
had their IDs questioned. A comrade at the tender age of fifteen got into bars and got served alcohol every time! Back at our pre-NYE party, I recounted my younger days. “No,” I said aloud. “This is a real thing, and it’s actually a smart way for a bar to protect themselves.” But apparently my own personal experience didn’t satisfy the disgruntled guest. “If this is a real thing, then why don’t the other bars do it?” Even though I had no reason to be loyal to the Wrangler, I found myself feeling a strong need to defend the policy. “Well, if a minor is caught drinking, the bar’s the one who gets penalized,” I argued. “Perhaps the Wrangler is the only bar smart enough to protect themselves from this clever attempt at underage drinking.” By now, much of the community has heard about the mess between the Wrangler and Vito Marzano, who filed a complaint with DORA for not letting him in while in drag. He claimed it was discrimination against trans people, but to me, that seems like a stretch. Knowing my teen history, I actually felt proud of the Wrangler for recognizing these things and protecting themselves as a business. Yet, as someone who is sensitive to transgender issues, I also hate the fact that a valid policy has negative side effects for an important part of our community. As a person who empathizes with both sides of the battle, I have to wonder if such a battle was ever really a battle at all. Perhaps it was one giant disjuncture where one side fought about apples and the other fought about oranges. Feuds like this often become circular because the two sides aren’t on the same page of what they’re fighting about. Without hope of resolution, actions turn ugly and all that remains are wounds of divisiveness. In the end, I’m not so sure fighting a bar’s legitimate ID policy would have made much, if any, progress for the transgender community. If the Wrangler would in fact accept trans patrons with a matching ID, then shouldn’t the battle be about fighting for the right for people to have an ID that matches their rightful gender?
I actually felt proud of the Wrangler for recognizing these things and protecting themselves as a business. Yet, as someone who is sensitive to transgender issues, I also hate the fact that a valid policy had negative side effects for an important part of our community.
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“I discovered in your Feb. 18 issue that the word “transgendered” was used in the article, Wrangling Reason. Seeing as how I am trans myself, it made me cringe a bit. ‘Transgendered’ implies that something was done to that person to make them trans. However, as we all know, we were and are born this way. That’s enough Trans* 101 for now.”
Editor’s response: My most sincere apologies to you and to anyone else who spotted (and cringed at) the error! Yikes, right? As a card-carrying member of the human race, it reddens my cheeks seeing the snafu in Out Front’s pages. Do accept my apology and note: I not only appreciate you bringing it to my attention, but also the respectful tone you employed in what could be, for many of us, a distinctly teachable moment. Love from RiNo,
Berlin
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change someone’s sexuality. The bill does not include psychotherapies that provide “acceptance, support, and understanding for the facilitation of an individual’s coping, social support, and identity exploration and development including sexual orientation.”
You have a voice and it needs to be heard! The bill passed the committee vote; it now goes to the House floor which is controlled by Democrats. Hopefully, it will pass and go on to the Senate. The Colorado Senate is Republican-controlled and this bill will have a harder time passing there. I urge you to go to OpenStates.org and find out who your representatives and senators are. Email them, call them, write them. Urge them to vote for HB15-1175. Contact Rep. Rosenthal and thank him for his bravery in introducing this bill. The mental health and safety of our young LGBT community is vitally important.
We’ll Take the Bill HB15-1175 aims to end “pray the gay away” conversion therapy in our state Marc Coulter
I
clearly remember my first Gay Pride rally at Civic Center Park almost 25 years ago. It was a gorgeous summer morning as I helped my friend Greg set up his booth to sell shirts. People were milling about as the bright sun rose in the rich, blue sky Colorado is known for. I looked at the sun reflecting off of the gold leaf dome of the capitol and a sense of excitement began to build. I was proud that day — not only of being gay, but I had a sense of pride in the government that allowed this type of self-expression. Flash forward to last week. I’m the president-elect of the Colorado Counseling Association and I’m sitting in front of the Public Health Care and Human Services Committee in the basement of the capitol building providing testimony on behalf of House Bill 15-1175. The bill was introduced by Representative Paul Rosenthal and it bans licensed and unlicensed mental health clinicians from engaging in what’s called “reparative” or “conversion” therapy for minors. This type of therapy is focused on changing a person’s sexual orientation and/or same-sex attraction (or their gender expression) with the goal of eliminating or reducing same-sex feelings of attraction. Clinicians engaging in this type of therapy would face disciplinary action by the state licensing board. Every major mental health organization has come out against this type of therapy.
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In fact, the American Counseling Association and the American Psychological Association have gone on the record to say that this type of therapy is not safe and may in fact do harm to clients. There is no published scientific evidence that this therapy changes someone’s sexual orientation. Only two states, New Jersey and California, plus Washington D.C. currently outlaw it. Rep. Rosenthal is trying to add Colorado to that list. I don’t know about you, but I know several people who’ve been offered a gay “cure” during their young adulthood. These services are mostly offered by religious organizations that attempt to “pray the gay away.” Has it worked? Not on anyone I know. In fact, it’s resulted in them feeling worse about themselves, sometimes to the point of suicide attempts. It often takes years to recover from the effects of this harmful “therapy.” Make no mistake: It isn’t my intention to discredit religious organizations. Many amazing houses of worship offer wonderful ways to reconcile spiritual beliefs and sexual orientation. In fact, my husband is getting ready to graduate from ministerial school this summer from a program that not only accepts alternative expressions of sexual orientation — they celebrate it. The bill presented by Rep. Rosenthal does not discourage clinical discussion about sexuality or sexual behavior; it simply states that clinicians can not engage in efforts to
Don’t allow this unethical practice to continue in Colorado! Be brave. Stand up. Let your voice be heard.
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The bill was introduced by Representative Paul Rosenthal and it bans licensed and unlicensed mental health clinicians from engaging in what’s called reparative or conversion therapy for minors.
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Outfrontonline .com | 9
Republicans block student
anti-discrimination legislation Kyle Harris
S
issy. Faggot. Tranny. Dyke. Bullies launch these words like grenades and terrorize LGBT and LGBT-perceived youth with kicks, punches, and sexual assault often thrown into the mix. Unfortunately, there is no federal law preventing students and teachers from discriminating against people based on sexual orientation or gender identity. None of them are a protected class. And young people are dying because of it. The stats are familiar: Suicide rates in LGBT youth are more than double the rates of their heterosexual and cis-gender peers. The Centers for Disease Control reports: “Negative attitudes toward lesbian, gay, and bisexual people put these youth at increased risk for experiences with violence, compared with other students. Violence can include behaviors such as bullying, teasing, harassment,
physical assault, and suicide-related behaviors.” Bullied kids need protection. Homophobic/ transphobic bullying needs to stop. Lives depend on it. Seems like a no brainer, right? So says House Representative Jared Polis. That’s why he’s championed the Student NonDiscrimination Act. Again. And again. His most recent failed attempt has been to attach it to the Student Success Act, a bill the House Education and Workforce Committee was considering on Feb. 10. The controversial bill is designed to reform No Child Left Behind. “SNDA would provide federal protection to prevent bullying against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender kids and kids perceived to be [LGBT]. It would give schools a way to address bullying and discrimination,” Polis says.
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“Every day, students who [either are, or are perceived to be LGBT] are subject to harassment, bullying, intimidation, and violence,” Polis told the committee. “It’s harmful for the kids. It’s [detrimental to] creating a public education system that truly serves all learners. Surveys indicate that as many as ninein-ten LGBT students have been bullied. While federal civil- rights statutes explicitly address discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin, they don’t include sexual orientation or gender identity.” To Polis, SNDA seemed like a good addition to the Student Success Act. “It would provide federal protection and give schools a way to address bullying and discrimination,” Polis says. The bullies’ arsenal would shrink; LGBT youth would be protected from discrimination. Schools would have safer environments for learning. A clear win for all. Easy vote. Well, not exactly. Protecting youth from discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation is not “germane” to the Student Success Act, according to House Education and Workforce Committee chair, Republican John Kline. (Not germane is legalese for not relevant to the bill or the work of the committee.) Kline’s Republican colleagues back him. “They used a procedural motion to deny a straight vote on it,” Polis says. He appealed the decision, but Kline held his ground. Polis’ next step is to propose SNDA as its own bill to be debated and voted on later in the session. Senator Al Franken is leading the charge to pass similar legislation in the Senate. “It’s common sense regardless of what one thinks of LGBT marriage or other issues,” Polis says. “At least kids should have the right to a learning environment that’s safe and free of discrimination.”
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Outfrontonline .com | 11
Our talent stands out from the crowd. The Proof is in the
PrEP-ing Kyle Harris
G Do YOU?
Now accepting booth rental applicants.
lobal HIV researchers got a healthy dose of good news recently: Two European studies prove pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) works against HIV transmission. The PROUD study, from England, began in 2012. Researchers recruited subjects from 13 sexual health clinics. The 545 participants had reported having had anal sex without a condom with another man in the past three months and were likely to do so again soon. Half of the participants received PReP immediately; others were given sugar pills. The study was called off when it was clear that the people given the placebo were contracting HIV at significantly higher rates than the people on PrEP. “In the study, there were 1.3 new infections per 100 person-years in the group given PrEP immediately, and 8.9 per 100 person-years in the group who were not yet on PrEP. The 86-percent protection from daily PrEP reported by the study is the highest reported from any randomized controlled trial of PrEP to date,” according to the PROUD research team.
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The 86-percent protection from daily PrEP reported by the study is the highest reported from any randomized controlled trial of PrEP to date.
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The second study, IPERGAY came out of France and tested a flexible dosing model. Subjects were administered two pills within 24 hours before having unprotected sex and a follow-up pill the first and second day hence. IPERGAY researchers also found PrEP to be 86 percent effective in preventing contraction. The Director of HIV/STD Prevention and Control at Denver Health Mark Thrun says the research isn’t surprising, but it’s good news nonetheless. “It adds to the body of literature that Truvada as an HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis works,” he tells Out Front. He doubts the CDC will shift its recommendation that patients use Truvada as PrEP less frequently than daily; however, patients may look at the research and opt to use the drug around infrequent high-risk events while avoiding a daily dose.
C
An exhibition of photography and photo-based work by African artists addressing the social, political and physical evolution changing Africa’s figurative and literal landscape.
February 6 – April 4
Bruno Hadjih, Terra Incognita
Center for Visual Art | 965 Santa Fe Drive, Denver 303.294.5207 | msudenver.edu/cva
Outfrontonline .com | 13
Gayest Oscar Party Ever A capacity crown braved the blizzard of 2015 to catch the 87th Annual Academy Awards with host Neil Patrick Harris on the big screen at Hamburger Mary’s on Feb. 22. The Denver Center for the Performing Arts hosted their “Gayest Oscar Party Ever” before, during, and after the broadcast. This year’s festivities included a grand entrance down the rainbow carpet, divine drinks, titillating appetizers, runway-worthy gowns, some of Denver’s favorite Queens, and a champagne toast courtesy of Barefoot Wine & Bubbly.
Photo by Charles Broshous
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Outfrontonline .com | 15
The Reality of the Reefer Refund Berlin Sylvestre
Are we really getting “pot money” back from the state? I love this question. But first, some background: Voters approved Amendment 64 — the amendment to our state constitution that, among other proposed legislation, allowed for the sale of recreational marijuana — back in 2012. The next round of “legalize it” came a year later, when the state asked (via referendum) if voters were ok instituting two new taxes on recreational cannabis once sales got going. One was an excise tax of 15 percent that would fund K–12 schools; the second was a 10-percent sales tax that would fund programs that provide marijuanarelated safeguards, such as law-enforcement training and substance abuse programs. That was called Prop AA, and voters — once again — said, “Let’s roll.” 16 | March 4, 2015
On Jan. 1, 2014, Colorado fired up its newly-legal recreational marijuana industry and business has been booming ever since. Now, with the first year’s estimated $60 million in marijuana excise- and salestax revenue, our state’s school system and cannabisrelated safeguards are poised for one hell of a boost. Except for one teeny little unforeseen hitch — another voter-approved amendment known as TABOR. The 1992 Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights (that’s TABOR, yes) mandates that the state repay taxpayers when it amasses in new tax revenue more than what’s predicted. It’s an interesting check and balance between the people and an often tax-happy government. It’s precisely because of TABOR that taxpayers have seen close to $3.5 billion in refunds since its inception. With an additional
25 percent tacked onto cannabis sales, it’s easy to see how the TABOR proposal could raise the brows of some Coloradans. But, if State Senator Pat Steadman’s proposed legislation takes hold, the possibility of the refund goes up in smoke. “Twice now, voters have told us to tax and regulate [marijuana] with some expectation that the revenue will be used to fund schools and to deal with the consequences of legalization,” he tells Out Front. “The excise tax specifically goes toward K–12 school funding.” I ask him how that breaks down, exactly. Better lunches? Teachers’ raises? “It’s all for capital — buildings, renovations, new roofs, new athletic fields, things of that nature,” he says. “None of the money collected from the excise tax goes toward operations or salaries.” Explicitly, the money goes to a school construction program called BEST (Building Excellent Schools Today). The program was greenlighted by former Speaker of the House Andrew Romanoff and helps primarily rural districts without sufficient property wealth secure grants to improve their buildings. That’s the deal with the 15-percent excise tax. When pressed for specifics on how the additional 10-percent sales tax would be spent, he says it’ll fund, “things like impaired-driving awareness, ad campaigns about legalities and how to keep [marijuana] away from kids, direct services for mental health and substance abuse, and spending the money in a way where legalization won’t lead to adverse consequences.” Another strange option is abolishing marijuana taxes altogether for a year, something Steadman isn’t keen on. In an interview with Colorado Public Radio last week, he’s quoted: “To turn off the tax now or to pull back from our commitment to those programs now, I think, is really the wrong course. Having the taxes in place is part of making this whole experiment with legal marijuana work.” “The thing most people don’t realize,” he says, “is that we’ve put a vote to the people twice, and each time, they voted that they’d like [marijuana] properly regulated and taxed.” He says that where the money should go was decided by the people via Prop AA. “We need to keep faith with voters and heed their signals and messages on what their intentions are.” He believes giving the people a specific vote to override TABOR in the instance of marijuana taxes is the key to doing just that. With strong bipartisan agreement in Colorado’s legislature, it doesn’t appear that’ll be an issue. “We’re looking at putting the question on the ballot in November and seeking voter approval to not do a refund.” But let’s humor the TABOR (“We’re getting a check!”) route for those of you who are still hopeful. How much could each adult in Colorado be looking at if the estimated $58.7M were divided between us? (I feel obligated to tell you now that Steadman is going to laugh at this notion.) “Before you get into all that, here’s the thing,” he says with a smile that’s visible through the phone. “Because of Paragraph C3 in the TABOR legislation, there’s no mechanism or law on how to make the refund. There’s no clear definition to whom
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Here’s the thing,” he says with a smile that’s visible through the phone. “Because of Paragraph C3 in the TABOR legislation, there’s no mechanism or law on how to make the refund. There’s no clear definition to whom [marijuana-tax refunds are] owed. Is it the consumer? The grows? Everyone?” he inquires. (and the media) have about TABOR, which is that there’s a magic number that new taxes have to hit in order for the refunds to kick in, and that the refund is only the surplus. “The refund wouldn’t be what exceeded predictions, no — the refund is the entirety of the new-tax collection.” He says that under TABOR, 100 percent of the new taxes collected in the first full fiscal year of implementation has to be refunded. But are you ready for the kicker? If the state goes through with TABOR — and keep in mind that it’s in our state’s constitution to do so — the money won’t come from the marijuana taxes; most of it will come from the general fund. He says: “The excise tax money is constitutionally dedicated to the BEST program. We can’t take that away from BEST, so we’d have to use other tax funds to provide the refund. Neither of the new taxes
[marijuana-tax refunds are] owed. Is it the consumer? The grows? Everyone?” he inquires. I have no answer. I’m too busy playing with numbers. Here’s what I came up with: The 2014 census numbers us at 5,355,866. Subtracting the census count for minors brings that figure down to 4,730,676, meaning that if all the adults were to divide the estimated $58.7 in marijuana-tax revenue, we’d all stand to get checks for a whopping $12.40 (The possibilities, ladies and gents.) “Now if the state were to handle the marijuanatax refund the way it’s handled other TABOR refunds, that number’s a little too low,” Steadman posits. “The industry is still new; it’s still growing, so the total [tax collection] amount is difficult to predict.” He waxes on about a huge misconception voters
”
have exceeded the limits that voters were told they would generate,” he says. The ‘magic number’ on the Prop AA ballot was $70M. “As of right now, it looks like we’re coming in at around $10M below that figure.” He reminds me that the final amount is still hard to predict but, “we’re confident we’re not going to go over $69M.” So what’s it gonna be, sir? “We need a third vote to make sure we spend the money on what we said we would: marijuana-related expenses and school construction.” In a strange occurence of Republican/Democrat agreement, it appears both parties are on board with the idea. Sen. Steadman is sponsoring the bill, currently in the works, and will bring it before the Joint Budget Committee within the coming weeks. “We’ll carry it as a budget bill at that point,” he assures us. “The people have voted for this twice. We need to honor that.”
e getting a b d l u o c e Since w ear —
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A #FlashbackMonday locker at Midtowne Spa!
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Two whole Redbox movies! (And the three-days-late fee, right fellow stoners?)
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Almost an entire parking pass for a game-day spot near Coors Field!
57,000 calories at Waffle House!
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Most likely expenditure: Three more joints.
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*This is a joke. The team at Out Front values education and we’re all for Steadman’s bill to ensure the dough goes to the kiddos.
Outfrontonline .com | 17
Governing Ganja Grub typically take 50 minutes to an hour to take effect, depending on your metabolism. “That’s the biggest issue,” Sauro explains. “People wait 20 minutes and want to feel something, so they take more. An hour later, they’re in a really bad situation.” Sauro equates the use of edibles with alcohol use. Over time, people will begin to realize their limits. In the last few years, Sauro noted, the industry has cracked down to make sure edible companies are offering what they say they are. “It’s a lot better a system than it was,” he says. Jenna Moll Reyes, a budtender at Sweet Leaf ’s 6th Avenue location, says a lot of their customers are travelers from out of state, since it’s the closest dispensary to the airport. This means the budtenders have to stay extra knowledgable on their products. “Because you can’t smoke in hotel rooms, most travelers are going for edibles,” Reyes tells us.
Chris Arneson
S
ome new Colorado laws are making it a little trickier for you to accidentally eat too many marijuana cookies. The new laws, which went into effect Feb. 1, call for stricter labeling on edible THC products, as well as more stringent childproof packaging. Just like alcohol, recreational marijuana users must be 21 to legally purchase. Anthony Sauro, part-owner of Denver’s Sweet Leaf Marijuana Centers, says the new packaging laws essentially make them safer, to avoid mistakes users might make when partaking, such as ingesting more than intended or accidentally giving a child access. According to a Reuters article from April 2014, Rep. Frank McNulty, a Republican from suburban Denver, said: “The packages of edibles are labeled that they contain marijuana, but once they’re out of the package, they’re indistinguishable from a brownie or lollipop bought at a grocery store.” Edibles can include a variety of options: chocolates, gummies, mints, suckers, and even drinks. With the new laws, recreational THC content can range from as low as 5mg as high as 100mg; medical can go as high as 500mg. Sweet Leaf has a purchase limit of 10 recreational edibles per Colorado customer but the statewide limit is 28 grams, according to Sauro. Each edible equates to one gram at Sweet Leaf. Before the laws, a chocolate bar could simply be resealed with a zipper. Now, the packaging must also include a warning about its contents. “If something is under one gram, it’s called a one-time use,” Sauro says. “If it’s over that, it’s called a multi-use, which means it needs to be childproofed through multiple uses.” With edibles, you can expect to find candies packaged more like pills. EdiPure, for example, sells their treats in bottles you could find in any pharmacy, while its contents resemble everyday candy. Sweet Leaf has also implemented their own “first-time 5” campaign, informing first-timers to take it slow with edibles and let them kick in, since most of them
18 | March 4, 2015
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With edibles, you can expect to find candies packaged more like pills. EdiPure, for example, sells their treats in bottles you could find in any pharmacy, while its contents resemble everyday candy.
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Sauro says Sweet Leaf ’s budtenders go through a two-week training process followed by a three-page test, covering every edible and strain and their effects. The test is reissued every 60 days. This method of education isn’t common in most Denver dispensaries. Reyes says companies have begun to take consumers’ dietary needs into consideration, offering gluten-free and agave-infused options. You can even add THCinfused granola to your lunchtime yogurt. She says the most you’ll spend for an edible in her store is $18, which is around $25 after tax. The cheapest edibles in their selection include cookies from Sweet Grass Kitchen, containing about 9.5mg of THC for about $5, or $8 after tax. Along with other themed daily specials, Sweet Leaf offers Munchie Mondays, where edibles are buy one, get one of equal or lesser value half-off. With the more easily interpreted packaging, you’ll be less likely to bite off more than you can chew. For more info on where to purchase edibles in Denver, check out WeedMaps.com.
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Going Green in the Kitchen Kimberly Hamelin
B
asked her for the recipe for her cannabutter. “One cup of butter per one cup of pot. Four hours in the crock pot on low, and strain the hell out of it with cheesecloth after.” It’s not as easy as it sounds, though. You have to strain it when it’s hot, and burns hurt. Be careful. I made my first batch with buds, and it was so strong, it knocked everyone out! I didn’t have my glasses on, and thought one stick of butter was a cup as well, so that didn’t help. I’m an idiot. In my next batch I used shake, and it was a lot more “user friendly.” The brownies I made didn’t overwhelm anyone, and I got a good response. But the stench! Even on low in the crockpot, the smell of the marijuana was overwhelming, so I started leaving a window open when I made it. Then there’s the taste. Success with edibles is only achieved if you can hide the taste. To me, it tastes like hay, but others like it. Then I learned about making oil. Same recipe, but with oil. I made a lasagna that hid the taste of the green, and all by accident. I took the “funny” oil and browned
the meat in it, then made the sauce, which took a whole day. I forgot the oil was funny and ate two sausages I’d fried in it, never detecting the taste, and I was messed … up! (I slept really well that night.) The next day, I put the lasagna together, and it turned out awesome. I only let certain people sample my creation, and they were suitably impressed. In another miracle instance, my ears were hurting from moving to a much higher elevation, and the over-the-counter analgesic eardrops weren’t doing any good. A neighbor, who had another grow, was making tinctures and oils from pot as an experiment. One drop of the oil in each ear, and I haven’t had a single bit of pain since. My mom’s friend has been trying to get her lowcholesterol edible recipes approved by the health care providers in California for a few years, but hasn’t had much success to date. I’m hoping somehow, someday, the medical community can accept that nature provided this essential substance and endorse it. Until then, want a brownie?
Photo: canabud.ca/recipes
ack in the day, you could get a bag of marijuana leaves for a few bucks, and were grateful to be able to find it. Now that pot is legal in Colorado, it’s all about the buds. After trimming off some “sweetleaf,” my friend had some impressive nugs. But what to do with all that crystallized THC goodness left on the plate? Why cook with it, of course! But you have to know how, and that’s the tricky part. My mom’s best friend has had a medical marijuana card for years. She lives in San Francisco, and grows it in her front window. She gets visits from the police on occasion, but it gets cleared up quickly, so no harm, no foul — just a minor inconvenience. She’s getting on in her years, and is having trouble breathing lately, so she moved on to edibles. She started making cookies, but her cholesterol went through the roof, so she had to cut back. That wasn’t doing anything for her health and well-being, so she found a plan B. I called and told her my friend was growing, and
20 | March 4, 2015
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A free homegrown app lets users cruise the cannabis causeway Chris Arneson
Y
ou really want to get high. You’d like a new friend, too — possibly a hookup. Seems a little specific for most connection apps … but hang on: It’s 2015. Of course there’s an app for that ... and it’s called High There! The app itself is nothing new if you’ve used swiping platforms like Tinder or OKCupid. First, you build a profile, which is pretty easy if you just connect it to your Facebook — it even chooses a picture for you. To start, you decide what you’re in the mood for: going out, staying in, or just chatting. (I selected chat mode.) Next, you select how you prefer to consume your cannabis: smoking, vaporizing, eating, or “it’s all good.” Then, pick your energy level: high, medium, or low. Weed makes me tired, truthfully, but I wondered if admitting so would deter people from talking to me. I went with medium. For your interests, you have the option to meet other users who enjoy the outdoors, music, TV/ movies, culture, gaming, and food. When creating my profile, I chose everything, since (let’s be real) all those things appeal to me. The trouble is, these categories are pretty broad and don’t tell you too much about anyone. Besides, if you want to get high but don’t like food, please move along. To finish it out, you can write your story. Aside from your photos (you can choose up to four), your story is really the only customizable part of your profile, and can include up to 420 characters. (Get it?) For my photos, I chose a selfie of me running, one of me making out with my boyfriend, one of me mutilated in Evil Dead: The Musical, and another of me with a beard and glasses drinking an iced latte. I wanted to show my new stoner friends I’m interesting and full of variety. Also a homosexual.
22 | March 4, 2015
My story was pretty simple: “I wanna meet more awesome people. Actor, writer. I smoke when it’s around.” I felt like my pictures told a better story anyway. What’s missing from the profile is an area to clearly list your age. Also, while sexual preference may not seem super important when looking for a partner in partaking, let’s be honest — people want to use this app for stoned hookups.
Unlike Tinder, High There isn’t based on mutual matching. When you swipe a user to the right, they’re informed you like them … but you have no record of them unless they decide to message you back. The first user to hit me up was JP, whose only interest was music. His energy was low and he preferred edibles. His story: “hey all i’m a gay guy with a huge c**k.” While intriguing, I decided he wasn’t entirely worth pursuing. Meanwhile, I continued to swipe interesting people. I appreciate that you can choose to include male, female, or both. Maybe it’s my familiarity with Tinder, but I had zero interest in browsing the female selection. I soon learned my profile was a lot more intricate than most. A majority of users include one picture and barely any story (if they even wrote one). I was a bit frustrated with a technical glitch that caused some users to appear with the previous person’s photo, or to reappear when I’d already swiped them left. One of my most interesting connections was Renae, a 39-year-old single mom looking for friends aged 35–45. I mean, I’m no twink, but I don’t think I look like I’m in my upper 30s. I had nothing to discuss with her. Throughout several weeks of swiping, no one I chose to connect with decided to message me back. Every connection I replied to was left hanging. I’d made absolutely no progress except for adding another people-discovery app to my phone. So, LGBT stoners, it’s your call. Maybe give it a few months for this one to really cultivate a selection. But until then, just stick to saying I’m #420 on Grindr.
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You really want to get high. You’d like a new friend, too — possibly a hookup. Seems a little specific for most connection apps … but hang on: It’s 2015. Of course there’s an app for that ... and it’s called High There!
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Outfrontonline .com | 23
My vision
for a more progressive, robust Denver Kayvan Khalatbari
24 | March 4, 2015
At a time when Denver is experiencing an unprecedented amount of growth and change, it is more important than ever that we work to preserve the artistic and progressive spirit that has inspired so many people to flock here. Our city has a strong history of embracing both personal freedoms and collective energy — the magazine you hold in your hands is evidence of that. Out Front’s nearly 40-year history in Denver proves that our city is one that fights for its identity, and cares for its citizens.
I must admit, I was troubled earlier this year when our City Council voted to raise their salaries to more than $90K per year, for what is ultimately a part-time job. This comes at a time when so many Denver residents are unable to afford to live in their own neighborhoods due to the rising price of housing. As the cost of living soars, wages remain stagnant and many who have spent their entire lives in Denver are beginning to find it out of their price range. It’s important that we have city officials who use our recent economic prosperity to benefit our most vulnerable communities. If elected, I will seek to provide housing subsidies for teachers and artists, transportation for children’s after-school programs, a strong defense of anti-discrimination laws, and access to affordable and comprehensive health care for transgender persons. Failing to protect these aspects of our city would ultimately rob Denver of its cultural edge, its progressive advancements, and the economic security of our future. As member of the Board of Directors for the Colorado Youth Symphony Orchestra, and a mentor for Denver Kids, Inc. I have seen firsthand how transformative artistic community programs can be for young people. I have also been blessed to be a part of our city’s explosive stand up comedy community through Sexpot Comedy, sponsoring scores of podcasts, films, and shows around Denver, including Jordan Wieleba’s Something Fabulous Comedy and Variety Show at Blush and Blu. As the son of an immigrant, I also understand what it feels like to experience racial tension when engaging with a police officer. While I believe that a large majority of those with the Denver Police and Sheriff ’s departments are noble, honest people with our safety as their highest priority, a few bad apples in the bunch have cost our city $13 million in civil lawsuits over the last decade — and that’s not even including the recent promise of $4.65 million to the family of Marvin Booker, who was tased and choked to death in a Denver jail. I applaud the Denver Police Department’s request for 800 body cameras to be placed on officers, though we need to do more. I think this issue requires additional action, such as utilizing peace officers who are trained at monitoring and managing situations, but do not use force in certain public events, instead of armed police officers. This has the potential to de-escalate what would otherwise be violent encounters between police and citizens, as well as saving the city money. As the owner of seven local businesses, with more than 100 employees, I understand that Denver entrepreneurs have dreams that can either be aided by city officials, or crippled by them. With the blessing of local government, we can begin large-scale production of hemp, a profoundly malleable plant that can be used to make textiles, fuel, building materials, food, medicine, and much more. Making Colorado the central hub of this industry has the potential to bring in hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue, and tens of thousands of jobs. We can be this example of progressive change with regard to hemp, just as we have with medical and social use cannabis. Legalizing recreational cannabis has already proved to be a wise economic decision on the part of Colorado
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I was troubled earlier this year when Denver City Council voted to raise their salaries to more than $90K per year, for what is ultimately a part-time job, at a time when Denver residents can’t afford to live in their own neighborhoods.
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voters. The city of Denver has been handicapped on this issue by forcing their dispensaries to close at 7pm, while other municipalities remain open. Because of this, the City of Denver is losing out on thousands of hours of employee wages every day, and millions of dollars in sales-tax revenue each year, for no logical reason. Ten years ago, I moved to Denver from my home in Nebraska arriving with few contacts in the city and very little money. In that time, Denver has blessed me on so many levels, especially financially. It’s my aim to return the favor and serve the communities that have been so
good to me. If elected, I have promised to donate half of the annual income paid to me as a council member to the Harm Reduction Action Center to help promote progressive drug-policy reform. Together, we can build a more inclusive, compassionate, and economically-unified Denver. Please register to vote online and consider voting for me on May 5th in this mail-in ballot election. KayvanForDenver.com NATIVE CONTENT Outfrontonline .com | 25
CALENDAR March 7
Now thru March 15 Big Fish
Novel by David Wallace, film by Tim Burton, the reputation of this poignant story speaks for itself. Now coming to the theatre, Big Fish tells some tall tales about love, family, and daffodils. Decide for yourself how important the line between fiction and fact really is in this musical adaptation. Presented by the Aurora Fox Theatre.
St. Practice Day Bar Crawl
With everyone’s favorite day of unnaturally green things, drinking, and unabashed kisses upon us, you may feel the need to put your Irish pants on early. This LoDo bar crawl features drink specials, fun events, and you’ll even get a medallion to show your place as a true St. Paddy’s Day appreciator. Also know this: March 17th is a Tuesday this year, so if you’ve got business to handle, St. Practice Day is for you. Check out EventBrite. com for tickets.
March 5 thru 21 Ham McBeth
“What’s ham is ham!” Lady MacBeth once cried in Shakespeare’s famous tragedy. Or something like that. Square Product Theatre presents a new spin on a centuries-old play, following Ham McBeth on a comedic journey to overthrow the ruler of the vibrant trailer park she lives in. Jam-packed with pop culture references, complex relationships, power trips, and the everpresent follies of human existence, this show is not to be missed. TheDairy.org
March 8 thru April 5 Beginning March 6 Denargo Farm and Truck
After one long and dreary winter, it’s time to let the sunshine in. Say it with us, now — food truck season! Get your tacos, empanadas, and club sammys on at Denargo food truck emporium, located in the heart of RiNo. Farm fresh and affordable, this might just become your new favorite lunch spot. Open every Wednesday and Friday thru October.
Cock
Love is a many complicated, awkward, and splendored thing. This play by the brilliant Mike Bartlett, as its name suggests, is a bold look at modern love. It follows a gay man as he falls in and out of love with his partner and into new relationship territory with a woman. The witty dialogue tackles questions of identity, sexuality, and the human animal’s nagging obsession with solidifying a certain presence in both realms. We’re in. TheEdgeTheater.com
March 7 & March 15 Sushi and Joint Rolling
Sponsored by all-organic L’eagle Services and hosted by Green Labs Denver, this class’s awesomeness speaks for itself. Combine your greatest loves in a night of good eatin’ and sticky learnin’ as you connect with some of the most knowledgeable (and fun) folks in the biz. Dazzle your friends with your rolling prowess and pass us some more spicy tuna! GreenLabsDenver.com
26 | March 4, 2015
March 10 Bluebird Theatre Common Kings
When you hear these guys, you just might imagine you’re on a beach, wearing your best jean cutoffs and drinking a peach daiquiri. The Common Kings are fun, relaxing, and the perfect remedy for your winter blues. They also opened for Justin Timberlake’s Australian tour, so ya know they’ve got the goods. Show starts at 8.
Saturday, March 14 St. Patrick’s Day Parade
With a rich history, Denver’s 50th St. P’s Day Parade will have something for everyone. Beginning at 9:30, dancers, musicians, red-heads, and more will march through lower downtown to celebrate all things Irish. Craft vendors, green beer pours, and corned beef stalls are a must.
March 14 Casino Night March 12 Jason Mraz with Raining Jane
Grammy-winner Jason Mraz has been finely tuning his infectiously sweet sound since his hit single, The Remedy (I Won’t Worry). His latest efforts with girl-powered rock band, Raining Jane, fuels this tour with home-grown songs and an all-acoustic set list. On their 2014 collaborative album, Yes!, the group even does a Boys II Men cover. If you’re not swooning now, you will be. Doors at 8.
Enjoy a night of fundraising, gambling, whisky tastings, arcade games, and just general fun stuffs at Adaptive Adventure’s Casino Night. We can’t think of a better reason to bet it all on red to support the night’s charity, Adaptive Sports for Kids; a group wholly committed to giving kids and young adults with physical disabilities the opportunity to play sports in a supportive and safe environment.
March 17 thru 22 Women + Film Festival
Denver Film Society presents a fest dedicated to giving voice to the many narratives that impact and inspire women around the world. Every screening involves an audience Q&A session with filmmakers, community leaders, and scholars to educate and advocate on issues that may not find light in mainstream media. A truly eye-opening experience for ladies and gents alike. Denverfilm.org
Captain Shirley Delta Blow and her Drag Queen Time Machine give us a brief history of drag through time travel. Complete with pink fur and glitter, we’ll ride in style through a very gay Universe and in and out of rainbow wormholes to get to our destinations.
Outfrontonline .com | 27
Middle-class drug dealer still thriving despite legalization Kyle Harris
28 | March 4, 2015
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Class, put your rolling papers away — it’s time for a
There’s an assumption that legalization will be bad for dealers. I don’t think that’s true. As an underground dealer, I think people should realize greater good of people not being locked up for pot.
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“What I sell is mostly ounces or a pound to people who are then going to break it down and distribute it. I deal with dealers. Not high-level dealers, but dealers. “[Legalization in Oregon and Washington] has changed things. I’ll talk to someone on the phone and say it’s $3000 a pound. They say, ‘That’s so high; I’m used to $2000 a pound!’ There are still people I sell stuff to at $3000 or $4000 a pound. It’s a very unstable market, yet a very variable market. It depends on peoples’ connections and who they know and don’t know. “There’s an assumption that legalization will be bad for dealers. I don’t think that’s true. Personally, as a dealer, I think people should weigh that against the greater good of people not being locked up for pot. So sometimes we take an economic hit so people don’t go to jail. Personally, I’m completely in favor of legalization.” Dave is troubled that 10 percent of sales funds antidrug law enforcement initiatives. “I think it’s shitty that the money goes to the cops. I know that’s something [legislators] had to put in the bill to get it to pass. I’m glad the bill passed, but it’s an unfortunate part of things.”
Pot Quiz 1) Which of the following are legal? a. Possessing pot when you’re 18. b. Partaking in public. c. Growing up to eight cannabis plants. d.Gifting someone up to two ounces. e. Sending product to friends in other states. 2) What legislation made the sale of recreational marijuana legal here in Colorado? a. Prop 8 b. Taco Bell c. Amendment 64 d. TABOR e. Sequester Grundleplith 3) Which of the following is NOT going to get you a medical MJ card? a. Anxiety b. Glaucoma c. Neuropathy d. Cancer e. Fibromyalgia 4) What ingredient in marijuana has medicinal effects without making the user high? a. TLC b. CSI c. CBD d. THC e. BAE 5) What year was marijuana first criminalized in Colorado? a. 2013 b. 1776 c. 1980 d. 1917 e. Taco Bell Answers: 1) None. 2) c. 3) a. 4) c. 5) d.
S
hipping marijuana across state lines comes with highs and lows, says Dave, a pot dealer who has been in the trade long before Colorado voters legalized recreational marijuana. Dave, of course, is a pseudonym. Unlike many drug dealers who went legit, he continues to work the underground. Dave describes himself as a middle-class drug dealer. In his best year, he made around $100,000. In his worst, he made $20,000. He lives cheap and saves well so the ups and downs don’t hit him too hard. “When I made $100,000 that year, I was moving between 10 and 20 pounds a month. The next year, I made $20,000 moving one or two pounds a month.” As a queer man, Dave has finds it difficult to find jobs that pay well, so he’s opted to work underground instead of risking homophobia in the aboveground economy. “As queer or gay or whatever, I do think it’s harder for me to get a job. There is a role that the underground economy plays that is partially connected to being queer.” And working aboveground in the pot industry is not that lucrative unless you own a dispensary, something most boots-to-the-pavement dealers can’t afford. “Most dispensaries don’t pay people that well. A lot pay minimum wage, especially the corporate ones,” he says. But shipping pounds of weed in exchange for boxes of cash is risky — not just legally. “I’ve lost over $30,000 over the years.” After a few close encounters with the law, he learned the hard way not to try and recoup losses. “I get very emotional about it and it’s hard to talk about. It’s weird to be like, ‘I just lost $3000.’ It’s such a privileged problem. It makes people say, ‘Stop doing what you’re doing.’” Prior to legalization, the loneliness of hiding his profession from his friends and partners wore him thin. After legalization, he became more honest about his underground gig. Some friends have been supportive, others less so. “It weeds people out, no pun intended.” For the brave few, dealing is a recession-proof job. “There is almost always a demand for pot. It’s one of the biggest cash crops in the country. People want it.” But the drug trade is not exactly stable. Colorado’s price for buying wholesale marijuana has decreased. “People who were street dealers selling eighths have watched everything go down. Same thing for people who are growers. All the growers I talk to talk about how they used to sell a pound for $3200. Now they’re lucky if they can get $2200.” Dave pays growers more for weed than licensed dispensaries pay and, as a result, licensed growers are willing to risk working with him. These same growhouses invite police in to tour their businesses and work to maintain legitimate appearances. Even though the price of a pound has gone down in Colorado — his local profits have never been too hot — Dave is grateful for legalization. “Everybody feels a sense of relief that there are less legal repercussions. Even though it’s still illegal to go around with a pound in your car, it’s de-prioritized.” When it comes to selling weed to east coast connections, he makes more money per pound than before. He can buy cheap marijuana here and sell it for higher prices across the country.
Outfrontonline .com | 29
Out Front Strain of the Month:
That Kind
M
Anna Biscay
y budtender at Botanico gets me. When she heard about the particularly gnarly experiences I’ve had recently getting way too stoned and hiding under blankets, she “aha”-ed me and reached for a jar of the mild-mannered goodness known as That Kind. “It’s high in CBD,” she assured. Indeed, it’s 12.6 percent cannabidiol, which is the stuff in mary jane that not only has medicinal properties, but polices the THC so you don’t get too whacked out. If THC is the accelerator, CBD is a gentle brake-pump that puts you back in the speed limit. I procured an eighth and headed to the crib, a familiar tinge of anxiety setting in. Let me explain: I’m not the biggest stoner ever. I’m actually pretty
Know Before o G You
30 | March 4, 2015
easy on the stuff, by most standards. But the thing is, I want to be more comfortable with cannabis. When I find that sweet spot between “suitably relaxed” and “a bit more enthusiastic than normal,” I relish the feeling. It sounds strange to say that I want to be a better pothead, but it’s better than what I’m really awesome at, which is drinking too damn much. When I find myself in that rare annual phase where pot is really doing it for me, drinking is the last thing on my mind. More of that, please. (I probably need therapy and not substances, yeah yeah yeah. But let’s be clear: This isn’t an advice column coming or going. I’m a flawed human, but I get shit done. Come along.) So I’m back at the house staring at the glass pipe that just about annihilated me last time I used it.
(You hardcore enthusiasts can see last issue’s review of Good Chemistry’s insane strain of Headband. Head over to their Colfax shop if you want a bullettrain ticket to the other side.) I opted to use the virgin piece someone donated; no mixing this kitten of a strain with that unhinged beast. I assume the position and draw a clean hit that’s skunkier than I’d anticipated, and park it in front of the computer hoping That Kind won’t exacerbate my often crippling anxiety. Emails, Facebook, Reddit, the usual … time is flowing nicely and I realize I’m smiling. Actually, I’ve been smiling. Not only that, but my right shoulder — normally cramped from a desk job that requires me to cling to a mouse like it’ll run away if I don’t — isn’t bothering me. I head back to the kitchen for another hit, pleasantly surprised that I’m actually interested in ratcheting up this feeling. Like a pilot in the final thrust toward cruising altitude, I draw a reasonable amount and exhale through the nose. I appreciate the taste. CBD. Well, hello. I’m feelin’ ya. I swim through the rest of my work and find myself spending a little more time on conscientious email replies until the “omg, eat something already” kicks in. Stereotypical as it is, yeah: munchies happened and yeah, I was thankful for them. Where alcohol demands your stomach’s full attention (until you’re shit-hammered and shoving your roommate’s leftovers into your face at 2am), pot gives you that “hey, human … you gotta eat now” nudge. I think, though, that it could’ve been the high CBD content, but I’m not sure. Something about the noms were a little different, but trust: It’s kinda great. You know what else is kinda great? That Kind is kinda great. If you’re into pot but not INTOinto pot, this one comes recommended and it’s at Botanico on the sleepy side of Larimer where there’s plenty of RiNo parking and individual rooms where a really chill budtender will secure an “aha” moment for you, too.
Think sleepless nights or debilitating anxiety will get you a “red card,” my friend? Think again. The following are the only qualifications doctors look for when giving you the green light. Arthritis Cachexia Cancer Crohn’s Disease Chronic Nausea (including nausea due to medication) Chronic Pain DDD (Degenerative Disc Disease) Fibromyalgia
Gerd (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) Glaucoma Hepatitis C HIV/AIDS IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
Migraines Neuropathy Reflux Disease Seizure Disorders/ Epilepsy
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Acting like a bitchy queen may seem like an effective way of keeping people from hurting you, but it only serves to isolate you.
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Emotional self-defense for beginners
T
Brent Heinze
here are so many times when I don’t feel equipped to deal with all of the emotionally hurtful people and situations in my life. When I’m faced with these types of things, I want to run away and isolate myself in my apartment. I’ve never been good at dealing with conflict and it seems like it’s getting worse as I get older. How can I become better at not getting stressed or hurt? The world can feel like a warzone at times filled with enemies, pitfalls, and challenges to overcome. We can lessen the potential to get hurt in many ways, but first we have to determine what our most common foes are. These can include people, situations, or ourselves. We might find ways to strengthen ourselves internally by
building a protective wall to defend our emotional castle, but that could also keep us from experiencing the beauty of our surrounding realm. We could also focus on exiling the attackers from our kingdom or find ways to push the armies back so they can’t hurt us. But the best way to keep ourselves safe from harmful situations is to avoid them altogether. Surrounding ourselves with positive, supportive people and situations is ultimately important. Most times, these provide us with low drama and hopefully a higher degree of personal satisfaction. Be conscious of what you allow into your life. Of course, there are situations and people we can’t push out of our lives. It’s important to develop skills
that are effective in protecting our hearts since we can’t retreat. We can develop the self-confidence and assertiveness to stand up for ourselves when we feel attacked or challenge past personal beliefs that we’re powerless. These defenses help us to tell negative people to piss off. Take the time to develop effective weapons. Don’t create the equivalent of a cardboard sword and expect it to fight off aggressive armies. Building up your outward appearance, taking on an arrogant personality, or acting like a bitchy queen may seem to be an effective way to keep people from being able to hurt you on the surface, but it serves to isolate you further from others and doesn’t help you develop the skills to stand up for yourself and be assertive. It can also crack under pressure, leaving you ill-equipped to protect yourself. Unfortunately, there are times when our protective shield is not large or strong enough. Know when to attack and when to retreat to fight another day. Sometimes we get our asses handed to us and have to retreat to take care of our wounds. Don’t shy away from engaging in these types of occurrences due to a fear of discomfort or getting hurt. It’s more important to spend time and energy figuring out the best way to strengthen our arsenal so we can keep on fighting. Get ready to figure out your defensive strategies to protect vital organs from the army of self-esteem attacking ogres. Now fight!
SUV Lexus GX 460 Outfrontonline .com | 31
“
For many, shopping for a car is not a pleasurable experience; definitely not like shopping for clothing. Or shoes. Or anything that isn’t a car, pretty much.
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Take Us to Your
Dealer
the performance and curb appeal. The Jetta and the Versa Note tend to fit the compact lifestyle owners are living. The Versa Note is a city car with a hatch that makes it flexible for storage yet easy to park and, frankly, more tolerant to city scuffs due to its lower price point. The real key to changing car shopping from a blood-boiling experience to an adventure is knowing
… and get your tires in a row for a pleasurable car-shopping experience Jonathan McGrew
F
or many, shopping for a car is not a pleasurable experience; definitely not like shopping for clothing. Or shoes. Or anything that isn’t a car, pretty much. Me personally, I’ve always liked the hunt. I think it’s something about the research, which is actually the key, so allow me to fill you in on some crucial car-shopping tips as you hunt for your next vehicle.
Audi A3 Decide What Kind of Car You Want to Drive There are so many choices! I’ll narrow it down to a versatile little list of some whips I’ve recently testdriven for your reading pleasure: the Nissan Versa Note, Infiniti Q60S, BMW 435i X-Drive, VW Jetta SE, Hyundai Tucson, and Audi A3. The Versa Note is a tiny, urban car with surprising amounts of room, while the Q60S, 435i, and A3 give you performance and rail-like handling for the madman driver in all of us. Then you have the Jetta and the Tucson that live a more subdued life focusing on daily tasks and affordability. Whether you want a truck, SUV, CUV, sedan, coupe, or convertible, you need to decide the vehicles you want to test drive before going out to the dealers. What Do You Love and Hate About Your Current Ride? This is one of the most important things to figure out before you go shopping for your next car. For example, I love the Q60S’ power, but find the confined cockpit hard to live with for long periods 32 | March 4, 2015
of time. In the 435i, I like the control and high-tech feel of the interior. (On the minus side, the front seats have always seemed flat and a little stiff.) With the A3 2.0T, you have great performance and good trunk space, but no rearview camera. The interior space is ok for two, but tight for four. Then there are considerations like value for the money. The Tucson gives CUV buyers flexible space, and lots of available features, but won’t drive as crisply as the German Jetta, Audi, and BMW. Write down your loves and hates and make sure you review them after test-driving each new car. A Lifestyle Vehicle or a Vehicle to Fit Your Lifestyle? This may seem like a strange concept, but vehicles like the BMW 435i XDrive and Infiniti Q60S are really lifestyle vehicles. They’re sports cars and their makers don’t apologize for the lack of rear seat room. That’s ok — owners are mostly after
VW Jetta SE what you want. Most times, we’re pressured to find a car and constrained by budget, time, and availability. So my final piece of advice is to make sure you know your budget. Vehicles like the Audi, BMW, and Infiniti live in the $35K–$55K range. The Versa Note will be mid-teens, the Jetta starts just under $20K, and the Tucson will run you between $20-30K. So when you look at what you want to spend, my best advice is to narrow the search by testing only the cars that fit your budget. Enjoy the ride!
BMW 435i X-Drive SUV Lexus GX 460
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Outfrontonline .com | 33
Out of
Hibernation How the weather can affect your mind and body Kelsey Lindsey
I
t’s been cold and it’s been dark. The thought of removing yourself from your den of covers is chilling in itself, resulting in a soft bulge that inevitability starts to form around some of our bellies. Winter seems to cast an almost lethargic note on certain peoples’ moods, perhaps even giving the body itself some aches and pains. But wait: The songbird’s cry is just a few weeks away! While uplifting in thought, this news isn’t the best for our minds, joints, or hearts at the moment. As our Colorado spring approaches, I’ll reflect on some of the ways weather can affect the physical and psychological self. First, let’s address seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. Yes, this is a thing, and it’s treatable. SAD is a type of depression affecting 5 to 10 percent of the population by some estimates, and sets in at the same time of year consistently. People who suffer from SAD have the same common signs of depression including anxiety, lack of energy, social withdrawal, and irritability. Treatments of SAD, according to the Mayo Clinic, range from light therapy to medications and psychotherapy. Although you might not be diagnosed with SAD, you may still experience a change of mood when the weather changes. A 1980 study found that high humidity made participants less likely to concentrate and sleepier compared to lower humidity, while a 2008 study found that higher temperatures could help bring a depressed person up, while wind or lack of sun can depress a sad person even further.
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Let’s address seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. Yes, this is a thing, and it’s treatable. SAD is a type of depression affecting 5 to 10 percent of the population by some estimates, and sets in at the same time of year consistently. People who suffer from SAD have the same common signs of depression including anxiety, lack of energy, social withdrawal, and irritability.
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Besides mental side effects, weather can also have a physical impact on humans’ bodies. A 2013 study from the International Journal of Biometeorology examined the different temperature shifts in five cities from 1975 to 2004, and found that in the majority of the cities, there were higher rates of cardiovascular and respiratory-related deaths on winter days. This may be due to extreme temperatures causing stress on the cardiovascular system, and the rise of strenuous activities like snow-shoveling and flu season. Finally, we’ve all heard about — or maybe even experienced — shifts in weather affecting joint pain. While there’s no concrete explanation for this, scientists have looked at the changes in air pressure and how this could expand tissues surrounding the joints, causing discomfort. The elements’ physical effects on humans are researched continually, so visit a doctor if any of your symptoms become a hindrance to your everyday mental and physical well-being. 34 | March 4, 2015
BAR WARS at the Wrangler Eleven of Denver’s favorite LGBT watering holes came together on Jan. 31 for Bar Wars at the Wrangler. Bar Wars is the one day a year when bartenders from your favorite LGBT bars battle it out to prove that they have what it takes to be called the best. Bartenders from Barker Lounge, Black Crown, Blush & Blu, Boyztown, Broadway’s, Eagle, Hamburger Mary’s, Li’l Devils, Tracks, Wrangler, and X Bar competed for the 2015 title. Each establishment had five rounds to prepare special shots. Patrons cast votes for their favorite creation at the end of each round. Proceeds from the event, totaling more than $7,500, benefit the Denver Colorado AIDS Project. Congratulations to Brian Numbers and Boyztown for winning this year’s event.
Photo by Charles Broshous
A Lifetime of Love Starts with a Visit…
A lifetime of love starts with one visit, and you can meet your perfect match at the Dumb Friends League today! Adoption fees for all adult cats (1 year and older) are just $25 and include spay/neuter surgery, initial vaccinations, microchip ID implant, and a free initial office visit with a participating veterinarian. For more information, visit ddfl.org or call (303) 751-5772.
Bean
Bean here! I’ve been told I’m a sweet and affectionate cat! I can be shy sometimes but love attention once I get to know you! I would prefer a home without other animals, so I can be the center of your world! I hope that you will come meet me soon! I am at the Dumb Friends League, 2080 S. Quebec Street.
CeCe
Greetings! I’m a lady of a certain age with a reputation for being affectionate and loving with my human family. My former owner says I was great with both her and her friends. I would do best in a home without children or dogs but I did live well with a calm cat. So how about you come by so I can have a look at you? I am available for adoption at the Petco on E. Orchard in Aurora.
Outfrontonline .com | 35
An Honest Liar Gary M. Kramer
There’s a sucker born every minute, perhaps, but there are too few people who expose the swindlers, charlatans, and con men who deceive them. A magician, like James “The Amazing” Randi, the subject of the fantastic documentary, An Honest Liar, opening March 13, is one such debunker. Directors Tyler Measom and Justin Weinstein show how Randi relentlessly challenged the “psychic and paranormal” claims of hacks including mentalist Uri Geller and faith healer Peter Popoff, who use trickery to con people.
36 | March 4, 2015
We spoke via Skype with Randi and his partner, artist Jose Alvarez.
The Amazing Randi with his partner Jose Alvarez.
What can you say about being a skeptical magician? Randi: Magicians are honest folks: They deceive you the same way an actor fools you. I am an actor as a magician. I play the part of a magician. If you see Hamlet and — at the end of the play — the actor says, “I really am the Prince of Denmark,” you would be insulted. But there are folks who say they can look at the stars and tell you the name of your firstborn. Why do people believe one thing and not the other? The psychics don’t say, “I’m going to fool you.” They say, “I’m in touch with Jesus, the spirits, and can see the future and the past.” They take money under false pretenses, and cripple people by causing them mental anguish and deceiving them without care if they harm them. [They] tell them to throw away their medicine as [faith healer] Popoff did. Alvarez: People turn to folks like Popoff because they are desperate and think they have no choice. They will try anything, and that’s when these evil people come and take advantage of it. It’s not a lack of intelligence of the victims; they are at a moment in their lives when they want to have their spirits uplifted. They need to believe. Jose, you worked with Randi by pretending to be a channeler named Carlos. What can you say about your experiences with his “hoax,” which was perpetrated in Australia? It was done as a vehicle not for duping people, but for the purpose of empowering or informing them about a charismatic figure and how you need to challenge peoples’ claims — how easy it could be done. It took on a life of its own. It was a hyper-reality. For me, that was what was so revealing — the power of the medium. These folks never heard of [my character] Carlos outside of [Australian] TV, but seeing their faces and how they were not questioning me was shocking. They were enthralled in their own narratives of wanting to believe whoever is on stage. Randi, you indicate in the film that people don’t want straightforward facts, but would rather have romance and lies. Do you, even with your skepticism, ever find yourself swept up in wanting to believe something, or taking something on faith? I’m willing to take things as they come. I’m not afraid of the truth as reality. I don’t have wishful thinking. I’m pretty free of that. Look me in the eye and tell me. I’m a professional magician and have been all of my life. I know how things are done. The signs are right there. I’ve never had a problem solving how they do their psychic tricks. I am an atheist because I kept asking for proof. The Bible wasn’t enough proof for me. [It] didn’t have answers to satisfy me, and I didn’t find any evidence that a 2,000-year-old story was true. I have belief in the basic goodness of our species. There are some evil folks, though, look at the news. But you have to have bravery and courage to face the world as it is. You got to have G-U-T-S.
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I’m willing to take things as they come. I’m not afraid of the truth as reality. I don’t have wishful thinking. I’m pretty free of that. Look me in the eye and tell me. I’m a professional magician and have been all of my life. I know how things are done. The signs are right there. I’ve never had a problem solving how they do their psychic tricks.
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Speaking of courage, you came out at age 81. What prompted that? I was fortunate to see Milk. That film affected me a great deal. I didn’t find any real necessity before then. When I was a teen, if you came out, you’d be ostracized. You didn’t think about it. Things changed. I’m fully grown up now. The film inspired me.
Alvarez: We were watching Milk, and it was a powerful film. I remember Randi was very pensive. The following day, he handed me a piece of paper and said, “Read this.” It was his coming out letter. It shocked me. I said, “Are you sure you want to do this?” He said, “Yes, I am.” I also think that he was thinking about his whole life was about truth-telling. Outfrontonline .com | 37
The Walk ing Brain Dead Robyn Vie -Carpente r
A
s I have a friend who works on the set of The Talking Dead — a guest-panel show hosted by Chris Hardwick that airs after each new episode of The Walking Dead — I got the chance to sit front and center for a taping. I figured it would be fun and a very “Hollywood” thing to do. She told me I came on a really good night, and she was right. I won’t go into detail about the episode, but the reason she knew I’d be excited was the discussion of the two new characters on the show, a gay couple. This isn’t the show’s first queer character, actually. Tara is a lesbian who didn’t really get to be in a relationship; her new girlfriend was shot in the head last season. (The apocalypse is brutal on a relationship.) However, newcomers Aaron and Eric are an established couple. We know that much … and that’s about it so far. When I saw the kissing scene introducing them as a couple, I almost cheered. I wondered if this would be controversial in some way, but didn’t really dwell on it, relishing the moment a bit longer. In fact, after the showing, no one but me brought up “the gay thing.” They were all buzzing 38 | March 4, 2015
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Tara is a lesbian who didn’t really get to be in a relationship. Her new girlfriend was shot in the head last season. (The apocalypse is brutal on a relationship.)
with questions for actress Danai Gurira, who plays Michonne on TWD. In fact, everyone seemed so positive about these new characters, I thought it might go by without any mention. Then, the next day, I found out some people were outraged. Let’s be clear: It was a kiss, that’s it. I mean, their lines help you understand they’re most definitely a couple, but the only thing they did was kiss. Still, people didn’t want to see it on their purified show filled with gratuitous violence, blood, guts, limbs, and cannibalism. I did a little research. This is a direct adaptation of characters as they were written in the comic books, which proves once again that people don’t read. If they did, they would have already known about Aaron and Eric. The biggest thing that struck me was how there was no such outcry when the lesbians were seen lying in
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bed with one another last season. This speaks directly to the show’s largest demographic — men 18–49 — having no issue with lesbians on screen. What’s up with that, world?
The Rise of an Empire and the Fall of Mankind Empire is a show about individuals willing to do whatever it takes to make it to the top. The Walking Dead is a show about individuals willing to do whatever it takes to make it to tomorrow. Why are audiences perfectly fine with seeing characters at their absolute worst, lowest, and most depraved, but reach for the remote when seeing certain characters at their most vulnerable? Viewers can’t tug their eyes from the screen as they watch TV characters scheme and willingly submit themselves to danger, but they can’t look away fast enough when two male characters submit to a force that’s existed since the beginning of time. A kiss between two females may be racy, but not nearly as newsworthy as two men kissing.
OPINION
A Kiss is Not Still a Kiss
O’Brian Gunn
For many of us, a first kiss becomes the first word written in the book of love, but for others a first kiss is a blitzkrieg launched against our delicate sensibilities. Audiences have made it clear how they feel when it comes to two men kissing on the shows Empire and The Walking Dead. Disgusted or offended viewers weren’t shy about voicing their opinions, at least not where The Walking Dead is concerned. Members of the test audience for Lee Daniels’ Empire were less hesitant to give voice to the reason they took offense. What is it about a simple kiss that turns what’s otherwise a symbol of love into a symbol of loathing?
The Apocalypse Will Be Televised One viewer of The Walking Dead stated she watches the show with her children and was disappointed at the fact that the showrunners decided to “throw gays in there.” Here we have a show in which zombies get their heads smashed against rocks in gratuitous fashion, an ex-cop rips out a man’s throat with his bare teeth, and a young boy is almost raped, yet it’s the fact that the show depicts two men kissing that makes her feel protective of her children. Since when did love become an instant violation and the steady deterioration of mankind become something you want to watch with your kids? Art Imitates Life Many individuals of the LGBT community can relate to viewer revulsion at a gay kiss. Not all of our family and friends will continue to “tune in” to our lives when we come out to them. There are some who simply can’t come to terms with or have no desire to know who we are at our core when we choose to make ourselves vulnerable to them, much like how we make ourselves vulnerable to love. Would audiences and the important people in our lives be more comfortable with a heavily-implied gay relationship with lingering stares, words of affection, and subtle touches? Or is that even worse than a simple kiss? Our comfort zones, much like our love and affection, are something we hold close to the heart. Shows like The Walking Dead and Empire force us to face the truth about ourselves just as much as they force characters to face the truth about themselves. When the train of reality is churning down the tracks, is it better to face it head on and deal with the consequences or leap off the tracks and let it stream right by? Outfrontonline .com | 39
“
On Monday,
the doctor told me I was HIV positive. According to The Secret, it would have been my own fault for not
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believing hard enough
Desperately Seeking “The Secret” Scott McGlothlen
I
n my twenties, my low self esteem and self doubt often created a constant need for validation. This usually got appeased through my sexuality and getting other men to desire me. With my wild streak in full swing, it seemed like a natural fit to become a stripper at one of the local bath houses. When meeting with the staff, they mentioned that a public health tester was present in their facility if I wanted to get tested (although it was optional). And this is where I got the HIV rapid test indicating that I could be positive. My first stage appearance was set for the following Thursday, but I wouldn’t get my confirmatory results until the following Monday. How could I go through with this gig while my HIV status hung on the line? I sought out the help of a friend who wouldn’t judge me. 40 | March 4, 2015
“Try this,” he said. He handed me The Secret by Rhonda Byrne: the 2006 pseudo-spiritual, self-help book that focused on the power of positive thinking. Based on the law of attraction, the book promised that anyone could achieve anything as long as they truly believed in it. If you faithfully believed you could have a million dollars, then you’d get a million dollars. But any smidge of doubt would cause the reader’s dreams to fail.
The book had been incredibly successful, yet I always remained a cynic. It seemed like a lazy approach: You don’t have to do anything but think really hard. But now, I was absolutely desperate and would try anything not to be HIV positive. So I shelved my skepticism and took the book from my friend. The Secret focused mainly on concepts such as gratitude and visualization, but I was far too much a pessimist to be grateful and too ADD for any solid visualization. Nonetheless, I tried my damnedest. I hung signs up all around the apartment saying “You will be HIV negative.” I created a ‘vision board’ of what my life would look like as a happy and healthy HIV-negative man. Come Thursday night, The Secret had at least given me the confidence to go through with the new job. I arrived extra early like they’d asked me to. And there I sat … in a dark room in a bath house frantically trying to finish the book before I went on stage to take my clothes off. I couldn’t help but feel a bit ridiculous, like a bad cliché: a stripper reading a hokey self-help book. If low self-esteem had been my problem, then clearly I was far from resolving it. On Monday, the doctor told me I was HIV positive. According to The Secret, it would have been my own fault for not believing hard enough. My friend encouraged me to continue working with the book, that perhaps I could make my HIV disappear. Instead, I decided never to touch the stupid thing again. Not because I blamed it for inefficacy, but rather because I blamed myself for thinking I could resolve such a serious problem with a such a quick fix. Thus, my one night as a stripper would be my last. In the panic of a possible HIV diagnosis, it felt reasonable to desperately seek help from a popular gimmick. Yet, through some hard work on myself, I still achieved health and happiness despite my HIV status. Something about that seemed much more incredible than simply having been able to wish all my problems away. And that was what became my best secret of all.
Outfrontonline .com | 41
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CHEESMAN PARK TERRACE 1402 RACE STREET 1 bedroom units from $750, Dishwasher, 303-668-5014 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• PARK GROVE 1280 LAFAYETTE STREET Large 1 bedroom units, $850-$975 Large 2 bedroom units, $1,000-$1,400 Balconies, dishwashers, parking garage, indoor pool, sauna, exercise room, and views! 303-830-1344 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• CHEESMAN PARK 1360 WILLIAMS STREET 1 bedroom units from $775 to $850. 303-830-1344 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• WASHINGTON PARK 960 S. LOGAN STREET 1 bedroom units from $750-$800 2 bedroom units from $825 720-205-0990 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• WASHINGTON PARK 10 S. PENNSYLVANIA ST. 1 bedroom units from $750 to $800. 720-205-0990 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• GOVERNOR’S PARK 899 WASHINGTON ST. 1 bedroom units from $775-$800/mo. Fireplaces, rooftop deck, dishwashers, fabulous remodel! 303-668-5014 Clean, Renovated and Friendly! Managed by Lloyd’s Apartments L.P.
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1446 S. Broadway, Denver (720) 353-4701 blackcrownlounge.com
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b OyZtOWn 117 Broadway, Denver (303) 722-7373 boyztowndenver.com HAPPY HOUR Mon–Thu: 3–8:30pm & Fri–Sun: noon–8:30pm. $2.50 wells, domestic bottles & drafts. Check boyztowndenver.com for the latest drink specials! DenveR'S HOtteSt MAle RevUe Six nights a week — Never a cover! Tuesday–Sunday, 10pm–1:45am. 21+.
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BAR WARS at the Wrangler Eleven of Denver’s favorite LGBT watering holes came together on Jan. 31 for Bar Wars at the Wrangler. Bar Wars is the one day a year when bartenders from your favorite LGBT bars battle it out to prove that they have what it takes to be called the best. Bartenders from Barker Lounge, Black Crown, Blush & Blu, Boyztown, Broadway’s, Eagle, Hamburger Mary’s, Li’l Devils, Tracks, Wrangler, and X Bar competed for the 2015 title. Each establishment had five rounds to prepare special shots. Patrons cast votes for their favorite creation at the end of each round. Proceeds from the event, totaling more than $7,500, benefit the Denver Colorado AIDS Project. Congratulations to Brian Numbers and Boyztown for winning this year’s event.
Photo by Charles Broshous
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Dear Shanna, Now that pot is all legal and stuff in our great state of Colorado, I’m wondering about the impact that getting high can have on your sex drive, and sexual activity itself. Any thoughts? - Mile High and Horny in Cherry Creek.
Dear Mile High and Horny, What a great question, and one that is still being hotly debated. One of the biggest issues in answering this question is that individuals are affected so uniquely by cannabis. While people may also have different reactions to alcohol, the general consensus is that booze is a social lubricant, lowers inhibitions, inhibits ability to consent (at least legally in CO), and can certainly up the horniness factor. Pot, on the other hand? It depends on the strain, how high you are, how you personally react to different cannabinoids, the way in which you get high, and a ton of other factors. This makes it hard to give any superspecific advice about MJ and getting it on.
That said, there are some things to point out. If you’re smoking, you’ll want to brush your teeth or use some mouthwash if you’ll be going down on a lady. While rolling your own joints promises fewer chemicals than a cigarette, you still don’t want to interrupt the delicate flora of those sensitive ladybits with smoke residue. (Just take the extra second to clean out your mouth.) Are you trying to make a baby (using either penis-in-a-vagina methodology or with the help of a little science and a turkey baster)? Abstain from the weed for a bit — studies have shown that marijuana use significantly decreases sperm count. Also, keep in mind that in the state of Colorado, you can’t give consent when you’re drunk or under the influence of drugs. I’m not saying you should never get hot and heavy when tipsy or slightly high, but definitely have consent conversations before you partake, and don’t try something completely new and different when neither of you can technically consent to switching up the game plan. Some herb makes some people super horny. If this is you and you already know this, mazel tov and enjoy the aphrodisiac. If you’re not sure, consider asking your local budtender if any of their strains are known specifically for this. Some dispensaries even have cannabis pills designed to get your libido flowing. Just remember to start slow; don’t over do it. Try one new strain at a time, record your thoughts about how it impacts your sex drive (positively or negatively), and wait until the next day, week, or month to try something else. Stock up on lube so you don’t forget to use it, create a new, sexy soundtrack, and get down to it — by yourself or with your partner(s)! Best of luck! Shanna Have a question you’d like to ask Shanna (anonymously)? Email shannakatz@gmail.com. ShannaKatz.com 46 | March 4, 2015
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Friday the 13th at the EXDO Event Center Crystal Lake came to Colorado as Ominous hosted “Friday the 13th - Jason Takes Denver” at the EXDO Event Center on February 13th. Jason Voorhees and his mother Pamela Sue, antagonists in the Friday the 13th film series, were in the house for the bloody, anti-Valentine’s Day dance party. Ominous is held the second Saturday of every month.
Photo by Charles Broshous
Outfrontonline .com | 47
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Stoner Stigma? Nevermind all that. Stand by your plant. Stefanie Cochrane
W Horoscopes Which Pitch Perfect Quote was insipred by your life?
eed smokers are perhaps best known as the most peaceful people you’re bound to meet, and yet they’re surrounded by social stigmas and flashing PSA ads. Even Rush Limbaugh, a canned ham that’s been left in the sun too long, has praised medical marijuana. If this guy has such a heart-on for weed, that’s saying something. There seems to be this perception that stoners betray their true potential as individuals. Bullshit. Smoking
weed doesn’t define who you are, but becomes a part, instead, of how you are, like any healthy pastime. The time spent I’ve spent high, engaging with friends, and/or exploring some deeply strange and kinda beautiful inner corners of my mind have far exceeded lazy couch days. I’ve smoked enough to know what works for me. I like to sit crosslegged on my bed with headphones in and write til I’m satisfied. When I’m high, I forget about how brainy the work has to be so I don’t get kicked
Crossword
Pisces: Wanna do something else? We could relive my parents’ divorce, or visit a gynecologist. Aries: Even though some of you are pretty thin, you all have fat hearts, and that’s what matters. Taurus: I’m gonna finish him like a cheesecake! Gemini: Like all misunderstood rebels, he feeds on hypocrisy. Cancer: We shall begin by drinking the blood of the sisters that came before you. Leo: I’m just gonna pump and dump. Virgo: I’m not drunk at all. You’re just blurry. Libra: If we let them penetrate us, we are giving them our power. Scorpio: I set fires to feel joy. Sagittarius: We all know where this is going. Lesbi-honest. Capricorn: A-ca-scuse me? Synchronized lady dancing to a Mariah Carey chart-topper is not lame. Aquarius: I ate my twin in the womb. 50 | March 4, 2015
Send a pic of your completed crossword to Berlin@OutFrontOnline.com for a chance to win some killer swag from around the city.
out of school resulting in my never amounting to anything meaning I’ll live in a damp basement forever. No, that anxiety gets banished. My buddy Mary Jane helps me to just let go. I no longer care about the end product and its implications, but instead enjoy unleashing my crazy inneracademic onto a 2009 MacBook Pro. If that makes me some kind of stoner, then I’ll wear that badge with pride. Weed’s been a real friend to me and while I’m certainly not saying it’s for everyone, try it for yourself before you make an opinion. You may be left pleasantly surprised and/ or hungry. If it doesn’t interest you in the least, that’s fine — but no hating. To those of you pegging MJ-lovers as unmotivated losers, I feel bad for you, son. I got 99 problems but dealing with your unfounded and presumptuous judgements about my recreational marijuana usage ain’t one.