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Submitting to change

Submitting to change

I have noticed the growing uncertainty in the lives of nearly everyone I come into contact with on a daily basis. My neighbors, my favorite teller at my bank, my cousin who lives in Madagascar, my close friends, coworkers and family members are all coping with overwhelming feelings of insecurity about their futures, they’re telling me.

The world’s current political climate is an arrhythmia. The abnormal pace, the ups and downs, are bleeping in chaos, reminding us that the pulse of our world is not without fluctuation.

We can no longer blindly trust the future. Our lives, it seems, are in a state of constant turmoil and unrest.

Unemployment rates in Colorado continue to stand above eight percent, restaurant workers are struggling for shifts that will allow them to provide for their families, businesses are being swallowed up by the economic storm or merging into corporations and conglomerations. Even my mother, who has been at her job for more than 25 years, tells me she’s unsure what will happen to her position in the next few months in a failing healthcare system.

This instability and uncertainty reminds not only our community but the world at large that the only true constant we  count on is change.

When I was working as an editor in college for Weird Sisters West, one of my first features was on Tracy Chapman and her song, “Change.” I thought at the time, eight years ago, that I knew what change was all about. I had just come out of the closet. Now looking back at the article, I realize I never really understood the full effects of change …

Until the world began to change so fast, I could no longer offer reasonable explanations.

“If you knew that you would die today, if you saw the face of God and love, would you change?” Chapman’s words still ring in my ears.

We are beginning to live as though each day is our only chance to really matter. From struggles on a global scale like radioactive fallout in Japan, political corruption and war, to local crime, death, depression and closed storefronts, I am given hope by the incredible power of that one word I had always thought I understood: change.

The word now brings with it not anxiety, but a sense of hope. Hope for a better life. Hope for equality. Hope for recognition. Hope for love.

In the LGBT community, change is something we’ve become pros at dealing with. And we continue to fight for equality in our advocacy and the sharing of our stories.

We are less ashamed of our differences and embrace them as the very things that make us unique and reminds us we have a voice.
We no longer simply hope for change. We are creating it.

With another round of civil union bills falling into the laps of lawmakers in 2012, we are reminded of our fight for the most simple and basic human requests and rights.

Equality. Hope. Recognition.

And it has never been more certain that change is around the corner and our movement is making monumental strides.

For ages the question has remained: “Will we ever have equality?”

We can now answer with confidence that yes, it will happen in our lifetime.

And we have already begun to see the fruits of our labors in that fight.

Although long-time gay bars in Denver are closing their doors, such as tHEREe, Jr.’s and BJ’s Carousel, our gathering places aren’t leaving for good. They are evolving and changing ownership, becoming Eden, tHERe Urban Whiskey Bar and Pure Nightclub.

We are making political strides with fervor and determination – this year we  saw the election of out lesbians Robin Kniech and Debra Johnson in Denver.

Democrats are gaining influence in the state with gay leaders Rick Palacio and Rep. Mark Ferrandino, proving that gay politics have a place in the system.

In this issue of Out Front Colorado, our year in review, we embrace change, and we submit to it.

Change is what has given us momentous strides regarding equality, and is what will continue to shape the world into a place where sexual orientation and gender identity is no longer a determining factor of one’s ability or success.

I want to take this opportunity to thank the LGBT community of Colorado. As I find myself giving into the stress about the future’s uncertainties and feel the depression surrounding the season, I am relieved to know that our community’s leaders and advocates are paving the way to create a change that includes equality for everybody.

And I couldn’t be more hopeful.

 

EDITOR’S PICK
I recently attended a media night at the family owned Mexican restaurant, Blue Bonnet, 457 S. Broadway. The new menu was irresistible. I’m generally not a huge fan of Mexican food, but I will make an exception for the new menu selections at this quaint little joint.
The smoked chicken tortilla soup was just the right amount of heat, the mini chili rellenos were crispy yet gooing with melted cheese and the guac was to die for. And not to mention the ridiculous orange margaritas and specialty sangria. Whew! If you do decide to stop by for a bite, make sure to come hungry!

LES HISTORY
In reflecting over the last year, it is important to remember how far we have come with regards to LGBT rights.
Up until the 1950s  female genital mutilation was used in the United States as a “treatment” for lesbianism.

WINTER ESCAPE
If you’re like me and you can’t always stomach the crowds at downhill resorts and would prefer a backcountry adventure, snowshoeing or crosscountry skiing might just fit the bill. One of my favorite little spots for both, is Lake Agnes, located in the Colorado State Forest on the west side of Cameron Pass. It is, in my opinion, one of the best short lake hikes in the state and has many options for backcountry exploration once you’re suited up with a daypack and your snowshoes or backcountry skis.

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