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Why aren't there any Gay Bars in Boulder?
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By Ann Noonan, Out Boulder Board VP
I would have to say that this is the number one 'complaint' I hear from people once they find out that I am associated with Out Boulder. It is as if the entire definition of a vibrant and cohesive LGBTQ community is measured only by the  number of bars catering to us. This has always bugged me, as a person who has been sober almost 30 years, and also as someone who works with addiction and is aware of the disproportionate negative effect of substance abuse in our community. But even more than that, it shows a shocking lack of imagination to believe that 'gay community' happens only in places where alcohol is served.
Why bars? In the old days, most of the gay bars were run by organized crime...underground, seedy and dangerous; our community was exploited by those who were willing to make a quick buck off of us. Today, we own our own facilities, but are still heavily marketed by those who seek to profit from our pathetically grateful response to ads targeting us. Check out the alcohol and tobacco ads that have been aimed at us for decades...long before Subaru, American Airlines and now even JC Penney!
In some ways, the LGBTQ community is not as highly visible here because of our own success at facilitating integration and acceptance in Boulder County. We can go most anywhere and enjoy fine meals, drinks, or even dancing, feeling safe and without raising too much of a reaction. And the Boulder crowd is so fickle in what we like as far as cuisine and ambiance that no one bar could possibly satisfy all of our cravings.
So, what is Out Boulder doing about this 'problem' of not having a bar where everyone knows your name?
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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT:
Old Lesbians Organizing for Change (OLOC)
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 Northern Colorado OLOC (Old Lesbians Organizing for Change) is a local chapter of the National OLOC organization. The Colorado chapter was started in 1993 by 3 Old Lesbians from Estes Park, Lyons, and Louisville. From that time to now the chapter has grown to 70 members from south Denver to Estes Park and Commerce City to Steamboat Springs and a mailing list of non-members of nearly 60. This dynamic group of Old Lesbians 60 and over meets monthly, usually for a potluck, at varying locations from Denver to north Boulder. READ MORE... The upcoming June 9th meeting will be in Boulder Heights at a member's horse ranch. If you are interested in attending, email olocincolorado@yahoo.com for information and directions. This meeting will be from 2 - 5 PM which is much later then our normal Noon to 3 PM meeting time so that we may attend the memorial service for one of our members who died recently. |
Barn Dance - Get your Tickets!
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The 2nd Annual Barn Dance is fast approaching, June 9th, if you missed it last year, you do not want to make that mistake again.
Held at the Altona Grange Lodge in Longmont, the setting is perfect for boot scootin' and romance under the starry sky. If you need some lessons, don't worry we have you covered, get here early.
This event is for those 21 and up, we will have live music from Giddy Up Kitty and Something About Lulu, starry skies, the smell of fresh country air, snacks and drinks... we dare you to not get caught up in the moment.
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Trans & Gender Queer Group Planning Meetings - Wednesdays
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Both the Young Adult and Open Boulder Trans & Gender Queer Support (BTGS) groups will meet in an open format for the next three weeks (6/6, 6/13, and 6/20), 7pm-9pm, to make sure that everyone's voice is heard who may want to give input into planning and creating a successful and supportive group for all attendees. During this time we invite any current or prospective BTGS group member to attend group and give input into how the BTGS group will continue running. The format will address planning in the first 30 minutes, while the remainder of the session will be devoted to supporting one another. Questions? Contact Li at librookens11@gmail.com.
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"Live Free or Die" - June 6
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 If you missed it at the Boulder International Film Festival, you won't want to miss the film "Love Free or Die" at St. John's Episcopal Church in Boulder, 1419 Pine Street. The film will be followed by a conversation and Q&A session with the Rev. Andrew Cooley. "Love Free or Die" follows Bishop Gene Robinson from small-town churches in northern New Hampshire, to the Lincoln Memorial for President Obama's inauguration, to London's Lambath Palace, and to the General Convention 2009 in Anaheim, as he calls for all to stand for equality -- inspiring bishops, priests and lay-folk to come out from the shadows and change history. A donation of $10 is asked to benefit Integrity's presence at General Convention this July to further empower ALL people in the Episcopal Church. Please see http://www.integrityusa.org/ for more details. PLEASE do not let the suggested donation keep you from joining us this Wednesday, however. More than anything we want to share this story and our passion with all. Can't wait to see you there! More info. |
That's not all! Check out these other upcoming events in our community, click on the links below and find out more.
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 The following are the Pride House's regular office hours. If you need to visit us outside of these hours please contactjspolnik@outboulder.org for an appointment. Hope to see you soon!
Tue, Thu, Fri - 9 am - 1 pm
Wed - 12 - 4 pm
Sat, Sun, and Mon - by appointment
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Some of the events, views and opinions expressed in the eNewsletter are solely those of their authors and/or organizations, and do not necessarily reflect an endorsement by Out Boulder. We encourage you to contact the event sponsor for more information.
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