Metromode Magazine -Summer Pride Issue 2025 : simplebooklet.com

SUMMER ISSUE 20250 000 SUMMER2025 32 >FREECOLORADO’S LGBTQ+ MAGAZINEEVENTS NEWS CULTURE FEATURES FOODIE NIGHTLIFE EVENTS NEWS CULTURE FEATURES FOODIE NIGHTLIFE Sculpting whimsy, humanity, and hope in Sculpting whimsy, humanity, and hope in bronze. Catch his latest creations at the bronze. Catch his latest creations at the Cherry Creek Arts Festival in July.Cherry Creek Arts Festival in July.Pride2025METROMODEMChocolatinaChocolatinaQ. DessertQ. DessertThe extraordinary lives and times of The extraordinary lives and times of pastry chef Martin Howard and drag pastry chef Martin Howard and drag performer Chocolatina Q. Dessert.performer Chocolatina Q. Dessert.In a candid interview, the In a candid interview, the gubernatorial candidate and gubernatorial candidate and longtime senator outlines a bold longtime senator outlines a bold vision for Colorado’s futurevision for Colorado’s futurePaul B. LotzPaul B. LotzMichaelMichaelBennetBennetFM: BasicsFM: BasicsThe beautiful and unique prints used in the The beautiful and unique prints used in the MUCHACHOMALO* collections are created by MUCHACHOMALO* collections are created by artists and fashion designers across the globe.artists and fashion designers across the globe.By Matthew MeyersBy Matthew Meyers Photographed By Kevin LamPhotographed By Kevin LamSundanceSundanceFilm FestivalFilm FestivalHistoric Sundance Film Festival’s move Historic Sundance Film Festival’s move to Boulder Colorado promises industry to Boulder Colorado promises industry change, but will it deliver?change, but will it deliver?

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315 Detroit Street OR 2727 E 3rd Ave, Denver, CO 80206(303) 333-1566 | www.FascinationStArt.com | info@FascinationSt.comFASCINATION ST. FINE ARTOriginal Paintings | Limited Editions | Sculptures | Denver Custom FramesSince 1992RUBY MAZUR COLLECTIONArtist SpotlightsPaul B. LotzWhimsical Bronze SculptorWhimsical bronze sculptor, Paul B. Lotz will be inperson at Fascination St. Fine Art during the 2025Cherry Creek Arts Festival, July 4–6! This exciting exhibition offers collectors and art loversthe chance to engage with the artist behind the surrealstorytelling. Inspired by Renaissance masters during hisstudies in Italy, Lotz began sculpting in ceramics toexplore the depth of human emotion. As his worktransitioned into bronze, his artistic voice expanded—allowing for greater detail, rich narratives, and awhimsical, sometimes sarcastic edge. Each sculpturedraws the viewer into a world that feels both familiarand fantastical, inviting laughter, reflection, and wonder.Cinematic Painter, Gabe Leonard will be in person at Fascination St. Fine Artduring the 2025 Cherry Creek Arts Festival, July 4–6!Leonard’s signature compositions are deeply cinematic, drawing on the rich historyand atmosphere of film. His paintings transport the viewer into an opulent world fullof narrative intrigue, where multifaceted characters invite you to learn their stories.His style incorporates expressive runs and drips with figurative and landscapepainting traditions, resulting in works that are both timeless and emotionallycharged. Now based in Los Angeles, he blends expressive drips, moody palettes,and narrative tension to create scenes that feel suspended in time. Influenced bymasters like Sargent, Klimt, and Schiele, Leonard captures characters in pivotalmoments—inviting us to imagine the stories behind their stares.JUNE 6-7 | CHARLES FAZZINO3D POP ARTISTJULY 4-6 | GABE LEONARDCINEMATIC PAINTERAUGUST 1-2 | BILL MACKCAMELOT STUDIO TOURAUGUST 22-23 | NANO LOPEZBRONZE SCULPTORSEPTEMBER 19-20 | MICHAEL CHEVALSURREALIST PAINTER2025 UPCOMINGARTIST EXHIBITIONSJULY 4-6 | PAUL B. LOTZWHIMSICAL SCULPTORNOVEMBER 7-8 | FABIO NAPOLEONIHEARTFELT ARTWORKGabe LeonardCinematic PainterOPEN GALLERY NIGHT HAPPY HOUREVERY FRIDAY | 4-7PMCome Explore the Galleryand Enjoy a Glass of Wineon Us!

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METROMODE 11 metromodemagazine.com | SUMMER 2025FORWARDINTERIOR IN023029030035CALENDAR, GAY AGENDA, GOOD CHATEVENT CALENDAR: JUNE 1, 2025-SEPTEMBER 5, 2025 It's Summer time! Check out the Pride Calendar. Plenty of festivals and events to go around. There is plenty to see and experience. Let our Summer Calendar guide your way. A FRONTLINE ATTACK ON LGBTQ HEALTHCARE The Trump Administration aims to eliminate LGBTQ+ health-care, removing resources, banning gender-airming care, and worsening access for queer and transgender people.THE PRECARIOUS STATE OF SOCIAL SECURITY The Trump Administration's overhaul of Social Security has led to sta cuts, data seizures, delays in benefits, and grow-ing uncertainty for future recipients.QUEER SENIOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING CRISIS Colorado tackles rising homelessness among LGBTQ+ seniors with innovative housing plans, rezoning eorts, and supportive services to create inclusive, aordable, age-friendly communities for queer elders. 037041045049029037041049GOOD CHAT, CULTUREINTERVIEW WITH SENATOR MICHAEL BENNET In a candid interview with Metromode, the gubernatorial candidate and longtime senator outlines a bold vision for Colorado’s future-vowing to defend LGBTQ+ rights. FROM THE BIG APPLE TO THE MILE HIGH CITYPastry chef Martin Howard and drag icon Chocolatina Q. Dessert, the Pie Queen, blend culinary artistry and perfor-mance, captivating audiences from NYC to Denver.EMPOWERED WOMEN EMPOWER WOMENQueer women-owned businesses like The Pearl, Lady Jus-tice Brewing, and The 99ers are redefining Denver’s LGBTQ+ scene with inclusive and community-focused spaces.BOULDER WINS GOLDEN TICKET TO SUNDANCEBoulder secures Sundance Film Festival through 2037, promising economic and cultural revival—but industry veterans question if it will truly revitalize Colorado’s long-dormant film production scene.

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12 SUMMER 2025 | metromodemagazine.com FORWARDMETROMODEIN INTERIOR057061065087FOODIE, FM, FINAL WORDFOODIE: COLORADO -NEWLY OPENED Mutiny Information Cafe opens in new Englewood location. Plus: Alteño, Blossom by SYC, Chubby Unicorn Cantina, Johnny Bechamel's, and Ros Siam. FOODIE: COLORADO -RESTAURANT REVIEWSRiver and Woods: Contemporary culinary in Boulder, Two Hands: Austrailian-inspired dining o Tennyson Street, The Velvet Cellar: Southern-inspired contemporary in LoDo.FM: BASICSSummer is sizzling with our exclusive Muchachomalo Un-derwear shoot—bold, artistically painted, and brimming with confidence. Buy a pack or two!FINAL WORD: POINT, COUNTER POINTA disillusioned ex-Democrat embraces political indepen-dence, while a counterpoint challenges his retreat—arguing that true progress requires accountability, engagement, and the courage to stay and fight. CULTURE, FEATURESEXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ARTIST PAUL B. LOTZSculptor Paul B. Lotz creates whimsical bronze art blending history and humor, inspiring kindness, connection, and joy through deeply craed, story-rich sculptures. OUTLOUD IN THE HEARTLAND: QUEER VOICES Small-town Colorado’s LGBTQ+ community fights isolation with courage, creating pride events, support groups, and visibility to build acceptance and vibrant, inclusive spaces.VOICES ACROSS GENERATIONS LGBTQ+ civil rights evolve through generations, blending baby boomers’ history, millennials’ pragmatism, and Gen Z’s bold inclusivity to build a resilient, just future.WECLOMING AND AFFIRMINGQueer-affirming churches are reimagining faith through inclusivity, cultural events, and community spaces—oering spiritual refuge, reenvisioned welcome, and renewed pur-pose for a new generation. 052057061065071073087097

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14 SUMMER 2025 | metromodemagazine.com FORWARDMETROMODEMH MASTHEADPUBLISHER & FOUNDERWilliam CameronCREATIVE TEAMEDITOR-IN-CHIEF & CREATIVE DIRECTORWilliam CameronSTAFF PHOTOGRAPHEROpen PositionOPERATIONS ASSISTANTMichael FoxCONTRIBUTING WRITERSWilliam Cameron, Tayler Smith, Michael Fox, Mike Broemmel, Morris Price, Jake Walker, Alex Elmore, Matthew Meyers, Josh Viola, Agent 6 and Agent 9CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERSAlex Elmore, Tayler Smith, Kevin Lam, Eric SheltonCONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATORSWilliam CameronADVERTISING DIRECTORWilliam Cameronwilliam@metromodemagazine.com720-495-2247 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. COPYWRITE 2025Published by Metromode MagazineSPECIAL THANKS!Michael Bennet, Kristine Burrows, Evan Caster, Bryant Mehay, Pastry Chef Martin Howard and Drag Performer Chocolatina Q. Dessert, Sheli Gilman, Betsy Lay, Alison Wisneski, Miranda Spencer, Annie Weaver, Keith Garcia, Trai Cartwright, Kent Youngblood, Paul B. Lotz and Fascination Street Fine Art, Pastor AJ Bush, Kurt Kaufman, Reverend T. Scott Pegues, Rabbi Caryn Aviv, Dominique Robbins, Xara D’Karn, Jimmy Sellars, Robin, HRC President Kelly Robinson, A.H., Muchachomalo*, and all the writers and advertisers. Thank you!SOCIAL MEDIABluesky: @metromode.bsky.socialFacebook: @metromodeInstagram: @metromodeSince 2004, Metromode has been a beacon for the Colorado LGBTQ+ community. Metromode speaks to the entire community with thoughtful analysis of local, national, and global events having a local effect; developments in business, finance, the economy, health, and real estate; interviews with emerging and seasoned artists, musicians, and writers; appealing new opportunities to enjoy Colorado’s rich culture and social atmosphere; quality aesthetic experiences from film, to food, to music, to art, to night life; and challenging social and political thought.FOOD & BEVERAGE SPECIAL SECTIONON STANDS SEPTEMBER 2-DECEMBER 1DELIVERING THE MOMENTS THAT MAKE HISTORYAdvertise with Metromode and enjoy 20% off all frequency rates from now through the end of 2025! Reserve four consecutive issues and receive a free resource page online for the duration of the ad agreement, plus one social media boosted ad each issue. Contact Willim Cameron atwilliam@metromodemagazine.com - 720-495-2247IT’S WHAT HAPPENS IN OUR COMMUNITYTHAT CHANGES YOUR WORLD.BE PART OF EVERY MOMENT, NOWAND FOR ANOTHER 20 YEARS.MMetromode’s readership: Average age of 37.5, 25% have kids, MHI of $127,000, well educated, and 49% owning their own home. Metromode is the largest LGBTQ+ magazine in Colorado. We print 15,000 copies every quarter and have 275 distribution points throughout the Denver Metro Area, Boulder, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, and Golden.

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16 SUMMER 2025 | metromodemagazine.com FORWARDMETROMODESM SUBMISSIONSTELL US SOMETHING FABULOUS, DARLING.MAILING ADDRESS3700 Tennyson Street, #12364Denver, Colorado 80212720-495-2247WE ALL WORK REMOTELY.HOME ADDRESSES ARE NOT GIVEN.www.metromodemagazine.comWe’d love to hear from you! Please contact us with questions, feedback, advice and opportunities. By submitting a Letter to the Editor, Opinion, Story Idea, Illustration, Photography, or Obituary, you give Metromode Magazine full permission to use your name and submission in the magazine and/or our website. We do not make any promise to publish your submission, use your story idea, or compensate you in any way. To be compensated, you must be accepted as a Freelance Writer, Illustrator, or Photographer. Visit our Freelance Opportunities page for contributor requirements.ADVERTISING IN PRINT & ONLINEDisplay advertising is available in various sizes in print and online. All print listings (Calendar, Dining Guide, Bar & Nightlife Guide) typically require a print display ad purchase. Frequency rates apply. For furthur details, please contact William Cameron.william@metromodemagazine.com METROMODELETTER’S TO THE EDITOR AND ALL OTHER SUBMISSIONSProvide in an email or by direct mail. To be considered, you must provide your name, phone number, and email. Submissions should come attached in a Word document and we request they be no more than 1,000 words. Visit our Editorial Inquiries or Freelance Inquiries page online for further details on how to submit.CORRECTIONS & OBITUARIES Provide in an email or by direct mail. Corrections and Obituaries must include verifications, a document or source of proof. Please provide verifications in an attached Word document. Links will not be followed. Visit our Editorial Inquiries page online for further details on how to submit.PRINT MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONSMetromode Magazine is printed quarterly. On stands dates follow the seasons. We print 15,000 copies per issue and have 275 distribution spots for free pickup. You may purchase a copy of Metromode at the Barnes & Noble Bookstores for $6. If you would like a copy mailed to your home, one single copy is $6, a full-year subscription is $18. Please send check to the address above with your name, address, and phone number.IN-KIND SPONSORSHIPSMetromode proudly supports LGBTQ+ community organizations and events within Colorado. Please visit us online to find the instructions on submitting a proposal for In-Kind Sponsorships. We have limited space available. Follow Us on Our SocialsNever miss out of the latest stories andevents happenning in our community!Bluesky: @metromode.bsky.socialFacebook: @metromodeInstagram: @metromodeFollow Us, Like Us, Enteract with Us, Love UsMetromode is Colorado’s leading LGBTQ+ lifestyle media company that produces journalism through magazine, digital, and social media platforms not found in mainstream media. Metromode, the largest local LGBTQ+ magazine in Colorado, was first published in 2004. We are committed to high-quality journalism. We believe in paying our writers fair pay for their work. If you’re interested, please visit our website, at the bottom of the home page click the Freelance opportunities button. There you will find the qualifications needed. Submit all writing sample to the email provided. No phone calls, please. Metromode is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.CALL FORWRITERS!

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18 SUMMER 2025 | metromodemagazine.com FORWARDMETROMODECT CONTRIBUTORSMICHAEL FOX: Operations AssisstantArticles: Foodie Review: (73,) Foodie Re-view: (74,) Foodie Review: (76,) Last Word: Counter Point: In The Full Light (98)Michael is the operations manager at Metro-mode Magazine. He helps in overseeing the production of content for both print and digital editorial. He grew up in Denver where he spent most of his time writing or playing music as a band geek. He attend-ed college where he graduated with a combined music and creative writing degree. Then, in a life altering move, Michael moved to Asia for a few years. He settled back in Denver and has a passion for international and intercultural subjects. MWILLIAM CAMERON: Publisher, OwnerArticles: Publisher’s Note (20,) New & Open-ning: Mutiny Information Cafe (71)William is the owner and publisher of Metro-mode Magazine. He has 24-years experience working in the print magazine industry. In that time, he has worked for Colorado Ex-pression, Architecture & Design of the West, Diverse City, Element Magazine, and Out Front Colorado. William is a self-taught web designer and Adobe Creative Suite guru. He has fully designed a multitute of magazine issues. He started Metromode 20-years ago and is responsible for the entire advertising sales and graphic layout of the maga-zine and website. MMIKE BROEMMEL: Sta WriterArticles: Healthcare (29,) Social Security (32,) Chocolatina Q Dessert (41)Writing and journalism has been at the heart of Mike’s life aer graduating from college with a degree in political science and jour-nalism and beginning his career in the White House Oice of Media Relations and Planning (and then in the Oice of the First Lady). A primary focus of his work has been in the realm of political anal-ysis and commentary. Mike is also a playwright with several productions ad-dressing issues of equality, diversity, and inclusion that have been produced internationally. MTAYLER SMITH: Sta WriterArticles: Empowered Women Empower Women (45)Tayler is a dental professional by day and a writer by night. Along with being a part-time barista, Tayler knows when to put the work aside and indulge in the arts. Growing up in Colorado, Tayler masters the cra of connecting with others, especially amongst the Denver community; she thrives on getting to know people through art shows, open mic nights, book-stores, concerts, and tasty cuisine. Tayler has published a book of poetry, Coming Home to Me, and is currently working on a second book of poetry. She is a skilled writer. MJAKE WALKER: Sta WriterArticles: Out Loud in the Heartland: Queer Voices and Quiet Revolutions in Small-Town Colorado (57)Jake Walker is a Colorado Springs native, a passionate storyteller, and the heart be-hind CS Local Media. A gay man happily married to his husband Christopher, Jake brings authenticity, creativity, and community focus to everything he cre-ates. He shares his life with a dog, a cat, and a bearded dragon—and a deep love for capturing real stories through video, photo, and design. Whether it’s :60 Video Commercials or local news, Jake builds media with soul, purpose, and personality. MMORRIS PRICE JR: Sta WriterArticles: Voices Across Generations: The Evolution of LGBTQ+ Civil Rights (61)Morris Price Jr is currently the Vice Presi-dent of Grants & Impact at the Colorado Trust. With a background in nonprofit lead-ership including the Gill Foundation, a lead-er in funding LGBT civil rights, public policy, and higher education, Morris’ community involvement, including chairing the Board of the LGBT Center of Colorado, the LGBT Commission of the City and County of Denver and a number of other nonprofit boards, showcases his commitment to making a dierence. MMATTHEW MEYERS: Sta WriterArticles: Paul B. Lotz: Sculpting Whimsy, Humanity, and Hope in Bronze (52)Matthew is a writer and artist born and raised in Denver, Colorado. His passion for creativity has followed him throughout his life, taking shape through drawing, sculpt-ing, music, and graiti. He is deeply moved by the stories behind artistic expression and finds inspiration in studying the work and motivations of other artists. For Matthew, understanding the heart behind the art is both a personal ob-session and a source of creative fuel. When he’s not writing or creating, he en-joys listening to music, imagining what’s possible, and finding ways to upli and inspire others. MALEX ELMORE: Sta WriterArticles: The Senior Queer Aordable Hous-ing Crisis (35,) Michael Bennet (37,) Boulder Wins Golden Ticket to Sundance (49,) Wel-coming & Airming (65)An Alabama native, Alexander Elmore is the Head Researcher of the Webby award winning podcast Dark History with Bailey Sarian and Director of Marketing & Film Programming - Features at Denver Documentary Society. He holds a B.F.A. in Film and Television from the University of Colorado Denver. His reporting has appeared in The CU Sentry, Looper, and Westword. He has screened work at Denver Film, International Film Series at CU Boulder, Jersey Devil, DracFest, and internationally with 48 Hour Film Project. M

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20 SUMMER 2025 | metromodemagazine.com FORWARDMETROMODEPN PUBLISHER’S NOTEelcome to the Summer Pride Issue. As Pride heats up across our state, we dedicate this issue to the stories, art, politics, and faith that shape who we are—boldly and unapologetically.We arrive at this Pride season with joy in our hearts but also with renewed fire in our souls. With President Trump now in his second term, his administration has wasted no time target-ing some of the most vulnerable in our com-munity. LGBTQ+ healthcare protections are being stripped away at the federal level, with proposed rollbacks to gender-airming care, HIV prevention access, and vital provisions under the Aordable Care Act. Even Medicare and Medicaid—lifelines for many LGBTQ+ Americans, especially elders and those living with chronic illness—are under threat. These moves are not just policy shis; they are acts of erasure. In this issue, we dig deep into what’s happening, who’s being aected, and how we can resist and organize to protect our rights and our lives.In contrast to that looming shadow, hope and leadership emerge at the state level. We sat down with U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, now a candidate for Governor of Colorado. In our exclusive interview, Bennet shares his com-mitment to LGBTQ+ equality, rural healthcare access, and preserving the hard-won rights that Coloradans have come to expect. It’s a candid, compelling conversation that signals a race to watch.Culture and creativity also take center stage in this issue. We’re thrilled to spotlight Boulder’s historic win to host the 2027 Sundance Film Festival—the first time the iconic 48-year-old event will be held outside of Utah. This deci-sion has been hailed across national media as a major victory not only for Boulder but for the entire state of Colorado. With it comes a wave of economic incentives, tourism investment, and an anticipated surge in creative industry jobs. Many are calling it a golden ticket to re-There will not be a magic day when we wake up and it's now okay to express ourselves publicly. We make that day by doing things publicly until it's simply the way things are! -Tammy BaldwinWilliam CameronOwner & PublisherSummer Pride IssueWSummer Pride IssueYe ar 202 5Cover Image: Muchachomalo*Cover Model: Steve Van Ravesteijnvitalize Colorado’s long-stagnant professional film scene and elevate our state as a serious player in the national arts economy. It’s a transformative moment—one that reairms our place in the cultural conversation and po-sitions LGBTQ+ creatives at the forefront of telling bold, groundbreaking stories.Among the voices we’re celebrating is sculp-tor Paul B. Lotz, whose interview in this issue oers a deeply moving look into the emo-tional and spiritual narratives embedded in his bronze work. His pieces reflect both vul-nerability and power—qualities that resonate strongly with queer identity—and we’re proud to feature them here.But not all of Colorado’s LGBTQ+ journeys un-fold in city centers. In Salida, Rocky Ford, Can-yon City, and Trinidad, queer folks are forging lives of resilience and quiet courage. We’ve gathered their stories—of finding communi-ty in unexpected places, of navigating small-town traditions, of carving out space for love and authenticity. These voices are oen over-looked, but they are no less vital to the heart of Pride.We also explore a growing movement of LGBTQ Coloradans reclaiming their faith, re-discovering sacred texts, and creating airm-ing spiritual spaces. In these pages, you'll find reflections on queerness and belief that are as healing as they are revolutionary.And finally, we bring you something delightful-ly summer: our exclusive Muchachomalo Un-derwear shoot—bold, artistically painted, and brimming with confidence.Happy Pride, Colorado. Here’s to every shade of who we are. M

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23 metromodemagazine.com | SUMMER 2025EVENT CALENDAREVENT CALENDAR ECPRIDEFEST CALENDAR, 2025: JUNE-AUGUSTJUNE 28th-29thPRIDEFEST DENVERMain Venue: CIVIC CENTER101 West 14th Avenue, Denver, ColoradoParade kicks o at Cheesman ParkDenver Pride is produced by The Center on Col-fax, a nonprofit organization that provides year-round programs and services for the LGBTQ+ community completely free-of-charge. Denver's Pridefest is the largest Pride in the Rocky Moun-tain region with over 500,000 visitors annually. Today, Denver Pride consists of 3 main events, encompassing the festival, 5K, and parade. This weekend produces the largest annual fundraiser for The Center and contributes directly to critical services for the local LGBTQ+ community, such as mental health support, programming for our transgender and gender diverse community, youth, older adults, and more. MJUNE 1stFORT COLLINS PRIDELibrary Park, 207 Peterson Street, Fort CollinsNoon-4pm - prideresourcecenter.colostate.eduA vibrant celebration of love and inclusion, this Pride Festival features live music, drag shows, local vendors, family activities, and a joyful, wel-coming community atmosphere. M JUNE 7thLONGMONT PRIIDERoosevelt Park, 700 Longs Peak Ave, Longmont3:30pm-8pm - rmequality.org/eventsAn inclusive, family-friendly Pride Festival with live performances, local food, community resources, colorful parades, and a strong focus on LGBTQ+ visibility, celebration, and connection. M MARCH 9th-15thBRECK PRIDERiverwalk Center Lawn, 137 S Main St, BreckenridgeFestival on th 14th - Noon-4pm - gobreck.comA mountain town celebration of LGBTQ+ pride fea-turing concerts, yoga, rock climbing, drag perfor-mances, colorful parades, and community events set against a stunning alpine backdrop. M JUNE 14thMOUNTIAN PRIDENottinham Park, 420 W Beaver Creek Blvd, AvonNoon-8pm - mountainpride.orgA mountain celebration of LGBTQ+ pride with drag performances, community booths, dancing, well-ness activities, and inclusive programming that unites locals and visitors in joyful solidarity. M JUNE 14th-15thPIKES PEAK PRIDEAlamo Square Park, 215 S Tejon St, Colo Springs10am-7pm both days - pikespeakpride.orgA dynamic Pride Festival featuring live music, drag shows, parades, food trucks, and community re-sources, celebrating LGBTQ+ identity with joy, visi-bility, and inclusive family-friendly fun. M JUNE 15thBOULDER PRIDECentral Park-Civic Area, 1236 Canyon Blvd, Boulder11:30am-5pm - rmequality.org/eventsA lively celebration of LGBTQ+ pride with music, drag performances, local vendors, family activi-ties, and community outreach, fostering love, ac-ceptance, and vibrant self-expression for all. M JUNE 20thLOVELAND PRIDEMehaey Park, 3285 West 22nd Street, Loveland4pm-8pm - rmequality.org/eventsA heartfelt celebration of LGBTQ+ pride featuring live entertainment, inclusive activities, local art, community booths, and a welcoming atmosphere that embraces love, diversity, and connection. M JUNE 21stLYONS PRIDESandstone Park, 350 Broadway Street, Lyons3pm-6pm - rmequality.org/eventsA small-town Pride celebration with big heart, featuring live music, local vendors, inclusive ac-tivities, and a joyful community spirit that honors love, identity, and togetherness. M JUNE 23rdYOUTH PRIDEEquality Center of the Rocky Mountains, 4pm-8pm3340 Mitchell Ln, Boulder - rmequality.org/eventsA vibrant, youth-focused Pride celebration oer-ing music, art, games, workshops, and safe spaces that empower LGBTQ+ young people to express themselves, connect, and thrive proudly. M JUNE 28thGREELEY PRIDEAIMS Welcome Center, 4901 W 20th St, GreeleyNoon-5pm - greeleypride.org/greeley-pride-2025A spirited celebrating LGBTQ+ identity with live performances, local vendors, family activities, and community resources, creating a welcoming space for visibility, joy, and connection. M JUNE 28thSECO PRIDEEnchanted Forest, East Beech Street, LamarNoon-5pm - secopride.comA Pride Festival in Lamar, unites LGBTQ+ commu-nities from towns like Las Animas, La Junta, Swink, Rocky Ford, Manzanola, Fowler, Avondale and Pueblo. Inclusivity and rural charm. M AUGUST 10thNOCO PRIDEIsland Grove Event Center, 421 N 15th Ave, Greeley11am-5pm - nocoequality.orgNOCO Pride Festival in Fort Collins celebrates LGBTQIA+ communities from Loveland, Greeley, Boulder, and Arvada with inclusive events, perfor-mances, and vibrant festivities. M

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24 SUMMER 2025 | metromodemagazine.com EVENT CALENDARECJULY 14thQUEER PEER CONNECTION GROUPDenver Public Library, 10 W. 14th Avenue, Denver denverlibrary.org - PH: 720-865-1111LGBTQ+ teens are invited to a welcoming, sup-portive space to connect, share experiences, and build friendships. This facilitated group encourag-es open conversation, community-building, and self-expression in a judgment-free environment. Free to attend and open to all teens, the gathering oers a chance to be heard, feel seen, and meet others navigating similar journeys. No registration is required—just come as you are. MJULY 16thGAY GAMES DENVER COMMUNITY NIGHTReelWorks Denver, 1399 35th Street, Denver eventbrite.com -Donations welcomeJoin an evening celebrating inclusivity, sports, and culture as Denver bids to host the 2030 Gay Games. This event oers community members a chance to connect, learn about the city's vision, and show support for bringing this global LGBTQ+ event to Colorado. Expect engaging discussions, network-ing opportunities, and a shared commitment to diversity and unity. All are welcome to participate in making Denver a future host city. MJULY 19thQUEER RHYTHM AND RESONANCESoul Tree Yoga, 1280 Centaur Village Dr, Lafayette allevents.in - PH: 303-665-8134Experience rejuvenating movement and sound designed for LGBTQ+ individuals. This immer-sive session blends guided dance with a sooth-ing sound bath, fostering emotional release and creative expression in a supportive environment. No prior experience is necessary. Explore embod-iment, reconnect with your authentic self, and engage in a unique journey of self-discovery and healing through movement and sound. MJULY 26thOFFICIAL MR, MISTER, MS, MISS GAY PRIDEEmbassy Suites, Hilton, 4444 Havana St, DenverEmail Martini Monroe at jlodenver@comcast.netStep into a dazzling evening of pageantry and pride inspired by the glitz of Studio 54. Contestants will compete for top titles across multiple gender cat-egories, showcasing their charisma, talent, and style. Expect high-energy performances, sparkling fashion, fierce competition, and a celebration of LGBTQ+ excellence. This event honors community, creativity, and self-expression in a glamorous set-ting. Open to all. MJULY 25thINDIGO GIRLS & MELISSA ETHERIDGERed Rock Amphitheatre, MorrisonTickets: axs.com/eventsTwo iconic voices unite for an unforgettable evening of folk-rock and soulful anthems under the stars. As part of their "Yes We Are" co-head-line tour, these Grammy-winning artists kick o over 30 nationwide shows with this special per-formance. Expect powerful harmonies, heartfelt storytelling, and a night of music that celebrates resilience and community. Part of the ticket pric-es goes to the Forst Peoples Fund. MJULY 27thDENVER LGBTQ+ WEDDING EXPOLomgsgate Event Center, 1055 S. 112th St, Lafayetteeventbrite.com - FREECelebrate love at this inclusive, boutique-style LGBTQ+ wedding expo, where you and your part-ner can connect with experienced vendors in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy food and dessert tastings, explore the stylish event venue, and sip cocktails. From florists to photographers, DJs to designers, discover everything you need to plan a joyful, unforgettable celebration tailored to your unique vision—without pressure. MJULY 11th-JULY 13thROCKY MTN REGIONAL RODEONational Western Complex1515 East 47th Avenue, Denver, ColoradoTickets: cgrarodeo.com/ticketsThe 42nd Rocky Mountain Regional Rodeo, host-ed by the Colorado Gay Rodeo Association, will take place from July 12–13, 2025, at Denver's National Western Complex. This inclusive, IG-RA-sanctioned event features traditional rodeo competitions like bull riding, barrel racing, and team roping, alongside unique contests such as goat dressing and the wild drag race . Celebrat-ing diversity and community, the rodeo oers a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ participants and spectators. With live entertainment, food ven-dors, and family-friendly activities, it's a vibrant celebration of Western culture and pride. Generl admission is only $20 per day. M2025: JUNE-AUGUST

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26 SUMMER 2025 | metromodemagazine.com EVENT CALENDARECAUGUST 8th-AUGUST 10thCINEMA-Q FILM FESTIVALSie Film Center, 2510 E. Colfax Avenue, Denverdenverfilm.org - PH: 720-381-0813Experience a vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ cine-ma through a curated selection of films, engaging panels, and community events. This festival am-plifies diverse voices, including Black queer cre-atives, oering a platform for stories oen under-represented in mainstream media. Attendees can enjoy film screenings, participate in discussions, and connect with local artists and vendors. The event fosters an inclusive environment. MAUGUST 12thCYNDI LAUPER IN CONCERTFiddler's Green, 6350 Greenwood Plaza Blvdstubhub.com/concertsCelebrate a legendary career as a Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning icon brings her "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour" to Colorado. With special guest Jake Wesley Rogers, the eve-ning promises timeless hits like “Time Aer Time” and “True Colors” in a vibrant, open-air setting. This all-ages event oers fans a final chance to experience her electrifying stage presence and enduring anthems live. @7pm MAUGUST 15th-AUGUST 24thBRECKENRIDGE INT. FESTIVAL OF THE ARTSMultiple locations. Main Hub: 137 S. Main St.Tickets: breckcreate.org - PH: 970-453-3187This transformative 10-day festival blends im-mersive art, ecological themes, and interactive play to explore sustainability, interconnected ecosystems, and meaningful human expression through captivating performances, thought-pro-voking installations, engaging workshops, and in-spirational creative experiences led by renowned local, national, and international artists across dynamic indoor and outdoor spaces. MAUGUST 29th-SEPTEMBER 1stTELLURIDE FILM FESTIVALLocated in Telluride, Colorado telluridefilmfestival.org - PH: 510-665-9494Each Labor Day weekend, film lovers converge in a mountain town for four days of cinematic discov-ery and community. With no program revealed in advance, attendees trust in the festival’s promise of unforgettable storytelling, global premieres, and surprise encounters. Tributes, candid conver-sations, and unannounced screenings create a vi-brant atmosphere where past, present, and future cinema are celebrated. MAUGUST 15th-OCTOBER 25thDANCE OF RESISTANCECenter for Visual Arts, 965 Santa Fe Drive, Denvermsudenver.edu/cva -Free admissionCVA presents Dance of Resistance, an exhibition featuring the work of LGBTQ+ artists who voice the stories of their communities, exploring histories and oering pathways to healing and empower-ment. Through figural depictions that place the queer body firmly in the spotlight, the artists re-veal their lived experiences and imagined futures, illuminating the power of art to inspire change and foster understanding in our diverse world. MNOW-AUGUST 17thKENT MONKMAN EXHIBITIONDenver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave Pkwy, DenverExhiition is included in general admissionKent Monkman’s first major U.S. exhibition fea-tures 41 powerful works challenging Western art history and amplifying Indigenous voices. Through bold, contemporary history paintings, Monkman addresses colonialism, climate change, trauma, and LGBTQ+ visibility. The show includes works from the Denver Art Museum, new pieces, and key loans, oering a vital reimagining of historical nar-ratives through a Cree and queer perspective. MAUGUST 29thAIDS QUILT MEMORIAL ANDVIRTUAL WALKCheesman Park Pavilion1900 East 11th Avenue, Denvercoloradohealthnetwork.orgIn August 2025, the Colorado Health Network will host its annual AIDS Quilt Memorial and Vir-tual Walk in Denver. This poignant event honors those lost to HIV/AIDS and supports ongoing care, prevention, and education eorts. Par-ticipants can engage by viewing panels from the National AIDS Memorial Quilt and joining a virtual walk to raise funds for essential health services. The event fosters community reflec-tion, remembrance, and solidarity in the fight against HIV/AIDS, while empowering continued advocacy and compassionate outreach. M2025: JUNE-AUGUST

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29 metromodemagazine.com | SUMMER 2025THE GAY AGENDATHE GAY AGENDA GAven prior to the start of the second Trump Administration, the LGBTQ+ community historically faced roadblocks in regard to healthcare access and suitable medical in-surance. Overall, the queer community has been more reliant on public insurance op-tions regarding their medical care. More than 40 percent of the individuals who self-iden-tify as being part of the queer community are likely to rely upon public sources to pay for preventative health and medical care, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. This contrasts with one-third of non-LGBTQ+ adults. In addition, according to the Kaiser Fami-ly Foundation, a full 15 percent of LGBTQ+ adults completely are uninsured. This con-trasts with 12 percent of the communi-ty-at-large. Significantly, transgender adults have a markedly higher rate of uninsurance at nearly 20 percent of that population.A consistent pattern over the past decade includes approximately 17 percent of the general population in the United States post-poning or completely avoiding medical care due to cost. That percentage is nearly double for members of the transgender community, according to the National Center for Trans-gender Equality. Abrupt Wall of Silence: Trump Administra-tion Initiates Widespread LGBTQ+ Health-care Information BlackoutRenowned for his fondness for walls he in-tends to block people from crossing into TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S FRONTLINE ATTACK ON THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITYEarly term actions to hamper and even eliminate health resources for queer and transgender AmericansWords: Mike Broemmel, Images: p29-Eric Shelton, p32- Adobe Stock the United States, aer assuming the presi-dency, Trump carried that theme one dan-gerous step further. He quickly walled out members of the LGBTQ+ community as well as their doctors and advocates from access-ing healthcare and medical resources online. For a host of reasons, queer individuals rely heavily on virtual portals to garner a wide range of health information. Among Donald Trump’s earliest Executive Orders were actions that resulted in a ubiq-uitous blackout of essential health infor-mation and associated scientific research. These steps included taking down Centers for Disease Control and National Institutes of Health websites dedicated to matters asso-ciated with LGBTQ+ healthcare and personal safety.The Center for American Progress Reports that 20 percent of LGBTQ+ adults avoid seek-ing necessary medical care because they fear discrimination. The information blackout im-posed by the Trump Administration proves to be particularly harmful to these individuals. Assault on Transgender Care in Trump’s “The One, Big, Beautiful Bill”During the earliest days of the Trump presi-dency, the chief executive began working to eliminate gender-airming care for transgen-der individuals under the age of 18. He initiat-ed this process via an executive order. More than a few D.C. observers and queer activists pegged this as being designed primarily as fodder for the MAGA movement. These ac-tions were only the beginning of the Trump Administration’s assault on LGBTQ+ health-care. Typically, legislation introduced in the U.S. House of RepresentativesContinued on page 30HEALTHCAREE

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30 SUMMER 2025 | metromodemagazine.com THE GAY AGENDAGATHE PRECARIOUS STATE OF SOCIAL SECURITYWords: Mike Broemmel, Image: Adobe StockIn an era of political turbulence and administrative shake-ups, the Trump Administration's handling of the Social Security Administration has drawn sharp scrutiny. As the agency is weakened, the future for Social Security that appears more uncertain than ever.Trump Administration Frontline Attack Continuedhey’re not seen much at this juncture in the 21st century, but if you’re a person of a par-ticular age, you may recall electronic signs festooned on bank buildings that flickered between the current time (to the minute) and the temperature (to the degree). Those bank signs were in something of a heyday during an era when most folks gave little thought to the prospect that Social Security would be impugned or even pinched out of existence when their retirement rolled around. As the Administration of Donald Trump tries to cement its policies into place at least to some degree, a relatively commonplace discussion, from the halls of Congress to kitchen tables across the nation, centers on the state of Social Security. In this regard, Americans, including those in the LGBTQ+ community, are faced with a White House that frequently seems to change the Admin-istration’s position regarding both Social Security for retired persons and Americans with historically qualifying disabilities. In addition, and while it has become something of an anti-Trump mantra, a person trying to cypher the evolving state and future of Social Security must carve through untrue state-ments being made by oicials in the Trump Administration. For these various reasons, those electronic bank signs of days gone by could play a role today. Arguably, they might be helpful in de-claring the latest stance of the Trump Admin-istration regarding Social Security.A starting point in trying to assess what is on the horizon for Social Security involves a con-sideration of some of the more immediate actions the Trump Administration has taken regarding this federal agency. First, an exam-ination of what the so-called Department of Government Eiciency, or DOGE, has done or thus far has failed to do regarding allegations of fraud at the agency. Second, a review of the DOGE seizure of confidential records of Americans is necessary. Finally, the impact of sta cuts at the agency needs to be part of the mix when contemplating the state of the agency. The First Trumpist Strategy to Revamp the Social Security Administration: Doing a DOGE to the Social Security AdministrationNot long aer Trump was sort of sworn in as President of the United States (“sort of” be-ing a fair accounting since he elected not to put his hand on the Bible during the oath of oice,) DOGE wasand the U.S. Senate receives what is known as a “short title” beyond the simple Bill or Resolution numbers and the technical name of the proposed law. Such is the case with House Resolution 1, a massive piece of legis-lation introduced on May 16, 2025. The tech-nical name of the resolution is “To provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fis-cal Year 2025.” The short title mimics Trump and oicially is known as The One, Big, Beau-tiful Bill.A tremendous amount has been packed into The One, Big, Beautiful Bill. A primary focus has been on elements of the legislation that will continue a significant tax increase to the wealthiest people in the nation, a plot that will increase the national debt between $4-$5 trillion over the course of the coming de-cade. On Capitol Hill and among the U.S. general population, less attention is paid to provi-sions in the resolution addressing essential transgender healthcare. The resolution, as passed by the House of Representatives in the middle of the night at 2:00 a.m. on May 22, 2025, completely bans transgender af-firming medical care for persons on Medic-aid. In addition, transgender individuals who obtain health insurance coverage through the healthcare exchanges created by the Aordable Care Act will face the same ban. Simply put, if this resolution becomes law, nearly all transgender people in the nation will not have aordable access to required, fundamental healthcare.At the time of passage of The One, Big, Beau-tiful Bill, 276,000 transgender adults are en-rolled in Medicaid, according to the UCLA School of Law Williams Institute. A large ma-jority of the remaining transgender adults receive their insurance coverage through the exchanges. In other words, if legislation passes the Senate, aer which it will without a doubt be signed by Trump. On a related note, transgender access to gen-der-airming care has been tracked and ana-lyzed by the National Center for Transgender Equality. Even among transgender people who have traditional health insurance, near-ly a quarter of those individuals report being denied coverage for medically necessary gender-airming careSOCIAL SECURITYContinued on page 32 Continued on page 32T

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32 SUMMER 2025 | metromodemagazine.com THE GAY AGENDAGAlaunched at full steam. DOGE, the so-called Department of Governmental Eiciency, is neither a department nor eicient. DOGE dove into the Social Security Adminis-tration harping aloud that the fraud was ram-pant. Specifically, various cohorts of peo-ple were obtaining Social Security benefits through fraudulent means. At various times, announcements were made by DOGE and the White House that billions of dollars of fraud had been uncovered. In response to this, the Trump Administra-tion imposed restrictions on how consumers could access the Social Security Administra-tion in order to obtain benefits or to other-wise do business with the agency. In the end, fraud at the agency was miniscule. Out of over 110,000 new cases, only two were identified as having a probability of being fraudulent. In other words, far less than 1% potential fraud was found. The actions of the Trump administration in response to the unsupported allegations of extensive fraud drastically delayed the pro-cessing of retirement claims submitted to the agency. In light of the conclusion that fraud involv-ing the Social Security Administration is not widespread, the agency has begun to back away from the restrictions placed upon the retirement benefits application process at the agency. Another DOGE Strike: Seizing Confidential Social Security RecordsIn addition to DOGE debunked allegations of fraud, the DOGE squad was focused on ob-taining unbridled access to data maintained by the Social Security Administration. The manner in which DOGE intended to use that confidential information frequently changed, sometimes altering more than once per day. In May 2025, U.S. District Judge Ellen Holland-er put a kibosh on DOGE’s expansive seizure of confidential information maintained by the Social Security Administration. In hand-ing down a permanent injunction against the Trump Administration, Hollander ruled:"To be sure, rooting out possible fraud, waste, and mismanagement in the Social Security Administration is in the public interest. But that does not mean that the government can flout the law to do so … For some 90 years, the Social Security Administration has been guided by the foundational principle of an expectation of privacy with respect to its re-cords. This case exposes a wide fissure in the foundation."In the aermath of the federal court injunc-tion, DOGE must delete any non-anonymous data the group seized, stop unauthorized use of any such information, and remove so-ware installed on Social Security systems. Impact of Massive Agency Sta DismissalsAs it did with other federal agencies, DOGE moved into the Social Security Administra-tion to eliminate a significant position of its workforce. As of this juncture in time, it ap-pears that the actions of DOGE and the Trump Administration has resulted in the dismissal of approximately 12 percent of its workforce, according to the Oice of Budget and Man-agement. In addition, some 2,000 people have voluntarily le the agency as a result of the machinations of the Trump Administra-tion broadly and DOGE more specifically.The bottom line is that at this juncture in time, the Social Security Administration is unstable. Therefore, doing business with the agency – including the submission of an ap-plication for retirement benefits – will be far more time consuming. Obtaining Social Se-curity disability assistance will take an even more extended period of time, understand-ing that historically it could take a couple of years to obtain this assistance. Predictions abound as to what Social Se-curity and the agency’s benefits will look like moving forward. In an era of political turbulence and administrative shake-ups, the Trump Administration's handling of the Social Security Administration has drawn sharp scrutiny. Under the banner of rooting out fraud, the Department of Governmental Eiciency enacted sweeping restrictions and personnel cuts, despite finding only little fraud. Federal courts have since blocked the administration’s attempts to seize private Social Security data. The result? A weakened agency, delayed benefits, and a future for Social Security that appears more uncertain than ever. Mand treatment. As of May 2025, almost 40,000 transgender adults reside in states that al-ready ban gender-airming care. Bracing for What Comes Next: Preparing the CommunityIn conclusion, the LGBTQ+ community must brace itself for what is apt to come next re-garding the assault on the community’s access to healthcare by the Trump Admin-istration. There are several practical tactics members of the queer community are en-couraged to employ sooner rather than later, according to physicians and other healthcare providers.In this day and age, community members are deemed best served connecting with a pri-mary care physician who specializes in med-ical services for queer or transgender pop-ulations specifically. There are physicians who focus their practices on the needs of the LGBTQ+ community, including gender-af-firming care. On a related note, in the event that limiting LGBTQ+ healthcare opportunities and insur-ance availabilities continues on a pathway to further limitation and even elimination, com-munity members are strongly encouraged to take advantage of what is available at this time. There is an understandable tendency to put o such basic medical activities like preventative care. With the climate fostered by the Trump Administration, delaying pre-ventative care opportunities arguably is no longer an advisable course. MTrump Administration Frontline Attack Continued The Precarious State of Social Security ContinuedARTICLE WRAP UP

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35 metromodemagazine.com | SUMMER 2025GOOD CHATGCristine Burrows, Senior Specialist on Aging at Colorado Department of Human Re-sources says, “The continuum of housing is critical,” “What we’re recognizing in the hous-ing space is we need more types of housing.”She uses the analogy of a chair. In kindergar-ten there are tiny chairs to fit miniature bod-ies. Later those chairs are replaced by bigger and bigger ones, maybe even rolling oice chairs for many aer school. But each per-son always has a dierent type of chair that changes to meet their shiing needs through-out life. It’s the same for housing, she says. Single family homes may work for some, but oen those homes become too large and ex-pensive for aging adults with empty nests. The solution is downsizing or “rightsizing.” For a city as large as Denver though that be-comes an ever-increasing challenge.Colorado regularly appears in lists of most expensive states to live in. The National Low Income Housing Coalition currently puts Col-orado as #8 when analyzing the number of minimum wage work hours required to aord a 2-bedroom unit. CNBC listed the state as tied for the #3 spot in summer 2024 while fac-toring in the cost to insure a home. “It’s hard to build yourself out of an aord-able housing crisis,” says Evan Caster, Bur-rows’ colleague and Director of Homeless-ness Initiatives at Colorado Department of Human Resources. The U.S. population of those 65 and older reached nearly 60 million in 2020. Around 3-million of those people are LGBTQ+, a num-ber expected to double in five years’ time, according to advocacy group SAGE. The 2024 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report to Congress showed 1 in 5 homeless persons were aged 55 or older.Burrows, Caster, and their colleagues are ad-dressing these rising numbers through the state’s first ever Multi-Sector Plan on Aging. The plan was available for public comment THE SENIOR LGBTQ+AFFORDABLE HOUSING CRISISHomelessness is rising among aging queer adults. Colorado Department of Human Resources is trying to change thatWords: Alex Elmore, Image: Provided by York Street YardsKSENIOR HOUSINGin May and will take eect in July. The 10-year plan’s goals include creating “age friendly commu-nities” and implementing tiered rates for assisted living facilities.In October 2024 an area of more than 30 acres in York Street Yards, located at York and 39th Street, was rezoned to be used for hous-ing, changing from a solely indus-trial and commercial business park. An up-to 7 story, 75-unit adaptive use residence is planned to provide housing for the senior LGBTQ+ population in Denver. It is spearheaded by real estate group Penrose and architecture firm SKB, as well as local property owner Fred Glick. The project is also supported by The Center on Colfax, which will oer residents permanent services in the building. The rezoning was controversial as it speedily bypassed some regulations for a land par-cel so large which worried some city council members but still passed 9-2. The project is being touted as “a North Star for elder queer folks,” by city councilor Darrel Watson to Denver Business Journal. Bryant Mehay, Manager of Elder Services at The Center on Colfax, said at a city council meeting in support of the development last fall “Our queer elders have had to endure so much between the AIDS crisis, legalized discrimination, and rejection of family and peers. This has the power to not add home-lessness to that list.” MGOOD CHAT

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37 metromodemagazine.com | SUMMER 2025GOOD CHATGCQ&AIn a candid interview with Metromode, the gubernatorial candidate and longtime senator outlines a bold vision for Colorado’s future—vowing to defend LGBTQ protections, safeguard gender-airming healthcare, and sue the Trump administration over discriminatory policies. From tackling the housing crisis and advocating for refugees, to pushing for a ceasefire in Gaza and reviving the Child Tax Credit, the candidate makes the case that Colorado can be a national model of inclusive, forward-looking leadership amid political turmoil.Words: Alex Elmore, Images: Michael BennetQ: As Governor, how would you work to pre-vent the protections already in place in Col-orado for LGBTQ people from being further stripped away by the Trump administration?A: Well, I think that is such a vital question be-cause Donald Trump has done so much to try to refute the existence of transgender people with his comments about false claims and the endless poison that comes out of his mouth. I think Colorado has a rich history of defending LGBTQ rights and being a haven for people to love and be who they choose to be. Just this last November, as you know, we removed the ban on same-sex marriage from our constitu-tion. Governor Polis just signed the Kelly Lov-ing act which expands transgender rights at a time when the transgender community feels so under attack by this administration. I think that’s been a ray of hope and sunshine that the Governor has let in. I will continue to build on Colorado’s legacy by supporting state lev-el police by listening, always, to the commu-nity on ways to make the state more inclusive and to work with Colorado’s attorney general to bring suit against the Trump administra-tion for discriminatory or unconstitutional interpretation of the law.Q: Very much related to that, I’m curious about any plans you have to address the safety and healthcare concerns of this pop-ulation, especially the transgender popula-tion here.A: Well, I think Colorado is the first state in the country to explicitly include gender airming care and services in our health insurance plan. Colorado requires health insurance plans to cover gender airming care deemed medically necessary by a healthcare provid-er. Notwithstanding what Donald Trump may say about that, I think it’s going to be very important to continue to support Colorado’s leadership here.Q: Understood. During the Biden adminis-tration, $570 million in congressionally au-thorized funds had been approved for Col-orado that’s now being frozen by the Trump administration. Do you have plans to help regain that money?A: We’re gonna keep fighting to make sure Colorado gets our money because in total we secured $17 billion for Colorado during the last four years of the Biden administration, which included the American Rescue Plan, the Inflation Reduction Act, and congressionally directed spending. Of that, about $8.7 billion was for Colorado infrastructure. I think we’ve been punching way above our weight and we’ve got to make sure that every dollar we are owed is delivered. I think it’s important for people to know that this freeze particular-ly hurts rural Colorado, the very communities that in many ways voted for this administra-tion are the communities that most need this investment. So, I’m going to keep working with the entire state to make sure the admin-istration hears these concerns directly. We have lots of funding we’re owed. Q: Colorado is oen, especially right now, listed as one of the most expensive states to live in for people. Do you have a plan to ad-dress this aordable housing crisis?A: I think that Colorado is a place where ev-ery single person is proud to live in our state and believes we all live in the greatest state in the country, whether we were born in Col-orado or whether we came to Colorado. But all over Colorado people are worried that their kids are not going to be able to aord to live in the state and may have to go some-where else to work. In particular there’s not a neighborhood in our state where people feel like their kids are going to be able to aord housing. So, I think it is very important for us to work, if I were to get elected governor, with local communities and our private sector to build more housing across the state. A one-size-fits-all approach won’t work, but I do MICHAEL BENNET

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38 SUMMER 2025 | metromodemagazine.com GOOD CHATGCthink interacting with local governments and the private sector and homebuilders, that we can get to that place where we’re building more housing, and we’re building it less ex-pensively, and we’re building it more quickly. This matters to me a lot because when I was superintendent of the Denver Public Schools, which I was before I was in this job, I never met a teacher who didn’t live in Denver. Un-like Seattle or San Francisco, people could aord to teach in Denver and live in Denver. That meant they could live in the communities they were teaching, and it meant they could get homes to their own kids aer school. Part of defining whether a community is sustain-able or not is whether you can live near where you work. Too many communities in Colorado these days, both urban and rural, people can-not aord to live near where they work. I don’t want us to turn into Se-attle. I don’t want us to turn into San Francisco. I think we can create a much more sustainable future. While we’re work-ing on the cost of hous-ing, we’ve also got to work to lower the cost of healthcare and the cost of education and drive up the wages for people that are working in our state so they can live the American Dream, which is what I think all of us really want.Q: Related to people here chasing the Amer-ican Dream, there’s ob-viously an immigrant and a refugee crisis, especially with people coming from Vene-zuela at this moment seeking asylum. I’m curious for your plans to address that, espe-cially for a sanctuary city like Denver.A: I think we’ve worked very hard to support the state and local communities and a strong network of nonprofits have done incredible work to provide resources and shelters to refugees that have come to our state. I was pleased to lead the federal delegation in bringing home millions of dollars from FEMA to support the eorts of the state and the ef-forts at the local level and will continue to do that work. As part of the Gang of Eight of 2018 who wrote the last conference of immigration bill to pass the senate but got crushed in the house of representatives by the Tea Party, I feel very strongly that one of the real unfin-ished pieces of business for our nation is com-prehensive immigration reform for the 21st century. Donald Trump is clearly not going to deliver that, but I hope to be an advocate for that from the governor’s position in Colorado, just as I have been while in the senate and also while I was superintendent of the Denver Public Schools. We have to get this issue ad-dressed. Q: Earlier in May, you and other senators asked President Trump to resume working towards a ceasefire deal between Palestine and Israel. I’m curious how your actions to-wards that will shi as you’re in this race and also potentially carry on if you’re elected and the conflict is continuing.A: The situation in Gaza has been a horror for everybody that’s concerned with it. That’s ev-erybody in the world, I think. We need to get to a ceasefire. Beyond that we have to some-how build the basis in the region for a two-state solution. I’ve been an advocate for that the entire time I’ve been in the senate and I will continue to try to advocate for that from the governor’s oice, even while there are people on both sides of that conflagration in the Middle East who believe there is no pos-sible future that encompasses a two-state solution. I don’t believe there is any way out of the situation we are in without a two-state solution. Q: What do you feel has been your biggest accomplishment and also your biggest chal-lenge of your time in the Senate?A: The passage of the Child Tax Credit during the Biden administration that for a brief moment cut childhood poverty in half in the United States of America. That demonstrated for the very first time that we don’t have to accept a permanent state of poverty for our kids. Unfortunately, it has since expired, but I continue to fight for it. I would say the public lands legislation that we’ve passed in Colora-do had the most significant additions, from Camp Hale to Thompson Divide to Brice Can-yon, in general. I actually think the work on immigration, even though we have not gotten that to the finish line, is one of the most dii-cult pieces of legislation and policy that the senate has grappled with from the time that I’ve been here. To be part of the small group of people who wrote that bill and got it to 68 vote results in the senate was an unbeliev-able experience. To go to your second point, to see it essentially vetoed by a small minori-ty of radical ideologues in the house of rep-resentatives was heartbreaking. There are so many times that things should have hap-pened that made sense to the American people and didn’t pass because of either the ideologues that killed the immigra-tion bill or misuse of the governing institutions in the caucus. It’s really important in this mo-ment for us to figure out how we cannot just push back, and not just fight against Trump, but also build a positive vision for the future. I think Colorado is in an excep-tional position to lead. I think we can do a lot to make housing more af-fordable. I think we can do a lot to make health-care more available. I think we can do a lot to transform our education system so that young people in Colorado know that when they’re ready to enter the workforce they’re ready to earn a living wage, not just the min-imum wage. I don’t think those things can be achieved today in Trump’s chaos. I don’t think they can be achieved today in the broken parts of the institutions in Washington. But Colorado is in a position to set an example to lead us out of the chaos and into a place where all of us feel that the next generation is going to have more opportunities and not less, which is what people, I think, feel today. That is something worth fighting for. M*The editorial sta at Metromode will try our best to get to interview each Colorado guban-itorial candidate, time permitting.

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CUCULTUREhe personage of Chocolatina Q. Dessert was about a dozen years in existence when crowned Miss Stonewall in 2009. She was christened as such on the 40th anniversa-ry of the day LGBTQ+ people refused to go quietly into the night when police raided The Stonewall Inn in New York’s Green-wich Village. The Stonewall was stormed by law enforcement for the umpteenth time on June 28, 1969, in what the ACLU pointedly described as common-place: “Raids and arrests at bars where people within the LGBTQ+ community could comfortably socialize and meet others like themselves.” Indeed, at that historic marker, Chocolatina was the first drag performer bestowed the honor Miss Stonewall. According to Martin Howard, the award-winning pastry chef that first made his mark in the Big Apple, he created Chocolatina as part of a Manhattan annual event in 1996, For the Love of Choc-olate. Invited participating restaurants needed to bring a Priscilla Queen of the Dessert-themed creation to that year. Presenting his restaurant’s delectables as Chocolatina proved to be a marvelous fit. On a related note, awards are no stranger to the dynamic pastry chef, including destination multiple times as one of the Top 10 Pas-try Chefs in America by Pastry Arts magazine. On the heels of Chocolatina’s introduction to the world, Martin How-ard himself would be featured in the New York Times Style Section The extraordinary lives and times of pastry Chef Martin Howard and drag performer Chocolatina Q. Dessert, the Pie QueenFrom the Big Apple to the Mile High City T 41 metromodemagazine.com | SUMMER 2025Words: Mike BroemmelImages: Pastry Chef Martin HowardofCULTUREPIE QUEEN

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that same year. By 1997, Martin was hired by the iconic Rainbow Room in Rockefeller Center to pursue baking, his first love. “I grew up baking with my mother. Baking became my passion,” Martin explained. Whilst in Manhattan, Martin would work at a variety of storied locations, includ-ing as Chocolatina at Lips. Chocolatina described the 8-hour shis as the Lips Door Girl as being “not for the faint of heart.” Lips was something of a Man-hattan star magnet where Chocolatina would cross paths with the like Celine Dion, Tyra Banks, and the crew from Jersey Shore. Before that, Chocolatina was featured at Beefcakes, a burger restaurant with a large helping of male beefcake in the server brigade. “I would perform 40 minutes on stage aer which the beef-cakes would take over and do body shots with the patrons for the rest of the night,” Chocolatina explained. Mar-tin also craed his signature pastries at other iconic NYC establishments through the years, including Brasserie and Hudson River Club. Awards are no stranger to the dynamic pastry chef, including designation mul-tiple times as one of the Top 10 Pastry Chefs in America by Pastry Arts maga-zine. Martin is also no stranger to pre-senting his delectable art at platinum events, like an AmFar benefit hosted by Elizabeth Taylor. Aer 27 years in Manhattan, Martin the chef and Chocolatina the performer ventured to Colorado at the urging of a friend. Chocolatina has become an increasingly acclaimed figure across the Denver-metro scene. Moving to Colorado in April 2017, Martin and his stage-commanding creation – Choco-latina Q. Dessert, the Pie Queen – de-lights audiences and pastry lovers alike in venues and at events across the Mile High City and other Colorado environs. Chocolatina maintains a schedule of regular appearances in Denver. Choco-latina and NYC performer Lavinia Drap-er will be on Denver Pridefest Center Stage on June 28, performing a Carpen-ters set. She can be seen at Fortissimo, a smartly appointed dueling piano bar located at 891 14th Street, adjacent to the Denver Preforming Arts Complex and Convention Center every other Satur-day, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., and on the first Wednesday of the month at 8:30 p.m. She also is featured at the relatively new Cham-pagne Tiger at 601 E Colfax, in the stretch be-coming known as Denver’s Lavender Hill. Ap-pearances at Champagne Tiger are every other month, with the next slated for June 18 and one following on August 20. Chocolatina currently maintains a schedule of rotating performance gigs at an array of other locations where she appears with pies in tow available for sale. Performance dates and infor-mation on ordering pies can be found at www.thepiequeen.co. With each week, a fresh selec-tion of pie flavors is available and a new listing of performance opportunities releases. Mthepiequeen.co42 SUMMER 2025 | metromodemagazine.com CULTURECU

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hen people think of LGBTQIA+ businesses around Denver, not many people think about or know about the women-owned businesses that are also queer-owned and definably safe spaces for everyone to meet at. Many people think that most of Denver’s queer scene revolves around gay men, but that’s not the only focus. The Pearl, Lady Justice, and The 99ers are businesses being ran by queer women. With Den-ver Pride just around the corner, these three business-es are gearing up! The Pearl, which used to be known as The Pearl Divers – a sapphic lesbian tiki bar inside of Your Mom’s House, had the pleasure of taking over The Mercury Café lo-cated on California Street. The Mercury Café, that op-erated for nearly 50 years, recently closed its doors this past March due to financial setbacks. The Pearl Divers wanted a space of their own, so the company took a chance at expanding their space, and they promise to uphold the continuation of the well-loved Mercury Café. The Pearl is currently being ran by five dierent people, Sheli Gilman being one of them. When Gilman was asked to be part of this transition, she immediate-ly said how, “the location is perfect. [The Mercury] is like a time capsule that feels whimsical, so I’m glad we get to preserve that.” Sheli Gilman is also the creator of the Sapphic Collec-tive – an empowering group that designates meetups specifically for women and non-binary people around Denver. The events Gilman creates with The Sapphic Collective (i.e. silent discos, book clubs, cra nights, and raves) are all events that she hopes will transfer over to The Pearl as well. Even though The Pearl is now known for its eclectic events and late nights, the space is still a lounge and a place to hang out with some cof-fee, tea, lattes, adult beverages, and mocktails. All the beverages can be accompanied with a full menu that desires many vegan options. Gilman revealed that she hopes “the space feels safe and welcoming against its Empowered WomenEmpower Women Words and Images by: Tayler SmithThe PearlThe PearlW 45 metromodemagazine.com | SUMMER 2025CULTURECUWOMEN OWNED BUSINESSES

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funky and colorful vibes. And more importantly, feels sapphic.” When asked what “sapphic” means, Gilman exuberantly airmed, “’sapphic’, to me, is about how you carry and present yourself.” The Pearl is a place to feel empowered and to feel like yourself – especially late into the night. When the sapphic vibes need to wait, grab a well-deserved beer at the only women-owned and queer-owned brewery in the country: Lady Justice Brewing. Owners Betsy Lay and her partner Alison Wisneski had the vision to brew beer and give back to their community. That’s how Lady Justice became a community-focused brewery dedicating time and money to nonprofits and community members that support women and nonbinary people in the state of Colorado. Lady Justice started out on Colfax and then moved to Englewood to have a larger space and an outdoor patio. The larger capacity has welcomed many more events, especially to watch sports. However, Betsy Lay admitted, “we accidentally became a place to watch sports, specifically women’s sports.” The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) games and watch parties started to really take over the brewery. The WNBA club in Denver, created by Dea Vander-Fertgus and her partner Lindsey, meet up at Lady Justice to host many of the WNBA games and events. Betsy Lay expressed how much she loves how the community has changed into admiring women’s sports because sports help bring peo-ple together. Betsy Lay hopes that the brewery is “a safe space where queer parents can bring their kids and feel comfortable with other fam-ilies around.” As the WNBA continues this season, go grab a drink or some food from the rotating food trucks on site, kick back, and fully capture the motto Lady Justice exemplifies great beer, better world. As the world continues to evolve, so does the newest bar in town: The 99ers. This sports bar is located on Colfax, neighboring The Ogden The-atre, which is the first bar exclusively devoted to women’s sports. When owners Miranda Spencer and Annie Weaver met during a flag football practice, they quickly became best friends and business partners. An-nie Weaver used to be a high school math teacher, but when she visited The Sports Bra, a queer sports bar in Portland, Oregon, she got the idea of opening a sports bar of her own – only airing women’s sports. As the two friends came together to run a business, they mentioned how “we got a lot of push-back from the city. We were told ‘no’ a lot more than we thought we would. The pushback was so extreme that we were discouraged about being able to open up this idea.” But the pushback fu-eled the drive. As queer wom-en, Miranda Spencer and Annie Weaver wanted to cre-ate a safe space for women, non-binary, and transgender people to come and feel at home. “This is a place where everyone knows your name,” and allows visibility and encouragement to empow-er everyone who walks in. The 99ers is a narrow, small space that holds a basement with a pool table, but there is talk about possibly expanding into a larger space – ideally with a patio. Though the experience has been challenging, the reward is greater. The LGBTQIA+ community now have many places we needed when we were younger. Places we need now. MLe Image: Lady JusticeBottom Image: The 99rs46 SUMMER 2025 | metromodemagazine.com CULTURECU

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Boulder Wins GoldenTicket to Sundancelevation is something Boulder already had 5,430 feet of before getting more of it in the national press when its 10-year Sundance Film Festival con-tract win was announced on March 27, 2025. That day the marquee of Boulder Theater broke from its then-use as the backdrop of a 1950s-set film pro-duction to read “Welcome Sundance Film Festival 2027” for a few hours, and for countless photos of it to be published across a dozen outlets. Sundance’s announcement of potentially leaving its birthplace in Park City, UT sent much of the U.S. film industry into a frenzy as at least six cities wined and dined the festival as serious venue com-petitors last year.The vying cities didn’t just want the legacy of Sun-dance to include their streets; they were aer the spending power of Hollywood. The 2024 festival, which ran from January 18 to 28, brought in $132 million, along with 1,730 jobs that paid $69.7 mil-lion in wages, according to the festival. The 24,000 out-of-state visitors spending on average $735 a day would be a crowning economic achievement anywhere, and Boulder became a finalist along-side Cincinnati and Park City in September 2024.Articles following the contract unveiling praised the economic incentives the 48-year-old festival would bring to the local Boulder and state-wide economies. Many articles hailed a boost to the creative economy as well, presenting Sundance as a golden ticket to advance a too-long stagnant professional film industry in Colorado. Keith Garcia, the artistic director of Sie FilmCenter, year-round home of Denver Film, concurred, look-ing forward to the yet-unknown ways the two fes-CUHistoric film festival’s move to Colorado promises industry change, but will it deliver?Words: Alex Elmore, Images Courtesy of Boulder Theater and Sundance Film FestivalE 49 metromodemagazine.com | SUMMER 2025CULTUREFILM FESTIVAL

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tivals may team up. In 2021 COVID precautions moved Sundance to host nation-wide satellite screenings of its titles. Sie was one such location.“We’ve had the good fortune of knowing Sundance for many years,” he says. “The prospect of collaboration is always there.”While in Boulder for the contract announcement, Sun-dance Institute director Ebs Burnough teased involve-ment across the state during and outside of its 10-day festival through education and other initiatives.However, longtime local filmmakers and industry ex-perts Trai Cartwright and Kent Youngblood aren’t as wide eyed and optimistic though. They both expressed excitement for the Colorado service industry, especial-ly in Boulder, but were less quick to believe Sundance would bolster a creative economy. In separate interviews Cartwright and Youngblood each told the story of the state’s once very successful film industry, which includes popular current filmmak-ers such as Steven Spielberg, Quentin Tarantino, and Christopher Nolan shooting here, and Denver contain-ing multiple year-round operating soundstages. All of this changed in 1992 when anti-LGBTQ amendment 2 was added to the state constitution by a narrow 53% vote in favor. Though the bill was later overturned in the case Romer v. Evans in 1996, the four-year interim during which Colorado was called “the Hate State” drove much film production away, shuttering sound-stages and other vital infrastructure. During an interview with Colorado Public Radio (CPR,) Governor Jared Polis denied political reasoning behind Sundance’s move to the state. However, Colorado’s continuing transformation into a queer destination seemed to help single out Boulder above Sundance’s current home in Park City. Utah recently passed an-ti-LGBTQ legislation including the banning of Pride flags from state buildings and schools. Plus, a newly signed Colorado bill allotting $34 million in tax cred-its to Sundance specifically, and around $500,000 to smaller film festivals in the state sweetened the deal.“There is no silver bullet to increasing film and televi-sion jobs and facilities,” says Youngblood. Though he thinks Sundance might “move the needle.”He wonders, however, if film festivals are still the vital part of film distribution that they have been before.The main allure of Sundance diers from other festivals in its billing as a film marketplace. Since its founding in 1978, the festival has debuted more works from first time directors than almost any other major festival in the U.S., comprising close to half its lineup yearly. This is meant to oer these select few filmmakers a launch-pad for their careers, as studio film buyers are seated among regular audience members, fueling hopes of a distribution deal. Youngblood, who attends Sundance and the similar American Film Market, doesn’t see nearly as many ac-quisitions as a decade or two ago.“ There’s a whole group of films that aren’t re-ally made anymore that were ideal for film fes-tivals because they were smaller dramas and things like that,” he says. “The past few years we’re seeing a drastic decrease in the number of films actually being bought.. because stu-dios don’t know how to monetize it. Should it go direct-to-streaming, which has a dierent model than theatrical releases? In some ways I think Sundance is going to go back to more of an indie vibe–they’re not going to show as many big films now. ”Cartwright feels that even if the festival is still as vital as it has been during the indie film boom of the 1990s, many Colorado filmmakers don’t have the necessary tools or knowledge to network the festival in their fa-vor. Regardless of if they have a title in 2027’s lineup, she’s hoping to help change that through better pitch-ing and marketing classes, such as her online course “Let’s Go to Sundance!”“Sundance does not lend legitimacy to our film indus-try in Colorado. It lends legitimacy to whether Boulder and all the vast resources that Sundance represents can put on a great festival that ends up being more accessible–more housing, better transportation, a better user experience,” says Cartwright. “I don’t think it’s going to make people wake up and say ‘Wow, Colo-rado–it’s just like Atlanta!’ The Colorado film industry needs to be responsible for levelling itself up. But now it’s going to have a second major market… and if Colo-rado can’t figure out how to make the best use of that marketplace, it’s on them.” M50 SUMMER 2025 | metromodemagazine.com CULTURECU

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CU 53 metromodemagazine.com | SUMMER 2025CULTURESculpting Whimsy, Humanity, and Hope in BronzePaul B. Lotzor many artists, the creative path is winding and unpre-dictable. For sculptor Paul B. Lotz, however, the dream took root before he could even spell it. “Since I was two, I knew I wanted to be an artist,” he recalls. “And my parents supported me every step of the way.” Today, that dream lives on in the form of whimsical bronze sculptures that feel both ancient and oddly modern. Playful creatures are fro-zen mid-thought, historical figures are given surreal new stories, and scenes beckon the viewer to feel something deeper.Lotz’s journey into sculpture began in earnest in 2010 when he started working with ceramic forms. His style was al-ready taking shape: lighthearted yet intentional, deeply craed and emotionally engaging. It wasn’t long before an-other artist saw the potential in his work and encouraged him to explore bronze. Though he was unfamiliar with the medium at first, Lotz gave it a shot and never looked back. “I fell in love with it,” he says. “Over a decade later, bronze is still how I tell my artistic story.”That story took a pivotal turn during the COVID-19 pandem-ic. Like so many, Lotz lost his job, but instead of panicking, he leaned into his art. “At the time, I was already represent-ed by one gallery that miraculously stayed open,” he says. “And thanks to a twist of fate and the exposure that came with it, I went from one gallery to fourteen within a year and a half.” That’s when it hit him: this wasn’t just a passion. It was a calling.More than anything, Lotz’s sculptures aim to bring joy and connection. “The world needs a laugh,” he says. “It’s getting crazier, and we need every kind of connection we can hold on to. Things that keep us happy, smiling, humble, pure, and true.” This sentiment is at the heart of his playful, of-ten surreal artwork. Whether it’s a pelican carrying Amelia Earhart skyward or a zebra-carrying golfer mid-swing while a meerkat caddies nearby, each piece invites viewers into a story that feels just obeat enough to spark curiosity and just human enough to feel familiar.Words: Matthew Meyers, Images Courtesy of Fascination Street Fine ArtF

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“Animals and historical figures help people relate,” Lotz says. “They connect us to something timeless. I want to bring the past to the present. I want to keep kindness alive in a world that seems to be losing it.” For him, every sculpture is an opportunity to nudge the world gently toward goodness.This guiding principle, kindness at the core, extends to how Lotz experiences success. “I’m just blown away that I get to do this for a living,” he says, his humility unmistakable. “I look around at the other artists I now get to call my peers, and I just think, aren’t we lucky?”Lotz’s artistic roots run deep into classical inspiration. He speaks fondly of the Renaissance, especially the narrative power of artists like Michelangelo. “Those stories, how they could be told through movement, shape, expres-sion, they inspire me,” he explains. “I want my pieces to look fun at first glance, but I want them to hold a deeper meaning. I want people to get lost in them, to keep looking and keep discovering the story hidden inside.”His process is equally layered. A single piece might take five months to com-plete, but Lotz will oen spend three of those months simply staring, think-ing, waiting for the story to emerge. “It has to speak to me,” he says. “The looks, the emotion, the posture, each element has to build on the last. That’s when it all comes to life.”When he finally receives a finished piece back from his foundry team, com-plete with patinas, coloring, and final assembly, he oen stands in awe. “I look at it and think, ‘Damn.’ I still get that feeling every time. It blows me away.”If there’s one thing Lotz treasures, it’s witnessing how people respond to his work. “Sometimes they laugh. Sometimes they cry. But they always feel something,” he says. “And that’s what keeps me going.”Lotz loves hearing others’ interpretations of his sculptures. Sometimes they find meaning even he hadn’t considered. “I build on that,” he says. “That connection, that shared emotion, is what makes the work real.”He draws inspiration from fleeting moments, from subtle details that stick in memory. His goal is to capture what he calls perfect imperfection, a tiny gesture, a quirk of posture, or a humorous twist that invites the viewer to pause, smile, or reflect. “I want people to escape into my pieces,” he says. “To find refuge from the world.”Despite his success, Lotz is grounded and deeply committed to encourag-ing other artists. His advice: “Don’t be shy. If you’re creating something, be proud of it. Be strong with it. Be kind. Be humble. Be strong within yourself.”He believes every artist has something to say, and the courage to express it is what sets great work apart. “Stay true to what you believe in,” he says. “Continue to bring kindness through all your eorts. That’s what matters.”As he continues expanding his reach and sharing his work in more galleries, Paul B. Lotz’s mission remains steady. Create beauty. Spark joy. Build con-nection. And above all, inspire kindness.His work will be on display at the Fascination St. Fine Art Gallery booth during the Cherry Creek Arts Festival in July 2025, where he will also be in attendance. But don’t be surprised if, while admiring one of his sculptures, you find yourself smiling without realizing it. That quiet moment of connec-tion, of getting lost in a story, is what his work is truly about.Because in a world filled with noise, uncertainty, and division, a little whim-sy, a little story, and a lot of kindness can go a very long way. MCU54 SUMMER 2025 | metromodemagazine.com CULTURE“ ANIMALS AND HISTORICAL FIGURES HELP PEOPLE RELATE. THEY CONNECT US TO SOMETHING TIMELESS. I WANT TO BRING THE PAST TO THE PRESENT. I WANT TO KEEP KINDNESS ALIVE IN A WORLD THAT SEEMS TO BE LOSING IT.Find more of Paul's artwork at metromodemagazine.com

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57 metromodemagazine.com | SUMMER 2025FEATUREFTe have heard stories from LGBTQ+ people living in big cities like Denver. But what about the small towns of Colorado? There’s plenty of LGBTQ+ people in these small towns like Salida, Rocky Ford, and Canon City. While these communities may lack the extensive resources found in urban centers, they are home to in-dividuals and groups striving to create inclusive spaces and foster acceptance. Some of them are just trying to live their life in peace. We’ll talk about the change mak-ers in their small towns and everyday people on their perspectives of living outside the big city as a queer person. Rocky Ford: The Quiet StruggleWe start in Rocky Ford, which is a small agricultural town and home to Dominique Robbins, also known as “DMINQ”. He says “If you live in a small town for a long time, you find out people are more scared be-cause they know everyone. They want to be out, but they can’t. My openness coming from the big city and being out shocks them. I hope that being open myself will encourage others to come out and be open about themselves.” Not only does DMINQ live in a small town as an LGBTQ+ person, but he is also indigenous and a person of color. Still though, adversity has never been something to keep him down.Since 2023, DMINQ helps organize SECO Pride. It’s something he says the need for is real. SECO Pride serves Lamar, Las Animas, La Junta, Swink, Rocky Ford, Manzanola, Fowler, Avondale and Pueblo. He says “People need to see they can be who they are in a public setting! Aer we broke the first one, the second one was way bigger… the first year had about 150 peo-ple, the second year we had about 350. We even had 40 vendors fill the park!” They’re hoping for even more attendees in the future.I also reached out to the high school in Rocky Ford. The principal tells me there is no GSA because “there has been no need.” It’s important to note that the need may not be apparent as some of the LGBTQ+ communi-ty is “in the closet”, or not out. DMNIQ tells me that be-fore, the closest pride center to rocky ford was in Col-orado Springs, two hours away. That center has since shut down. There have recently been new support groups form in Pueblo, right in-between the Springs FEATUREOut Loud in the HeartlandQueer Voices and Quiet Revolutions in Small-Town ColoradoWords: Jake Walker, Images: SECO Pride, Trinidad Sign, Ark Vallery Pride in SalidaWLGBTQ IN SMALL TOWNS

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58 SUMMER 2025 | metromodemagazine.com FEATUREFTand Rocky Ford like the Southern Colorado Equality Alli-ance and Pueblo Pride.Cañon City and Trinidad: NavigatingConservatism with CourageCañon City, known for its conservative leanings, has seen LGBTQ+ individuals like Xara D'Karn. She’s a transgender woman who has faced significant challenges. D'Karn talk-ed with a local television station about feeling isolated and encountering hostility. She explains being stared at in public spaces, highlighting the lack of understanding and acceptance in the area. There are talks online of a need for an LGBTQ+ organization in Canon City. At the time of writ-ing this article, there are no new organizations in town specifically geared for queer people. I also reached out to Canon City High school, and they say they do currently oer a GSA for their students.There are other people in Canon City that are working to make positive changes in our state. Another person DMINQ mentions is Manuel Arizala lives in Canon City and works with Colorado Pet Pantry- they put on pet food giveaways in the Arkansas valley and even across the en-tire state. They’ll be at SECO pride in 2025. He says they’re trying to build a bridge with the LGBTQ+ community by giving away pet food and supplies to those who need it.Further south to the state border, A local artist DMINQ tells me about is Dalen Savage who is putting on drag shows in Trinidad, CO at the southern border. They bring drag queens from all around the state to perform. Trini-dad may not have its own pride festival, but I’m told the people of Trinidad love the drag shows They provide valu-able representation that is all too scarce in these small towns. Salida: Building CommunityThrough VisibilityIn contrast, Salida has made notable strides in fostering LGBTQ+ inclusivity. The town is more politically split but still leans conservative, according to bestneighborhood.com. Salida High School's Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) provides a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ youth, reflecting the town's commitment to inclusivity. A representative from the school tells me there are 15 stu-dents enrolled in 2025, and the program has been around for about 8-years. Salida is also home to the annual Ark Valley Pride, which began with a modest gathering and has grown into a multi-day celebration attracting near-ly approximately 2500-5000 participants, according to Organizers like Jimmy Sellars. He is instrumental in cre-ating safe spaces and events that promote visibility and acceptance.

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59 metromodemagazine.com | SUMMER 2025FEATUREFTSellars tells me more about the work that’s being done in Salida for the LGBTQ+ community. “The PfCA provides a queer resource center, advocates for LGBTQ+ people of all ages (through public health, advocates for comp sex ed in schools, provides GSA-style support for youth through our YAS! (Your Authentic Self) Clubs in our public schools and Boys & Girls Clubs, we partner to bring a biannual "Itty Bit-ty Queer Health Fair" and work with our local Planned Par-enthood and many healthcare practices for better sexual healthcare access, we organize a group of faith groups and organizations who support LGBTQ+ eorts and support smaller groups looking to build collective strength rurally. I also sit on many state level boards and initiatives to bet-ter lives for LGBTQ+ people and am the lead facilitator of a statewide coalition of LGBTQ+ organizations throughout rural Colorado.”People I talked to that grew up in Salida tell me these re-sources were not available to them until the mid-nineties. Life as an LGBTQ+ person before then, according to Jeremy Mears, was isolating. He says “I started school in the very late eighties, and there was very little in the way of sexual stigma the way people see it today. Homosexuality was, of course, unknown to me and it wouldn’t be for some time, as it was invisible. It stayed invisible for a long time, only when someone made an o-color joke about it, and you in-quired did you know it wasn’t to be talked about openly.”Conclusion: Progress Amidst ChallengesAs the stories of Salida, Rocky Ford and Cañon City show, the journey from silence to celebration in Colorado’s small towns has been driven not by large institutions but by the courage of individuals determined to be seen. What be-gan as an almost invisible existence—where o color jokes were the only acknowledgement of queer lives—has grown, over the past three decades, into something unmistakably vibrant. From Jeremy’s first inklings of “why I wasn’t chas-ing girls,” to Dominique’s shock and awe openness that inspired hundreds to come out for SECO Pride, and Heath-er’s decades long commitment in La Veta, each voice has chipped away at the barriers of small town conservatism.As more storytellers li the voices of queer Coloradans out-side the Front Range, the next chapter will belong to those ready to build on what’s already been achieved. Organizers are planning bigger events, local groups are forming new alliances, and everyday residents are choosing acceptance over fear. In towns where everyone knows your name, visibility isn’t just an act of courage—it’s the lifeline that transforms isolation into community. With each festival pitched, each GSA meeting held, and each candid conver-sation sparked around a kitchen table, small town Colorado moves closer to a future where every person can simply live and love, out loud. M

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61 metromodemagazine.com | SUMMER 2025FEATUREFThe civil rights movement has undergone tremendous evolution over the decades—from what was once framed and shamed as the Gay Liberation and Stonewall to the modern human rights movement that is inclusive of LGBTQ+ people, the need to re-spond to systemic institutional oppression of the community remains as pressing as ever. As we navigate today’s complex and shiing political and social landscape, it is important to examine the perspectives of dierent generations on the progress and challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ communi-ty. There has never been a more critical mo-ment to explore and understand the views of baby boomers, millennials, and Genera-tions Z and Alpha—highlighting their unique insights and the common threads that bind them. The Baby Boomer Perspective (1946–1964): A Leg-acy of Struggle and Resilience. For many baby boomers who fought for civil rights in the 1960s and 1970s, the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights is viewed through the lens of hard-won battles and deep scars of prej-udice. Seasoned activists in this generation reflect on pivotal moments that shaped the movement—including the Stonewall Riots of 1969 and the HIV/AIDS crisis in the 1980s and 1990s—both of which marked watershed moments in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality. One leader recalls the relentless activism that followed, characterized by a sense of urgency and solidarity among marginalized communities.From the perspective of a 63-year-old gay Black man: “Progress of our rights has been substantial, yet incomplete. The legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States in 2015 was hailed as a landmark victory, but I worry that complacency could undermine the gains made.”Some, from what was once the largest gen-eration of 70 million, emphasize the ongoing struggles against discrimination—particu-Voices Across Generations “ We might have celebrated too ear-ly, believing that once gains were made, they were permanent. It would seem that we underestimated the homopho-bia and the need for the ongoing fight for our rights, and how to embed socie-tal changes into both policy and contin-ued work in hearts and minds. But now, at our age, we are growing tired.The Evolution of LGBTQ+ Civil RightsWords: Morris Price Jr, Images: StockTVOICES ACROSS GENERATIONS

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62 SUMMER 2025 | metromodemagazine.com FEATUREFTlarly for transgender individuals and peo-ple of color within the LGBTQ+ community. During a local social gathering of LGBTQ+ leaders that turned into a sincere conversa-tion of concern, many expressed alarm over the recent rise of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and the backlash against hard-won rights.“We might have celebrated too early, believ-ing that once gains were made, they were permanent. It would seem that we underes-timated the homophobia and the need for the ongoing fight for our rights—and how to embed societal changes into both policy and continued work in hearts and minds. But at our age, we are growing tired.”Some members of this generation also lament the generational disconnect be-tween themselves and younger activists. While they appreciate the fresh energy and innovative strategies of millennials and Gen-eration Z, they caution against forgetting the lessons of past struggles. To them, history is a foundation upon which future activism must be built, and they advocate for inter-generational dialogue to foster deeper un-derstanding and collaboration.The Millennial (1981–1996) Perspective: Progress with Pragmatism. Millennials, now the largest generation at 72.7 million, came of age during a time of significant social change and possess a pragmatic outlook on LGBTQ+ rights. For many in this generation, the fight for equality extends beyond legal victories to include changing hearts and minds. A millennial activist notes that while legal advancements are crucial, cultural ac-ceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals is equally vi-tal. Representation in media, the workplace, and politics is viewed as essential to normal-izing diverse identities.This outlook is shaped by growing up in rel-atively more accepting environments than earlier generations. With social media as a powerful tool, millennials have eectively used technology to raise awareness, galva-nize support, and advocate for change—mo-bilizing through hashtags, viral campaigns, and digital organizing.However, millennials are also acutely aware of ongoing challenges. Many express con-cerns about political polarization and the resurgence of anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment. They emphasize the need for continued advocacy, especially for marginalized voices within the community—such as transgender individ-uals of color, who face disproportionately high rates of violence and discrimination.Robin, a gay millennial man, shared: “The breadth of experience Millennials have with communal trauma is wide and deeply per-sonal. This drives our impulse to advocate for mental health care, resources, and sup-port systems. We recognize that the fight for equality is just as internal as it is external. A belief that fostering a culture of acceptance and understanding can help combat stigma and address mental health challenges for the LGBTQ+ community is a central element to the Millennial engagement with social change.”The Generation Z (1997–2012) and Alpha (2010–2024) Perspective: A Bold Call for In-clusion. Generation Z, known for their digi-tal fluency and commitment to inclusivity, approaches LGBTQ+ rights with urgency and boldness. A young activist from this gen-eration speaks passionately about the im-portance of intersectionality—stating that LGBTQ+ rights cannot be separated from broader struggles for racial, gender, and eco-nomic justice.This perspective is shaped by a global awareness of inequality. Many in Gen Z rec-ognize that, despite progress in some coun-tries, others still impose severe penalties for LGBTQ+ identities. This awareness fuels their activism and drives their calls for a truly inclusive movement.Human Rights Campaign President Kelly Rob-inson remarked: “Whether it’s at the polls, in “ The breadth of experience mil-lennials have with communal trauma is wide and deeply personal. This drives our impulse to advocate for mental health care, resources, and support systems. We recognize that the fight for equality is just as internal as it is ex-ternal. a belief that fostering a culture of acceptance and understanding can help combat stigma and address mental health challenges for the LGBTQ+ com-munity is a central element to the mil-lennial engagement with social change.

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63 metromodemagazine.com | SUMMER 2025FEATUREFTmarches and rallies, or online, LGBTQ+ visibil-ity matters—and Gen Z is a force for change. Thousands of LGBTQ+ young people turn 18 each day, and lawmakers should understand there will be repercussions in November for anti-LGBTQ+ political attacks.”Gen Z is unafraid to challenge norms and de-mand accountability, advocating for trans-parency in leadership and inclusive deci-sion-making. Their activism oen intersects with mental health advocacy, climate jus-tice, and racial equity—reflecting a holistic approach to civil rights.From the perspective of A.H., a member of Generation Alpha: “My generation is mainly accepting of the queer community and a lot less likely to be surprised or act dierently towards a person when they learn someone is queer. In fact, many people don't seem to consider it a serious aspect of that person as a whole and judge that person by other qualities of their character. Better yet, even though there are still people out there who are against LGBTQ rights and the communi-ty, most are more likely to stand up for their LGBTQ+ peers, instead of the way it was in the past when queer people were forced to look out for themselves.”While these newer generations sometimes face criticism from older activists for their boldness or perceived impatience, they re-main steadfast in their belief that urgency is required. For them, the fight for LGBTQ+ rights is not just a legal or academic issue—it is about dismantling systemic oppression and building a world that embraces diversity in daily life, not just in theory or policy.Finding Common Ground: A Path Forward. As we reflect on the perspectives of baby boomers, millennials, and Generations Z and Alpha, it becomes clear that the fight for LGBTQ+ rights is a multi-generational journey. Each generation brings valuable insights and experiences, contributing to a movement built on the successes, setbacks, and lessons of those who came before.To move forward, we must foster intergen-erational dialogue and collaboration. Bridg-ing generational divides allows activists to share eective strategies, learn from one another’s lived experiences, and collec-tively strengthen the LGBTQ+ movement. Acknowledging the importance of history, cultural acceptance, and intersectionality is vital to building a more equitable future for all.As we navigate today’s challenges, let us honor those who paved the way, celebrate the diversity of our community—across race, class, geography—and embrace the passion and innovation of younger genera-tions. Together, we can build a movement that is resilient, inclusive, and firmly rooted in justice—not just for the LGBTQ+ commu-nity, but as a vital pillar of the broader civil rights struggle. M“ My generation is mainly accept-ing of the queer community and a lot less likely to be surprised or act dier-ently towards a person when they learn someone is queer. In fact, many peo-ple don't seem to consider it a serious aspect of that person as a whole and judge that person by other qualities of their character. Better yet, even though there are still people out there who are against LGBTQ rights and the communi-ty, most are more likely to stand up for their LGBTQ peers, instead of the way it was in the past when queer people were forced to look out for themselves.

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65 metromodemagazine.com | SUMMER 2025FEATUREFTor some people, especially in younger gener-ations, it’s not that they intentionally want-ed to leave religion, but they didn’t know where they could go to find a place where they could be themselves and that reflected their values,” says AJ Bush, Pastor of Congregational and Communi-ty Engagement at Trinity United Methodist Church in Denver. “They have one narrow picture of what church is and oftentimes that’s a very exclusive, hateful, traumatic experience. So, they leave that but not necessarily wanting to leave spirituality, or community, or religion. They just don’t know that there’s another avenue for them.”Surveys support this generational shift of younger people away from traditional organized religion. A Pew Research survey of adults from 2007 to 2023 showed numbers of non-religiously affiliat-ed adults, or “nones,” peaking in 2022 just above 30% and dropping only slightly to 28% the next year. Welcomingand Arming Some of Denver’s most storied queer friendly churches are meeting the 21st century through reinvention as cultural centersSome of the dividing factors between religious and non-religious adults are inherently political–namely queer, fe-male or people of color in leadership positions within the church–but they are not necessarily new contentions. The United Methodist Church did not exist under its current name until 1968. Upon its founding by John and Charles Wesley in mid-1700s England the religion was the Methodist Epis-copal Church, and it had abolitionist leanings. However, one of the first ma-jor splits in American Methodism oc-curred over that very issue, beginning in 1840 with the election of a pastor who owned enslaved people and end-ing in 1846 with most of the southern and slavery supporting churches form-ing a separate denomination. They did not reunite for nearly 100 years. The 20th century found many Chris-tian and Jewish denominations con-fronting debates about human sexual-ity since at least the 1970s. One of the earliest Christian denominations to experience a split over sexuality were the Baptists. In 1987 a group left the conservative Southern Baptist Con-vention, which still holds staunchly anti-LGBTQ+ views, to form the Alliance of Bap-tists. They also note being the first of any Baptist group to issue a formal apology for “the sins of slavery” in 1990. Less than a decade later in 1993 the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Bap-tists formed. First Baptist Church of Denver is a part of the lat-ter group. “This is a part of our DNA. While we haven’t always been explicitly welcoming and affirming, the real-ity is we’ve been, at least in Baptist circles, on the forefront of that,” says Kurt Kaufman, Ministerial Associate at First Baptist Church. “As a congrega-tion we’re much stronger because of that.”"FWords: Alex Elmore, Images: Alex Elmore and Included ChruchesWELCOMING AND AFFIRMING

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66 SUMMER 2025 | metromodemagazine.com FEATUREFT“I always oer to people that these things actually aren’t new in the church life,” adds Reverend T. Scott Pegues, First Baptist’s Pastoral Associate. “There have always been two or three people in the corner saying, ‘One day we’re gonna be like this...’ I don’t even like to think of it as innovative. Our holy text tells us we’ve got to be welcoming and airming to all… Yes, the church is evolving but it's actually becoming true to itself.”Pegues le the Baptist church for nearly 20 years despite being raised in it as he wres-tled with the forced silence of those who dissented against doctrine. He only joined First Baptist in the last decade and started ministering in 2019. First Baptist of Denver has had their share of protestors interrupt-ing services with trumpets and signs, says Kaufman. They now find themselves at a crossroad again as they search for a new se-nior pastor. Kaufman and Pegues are part of the four-person interim pastoral team.Former senior pastor Brian Henderson’s queer identity sent enough shock waves through Colorado to receive a lengthy story in Westword in November 2013. First Baptist hired Henderson aer serious depression and a suicide attempt, both spawning during his closetedness while head of Calvary Bap-tist Church, landed him in the hospital. The decision to hire Henderson is one the church is still extremely proud of for continuing a legacy of welcoming change makers such as Martin Luther King, Jr. and Jesse Jackson, who both spoke in the downtown church. It also forced First Baptist to re-write their doc-trine to meet the “airming” half of welcom-ing and airming, as Henderson became the church’s first openly queer pastor.The GALIP foundation, which stands for “God’s Agape Love (put) Into Practice,” runs Gaychuch.org. The directory allows church-es to self-submit to a reviewal process before being publicly listed as airming. It tallies upwards of 70 such churches across the en-tire Centennial State. It does not include on-line-only religious communities.Both Trinity and First Baptist have been re-assessing the use of their buildings as of late. One of First Baptists’ current projects is the redevelopment of their parking lot as a 9 story, multi-family residence. Trinity’s 1888 modern gothic cathedral, though the church’s first building was located elsewhere in downtown 18 years prior, is returning to its roots as a community hub. At the time of its opening Denver’s lack of infrastructure led designer Robert Roeschlaub to number every individual seat in the pews so that the church could function as a cultural venue outside of Sunday services. Recently Trinity partnered with Tattered Cover to invite authors such as Ibram X. Kendi in for guest lectures, and host-ed Candlelight concerts. In early June they will kick o Pride month with the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus providing that Sunday’s music.Not all of the queer friendly houses of wor-ship are physical buildings though. Judaism Your Way, founded in 2003, has no building at all. The organization rents oices for full time sta and finds locations for its services on an as-needed basis, oen through using space at First Universalist Church of Denver.Rabbi Caryn Aviv, Rabbinic & Program Direc-tor of Judaism Your Way, jokes that this is a continuance of being “wandering Jews.” It also saves the queer friendly organization overhead each year to instead finance its outreach.Some of their events disregard the indoors altogether. Aviv hosted Nature, Gratitude, and Awe outdoors at Washington Park. She describes the event as spiritual contempla-tive practice, or more simply “tree hugging.” The event was structured as a scripture read-ing about nature, followed by engaging in nature. Though 65 people showed up, more joined spontaneously, oen aer surprise at learning the group was Jewish. Similar turn-outs have happened at High Holidays hosted at the Botanic Gardens. Aviv’s gender and sexuality have been points of contention throughout her life. In the 1980s, a debate over female rabbis dominat-ed the religious conversation. In the next de-cade the focus fell on queer rabbis. This also coincided with Aviv’s coming out as a queer woman and her question of whether to be-come a religious leader.

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67 metromodemagazine.com | SUMMER 2025FEATUREFT“I am not gonna go back into the closet for five years and lie about who I am when I’m training to be a rabbi, so I’m just not going to be a rabbi in this movement,” she thought. She became a professor instead, focusing much of her studies and activism on queer inclusion in Jewish communities. Queer Jews even became Aviv’s first book, an es-say collection she co-edited.“In the twenty plus years that I’ve been working on this issue, the Jewish commu-nity has totally transformed for the better,” she says. “It’s no big shake that I’m a dyke on the stage leading High Holidays service. Whatever. I’m super-duper out.”Though on the other hand she feels there is currently a dangerous amount of “backslid-ing” into more patriarchy, homophobia, and transphobia, both in religious and secular circles. It’s a feeling she finds both intimi-dating and empowering, knowing she has no plans to back down in her work. At Saint John’s Cathedral, an Episcopal church in Denver, Enrique Cintrón serves as the Digital Ministry Coordinator. They moved here a few years ago to be with their now-husband before becoming sta. They find the church to be a vital place for the queer community because of its group of queer elders, people who have been ac-tivists and met their partners through St. John’s. It can be diicult for many younger queer people to find that connection which leads to mentorship, as would-be elders passed on before their time, they say. The Episcopal Church itself was an earlier acceptance of queer clergy. In 2003 Gene Robinson became the first openly gay bish-op–of any Christian denomination, by most accounts. In interviews Robinson made sure to emphasize that he was merely the first open bishop, far away from being the first queer bishop. His confirmation received death threats from bigots, and he was made to wear a bulletproof vest during the cere-mony. Now, more than 20 years later, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History displays his vestments. But just because these artifacts are in a mu-seum does not mean queer acceptance is exactly commonplace.“Our role continues to be to do what Jesus calls us to do and to live out our faith, which is to love people as they are. To welcome “ Our role continues to be to do what jesus calls us to do and to live out our faith, which is to love people as they are. To welcome them and to minister to the most vulnerable people in our society. Especially now in this political climate, there’s so much animus for people that are dierent from us.

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71 metromodemagazine.com | SUMMER 2025FOOD & DRINK GUIDEFOODIE FDutiny Information Cafe, now located at 3483 S Broadway in Englewood, Colora-do, is a vibrant cultural hub that seamlessly blends a coee shop, comic book store, and community event space. Originally estab-lished in Denver in 2013 by co-owners Jim Norris and Matt Megyesi, Mutiny relocated to Englewood in 2024 due to rising rents and a desire for a more supportive environment for small businesses.At its core, Mutiny is a haven for creatives and the curious. The cafe serves ethically sourced, locally roasted coee, including its signature Batch no.One26 blend, alongside a selection of teas, matcha, and house-made chai. Complementing the beverages are vegan and vegetarian snacks, pastries, and locally bottled drinks. The inviting atmo-sphere encourages visitors to linger, read, and connect.The bookstore boasts a diverse collection of titles, from biographies and science fiction to history and art books. It also features a significant selection of zines, many from lo-cal authors and artists, reflecting Mutiny's commitment to supporting Colorado's cre-ative community.Mutiny Comics oers a wide array of new and used comic books, graphic novels, and manga. The shop supports local artists and Words: William Cameron, Image: Mutiny Information CafeMutiny is a haven for creatives and the curious.Mprovides services like pull list subscriptions, ensuring fans never miss an issue. In addi-tion, rare finds and indie publications line the shelves, drawing collectors and curious readers alike.Beyond its retail oerings, Mutiny is re-nowned for its dynamic event programming. The venue hosts live music, poetry readings, comedy nights, author talks, and open mics, fostering a space where artists and audi-ences connect. Its in-house podcast studio, "Davy Jones’s Locker," further amplifies voices within the community, producing shows that delve into topics ranging from comics to social justice and beyond.The move to Englewood has allowed Mu-tiny to continue its mission in a welcoming neighborhood that values small businesses and community engagement. With improved facilities, expanded programming, and a re-newed focus on comics, coee, literature, and culture, Mutiny Information Cafe re-mains a cherished gathering place for those seeking creativity, conversation, and con-nection. MMutini Information CafeCoee Shop & Comic Store: $5-$203483 South Broadway, Englewoodmuntinyinfocafe.com | No Phonemutinycomics.comAlteñoMexican: $50-$100 303-532-4999249 Clayton Street, Denver -This upscale eatery delivers rustic, highland-inspired Mexican cuisine rooted in family traditions. Diners enjoy hearth-cooked dishes like crab-stued mushrooms and pan de elote, alongside mezcal-forward cock-tails. Set in a stylish hotel space, it oers a refined yet welcoming atmosphere for leisurely, memo-ry-filled meals. altenorestaurant.comBlossom by SYCChinese: $50-$100 No phone yet21691 Central Street, Denver -This upscale Chinese restaurant oers a refined dining experience with a blend of traditional and Americanized dishes. Featuring semi-private booths and a full bar, it provides an intimate atmosphere. Helmed by a seasoned restaurateur, it's part of a new concept emphasizing elevated Asian cuisine. oneconceptrg.com/new-basil.comChubby Unicorn CantinaMexican: $20-$30 720-693-93184180 Wynkoop Street, Ste 120, Denver -Oering authentic Mexican cuisine, inventive cocktails, and a welcoming atmosphere. Located steps from a popular music venue, it’s perfect for pre- and post-concert gatherings. Enjoy a spacious patio with a fire pit, house-made salsas, and a variety of tacos and margaritas. chubbyunicorncantina.comJohnny Bechamel'sItalian & Pizza: $20-$30 No phone yet 281 Pennsylvania St, Denver -This neighborhood eatery blends house-made pasta and wood-fired pizza in a relaxed, counter-service setting. Created by the team behind Dio Mio and Redeemer Pizza, it oers a casual yet refined dining experience. Expect inventive takes on Italian classics in a wel-coming, community-focused atmosphere. johnnybechamels .com.Ros SiamThai/Asian: $10-$20 303-953-02912637 West 26th Avenue, Denver -This cozy eatery, nestled in a converted Victorian home, oers au-thentic Thai and Asian cuisine with a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. Signature dishes include nam tok, pad prik khing, and pump-kin curry. Guests can dine indoors or enjoy the in-viting patio. ros-siam.comNEW AND OPENMUTINY INFORMATION CAFE

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73 metromodemagazine.com | SUMMER 2025FOOD & DRINK GUIDEFOODIE FDAmbiance: The interior of River and Woods exudes a warm, Scandinavian-inspired design with white walls, light wood accents, and multicolored plank ceilings, creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. The back-yard patio, adorned with string lights and a "river" made of cross-cut logs, oers a whimsical outdoor dining experience reminiscent of a treehouse or club-house.Food: The menu at River and Woods reimagines clas-sic comfort food with a modern twist, emphasizing locally sourced ingredients. Signature dishes include the Slow-Braised Short Rib served with roasted po-blano potato pancake and smoked pearl onions, and the Chicken and Potato Wale featuring Cholula-mar-inated chicken thighs atop crispy potato wales. The restaurant also embraces community by incorporat-ing "community-sourced" recipes, allowing local pa-trons to contribute their favorite dishes to the menu. BEVERAGE: The beverage program complements the food oerings with a selection of cra cocktails, local beers, and a curated wine list. Notable options include the Sloe Hair cocktail, combining sloe gin and grapefruit bitters, and a variety of Colorado spirits and brews that reflect the region's rich beverage culture.Desserts: Desserts at River and Woods provide a playful end to the meal, with the house-made S'mores standing out as a favorite. This interactive dessert fea-tures homemade graham crackers and marshmallows, chocolate, and a personal mini campfire for roasting, oering a nostalgic and engaging experience. Service: River and Woods is known for its warm, per-sonable service that enhances the welcoming ambi-ance of the space. Sta members are attentive, knowl-edgeable about the menu, and enthusiastic about sharing the story behind each dish. Whether you're a first-time guest or a regular, the team ensures each vis-it feels thoughtful and accommodating.VALUE: River and Woods delivers a dining experience that balances quality and creativity with communi-ty-driven charm. The pricing reflects the attention to detail in sourcing local ingredients, the inventive menu design, and the overall immersive experience. Guests oen find the exceptional ambiance, unique oerings, and meaningful mission make every dollar well spent.Overall: Dining at River and Woods oers a unique blend of comfort and sophistication, making it suitable for various occasions, from casual brunches to cele-bratory dinners. The combination of a cozy setting, in-ventive menu, and community engagement creates an experience that resonates with both locals and visitors seeking a taste of Colorado's culinary landscape.PRO TIP: For an enchanting dining experience, opt for the backyard patio during warmer months, where the ambiance is enhanced by so lighting and natural elements. Don't miss the opportunity to try the com-munity-sourced dishes, which add a personal touch to the menu. Reservations are recommended, especially during weekends and special events, to secure a spot in this popular Boulder eatery. MRiver and Woods, located at 2328 Pearl Street in Boulder, Colorado, offers a distinctive dining experience by blending rustic charm with contemporary culinary flair. Set in a renovated century-old miner’s cabin, the restaurant provides a cozy yet stylish ambiance that reflects its commitment to comfort and community. | 303-993-6301 | riverandwoodsboulder.com | $30-$50 | AAAAA Words: Michael FoxFOODClassic cumfortfood that's community sourcedAMBIANCERustic Scandinavian inspired design with top-notch servicePRICEBrunch: $13-$33Dinner: $9-$67Dessert: &7-$18VERDICTExcellent food and service. A must visit for locals & visitors RIVER AND WOODSRIVER & WOODS

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74 SUMMER 2025 | metromodemagazine.com FOOD & DRINK GUIDEFDAmbiance: The 3,000-square-foot space exudes a chic yet cozy atmosphere, featuring built-in 70s-style speakers, handmade Heath tiles, banquette seating, a coee bar counter, and a semi-open kitchen. Artwork by Zac Chambers adds a touch of artistic flair, while large windows oer views of César Chávez Park, en-hancing the relaxed, community-focused vibe. FOOD: Two Hands oers a menu that changes season-ally, emphasizing fresh, intentional, and flavorful dish-es. Brunch favorites include the Salmon Quinoa Bowl with grilled salmon, turmeric quinoa, hummus, and avocado, and the Seasonal Scramble featuring so ribboned eggs, fresh peas, mint, and feta on toasted sourdough. Dinner highlights encompass the Pesto Cavatelli with house-made ricotta pasta and macada-mia nut pesto, and the Pan-Roasted Half Chicken pre-pared West African-style with coconut wild rice and Ivorian sesame gravy. Beverage: The beverage program is as thoughtfully curated as the food menu. Guests can enjoy hand-craed cocktails like the Boozy Lavender Lemonade made with Empress Gin and crème de violette, or the unique Banana Bread Espresso Martini blending vodka, espresso, oat milk, and crème de banane. Ad-ditionally, a variety of wines, local beers, mocktails, specialty coees, chai, matcha drinks, smoothies, and cold-pressed juices cater to all preferences. DE SSERT: Desserts at Two Hands are both delightful and inventive. The Coconut and Key Lime Pavlova oers a classic Australian treat with coconut gel, key lime curd, and so whipped cream. Another standout is the Banana Walnut Bread served with espresso mas-carpone, toasted buckwheat, and honey, providing a sweet yet balanced finish to any meal. SERVICE: Service at Two Hands is characterized by genuine hospitality and attentiveness. The sta is knowledgeable about the menu and eager to accom-modate dietary preferences, ensuring a comfortable and personalized dining experience for every guest.VAL UE: Two Hands delivers excellent value through its commitment to quality ingredients, sustainable prac-tices, and a diverse menu that caters to various dietary needs. The thoughtfully craed dishes and beverag-es, combined with the inviting atmosphere, make it a worthwhile destination for any occasion.OVERALL EXPERIENCE: Dining at Two Hands is a har-monious blend of flavorful cuisine, stylish ambiance, and warm service. Whether you're stopping by for a morning coee, a leisurely brunch, or a satisfying dinner, the restaurant oers a versatile and enjoyable experience that resonates with Denver's active and health-conscious community. PRO TIP: Take advantage of the daily Happy Hour from 4 to 6 p.m., featuring $3 o signature cocktails and $2 o beer and wine. For a more intimate experience, consider dining on the patio, where you can enjoy your meal with a view of César Chávez Park. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours, and can be made via Resy. MTwo Hands, nestled at 3985 Tennyson Street in Denver’s vibrant Berkeley neighborhood, brings a fresh, Australian-inspired dining experience to the Mile High City. With a focus on health-conscious, locally sourced fare and a welcoming ambiance, this all-day café has quickly become a community favorite.| 720-927-9272 | twohandshospitality.com/location/two-hands-denver.com | $20-$30 | AAAAAWords: Michael FoxFOODFresh Australian inspired food. Menu changes with the seasonsAMBIANCEChic yet cozy. 70s style speakers, ban-quette seatingPRICEDrinks: $4-$11 Food: $4-$27Dessert: $7.50-$13VERDICTExcellent food and service. A must visit for locals & visitors TWO HANDSTWO HANDS

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76 SUMMER 2025 | metromodemagazine.com FOOD & DRINK GUIDEFD THE VELVET CELLARAmbiance: Upon entering The Velvet Cellar, guests are enveloped in an atmosphere where historic archi-tecture meets contemporary elegance and timeless charm. Exposed brick walls, timber beams, and a sleek black bar create a warm and inviting setting. Plush vel-vet banquettes line the windows, oering cozy seating with views of the bustling street outside. The dim, flat-tering lighting and tasteful decor—including curated art and custom fixtures—contribute to a relaxed yet upscale vibe, making it an ideal spot for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings. FOOD: The menu at The Velvet Cellar showcases a cre-ative fusion of Southern-inspired dishes and contem-porary American cuisine, emphasizing locally sourced ingredients. Standout oerings include the Shrimp & Grits, featuring heirloom red corn grits, aged white cheddar, smoked pork belly, and shrimp-infused pep-per gravy, and the Miso Salmon served with bamboo rice and hot pickles. Vegetarian options like the Crispy Lion's Mane Ragu and seasonal risottos ensure there's something for every palate. Beverage: Complementing the culinary delights is an extensive beverage program. The cocktail menu boasts innovative creations such as the Queen of Hearts and La Piña Fuego, a mezcal-based drink with pineapple and jalapeño. Wine enthusiasts will appre-ciate the curated list of 300-400 labels, featuring both local Colorado vintages and international selections. The knowledgeable sta, including co-owner and sommelier Chris Dominey, are always on hand to assist with perfect pairings.DE SSERT: Desserts at The Velvet Cellar are both in-ventive and satisfying. A must-try is the Ube Crème Brûlée, oering a delightful twist on the classic with its subtle sweetness and nutty undertones. This light yet indulgent dessert provides a perfect conclusion to the meal.SERVICE: The service at The Velvet Cellar is charac-terized by genuine hospitality and attentiveness. From the moment guests arrive, the sta ensures a welcoming and personalized experience. Whether it's the friendly hostesses, knowledgeable servers, or the co-owners themselves, every team member contrib-utes to the restaurant's inviting atmosphere. VAL UE: The Velvet Cellar oers exceptional value through its commitment to quality ingredients, cre-ative culinary oerings, and a thoughtfully curated beverage program. The combination of ambiance, ser-vice, and cuisine makes it a worthwhile destination for any occasion.OVERALL EXPERIENCE: Dining at The Velvet Cellar is a harmonious blend of flavorful cuisine, stylish ambi-ance, and warm service. Whether you're stopping by for a pre-event cocktail, a leisurely dinner, or a special celebration, the restaurant provides a versatile and enjoyable experience that resonates with Denver's dy-namic dining scene.PRO TIP: Take advantage of the daily Happy Hour from 4 to 6 p.m., featuring discounted drinks and small plates like the Slap Burger and Bualo Cauliflower. MThe Velvet Cellar, situated at 1500 Wynkoop St #101 in Denver's historic LoDo district, oers a refined yet approachable dining experience that seamlessly blends Southern charm with modern sophistication. Housed in the iconic Saddlery building, this culinary gem has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. | 720-676-9116 | thevelvetcellar.net | $50-$100 | AAAAAWords: Michael FoxFOODSothern inspired dishes and contemporary American cuisineAMBIANCERelaxed yet upscale vibe. Great for inti-mate dinners PRICESalads $15-$25 Entrees: $19-$65Sides: $7-$12VERDICTExcellent food and service. A must visit for locals & visitors THE VELVET CELLAR

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78 SUMMER 2025 | metromodemagazine.com FOOD & DRINK GUIDEFD100% de AgaveMexican: $20-$30 303-731-1100975 Lincoln Street, Denver -At 100% de Agave we serve culinary creations and libations utiliz-ing the freshest of ingredients. At the core of our oering is a homage to original Mexican dishes made from scratch each day. House-made tama-les, tortillas, and sauces create a foundation for our ever seasonal menu while unique and care-fully craed ceviches, enchiladas, and tacos have become house staples. 100deagave.comAmici’s Pizzeria & Italian Italian: $15-$30 303-455-55854300 Wadsworth Boulevard, Wheat Ridge -Amici’s Pizzeria & Italian delivers authentic Italian-Amer-ican comfort food in a friendly setting. Known for its New York-style pizza, pasta, and hearty sand-wiches, it’s a go-to spot for family dinners and ca-sual dining in Colorado. amicisitalian.comAngelo’s TavernaItalian: $20-$30 303-744-3366620 East 6th Avenue, Denver -A continued tra-dition of great food and welcoming hospitality! Serving many of the menu items that have be-come favorites over the years as well as new dish-es that oer guests delicious options. Our oyster bar is shucking away fresh oysters from the west and east coast, -they’re oered up grilled with their signature sauce at the best pricing in Den-ver. angelosdenver.comBlue Bonnet Mexican: $10-$20 303-778-0147457 South Broadway, Denver -The Blue Bonnet is a Denver staple! Enjoy family’s recipes on the menu at the Blue Bonnet. Infusing their cuisine with an incredible Mexican tradition. They now oer an innovative seasonal menu utilizing a range of local ingredients, a gluten-free menu, award-winning margarita list, extensive cocktail selection in addition to their famous traditional Mexican menu. bluebonnetrestaurant.comCapital TeaTea House: $10-$20 303-777-22551450 South Broadway, Denver -Capital Tea in Denver is a haven for tea enthusiasts, oering a serene atmosphere and an extensive menu of loose-leaf teas. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting chai or a refreshing iced brew, it’s the perfect spot to unwind or connect with friends over a soothing cup. captea.com Centro Mexican KitchenMexican: $20-$30 303-442-7771950 Pearl Street, Boulder -Centro brings the bold, vibrant flavors of Latin America to Boulder with a menu featuring fresh ceviche, tacos, and cre-ative cocktails. With its lively atmosphere and chef-driven dishes, Centro oers a taste of the tropics in the heart of Colorado. centromexican.comChampagne TigerFrench American: $30-$150 303-942-0593601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver -Denver’s vibrant hotspot, blending playful vibes with elevated Asian-inspired street food and a focus on cham-pagne pairings. Known for its bold flavors, cre-ative cocktails, and Instagram-worthy decor, this trendy eatery oers a lively ambiance perfect for date nights or celebrations. The inventive menu, featuring small plates and unexpected flavor combinations, promises a dining experience as sparkling as its namesake. champagnetiger.comCherry CricketHamburgers: $10-$20 303-322-76662641 East 2nd Avenue, Denver -Cherry Cricket is a Denver institution, beloved for its legendary burgers and laid-back vibe. Build your dream burger or try one of their famous creations, paired with a cold beer or a milkshake. Perfect for families, friends, or anyone craving comfort food with a twist. cherrycricket.comColore Italian RestaurantItalian Restaurant: $20-$30 303-761-43322700 South Broadway, Englewood -Colore Italian Restaurant oers a warm, inviting atmosphere with a perfect blend of casual elegance. Their menu features classic Italian favorites like rich pastas, handcraed pizzas, and savory seafood dishes, all made with fresh ingredients. The cozy ambiance, complete with so lighting and mod-ern decor, makes it an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a relaxed gathering with friends. coloreitalian.comCorridaSteak House: $100+ 303-444-13331023 Walnut Street, Suite 400, Boulder -Corrida, Boulder’s modern Spanish steakhouse, oers a sophisticated dining experience featuring pre-mium meats, fresh seafood, and Spanish wines. With stunning views of the Flatirons, it’s an ideal destination for special occasions and indulgent meals. You won’t be disappointed. Reservations are requested. corridaboulder.comDevil’s Food BakeryBakery: $10-$20 303-777-95551004 South Gaylord Street, Denver -Oering pas-tries, a full breakfast, brunch, lunch & supper. Pas-tries have a French tendency, but with an owner having a flare for the county fair. They make every-thing at Devil’s Food in small batches from scratch daily using only the finest ingredients. They’re a cellphone free environment for their guests and they recycle & compost. devilsfooddenver.comDuo RestaurantNew American: $20-$30 303-477-41412413 West 32nd Avenue, Denver -Owners Keith Ar-nold & Stephanie Bonin set out to create a neigh-borhood restaurant with incredible food and im-peccable service. They found the perfect kitchen team in Chef John Broening & Pastry Chef Yasmin Lozada-Hissom who have been creating amazing dishes since opening day. Join us for Meatless Mondays where we will feature new seasonal vege-tarian dishes every Monday! duodenver.comEDGE Restaurant & BarSteak House: $100+ 303-389-30501111 14th Street, Denver -EDGE is an American steakhouse and is one of the city’s most desir-able destinations for cuisine and cocktails. Dine in the sleek dining room for a wood-grilled steak and one of the 200 wines, or come to the EDGE Bar for a Kobe beef and blue cheese slider or Rocky Mountain Sushi, and a flight chosen from the 50 wines available by the glass. Complimentary valet parking for guests. edgerestaurantdenver.comGaetano’sItalian: $15-$25 303-455-98523760 Tejon Street Street, Denver -Housed in the historic North Denver Highlands Gaetano”s was originally opened in the 1930’s by the Smaldone family. Today it is an homage to the classic cock-tail era with leisurely lunches, rustic and fresh Italian food and a late night neighborhood gath-ering. A comfy neighborhood hangout with a menu featuring old favorites along with fresh sea-sonal entrees. Reservations are suggested.gaetanositalian.comGoosetown TavernPub: $10-$20 303-399-97033242 East Colfax Avenue, Denver -Goosetown Tavern opened in 1998, located at the south-west corner of Colfax and Adams in Denver, right across the street from the Bluebird Theater. The Goosetown Tavern is all about having fun. It fea-tures 12 beers on tap, a full bar, two pool tables and a delectable assortment of sandwiches, piz-za, appetizers, soup and salads. Also, rotating artwork is a cornerstone to its mystique. goose-towntavern.comHapa SushiSushi: $30-$50 303-322-95543030 East 2nd Avenue, Denver -Hapa Sushi fus-SYMBOL KEYNEW-Indicates an entry that is within 6-months newly oppened. Not new to our list.TOP 100-Indicates an entry featured in the lat-est Top 100 issue of Metromode.Printed listings are free with a display ad pur-chase in the current issue. All full-year display ad purchases come with a free online reource page and an 11-line print listing in the next four issues. You may buy a listing for $70 each, per issue. You may buy an online resource page for $300 and you will recieve a print list-ing in the next four-issues free.Contact: foodie@metromodemagazine.com FO ODIECOLORADOCOLORADOFOOD AND BEVERAGE GUIDE

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79 metromodemagazine.com | SUMMER 2025FOOD & DRINK GUIDEFOODIE FDes traditional Japanese flavors with a playful, Hawaiian-inspired twist. Known for its creative sushi rolls and fresh ingredients, it’s a dining des-tination that balances casual and chic vibes. Sake cocktails and inventive appetizers complete the experience. hapasushi.comHops & PiePizza: $10-$20 303-477-70003920 Tennyson Street, Denver -Hops & Pie rede-fines comfort food with its artisan pizzas, craft beer selection, and creative small plates. Located in Denver’s Berkeley neighborhood, it’s a hotspot for pizza lovers and beer enthusiasts alike. Their rotating draft list pairs perfectly with house-made dough, offering a casual yet elevated dining experience. hopsandpie.comJax Fish House & Oyster BarSeafood: $50-$100 303-292-57671539 17th Street, Denver -Jax is the home of fresh and delicious. Jax receives fresh seafood every day, using refined global techniques to transform simple proteins and farm fresh produce into an unforgettable dining experience. They’ve dou-bled the size of the world famous Oyster Bar and brought the kitchen into the dining room with made to order chowder, stews and steamers, pre-pared before your very eyes. jaxfishhouse.comJelly CafeBreakfast/Brunch: $10-$20 303-831-6301600 East 13th Avenue, Denver -Jelly specializes in everything Breakfast. Everything we make is as scratch as we can get it -no cans, no pre-made anything. Our creamy hollandaise is made fresh twice a day, our donut bites are made to order, our Hash’s and Breakfast sliders are made special for you. We also have special Pancakes, bene-dicts, hash’s, sandwiches offered everyday. eatmorejelly.comMezcalMexican: $10-$20 303-322-52193230 East Colfax Avenue, Denver -An authentic Mexican taqueria and cantina that gives a cozy, fun, and warm feeling as you walk through the door. ser ving home-style Mexican food, fresh lime Margaritas, Tequilas and Mezcals. The menu fea-tures tacos and tamales, as well as lesser known dishes like pozole and a savory lamb barbacoa. Tequila tastings, special dinners, and obeat cel-ebrations of holidays from north and south of the border ensure that the party never ends.mezcalcolorado.comMondo VinoWine & Beer: $15-$30 303-458-38583601 West 32md Avenue, Denver -Mondo Vino is Denver’s premier boutique wine shop, featuring an extensive selection of wines, craft beers, and artisanal spirits. Known for its knowledgeable staff and personalized recommendations, it’s a go-to destination for connoisseurs and casual sippers alike. Tastings and events create a lively community vibe. mondovinodenver.comMutiny Information CafeCoee Shop: $5-$10 3483 South Broadway, Englewood -This cozy, no-frills café serves ethically sourced, small-batch coee roasted locally. Oerings include drip, espresso, French press, matcha, and house-made chai. Complementing the drinks are vegan and vegetarian breakfast burritos, pastries, and locally bottled kombucha. With its welcoming atmosphere and handcraed beverages, it's a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a quality cup. mu-tinyinfocafe.comNecio Mexican KitchenMexican: $10-$20 720-485-56474001 Tejon Street, Denver -Necio Mexican Kitchen brings bold Mexican flavors to Denver with a mod-ern twist. From street-style tacos to innovative margaritas, the vibrant dishes reflect culinary cre-ativity. Nestled in the Sunnyside neighborhood, Necio has an inviting atmosphere and colorful de-cor making it a perfect spot for festive meals and celebrations. neciomexicankitchen.comNothing Bundt CakesBakery: $10-$20 720-630-78641685 South Colorado Boulevard, Denver -Noth-ing Bundt Cakes specializes in irresistibly moist bundt cakes, available in a variety of flavors 79 metromodemagazine.com | SUMMER 2025FOOD & DRINK GUIDEAuthentic italianParisidenver.compiadina • pastapizza • panini4401 TENNYSONBERKELEY (NW DENVER)303.561.0234Pizzeria * Trattoria * VinoQUICK & CASUA LAffordable since 1998enter the world of ParisiCIAO & HAPPY PRIDE MONTH

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80 SUMMER 2025 | metromodemagazine.com FOOD & DRINK GUIDEFDand sizes. Whether for a celebration or sweet in-dulgence, their handcrafted cakes topped with signature cream cheese frosting are a delightful treat for every occasion. Their cakes are simply delicious! nothingbundtcakes.comLil’ Coea ShopCoee Shop: $5-$15 720-519-1279300 East 6th Avenue #5, Denver -Little Coffea Shop is a hidden gem in Colorado, offering spe-cialty coffees, teas, and light bites in a warm, in-timate space. Perfect for a quick pick-me-up or a quiet moment, it’s loved for its locally roasted beans and friendly service that keeps patrons coming back for more. lilcoffeashop.com Little IndiaIndian: $15-$25 303-871-9777330 East 6th Avenue, Denver -Little India brings the rich flavors of India to Colorado, serving au-thentic dishes like tandoori chicken, biryanis, and creamy butter chicken. Known for its aromat-ic spices and warm hospitality, this family-run restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu catering to all tastes, including vegan and glu-ten-free options. littleindiaofdenver.com Pancho PonchoMexican: $20-$30 720-617-9400400 East 7th Avenue, Denver -The moment you step into Pancho Poncho, you are greeted with a burst of color and warmth. Walls with traditional Mexican artwork, and the furniture is a mix of rus-tic wood and bright textiles. You will enjoy bold, rustic flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine. With hearty enchiladas, flavorful tacos, and handcraft-ed cocktails, it’s a festive spot where authenticity meets creativity in every dish.panchodenver.comPanzanoItalian: $50-$100 303-296-3525909 17th Street, Denver -Award-winning Panzano and Chef Elise Wiggins offer the best in contem-porary Northern Italian cuisine featuring local, organic, sustainable ingredients with uncompro-mising service and an award-winning wine list in a stylized urban setting inspired by the Italian streetscapes and terracotta tile roofs of Renais-sance Florence. panzano-denver.comParisi PizzeriaItalian: $10-$120 303-561-02344401 Tennyson Street, Denver -Parisi Pizzeria brings authentic Italian flavors to the Highlands, offering wood-fired pizzas, fresh pastas, and gourmet gelato. This casual eatery combines fast service with high-quality ingredients, making it a favorite for both quick meals and relaxed dining experiences. parisidenver.comPark BurgerHamburgers: $10-$20 720-242-99511890 South Pearl Street, Denver -A casual neigh-borhood restaurant, serving Denver’s prizewin-ning burgers, fries, shakes, and beer. At Park Burger, we pride ourselves on crafting the best burger using only the freshest, highest quality in-gredients. We start with all natural, never frozen beef, buffalo, and house made turkey and veggie burger patties, all served on locally baked buns made exclusively for Park Burger. parkburger.comSeafood LandingFish Market: $30-$100 303-571-19953457 West 32nd Avenue, Denver -Seafood Land-ing is Colorado’s premier destination for fresh, sustainable seafood. Offering a daily selection of market-fresh catches, including oysters, crab, and seasonal specials, it caters to seafood lovers seeking authentic coastal flavors. The relaxed yet refined atmosphere is perfect for savoring quality dishes, whether you’re dining in or picking up in-gredients to prepare at home. @seafoodlandingStella’s CoeeCoee House: $5-$15 303-777-56841476 South Pear Street, Denver -A beloved neigh-borhood coffeehouse, Stella’s Coffee in Denver’s Old South Pearl exudes cozy charm. Specializing in craft espresso drinks, teas, and baked goods, it’s a favorite for study sessions or casual meet-ups. The eclectic decor and outdoor patio make it a community staple, inviting visitors to unwind and stay awhile. stellascoffee.com80 SUMMER 2025 | metromodemagazine.com FOOD & DRINK GUIDEfamily-owned | lunch & dinnerpatio seating & parking | take out & delivery2700 S. Broadway | 303.761.4332

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81 metromodemagazine.com | SUMMER 2025FOOD & DRINK GUIDEFOODIE FDSushi HaiJapanese: $30-$50 720-855-08883600 West 32nd Avenue, Denver -Refined, with a funky bite to its elegance. Modern with a Japa-nese flair, and filled with exceptional art created in the neighborhood, the restaurant can seat up to 175 people -and every table feels special. We also offer three private Tatami Rooms, which ac-commodates eight to twelve diners in traditional Japanese floor-seating. We at Sushi Hai welcome you to come indulge your senses. sushihai.comTable 6American: $50-$100 303-831-8800609 Corona Street, Denver -Table 6 is a classic American bistro, offering a warm and inviting at-mosphere. Table 6 prepares simple dishes, deliv-ered with an elegant style and grace. The night-ly fare is complemented by a dynamic wine list matiqulesly created and represents most of the flourishing wine districts from all over the world. Join us on Sundays for TurnTableBrunch. table6denver.comThe GoldfinchCocktail Bar: $20-$30 720-576-12421842 South Broadway, #103, Denver -Tucked be-hind an unassuming façade, this upscale cock-tail lounge oers a chic, intimate atmosphere blending Hollywood regency with cozy ski-lodge charm. Guests enjoy globally inspired small plates, inventive cocktails, and weekend DJ brunches. A lush patio and vibrant décor create a stylish retreat for socializing, while the curated music sets a mellow, sophisticated vibe. gold-finchdenver.comThe Post Chicken & BeerChicken Restaurant: $50-$10 720-466-56992200 South Broadway, Denver -The Post delivers fried chicken perfection paired with award-win-ning craft beers. With its laid-back atmosphere and fresh, locally sourced ingredients, it’s a fam-ily-friendly spot known for crispy chicken, home-style sides, and seasonal brews that capture Col-orado’s culinary spirit. postchickenandbeer.comVelvet Elk LoungeLounge: $10-$20 303-993-87432037 13th Street, Boulder -Velvet Elk, nestled in Boulder, combines a rustic vibe with elevated comfort food and craft cocktails. This neighbor-hood bar and eatery is loved for its relaxed ambi-ance, live music, and thoughtful menu, making it a local favorite for casual nights out. velvetelklounge.comVine Street Pub & BreweryGastropub: $20-$30 303-388-23371700 Vine Street, Denver -This Gastropub exudes a laid-back, welcoming vibe with its lively atmo-sphere and rustic charm. Known for its house-brewed cra beers, the pub also serves up hearty comfort food like mouthwatering burgers, fresh salads, and flavorful vegetarian options. With friendly service and a vibrant patio scene, it’s the perfect spot to unwind with great food and drinks. mountainsunpub.comWest End TavernPub: $20-$30 303-444-3535926 Pearl Street, Boulder -Boulder’s West End Tavern is a rooftop gem serving elevated pub fare and an impressive bourbon selection. Enjoy hearty burgers, smoked BBQ, and craft cocktails while taking in stunning mountain views. With its invi ting vibe, it’s perfect for happy hours or weekend gatherings. thewestendtavern.comZorba’sGreek: $10-$20 303-321-00912626 East 12th Avenue, Denver -Zorba’s offers a warm, family-friendly atmosphere with a menu rooted in traditional Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. Located in Denver, this neighborhood favorite serves classics like gyros, souvlaki, and fresh salads alongside comforting desserts like baklava. Known for its generous portions and friendly service, Zorba’s provides a taste of the Mediterranean in every meal. chefzorbas.com 81 metromodemagazine.com | SUMMER 2025FOOD & DRINK GUIDE

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83 metromodemagazine.com | SUMMER 2025BAR & NIGHTCLUBSNSCENEF.B.I.Date: Friday. Time: Classied. We begin our operation under cover of darkness—well, twilight, actually, because Agent 6 insists on happy hour. He declares, “No shot rule tonight, I’m being responsible.” Famous last words. I note this in my report and smirk knowingly as we round the block three times before parking the Land Rover two blocks south. Even covert ops need parallel parking skills.Lil Devils’ exterior is unassuming. Classic Denver brick. A lil’ devil winks at us from the window. Inside? Immediate sensory overload. Men everywhere! Red lighting glows with enough ambiance to make a vampire swoon. Madonna’s “Into the Groove” kicks in like a gay Bat-Signal and Agent 6 is already halfway to the bar before I can say “don’t order Fireball.”The bartenders at Lil Devils? Weapons-grade charm and slinging drinks like they’re training for the gay Olympics. One bartender clocks Agent 6 immediately. “Vodka soda with lime?” as he smirks. “Make it a double,” Agent 6 says, already compromised. I write this into my mental log as “Mission Integrity: Blown.”The crowd? A blend of regulars, daddies, a few baby gays, and that one twunk who keeps saying “this is my place” like he pays rent. Everyone’s buzzing like they’ve just been released from a glitter prison.Then it happens. The shot round. We’re seated outside on the patio, observing as someone in a mesh crop top executes the worst pick-up game I’ve seen since that time in the Navy bar in ‘07. The “no shot” rule? Evaporates the second Tony (the owner) appears with a tray of mystery liquids. “I didn’t order these,” I say. “But you need them,” he replies, smiling like the devil himself. We do them. Of course, we do.Agent 6 continues to kill himself with tobacco treats. He nds a “straight” guy named Tanner who “loves this bar because everyone’s so chill.” Agent 6 loves Tanner. I roll my eyes so hard I spot my own brain. Somewhere, “Vogue” starts to play, and I’m transported into a mini ballroom fantasy. I strike a pose. I win.Meanwhile, Agent 6 is reciting the gay alphabet to Tanner: “L is for leather, G is for glitter, B is for bad decisions..” They both giggle. I retreat indoors for safety, narrowly avoiding a group sele I was not invited to but was denitely in.Fast forward. 11:47 PM. The place is a swirling cauldron of highlighter, denim, crop tops, and questionable life choices. We run into a couple dressed as sexy devils. “We’re here every Friday!” they shout over Beyoncé. Agent 6 winks at one of them.. of course he does.We close out with one more tequila shot, and I brace myself for the South Broadway stumble. Crossing Broadway drunk is merciless. We survive. Barely. Agent 6 says, “I’m driving home.” I say, “You’re not even driving sentences right now.” He concedes. We Uber. Mission complete.Debrief Summary: Lil Devil Lounge -the South Broadway queer bar with more personality than a RuPaul reunion special. It remains a top-tier queer watering hole. Dangerously charming. A little chaotic. Surprisingly wholesome if you squint between shots. Bartenders: Lethal. Patrons: Friendly. Patio: Magnetic. Vibe: Devilish in the best way. MWe are the best-kept secret in the universe. Our mission–to monitor the scene. We are your rst, last, and only line of intel. We work in secret. We exist in shadow. And we drink ourselves stupid.We are the Fags Being Intoxicated–The Scene Queens.Strategic Intelligence Assessment and Data on Lil DevilsFAGS BEING INTOXICATEDDEPARTMENT OF JUICINESSBy Agents 6 and 9

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BAR & NIGHTCLUB84 SUMMER 2025 | metromodemagazine.comSN LISTINGSBAR & NIGHTCLUB LISTINGS#Vybe1027 North Broadway, Denver 720-573-8886#Vybe is an LGBTQ nightclub that brings live per-formances, DJs, and an electrifying atmosphere. With its inclusive spirit, it’s a popular destination for dancing and making memories.vybedenver.comBuddies504 East Colfax Avenue, Denve 720-769-4485Buddies Denver is a cozy, LGBTQ-friendly bar with a relaxed vibe. Featuring pool tables, aordable drinks, and a neighborhood feel, it’s a great spot to unwind and connect with friends.buddiesdenver.comCharlie’s900 East Colfax Avenue, Denver 303-839-8890Charlie’s Bar brings the charm of a country saloon to Denver’s LGBTQ community. Featuring line dancing, karaoke nights, and themed events, this bar is a beloved spot for Western-inspired fun.charliesdenver.comClub Vinyl1082 Broadway, Denver 720-604-0605Club Vinyl is a four-story nightclub in Denver that features diverse music genres, rooop views, and a welcoming LGBTQ-friendly atmosphere. Known for its energetic dance floors and themed nights, it’s a hotspot for the city’s vibrant nightlife scene.vinylnightclub.comDenver Eagle5110 West Colfax Avenue, Denver 720-598-5648Denver Eagle is a classic leather bar with a rugged aesthetic and a welcoming atmosphere. Known for its themed events, it’s a hub for Denver’s LGBTQ leather community. @denvereagle3.0Denver Sweet776 Lincoln Street, Denver 720-598-5648Denver Sweet is a cozy LGBTQ bar oering themed events, karaoke nights, and a warm community feel. It’s a haven for connecting and celebrating with friends. denversweet.comEl Potrero Night Club4501 E. Virginia Avenue, Glendale 303-388-8889El Potrero Night Club is an LGBTQ-friendly ven-ue blending Latin beats with an inclusive dance scene. Vibrant and energetic, it’s a favorite spot for music lovers. elpotreronightclub.comGood Judy’s103 N. 1st St, Grand Junction 970-433-7115Good Judy’s Bar is an LGBTQ haven with a chic, intimate vibe. Known for its cra cocktails and welcoming energy, it’s a gem for those seeking a memorable evening. good-judys.comHamburger Mary’s1336 East 17th Avenue, Denver 303-993-5812Hamburger Mary’s combines a vibrant LGBTQ friendly restaurant with entertaining drag shows and events. Famous for its burgers and sass, it’s a crowd-pleasing hotspot. milehighmarys.comICONS16 East Kiowa Street, Colorado Springs ICONS pays homage to LGBTQ trailblazers with its sophisticated cocktail lounge vibe and retro dé-cor. A mix of elegance and fun, it’s ideal for those seeking a relaxed yet inspiring atmosphere.icons-co.comLady Justice Brewing Company3242 South Acoma Street, Englewood303-578-8226 -This queer and women owned brewery cras inclusive community vibes with every pour—featuring trivia nights, dog-friendly patios, and beers that give back. ladyjusticebrewing.comLil’ Devils Lounge255 South Broadway, Denver 720-604-0605Lil’ Devils is a laid-back LGBTQ bar with a charm-ing patio, signature cocktails, and friendly ser-vice. It’s perfect for casual evenings and relaxed conversations. lildevilsdenver.comMilk Bar1037 Broadway, Denver Milk Bar delivers a retro-goth aesthetic with eclec-tic music and an inclusive LGBTQ crowd. Its multi-ple rooms and quirky vibe make it a Denver favor-ite. @milkbardenverPoisoned By Me1526 East Colfax Avenue, Denver 303-484-8548 This fun, macabre-themed lounge oers house infused cocktails, karaoke, and open mic nights—providing a fresh, inclusive space for the queer community. poison-denver.comR & R Lounge4958 E. Colfax Ave #1280, Denver 303-320-9337R & R is a laid-back LGBTQ dive bar with a pool table, jukebox, and casual vibe. It’s a great place to relax with friends and enjoy a drink. @ran-drloungeThe 99rs909 East Colfax Avenue, Denver 720-572-9581Denver’s newest queer-owned venue champions women’s sports, oering an inclusive space to cheer on female athletes, connect with communi-ty, and celebrate sapphic pride. the99rssportsbar.comThe Pearl2199 California Street, Denver Denver’s newest lesbian bar oers cra cocktails, live music, and a cozy, inclusive vibe—reviving queer nightlife with a fresh, femme-forward twist and community spirit. thepearldenver.comThe Q by The Orbit Lounge4 1 1 L a k e w o o d C i r , S t e C 1 0 8 , C o l o r a d o S p r i n g s 719-266-2623 -The Q by The Orbit Lounge is an up-scale LGBTQ cocktail bar with a chic atmosphere and innovative drinks. A must-visit for those seek-ing a sophisticated night out. theqcolorado.comTight End1501 East Colfax Avenue, Denver 303-861-9103Tight End is a sports-themed LGBTQ bar featur-ing big-screen TVs, cocktails, and a welcoming crowd. It’s the ideal spot to watch the game and enjoy the community vibe. tightendbar.comTracks3500 Walnut Street, Denver 303-863-7326Tracks is Denver’s premier LGBTQ nightclub, known for its massive dance floors, cutting-edge light shows, and themed parties. With drag per-formances, top DJs, and a vibrant, inclusive atmo-sphere, it’s a must-visit destination for high-ener-gy nightlife enthusiasts. tracksdenver.comTrade475 Santa Fe Drive, Denver 720-627-5905Trade is Denver’s go-to leather and fetish bar, ca-tering to LGBTQ patrons with a no-judgment at-mosphere. With its industrial aesthetic and inclu-sive events, it’s a space to explore and celebrate individuality. tradedenver.comWild Corgi Pub1223 East 13th Avenue, Denver 303-832-7636The Wild Corgi Pub is an LGBTQ-friendly bar and lounge that combines a casual, welcoming vibe with live music, themed nights, and creative cock-tails. It’s a cozy yet lively spot to enjoy good com-pany and entertainment. wildcorgipub.comX Bar629 East Colfax Avenue, Denver 303-832-2687X Bar oers a high-energy environment with drag shows, karaoke, and dancing. Known for its strong drinks and welcoming vibe, it’s a staple of Denver’s LGBTQ nightlife. xbardenver.com

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97 metromodemagazine.com | SUMMER 2025FINAL WORDFINAL WORD FWPOINT, COUNTER POINTy all accounts, you might think you know who I am just by glancing at the bullet points. I’m a 41-year-old white man in a gay, interra-cial marriage, raising an adopted son in blue-state Colorado. I grew up poor in a trailer, worked my way up to co-own a successful meat processing business, and yes, I drive a Tesla Cybertruck. So, natural-ly, you must think I’m either a leist liberal or a right-wing contrarian. But the truth is, I live in the in-between. I have only ever voted Democrat. I believed in social progress, envi-ronmental responsibility, and protecting individual rights. But in the last few years, I’ve become disillusioned. Not with the core values that once defined the Democratic Party, but with what the move-ment has mutated into: a toxic mix of cancel culture, identity poli-tics, and ideological litmus tests that leave no room for nuance. So, I re-registered as an Independent. It wasn’t some overnight rebellion. It was the slow realization that neither party speaks for people like me. Those of us living in the “gray area,” where values don’t fit neatly into a red or blue box.My childhood was anything but privileged. I grew up in Nebraska, the son of teen parents who dropped out of high school and struggled to make ends meet. We shared bathwater to save money. We had rules about when to flush the toilet. Our meals came from the McDonald’s dollar menu or the dollar-a-scoop Chinese joint across town. We were briefly homeless aer a house fire.In the Gray AreaWhy I re-registered as an Independentand still drive a Tesla.Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the views of Metromode Magazine or it’s owner.Words: Josh Viola, Image: William Camerony all accounts, the man who re-registered as an Independent sounds like someone I’d share a drink with. A working-class suc-cess story. Gay, interracial family. Vegetarian gun owner. Solar-pow-ered meat entrepreneur. We’d have plenty to talk about—and proba-bly disagree on less than either of us expects.But while he says he’s “in the gray area,” what he’s describing is a re-treat from political courage, not nuance. And what he frames as disil-lusionment with the le is, more oen than not, a refusal to confront the hard truths of where true accountability lies.Let’s start with the Cybertruck in the room. Yes, Elon Musk has be-come politically polarizing. No one’s disputing Tesla’s early role in driving the EV movement forward. But to claim that progressive criticism of Tesla is rooted solely in Musk’s politics is disingenuous. It isn’t about his tweets. It’s about union-busting, harassment scan-dals, misleading claims about self-driving safety, and a CEO cozying up to authoritarian leaders while laying o thousands of workers af-ter taking public subsidies. These are not “leist purity tests.” They are real-world accountability concerns.The comparison to Volkswagen is striking—but incomplete. Yes, Volk-swagen was founded under the Nazi regime. Yes, it used forced labor. And yes, it bears an ugly history. But here’s what the piece ignores: Germany has owned its past. Volkswagen has paid reparations. It ac-knowledged its crimes, funded historicalIN THE FULL LIGHTWhy I stayed a Democratand still criticize Tesla.Words: Michael Fox, Image: William CameronContinued on page 112 Continued on page 112B B

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FINAL WORD98 SUMMER 2025 | metromodemagazine.comFWEventually, my father, brother, and I start-ed our own business: a meat processing company that now supplies beef and bison to grocery stores and restaurants across the nation. We earned everything through sweat, sacrifice, and a relentless belief in the American ideal of hard work paying o. Capitalism worked for us. It gave us a shot, and we took it.But here's where it gets messy for the ste-reotype-makers: I'm also (mostly) a vege-tarian. I own a meat business, but I don’t eat red meat. I’m a gun owner who believes in stricter gun laws. I don’t hunt, but I grew up around it and understand that culture. I’m not religious, but I respect those who are, as long as they keep it out of govern-ment. These contradictions don’t cancel each other out. They define me.In 2018, I bought my first Tesla—drawn to the Model 3 by its environmental benefits and futuristic tech. I added solar panels to my home. I believed (and still believe) that innovation and sustainability aren’t mutu-ally exclusive with capitalism. That’s why I went all in: I sold my gas-powered car col-lection and transitioned fully to EVs. Then came the Cybertruck. I reserved mine the day it was revealed. It’s sci-fi, bold, po-larizing--and hands down the best vehicle I’ve ever owned. But now, driving a Tesla has become a political act whether you want it to be or not.Ever since Elon Musk shied right, the far le decided Tesla must be destroyed. I’ve been harassed, flipped o, and even had my brand-new Cybertruck vandalized. The irony? The people who once praised Tesla for pioneering clean energy are now de-monizing it. Not because of what the car is, but because of who the CEO is. Let me be clear, I'm not defending Musk’s every move. His tweets have gotten bi-zarre. His political leanings don’t align with mine. But Tesla as a company is bigger than one man. It changed the auto industry. It made EVs mainstream. If the far le real-ly cared about climate change, they’d still recognize that.Instead, they’re burning bridges they once marched across.What really bothers me isn’t just the back-lash against Tesla, it’s the inconsistency. I was recently flipped o by a guy driving a Volkswagen ID.4. A VW. A company founded by literal Nazis, using forced labor during World War II. Meanwhile, people are calling Tesla drivers Nazis for...driving a Tesla? He was pulling into a Walmart, by the way. Another favorite villain of progressives due to its record on labor and small businesses. But somehow, that doesn’t provoke out-rage anymore.This pattern shows up everywhere. The same people who were horrified when Trump joked about shooting someone in Times Square are now calling for the re-lease of Luigi Mangione, who literally shot a man in public. Why? Because they’ve turned the victim into a villain for work-ing in insurance. That’s not progressivism. That’s moral anarchy.It’s exhausting trying to explain this to peo-ple who only see the world through red or blue lenses. My conservative friends think I’m a liberal snowflake. My liberal friends think I’ve sold out to the right. But this is where I belong: in the space where thought is allowed to evolve, where nuance mat-ters, and where no one ideology has a mo-nopoly on truth. I’m glad I le the Democratic Party. I’m not running to the arms of Trumpism, but I also won’t keep pretending that the far le speaks for me. They don’t. Their perfor-mative activism, political purity tests, and willingness to cannibalize their own values for clout are exactly why people like me are walking away.They say people like me don’t exist. But we do. And our voices are growing louder. We’re not defined by party. We’re not de-fined by outrage. We’re defined by what we’ve lived through-and what we’ve cho-sen to rise above. And no, I’m not selling my Cybertruck. Minvestigations, and apologized. That’s what meaningful atonement looks like.Tesla, by contrast, dodges criticism. It shuns unions. Its CEO mocks pronouns and amplifies hate speech under the guise of “free speech.” If you believe in innovation and social responsi-bility, then holding tech billionaires to account is not cancel culture—it’s consistency.The author also takes issue with the “far le” allegedly turning victims into villains. But he misreads the movement. Progressives aren’t defending violence or chaos. They’re respond-ing to deeper systemic truths: that our jus-tice system disproportionately protects the wealthy and the white, while criminalizing pov-erty, protest, and Blackness. If you find nuance admirable, then extend it to movements fight-ing for dignity and life—not just those driving cool trucks.And let’s not confuse exhaustion with evolu-tion. Democracy requires discomfort. It’s not always easy. It means questioning what suc-cess means if it’s built on systems that exploit others. It means rethinking capitalism when it favors billionaires hoarding wealth over work-ers earning a living wage. And yes, it means dealing with fellow Democrats who may be more radical than you—but also more right than history first gives them credit for.People walking away from the Democratic Par-ty aren’t new. But those staying—and fighting to make it better—are the ones pushing this country toward justice. We know it’s flawed. But we also know the stakes are too high to abandon the only major party still fighting for reproductive rights, voting access, climate ac-tion, LGBTQ+ protections, and gun safety.I’m not defined by outrage either. But I am defined by engagement. And that means not sitting in the gray while others do the heavy liing in black and white.So no, I don’t flip o Cybertruck drivers. But I do ask why some folks would rather be praised for owning contradictions than for fixing them.And no, I’m not leaving the Democratic Party. Because the real progress happens when you stay and push. MPoint -In The Gray Area Continued Counter Point -In The Full Light Continued