Gay Man Arrested After Homophobic Incident at Madonna Concert

Jerome Schroeder was arrested after police were unable to properly handle an anti-gay bias incident at a Madonna concert at Denver's Pepsi Center last month, he says. Schroeder claims he and his boyfriend and a female friend were escorted from their seats following verbal anti-gay harassment from another concert-goer. When Schroeder refused to leave the venue, he was arrested:

"Police arrest documents say only that Schroeder, a Denver radiologist, was taken into custody after he refused to leave and told officers to 'arrest me.'...'We were clueless as to why we were being removed from our seats,' Schroeder said. He said police told him, 'the Pepsi Center wants you to leave.' Police wouldn't say why, telling him only that he could leave or be arrested. 'Since I had done nothing, I said, 'Arrest me,'' Schroeder said. He said a heterosexual couple was seated in front of him at the concert and that the man repeatedly called him and his boyfriend a derogatory name under his breath, but loud enough to hear. The woman then complained that Schroeder had shoved her. He says the allegation is 'ludicrous.' ...'We had no interaction with the female,' Schroeder said. 'I couldn't even tell you what she looked like.' When Schroeder was handcuffed, he said an officer yelled at him and repeatedly poked him in the chest after he asked for the officer's name. Schroeder was taken to the city jail and held for six hours before he posted $100 bail."

It's not the first time Denver law enforcement has been accused of ignoring anti-gay bias crime. In March 2007, it was reported that Denver police officer Richard Boehnlein was under investigation for refusing to take action against a gay basher. Nima Daivari, a law student visiting the city from New York, claimed the officer refused to do anything after Daivari was assaulted.

Denver law enforcement officials say the case is under investigation.

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Obama Draws 'Well Over 100,000' at Denver Rally

Obama drew the largest crowd at a U.S. rally to date, topping the massive crowd last week in St. Louis, at a rally in Denver over the weekend:

"'Goodness gracious,' Obama said as peered at the human mass in Civic Center Park."

According to KJCT: "Not since Pope John Paul II filled the park in 1993 have so many people turned out for an event in Denver's Civic Center Park. Later, about 45,000 people filled a lawn known as 'The Oval' at Colorado State University to hear Obama speak. Thousands more stood on the outskirts."

Obama is set to give a "closing argument" today in Canton, Ohio:

"In his speech, Senator Obama will tell voters that after twenty-one months and three debates, Senator McCain still has not been able to tell the American people a single major thing he’d do differently from George Bush when it comes to the economy. Obama will ask Americans to help him change this country, and say that in just one week, they can choose an economy that rewards work and creates new jobs and fuels prosperity from the bottom-up, they can choose to invest in health care for our families and education for our kids and renewable energy for our future, and they can choose hope over fear, unity over division and the promise of change over the power of the status quo."

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Things to Do in Denver When You're Gay Bashed

Not much, apparently.

From the Denver Post:

"On St. Patrick's Day 2007, [Nima Daivari] was on his first and only visit to Denver when he, his cousin and her boyfriend were walking home from dinner at a 16th Street eatery...Suddenly, a pedestrian passed by and yelled, 'Keep that faggot away from me.'...'Excuse me?' asked Daivari, who then was punched in the head by the assailant. Daivari reacted with a few jabs of his own and held his attacker until police broke up the fight. Officer Richard Boehnlein refused Daivari's repeated demands to press charges, telling him, 'No, go home.' Daivari's complaint resulted in a finding that the officer should have at least documented the case and probably arrested his attacker. Boehnlein was reprimanded merely with 'a fine of one regular day off.' The city refused Daivari's settlement request that Boehnlein undergo sensitivity training. Assistant City Attorney John Eckhardt touts Denver's support for gay and lesbian rights, saying, 'The training the city provides its police officers is exemplary in these areas.' So exemplary, in fact, that Eckhardt asserted it was 'not evident' to police 'that Mr. Daivari is a homosexual,' even after he told them his story. 'Come on, I look like a raging homo,' Daivari says proudly. 'Officers must use discretion in deciding when and where (to take reports),' Eckhardt argued in denying Daivari's claim that police inaction was a result of Daivari's 'outwardly homosexual appearance, his failure to conform to male gender stereotypes.'"

The incident was reported by Denver's Westword at the time it happened. In August 07 it was reported that the officer would face disciplinary action.

According to the Post, "U.S. District Judge Zita Weinshienk dismissed the case Thursday, holding that no rights were violated. Gay men are not a protected class under the Constitution."

Gay attack swept under the shrug [denver post]

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Rearview Mirror: Looking Back on Towleroad at the DNC

Last week Towleroad was at the Democratic National Convention in Denver as one of two LGBT credentialed blogs (something we received some flak for). While the week was hectic and two people can only cover so much, I hope that Corey Johnson and I were able to provide some interesting LGBT-related content and interviews with folks at the convention you might not have seen in the mainstream press. Here are some of the highlights:

Barack Obama accepts nomination before 84,000 in Denver.
Michelle Obama speaks to LGBT Delegates at Convention luncheon.
A Partisan Message from DNC Treasurer Andrew Tobias.
Notes from the Democratic National Convention.
Corey Johnson: an introduction from the DNC.

EXCLUSIVE TOWLEROAD VIDEO COVERAGE:

VIDEO: Towleroad interviews SF Mayor Gavin Newsom on the death of Del Martin.
VIDEO: Towleroad interviews Wisconsin Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin.
VIDEO: Towleroad interviews Colorado Congressional Candidate Jared Polis.
VIDEO: Towleroad interviews Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank.
VIDEO: Towleroad interviews CA same-sex marriage case attorney Shannon Minter.
VIDEO: Towleroad interviews Dave Noble, Director of LGBT Vote for the Obama Campaign.
VIDEO: Towleroad interviews 'LGBT for Obama' founder Terry Bean.
VIDEO: Towleroad interviews The Washington Post's Jonathan Capehart.
VIDEO: Towleroad interviews California delegates Laura Spanjian and Mirian Saez.
VIDEO: Towleroad inside the Pepsi Center.

Hillary Clinton nails speech at the DNC.
Oh what a night —Joe Biden, Bill Clinton blow it out.
Hillary Clinton moves to nominate Barack Obama by acclamation.
LGBT friends of Barack Obama.
Video: The Obama/Biden announcement.

On a related note, Corey is now Towleroad's Political Director and we'll likely be producing more online video content in the weeks to come with folks inside the political spectrum. I'd like to personally thank Corey for the fantastic job he did in helping Towleroad cover this Convention.

I also want to give a big thanks to Kenneth Walsh from Kenneth in the 212 for providing alternate coverage and news while I was away. I encourage you to give his site a visit.

As an additional note, Towleroad may be taking an extended Labor Day break. We'll see you next week at some point.

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Barack Obama Accepts Nomination Before 84,000 in Denver

This was the view from our seats at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver where last night Barack Obama delivered a speech which from my perspective (both literally and figuratively) lit the Democratic Party with a kind of excitement it has not seen in many years.

The atmosphere at the field was electric. We arrived at about 4 and things were just getting started. Security was tight and the stadium filled slowly to capacity. We had a fairly easy time getting in but soon after there were lines receding into the distance that took hours to process through security.

There's not much more to say - most of you saw it all, and if you haven't, the speech is after the jump. Democrats are energized, to say the least. It's been an exhausting and exhilarating time in Denver.

Check out our slide show of the Convention by clicking here. Move the top bar with your mouse to view the shots or navigate to the side of the large photo to move right and left.

And find all our Democratic National Convention coverage HERE.

Watch Obama's speech, AFTER THE JUMP...

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Towleroad interviews California Delegates Laura Spanjian and Mirian Saez at the DNC

Earlier in the week we were able to interview two California delegates, Laura Spanjian, openly lesbian California delegate and LGBT superdelegate Mirian Saez, the Vice Chair of the DNC LGBT Caucus. In the hurry of the week, I didn't have the opportunity to post these two great interviews which discuss the fight against Proposition 8 and LGBT participation at the Convention.

Check out our slide show of the Convention by clicking here. Move the top bar with your mouse to view the shots or navigate to the side of the large photo to move right and left.

And find all our Democratic National Convention coverage HERE.

You may have missed...
Towleroad talks to Terry Bean, Founder, 'LGBT for Obama' [tr]
Oh What a Night - Joe Biden, Bill Clinton Blow it Out [tr]
Towleroad interview with Dave Noble, Director of the LGBT Vote for the Obama Campaign [tr]
Barack Obama nominated as Democratic Candidate by Acclamation [tr]
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom Comments on Death of Gay Marriage Pioneer Del Martin [tr]
Towleroad interviews Shannon Minter at the DNC; Attorney who Argued California Same-Sex Marriage Case [tr]

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LGBT Friends of Barack Obama

HRC put together this video highlighting what LGBT people who know Obama have to say about him.

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Towleroad talks to Terry Bean, Founder, 'LGBT for Obama'

Yesterday we had the opportunity to talk with longtime Democratic activist and Obama national finance committee member Terry Bean about the new site he has launched, LGBT for OBAMA. I've mentioned it here before. It's a site of convergence for fundraising, media, and information — a place where people can go to learn the stark differences between Obama's and McCain's positions on LGBT issues.

Towleroad's Corey Johnson talked to Bean about some of those differences and his reasons for starting LGBT for Obama. Apologies in advance for some of the audio quality. Our microphone, unfortunately, was experiencing a bit of interference during some parts of the interview.

LGBT for OBAMA [official site]

Check out our slide show of the Convention by clicking here. Move the top bar with your mouse to view the shots or navigate to the side of the large photo to move right and left.

And find all our Democratic National Convention coverage HERE.

You may have missed...
Oh What a Night - Joe Biden, Bill Clinton Blow it Out [tr]
Towleroad interview with Dave Noble, Director of the LGBT Vote for the Obama Campaign [tr]
Barack Obama nominated as Democratic Candidate by Acclamation [tr]
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom Comments on Death of Gay Marriage Pioneer Del Martin [tr]
Towleroad interviews Shannon Minter at the DNC; Attorney who Argued California Same-Sex Marriage Case [tr]
Michelle Obama Speaks to LGBT Delegates at Convention Lunch [tr]

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Oh What a Night - Joe Biden, Bill Clinton Blow it Out

The Vice Presidential Nominee Joe Biden:

President Bill Clinton:

Beau Biden's introduction of his father:

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Towleroad interview with Dave NobleDirector of the LGBT Vote for the Obama Campaign

Towleroad had the opportunity to speak with Dave Noble, Director for the LGBT vote for the Obama campaign. Noble is the former executive director of the National Stonewall Democrats and most recently director of public policy and government affairs at the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. Noble talked to Towleroad's Corey Johnson about mobilizing the LGBT vote, as well as the stark contrast between Obama and McCain's record on LGBT issues.

Check out all our DNC coverage by clicking here.

And don't miss our slide show of the DNC here.

Previously
Barack Obama nominated as Democratic Candidate by Acclamation [tr]
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom Comments on Death of Gay Marriage Pioneer Del Martin [tr]
Towleroad interviews Shannon Minter at the DNC; Attorney who Argued California Same-Sex Marriage Case [tr]
Michelle Obama Speaks to LGBT Delegates at Convention Lunch [tr]

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Barack Obama nominated as Democratic Candidate by Acclamation

Barack Obama officially became the Democratic nominee for President tonight after Hillary Clinton interrupted a roll call vote to lead a motion nominate him by acclamation.

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BREAKING: San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom Comments on Death of Gay Marriage Pioneer Del Martin

Moments ago we spoke with San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom at the LGBT Caucus at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

We're sad to report on the death of Del Martin, who, with Phyllis Lyon, became the first same-sex couple to be married in the state of California, both in 2004 and again in 2008. Martin was 87. Newsom married the couple.

Newsom gave an exclusive interview to Towleroad following his remarks. You can watch it above.

A choked up Newsom also commented on the death of civil rights hero Del Martin from the podium. Said Newsom: "[She was someone who] defined, love, devotion, and constancy. She defined, from my perspective, what marriage is supposed to be about."

Added Newsom, regarding their decision to marry Del and Phyllis in 2004: "We decided to put a human face on the issue. We called Phyllis and Del and asked if they could be that human face so we could bring that suit. We actually started the marriage ceremony before 9am because that's when the courts were going to open. We proceeded to marry some other couples. The next day we woke up and the headlines were, "The world is coming to an end."...It went on like that for a day or two. They filed another restraining order. The judge said 'you filled out the forms incorrectly,' so we had a whole day to say 'I DO' and we did. We had no idea. It was just Phyllis and Del that morning, and we had no idea what it would start. To do nothing more extraordinary than Britney Spears did at her first marriage in Las Vegas. We ultimately were stopped by the California Supreme Court. But we were not deterred and we were committed to what we saw as the challenge of our lifetime...[This year] we thought again to call Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon to again be the face of our movement. What a gift. At a time, I didn't even imagine. Right at this moment, as I speak to you. I get it. We had the gift of a lifetime, and that was the ability to get both of them to say 'I Do.' Again. The question now, is are we going to afford that opportunity to thousands of other couple in the state of California? We need your help."

For all our DNC coverage, click here.

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Towleroad interviews Shannon Minter at the DNCAttorney who Argued California Same-Sex Marriage Case

For all our coverage thus far of the Democratic National Convention, click HERE.

We also have a slideshow with images from the DNC that we've been adding to all week, HERE.

Earlier this week, at the LGBT Caucus lunch on Monday, we were able to speak with Shannon Minter, Legal Director for National Center for Lesbian Rights.

Minter, along with San Francisco Chief Deputy City Attorney Therese Stewart, argued and oversaw the case that ultimately resulted in the 4-3 decision by the California Supreme Court, lead by Chief Justice Ronald George, to legalize same-sex marriage in the state.

Minter discusses the case, as well as the challenges ahead in battling Proposition 8, the anti-gay ballot measure that would effectively ban same-sex marriage in the state.

No on Prop 8 [official site]

Previously
Michelle Obama Speaks to LGBT Delegates at Convention Lunch [tr]
Hillary Clinton Nails it at the DNC [tr]
Towleroad Talks with the Washington Post's Jonathan Capehart [tr]
Congressman Barney Frank Talks to Towleroad at the DNC [tr]
Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin talks to Towleroad at the DNC [tr]

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Michelle Obama Speaks to LGBT Delegates at Convention Lunch

Before heading over to the Pepsi Center on Tuesday we stopped by the luncheon for LGBT Delegates Hosted by Rep. Barney Frank, with Rep. Tammy Baldwin, the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund and Human Rights Campaign.

But the big event of the luncheon was an unscheduled appearance by Michelle Obama. I got a nice surprise when, after her speech, she stepped down and walked over to some of us and I was able to shake the hand of this impressive woman.

I also finally had a chance to meet Pam Spaulding of the excellent blog Pam's House Blend on Monday of the Convention. Pam has a brief clip of the crowd going nuts over Michelle Obama's introduction.

You can listen to a longer clip of Michelle Obama's remarks to the LGBT delegation, AFTER THE JUMP...

For our full DNC coverage, click here.

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Hillary Clinton Nails it at the DNC

I was headed out onto the Convention floor this evening right before Hillary Clinton's speech but they shut the floor about ten seconds before I got out there because of the crowds. This was my perspective, at least for the beginning of the speech. Clinton's speech was thoughtful, gracious, impressive, and funny. And I was equally impressed by Governor Brian Schweitzer from Montana, who preceded her.

Watch Clinton's speech, AFTER THE JUMP...

And here's Schweitzer, in two parts.

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Towleroad Talks with the Washington Post's Jonathan Capehart

Towleroad sat down in the Big Tent near the Pepsi Center in Denver to talk to Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist and Washington Post editorial board member Jonathan Capehart about the selection of Joe Biden as Barack Obama's running mate.

Here's Capehart's article referenced in the discussion.

you may have missed...
Congressman Barney Frank Talks to Towleroad at the DNC [tr]
Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin talks to Towleroad at the DNC [tr]
A Partisan Message from DNC Treasurer Andrew Tobias [tr]
EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Jared Polis, Democratic Congressional Candidate from Colorado [tr]
Notes from The Democratic National Convention [tr]
Inside the Pepsi Center [tr]

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Congressman Barney Frank Talks to Towleroad at the DNC

Yesterday we met with Congressman Barney Frank in the halls of the Pepsi Center at the Democratic Naitonal Convention in Denver. Frank spoke to Towleroad's Corey Johnson about gays voting Republican, 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell', and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. Here's part of what Frank had to say about that:

"If we pick up 15 or 20 Democrats, most of them will be supportive. But I am disappointed in the transgender community. They seem to think that if Nancy Pelosi and myself, George Miller and a few others waved a magic wand we could deliver it. Look, this past year in the legislatures of Maryland, Massachusetts, and New York, efforts to add transgender protections...were defeated. And I testified for it in Massachusetts and lobbied for it. And as a political problem out there, I wish there weren't, but pretending that something doesn't exist is never a good way to deal with it. I am afraid that too many people in the transgender community think that talking to me and Nancy Pelosi is the way to do it. I don't yet see enough grassroots lobbying on their part.

"I do think that the hearing that we had — and by the way, we had a hearing in the House over the objections of many of the transgender leadership. But I really doubt their political wisdom...Because they said it was part of our deal to separate it from ENDA and they wanted to not have anything separate. We did a good job in that hearing and we helped persuade some people. So we're making progress. We'd make even more progress if the transgender community was willing to do the hard political work. And not, frankly, think they can just talk a few leaders into handing this to them."

Previously
Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin talks to Towleroad at the DNC [tr]
A Partisan Message from DNC Treasurer Andrew Tobias [tr]
EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Jared Polis, Democratic Congressional Candidate from Colorado [tr]
Notes from The Democratic National Convention [tr]
Inside the Pepsi Center [tr]
Towleroad Guide to the Tube #345 DNC Highlights Monday Night [tr]
Breaking: Four Arrested in Obama Assassination Plot [tr]

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Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin talks to Towleroad at the DNC

Today, Towleroad's Corey Johnson spoke with Wisconsin Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin at the Democratic National Convention in Denver. Baldwin talked with us about her position on the platform committee and why this Convention's platform is historic as it relates to LGBT citizens.

Says Baldwin: "We have seen in the past three platforms — the year 2000, 2004, and 2008 — a steady and bold progression to really embrace all the issues of equality that we've identified. So this platform calls for the first time ever for a comprehensive strategy to fight AIDS and HIV in the United States. It calls for the first time ever of fighting discrimination against people on the basis of many characteristics including for the first time gender identity. I think this is very powerfully important as we try to pass inclusive legislation. It speaks to the importance of our families, and our families (i.e. same-sex couples) receiving equal benefits obligations, and responsibilities as we try to protect our families. And putting our same-sex couples on the same and equal footing with all American families. It calls for the repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' and replacement  with a policy that allows all qualified servicemen and women to serve openly regardless of their sexual orientation. It opposes DOMA and calls specifically for an end to using the issue of our families as a wedge issue to divide Americans...As you hear me list those, it is unprecedented compared to prior platforms with its specificity. Not just general equality language but getting down to the specifics of what legislation we must pass. It calls for passage of a comprehensive ENDA. It is a remarkable document. We should feel very proud of it as Democrats and also because it reflects the vision and the values of our nominee."

Much more in the interview on ENDA, her support of Clinton during the primary, and what's ahead for the next four years.

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EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Jared Polis, Democratic Congressional Candidate from Colorado

Yesterday we had the opportunity to sit down with Jared Polis, an openly gay candidate who recently won the Democratic primary in the 2nd Congressional District in Colorado, in a tough campaign against another gay ally, Joan Fitz-Gerald.

If Polis should win in November against Republican challenger Scott Starin, he would become the sixth openly gay person to serve in the U.S. House, filling the seat of Rep. Mark Udall, who is running for the Senate. The Victory Fund calls it all but certain that he'll be elected in November, as the Democratic nominee in a heavily Democratic district.

Towleroad's Corey Johnson spoke with Polis in the Big Tent, which opened yesterday and was humming with activity as a center for new media journalists, bloggers, reporters, and non-profit leaders attending Denver's convention.

Polis spoke to us about his tough campaign and some of the things he looks forward to should he become the first openly gay man elected to the House as a freshman.

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Notes from The Democratic National Convention

Anti-war protesters target convention.

Ted Kennedy to attend convention? "In a moment that is sure to bring down the house, US Senator Edward M. Kennedy is expected to attend the Democratic National Convention, most likely to deliver a speech tonight. Kennedy has been battling brain cancer since May, and his doctors are said to be worried that his treatment has compromised his immune system and that attending the convention could put him at further risk. Still, the senator has recently told people that he has a speech written for the convention and that he badly wants to come, pending a final medical consultation. Buzz has built among Massachusetts politicos that Kennedy would come, and yesterday a Bay State Democrat close to the family confirmed that Kennedy has decided to travel to Denver, probably for an opening-night address. "

Dave Matthews and Sheryl Crow kick off Convention at Red Rocks Amphitheater concert outside Denver. Crow: "What I'm hearing from Sen. Obama is a lot like what we heard from Robert Kennedy. No matter what campaign ad we see or how it's spun, hope is important. It's what this country was based on. That tag that Sen. Obama's been given (celebrity) is a campaign ploy, obviously, by the Republican party. I don't see him hanging out. I have yet to see him at any celebrity events."

Top photo: I shot these cops on horseback yesterday. There are mounted riot police everywhere in the city and various protests clogging the streets at any given moment during the day. It's quite an atmosphere. I'll be posting photos of my time here, and soon we'll have a slideshow for you.

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Inside the Pepsi Center

Corey apologizes. In all of the excitement, he misstated Bill Clinton's appearance. The former President will speak Wednesday night and Michelle Obama is the headliner Monday night. Other Monday speakers are listed, AFTER THE JUMP...

Look for two interviews with newsmakers coming up tomorrow...

Other Monday night speakers include: Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi; Senator Claire McCaskill of Missouri; Barack Obama's sister Maya Soetero-Ng and Craig Robinson, Michelle Obama's older brother; Jerry Kellman, mentor and long-time friend of Barack Obama; Representative Jesse Jackson, Jr.; former Indiana Representative Lee Hamilton; Tom Balanoff, President of Illinois SEIU; Nancy Keenan, President of NARAL Pro-Choice America; NEA President Reg Weaver; AFT President Randi Weingarten; Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan; State Comptroller Dan Hynes; Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulis; Chicago City Clerk Miguel del Valle; and Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper. Monday night will also feature a tribute to Senator Edward M. Kennedy.

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An Introduction from the DNCC

I was honored to be appointed by the Obama Campaign this past June to the Rules Committee for the Democratic National Convention in Denver this week. There are three committees that govern the Convention. They are the Rules Committee, Platform Committee and Credentials Committee.

The Rules Committee governs how the Convention will run and it's made up of 186 members from every state and territory in the United States.

We met on Saturday morning and after adopting the "Rules of the Convention", I received a nice surprise during the meeting.

The Obama Campaign asked me if I'd be one of three people on the committee that would stand and speak to the entire committee on nominations. I was asked to nominate the Vice-Chairs and Secretary of the Convention.

I stood up and introduced myself as a member from New York State and then nominated the Vice-Chairs of the Convention who were Washington Governor Christine Gregoire, Florida Congressman Robert Wexler, the Mayor of Columbus Ohio Michael Coleman and Maria Elena Durazo, the Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO. I nominated the Secretary of the Democratic National Committee, Alice Travis-Germond to be the Secretary for the Convention.

It was a nice start to the historic and incredible week that's on the horizon here in Denver and I'm excited to be teaming up with Andy all week to bring you the best we have to offer.

Keep checking back for great interviews, photographs and videos this week from the Mile-High City.

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Off to the DNCC

I'm not sure I'll have a weekly wrap-up this week as I'm preparing to leave shortly for the Democratic National Convention in Denver. Towleroad's Michael Goff and Kenneth Walsh from Kenneth in the 212 will be taking care of Towleroad's regular programming next week while I'm at the Convention. I'll be with our correspondent Corey Johnson and we hope to bring you images, reports, interviews, and whatever else we can. If you're going to be in Denver, we look forward to seeing you there.

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First Look: Democratic National Convention Stage

A Towleroad correspondent working at the Pepsi Center in Denver sent us this exclusive look at the main stage for the Democratic National Convention. Pretty snazzy.

Many of you readers who are going to be at the Convention have reached out to us. Again, if you have interesting stories or know of events next week in Denver we should know about, please give us a holler. Also, if you have interesting photos please send them along as well. We look forward to seeing you there.

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Catholic League's Bill Donohue to Guest on Signorile Show

The Catholic League's Bill Donohue will be on Michelangelo Signorile's Sirius radio show today at 3:30 ET to discuss his anger at the DNC for giving credentials to Towleroad and Bitch PhD at this year's Democratic National Convention in Denver.

In other Catholic news, a Roman Catholic Priest in Fall River, Massachusetts has fled the country to Brazil after being accused of sexually assaulting a minor in Connecticut.

You may have missed...
Catholic League's Bill Donohue To DNC: Pull Towleroad Credentials [tr]

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Towleroad at the Democratic National Convention

Towleroad will be at this year's Democratic National Convention in Denver in a week and a half!

If you're going to be at the convention, or have a story or event you think we should cover, please contact me using our tips@towleroad.com address. I'll be there with our correspondent Corey Johnson. We hope to keep people as informed of all the goings-on as possible. I know a lot of you Towleroad readers are at LGBT organizations, and in media, and with ties to politics will be in Denver, so please contact me. We'd love to see and meet you.

As for as the Democratic Party Platform's inclusion of LGBT issues goes, there have been various drafts circulating with differing reports of what's in it and what's not. Pam Spaulding, who will also be there at the convention, has some specifics on the latest.

U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin spoke to reporters on Wednesday about the platform, which she helped draft: "She said the platform will call for repeal of the U.S. military's 'don't-ask, don't-tell' policy, which she said has resulted in 12,500 qualified service members being expelled since its enactment, at a cost of $360 million. She said it would mark the first time gay rights would be enshrined in a political platform. While party platforms are largely ceremonial, designed to rally the party faithful around a candidate, Baldwin said, 'It's a historical document in terms of LGBT equality.' Baldwin was appointed to the drafting panel after former Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Hillary Clinton recommended her. Baldwin was an adviser to the Clinton campaign on gay rights issues, and now she serves the same capacity for Barack Obama, who defeated Clinton in a bitter and drawn-out primary contest. She said Clinton will use the convention, which begins Aug. 26 in Denver, to rally her supporters around Obama's candidacy. 'I believe the convention itself will be the unifying moment,' she said. 'Our mission will be clear.'"

Some additional details on the DNCC Convention (themes and speakers) which have been released, AFTER THE JUMP...

Virginia Governor Mark Warner will be the convention's keynote speaker: "Warner, 53, briefly sought the Democratic presidential nomination but dropped out to pursue a U.S. Senate race against another former governor, Republican Jim Gilmore. Warner is far ahead in polls and fund-raising. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) is targeting Virginia as a traditionally Republican state that he could turn blue this year. The resources his campaign are pouring into the Old Dominion are emblematic of the party’s optimism about cracking into the GOP’s solid hold on the South’s electoral vote. Warner, who endorsed Obama after dropping out of the primaries, has a post-partisan message that’s similar to Obama’s. Warner’s a rising star in the party, paired with the established force of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) on the second night of the convention. The duo is designed as a powerful display of the strength of the Democratic Party headed into the fall."

Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper will address the opening night of the convention and Colorado Governor Bill Ritter will speak at the closing night at Invesco Mile High stadium.

MONDAY - "ONE NATION": Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi will speak on Monday night. Senator Claire McCaskill of Missouri and Craig Robinson, Michelle Obama’s older brother will also speak that night. Michelle Obama will headline.

TUESDAY - "RENEWING AMERICA'S PROMISE": Tuesday night’s featured speakers include Convention Co-Chair Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius and Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, speaking on the economy, jobs, restoring fairness and expanding opportunity. Governors Ted Strickland of Ohio and Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania, Senator Bob Casey, Jr. of Pennsylvania and Governor Deval Patrick of Massachusetts will also speak on Tuesday, as well as Governor Brian Schweitzer of Montana and Federico Peña, former Mayor of Denver and Secretary of both Energy and Transportation. Senator Hillary Clinton will headline on Tuesday.

WEDNESDAY - "SECURING AMERICA'S FUTURE": Barack Obama's VP nominee will speak.

THURSDAY "CHANGE YOU CAN BELIEVE IN": Obama at Invesco Mile High Stadium. The fundies will be busy praying for rain.

As far as non-political high profile names at the convention go, the NY Post reported this: " Madonna, George Clooney, Matt Damon and Gwyneth Paltrow are expected to be among the celebs playing supporting roles when the convention begins two weeks from tomorrow. Others include Scarlett Johansson, Spike Lee, Quentin Tarantino, Forrest Whitaker, Susan Sarandon, Warren Beatty, Kanye West and Wyclef Jean. Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones may also show...And Stevie Wonder, Sheryl Crow, Melissa Etheridge and the Black Eyed Peas are slated to perform."

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Focus on the Family: Pray for Rain at Obama's DNC Speech

Focus on the Family producer Stewart Shepard asks the group's followers to pray for rain during Obama's speech at Invesco Mile High stadium during Obama's Democratic National Convention speech. The clip was pulled by the group this morning, but it has shown up on YouTube again.

Shepard: "You might ask, now why would I pray for that? Well, I'm still pro-life, and I'm still in favor of marriage as being only between one man and one woman. And I'd like the next president who will select justices for the U.S. Supreme Court, to agree..."

Watch it, AFTER THE JUMP...

(via marc ambinder)

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Naked B4 God: Ted Haggard Escort Mike Jones Takes the Stage

Mike Jones, the escort who exposed New Life pastor Ted Haggard is taking his story to the stage in a play premiering in Denver entitled Naked B4 God.

Jones told the Rocky Mountain News: "It gives me a chance for people who don't want to spend a lot of time reading the book. It's much bigger than just the headline people saw in the papers...I'm up there actually doing a performance. I actually go through and act out some of the sequences of what I was going through. I just don't stand there and just talk."

Producer Chris Johnson told the paper that the play adds another dimension to Haggard's story:

"It moves into the realm of a national debate, really, touching on the topics of religious hypocrisy, the culture that breeds such secrecy. News stories are kind of ADD, where they move on to the next biggest headline and yesterday's headline is kind of forgotten about. I wanted to bring this story back to life to not necessarily preach to folks but to maintain that dialogue...There's some hesitancy with going with a non-actor for anything theater-related. It's a very big risk, but it's one we're willing to try...We took some test footage of him, and he has a personality and he has some presence onstage. Director Mike Dempsey worked really hard with him to make sure he was able to not only connect with the material, but also to connect with the character...One of the things I'm trying to get out there is, unfortunately, a lot of people see this story and because of the labels that are involved - prostitution, sex, drugs, religion - they think they understand the story based on stereotypes. For Mike, this was a very difficult decision. It's adding insight to the story."

Naked B4 God runs from March 13 - 22 at The Bug Theater in Denver.

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News: George Clooney, Dogs, ENDA, Gay Muslims, Rudy Giuliani

ENDA: Michelangelo Signorile asks some tough questions of HRC's Joe Solmonese about the decision to go from opposing a non-transgender ENDA to fully backing it. (AUDIO)

Lance Bass and new man Ben Thigpen spend their bread at Butter.

George Clooney and Fabio get their claws out at West Hollywood restaurant: "I thought you were a nice guy. Stop being a diva!"

All I can say is, thank goodness there aren't many cliffs in Wisconsin.

Judge sees evidence that Rita Cosby "crossed the line" in evidence gathering for her Anna nicole book which alleges a gay relationship between Howard K. Stern and Larry Birkhead: "A federal judge in the Southern District of New York issued an order today in the wake of Stern's allegation that Cosby 'sought to tamper with two witnesses by offering to pay them thousands of dollars for their testimony.' The judge allowed Stern to probe the allegation, concluding he has 'presented substantial -- indeed troubling -- evidence that Cosby has sought to improperly influence witnesses...' In a statement to TMZ, Rita Cosby said 'I am pleased that the Court will get to the bottom of these unfounded allegations. I trust that when all the facts come out that a very different picture will be shown.'"

Gyllenhaal and Witherspoon in nocturnal paparazzi ambush.

Sydney summer Gay Day going green.

According to Mother Jones, Towleroad is blocked at the Denver International Airport: "Your request to URL "http://www.towleroad.com/" has been blocked by the URL Filter Database. The URL is listed under categories (Provocative Attire, Politics / Opinion), which are not allowed by your administrator at this time. The following reputation level was assigned to it: Neutral."

Democrats take back the state Senate in Virginia.

World's tallest dog meets world's smallest.

The NYT visits gay Muslims who have gained asylum in NYC: "Even as they reveled in newfound freedom compared with the Muslim world, they remained closeted, worried about being ostracized at the mosque or at their local falafel stand. 'They’re afraid of the rest of the community here,' said Ayman, a stocky 31-year-old from Jordan, who won asylum in the United States last year on the basis of his sexuality. 'It’s such a big wrong in the Koran that it is impossible to be accepted.' For gay Muslims, change may come via a nascent body of scholarship in minority Muslim communities where the reassessment of sacred texts used to damn homosexuality is gaining momentum."

I'll take the two of spades: Eva Mendes plays with some hot cards.

Pat Robertson endorses Rudy Giuliani. Talking Points Memo: "...the Robertson endorsement Rudy Giuliani bagged today is perhaps the ultimate fusion of right-wing religious extremism and war on terror mania. Giuliani's claim to the presidency is based on his service as mayor during and immediately after 9/11. What stops him from being a shoe-in for the nomination is his track record supporting abortion rights and gay rights. But, Robertson is on record saying that 9/11 was America's punishment for its sinful gay-loving, abortion permitting culture. As Robertson says on his website, the attacks happened because God withdrew his protection from America. He agreed with the late Jerry Falwell that America "deserved" 9/11."

Clinton lead slips 10% following debate debacle.

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Colorado Gets First Openly Gay Male State Legislator

Rep. Mike Cerbo (D-Denver) resigned from his sea