Empowering the LGBT community through the Power Party

Allow me to introduce you to the Power Party.

Several of you may remember last year’s inaugural Out Front Power Issue. Some of you were even featured in it. The Power Issue was the manifestation of everything I believe Out Front should be – and is. Community-focused, grassroots, diverse.

We are a proud community. But we are also powerful. We’re embedded at every level of politics – local, state and federal – and we’re moving the needle as volunteers and activists, too.

It is my belief, what made – and still makes – Out Front’s Power Issue so special is that it isn’t a popularity contest. It isn’t about who writes the biggest check.

It’s about who is out there making a difference.

For weeks, we’ve asked you to share with us your nominations. And it’s our pleasure to announce the second annual Power Issue will hit the streets Oct. 3.

But this year, we’re going one step further. We’re throwing a party – not just for the 10 amazing people and organizations we’ll recognize, but for the entire LGBT and allied community.

Save the date: The Power Party will begin at 6 p.m., Oct. 6 at the EXDO Event Center.

We’re excited to add The Power Party to the mix of social events throughout the year. And we hope you’ll agree, the Power Party will be different from any other dinner or Pride you’ve been to.

Sure, the evening is going to follow a traditional dinner timeline – why re-invent the wheel? – but we have some tricks up our sleeves.

Here’s what I can tell: Don Champion of 7News and Eden Lane of InFocus on Channel 12 will be your hosts. We’ll also be featuring some of the best local LGBT and allied community talent.

But I think what’s going to set The Power Party apart from other events is its theme: Come as you are.

If you’re a cowboy, I want to see you in your best Levi’s. If you’re a drag queen, you better have a killer mug. If you’re a leather daddy, I encourage you to wear your harness. If you’re a business leader, I’d expect nothing less than a well-tailored suit.

But if you feel most comfortable in jeans and flip-flops, that’s OK, too.

One of the most important missions for Out Front is inclusion. That’s why we’ve worked diligently with the Tracks family to keep the evening affordable. Early bird tickets start at $65. That’s right, for less than $100, you’ll receive dinner, dessert, entertainment and dancing.

We also believe in giving back. That’s why part of the proceeds will go to the Power Organization we recognize.

I’m happy to announce Pura Vida, one of the city’s premier health clubs, has signed on as our title sponsor. They join The Gender Identity Center as our founding sponsors.

The Out Front staff’s mission is simple: educate, celebrate and activate the LGBT and allied community. The Power Party does all that and more in one evening. It allows us to take a moment and remember that – together  – we do enact change that ripples across the Mile High City and Centennial State.

Despite all the advances we’ve made as a community in the 40 years since Stonewall, the 30 years since AIDS, the 20 years since Amendment 2, the six years since Amendment 43, it’s still too easy for us to get down on ourselves. To feel defeated.

The Power Party is the one night no one is allowed to feel less than.

I hope you and your friends will join us in celebrating our community Oct. 6 at EXDO. ]