OFC 2012 OUTstanding Awards: OUTstanding People

People – Places – Services – Shopping – Restaurants – Nightlife – Write-ins

OUTstanding Local Politico – Rep. Mark Ferrandino

As one of the highest-ranking state Democrats, state Rep. Mark Ferrandino has become one of the faces of the civil union debate in Colorado. While he’s not sponsoring the bill this year, he’s working behind the scenes to build a bipartisan coalition to get the bill passed. His hard work has not gone unnoticed by Out Front Colorado readers.

OUTstanding National Politico – Jared Polis

True, Rep. Jared Polis is a local, but his clout far exceeds his U.S. House district lines. Championing both progressive policy for Boulder and the LGBT community, Polis is a rising star in Washington D.C. Polis, who was elected in 2000 to Colorado’s State Board of Education before winning his House seat in 2008, now has another election to add to his trophy case: our 2012 OUTstanding Awards. As one of the leading Democratic fundraisers, you can count on Polis rising through the ranks to have a serious impact on legislation for years to come.

OUTstanding community leader – Silke Reuthlinger

Silke Reuthlinger is at the center of everything. Whether it’s helping promote a meet-and-greet with the mayor, a kickball tournament, or a girls’ happy hour, you can count on Silke to lend a hand and activate the community to show up.

OUTstanding TV Personality – Chris Parente

Denver’s LGBT community is lucky enough to have one our own beamed into thousands of Colorado households each day. Out broadcaster Chris Parente of Fox 31 and CW2 helps Coloradans make their lives better – or at least more cultured – on the apply named Everyday show. Hysterical. A gentleman. Hilarious. And an OFC reader favorite.

OUTstanding Radio Personality – Mark Andrew

Nothing is more calming and reassuring than Mix 100’s Mark Andrew’s voice in the afternoon. While work might be piling up, deadlines approaching and coffee running low, OFC readers say they count on Mark – aka DJ Markie – to get you through your workday with the best mix of music and that reassuring tone in his voice that everything is going to be OK.

OUTstanding Drag Queen – Ginger Sexton

The only thing bigger than Ginger Sexton’s hair is her heart. Sure, she can read a bitch, and she has drama from time to time – what queen doesn’t? Nevertheless, at the end of the day, Ginger is all about the love and giving back, and OFC readers have noticed. What sets Ginger apart from so many other drag queens is her ability to raise single handedly raise – a lot – of money for charities. She’s one of Colorado AIDS Projects single largest fundraiser, raising more than $15,000 over the last two years.

OUTstanding Drag King – Bootzy Edwards Collynz

No Drag Nation at Tracks is complete without a boost of testosterone from Bootzy Edwards Collynz. DJ Blaque Gurl’s alter ego, brings something different each show. But it’s always funky and fresh.

OUTstanding DJ – DJ Tatiana

If there are two things that get DJ Tatiana fired up, they are community, and music. This Spaniard beauty – a Denver native by heart – is always up to something. Whether it’s keeping summer party Climax at Vinyl fresh, launching a new concept like the Porn Star Second Friday Party, or organizing the DJs for PrideFest, Tatiana does it all while keeps the dance floor moving with her exciting mix of Latin, R&B and pop.

• PUBLISHER’S CHOICE: NIC GARCIA • OUTstanding DJ – AJ Kahn

While Tracks hosts a stable of talented DJs, its AJ Kahn who keeps us moving the most. His blend of house and Top 40 remixes always seems to cast a spell on us – and plenty of others. The dance floor is never empty when he’s behind the DJ booth. His talent and range of music continues to evolve.

• PUBLISHER’S CHOICE: NIC GARCIA • OUTstanding bartender – Dee, The Eagle

While a bare-chested bartender sporting a six-pack is a treat for the eyes, beer goggles or no, no one gives you a stronger or quicker pour than Dee. A bartender’s bartender, Dee, who was a Foxhole/Tracks staple for years, crossed Walnut street in 2012 and can now be found at the Eagle. Be sure to try her infamous Lindsay Lohan shot. Or better yet, do a shot of Jam-o with her.

OUTstanding Hotness Female – Leslie Herod

This politico turned Gill Foundation nonprofit program director is a head-turner. While her job – working with ally organizations to develop and implement strategic agendas for LGBT-focused grant giving and building alliances between nation LGBT and African American organizations – may not sound all that glamorous, Leslie Herod is the definition of the word. Keeping it classy and dressed to the nines, Herod won our reader’s vote hands-down.

OUTstanding Hotness Male – Joe Buzas

If 2008 was the year of Hope and Change, 2012 is the year of the otter. Yes, the gay otter. Out Front Colorado readers are reclaiming chest hair. And the leader of the pack is Joe Buzas. This man has a killer smile, dazzling eyes and a full chest of hair. Doubt our reader’s selection? Check him out for yourself at a Denver Gay and Lesbian Flag Football game or at a Sunday beer bust. Editor’s note: Joe is happily taken.

• PUBLISHER’S CHOICE: NIC GARCIA • OUTstanding Hot Mess – Tim Bentz

What can we say about Tim Bentz that hasn’t already been said? This man lives to party. While we’re not at liberty to discuss how old Tim is, let’s just say he doesn’t act his age. The spryest of twinks have a hard time keeping up with this sexy Boulderite.Tim is the life of the party. Find him at any of his favorite bars – he’s taken a strong likening to X Bar – and chances are he’ll be buying a round of shots. Just make sure to hold him up.

OUTstanding gay we love to hate – Goddess Duane

In reality, we love Goddess Duane. But he really wanted the award, so we have to throw a little shade: this large and in charge host of Tucked is a loud and his humor is – at best – off. He speaks his mind even when he should just take another chug of Bud Light. Oh damn, those are the reasons why we love him!

Out Front Colorado’s 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards

OUTstanding Awards Main page

People – Places – Services – Shopping – Restaurants – Nightlife – Write-ins