LATEST STORIES / Features
CASTING FORWARD
By Madison Lauterbach & Esteban Fernandez
In April 2021, several Ms. Mayhem reporters undertook an ambitious project. They wanted to learn how women were evolving the sport of fly fishing.
The team initially approached the project through three main lenses: gear, safety, and conservation and education. Since then, they’ve added a fourth focus examining the lack of visibility and representation for women of color and other marginalized groups. They spoke with company founders making equipment more accessible; heard women’s experiences of safety concerns on and off the water; and discovered how women are shaping conservation efforts.
Our reporters spent hours in the car traveling across Colorado, conducted interviews over Zoom, and even made it out to Chattanooga, Tennessee for a weekend to bring these valuable stories to you.
The project consists of four multimedia stories and five films.
The ‘Melanie Rose touch’ leaves its mark on Denver
LA-based designer Melanie Rose worked with Denver residents on her new Netflix show "How to Build a Sex Room," which premiered July 8.
The Great Resignation is creating a critical moment for Colorado workers
The Great Resignation largely tipped the scales in workers' favor, and many in Colorado have seized the moment to begin unionizing.
Questions of inclusivity mar the future of Denver’s only lesbian bar
As Blush & Blu and its owner are embroiled in an ongoing lawsuit, questions circulate around the role lesbian bars play in the LGBTQ+ community.
Denver Fringe Festival to feature ‘#CHAMPION,’ new show of queer, disabled survival
Sheila Klein and Masha Mikulinsky of Amuse-Bouche Productions are bringing disability and queerness to the stage for Denver Fringe Festival.
Shanae Adams embraces the healing of kink for Denver’s QTBIPOC community
Sex educator and co-founder of Chrysalis House Shanae Adams wants to help other queer and trans BIPOC explore the world of kink.
Boulder Comedy Festival returns with 30 performers over four days of laughs
Boulder Comedy Festival is returning for its second year, bringing laughs to a community that has been through the wringer.
GUEST ARTICLE: Queer women take us ‘Across the Universe’ with Denver’s late-night, multiverse show
Queerness and The Beatles collide in the multiverse show "Yesterday/Today," produced by 2 Lion Theatre Company.
Denver women’s correctional facility helps launch first state-wide prison radio station
Cynthia Gonzales is one of 15 incarcerated producers of "Inside Wire" broadcasting stories of prison.
‘The Magical World of Black Girlhood’: Denver musician Jaiel’s ode to Black womanhood
Denver musician Jaiel drew inspiration for her new EP from fairytales, Afrofuturism and most importantly, the Black women in her life.
Rad-De-Colonial creates space for Denver BIPOC performers
Major Moisture, Piss E. Sissy and Siren Sixxkiller have formed Rad-De-Colonial, a variety show spotlighting Denver BIPOC performers.
Denver Bi Women’s Social Club creates queer space free from biphobia
Johanna Pietari wanted to find other women in the Denver area with relationships like hers. So she created the Bi Women's Social Club.
Bad Bettie Project, Catbird’s LGBTQ+ Career Fair centers inclusion in job hunting
Bad Bettie Project and Catbird Hotel are co-hosting a career fair April 22-23 for LGBTQ+ Denverites, who often face prejudice in the work search.
Inclusivity is a VIBE at Denver’s first-ever gym for women and nonbinary folks
VIBE Gym and Wellness Collective, Denver's first women and nonbinary-only gym opened April 1 with a dedication to inclusivity.
Rooted in Rhythms offers musicians an herbal alternative to maintain mental health
Kayleigh Stone-Goering offers herbal support through her homemade and natural remedies, specifically targeting musicians.
Coloradans navigate emotional turmoil to provide for families in Ukraine
Eastern Europeans in Colorado came together earlier this month to gather donations for their family members and others in Ukraine.
Black Girl Social Club’s Denver chapter provides reprieve from racial exhaustion
The Black Girl Social Club Denver chapter is forging communal space with the city's growing diverse population.
Creatives Learn Law helps Colorado microbusinesses navigate the legal world
Several years ago, Allie Moore noticed a void in legal services for freelance creatives. So in 2019, she started Creatives Learn Law.
Factory Fashion becomes safe haven for Colorado’s teen drag queens
Factory Fashion at Stanley Marketplace hosts classes for tween and teen students to learn the tips and tricks of dressing in drag.
Amanda E.K. releases “The Risk it Takes to Bloom” with OUT FRONT’s new Q Publishing House
OUT FRONT columnist Amanda E.K. is set to release a collection of queer erotica, through the magazine's new Q Publishing House.
Seeking and searching for Valentine’s Day weekend plans in Denver? Look no further than Leather & Lace
Ms. Mayhem is co-hosting our first in-person event with Awakening Boutique and Horrid Spirits, featuring a market, drag show and burlesque.
Horrid Spirits is redefining magazines, media and the occult
Emerald Boes of Horrid Mag and Kelsee Ross of Sage & Spirits have teamed up to form Horrid Spirits, a dark arts collective.
Rebelles promote inclusivity in music and creative scenes in Denver and beyond
The Denver-born Rebelles see an opportunity to make the music scene safer for women by empowering musicians and audience members alike.
The Conscious Merchant takes a practical approach to a zero-waste mission
Kara Armstrong, owner of The Conscious Merchant, works with customers to find a personalized approach to going zero-waste.
‘A goddess among mortals’: Alicia Cardenas changed the face of modern body modification
Sol Tribe owner Alicia Cardenas was killed on Dec. 27, 2021, by a white supremacist gunman. She lived her life fighting that kind of hatred.
Leila Qari is building cat connections in a dog city
Denver is universally known as a dog-friendly city. But Leila Qari, owner of Denver Cat Company, is looking to introduce a new furry friend.
DV8 welcomes the queer community with open arms this New Year’s Eve
Boulder distillery DV8 is opening its doors for a safe, inclusive and queer New Year's Eve masquerade ball.
Isabelle Fries livens up the season with her Christmas tunes
Denver-grown Isabelle Fries brings a fresh face to holiday music with her warm vocals, lovely lyrics and pop-y acoustic guitar.
Chaya Milchtein teaches self-advocacy in the world of car ownership
Chaya Milchtein talks about the hypermasculine automotive industry and its disdain for new technologies like electric cars.
Yurintzi SerrattoCano redefines what it means to be a nail technician
Denver-based nail artist Yurintzi SerrattoCano has set out to provide clients inclusive and ethical manicures with eye-catching pizzazz.
2021 Denver holiday shopping guide!
Ms. Mayhem's guide for shopping small, local and intersectional for the 2021 holiday season. Get your gifting on!
Wah Gwaan Brewing marries Caribbean flavors and the Colorado lifestyle
Wah Gwaan owners Jesse Brown and Harsha Maragh bring together Colorado craft brewing and Jamaican flavors from Maragh's homeland.
Bo Roark takes the slams in stride alongside her all-girl skate crew
Bo Roark left the slopes for the skatepark six years ago. Since then, she's put together an all-girl skate crew from Breckenridge.
Battling the scream queens: Women in horror cinema move beyond tired tropes
A new wave of women behind the camera are reshaping the horror genre, bringing dynamic heroes and villains to audiences.
Cera Marquez and the magic of dead bugs
After losing her father to cancer in 2020, Cera Marquez found comfort in breathing new life into dead things.
As shortage persists, women truck drivers combat industry sexism
The rarity of women behind the wheels of big rigs is a major factor contributing to the truck driver shortage. But what obstacles do they face in the industry?
A ghoul’s guide to Halloween 2021
Get in your thrills this spooky season by supporting and celebrating with local queer, BIPOC and women-owned businesses.
Sasha Dillavou on ‘Awakening’ sexual wellness, embracing sex positivity
As the manager and event coordinator at Awakening Boutique, and the head of her own sexual wellness practice, Sasha Dillavou has her dream career.
Fernanda Durmer’s golden dreams forge Universal Deco
Costa Rican artist Fernanda Durmer wants to remind fellow Latines during Hispanic Heritage Month that they are not alone in their struggles.
PHOTOS: Titwrench Music Festival bids adieu
Titwrench Music Festival is saying goodbye after its 13th year. However, founder Sarah Slater said it won't be the last of the collective.
Fat Babes in the Wild makes the outdoors sexy
Fat Babes in the Wild is a queer-friendly space welcome to people of all sizes who want to celebrate body positivity and live without limited body beliefs.
“Girls can do it too”: Nicole Noller shreds gender norms in skateboarding
Nicole Noller didn't pick up a skateboard until she was 25. Thirteen years on, she continues to break gender and age stereotypes in the sport.
SlutWalk celebrates its 10th year with radical joy
Little has changed in the way of progress since the first SlutWalk 10 years ago. Those in the community take it as a sign the event is still necessary.
How death companionship became a second life for Desiree Celeste
Death companion Desiree Celeste helps the bereaved with processing the death of their loved ones, personalizing the experience of grief.
The ‘invisible women’ behind artist Clyfford Still’s work
For decades, women have bolstered the career of Clyfford Still, most notably his wife Pati. Today an army of women and nonbinary folks help preserve his work and legacy.
HonestBird Tattoo and Nest Art Collective take the discomfort out of tattooing
Lora Bird knows tattooing is inherently painful, but she hopes the poke of the tattoo machine is the only discomfort her clients feel.
Danielle Worthington cultivates confidence with her boudoir photography
Boudoir photographer Danielle Worthington prioritizes body empowerment, consent and trauma-informed practices during her photoshoots.
How D. Fritz helps LGBTQ+ couples make the most of their special day
Wedding photographer D. Fritz helps queer couples craft snapshots of their special day, making space for all genders and sexualities.
How changing gender roles are reflected in the architecture of the home
Throughout the 20th century, as women's place in society and the home changed, so too did the gendered architecture of our homes.
Hajra Khan serves up justice in the courtroom and kitchen
Lawyer and baker Hajra Khan uses her edible creations to honor her Muslim heritage and fill the lack of cultural holiday treats.
Meet the Bad Betties—a lifeline for Colorado women
Facebook group and nonprofit organization Bad Bettie Project works to foster community connection and mutual aid among members.
Women have made comic books inclusive from the beginning
Women in comics put to page what they want to see, whom they want to represent them, as they have since the start of the industry.
Queer guides forge a path to gender euphoria with style
Unlike antiquated clothing sizes, the challenges faced by trans people are not uniform. But, the path to gender euphoria can be cracked with the right guide.
Independent creators reflect on the history and future of queer comics
Queer characters and creators have been in comic books for decades. The characters have been an important part of self-exploration for many.
PHOTOS: Denver PrideFest returns to in-person revelry with ‘hub’ model
With the use of "hubs" to break up attendees, PrideFest emerged out of its 2020 virtual form into a hybrid setting.
Grace Clark searches for a more inclusive bluegrass scene post-pandemic
Grace Clark took some time during the pandemic to reflect on the racism she's faced in the bluegrass scene. Now she's focused on changing it.
PHOTOS: Juneteenth returns to Denver with cookout and cabaret show
The Chrysalis House hosted a community cookout and cabaret show centering Black queer artists to celebrate Juneteenth 2021.
Boulder Comedy Festival puts local and diverse performers center stage
The Boulder Comedy Festival is bringing representation of women, BIPOC and LGBTQ+ folks to the stage with five shows the weekend of June 24-27.
Put your money where your hashtag is in support of queer small businesses
Ms. Mayhem's guide to queer-owned small businesses in Denver to support during Pride Month and year round.
Celebrate queerness with Ms. Mayhem’s guide to 2021 Denver Pride
Your guide to some of the great LGBTQ+ Pride Month events in Denver in June, including drag brunches, Liberation Day and clothing swaps.
Colorado women in command of the cockpit
Three women in various stages of their careers as pilots talk about what inspired them to take to the sky and the challenges they face.
History Colorado exhibits activists’ impact on Central Park
The decades-long battle to rename Stapleton to Central Park is highlighted as part of a new exhibit at History Colorado this summer.
The fight for Missing and Murdered Indigenous women in Colorado
Violence against Indigenous women has hit epidemic proportions. Durango SASO staff member Kelsey Lansing is fighting to advocate for them.
FashioNation rises through the pandemic thanks to TikTok
FashioNation's TikTok videos regularly go viral. The platform has made the shop a unique Denver destination, bringing in a whole new generation.
Four Denver-based femme comedians to check out this summer
As COVID-19 restrictions loosen, it's time to get out and laugh. Here's a list of four must-see femme comedians in Denver.
The living art of dead things at Denver’s Terrorium Shop
Amber Hage-Ali and Ian Johnson, co-owners of The Terrorium Shop, bring a second life to bones and insects by pairing them with living plants.
The weirdness and whimsical of SheWolf Studios
Artist Casey Stelter often uses discarded objects to create whimsical and macabre pieces, transforming traditional mediums into trendy products.
The Black Box has been weathering the storm with good vibes and bass
The Black Box, a woman-owned dance music venue, has been weathering the last year of ups and downs with a positive attitude and adaptation.
Moderator Q&A: Krystal Covington on posing solutions
Ms. Mayhem's hosting a panel about Black representation in newsrooms for our one-year anniversary. Here’s our Q&A with moderator Krystal Covington.
Living between worlds: Asian adoptees with white families experience racism in isolation
Asian adoptees with white families often face racism alone. It can be scary, confusing and frustrating to have those feelings brushed off.
Panelist Q&A: Chandra Whitfield on remedying reporters’ blindspots
Ms. Mayhem is hosting a panel about Black representation in newsrooms. Here’s our Q&A with panelist Chandra Whitfield.
Panelist Q&A: Amy E. Brown on the role journalists play in social movements
Ms. Mayhem is hosting a panel about Black representation in newsrooms for our one-year anniversary. Here’s our Q&A with panelist Amy E. Brown.
Panelist Q&A: Gregory Moore on Black representation in the newsroom
Ms. Mayhem is hosting a panel about Black representation in newsrooms for our one-year anniversary. Here's our Q&A with panelist Gregory Moore.
‘I wanted to grow up and be that tough girl’: Behind Gasoline and Us, the biker brand built for all
Rebecca LaRue and her husband Richard have built a motorcycle clothing brand for all, regardless of gender, race or size. Watch the video.
Brina Wyss shows that life is better on wheels
Two years ago Brina Wyss picked up a pair of roller skates, sparking a passion for life on wheels. She's now a coach through Denver Skates.
Amy Zhang and the power of paper
Denver illustrator Amy Zhang opened her stationery business in 2018. She uses the power of paper to promote self-care and social movements.
Third Culture Bakery launches new location in Five Points
Third Culture Bakery has garnered a major customer base in California and Colorado with its Asian-inspired treats and social activism.
Women are left out of vital leadership roles in the arts scene
The arts scene is severely lacking in women with leadership roles, affecting which artists are given showings in galleries.
The local music industry battles one year into COVID-19 with positivity
COVID-19 impacted the music scene more than almost any other industry last year. Musicians and venues are now getting back to business.
Female gun ownership is on the rise, but still drastically outnumbered by men
Gun ownership is quickly rising among women, who often cite personal protection as a number one reason for owning a firearm.
How Dana Donnelly has held her own in Twitter comedy
Dana Donnelly's name is behind some of the best tweets in the last year. Her comedy captures the essence of the twentysomething woman.
The past, present and future of Bree Davies
We sat down with journalist Bree Davies to talk about sexism in journalism, her time covering the art scene and her future at City Cast.
Denver artist Moe Gram and the power of empathy
Moe Gram has seen the country become increasingly more divided in the wake of the 2016 election. Now she's setting out to teach the world empathy.
Charlie Billingsley gives Black girls their flowers with pop-up museum in RiNo
The Museum for Black Girls is a space dedicated to uplifting the voices of Black girls and their work, which is often ignored in the art world.
BIPOC and plus-sized women are carving out their own space in the outdoors
Although representation of BIPOC in the outdoors is increasing, there is still work to do to make non-white people feel welcome.
AAPI grief delivers strongest threat to white supremacy: Unity
A candlelight vigil for the victims of last week’s Atlanta massage parlor shooting brought together AAPI and allies last night in Denver.
As Tax Day nears, how should sex workers file their taxes?
"The IRS doesn't really care what you're doing. They just want your money." How should sex workers file their taxes?
Hope Tank kicks off year of window murals with piece by artist Cindy Loya
Hope Tank kicked off a year of window murals featuring progressive themes and underrepresented figures with a piece by Cindy Loya.
How BLM 5280 became more than just a hashtag
With the help of co-founder Amy E. Brown, Black Lives Matter 5280 is far more than just a hashtag. They're building long-term community.
Raven Faber is revolutionizing the sex toy industry
As a Black woman in the sex toy industry, Raven Faber is an anomaly. She uses her engineering background to make tools for sexual freedom.
Anna Perks and her mission to reinvent the construction industry
Anna Perks is on a mission to change the way we think about the construction industry, both in terms of gender norms and demolition waste.
Pregnant during a pandemic: How will COVID-19 impact future generations?
There are still many unknowns about how COVID-19 will impact us long-term. Evidence suggests future generations may live with the trauma.
Zanele Muholi asks Denver to confront its identity politics with photo exhibit at CVA
For Denver's Month of Photography, the Center for Visual Art is hosting an exhibit by South African visual activist Zanele Muholi.
Fly Zyah and her superhero support team
Nine-year-old Zyah Brown from Washington, D.C. has become a hit online with her intelligent rap tracks, spitting bars on policy and justice.
Chess tournament assembles artists, activists and entrepreneurs for community strategizing
End Game Association brings chess, artists, activists and entrepreneurs together for community development strategizing.
Reimagining Denver’s Chinatown amidst lost history and uptick in anti-Asian American attacks
What began with replacing a plaque on 20th and Blake Streets has now turned into a decade-long project to revitalize Denver's Chinatown.
Chelsea Blankenship on her continued journey of creating woman-powered community
Chelsea Blankenship has worked for years to create online communities for women, work that has now become more important during the pandemic.
Denver Senegalese community in mourning six months after Diol family home fire
“Even with his friends he took care of people,” Tidjani said. The Denver Senegalese community continues to mourn the Diol family.
Coloradans find love, healing and acceptance inside Lakewood tattoo shop
Sandra Lin provides a safe and welcoming place for the disabled and LGBTQ+ communities to get tattooed at her Lakewood shop Disruptive Ink.
Kirsty York eschewed industry norms to open her tattoo studio—now she’s dominating with her unique style
Kirsty York had only three years of tattooing behind her before opening Blackbird Ink. Now she runs an all-female shop offering unique styles.
Jordan Jasinski on tattooing, mental health and her journey into the realm of fitness
Black and grey tattoo artist Jordan Jasinski is branching out from the art form into the world of fitness to become an online health coach.
The GrowHaus promotes food access and healthy eating in Denver’s most vulnerable neighborhoods
The GrowHaus nonprofit has been working tirelessly during the pandemic to deliver fresh food to one of Denver's biggest food deserts.
Mother-daughter activist duo hit their stride on the streets of Denver
Porshai and Ashira Campbell used their passion for racial justice to advocate for change together on the streets of Denver last summer.
The women leading social justice movements—and the forces holding them back
Research shows that women are better equipped to lead social justice movements. Three Colorado organizers tell us why they think it's true.
The women of Lady Justice Brewery are crafting a future for women and giving back to the community
The women behind Lady Justice Brewing Company are paving the way for future women in the industry and giving back to their community.
Menstruation equity advocates bring free period products to Denver area girls
Menstruation equity advocate groups like Period Kits provide period supplies directly to Denver area girls and aim to end stigma.
Jessica Christie empowers couples to own destination elopements, inspiring other women along the way
Photographer Jessica Christie takes elopement photography to new heights and mentors other young women in the industry and beyond.
Denver’s only female-owned metal bar Black Sky Brewery is powering through the pandemic
Denver's last metal bar Black Sky Brewery is powering through the pandemic, thanks in large part to an outpouring of community support.
‘It’s been completely awful’: The COVID-19 pandemic’s profound effects on the foster care system
The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound effects on the foster care system in Denver, which has become overwhelmed and underfunded.
Denver Community Fridge provides for citizens of all socioeconomic standings
The Denver Community Fridges project has gained significant traction since they opened their first free food fridge in December.
Colorado doctors, feeling alone and anxious, look to strangers for support in the fight against COVID-19
Colorado doctors on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19 are receiving help and support from strangers through Project Lift.
Chelsea Lewinski returns to the art scene professing her One Love
Denver mural artist Chelsea Lewinski has returned to painting after breaking her wrist during the Crush Walls festival last summer.
Out Front Magazine looks to the future under new female ownership
October 2020 marked a milestone for Out Front Magazine, which covers Denver's LGBTQ+ community. For the first time, the outlet is female-owned.
From Rivera to Kahlo to the streets of Denver
The Mexican Modernism exhibit at the Denver Art Museum pays homage to Khalo, Rivera and the Chicanx muralists the art movement inspired.
Nadiya Jackson is an artistic visionary of the intimate and the interdimensional
Artist Nadiya Jackson's work examines how the Black community navigates sexuality, intimacy and gender roles. Her latest show focused on the femininity of Black men.
Once houseless herself, Cuica Montoya is now managing one of Denver’s first sanctioned camps
Denver's first sanctioned camping area will be managed by Cuica Montoya, who has first-hand experience with what it's like to be houseless.
Volunteers offer a brighter future as Colorado experiences dual crises
Colorado ranks among the lowest states for mental health, which has been further exacerbated by the pandemic and holiday season.
Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Celebrate 50 Years of Bringing Communities Together Through Dance
Cleo Parker Robinson has been dancing for nearly 70 years. Her dance has told stories from the history of Angela Davis to the 2020 protests.
Doom metal veteran Kelly Schilling on her new project BleakHeart
Kelly Schilling and her band Dreadnought are legends in the doom metal scene. Now she's turning her attention to a new project.
2020 Denver holiday shopping guide!
This year has been absolutely exhausting, right? We’re right there with you. Small businesses have especially been through the wringer this year. With COVID closures and a lack of stimulus money, many of them, especially BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and women-owned businesses, have fallen on really hard times. As an outlet that focuses on these communities, we wanted to give a big shoutout to some of our favorite companies and artists in Denver.
Here at Ms. Mayhem, we would so much rather give gifts than receive them. What a better way to give than to simultaneously support our community?
Many of these companies have come up with innovative ways to bring their products to your doorstep. Some are a mix of in-person and online shopping, while others personally deliver their goods to your front door. We’ve chosen a great variety of items to fit any kind of vibe and budget.
Sex positivity reigns at Awakening Boutique
Despite several challenges, Rose Kalasz and Tory Johnson have provided a safe haven for sex-positivity in Denver with Awakening Boutique.
The first-ever African immigrant elected to state legislature prepares to serve Colorado
Naquetta Ricks has kept a diary for decades. Now she's writing history as the first African immigrant elected to the Colorado state House.
Denver’s parkour scene is paving the way for female leaders
Women are jumping into the male-dominated sport of parkour, and those like Kristine Dietrich at APEX Denver are commanding space.
For many Natives, Thanksgiving isn’t a celebration—it’s a day of mourning
Thanksgiving for most Americans is a time to eat food and enjoy the company of family. For most Natives, it's a day of mourning.
Inside the art of Koko Bayer
Koko Bayer is the face behind the prolific Hope Hearts that popped up earlier this year. She has a long relationship with the art scene.
Beet Box bakery shutters its doors
The pandemic has forced dozens of Denver institutions to shutter their doors. Beet Box, a vegan bakery in Five Points, is just the latest.
From the streets of violence to the streets of healing: Halim Ali generates hope for his community
Halim Ali graduated high school into a life of violence and drug use. Now he's focused on uplifting the Black community in Denver.
Akiala I is fighting gentrification one block at a time
Denverite Akiala I is using GoFundMe to help buy back blocks of Welton Street in Five Points to fight gentrification and support the arts.
Rep. Brianna Titone talks reelection and what’s next
Colorado State Rep. Brianna Titone talks reelection, pro-LGBTQ+ legislation and what issues she's going to tackle next.
Denver women are opening the gates to inclusive financial freedom
Financial planning can be scary for some, but these advisors are on a mission to educate women and BIPOC on money management and investing.
The cruising culture of Federal has received unfair coverage, but it’s a major part of Denver’s history
Negative coverage paints cruising as having ties with criminality. In reality, it's a major part of Chicanx culture and Denver's history.
Queer haunted house reveals our internal fears can be scarier than ghosts and goblins
A haunted house created by Denver artists confronted audiences with the anxieties of the queer and gender non-binary community for Halloween.
Who are the women who are voting across party lines?
We spoke with four women who are voting in 2020 for candidates from the opposite party they've identified with for years. Here's what they had to say.
Boo Bazaar provides opportunity for women-owned small businesses
The pop-up market Boo Bazaar on Oct. 24 provided a much-needed space for women-owned small and micro business with an added Halloween twist.
Pamela Richard brings girl power and Southern treats to Denver with Miss Peabody’s Tea Cakes
Pamela Richard saw a lack of Southern bakeries in Denver. She's brought her tea cakes and a helping side of girl power to change the city.
Women are a decisive political force that could make the call on the Presidential election
In the last several elections, women have outpaced men with their voting records. This election could be decided by the female voter bloc.
COVID-19 halted fertility treatments for hundreds, one of many devastating pandemic side effects
The COVID-19 pandemic put a hold on "nonessential" medical procedures earlier this spring, including in-vitro fertilization.
Despite pandemic hurdles, nonprofit for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ community lives on
A former police officer, Ali Duncan started Urban Sanctuary in 2016. In June, she launched a nonprofit for BIPOC and the LGBTQ+ community.
Colorado women reflect on state’s history of electing men for higher office
White men have exclusively served Coloradans as Governor and U.S. Senator. The state is one of five that has never elected a woman to either.
The Dirty P-Words: Pandemic, pivot, preparation–and the female restaurateurs who face them
Restaurateurs have bitten their tongue about Gov. Polis' policies in the wake of COVID-19. Here's what several owners really have to say.
The Significance of Amache for Colorado and the NPS
The National Parks Service has extended the online comment period of a study to determine if Amache will become a National Historic Site.
Patricia Sargent’s ‘Power Women’ names history’s anonymous with Enheduanna of Sumer
Patricia Sargent's newest book titled "Power Women: Lessons from the Ancient World" highlights female powerhouses including Enheduanna of Sumer.
Gina Ilczyszyn dominates the tattoo scene. Now she’s tackling mural walls.
Denver tattoo artist Gina Ilczyszyn participated in the Babe Walls festival this summer and is a featured artist at CRUSH Walls this year.
Give Black women flowers while they are alive: Auntie Sade serves up Nigerian classics
Sade Adebayo deserves her flowers while she is alive. Filling the stomachs of the Nigerian community in Denver for decades, she now has her own food truck.
The residents of the Glenarm homeless encampment
The day before the sweep of the encampment on Glenarm, residents were hopeful. Now, they are left with few options.
Protect Your Space Project works to make Denver businesses safe for all
Priscilla Jerez, the manager and bartender at Tooey’s Off Colfax, moved to Denver ten years ago. Before that, she lived a whole other life in Washington D.C. She owned a bar called The Palace of Wonders, which was part museum of oddities. She was a burlesque dancer as well, something she said she can’t wait to tell her daughter about when she gets older.
But she also had an experience that is shared by most women who work in or go out to bars. When Jerez was 26 years old, she had her drink drugged while she was working.
“There were two men talking to me and, you know, being friendly,” Jerez said. “I think they were trying to sneak me out or something. I guess whatever state I was in, I was able to get to a safe place. It's one of those things that really stayed with me where I'm like, ‘Holy shit, who knows what could’ve happened?’” Jerez said.
RacismoZero confronts racism within the Latinx community (ENG and ESP)
The RacismoZero events at Raices Brewing are helping the Latinx community confront internalized racism within the community (story in English and Spanish).
Move over boys, the inaugural Babe Walls event is here
The inaugural Babe Walls mural event is hoping to make space for more female and non-binary artists in the male-dominated world of graffiti.
The Sand Creek Massacre and the reckoning of racist history
The Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho, along with many Coloradans, are seeking to create a new future for their children in the wake of recent racial reckoning.
Generation Drive-Thru feeds teens in need
The Aurora-based nonprofit Generation Drive-Thru has largely focused its energy on helping the elderly since COVID-19 hit. This past weekend they turned their attention to helping teens in need.
Animal welfare in the age of social media
In the digital age, it’s easier than ever to search for furry extensions to the family. On top of that, multiple social platforms also make it easier to care and provide for them. However, these powerful tools can also bring in an array of problems.
Pattie Gonia: The rainbow bridge connecting outdoor enthusiasts
Pattie Gonia, the backpacking drag queen, is here to save the world. She's on a mission to teach her thousands of Instagram followers and outdoor companies what it means to enjoy the outdoors responsibly, wielding social justice as her sword.
The Whittier Cafe shall overcome
The Whittier Cafe was first called 'the activist cafe' as a slur, but owner Millete Birhanemaskel has fully embraced the cafe's role as a sanctuary for protests, mourning and discussion.
Denver Black women owners feed and thrive
Black women are running the eatery scene in Denver despite the pandemic, with recognition of Black-owned businesses on the rise.
The artists behind Denver’s Black Love Mural Festival
The Black Love Mural Festival in Denver's Civic Center Park was originally slotted to end on June 30 but has been extended to July 7.
Denver Juneteenth in photos
Denver community leaders and youth activists came together to commemorate Juneteenth with a march through Five Points and rally at Civic Center Park.
Denver’s PrideFest goes virtual for 2020
//Denver's annual Pride Parade kicked off at...
‘This is a good place to start’: Siblings Jordon and Avyn Vaden on Denver protests
Ms. Mayhem followed siblings Jordon and Avyn Vaden on June 6 at the Denver protests against police brutality and systemic racism.
Woman-run tattoo shop has long put safety first
Tattoo shops are working to find a safe way to reopen within the state’s requirements, but parlors like Smokey Banana have always put their customer’s safety and security first.
Denver sex workers face economic fallout in wake of COVID-19 pandemic
As states implemented stay-at-home orders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many workers faced immediate financial struggles. Sex workers, in particular, have felt the crush of economic pressure.
From bars to restaurants, these female owners will keep you going through quarantine
Many Denver institutions have closed their doors during the COVID-19 pandemic. These female owners have come to the rescue to provide food and libations.
Self-isolation brings new recovery measures
Being forced into an unexpected situation like this could cause someone in recovery to revert back to their old ways to find familiarity and comfort.
Ms. Mayhem’s coverage of events, culture, businesses and the people of Denver is rooted in our philosophy of intersectionality. If you enjoy these stories, please consider becoming a member for free to help support us.
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