By Lauren Johnston Photographs by Nija Gilman September 19, 2008 (CMN)
- Seven Straight Nights on September 14 in Denver, Colorado’s Civic Center Park was considered a successful event.
Six speakers covered areas from spirituality and stances for equality. They ranged from a Hare Krishna, to a United
Methodist Minister, a Zen Buddhist, parents of a Lesbian woman from the Boulder area, and a transgender who is active in her
Catholic Church. All of the speakers had words of wisdom to share with the participants, as well as a moving stories about
their own GLBTIQ status or Ally status. 7SN speakers in Denver
included, Jennifer Stucka, Lauren Johnston (Colorado Organizer of Seven Straight Nights), Rev. Dr. Talon S. Windwalker (Zen
Buddhist), Rep. Cindy Lowery, Rev. Julie Todd, (Elder, United Methodist Church), Nama Chintamani Krishna Illo (Hare Krishna
bisexual father), and Kate Bowman (Board Chair of the Gender Identity Center of Colorado).
Following the event,
there was a meet and greet with different organizations: Gender Identity Center of Colorado, Colorado Queer Straight Alliance,
Queer Equality Alliance from the University of Denver, Multicultural Social Justice from University of Denver, Rape Assistance
and Awareness Programs, and the Human Rights Campaign. During this time four different entertainers performed for a relaxed
crowd. Blankets littered the grass and everyone enjoyed a beautiful afternoon. Participants passed out luminaries and
mediation booklets for everyone to take home to use through the week in honor of the other cities hosting 7SN events.
Prayer for Guidance While thinking about the Seven Straight Nights events read the following
prayer: Make me
strong in spirit
Courageous in action
Gentle of heartLet me act in wisdom
Conquer my fear and doubt
Discover my own hidden giftsMeet others with compassion
Be a source
of healing energies
And face each day with hope and joy
© Abby Willowroot 2000
Music for the Denver 7SN event
was provided by Ginger Meyette, Jon Leyba, the Kenny Lee Young Trio, Kevin Grastorf and Jonny Q of Privatized. Overall there
were between 50-70 attendees over the 4 hour time span. It was an informative and entertaining day.
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