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Liberty Press
Volume 23, No. 7 • Editor: Kristi Parker • Contributors: Nolin Christensen, Greg Dalton-White, Charlene Lichtenstein, Mama, Dr. Robert N. Minor, Stephanie Mott • Staff Reporters: Grayson Barnes, Emily Beckman, Trevor Reichle, Ciara Reid, Jeromiah Taylor • Contributing Photographers: • Cover Design: Troy Dilport • Graphic Designer: Troy Dilport • Webmaster: Ren Autrey • Publisher: Liberty Press, LLC • Printer: Valley Offset Printing Subscriptions are $18/year
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OP/ED......................................6 KANSAS NEWS........................7 MINOR DETAILS....................12 TRANS-FORMATIVE..............17 WHAT'S NEW AT THE CENTER..............................17 NATIONAL NEWS..................18 OUT IN THE STARS...............18 LEATHER LIFE.......................19 AROUND KANSAS.................20 ON THE COVER: Equality Kansas' Tom Witt.......11 LesFic writers...........................16
Andover Public Library
Andover Derby
Derby High GSA, Derby Public Library
El Dorado
Pathways Psychological Services
Emporia
Emporia State GSA
Hutchinson
Bluebird Books, Hutchinson Community College GSA, Hutchinson High School GSA, PFLAG Hutchinson, Prairie Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
Kansas City
ACLU of Kansas, Hamburger Mary’s, LIKEME Lighthouse
Manhattan
April 2017 DEADLINE Mar. 22 ON-STANDS Mar. 30
tinyurl.com/herscopes Charlene Lichtenstein’s groundbreaking astrology book HerScopes: A Guide To Astrology For Lesbians is the best in sun sign astrology! The secrets that are revealed about each sign continue to amaze. Makes a great gift.
Aggie Station, Arlan's Fine Wines & Spirits, Auntie Mae's, The Bluestem Bistro, The Chef Café, First Congregational Church, K-State Ecumenical Christian Ministry, K-State LGBT Resource Center, K-State Student Union, K-State Women's Clinic, Mimi's Cheese Shop & Other Delights, On the Wild Side, People’s Grocery, Positive Connections office, Queer-Straight Alliance meetings, Radina’s Bakery & Café (3 campus locations), Riley County Health Dept., Rockstar Home Fusion, Sisters of Sound Music, Strecker-Nelson Gallery, Varsity Donuts
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Ad Astra Books and Coffeehouse, The EndIron Inn, Mokas, Mokas South, Peaceful Body Wellness Retreat, Salina Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Saline County Health Dept.
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Adult Superstore, Albero Cafe, The Anchor, Beautiful Day Cafe, Bike Walk Wichita, Bionic Burger (N. Ridge Rd.), Book-A-Holic (Parklane, w. 21st), Bungalow 26, Camelot Cinema, The Center, Charlie's Pizza Taco, Circle Cinema, Club Boomerang, Club Inferno, College Hill United Methodist Church, The Cotillion, Crazy J’s Furniture & Sleep Shop, Delano BBQ, Dempsey's Burger Pub, The Donut Whole, DT's Outlet (West St. location), Felipe's (N. Woodlawn), Finishing School for Modern Women, First Unitarian Universalist Church, Fit For A Queen, Hell Bomb Tattoo, Hunter Health Clinic, J’s Lounge, Kirby’s, KMUW, KU Internal Medicine - Midtown, Lotus Leaf Cafe, Mead’s Corner, Moe’s Sub Shop, The Monarch, The Orpheum, Peace & Social Justice Center, Picasso's Pizza, Pine Valley Christian Church, Planet Hair, Planet Sub (east), Positive Directions, Rain Café & Lounge, Reverie Coffee Roasters, Rocky's, Saigon, South Wind Women's Center, Spice Merchant, Table of Hope MCC, Tanya's Soup Kitchen, Therapeutic Specialists, Unity of Wichita, Vagabond Coffeeshop, Vegas Video, Watermark Books, Wichita Brewing Co. (both locations), Wichita Public Library - downtown, WSU's Brennan Hall II, WSU's Elliott School, WSU's McKnight Art Center, WSU Spectrum meetings, WSU's Office of Diversity & Inclusion, XY Bar, Ziggy's Pizza
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OP/ED
A Monthly Collection of Opinions and Editorials.
The opinions represented here do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Liberty Press. We reserve the right to edit and cut submissions for space and grammatical content. Send your letters and feedback to editor@libertypress.net.
Letters Doing the Right Things Dear editor: Attn: Dr. Robert Minor I have lived nearly 73 years and during those years I have seen continuous abuse of power by those who claim power by virtue of their ambition, initiative, intelligence, family background, entrepreneurial impulses and talent. By whatever means and circumstances, they have risen to a place of political and economic leadership and that gave them power to make decisions affecting my life and the lives of millions when such leaders attained high political and administrative offices. Perhaps the best that can be said is, with the qualifications already listed, they performed as expected and were received by some and criticized by others and maybe even outright rejected. When pushed, some of them were forced by law, evidence of their extra legal activities or at the very least morally and ethically culpable activities, they were pushed to resign or even indicted for actions violating oaths of office and the public trust automatically given to those who are leaders, no matter their political party. The highest leadership positions in our nation are given to those who are successful economically and politically and
have as their helpers like-minded people and party members. In America, it seems that we tolerate well a leadership that wields political and economic power; they use whatever dividends they can garner to offer the hoi polloi some like a piece of the American economic pie. Capitalism trumps poverty and we value capitalism above “doing the right things” because we value doing the right things that lead us to get ahead and maintain and advance a lifestyle that is only enhanced by a bottom line that shows a profit. Sometimes the right things are overlooked and moral and ethical considerations become distant goals. Now, at almost every turn, technology supports our economic and political goals. Clearly, we want to dominate the international market and our position as a strong economic, political, and military power in our world. We have always been able to adjust “doing the right things” to coincide with our best interests as defined by our leaders and sometimes enacted in laws that seem to arise as the need to justify certain actions. There is a lack of careful watchfulness that is the job of citizens of this great country. We have allowed for the foibles and have let go strong demands for moral and ethical standards that led to a bottom line that says to all who see it, we are going to “do the right things.”
Our esteemed past president General Dwight David Eisenhower, for whom our airport is named, warned, in a final address to the people of America, to paraphrase, we should, as citizens, jealously guard against an overzealous joining of the military industrial complex, already strongly linked and deeply influential in our national political and economic life. We have ignored Ike’s warning and subsequent presidents have yielded to the power of industry linked to military defense and offensive capabilities. Hence multibillion dollar aircraft carrier and other planes, ships, and weapon systems on the drawing board or already in production. We don’t know what is happening exactly and that goes to the citizen oversight that is a part of our responsibility. We cannot depend on the Executive Branch and Legislative Branch or the Judicial Branch to consider things only on the basis of “do the right things.” We must hold them accountable and we must insure that “power makes right” only when it is power to do the right things nationally and internationally. We are currently faced with a political and administrative and even an economic leadership that proposes that the might of this country should be applied to building a billion dollar plus wall between our country and Mexico. More needed construction and repair of our infrastructure is bypassed and aid for educational purposes is also bypassed. The national will to do something reasonable related to immigration is replaced by activity that will lead to a barrier enforced by heavily armed
guards and a surveillance system supported by a technology that could be used in ways we find reprehensible and far from any understanding of “doing the right things.” I urge people to contact their senators and representatives and to make known that we reject billions for a wall while other more humane projects go begging. We also must react to presidential power to issue “executive orders” and “executive privilege” that bypasses congressional oversight and therefore bypasses the representative democracy that we value. With that power, the president can justify any action he wants to take and closing our border to immigration and targeting one or more groups of people in his “orders” is not why we elected him as president. He must be reminded that this is representative government and if the representative merely rubber stamp “okay” on his agenda, we must use the power to impeach and remove from high office those who do not accept their accountability or the moral and ethical demands to do the right things. We forget that with power and privilege comes responsibility to use that power and privilege to be of help to our nation and to our world. The abuse of that power and the ugly nature of restrictive orders raises the question of racism and of a nationalism that can very easily be twisted so saying the “right things” can be laid aside. This should scare most Americans and make us consider mass protests as a response to such abuses of power. Sincerely, William L. Ripley, Wichita
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Kansas News Who Let the Dogs Out? HOAMC presents its spring concert
By Greg Dalton-White
WICHITA - One-hit wonders have occurred in every decade providing us with those tunes that keep playing in our heads year after year yearning for more. April 1-2 Heart of America Men’s Chorus (HOAMC) will present its spring concert “Who Let the Dogs Out?,” an evening of one-hit wonders to benefit K-9 Karma Animal Advocates, INC. The concert will be presented on Saturday, April 1 with curtain at 7pm and on Sunday, April 2 with curtain at 4:30pm. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students. They can be purchased at the door or by calling 316708-4837 for reservations. Groups of eight or more may receive a discount by calling the same number. In addition to the chorus members, audience members will be entertained by guest
artists Patty Reeder and DJ Rick Everett. Some of the songs performed in addition to the title song of the concert, include It’s Raining Men, Don’t Give Up On Us, Baby, Putting on the Ritz, Turn the Beat Around and many more. Deanne Zogleman is artistic director of the chorus. Accompanists will be Carol Pracht and Tony Harshberger. HOAMC is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing fellowship and musical education for its members and quality concerts for the Wichita area.
Community organizations join law enforcement parade WICHITA - On Saturday, April 8 The Center of Wichita and Wichita Pride will each have an entry in the annual Support Local Law Enforcement Community Parade. Members of the community can show their support for Wichita’s finest, the Wichita Police department and the LGBT participation by attending the parade. It starts at
10:30am at Central and Main. For more information visit / www.facebook.com/SupportLocal-Law-EnforcementWichita-871561756226048/.
Signature Theatre presents classic Shakespeare love story WICHITA - Wichita Scottish Rite Signature Theatre presents the tragic love story, Romeo & Juliet, William Shakespeare’s timeless classic, Friday, Mar. 31 at 8pm-Sunday, April 2 at 7pm. The production will be held in the historic Wichita Scottish Rite Theatre. Phil Speary will direct and Bobbi Green is the stage manager. Romeo & Juliet is one of the world’s most beloved romantic dramas. The WSR Signature Theatre production will set this classic tale of star-crossed lovers in the dark world of gothic fantasy. The young couple play out their forbidden relationship in a world of two fierce clans pitted against each other. How can their love survive? “We have spent hours working on the text, the relationships, the
Speary
comedy, the tragedy—there is truly something for everyone in this love story,” Speary said. “We are excited to present our version of this play. It is up close and personal with the audience, allowing them access to some of the most beautiful theatrical lines ever written.” The cast features Noah Segard as Romeo, Scarlet Green as Juliet, Don Wineke as Lord Montague/Apothecary, and Jamie Rhodes as Lady Montague. General admission is $18, $14 and $10. l
Dorothy, I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore! This year, experience KCPrideFest for yourself
Pack your bags, Toto, we’re going to KCPrideFest! June 2 – 4, 2017 Berkley Riverfront Park, Kansas City, Missouri Special hotel room rates available at Hampton Inn, Country Club Plaza available only on our website. Gaypridekc.org Liberty Press 021417.indd 1
Kansas City Pride 2/14/17 8:29 PM
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Wichita Festivals introduces Vortex Music Festival
WICHITA—Wichita Festivals, Inc., producers of Riverfest and Autumn & Art, announced a new event that will debut in downtown Wichita this summer: Wichita Vortex Music Festival, with headliner Dwight Yoakam. Scheduled for Aug. 4-5, the
regional favorites, the Cherokee Maidens. In addition to live music, attendees will enjoy local craft brews, a food truck rally, and late-night activities including a midnight movie and glow-inthe-dark games.
festival combines live music, Wichita pride and the rare chance to camp in the heart of the city at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas rivers. The festival’s main stage will be located in the gated area between the Mid-America AllIndian Center and the Keeper of the Plains. Yoakam will headline the outdoor concert on Friday, with opening acts beginning at 4pm. The remainder of the line-up has an Americana and alt-country flair, including national acts Pokey LaFarge, Lindi Ortega, Moreland & Arbuckle and regional favorites, Carrie Nation & the Speakeasy. Saturday morning, an all-youcan-eat pancake and sausage breakfast will be accompanied by a performance featuring
Ti c k e t s a r e o n s a l e a t WichitaVortexFest.com. Five hundred Vortex Early Bird Passes will be available at the discount rate of $45. Once Vortex Early Bird Passes are gone, Standard Issue Festival Passes will be available for $65 (until sold out or July 27). Starting July 28, any remaining regular festival tickets will be sold at the $85 Procrastinators Pass. For those who want premium seating and bar access, up to 400 Vortex VIP Passes will be sold for $100. Those who wish to camp can purchase a $50 Happy Camper Overnight pass, which includes a campsite for up to four people and tickets to the Pancake PackUp Party, 9-11am, Saturday morning. Tickets for just the pancake breakfast and morning entertainment are $15. l
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Equality Kansas’ Tom Witt prepares for the legislative year ahead By Trevor Reichle TOPEKA - It is hard for many people – especially those in states outside the Midwest to imagine that Kansas has a variety of activists and volunteers championing LGBT causes in the state. One activist who has spent over a decade fighting on behalf of LGBT Kansans is Tom Witt.
especially nondiscrimination and anti-bullying ones,” Witt said. “We also fight against any laws that are anti-LGBT.” Witt, who had a long career in information technology prior to his activism career, has also volunteered to serve on boards for organizations such as Wichita Pride, the Center of Wichita, KSTEP, and the Kansas National Organization for Women.
Witt currently serves as the executive director for Equality Kansas, an organization that works for pro-LGBT causes and combats anti-LGBT measures in the Kansas state legislature. Witt, whose first big battle in the state was fighting the samesex marriage ban that eventually passed in 2005, has remained in the state to introduce proLGBT legislation each session and counters various anti-LGBT bills as they have come up. His role is similar to a lobbyist, primarily focusing on meeting with legislators from both parties to work out issues and present the perspective of the local community on LGBT issues and how they might affect the state in a variety of forms. Witt currently lives in Wichita with his partner Mike, and has a grown daughter, but spends most of the legislative session in Topeka. “We advocate for the passage of laws for LGBT people,
Equality Kansas, formerly known as the Kansas Equality Coalition, is aiding in the introduction of a variety of bills for the 2017-2018 legislative session, including a ban on conversion therapy for minors, repealing the state’s unenforceable same-sex sodomy laws, and repealing the same-sex marriage ban, which while being overridden by the Supreme Court’s decision on Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015, is still on the books. Witt also noted that they would be fighting against any anti-LGBT legislation that may come up, including bathroom bills disallowing transgender people from using the bathroom of their gender identity and any potential religious freedom laws that may seek to allow discrimination against LGBT people.
With many LGBT people all over the state fearing what is to come in the years ahead at the federal level following President Trump’s election, Witt
offered some solace to confront those worries. “What the new administration does – relatively continued on page 21
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Minor
Details By Bob Minor
What Now? Part Four: Are You Personally Prepared for This Fight?
I
f Republican operatives like Frank Luntz hadn’t already perfected the ability to manipulate people (“What matters most in politics is personality. It’s not issues; it’s not image.”) so that they’d regularly vote against their own interests before, we now have an administration that is thoroughly experienced in the manipulation of emotions over logic and the triggering of all that will keep its enemies off guard. The President himself has a history of being an egotistic, self-promoting conman and reality TV entertainer, and the real mastermind behind his initiatives, Steve Bannon, came from the leadership of the Breitbart right-wing newsmanipulating organization. Thus, the first days of this administration have been marked by immediate bold executive actions that have been paced to hold the media’s attention and make people reel from their rapid-fire timing. They’re meant: (1) to make the President look as if he’s a real take-charge CEO –appearance is what Trump’s all about; (2) to overwhelm his enemies with so much coming at them that they don’t know where to start;
(3) to keep movements that stand against his agenda off balance with so much material that they become exhausted and less effective; (4) to divide the various liberal organizations that focus on specific causes by blatantly flogging each one’s own horse; (5) and to distract those opposed to him from focusing on important legislative activities that take place behind his headline-getting hypocrisies, lies, and absurdities. His followers from the religious right-wing are basking in his strong leadership and the prospect that they’ll finally make progress on their anti-choice and anti-LGBTQ agenda. All arguments that his personal life is anything but what Jesus would do or be don’t matter when he promises them that they’ll come out winners. Addictive religion’s need to find a new pusher of their high of righteousness, has placed its faith in what he’s pushing. And none of that “makes sense” in any other terms but their need to feel as if they’re righteous winners against all those evil forces that make fun of them. Religious right-wingers feel more emboldened and are adding to the plethora of initiatives that
are appearing to challenge not only Roe v. Wade but marriage equality and other LGBTQ rights. They’re thereby retriggering all who have not dealt with their rightful bitterness and negative emotional attachment to the religion they claim to have rejected. These are times, then, for action, protests, solidarity, and the ability to see how all of the causes being attacked, from the environment to working people’s issues are related. They are times when the forces working against progressive causes are ensconced in all levels of government and business with tremendous financial resources.
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check. (1) Do we know why we’re in a cause or even leading it? Do we see what it will do for our own freedom or are we just doing it for others? (2) Have we really settled our past issues about religion? Do we believe we’ve left a religious organization but are still trying to prove them wrong as if their opinions do still matter to us? (3) Can we be okay without everyone liking us? Can we let their feelings go and stay on the course we’ve set before us? (4) Are we expecting our activism to solve problems that it can’t solve such as a need to be somebody or to be saved from loneliness or meaninglessness? (5) What “triggers” us so that we react out of anger and hurt rather than in a creative, strategic manner? Healthy activism is much more relaxed than we want to admit, less frantic and reactive. If we’re triggered by what others do, that’s our problem. (6) Are we unable to ally with others or afraid that if their cause gets too much attention (or money), that that will be at the expense of our cause? Are we, thereby, reacting out of a model of scarcity rather than cooperation? (7) Are we expecting members of our movement to constitute our support group or have we set up a support network to share frustrations, fears, and moments of hopelessness? Can we name our support network? (8) Do we think that we don’t have time to do this? Do we think that we’re someone above all this? Do we minimize our need for an internal journey along with outward resistance? Are we keeping up a model of activism and leadership that destroys people because it’s based on an old warrior model? We’re in a long-term battle – it’s not a sprint but a marathon - that will take its toll on us if we don’t take care of ourselves every step along the way. l
“Do we minimize our need for an internal journey ...?” But what’s necessary is also the renewal of every activist’s internal journey as well as outward activism. If its goal is to trigger, overwhelm, craze, and exhaust, this is a time when leaders are more susceptible to burnout and destruction. It’s a dangerous time that more than ever requires personal growth and introspection along with outward justice work. And activists, particularly their leaders, are just not good at taking time to put attention on what’s going on within themselves. Activism, in fact, can be used addictively – to not experience what’s going on inside but just doing something and getting caught up in all the work that a manipulative enemy demands to be done so as not to deal with personal issues that challenge our effectiveness. The only way to keep that from happening is to value time to focus on what we are really feeling and give it attention. When the late Molly Ivins reminded activists to “above all have fun,” she was aware of the fact that effective and healthy activism demands what is stifled when we’re triggered by unhealed hurts and pain. And being active, especially in leadership, is guaranteed to bring up hurts around past leaders, family dynamics, effects of past oppression, and reminders of our disappointments. So, promise me that you’ll dedicate some time to do a gut
Robert N. Minor, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies at the University of Kansas, is author of When Religion Is an Addiction; Scared Straight: Why It’s So Hard to Accept Gay People and Why It’s So Hard to Be Human; and Gay & Healthy in a Sick Society. Contact him at www. FairnessProject.org.
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Signature Theatre's Man lost irony in title
REVIEW By Grayson Barnes
WICHITA - A Man of No Importance saw its state and regional premier Feb. 17-19 at the Wichita Scottish Rite Signature Theatre. It won the 2003 Outer Critics Circle Award
for Best Musical and a 2003 GLAAD Media Award. The second collaboration for Terrence McNally (book), Stephen Flaherty (music), and Lynn Ahrens (lyrics), A Man of No Importance is based on the 1994 Albert Finney movie of the same name. Originally, it opened in September 2002, at the Lincoln Center in New York. A Man of No Importance is set in Ireland in the 1960’s and focuses on the life of bus conductor Alfie Byrne. His life is mundane, except for his obsession with the works of Oscar Wilde. He also directs the amateur actors’ troupe at St.
but Alfie shares his ‘Wilde’ passion with the passengers by reading the author’s works to them between the stops. As the director of the St. Imelda Players, Alfie decides it is time for them to stage Salome, one of Wilde’s racier plays. This gets the troupe booted out of the church by the Monsignor. In this respect, A Man of No Importance doesn’t fully fit the “playwithin-a-play” genre within which it is often classed, because Salome is quashed. We only see bits of the play, although we are amused by the other, ahem, ‘talents’ of the troupe as they create costumes and props. The loss of the church venue throws Alfie into deep introspection. Wilde, as Alfie’s muse, becomes his foil for this, too. It is here Alfie admits that, like Wilde who was noted for his affairs with men, he is also affected by “the love that dare not speak its name.” When Alfie attempts to find a gay hangout, he is beaten and robbed. Although
"The title of the play is meant to be ironic, because even a man of no importance can have a dramatic impact on his community." Imelda Parish. Alfie is of indeterminate age, but probably too old to be living with his sister. He has a service job and he is bookish. These are all qualities that make him the type of person who is easily overlooked,
he is rescued by a police officer, his secret is out and he is marked as a homosexual. Alfie’s sister, Lily, is angry with him. He takes her ire as rejection, when in fact, Lily is really upset because Alfie didn’t take her into his confidence. She admits that no matter what, she “will always love him anyway.” And, just like Alfie, other community members have secrets. Adele, chosen to be the virginal Salome, is pregnant. Robbie, the man Alfie pines after, is having a passionate affair with an older married woman. Some have different burdens. One older man is widowed, Alfie’s sister is unmarried, one woman is narcissistic, and the butcher is a conflicted holier-than-thou Catholic. Luckily the story has a happy ending, and the people in his life ultimately support Alfie. His message to them as they revealed themselves was “love who you love,” as well as be who you are. In turn, they accept Alfie because they didn’t want to lose THEIR muse. Better yet, the troupe gains a new member and they find another place to perform. The cast for this performance of A Man of No Importance volunteered their services. Many of them are players of note in the community and beyond. The central characters included Dan E. Campbell as Alfie Byrne. Vonda Schuster played Lily Byrne, Alfie’s sister. Lydia Harbutz was Adele Rice. Ryan Schafer gave us Robbie Fay and Trevor Comstock came in as Oscar Wilde. continued on page 19
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YOU’LL HAVE THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE.
APRIL 18-20 • CENTURY II CONCERT HALL 316.303.8100 • BroadwayWichita.com
Tickets available online and at the Century II Concert Hall box office. Groups 10+: 1.866.314.7687
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Kansas City home to flourishing lesbian fiction writers community
By Ciara Reid, staff reporter KANSAS CITY - Kansas City is known for its barbeque, baseball, and jazz. But the city is also home to some of the most talented writers making their mark in the genre of lesbian fiction, or ‘LesFic.’ Authors Kris Bryant (Whirlwind Romance, Just Say Yes, Taste), Tara Wentz (Traffic Stop, Deception by Design), and C.L. Cattano (Cursed Hearts) are just a few of the local names churning out novels that will surely have readers staying up late to turn the pages. Liberty Press spoke with the authors about the local LesFic writing community, their own writing styles, and upcoming books readers can look forward to gobbling up next. Liberty Press: There seems to be a burgeoning community of lesbian fiction writers in the Midwest. How would you describe this community? Do you look to go to each other for guidance and support? Kris Bryant (KB): We are a
small, but fierce group of writers here in the Kansas City area. One of my best friends is K.B. Draper who is an indie writer. We actually became friends because of writing. We schedule monthly writing dates and attend several writing functions together including Golden Crown’s Literary Annual Convention and Women’s Week in Provincetown in Massachusetts. We’ve also done a few radio shows with Elizabeth Andersen, host of The Tenth Voice on KKFI. It’s nice to have another writer who gets the struggles and the rewards of writing. K.B. is very supportive of my writing and is one of my biggest fans, and I, hers. Tara Wentz (TW): There is isn’t there? There are several publishing companies in this genre, but I like to think we are all in it for the same goal and that we support each other wholeheartedly. I know that here in Kansas City there is a group of us that do things together and work together. Kris
Bryant and K.B. Draper are among those. The late Sandra Moran was a big influence for me as far as writing goes. She was always very encouraging. I also want to point out that it’s not just writing either. The support across the board has been fantastic. From the band Radial Red including local authors at some of their events to Elizabeth Andersen and 90.1 KKFI. C.L. Cattano (CL): There does seem to be a great community of lesbian fiction writers in the Midwest. I think I would describe the community as diverse. Everyone has their unique perspectives and strengths. They also all have their own unique writing styles and voices. There are writers who are in demand for their unabashed talent at writing the most stimulating erotica you can take to those who take their lesbian, GBT, and sometimes straight, continued on page 22
Pictured from top: LesFic authors C.L. Cattano, Tara Wentz and Kris Bryant.
For more information on the authors and their current/ upcoming novels, visit: www.KrisBryant.net www.CLCattano.com www.TaraWentz.com www.amazon.com
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What’s New at
T
his past month the Center was privileged to host the National Geographic’s documentary called Gender Revolution. About 40 people came to the viewing. Because we had such a successful turnout and the word is getting around, The Center will be looking at hosting another viewing. Please stay tuned via Facebook or The Center ’s website for more information as it comes together. Gender Revolution: A Journey with Katie Couric
sets out to explore the rapidly evolving complexities of gender identity. Also watch the NatGeo channel for other showings. This is a two-hour documentary that is well worth the watch. To keep up-to-date with what it happening at The Center, please like our Facebook page at Facebook.com/ TheCenterofWichita or visit us at www.thecenterofwichita. org. You can contact us at thecenterofwichita@gmail.com for more information. l
Kansas Chapter of Black Trans Men, Inc.; and Liz Hamor - a founding member of GLSEN Greater Wichita and advocate for transgender youth. I will “If you are interested in becoming a KSTEP be presenting, as well. A total of six 1-hour training presenter, this is a workshop for you.” sessions will be followed by two hours of practice stones and continues to extend share about what it means to be and feedback. By the end of the day, attendees will have TGNC in Kansas. our reach. KSTEP has provided about Presenters include Jay Pryor, been exposed to some of the 400 presentations in Kansas long-time KSTEP presenter. Jay leading transgender educators since our beginning in August is a happily married father of and advocates in the region; 2010. Our presentations have two living in Lawrence where and share in learning about stretched nearly into all four he loves to watch Jayhawk topics ranging from transgender corners of the state with basketball and spend time with persons of color, to advocating presentations in Colby, Elkhart, friends and family. In addition he for TGNC youth, to using Dodge City, Pittsburg, Kansas is a life coach, keynote speaker effective language, to the everchanging field of transgender and corporate trainer. City, and Seneca. In 2013, we held the first Also presenting will be Alyssa law. trans-led two-day statewide Bryant - Tulsa’s only openly- KSTEP’s hope is to add to our conference at Bert Nash Mental transgender attorney; Luc total number of presenters and to Health Center in Lawrence, with Bensimon of Topeka - founding be able to double the number of annual TransKansas conferences member of KSTEP, well-known presentations we make each year in Wichita (2014), Manhattan performer throughout Kansas, (currently about 56 presentations (2015) and Topeka (2016). We and founder/president of the per year). If you are interested in
becoming a KSTEP presenter, this is a workshop for you. If you just want to learn more, this is a great way to do that. Registration will begin at 7:30am on Saturday, April 8 at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (901 Beatrice St. in Salina) with workshops from 8am-noon and from 1-3pm, then practice/feedback from 3-5pm. Registration fee of $10 per person helps pay for the transportation and lodging costs for presenters. Lunch will be pizza and salad (additional $5). For more information, please visit the KSTEP website (www. kstep.org) or e-mail info@kstep. org. l
KSTEP Preparing to Break New Ground “How to Teach Transgender” Workshop in Salina April 8
K
ansas Statewide Transgender Education Project (KSTEP) is well into our seventh year of existence with a mission to end discrimination against transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) Kansans through education. KSTEP has set some significant transgender education mile-
are planning TransKansas 5 in Lawrence, July 28-29 at the Lawrence College and Career Center. On April 8 in Salina, KSTEP will present our first “How to Teach Transgender” workshop at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Salina. This workshop, a full day of training on being a transgender educator, is open to anyone who would like to improve their ability to
Stephanie Mott is a transgender woman from Topeka. She is the executive director of the Kansas Statewide Transgender Education Project, and a commissioner on the City of Topeka Human Relations Commission. Reach her at stephanieequality@yahoo.com.
PAGE 18 | LIBERTY PRESS |MARCH 2017
National News Award-winning artist Rachael Sage releases socially conscious EP NEW YORK, NY - MPress Records announced the release of award-winning singer, songwriter, producer and activist Rachael Sage’s new EP of protest songs, The Tide. The 5-track digital EP adds Sage’s voice and music to the current worldwide protests and public demonstrations, seeking justice for all in a turbulent sociopolitical landscape. All net proceeds will be donated to ArcLife.org (American Refugee
Committee), one of the world’s leading international refugee assistance organizations. Sage returns to her folk roots with this collection of timely protest songs. The release includes topical subject matter related to the Orlando shooting, Elie Wiesel’s passing, the Syrian refugee crisis and the controversial 2016 U.S. Presidential election. Sage will be touring this Spring and will have the EP available on CD at her shows. The Tide is also available on iTunes.
D
oes March come in like a lion and out like a lamb? I am not so sure. Venus retrogrades in Aries making us emotionally rambunctious. Come out with a roar! And roast those lamb chops.
ARIES (MAR. 21 - APRIL 20) You make a very strong first impression now. Is that what you had in mind, proud Ram? For those who want to knock folks off their feet, you will do it easily. For those who may prefer a more subtle approach, tread carefully and watch what you say and how you say it. You can inspire strong emotions. Just which emotions are totally up to you . . . TAURUS (APRIL 21 - MAY 21) If you have a mysterious admirer, let them stay in the background for a few more weeks. Queer Bulls who are anxious to reveal secrets may find them far more emotional than they first thought. Stay in your dreamy nirvana and meditate on mellow vibes. There will be plenty of time to open up your Pandora’s Box of wild excitement and you want to be well rested. GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21) Compadres may have your best interests at heart, but you may not believe them. Your heart says otherwise! Pink Twins sometimes are in love with love. But right now you are apt to shower your affections on less-than-deserving amours. Don’t go overboard until you ask the advice of a pal. They say love is blind, but a second pair of eyes can help you avoid an accident. CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 23) Do what you need to do to advance your career, but don’t get overly emotional if things take longer than you expect. Gay Crabs might find that those in power have other priorities and any attempt to push your agenda now will cause push back. Don’t despair - go with the political flow and bide your time. You will gain the advantage soon enough. Heh, heh.
Musician donates payment from Chick-fil-A to LGBT group LOS ANGELES, CA - During the Grammy awards Feb. 12, the notoriously anti-LGBT restaurant chain Chick-fil-A debuted a new commercial featuring the voice and hit song, Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now, of Grace Slick, a member of legendary rock bands Jefferson Airplane and Starship. To strike back at the restaurant’s antiLGBT agenda, Slick is donating every dime she made from that ad to Lambda Legal, the nation’s oldest and largest LGBT legal organization.
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Chick-fil-A has a welldocumented history of funding a n t i - L G B T o rg a n i z a t i o n s through their philanthropic foundation WinShape. In interviews, CEO Dan T. Cathy has critiqued LGBT rights supporters who “have the audacity to define marriage” and said they are bringing “God’s judgment” upon the nation. While Slick initially wanted to turn down Chick-fil-A’s offer, she decided to instead make a public example of Chick-fil-A and to use their own cash to undermine the company’s antiLGBT agenda. Slick wrote an op-ed for Forbes discussing her donation and Chick-fil-A’s history of anti-LGBT advocacy. Read it at Forbes.com. l
Support your local gay mag! Own a business? Work for a business? Know a business? Refer them to us. Advertising pays.
LEO (JULY 24 - AUG. 23) Proud Lions with dreams of faraway romance may have to wait for the spring before an exotic love life heats up. But if you have itchy paws that want to wander the world, don’t postpone your travel plans. Go and see the world through objective, logical eyes. You can formulate your plans and use all of your experiences for future conquests. Anyone we know??
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 - DEC. 22) Fun may not be all that it is cracked up to be now, gay Archer. In fact, anything frivolous might turn out to be more work than you thought. Parties may become a bore or too frenzied to enjoy. Romance may require lots of work. Artistic pursuits may involve much more effort, energy, stress or worry. Well, they say that genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.
VIRGO (AUG. 24 - SEPT. 23) Even your sexiest moves may miss the mark now, queer Virgo. Maybe it is because you are overly emotional. There seems to be a lot riding on a particular romance. My advice - playing a little hard to get will make others hard and spark the passions of some very sexy prospects. Once you get them where you want them, what then? Be sure to plan ahead, just in case!
CAPRICORN (DEC. 23 - JAN. 20) Any home redecorating plans should be postponed for a few weeks. Any large family gatherings should be scheduled elsewhere. Why? Because your directions may be misunderstood or the beauty of the project may change as it gets underway. Relax in your current surroundings with the happy knowledge that eventually, things will improve. But not right now, pink Cap.
LIBRA (SEPT. 24 - OCT. 23) Partners demand more of your attention and may get upset when you don’t give it to them. So be sure that you tread carefully in any important relationship, proud Libra. Don’t let your mind wander or your attention be diverted at pivotal times. Being present, even if you don’t totally agree, will make a difference. You can always kiss and make up.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 - FEB. 19) While you think you are being crystal clear and even elegant in your verbal requests, you may not be. In fact your requests may produce the opposite results. Aqueerians with loud opinions are advised to keep things to themselves for a little longer. Let your magnificent personality shine through without saying a word. But, oh, those roaming hands!
SCORPIO (OCT. 24 - NOV. 22) Are you finding all of the little things in your life building up to a stressful breaking point, queer Scorpio? If so, this is a great time to learn to place all these things in context. Don’t sweat the small stuff. All stress will pass without any major effort on your part. So pull back, meditate and divert your attention to more pleasant activities. Stamp collecting, anyone?
PISCES (FEB. 20 - MAR. 20) Even if you really think that something is a big bargain and there is no time to lose, let your dream purchase slide. Things are not what they seem and gold can turn to dross before your eyes. Guppies with a yen to spend should spend their time instead. Wasting time, at least for the next few weeks, is much better than squandering your hard earned cash.
(c) 2017 THE STARRY EYE, LLC., All Rights Reserved. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Lichtenstein’s blog www.thestarryeye.typepad.com covers everything new age. Her astrology book HerScopes is the best in sun sign astrology. Order now at tinyurl.com/herscopes.
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. MARCH 2017 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 19
Leather Life
Get ready for SPRING!
By Nolin Christensen aka Master C
Women of Leather Editor’s note: This column may contain content that is offensive to some people.
O
ne of the major elements of the Leather community is our leather women. In the early days of leather, extremely kinky women were allowed into the community. As the years went by, more kinky women found their way into the community. Leather women continue to be a major part of the overall Leather community. But what people may not know is that it was these very women who came to our rescue in the early 80’s. It was the time when the AIDS crisis was in full swing. When men were identified with AIDS, their families rejected them and many leather men were left to die alone. It was our leather women who came to help. They cared for us, they comforted us, they supported us, and they buried us. They helped to keep the community going during a time when the Leather community could have just vanished. Too many times I hear people make comments that they wish the Leather community would be just men again. Well, sorry to those who yearn for this because it was only in the VERY beginning in the late 40’s early 50’s that it was a men-only community. Leather women have been with us from almost the very beginning and it is a disservice to brush them off so lightly. We owe our lives to these brave women. Today the leather women are more a part of our community than they are apart. We have the
Women of Drummer, we have Women in Leather Legacy, we have International Ms. Leather and many other organizations dedicated to our leather women. We have bootblack women, we have dominant leather women. They have everything that most people have seen when it comes to just the leather men. They belong to just about every major leather group in the nation. Many of us belong to both our organization and our leather sister organizations. The newest of the organizations is Women of Drummer. Here is what they a r e p l a n n i n g : Wo m e n o f Drummer is organizing five regional gatherings this summer in Phoenix, Toronto, Kansas City, Portland and Atlanta. We invite our brothers to take part in an afternoon cocktail party and #DNAnagins at each of our regional gatherings. Our gatherings will be on a Saturday and include a (1) Leatherwomen’s Round Table Discussion in the morning, (2) #DNAnagins with our brothers in the afternoon, and a (3) Womens’ Play Party in the evening. Tentative dates are as follows: Phoenix, AZ May 20, Toronto, CN June 10, Kansas City, MO June 24, Atlanta GA July 15, and Portland, OR July 29. The Women of Drummer Movement is a celebration of our voice, fierceness, hotness and dignity in leather. We encourage ALL self-identified women to join in our activities. This is a movement to represent our fierceness, leather, and support women on their own path. You will find Women of Drummer representatives at many events throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico throughout the year. So if you are male or female or anything in between AND you are kinky, there is a place for you in the leather community. Come join us!! l Master C is the current president of WOOLF, the local leather club. If you have an interest in leather or BDSM, contact him via www.woolfks.com or at president@woolfks.com.
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Campbell plodded along in restraint. For me, Schuster’s Lily I was initially intrigued by was the strongest of the crew. the minimalist set. A ziggurat of Most of the cast played at an black-painted stairs with a red uncharacteristically “flattening curtain underneath dominated of affect” level. They seemed the center. Cast members could somewhat unprepared to deliver enter the stage through the the play, missing cues, and curtains, or use the stairs from either side. Eventually, I felt this struggling to work around DUSTY RHODES some staging problems, like structure was underutilized in improperly placed set items and favor of moving about smaller 316.519.2112 I am excited to have the items like tables, chairs, boxes, incorrectly raised scrims thatCall/Text great services of Better a clothing rack, and a squadron revealed the ubiquitous theatre Email: Dusty@DustysHomes.com Homes and Gardens Real of stools, which, while clever, detritus backstage. distracted from the flow of the Estate to offer to sound you. snafus. There were some Web: www.DustysHomes.com I heard microphones crackling, play. which meant Ahrens’ astounding The actors also moved off lyrics were lost to the audience. the stage and onto the floor in The actors were affecting Irish front of the audience. This can accents, which can be difficult work well in this theatre, since enough, but in the Signature the floor is flat, but those seated Theatre, an exceptional level in the balcony (as I was), missed of projection is a MUST – hard some of what was happening enough without an accent in this under the ledge. space – but singing created an I am familiar enough with additional challenge for the cast A Man of No Importance to understand that it is more nuanced members’ voices. DUSTY RHODES Another conundrum was that than campy. However, there are Alfie should be, on one hand, opportunities for intensity and, I am excited to have the overall,316.519.2112 those chances were a quiet guy, and on the other,Call/Text great services of Better missed in this delivery. The someone who lights up when Email: Dusty@DustysHomes.com Gardens Real roll title of the play is meant to be theHomes words and of his hero, Wilde, ironic, because even a man of no Estate offer you.expecting from his to lips. I to kept Web: www.DustysHomes.com to see this aesthetic range in importance can have a dramatic Alfie’s character, because, after impact on his community. The all, Wilde said life should be night I attended, the irony was diverse and beautiful. However, mostly lost. l
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PAGE 20 | LIBERTY PRESS |MARCH 2017 WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. Wichita Southeast High School GSA, Wichita, (316) 263-5886, director@ program, 11am service (316) 807-2271, psychsteve2@yahoo. wichitapeace.org, www.wichitapeace. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of com org Manhattan, 481 Zeandale Road, (785) Wichita West High School GSA, Wichita Pride, info@wichitapride. 537-2349, www.uufm.net, services astucky@usd259.net org, www.wichitapride.org, annual Sundays at 10:45am. celebration held in September. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Support Topeka, 4775 SW 21st St., (785) 272Social 9233, www.uuft.org, services Sundays Beacon Youth Group, Topeka, beacontopeka@gmail.com, queer Heart of America Men’s Chorus, at 10:30am. youth group for ages 12-20. Meets Wichita, (316) 708-4837, www.hoamc. Unity of Wichita, 2160 N. Oliver, (316) every Monday at 5:30pm at Central org 682-7511, www.unityofwichita.com, Congregational Church, 1248 SW Junction City Teddy Bears, c/o Kevin 10am Sunday service, activities through Buchanan St., the 1st, 4th, and 5th Stilley, 2 Oak Valley Dr., Manhattan, the week. Mondays and Unitarian Universalist (785) 556-8188, trlrhouseman@webtv. Fellowship of Topeka, 4775 SW 21st Student groups net Community Centers St., 2nd and 3rd Mondays. NetworQ, Lawrence, www.Kansas Bethel College GSA, North Newton, Central Plains Area Agency on Aging, The Center, 800 N. Market, Wichita, NetworQ.org, events are listed on advisor: Gabriel Fonseca gfonseca@ 2622 W. Central Suite 500, Wichita, (316) 285-0007 www.thecenterofwichita. website and FB page. bethelks.edu, President: Zachary (316) 660-5120, www.cpaaa.org, org Preheim zacharyrpreheim@bethelks.edu CPAAA is available to assist seniors, Wichita Bears, presidentwichitabears@ Kansas State University LGBT yahoo.com, www.wichitabears.org caregivers, and adults with disabilities Derby High School GSA, Resource Center, 207 A/B Holton Hall, through life’s transitions and with tkellenbarger@usd260.com Wichita Organization of Leather Manhattan, (785) 532-5352, lgbt@kvarious levels of support. Fetishes, (316) 201-6242, www. F re e S t a t e H i g h S c h o o l G S A , state.edu, www.k-state-edu/lgbt COMCARE Crisis Intervention woolfks.com Lawrence, sponsors: Hilary Morton Services, 934 N. Water, Wichita, hmorton@usd497.org, and Kim Grinnell Health Wichita Prime Timers, PO Box 3275, kgrinnell@usd497.org (316) 660-7500 free 24/7, www. 67201, ICTPrimeTimers@aol.com, sedgwickcounty.org E.C. Tyree Health & Dental Clinic, www.primetimersww.com/Wichita, Highland Park High School's Parity, 1525 N. Lorraine, Wichita, (316) 681Get Connected, Wichita, (316) 285social group for mature gay men. Topeka, LGBTatHP@outlook.com, 2545, www.tyreeclinic.com 0007, LGBTQIA youth group for ages facebook.com/LGBTatHP 12-21. Meets at The Center, 800 N. Spiritual HIV/AIDS Client Emergency Fund Hutchinson High School GSA, faculty Market, every Friday from 7-9pm. administrered by the Junction City Teddy Bears, c/o Kevin Stilley, 2 Oak A Journey In The Light Ministries, advisor: Mr. Westmoreland, chairperson: GLSEN Greater Wichita, wichita@ 2231 S. Bluff, Wichita, (316) 302-6225, Kara Vaughn. Valley Dr., Manhattan, (785) 556-8188, chapters.glsen.org. Sunday Praise and Worship services at The Independent School GSA, trlrhouseman@webtv.net, for people in Headquarters Counseling Center, 11am;Wednesday Discipleship Training Wichita, sponsor: Matt Hanne matt. the Manhattan/Junction City area Lawrence, (785) 841-2345 free 24/7, at 7:30pm. hanne@theindependentschool.com Hunter Health Clinic, 2318 E. Central, www.hqcc.lawrence.ks.us Wichita, (316) 262-3611, FREE HIV College Hill United Methodist Church, K-State Sexuality and Gender Alliance Healthy Transitions, for heterosexually 2930 E. 1st, Wichita, (316) 683-4643, (SAGA), meets every Thursday at 6:30 confidential or anonymous testing with married gay men in KC. A phone and www.collegehillumc.org, Sunday in Willard Hall, room 120. Spanish and Vietnamese interpreters. face-to-face interview required, Mark Celebrations at 8:30, 9:40 and 11:00am. KU Internal Medicine-Midtown, Lawrence High School GSA, sponsors: McCarthy, LPC (816) 931-0011x4. First Congregational United Church KU School of Medicine, 1001 N. Shannon Draper SDraper@usd497.org, HIV+ Men’s Support Group, Wichita, of Christ, 700 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan, Minneapolis, Wichita, (316) 293-1840, and Lindsay Buck LBuck@usd497.org (316) 293-3405, mmadecky@kumc.edu (877) 472-8227 toll-free, (316) 293-2652 (785) 537-7006, www.uccmanhattan. org, Sunday services at 10:45am; Taize Manhattan High School GSA, mhs_ HIV Program Living Positive, a support group services Thursday at 7pm, An Open and gsa@hotmail.com for people living with HIV and their LGBT Health Coalition of Sedgwick Affirming Congregation. Maize South High School GSA, caregivers. Meets 1st Tuesdays at 6pm. County, Wichita, (316) 285-0007, www. sponsor: Shelly Walston swalston@ Call 785-537-7006 for location. First Unitarian Universalist Church wichitalgbthealth.org usd266.com, meets 2nd Fridays. of Wichita, 7202 E. 21st St., (316) 684O n e D a y A t A Ti m e , Wi c h it a , Positive Connections, 2044 SW 3481, officemanager@firstuu.net, www. People Respecting Individuality and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings held Fillmore, Topeka, (785) 232-3100, firstuu.net. Diversity in Education (P.R.I.D.E.), Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8pm at First www.pcneks.org MCC, 156 S. Kansas. Lutheran Campus Ministry, 1421 W. Emporia State University, Rochelle Positive Directions, 414 S. Commerce, 19th, Lawrence, lutheran@ku.edu Rowley, Box 4022, 1 Kellogg Circle, PFLAG Hutchinson, PO Box Wichita, (316) 263-2214, (316) 263Emporia 66801, (620) 341-5723 2488, Hutchinson, (620) 899-2345, Metropolitan Community Church rrowley1@emporia.edu 5214, www.pdiks.com pflaghutch@gmail.com of Topeka, 4425 SW 19th, (785) 272Sedgwick County Health Dept., 2716 1442, office@mcctopeka.org, www. PRISM, Pittsburg State University, find PFLAG Lawrence/Topeka, sffeist@ W. Central, Wichita, (316) 660-7300, MCCTopeka.org, services Sundays at them on Facebook. msn.com, www.pflagnekansas.org, www.sedgwickcounty.org 10am. Spectrum KU, University of meets 1st Sundays, 2-4pm. Location South Wind Women's Center, 5107 alternates between Lawrence and Pine Valley Christian Church, 5620 Kansas, Lawrence, (785) 864-3091, E. Kellogg, Wichita, (316) 260-6934, E. 21st St., Wichita, (316) 685-2421, rockchalkcentral.ku.edu/organization/ Topeka. Check website or e-mail for www.southwindwomenscenter.org, location. churchoffice@pvcconline.org, www. SpectrumKU LGBTQIA-friendly health services. pvcconline.org Spectrum: LGBTQ & Allies, The Face of Trans*, www.thefaceof T h e S w e e t E m e r g e n c y F u n d , Prairie Unitarian Universalist Wichita State University, Twitter.com/ trans.com KUSM-W MPA, 1010 N. Kansas, F e l l o w s h i p , 1 8 0 9 E . 3 0 t h , Wsuspectrum, meets Thursdays at 7pm Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center, Wichita, (316) 293-3405 in the Lucas Room (RSC 265). Hutchinson, (620) 663-8002, www. 355 N. Waco, Suite 100, (316) 263prairieuufellowship.org Wichita East High School GSA 0185 office, (316) 263-3002 crisis line Politics/Activism 24/7, advocate@wichitasac.com, www. Riverside Christian Church (Disciples Wichita Heights High School GSA, wichitasac.com, free, confidential sexual E q u a l i t y K a n s a s , w w w . of Christ), 1001 Litchfield, Wichita, nmagoon@usd259.net assault services to all genders and sexual (316) 263-0900, www.riversidedisciples. kansasequalitycoalition.org, chapters orientations. org, services Sundays at 10:30am. across the state. Wichita North High School GSA, 204-5621, kellykk00@yahoo.com, Wichita Transgender Community Ta b l e o f H o p e M e t r o p o l i t a n (316) Flint Hills Human Rights Project, cwidmer@ Network, social group meets the 1st C o m m u n i t y C h u r c h , 1 5 6 S . rhorning@usd259.net, fhhrp@yahoo.com usd259.net, meets every Wednesday at week of each month and the support Kansas, Wichita, (316) 267-1852, lunch in room A213. Kansas Statewide Transgender w w w. m c c w i c h i t a . c o m , w w w. group meets the 3rd Thursday of each Education Project, (785) 215-7436, month at The Center, 800 N. Market, godlovesyouperiod.com, Sunday Wichita Northeast High School GSA, stephanie.mott@k-step.org, www.k- services at 10:15am. at 7pm. l Jbell2@usd259.net step.org, provides transgender education Unitarian Universalist Congregation and resources. Wichita Northwest High School GSA, of Lawrence, 1263 N. 1100 Rd., (785) amcdonald@usd259.net, meets every Peace and Social Justice Center of 842-3339, www.uufl.net, 9:30am Monday after school. South Central Kansas, 1407 N. Topeka,
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. MARCH 2017 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 21
WSU group hopes to increase student social action By Trevor Reichle WICHITA - Given the current political climate, it is easy to imagine how many progressive organizations of all different types are mobilizing and gearing up for the fights they will have to endure in the future. This is especially true of young people, who have become more engaged in local and state politics than they have in quite some time. A s s u c h , t h e Wi c h i t a State University Community Psychology Association (CPA) is hosting an event directed toward students who want to become more involved in local organizations that are aimed at enacting social change in the community. The Social Action Summit will be held Mar. 10 beginning at noon, on WSU’s main campus
in the Rhatigan Student Center. According to the group’s Facebook page, the CPA is “an official recognized student organization at WSU that connects graduate and undergraduate students interested in community research and action.” The group aims to get students more involved in their communities in fields of interest to them. The organizers of the summit are expecting a variety of groups, both non-campus and campus related, to be present with information on how students can get involved. There will also be supplies provided for attendees to create their own social action posters and a potential voter registration booth as well. Political candidates are also welcome to sign up volunteers. l
Witt continued from page 11
speaking – has little impact here in the state,” Witt said, noting the importance of fighting for LGBT rights here in the state first and foremost. “He [President Trump] is unpredictable and dangerous,” Witt said. “But most of it comes down to the state.” Nonetheless, the state has been no stranger to introducing legislation aimed at curtailing LGBT rights. Despite this, Witt pointed out that in over a decade of work, Equality Kansas has lost only twice – first the samesex marriage ban, and second, in 2015, the Campus Religious
Freedom Bill allowing campus groups to remove or prevent students who are LGBT from joining. The organization has chapters all over the state, Witt pointed out. People may become involved by joining their local chapter and subscribing to its mailing list, which includes action alerts. Equality Kansas will also be hosting an upcoming Advocacy Day on Mar. 21 from 9am-3pm at the Kansas State Capital building in Topeka. Find the event on Facebook under EQKS Advocacy Day for more details. l
PAGE 22 | LIBERTY PRESS |MARCH 2017 LesFic continued from page 16
characters into more mainstream genres like paranormal, mystery, cozy fiction, fantasy, drama, romance, and even poetry and non-fiction. I would recommend trying anyone whose book seems interesting. You never know, you may end up finding a new favorite Midwestern lesbian author. Liberty Press: How would you describe your writing style/ genre? KB: The market is saturated with contemporary romance which is my genre. I stand out by writing first person, present tense. I love putting myself inside my character’s thoughts and dreams and telling her story from her point of view. It’s honestly not the preferred writing style by most readers, and trust me, they let me know. But I do love it when a reader Hosted by Jessica Maddox miss gay wichita 2016
reaches out to me to tell me how they never considered reading first person until they read one of my books and loved it. This helps me and future first person, present tense writers. Now, I am writing a book in third person, past tense which is how most books are written. It’s actually not easy for me because I struggle with point of view and forget the rules, but I’m having fun with it. It will take me about five times longer to write it, though, because it’s such a new way to write for me. TW: I write lesbian fiction and right now I enjoy writing intrigue/drama with a touch of romance. I will eventually branch out, but I like to write what I enjoy reading. CL: I’ve just recently put myself out there as an independent author. I am big on crossing genres in my books. I like digging my characters, and
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18+ enter 21 + drink
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
myself, into holes then figuring a creative way out of the hole. (I’m sure someone is going to make fun of me for saying that.) Sometimes solutions come quickly but there are a few I’m still working on. So far all of my main characters have been lesbian but, when viable, I make a point to have a diverse set of characters populate the worlds I create. They just have to work in the story and I have to feel that I can pull them off honestly and accurately. Liberty Press: What’s next for you? KB: Forget Me Not – rel. April 1 Touch – rel. Nov. 1 Dog Day of Summer – short story written in third person for The Girl Next Door Anthology - rel. June 1 Shameless – rel. June 1 – written under the pen name Brit Ryder – my first erotica. I chose a pen name because I want my readers to know it’s me, but it’s a different kind of book. It’s not a sweet romance with love
Happy St. Patrick's Day from your friends at the Liberty Press! Myofascial Release and Massage Therapy
march 25
American American Rose Rose theater theater Presents Presents
a uso burlesque and variety benefit show proceeds benefit midwest battle buddies
scenes – it’s about sex. TW: I just submitted another short story for another Sapphire anthology and I’m waiting to hear back on that one. I also have two stories that I’m working on and hope to have ready at some point. I would like to step outside my box and try something new and that may be down the road. It will be a challenge and I do love a challenge! CL: I’m always writing of course, but my next big project is an epic drama that will be released as a serial called Salvaggio’s Light. It mixes intense drama, comedy, romance and lots of twists and turns and cliffhangers to, hopefully, leave the reader wanting more. The first book in the series is Shattered Paradise. The target publishing date for the first book will be March 2017. Get ready to settle into this epic lesbian drama filled with romance, comedy, lust, danger, thrills, regret, tragedy, suspense, and the power of love. l
Gary Martens & Larry Bunker
120 N Santa Fe in Downtown Salina, KS
for more information and to book an appointment
www.peacefulbodywellnessretreat.com
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. MARCH 2017 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 23
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B R A C K E T
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
C H A L L E N G E
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G R A N D
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