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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!
JUNE 2014
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JUNE 2014
LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!
HOT AIR BALLOONS RETURN! GIANT FERRIS WHEEL!
A Salute to Aviation with
JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS! Coleman Country Concert starring
JERROD NEIMAN!
Wet & Wild Dance Party with
GRANDMASTER FLASH! Closing Day Spectacular and Spirit AeroSystems Rockin' on the River concert with MARKY RAMONE'S BLITZKRIEG! Blues Powerhouse
KELLEY HUNT
Sundown Parade Koch Industries Twilight Pops featuring the Wichita Symphony Orchestra and Music Theatre of Wichita Capitol Federal Fireworks
Scan this QR code to go directly to Wichita Riverfest PointsMap!
Power Pop Band
THE ROMANTICS
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!
JUNE 2014
Experience the BEST MASSAGE in Wichita! 2013 Brad
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Liberty Press
Volume 20, No. 10 • Editor: Kristi Parker • Contributors: Paul Berge, Dave Brousseau, Nolin Christensen, Greg Fox, Anne Hunt, Cassie Lehnherr, Charlene Lichtenstein, Mama, Dr. Robert N. Minor, Stephanie Mott, Kevin Stilley • Staff Reporters: Helen Barnes, Elle Boatman, Brian Hansen, Christy Lyons-Bohrer, Ciara Reid • Contributing Photographers: Kevin Stilley • Cover Design: Troy Dilport • Graphic Designer: Troy Dilport • Distribution Manager: Sandra Hawk • Webmaster: Ren Autrey • Publisher: Liberty Press, LLC National Advertising Representatives: Rivendell Media (212) 242-96863
LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!
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On the Cover:
Paula Poundstone keeps the people laughing Exclusive Interview on Page 34
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The “Liberty Press” and its contents may not be reproduced in any manner, either in whole or in part, without the express written consent of the publisher. All rights reserved. Unsolicited material may not necessarily be acknowledged or returned, is assumed intended for publication unless otherwise stated, and becomes the sole property of the Liberty Press. Letters to the editor and bylined columns reflect the views and opinions of the authors only and are not necessarily those of the Liberty Press, LLC or its staff. The Liberty Press reserves the right to refuse or restrict advertisements at the editor’s discretion. Advertisers and agencies assume liability for claims arising from the content of their ads. Publication of the name, photograph or likeness of any persons, organization or business in articles or advertisements in the Liberty Press in no way indicates or reflects their sexual orientation. First copy free, additional copies may be obtained for a nominal fee from the publisher.
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CONTENTS PROGRESS CONTINUES for the Center........................................................... 7 LADIES NIGHT OUT AT THE FANTASY going strong after 32 years............8 UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS STUDENTS, FACULTY HONORED for LGBTQ and Gender Equity social awareness...................................................12 2ND ANNUAL GAY PRIDE SALINA features festival, dance.......................14 FOUR CORNERS PRIDE to be held in Durango............................................15 MUSIC HEADLINERS ANNOUNCED FOR RIVERFEST A wide variety of musical acts all free with a button..........................................................28 KANSAS' ONLY TRANSGENDER CONFERENCE, TRANSKANSAS, comes to Wichita in July......................................................................................29 OUT OF THE DARKNESS CAMPUS WALK.......................................................29 FLINT HILLS PRIDE WINS BIG at Casino Night...........................................32 JCCC FEATURES FREE Summer movies and World Cup viewing..............37
IN EVERY ISSUE POINTS OF INTEREST................ 10 ONLINE POLL............................. 18 MAMA KNOWS BEST.................. 18 DISTRIBUTION LIST................... 20 COMICS.................................. 21,24 AROUND KANSAS...................... 26 CLASSIFIEDS.............................. 27 OUT IN THE STARS.................... 27
Regulars MINOR DETAILS The Kiss. Oh, the Humanity!.......................................19 BOOKENDS The Lost Women of Lost Lake and Finding the Grain........20 OP/ED Poll results, editorial cartoon......................................................21 LEATHER LIFE Leather Pride..................................................................24 TRANS-FORMATIVE What City in Kansas is Getting LGBT in a Major Way?................................................................................................25 The Liberty Press distributes 3,500 copies a month in cities throughout Kansas, including Dodge City, Derby, Lawrence, Topeka, Wichita, Manhattan, El Dorado, Hays, Kansas City, Pittsburg, Newton and Salina.
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!
JUNE 2014
Saturday, June 28 10am - 4pm Ramada Inn Conference Center 1616 W. Crawford St. Salina, KS
Featuring Heart of America Men’s Chorus and a variety of local entertainers
Sunday Morning Worship Service 11 AM Come Worship with us!
Fun for the Whole Family
Gay Pride Salina
Community Garden “FEED MY SHEEP” FREE COMMUNITY MEAL - 2ND SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH
ALL ARE WELCOME
JUNE 14The Prohibition at The Annual TAP GALA Help Us Rally Against
A Benefit Auction 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM for Positive Connections
Community Information Booths Concessions & Cash Bar Come out to support Dignity, Equal Rights, Social Visibility & Pride Free Admission
The Heart of Kansas
Saturday, June 21st Ramada Inn Ballroom Downtown Topeka Follow us on Facebook and Twitter 420 SE 6th Ave.
Tickets on Sale Now!! Stonewall Pride Dance Ramada Inn 8pm - 12am Call 785-232-3100, go to www.pcneks.org $5 cover charge (18 to enter) Cash Bar (21 to drink)
or go directly to our website with your smart phone
Help Us Rally Against The Prohibition at The Annual TAP GALA A Benefit Auction for Positive Connections Saturday, June 21st Ramada Inn Ballroom Downtown Topeka 420 SE 6th Ave. Tickets on Sale Now!! Call 785-232-3100, go to www.pcneks.org or go directly to our website with your smart phone
JUNE 2014
LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!
Progress continues for The Center
By Nolin Christensen WICHITA - Wichita’s gay and lesbian center, The Center of Wichita, is about to finish up with the remodeling of its new space. The board moved into the space in November 2013 and started remodeling. Although it has taken longer than expected, the board is getting close to finished and hopes to be done
the walls in the media room. The mural depicts four different individuals who are icons of the LGBT community: Ruth Simpson, who was the founder of the first Lesbian Community Center and a published author; Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man elected to political office in the United States; Eleanor Roosevelt, who, while living in the White House, had
From left to right: Ruth Simpson, Harvey Milk, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Billy Tipton.
by mid-June. The Center is located at 800 N. Market. Many of Wichita’s LGBT community groups meet there for monthly gatherings. Once the remodel is complete there will be two different meeting spaces, a full library and a social lounge. Future plans are to build a patio on the west side of the building to host even more events. The new media room is one of the two meeting spaces. This room will have surround sound, an overhead projector and the ability to have both classroom and theater-style seating. The LGBTQIA youth group, Get Connected, continues to meet every week. It is getting ready for a Prom later in June. One of the crowning achievements of the youth group was it worked with the East High School art department to have a mural painted on one of
a continuing relationship with her female lover; and Billy Tipton, a transgender man who was an American jazz musician and big band leader during the 1940’s. (Note: Tipton was born in Oklahoma City and lived in Kansas City). As The Center completes its renovations, if anyone would like to come and help complete the final details and to help clean up, it would be greatly appreciated. Contact Nolin Christensen at his office, Christensen Financial Services (316.522.2880), to schedule a time to stop by and lend a hand. Even an hour would be a great help. The Center is planning a major fundraiser in July and an open house sometime in the near future. Keep an eye out for the July’s Liberty Press for more information on both. l
Support you local gay mag! Own a business? Work for a business? Know a business? Refer them to us. Advertising pays.
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!
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Ladies Night Out at the Fantasy going strong after 32 years By Ciara Reid, staff reporter WICHITA - The event is legendary in Wichita. Since 1981, Kelley Hoffman, coowner of the Fantasy Complex, has produced Ladies Night Out each year. And each year the women come in droves to see performers, dance, and be amongst the ladies. This year, on Saturday, June 7, ladies can expect top-notch entertainment. Hoffman has lined up singer Charline Matheny, sax player Roz Smith, dancer Jazzi Bleu, the burlesque girls from Kansas City, Ladiesman and Co., River Rain, Kelli with her flaming hoops, and “a few other surprises we don’t want to give away,” she says. Additionally, the jail cell will
be available if any ladies feel the need to toss their friends in for a while. If anyone needs to cool off, the pool will be available for a swim. “A group of friends and myself thought it would be fun to do something for girls only,” says Hoffman. The inaugural event was a fundraiser for a woman who had been diagnosed w i t h c a n c e r. Hoffman says they speculated that maybe 30 or 40 women would attend. They were off – by a large margin. “We ended up with Connie McLain, second from left, and Dirty Dorothy, front, along with some performers from 2013's o v e r 4 0 0 ! ” Co-hosts Ladies Night Out. Courtesy photo Hoffman says. In the initial few years of Ladies Night event’s inception. “We have Information: Out, Hoffman says they simply had a wonderful time would have kissing booths, together, and she has grown to be Ladies Night Out t-shirts for sale, and other a most loved and well-respected Saturday, June 7 events to entertain the friend,” Hoffman says. This year, Hoffman says masses. Fantasy Complex O v e r t h e y e a r s , that Connie McLain and Dirty 3201 S. Hillside, Wichita Hoffman says there have Dorothy will co-host the event. Doors open at 8pm been phenomenal performers “Those two are excellent - .Jazzi Bleu, Misty, Ronna, together - very good at playing Mick Laney, Lisa Ligon, off of one another,” she says. that makes it so fun,” she says. Xplicit and Fabulous, just “Plus, they are both crazy - just “You get to see old friends, meet to name a few of the 80- plain crazy!” she adds, but in the new ones, visit with out-of-town customers and network, and, plus performers that have best way, of course. graced the stage at Fantasy The key to the event’s let’s face it--it’s a great way to successful 32 years is quite see a show and maybe snag a for Ladies Night Out. Connie McLain has simple. “I honestly believe it’s new girlfriend,” says Hoffman. been the host since the the variety of women we get l
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!
JUNE 2014
Heartland Men’s Chorus presents Vegas, Baby KANSAS CITY - Take a trip to the Vegas Strip, with the Rat Pack, Liberace and even a showgirl or two as the Heartland Men’s Chorus presents Vegas, Baby. From the vintage Vegas sounds of Frank Sinatra and Wayne Newton, to current Vegas headliners like Celine and Bette, attendees will hit the jackpot with this musical spectacular. Featuring special guests, aerial acrobatics troupe Quixotic, the show runs June 13-14 at 8pm and June 15 at 4pm at the Folly Theater, 300 W. 12th St. in Kansas City. Tickets run from $15–$40 at hmckc.org or 816-931-3338. Come enjoy as the chorus busts out the glitter, sequins and feathers for its most audacious concert ever.
The Orpheum presents summer film offerings WICHITA – This year’s summer film series at the Orpheum is the Summer of Sparrow, featuring
Victor and Penny will appear with their Loose Change Orchestra
each movie in Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise, in order, at 7pm on Monday nights starting July 7. Based on the Disney theme park ride of the same name, the
Pirates of the Caribbean movies follow the adventures of Captain Jack Sparrow. Additionally, theatre officials are thrilled to bring back the popular Grease: Sing-A-Long for one night only, at 7pm on Friday, June 27. Audience members are encouraged to come dressed in 50s garb, ready to sing along to this classic movie-musical’s hits. Tickets to all summer films are $5 at the door, $4 for students, seniors and military. The schedule is as follows: June 27 – Grease: Sing-A-Long July 7 – Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl J u l y 1 4 – Pi r a t es o f t h e
Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest J u l y 2 8 – Pir a tes o f th e Caribbean: At World’s End Aug. 4 – Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
JCCC set for free summer concerts By Anne Hunt OVERLAND PARK — Johnson County Community College kicks off its Light Up the Lawn summer concert series on Friday, June 13, with a free concert by Victor and Penny and their continued on page 27
12th Annual
JUNE 2014
LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!
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FLINT HILLS
RIDE P 12th Annual Flint Hills Pride
Combining All Colors
June 13-15, 2014 Milford Lake, Kansas Facebook.com/FHPride
Combining All Colors
June 13 -15, 2014
Join us at Farnum Creek at Milford Lake for free camping, fun, and unity!
Friday: Set up and registration
Pot luck supper hosted by the Junction City Teddy Bears.Please bring a salad, side or dessert to share. Evening Bitchy Bingo!
Saturday: Biscuits and Gravy breakfast
hosted by the JCTBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Feel free to bring juice, fruit, etc to share. Free coffee!
Games, fun music and friendship all day! Ice and water available on site. Evening Karaoke
You must register for a parking pass upon arrival.
FREE cAMPing!
Bring your tents or RV for free camping all weekend long! Be sure to bring your lawn chairs, and coolers.
No one under 21 can spend the night, unless accompanied by a responsible adult. No under age drinking! No illegal drugs! No weapons of any kind! No exceptions! Violators will be asked to leave immediately!
Remember your sunscreen and Happy Pride!
Directions to Farnum Creek: Take I-70 to Exit 295, Turn North on U.S. 77. Travel 10.9 miles and look for the signs! Flint Hills Pride, Inc., itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s officers and members are not responsible for accidents or any other liability. Participate at your own risk.
Funded by a grant from the Geary County CVB.
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!
JUNE 2014
University of Kansas students, faculty honored for LGBTQ and Gender Equity social awareness
By Ciara Reid LAWRENCE - The Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) at the University of Kansas honored a group comprised of students, faculty, and staff at the 2014 OMA Social Justice Awards on April 24. Nominations were accepted through mid-April in the categories of LGBTQ Ally, Gender Equity, Step Up, Outstanding Advocate, and Excellence in Academia. The awards were given to community members who were doing positive work to create a more inclusive and equitable community. Precious Porras, OMA’s associate director, and Bulaong Ramiz, program assistant, created and implemented these recognitions. Porras says they looked for people with strong commitments to the communities and/or people who were thinking outside of the box. “We had some great nominees for each category, but we were looking for the people who go above and beyond,” she says. Porras says that students, faculty, and staff could nominate others or themselves for the awards. Each nominee answered a set of questions about their thoughts and experiences with social justice issues. A committee reviewed each application and selected the winners. “This is the first year we’ve had the awards,” Porras said. “We realized there are amazing people doing amazing work on
campus and we wanted to honor them.” In choosing the categories, Porras says they reviewed who their campus partners were and what groups were doing similar work. They picked categories based on those ideals. The criteria for the Gender Equity Award included working towards breaking barriers in creating a more equitable community; challenging gender norms and roles in their everyday life; and using inclusive language and experience as a means of connecting with others and their
you are male on those days you need to wear spandex shorts or pants when you lift and a loose t-shirt, if you are female you wear basketball shorts and a t-shirt that you have cut the sleeves off of (in reality we let people dress as they want).” Lane says that soon after, they had a group of more than 10 people joining them, lifting weights in spandex. “The looks we got were priceless,” he says. Most importantly, everyone gained important perspective on the issues of gender equity. Lane says that issues like gender
Mike Lane, a member of the KU Strength Club, accepted the award for Gender Equity for starting gender equality Fridays. communities. Mike Lane, a member of the University of Kansas Strength Club, accepted the award for Gender Equity. “I was a bit surprised and proud to receive the award,” he says. Lane and his friends train together at the student rec center. The group would help educate people on how to perform certain exercises properly. Because Lane was frequently at the rec center, he understood and saw firsthand the gender disparities that exist in the weight room and elsewhere. Lane and his friends decided to bring these differences to everyone’s attention – in a fun way. “We started doing gender equality Fridays,” he says. “If
equity are constantly evolving - hopefully for the better – and that everyone can affect change in a positive way. “You just have to look for ways to make a difference,” he says. The criteria for the LGBTQ Ally Award included contributions to campus awareness about LGBTQ issues through programming, teaching, or research/writing; taking action to help improve the university climate for the LGBTQ community; and providing support to LGBTQ organizations on campus. Jenny McKee, health educator and grant coordinator for Student Health Services at the Health Education Resource Office, received the LGBTQ
Ally award. McKee has been working on several LGBTQ initiatives. She works as a Safe Zone participant and facilitator, and also works with the Gender Neutral Restroom Task Force to provide educational experiments at Watkins Memorial Health Center. Another initiative McKee is passionate about is to provide multiple options to identify a students’ sex when they visit the health center. For a student who is in transition, it is a brave step to see a provider and explain where they are in their transition or explain their gender. “With the old system, a student’s gender would revert back to whatever was written on their application when they were admitted to KU,” she explains. “The next time they came in, they would have to go through the same process again – how frustrating! The creation of these extra fields allows us to not force our students into uncomfortable situations regarding basic human needs – their health.” Additionally, she serves as an adjunct faculty member at the Health Sport and Exercise Science Department, where she teaches a course on human sexuality. “Sometimes simply introducing someone to another person can make their ‘differences’ less different because they see so many other similarities between them and the person bravely standing in front of them,” she says. l
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!
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Join in the Midwestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Most Fabulous Film Festival
Thursday, June 12
Thursday, June 19
Three Weeks of Film Premieres & More
Tuesday, June 26
Saturday, June 28
See the Complete Schedule and Watch Previews www.OutHereNow.com
Saturday, June 28
Saturday, June 28
Look for Special Offers on our Facebook Page Facebook.com/KCLGBTFilmFestival Tuesday, July 1
and @OutHereNowKC on Twitter
Come Celebrate 15 Y ears of Illu minating Diversity
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!
JUNE 2014
2nd annual Gay Pride Salina features festival, dance
By Christy Lyons-Bohrer SALINA - On Saturday, June 28, plan to be in Salina, Kansas at the Ramada Inn Conference Center for a day of fun, food, family and festival supporting Salina’s growing Gay Pride scene. A project of Equality Kansas of North Central, Salina’s 2nd annual Gay Pride event will feature an all-day festival followed by the Stonewall Pride Dance. From 10am-4pm all ages are welcome to attend the free Gay Pride Salina Festival. There will be information booths for churches, non-profits, and other community-minded organizations both local and statewide. At the Equality Kansas of North Central’s booth festivalgoers can buy a Salina Gay Pride t-shirt with this year’s winning design on it. There will also be a children’s booth with activities planned throughout the
day. The festival will showcase a variety of local and regional entertainers including folk music, dancers, drag queens and kings, and featured entertainment from Wichita’s Heart of America Men’s Chorus. The event will conclude with the Stonewall Pride Dance from 8pm-12am. The dance will be 18 to enter, 21 to drink and admission is $5. With an overwhelmingly positive response from the community after last year’s firstever pride event in Salina, this year’s goal is to promote selfaffirmation, dignity, equal rights, and social visibility within the city. Throughout the month of June, check out the Gay Pride Salina Facebook page at www. facebook.com/GayPrideSalina for information on two pre-pride activities, a picnic and a movie night, that are being finalized. l
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!
Four Corners Pride to be held in Durango DURANGO, CO – In its fifth year, the Four Corners Pride Festival will be held on Wednesday, June 18-Sunday, June 22. The annual Family and Friends Pride Picnic will be held on Saturday, June 21 from 11am5pm in Rotary Park, Durango. The Festival planning committee, a project of 4cGLAD, is excited to be featuring lots of local talent from performers to musicians to cooks. This year’s Rainbow Ally Sponsor is The Rochester Hotel and Leland House, located in Durango; the annual Family and Friends Picnic will feature this year’s keynote speaker, City of Durango Mayor Sweetie Marbury.
“Taking the time to celebrate life with friends and loved ones is a human need, and I am especially happy that the Four Corners LGBTQ community is continuing the Pride tradition this year. Thank you to everyone who continues to lend support to its realization,” said Barbara Balaguer, Four Corners Pride Festival committee member and 4cGLAD Board Chair. “The annual Pride Festival helps to raise awareness about issues of relevance to both the LGBTQ community and the communityat-large.” For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit 4cGLAD online at 4cglad. org. l
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 23, 2014
Find more information @ our website www.woolfks.com GO, CO – In it’s fifth year, with June designated as Pride month Or @:around the world, the ners Pride Festival planning committee facebook.com/Wichta of 4cGLAD is pleased to announce that the 2014 ners Pride Festival will be held on Wednesday, June 18 through Sunday, June 22, 2014. OrganizationOfLeather al Family and Friends Pride Picnic will be held on Saturday, June 21st from 11:00 am Fetishes n Rotary Park, Durango. With both the number ofAnd events that showcase venues around @ Twitter:
FIFTH ANNUAL PRIDE FESTIVAL TO BE HELD IN DURANGO
attendance at the annual Pride Festival continuing to grow, 4cGLAD is excited to be and featuring lots ofWICHITA local talent from performers to musicians ORGANZATION OF LEATHER FETISHES to cooks. Presents
o announce that year’s Sponsor is The Rochester Thethis Twisted 12thRainbow AnniversaryAlly of WOOLF and 2014 Leather Camp X Hotel and Leland cated in Durango, CO, the Four Corners Pride Festival brings together LGBTQ people NOTICE: Leather Camp has a new date!! ht allies during its annual celebration and calendar of festival events. Helping to raise s and understanding of rural LGBTQ identities and create a stronger sense of > > > October 31st thru November 2nd < < < ty in general in the Four Corners Region, the annual Family and Friends Picnic will is year’s keynote speaker, City of Durango PresentersMayor Sweetie Marbury.
• Okie Nawa from Missouri • Master Trent he time to celebrate life with friends and loved ones is a human need, and I am happy that the Four Corners LGBTQ Community is continuing the Pride tradition this • Slave Kelly from Colorado • Master ToTall from Missouri nk you to everyone who continues to lend support to its realization,” said Barbara • Sarah Beth from Texas Four Corners Pride Festival Committee Member and 4cGLAD Board Chair. “The ide Festival helps to raise awareness about issues of relevance to both the LGBTQ Save the date and plan to come get twisted with us! ty and the community-at-large,” shared Balaguer.
information and a complete schedule of events, please visit 4cGLAD online at lad.org.
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Liberty 6.14.qxp_Layout 1 5/12/14 2:27 PM Page 1 PAGE 18 LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!
JUNE 2014
Join Us in Worship... ALL are Welcome!
SUNDAY SERVICE • 10:15 AM WITH FELLOWSHIP FOLLOWING THE SERVICE ™
Experience the Revolution with Us on Sundays
JUNK-FOR-JESUS D
RUMMAGE SALE June 20th 7 am-6 pm at
OUR FANTASY COMPLEX PARKING LOT
3201 S. Hillside If you have items you would like to donate please contact the church office at: 316.267.1852 Proceeds to benefit: First Metropolitan Community Church
FIRST MCC OF KANSAS
GOD LOVES YOU.
PERIOD Experience the Revolution™
METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH
Rev. Jackie Carter, M.Div.
156 S. Kansas • Wichita, KS 67211 • (316) 267-1852 www.MCCWichita.com or www.GodLovesYouPeriod.com Office Hours: M-F 9-12 And by Appointment
ear Mama, What do you think of Gov. Brownback signing the bill passed about teachers losing their tenure and just his policies in general? Concerned Teacher I think he is being an idiot and chicken. He has no idea what he is doing. He’s not the brightest bulb in the lamp. He needs to change his name to Brokeback. He is making our state broke and screwing us from behind. Politicians should be called bullsh*tters! I think Vinton could do a better job and he’s not bright at all. Mama, I recently went to Worlds of Fun with a good friend and felt like they took advantage of us. They charged full price and not all the shops or rides were open. The food prices are out of this world. What would you do? Not a fun time at all Well, I realize it is not prime season for the park, but to pay full price and not get all the amenities they offer is just crap. I would complain and write a letter. They will always jack you on food prices and merchandise. It sounds like we should start a petition to call it Worlds of Disappointment! Next time just put a quarter in the vibrating bed at the hotel. It would be cheaper fun! What do you think of the situation with Beyonce’s sister
attacking her husband? Not signed I say grow the hell up. You got fame, money, and are looked up to. But again celebrities are people too. I cannot judge; Eunice and Ellen get into catfights at family gatherings too! I say we should just mind our own damn business. But always be aware of your surroundings (cameras). Nowadays you can’t buy hemorrhoid medicine without being caught on the internet. Social media is a pain in the butt! Mama, Have you ever noticed at some stores or department stores when you buy an item the receipt they give you is so long it looks like you bought lots of things? Annoyed I have noticed this. I guess those places of business don’t care about trees or our environment. Why the heck would we need such a long receipt? It’s just a waste of money. Hmmm. I wonder if the same people running those businesses run our government as well. Neither of them knows how to save or conserve just waste and spend money on raises for their fat asses! Thank you Wichita for your continued support. Have a great summer! l Have a question for Mama? E-mail MamaTHarper@aol.com or friend Thelma Harper on Facebook.
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Minor
Details By Bob Minor
The Kiss. Oh, the Humanity!
T
he first openly gay player drafted into the NFL, Michael Sam, kissed his boyfriend, Vito Cammisano, a swimmer for the University of Missouri from 2009-2012, right there for the world to see on TV. And, yes, that meant America would watch a black man kissing a white man, to top it all off. The couple wasn’t trying to rub it in. They knew they were on TV, and knew there’d be a reaction for sure. They weren’t naïve. But, anyone watching could see that they were expressing human emotions of relief at the conclusion of a series of events that ended happily for two people who love each other. They weren’t in any closet. From that moment on, people all over were talking about “the kiss.” Though some, gay or straight, who are annoyed by public displays of affection expressed discomfort, the media actually invaded what was a private residence. Reporters seeking ratings and sensation were tantalizing viewers to stay tuned. Emotions are emotions, common to all human beings who allow themselves to feel what’s really going on inside. And what turned out to be a muchtalked-about event expressed really first and foremost basic, understandable, common, human - not exclusively gay emotions. Think of what transpired. There was the multi-day buildup of tension in the room. The issue was whether the NFL would even draft an AllAmerican who should have been picked in the top 20 according to analysts like Fox News’ Bob Beckel.
Beckel’s co-host on The Five, Eric Bolling, would later pontificate snidely that Sam was picked because he was the first openly gay player; “I don’t think he would have been drafted if he had not been.” “Everybody who passed him by, the owners and general managers, were afraid of a gay person on their team,” Beckel countered, comparing Sam to Jackie Robinson. “And I would say, ‘a pox on your houses.’” When the hopeful phone call finally came on the third day of the draft telling Sam that the St. Louis Rams had chosen him as the 249th pick in the seventh and final round, what person in touch with their own emotional spectrum couldn’t relate to the tears of happiness, relief, and celebration of a man who finally knew that he would be allowed to begin living his dream? The emotion in the moment wasn’t checked. It was raw, leading to the supportive and joyful kiss between two young people who stood together sharing an important moment in their life as a couple. What’s wrong with those who don’t see that through their prejudices? At a press conference later with a swarm of media, Rams’ general manager Les Snead was all class. “All of us in the draft room,” he said, sitting next to Sam, “were aware of the magnitude of the decision; knew it would be a pivot in history…. What’s nice about that, is there’s going to be a timeline here: Michael is the first. “Somewhere in the future,
Sam will be judged as the representative of all gay men in sports. Those who criticize him now will be thinking that every career mistake and misstep has to do with his sexual orientation. It’s the privilege of those in any dominant group to blame the whole non-dominant group for an individual’s mistakes and flaws but never do the same when those in their own group screwup royally. An unfathomable amount of pressure is on Sam just as it was for the first member of any from a minority to play in any sport. Instead, it’s to identify with a team that is willing openly to fight the crowd and face any fears about what others will think. Almost every family of an LGBT person knows that they too must go through a coming out process to friends continued on page 27
guess what? He’s just going to be a name...that a kid in middle school has got to memorize. We won’t think it’s anything special because it will be normal.” Rams coach Jeff Fisher agreed: “Michael’s value as a football player was off the charts. We got the historical part. But that’s not why we did it.” Fisher even had his former player and gay activist, Wade Davis, speak with the returning Rams players and front office personnel about Sam. I grew up in Wisconsin, so the Green Bay Packers are in my DNA. But this is enough to make one a St. Louis Rams fan. And it’s not to buy into what so many might be expecting – Michael
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!
By Cassie Lehnherr
or the first review of the summer, I had a difficult time choosing which books I wanted to avoid the heat with. I’ve been in need of something thought-provoking and exciting so I first chose The Lost Women of Lost Lake (Bywater, $12.95) by Ellen Hart. In this 18th installment of her Jane Lawless mysteries, Lambda Literary and Minnesota Book Award-winning author
Ellen Hart proves that a longrunning series doesn’t have to become dull and slow-paced. In fact, the saga can become more enthralling and action-packed than ever. Jane Lawless is a restaurateur by day, private investigator by night. She, along with her everpresent sidekick Cordelia Thorn, steps in to help their ailing friend. Tessa and her partner Jill run the storied Thunderhook Lodge on Lost Lake. Tessa, suffering from a broken ankle, is particularly on edge. Lawless uncovers that it isn’t only Tessa’s ankle keeping her awake at night, but the presence of a pesky journalist, who has unveiled a photograph of two fugitive radicals on the run for the murder of a police officer in the 1960s - in which Jane discovers Tessa and several others have some secrets buried deep. She and Cordelia have to keep the lodge afloat, while solving the cold case and protecting their friends along the
way. With descriptive scenery and compelling characters, Hart has created another dynamic entry in a series that shows no signs of dying out. She has also heightened the popular opinion in the world of lesbian mystery that she should be at the forefront of mainstream mystery and in libraries and on Kindles everywhere. Finding the Grain (Bywater, $14.95) was a complete jump from the above read but no less entertaining. In this work of fiction by Wynn Malone, the reader is looking through the eyes and into the heart and mind of Augusta “Blue” Riley, for a period of 20 years. In her last year of high school, a deadly tornado rips through the Riley family’s Alabama farm, killing Blue’s mother and father. Facing an uncertain future, Blue starts veterinarian school at the University of North Carolina. With the support of her aunt Julie, Blue is an exemplary
JUNE 2014
student and seems on the right track to recovery from tragedy. That is until Grace Lancaster enters her life. Grace, a sorority girl from an affluent family, and Blue fall madly in love during a series of tense study sessions. Grace, not “out” to her family or sorority sisters, is Blue’s whole being and existence until Grace abruptly announces that the trip to Germany her father arranged for her was actually a year long, instead of a summer trip. continued on page 26
Distribution Sites Derby
Derby High GSA
Dodge City
Compass Behavioral Health
El Dorado
Pathways Psychological Services Mokas
Manhattan
Hays Kansas City
Hamburger Mary’s, LIKEME Lighthouse
Lawrence
Grocers, NetworQ, Pizza Shuttle, Queers & Allies office, The Raven Bookstore, Rudy’s Pizzeria, South Wind Health Collective, The Vapor's Edge E-Cig Shop, Wheat State Pizza, Wheatfield’s Bakery, Wilde’s Chateau 24, Yello Sub, Z’s Divine Espresso
Ad Astra Acupuncture, Aimee’s Coffeehouse, Bourgeois Pig, Bzar Salon, Community Mercantile, Douglas County AIDS Project, Dusty Bookshelf, Ecumenical Campus Ministries, Einstein Bros. Bagel, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, Henry’s, Java Break, KU’s Dean of Students office, KU’s Multicultural Resource Center, La Prima Tazza, Lawrence Public Library, Love Garden Sounds, Lutheran Campus Ministry, Milton’s Cafe, The Mirth Café, Natural
Pittsburg
Pitt State GSA
Salina
Mokas, Mokas South, Salina Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Saline County Health Dept.
Topeka
The Bluestem Bistro, The Chef Café, Dusty Bookshelf, First Congregational Church, Flint Hills Human Right Project meetings, Grace's Asian Fusion Cafe, K-State LGBT Resource Center, K-State Student Union, K-State Women's Clinic, On the Wild Side, People’s Grocery, Queer-Straight Alliance meetings, Radina’s Bakery & Café (three locations), Rockstar and Rodgers (two locations), Sisters of Sound Music, Strecker-Nelson Gallery, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Manhattan, Varsity Donuts
The Break Room, Classic Bean (two locations), Field of Greens, Flowers by Bill, Lazio’s Coffee Bar, Metropolitan Community Church of Topeka, Positive Connections, PT’s Coffee Roasting Co., The Razor’s Edge, Reece Nichols Real Estate, Skivvies, Three Flowers Metaphysical, Topeka/ Shawnee County Public Library, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Topeka, The Upstage Gallery, Washburn Mabee Library, Washburn Union, YWCA
Newton
Adult Superstore, After Dark South, The Anchor, Artichoke Sandwich Bar, Barnes & Noble, The Bean Scene, Book-A-Holic (W. 21st & West St.
The Leaf Tea Lounge
Wichita
locations), Bungalow 26, The Center, Circle Cinema, City Arts, College Hill United Methodist Church, Cow & Sow Deli, Crazy J’s Furniture & Sleep Shop, Cut Loose, The Donut Whole, Earthwise Pet Supply, Fisch Haus, First Metropolitan Community Church, First Unitarian Universalist Church, Harris & Co. Frame Shop, Heights High GSA, Hunter Health Clinic, J’s Lounge, Jim Starkey Music Center, A Journey in the Light, Kirby’s, KU Internal Medicine Midtown, Mead’s Corner, Moe’s Sub Shop, The Monarch, Our Fantasy Complex, Patricia’s, Pine Valley Christian Church, Planet Hair, Planned Parenthood, Positive Directions, Rain Café & Lounge, Reverie Coffee Roasters, Spice Merchant, The Store, Twist Yarn Shop, Vagabond Coffeeshop, Vegas Video, Watermark Books, Wichita Community Theatre, Wichita Public Library - downtown branch, WSU - That Gay Group meetings, Xcitement Video, Ziggy's Pizza
Would you like to see your business or organization on this list? It’s free! Contact Kristi at editor@libertypress.net to arrange for delivery of complimentary copies.
JUNE 2014
LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!
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. We want to hear from you! Visit www.libertypress.net to answer our Readers Poll. Send your letters and feedback to editor@libertypress.net.
Online Readers Poll
Results! Do you identify as Christian? No 18%
I used to 36%
Yes 45%
"There was a time I was Christian. Then it was called Christian to lock me away, leave me psychologically scarred from nocturnal psychological programming, subjected to electroshock therapy, be stripped of my home."
Get ready for summer here!! Disc golf, hacky sacks, hero sacks and more for fun in the sun!
(785) 776-2252
1128 Moro Manhattan, KS 66502 11am-6:30pm M-F â&#x20AC;˘ 11am-6pm Sat.
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!
JUNE 2014
JUNE 2014
LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!
Leather Life
JUNE 2014
By Nolin Christensen aka Master C
S Healthy Pets for Happy Lives Daniel Thompson, D.V.M. Cindy Payne-Robertson, D.V.M. Lori Mitchell, D.V.M., C.C.R.P. Kelly Martin, D.V.M.
Mon. - Fri. 7:30 AM - 6 PM Saturday 8 AM - 12 PM
(316) 744-0501
www.ctahvets.com
A Journey In The Light Ministries Living, Reaching, Teaching, Preaching the Word of God in Unity
Pastor Danny L. Medell
A full gospel ministry that still teaches Christ, Him crucified and the message of the cross.
2231 S Bluff Wichita, KS 67218 Pastor’s Phone: (316) 925-1102 www.journeyinthelightministries.com
We are a church that accepts everyone regardless of their race, color, social status, sexual orientation, where they are or where they have been in life.
Bible Study for all ages Sunday at 10 am Praise and Worship Service Sunday at 11 am
Leather Pride
ince this is Pride month, I would like to comment on Leather Pride and the participation of the leather community at Stonewall. Leather Pride is the pride of who we are, what we wear, who we play with and the life we live. The pride of who we are is because many of us realized early on in our youth that not only were we different because of the fact we were gay, but we were also different in the types of play that excite us. Because of this difference we realized that we did not fit the mold for the straight community and we did not exactly fit into the gay community either. We realized that Leather folks walk to the beat of a different drummer. Because of the concept, this is what inspired the Drummer magazine and the Mr. Drummer contest circuit. The Drummer magazine came into print in 1975 and ran until 1999 and the Mr. Drummer contest ran from 1981 to 1999 when it morphed in the current International Leather Sir/boy contest. Pride in what we wear. I love leather, have ever since I was a child growing up on a
cattle ranch and farm. We had leather and every so often my father would salt down a cow hide to have tanned. I loved the smell of that leather when it came back, freshly tanned leather. AAHHH. And I loved the smell of sweat against the leather. Love leather, love the way it feels, love the way is smells. Even now, I still have my childhood chaps. Pride in who we play with. I’m proud of my leather partners I’ve had over the years. My leather Daddys and Sirs and now my leather boys. I love to have hot man sex dressed in my leathers, to get all sweaty and have that mixture of leather and sweat. It takes me back (and it gets me VERY excited!!). Pride in the life we live. I’m proud to have two partners. I’m proud to be an out Leatherman. I’m proud to live in a 24/7 leather relationship. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. The only thing I would do different is to have started everything 10 years earlier! So what about leather at Stonewall? Well there are two major events that occurred within a year of each other. One was the founding of the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) in Los Angeles in October 1968. The other was the Stonewall riots which occurred June 28, 1969 at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village in New York City. MCC was founded by a L e a t h e r m a n , R e v. Tr o y Perry and the Stonewall riots included Leathermen, who were in the bar at the time the police raided the establishment. These two events began the modern gay rights era that we all know today. And we Leatherman have been right there all along marching to the beat of a different drum. l
JUNE 2014
What City in Kansas is Getting LGBT in a Major Way?
W
hat city in Kansas has passed three LGBT inclusive ordinances in the last eight months, put on a nationally recognized Transgender Day of Remembrance event, has a church that declared support for marriage equality, is getting ready to have a Pride Prom, and is planning a Pride Parade and Picnic for September? Did you guess the hometown of Westboro Baptist Church? Did you think we are talking about Topeka, Kansas? If you did, you are right. Topeka, Kansas is getting LGBT in a major way. It all started last September when the Topeka City Council passed an ordinance proposed by Equality Kansas and sponsored by Councilman Chad Manspeaker expanding the scope of the mission of the Topeka Human Relations Commission (HRC). The Topeka HRC’s purpose is limited to educational programs which “support efforts to eliminate prejudice.” This ordinance added sexual orientation and gender identity to the classes for which the HRC was empowered to support such efforts. In other words, the ordinance said that it was okay for the Human Relations Commission to help educate about prejudice against LGBT citizens. Given the limited nature of the changes brought to the HRC, it was sad to realize that Councilwoman Sylvia Ortiz and Councilwoman Elaine Swartz both voted against the ordinance. They voted in favor of prejudice. Fortunately, the other six present council members voted in favor of the ordinance and against
LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!
prejudice, and the ordinance passed. On Nov. 20, Equality Kansas teamed up with the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Topeka (UUFT) and Equality House to hold a Transgender Day of Remembrance event. Equality House was re-painted in the colors of the transgender flag. Some 30 people braved the cold, damp, night air to remember the transgender people who lost their lives in the previous year due to pointless, hateful violence. Last month, the UUFT came out of the proverbial closet to announce support for marriage equality, an amazing step forward for all human beings that was announced in an article in the May issue of Liberty Press. On May 20, members of UUFT, Equality House, and Equality Kansas (and others) shared our truths and struggles as the Equality Package - aka Topeka Civil Rights Ordinance of 2014 - was passed by a 5-3 margin by Topeka’s City Council. The Equality Package, which is actually two ordinances, has been in the works for several months as a collaboration between Equality Kansas of Topeka and Topeka City Councilman Chad Manspeaker. These ordinances are steps toward the day when we can see an end to legalized discrimination against LGBT citizens of Topeka. The first ordinance establishes a domestic partnership registry in the City of Topeka. The second ordinance adds gender identity to the protected classes in the City of Topeka employment policy. In addition, this ordinance empowers the Topeka City Manager to contract for health care benefits for City
of Topeka employees in samesex relationships. These are small steps, but they are steps. In an extremely emotional two hours of debate, the haters came out and did what haters do. Hate was prominently on display. But the thing about hate is that it looks like hate. Five members of the Topeka City Council were clearly able to see it for what it was. Our thanks go out to Chad Manspeaker, who championed these ordinances in the Topeka City Council, as well as Nathan Schmidt, Karen Hiller, Michelle De La Isla, and Denise Everhart for recognizing that being an LGBT person does not make you less of a person. We are solidly on the road to a new tomorrow. Speaking of a new tomorrow, on June 7, Interweave Topeka will be hosting a Pride Prom at UUFT (4775 SW 21 st St), 6-10pm. It is open to LGBT people and allies. Tickets are $10 per person, $15 per couple. There will be a dinner, photos and a DJ. Interweave is promoting activities in the Topeka area to establish a stronger community base. We hold monthly LGBT movie nights and are looking forward to starting family
Page 25
events this summer. Our goal is to provide a safe space and also have events of interest in Topeka so that people who are LGBT or allies don’t have to leave Topeka to find something interesting to do. In other exciting news, Equality Kansas of Topeka, UUFT, and Central Congregational Church of Topeka, are teaming up to host a Topeka Pride Parade and Picnic on Saturday, Sept. 6. The location has not yet been determined but we are planning a parade, food, music, drag performers, and some amazing speakers. What city in Kansas has passed three LGBT inclusive ordinances in the last eight months, put on a nationally recognized TDOR event, has a church that declared support for marriage equality, is getting ready to have a Pride Prom, and is planning a Pride Parade and Picnic for September? That would be Topeka. l 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.
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!
Student groups Derby High School GSA, kljacobs@ usd260.com, tkellenbarger@usd260. com F re e S t a t e H i g h S c h o o l G S A , Lawrence, sponsors: Hilary Morton hmorton@usd497.org, and Kim Grinnell kgrinnell@usd497.org KU Queers & Allies, University of Kansas, Lawrence, (785) 864-3091, qanda@ku.edu, www.ku.edu/~qanda
Community Centers The Center, 800 N. Market, Wichita Kansas State University LGBT Resource Center, 207 A/B Holton Hall, Manhattan, (785) 532-5299, www.kstate-edu/lgbt
Health Douglas County AIDS Project, 346 Maine, Suite 160, Lawrence, (785) 8430040, www.douglascountyaidsproject. org HIV/AIDS Client Emergency Fund administrered by the Junction City Teddy Bears, c/o Kevin Stilley, 2 Oak Valley Dr., Manhattan, (785) 556-8188, trlrhouseman@webtv.net, for people in the Manhattan/Junction City area Hunter Health Clinic, 2318 E. Central, Wichita, (316) 262-3611, FREE HIV confidential or anonymous testing with Spanish and Vietnamese interpreters. KU Internal Medicine-Midtown, KU School of Medicine, 1001 N. Minneapolis, Wichita, (316) 293-1840, (877) 472-8227 toll-free, (316) 293-2652 HIV Program LGBT Health Coalition of Sedgwick County, Wichita, (316) 285-0007, www. sedgwickcountylgbt.org Positive Connections, 1001 SW Garfield Ave, third floor, Topeka, (785) 232-3100, www.pcneks.org Positive Directions, 414 S. Commerce, Wichita, (316) 263-2214, (316) 2635214, www.pdiks.com Sedgwick County Health Dept., 2716 W. Central, Wichita, (316) 660-7300, www.sedgwickcounty.org The Sweet Emergency Fund, KUSM-W MPA, 1010 N. Kansas, Wichita, (316) 293-3405
Politics/Activism Kansas Equality Coalition, www. kansasequalitycoalition.org, chapters across the state. Kansas Statewide Transgender Education Project, (785) 215-7436, stephanie.mott@k-step.org, www.kstep.org, provides transgender education and resources. Peace and Social Justice Center of South Central Kansas, 1407 N. Topeka, Wichita, (316) 263-5886, director@ wichitapeace.org, www.wichitapeace. org Wichita Pride, info@wichitapride. org, www.wichitapride.org, annual celebration held in September.
Lawrence High School GSA, sponsors: Shannon Draper SDraper@usd497.org, and Lindsay Buck LBuck@usd497.org Manhattan High School GSA, mhs_ gsa@hotmail.com Pitt State GSA, Pittsburg State University, pittstategaystraightalliance@ gmail.com That Gay Group!, Wichita State U n i v e r s i t y, ( 3 1 6 ) 9 7 8 - 7 0 1 0 , thatgaygroup@gmail.com, www. wichita.edu/tgg Wichita North High School GSA, (316) 204-5621, kellykk00@yahoo.com Wichita Northwest High School GSA, amcdonald@usd259.net Wichita Southeast High School GSA, (316) 807-2271, psychsteve2@yahoo. com
Social Freethinking Parents Group, Are you raising kids without religion? You're not alone. Freethinking Parents meet 2-4pm, third Sundays at Botanica, Wichita. Info: www.facebook.com/ groups/586131888148529/ Heart of America Men’s Chorus, Wichita, (316) 708-4837, www.hoamc. org Junction City Teddy Bears, c/o Kevin Stilley, 2 Oak Valley Dr., Manhattan, (785) 556-8188, trlrhouseman@webtv. net NetworQ, Lawrence, KansasNetworQ@ yahoo.com, www.KansasNetworQ.org, meets at Maceli’s, 1031 New Hampshire Wichita Bears, presidentwichitabears@ yahoo.com, www.wichitabears.org Wichita Organization of Leather Fetishes, (316) 201-6242, www. woolfks.com Wichita Prime Timers, ICTPrimeTimers@aol.com, www. primetimersww.com/Wichita, social group for mature gay men.
Spiritual A Journey In The Light Ministries, 2231 S. Bluff (St. Christopher ’s Episcopal Chapel), Wichita, Sunday Praise and Worship services at 11am. College Hill United Methodist Church, 2930 E. 1st, Wichita, (316) 683-4643, www.collegehillumc.org, Sunday Celebrations at 8:30, 9:40 and 11:00am. First Congregational United Church of Christ, 700 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan, (785) 537-7006, www.uccmanhattan. org, Sunday services at 10:45am; Taize services Thursday at 7pm, An Open and Affirming Congregation.
First Metropolitan Community Church of Kansas, 156 S. Kansas, Wichita, (316) 267-1852, www.mccwichita.com, www.godlovesyouperiod.com, Sunday services at 10:15am. First Unitarian Universalist Church of Wichita, 7202 E. 21st St., (316) 6843481, officemanager@firstuu.net, www. firstuu.net. Kalpa Bhadra Kadampa Buddhist Center, 721 W. 13th St., Wichita, (316) 263-1533, info@meditateinkansas.org, www.meditateinkansas.org Lutheran Campus Ministry, 1421 W. 19th, Lawrence, lutheran@ku.edu Metropolitan Community Church of Topeka, 4425 SW 19th, (785) 2721442, office@mcctopeka.org, www. MCCTopeka.org, services Sundays at 10am. Pine Valley Christian Church, 5620 E. 21st St., Wichita, (316) 685-2421, churchoffice@pvcconline.org, www. pvcconline.org Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Manhattan, 481 Zeandale Road, (785) 537-2349, www.uufm.net, services Sundays at 10:45am. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Topeka, 4775 SW 21st St., (785) 2729233, www.uuft.org, services Sundays at 10:30am.
Support Central Plains Area Agency on Aging, 2622 W. Central Suite 500, Wichita, (316) 660-5120, www.cpaaa.org, CPAAA is available to assist seniors, caregivers, and adults with disabilities through life’s transitions and with various levels of support. COMCARE Crisis Intervention Services, 934 N. Water, Wichita, (316) 660-7500 free 24/7, www. sedgwickcounty.org Flint Hills PFLAG, Manhattan, (785) 340-2815, meets on the 1st Saturday, 10am-noon, call for location.
JUNE 2014 Get Connected, Wichita, (316) 4913778, LGBTQIA youth group for ages 12-21. Meets at The Center, 1602 E. Waterman, every Friday from 7-9pm. Headquarters Counseling Center, Lawrence, (785) 841-2345 free 24/7, www.hqcc.lawrence.ks.us HIV+ Men’s Support Group, Wichita, (316) 293-3405, mmadecky@kumc.edu O n e D a y A t A Ti m e , Wi c h it a , Alcoholics Anonymous meetings held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8pm at First MCC, 156 S. Kansas. PFLAG Hutchinson, PO Box 2488, Hutchinson, (620) 899-2345, pflaghutch@gmail.com PFLAG Lawrence/Topeka, (785) 235-3831, sffeist@msn.com, www. pflagnekansas.org, meets 1st Sundays, 2-4pm at MCC of Topeka, 4425 SW 19th. PFLAG Wichita, info@ictpflag.org, www.facebook.com/WichitaPFLAG, meets 2nd Thursdays, 6:30-8pm at College Hill United Methodist, 2930 E. 1st. Transgender Resource and Awareness Network (TRAN), www.thefaceoftrans. com, provides resources, information, and news regarding transgender issues in Wichita. TransYouth of Kansas, Topeka, tyks@ cox.net, www.tyks.org, providing support for transgender youth and their families. Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center, 355 N. Waco, Suite 100, (316) 2630185 office, (316) 263-3002 crisis line 24/7, advocate@wichitasac.com, www. wichitasac.com, free, confidential sexual assault services to all genders and sexual orientations. Medical & legal advocacy, support groups, adult & child crisis counseling, educational programs. Wichita Transgender Coalition, wichitatranscoalition@gmail.com, wichitatrans.webs.com/. l
Around Kansas listings are free to non-profit/volunteerbased groups. Send your additions or corrections to editor@libertypress.net. Bookends continued from page 20
A devastated Blue, haunted by the ghost of Grace, leaves college and hits the road, a nomad of sorts, working job to job and jumping from woman to woman. She eventually lands back on a farm owned by newfound mentors and friends, Preacher and Mary. Preacher and Blue bond over hobbies such as wood carving and Blue eventually owns her own shop. She is home again and at peace for the first time in many
years, until the return of Grace Lancaster, who is now married (to a man) with two grown children. Finding the Grain was a very entertaining read and an interesting look at class relations and views on homosexuality from the late 1970s to today by an impressive newcomer in Wynn Malone. A well-to-do “straight” girl and a lesbian farm girl certainly could never truly and openly be together. Or could they? l
Win tickets to Paula Poundstone at www.libertypress.net!
JUNE 2014
Products & Services Massage Time! Male-to-male massage, 8am-8pm, open 7 days. No appointment necessary. (316) 204-0111.
tinyurl.com/herscopes Charlene Lichtenstein’s ground-breaking astrology book HerScopes: A Guide To Astrology For Lesbians is celebrating its 10th anniversary! The secrets that are revealed about each sign continue to amaze. Makes a great gift. Classifieds are available for $5 for the first 15 words. E-mail editor@libertypress.net for other options, and pricing.
LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; HAPPY PRIDE MONTH! Minor continued from page 19
and neighbors by facing their fears of how others will react. It’s also to have empathy for the emotions of the young couple we saw celebrating who will find their relationship strained by the pressures of celebrity added to everything else in the day-to-day living of any couple’s life. I wish them tons of luck. There are few couples who can last through all that and find even the level of support that heterosexual couples get from every institution of our society. Even with all the support for those couples, they still flounder. So, I’m hoping these young people can make it together. I know theoretically and academically why there are people who cannot appreciate human emotions that surround love when the lovers don’t fit their definition of who should love whom. But I still can’t fathom in my heart why common emotions don’t break through their prejudices.
J
I know that the cause of the critics’ deficiencies is found in the realm of emotions such as fear, disgust, and hate, not in the realm of rationality. These constitute the personal depths few human beings are willing to plumb. But in a world filled with hate, in a society based on fear, I’m convinced that we need to celebrate love wherever it is even just attempted. And I believe we should celebrate it no matter how ineloquently it’s tried. If there’s anything with which we should all be able to identify, it’s the common foibles of our own human attempts to love as we’ve plowed through our own lives, attempts that we today would not describe as anything like eloquent. l 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; and Gay & Healthy in a Sick Society. Contact him at www. FairnessProject.org.
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Loose Change Orchestra. Also appearing will be Kyle Reid and the Low Swingin’ Chariots. The concert series takes place at 8pm on the front lawn of the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art. Lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets without alcohol are welcome. No tickets are required. With a fiery ukulele, a redhot jazz guitar and tight vocal harmonies, Victor & Penny put the swing, the jump, the stomp and the roll in prohibition-era jazz and clever original tunes. Victor & Penny are Jeff Freling of Blue Man Group, Chicago, and Erin McGrane, of the cabaret troupe Alacartoona. The opening band, Kyle Reid and the Low Swingin’ Chariots, brings a joyful revelry of original swing tunes as well as classic New Orleans, gypsy jazz and Western swing tunes. Also scheduled is the Kelley Hunt Band on Friday, Aug. 22. For more information, call 913-469-4445. l
une is busting out all over with a rash of retrograde planets from Mercury, Saturn, Neptune and Pluto. Our thoughts, dreams and personal power can be misunderstood and misdirected. Which way is up? Better not ask right now.
ARIES (MAR. 21 - APRIL 20) If you are looking to get a leg up on the competition in your job, why not wait until your actions produce carefully targeted results? Gay Rams may hit a professional wall or be led astray by a false rumor. Why not enjoy the summer with a relaxing vacation or a bunch of leisure activities? It is much nicer to lounge at the beach than sip stale coffee in an office lounge. TAURUS (APRIL 21 - MAY 21) If you have been carefully planning a vacation, be sure to get some second opinions before you book. Queer Bulls are like bulls in a china shop and could find themselves with a huge bill or sitting among a mess of problems. Plan diversions closer to home or, better still, let pals decide the festivities. June in Scranton? How nice . . .
LEO (JULY 24 - AUG. 23) SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 - DEC. 22) There is too much going on behind the There are no get-rich-quick schemes that scenes at work for you to make too will work now, gay Archer. So just forget much sense of it. Suffice to say that it is about that. In fact, quick ideas and rash better that you keep your observations actions may cause you to lose more than and opinions to yourself while the you expect. Better to go off and enjoy the situation evolves. But proud Lions can sometimes get convivial company of friends in some low-cost dive. too concerned about how they are perceived. Don’t be Build your life with rich experiences through June. Go goaded into making a bad move. Don’t bite or ever over the top extravagant later in the summer. roar. Just wait . . . CAPRICORN (DEC. 23 - JAN. 20) VIRGO (AUG. 24 - SEPT. 23) You have an urge to get out in front of There might be fun in the sun for others the crowd this June. But are you too this June, but queer Virgos can better much of a good thing? It depends on spend their time plotting their great how much attention you feel you need. escape. You may be more focused on Pink Caps feel the urge to wow and be making money which can then be used for a grandly front and center, but it may be more advantageous for expensive jaunt. There is nothing wrong with that. In you to hold back in the shadows and see what happens fact a great escape might give you an added advantage to others first. There is plenty of time for you to take a - greater perspective and world view. So get going. bow . . . or even two.
GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21) Pink Twins are as hot as any June day. So what will you do about it? Secret admirers are planning something fun, but your invitation may get lost in spam. Keep your options open, party within your means and be open to a romantic surprise or two at work. But act on your lusty emotions later this summer lest you scorch the landscape with your personal fire. Ouch!
LIBRA (SEPT. 24 - OCT. 23) Your home life may be in a bit of an upheaval this June. Have you taken on too many home-based repair or renovation projects? Are pesky relatives making too many demands on you? Whatever is causing you extra stress, resolve to handle it by simplifying your life. Prioritize, proud Libra. Not everything or everyone deserves to be #1 . . . except you.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 - FEB. 19) If your intuition goes into overdrive, take a moment to chill out and meditate this June. There may be too much going on behind the scenes for you to make much sense of it. Aqueerians are happiest when everything is clear, honest and above board. But don’t be naive. When in doubt, take everything with a grain of salt. And add a dollop of sugar to it.
CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 23) SCORPIO (OCT. 24 - NOV. 22) PISCES (FEB. 20 - MAR. 20) Rocky relationships may turn even rockier You have been contemplating some great Guppies may misunderstand compadres. Try this June so be prepared for anything. In things recently. But now, even a small not to become overly involved in any friendly fact you might push things a little too idea can grow quickly, morph into action enterprise. It may wind up taking much more far with a less-than-well-chosen word and get out of control. So if you are in the time and effort than you expect. You may also to partners. Don’t be goaded to bite, as planning stages of anything important, have too many social commitments at one time. Instead of much as you are tempted to do so. Instead, try to keep it low level and quiet until later in the over-scheduling, try to pull back and relax with a special put out your energies at home with some yet to be done summer. Queer Scorps are strategists at heart. Keep an you-know-who. Get to know them even better. spring cleaning projects. It is never too late in the season eye on the long view; be conservative in any next steps. to get caught up. (c) 2014 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: A Guide to Astrology For Lesbians is the best in tongue-in-cheek astrology. Order now at tinyurl.com/Herscopes.
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Music headliners announced for Riverfest A wide variety of musical acts all free with a button
Grandmaster Flash will DJ the Wet & Wild Neon Dance Party on Wednesday, Jun 4.
WICHITA – Riverfest 2014’s concert headliners are an array of national stars and diverse talents festivalgoers can enjoy for just the price of a Riverfest button. On Sunday, June 1, a day-long Salute to Aviation will culminate with rock legends Joan Jett and The Blackhearts. Jett and her band were launched to major stardom when her cover of I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll hit number one on the charts in 1982. Crimson and Clover, I Hate Myself for Loving You, Do You Wanna Touch Me, and Bad Reputation are just a few of her most popular hits. She has three albums that are certified Platinum or Gold. Hip-hop pioneer Grandmaster Flash will DJ the Wet & Wild Neon Dance Party on Wednesday, June 4. This multi-generational dance party will feature a variety of water elements to beat the heat and stars the front man of the Furious Five, who topped the charts with The Message in 1982 and brought hip-hop to the mainstream.
7, the Spirit AeroSystems Rockin’ On the River concert brings Marky Ramone’s Blitzkrieg to rock downtown Wichita with their criticallyacclaimed roadshow tribute to America’s punk heroes, The Ramones. Austin-based blues/funk soul act Black Joe Lewis will open the show. A closing night extravaganza worthy of Riverfest 2014’s theme, “Hoopla in Doo-Dah!,” will feature a laser light show and the March Forth Marching Band from Portland, Ore. A number of local and regional acts will also perform at Riverfest 2014, including O’Phil, Vagabond Swing, Carrie Nation & The Speakeasy, DJ Carbon, Green River Ordinance,
Kelley Hunt will bring her special brand of R&B-laced blues – and her Wichita CDrelease party – to the Thursday, June 5, Cajun festivities on Kennedy Plaza. An Kelley Hunt brings her R&B-laced blues to the accomplished guitarist, piano Thursday, June 5 Cajun festivities. player, vocalist and songwriter, Hunt was born in Kansas City and has a dedicated following throughout the U.S. and Europe. A Red Dirt Country concert will kick it out on the WaterWalk Pavilion stage that night. On June 6, The Indie Showcase on Kennedy Plaza will feature The Mowgli’s and Wild Child. On the WaterWalk stage, 80s power pop group The Romantics will perform their string of chart-toppers, including Talking in Your Sleep, One in a Million and What I Like About You. Saturday night, June On the WaterWalk stage, 80s pop group The Romantics will perform. World interfaith concerts on Honkey Suckle, Timmy Jonas Monday, June 2; a classic country & The Whiskey Militia, Soleb concert and a Throwback Day Theory, Japanese Game Show, concert on Tuesday, June 3 are Peculiar Pretzlemen, Nouveau planned with performers to be Quintette, Choro Cats and announced. many others. In addition to the Admission to all Riverfest Kennedy Plaza and WaterWalk concerts is free with a Riverfest Pavilion stages, the Century button. Adult buttons are $5, and II Food Court stage and Star children’s buttons (available Lumber Floating stage at while supplies last for kids ages A. Price Woodard Park will 6-12) are $3. Riverfest buttons be activated throughout the are available at major button retailers Dillons, QuikTrip, festival. Gospel Fest and Golden AAA. l
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Kansas’ only transgender conference, TransKansas, comes to Wichita in July
WICHITA - The second annual TransKansas Conference, put on by the Kansas Statewide Transgender Education Project (K-STEP), will be held July 11-13 at College Hill United Methodist Church in east Wichita. Last year, the inaugural conference was held in September at the Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center in Lawrence and featured workshops on a variety of trans-related topics ranging from legal and family issues to navigating the dating scene. The conference also featured informational tables from local
organizations and a photo shoot by the face of trans*, a local transgender awareness project. The second conference promises to build on that experience, making this year’s conference one not to miss. Confirmed workshop presenters include Thomas Witt, executive director and lobbyist for Equality Kansas, and Elle Boatman, founder and creative director of the face of trans*. There will also be a panel discussion focused on the experiences of trans-identified students in Kansas led by WSU assistant professor Jennifer Pearson. Additional workshops are
Out of the Darkness Campus Walk May 10, 2014
being planned focusing on creating safer communities, transgender healthcare, dating, coming out, employment, documents, trans spirituality, t r a n s p e r s o n s o f c o l o r, genderqueer, being a trans ally, and many more. But the workshops are only part of the experience! K-STEP will be presenting a trans art show featuring local transidentified artists including Adam O’Brien from Manhattan and Kurt Alyxandir-Kyler and Taylor Miller of Wichita. the face of trans* will be hosting a photo shoot (rescheduled from June 7) for conference attendees as well. Also, dedicated gathering spaces will be available for trans men, trans women, non-binary persons, and trans youth as well as spaces for family members and allies. Box lunches will be offered for Friday and Saturday from Panera for $10 each. Orders must be placed no later than July 9 at 5pm to ensure that a lunch is ordered. Snacks and pop/water will also be available. Admission is $10 for the entire conference, $5 for students or College Hill United Methodist Church members. The church is located at 2930 E. 1st St. Additional information
WICHITA - The organizers of the 2014 Out of the Darkness Campus Walk had set a goal of $4,000 and brought in over $13,000 with over 200 people in attendance. The proceeds go to The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention of Sedgwick County’s efforts and a new program being sponsored by WSU Counseling and Testing Center. The new program will be an early-detection system for college students with depression.
will be posted at the TransKansas website, www.transkansas. com, as it becomes available. Questions and suggestions can be sent to ltranskansas@gmail. com. lCISmagnet.eps 1 10/18/2011 2:23:51 PM
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Flint Hills Pride wins big at Casino Night
Kevin Stilley finally wins a tiara. Courtesy Photo
JUNCTION CITY - Flint Hills Pride’s annual Casino Night fundraiser was an unprecedented success. The combined efforts of the Flint Hills LGBT community came together for a fun night of games, prizes and friendship. Participants were given $3,500 in “casino bucks” with their admission. They could buy more if needed at the rate of $1,000 casino bucks for a dollar. Casino bucks were used to play Texas Hold ‘Em, Blackjack, and roulette. Throughout the evening, prizes were auctioned off for either casino bucks or cash. Prizes were donated by Ron Martel, Chris Pahls, Darci Bohnenblust, Joleen Hickman, Kevin Stilley, Mark Beatty, Quan Vanity Monster, Tyler and Jason, Frontier Spirits and Purdy
Detailing. The dealers were recognizing his support of the Robert Grant at Texas Hold ‘Em Flint Hills LGBT community and an unidentified woman who over the past several years. volunteered for Blackjack. Mark “Kevin has been here for this community for more Beatty ran the roulette table. Ron Martel conducted the than 10 years,” Beatty said, auction, with Chris Pahls and “participating in nearly all Robert Grant displaying the events, and he has never won a items. Kevin Stilley acted as tiara.” Stilley expressed his clerk. Everyone who participated gratitude to Beatty and the and spent hard-earned dollars Xcalibur Club family for the made the event a huge success. honor. l $860 was raised, a new Casino Night record! Flint HIlls Pride 2014, “Combining All Colors” will be held June 13-15 at Acorn Resorts near the Farnum Creek area at Milford Lake. See the ad in this issue of Liberty Press. At the end of the night, Mark Beatty presented Kevin Stilley aka Allie Monet with a crown, Auction items were donated and bid on with casino bucks.
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Darden Smith JUNE 5
ULRICH MUSEUM 2014 SUMMER MUSIC SERIES at WSU FREE ADMISSION | ULRICH.WICHITA.EDU | (316) 978-3664
The Cherokee Maidens AUGUST 7 © Randy Bradbury
© Jaime Green
40 1974 – 2014
Ellis Paul JULY 10
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Paula Poundstone keeps the people laughing | By Ciara Reid WICHITA - When I called Paula Poundstone on a weekday evening in April, she was 20 minutes
away from walking her dogs and picking up her son from rugby practice. Sounds pretty normal, right? While her weekdays are pretty low-key, it’s her weekends that differ from most Americans. If you happen to be in just the right city, you may find Poundstone at a comedy club near you, sharing her view of the world that is both insightful and hilarious. You may also find yourself answering a slew of questions about your chosen occupation. Poundstone loves talking to her audiences, and it’s been a staple of her stand-up. “I’m lucky. I get to take all my frustrations of the week and share them with my audiences,” says Poundstone. When she starts conversations with the audience, she never knows what she’ll get. “Biographies often emerge,” she says. So after 35 years of stand-up, how much has changed in the world of comedy? Not a whole lot, actually, Poundstone says. The travel, for instance, is always “a bit raggedy,” she says. One change is apparent though: Poundstone has jumped right into the world of Twitter. Those who follow her (@paulapoundstone) can get daily humor such as “I know there are lots of reasons I could never be President, but the main one is what the weather in Washington, D.C. does to my hair.” Poundstone’s latest comedy album I Heart Jokes: Paula Tells Them in Boston was recorded live at the Wilbur Theater in Boston. For those who haven’t seen Poundstone live, this album is a must. And don’t worry that you’ll be hearing the same jokes. Poundstone says she never has a set plan for what she talks about with her audiences. Every show is truly original. “I might know some things of what I plan on talking about, but a third of any given night, it’s never been said before, will never be said again.” While she rarely gets the chance to explore the cities she performs in, Poundstone’s memory is as sharp as ever. When I shared that I had seen her live at Sanford’s Comedy Club in Kansas City – a show that was more than 10 years ago – she immediately recalled their fresh bread uniquely baked in flower pots. When she’s not touring the country doing stand-up, Poundstone is in the throes of writing a book – very slowly, she adds. “I’m not a writer for a living, and I don’t have designated writing time in my schedule,” she says. Poundstone is also a panelist on the beloved NPR radio show, Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me, a gig she may not have considered had it not been for her nanny mentioning her love for the show. “I love doing Wait Wait,” says Poundstone. The NPR show called her 15 years ago, and she’s been doing it ever since. If she hadn’t found a career in comedy, Poundstone muses that she may be managing a restaurant now. “I was a good table busser,” she says. She began doing stand-up in Boston in 1979. Soon she was touring the country, popping in on open-mic nights in various cities. More than three decades later, she’s still touring the country, making people laugh, and loving it. “I am the luckiest person in the world,” Poundstone says. Paula will be at the Orpheum Theater in Wichita on June 28 and at the Midland Theatre in Kansas City on Sept. 19. Tickets range from $32.50-$37.50 and are available at selectaseat. com for the Wichita show and AXS.com for the KC show. Both the Wichita and Kansas City shows begin at 8pm. Visit Poundstone’s official site for a list of current tour dates: www. paulapoundstone.com/tour/. l
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!
Music Theatre of Wichita is
JUN
11-15
JUN
25-29
JUN 9-13
JUL
23-27
AUG 6-10
Tickets and Gift Certificates On Sale Now! Call 316.265.3107 or visit MTWichita.org
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JCCC features free summer movies and World Cup viewing
By Anne Hunt OVERLAND PARK â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The Performing Arts Series of Johnson County Community College will bring free classic movies and the 2014 FIFA World Cup games to the big screen in Yardley Hall of the Carlsen Center this summer. The movies, classic musicals and comedies, will be shown at 7pm Wednesdays, June 4 to July 2. Here is the schedule: June 4 - The Wizard of Oz June 11 - Little Shop of Horrors June 25 - Dr. Strangelove July 2 - The Pink Panther New this summer, soccer fans can watch all the action on the big screen as the U.S. soccer team competes in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Here are the times: 5pm, June 16 - U.S. vs. Ghana
2pm, June 22 - U.S. vs. Portugal 11am, June 26 - U.S. vs. Germany These events are open to the public. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. No tickets or reservations are required. For more information, call the college box office at 913469-4445. l
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