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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. SPECIAL LGBT PRIDE EDITION
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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. SPECIAL LGBT PRIDE EDITION
Liberty Press
Volume 21, No. 10 • Editor: Kristi Parker • Contributors: Nolin Christensen, Greg Fox, Jordan Hawk, Charlene Lichtenstein, Mama, Dr. Robert N. Minor, Stephanie Mott, Nicole Nesmith, Ben Rivers, Tom Witt • Staff Reporters: Grayson Barnes, Blake Hampton, Ciara Reid • Cover Design: Troy Dilport • Graphic Designer: Troy Dilport • Webmaster: Ren Autrey • Publisher: Liberty Press, LLC • Printer: Valley Offset Printing National Advertising: Rivendell Media, (212) 242-96863
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Inside: POINTS OF INTEREST................12 MAMA KNOWS BEST..................20 LEATHER LIFE...........................21 BOOKENDS................................22 MINOR DETAILS........................24 KYLE'S BED & BREAKFAST........26 TRANS-FORMATIVE...................27 DISTRIBUTION SITES.................27 AROUND KANSAS......................28 OUT IN THE STARS....................29 BRIDGES....................................29 Free Wedding Giveaway................6 LGBT Day at the K........................10 Kansas Pride................................25
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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. SPECIAL LGBT PRIDE EDITION
Local businesses join to provide free LGBT wedding/reception
WICHITA - When Liberty Press editor Kristi Parker first heard the idea, she was sold. “I thought an LGBT Wedding Giveaway in Wichita would be so fun!” Parker said. “The Liberty Press hasn’t done something like this before. Most of our contests and giveaways have been for tickets to events, so I thought our readers would be really excited.” Parker was first approached with the idea of giving away an LGBT wedding/reception through the Liberty Press b a c k i n F e b r u a r y. L o c a l developer and co-owner of Bokeh Development, Michael Ramsey, dreamed up the idea and immediately offered his downtown event venue as a reception space. Located at 1st Street and Market in downtown Wichita, Candela is on the first floor of The Lux, which also features
luxury apartments and retail space. Built in 1954, the building has unique features and midcentury modern architecture. “Candela speaks to a time when design and function were celebrated, embodying style and class,” Ramsey said. “As such, I thought Candela would be the perfect wedding/reception space for a unique couple.” Along with Ramsey, other local business owners were excited for the opportunity to support what may be Wichita’s first wedding giveaway of its sort. Shay Chic Events & Design will be providing professional wedding planning services; Larkspur Bistro & Bar will be providing complimentary catering services and/or a significant discount on food costs; Images by Kelsy will be providing photography coverage; Sound Advice
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Candela is located on the first floor of The Lux at 1st and Market streets in downtown Wichita. Courtesy photo
Premiere Entertainment Services will be providing DJ entertainment; Monica’s Bundt Cake will provide a complimentary sheet cake and/ or discount on a full wedding cake; and Espresso To Go Go
will provide complimentary coffee beverages for the wedding party the morning of the event. Although the various vendors have years of experience continued on page 13
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Positive Connections, formerly Topeka AIDS Project, marks 30 years with annual TAP Gala
By Nicole Nesmith, Medical Case Manager, Positive Connections TO P E K A - I t ’s d i ff i c u l t to find a word to use for Positive Connections’ 30-year anniversary. We don’t want to “celebrate” because we wish the need for our services wasn’t still here. I suppose “commemorate” is as good a word as any. This
allows us to remember how it was, recognize how it is now, and look forward to how we hope it will be in the future, all while recognizing the impact that Positive Connections has had on the lives of those we have touched over the years. In 1985, a group of community members in Topeka got together to sit with and
support Toby Scanlon, the first person identified as “dying from AIDS” in our community. From this group of volunteers, Topeka AIDS Project was formed. From assisting people through the dying process to helping people stay connected to care and live successfully with HIV, Positive Connections has been there to provide that unique support that only a community-based AIDS service organization can. Over the years, our services have changed dramatically and in 2011 our name changed as well, primarily to better reflect the work we are now doing and to recognize the fact that not only do we serve Topeka, but also a total of 17 counties in northeast Kansas. In addition to providing medical case management we also provide HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis C testing, as well as education to individuals and groups in our community, which in 2014 expanded to include Manhattan and surrounding areas. This year what has become our biggest fundraiser, the annual TAP Gala, will take us back to our roots. A night of transformation to 1985 will include a dinner, drinks, a multitude of games, and a live and silent auction. We will even be having a “Best 80’s Dressed
Contest” and will provide a V-Jay who will not only play your favorite 80’s songs, but also your favorite 80’s videos for a small donation. Who can resist the opportunity to go back and play Pac-Man? Or dress up like a member of Duran Duran? Who can resist bidding on silent or live auction items, including art, trips and even a heating/cooling system for your home? There are a lot of possibilities for the evening that we are still in the process of confirming, but one thing I can guarantee: “Back to the Gala” will provide an evening of fun and surprises and the perfect opportunity to commemorate 30 years of service, honor those we’ve lost, encourage those who are living with HIV/AIDS, and continue to raise awareness and reduce the stigma that is still found in our community. T h e A n n u a l TA P G a l a is a major undertaking and supplements grant funds that do not fully cover the cost of services. This year it will take place on Saturday, June 27 at 6pm at the Ramada Inn Downtown. Tickets are $60 in advance, $65 at the door. A table for eight is $400. Tickets can be purchased by mail, telephone or through our website at www. pcneks.org. l
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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. SPECIAL LGBT PRIDE EDITION
Forever Proud, Forever Royal – LGBT Day at the ‘K’
By Ciara Reid, staff reporter
KANSAS CITY - Mark your calendars for July 22 and get ready to head to the ballpark: “Out with the Royals: Forever Proud, Forever Royal,” an event organized on Facebook by Scott Switzer, will bring together almost 1,000 people at Kauffman Stadium, where the Kansas City Royals will take on the Pittsburgh Pirates. This is the inaugural year of this event, though Switzer says he and his friends organized a “Gay Day at the K” event a few years ago, but on a much smaller scale. “Several years ago we did a ‘Gay Day at the K’ and had about 10 of us go to watch a game,” he says. At the time of this writing, 884 people have been confirmed to attend the game via the LGBT Facebook page. “We are really excited about this year with the amount of people going and the response
from the community,” he says. Aside from the Facebook page, Switzer says they are advertising the event at various bars and sharing the event with other large organizations. Switzer plays in the Heart of America Softball League, a LGBT softball league in Kansas City. His team, the KC Hitmen, planned to attend a Royals game as a team outing. He recently read an article about the Oakland A’s holding a pride night at their stadium, and it gave him an idea. He reached out to friends Chad Slater and Randy (Scooby) Junior, to help plan the event. Switzer contacted the Royals about the event, and he has received nothing but support from the organization. “I reached out to the Royals about doing an LGBT group outing and they were on board,” he says. “Unfortunately, it was too late to do a fully scheduled night because they do their scheduling
in January.” Switzer says the Royals assigned a section to sell seats and even reserved parking for our group. “I really am very pleased with how open they have
JUNE 2015
been,” he says. A tailgate is planned prior to the game, and will take place in Lot N. Switzer says they have also organized a park and ride option for the event. For $25, attendees have the option to park at Missie B’s, Bistro 303, Hamburger Mary’s, or Sidekicks. Busses will be scheduled to take people to the game. The $25 includes two drinks on the bus. Food will also be available at the tailgate event. After the game, Switzer says that each of the bars will be hosting an after party. For those who plan to find their own way to the stadium, the tailgate food will be available for $12. “We tried to make this as valuable as possible and really believe it’s a great deal,” Switzer says. The prices for the bus ride and the tailgate food will go up on June 30 ($30 for the bus option/tailgate option, and $15 for just the tailgate option), so be sure to get your continued on page 13
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Singers Summer Osborne and Sarah McCracken to perform in Wichita WICHITA - Summer Osborne and Sarah McCracken’s Left Coast Tour of Epic MindBlowing Awesomeness is making its way to Kansas. The two singer/songwriters will be performing on June 3 at First MCC, 156 S. Kansas in Wichita at 7:30pm. Doors open at 7pm for refreshments. Wine, beer, tea and water will be served. People are asked to bring non-perishable food items for FMCC’s food pantry. A “love” offering will be collected for the performers. Summer Osborne is an award-winning American singer-songwriter who entertains audiences throughout the U.S. and Canada with her magical brand of melodic and lyrically potent genre-jumping performances. She masterfully amalgamates the human condition, spirituality, truth, love and healing. When Osborne’s kaleidoscope of music is infused with her charismatic stage presence and naturally humorous personality, every show leaves the listener wanting more.
Summer Osborne’s only goal: to change the world by changing people’s minds about themselves. www.SummerOsborne.com. Sarah McCracken uses quirky metaphors, humor, and empathy toward the human condition to create songs via raw thoughts, offering a different perspective on everyday life, and often containing a social message. If you are paying attention, you will get it. If not, you’ll still want to learn the words because she is a wordsmith. Sarah McCracken’s only goal: Find the one person in the room who “gets it,” make eye contact, and know that her world IS real. www.ReverbNation. com/SarahMcCracken Together, they paint a magical tapestry of what it is to be a being of light in an earth suit. And more importantly, how to enjoy it. All the way from St. Louis, their intention is to give you an experience.
WSU Theatre’s first feature film, After Midnight, wins award WICHITA - Wichita State University Theatre program’s
first full-length feature film, After Midnight, won second place for Best Film Crew/Student Feature at the Bare Bones International Independent Film and Music Festival, which took place April 10-18 in Muskogee, OK. After Midnight can be viewed on the WSU Theatre YouTube channel: goo.gl/901SUr. The film follows Chase, a film student, and a group of his friends as they search their college campus for a copy of a famous silent movie – Lon Chaney’s London After Midnight. When they find a connection to a film society that used to show films on campus, the friends track the old film to a storage vault, where they’re apprehended by police and all turn on Chase. In searching for the lost film, the filmmakers instead uncover a traitor in their midst and solve an old murder. With sponsorship from Performing Arts Angels – a support group that raises money to provide opportunities for students in the School of Performing Arts – several theater students were able to attend the festival and were present for the film showing and discussion that followed. After Midnight was written and directed by WSU Director of Theatre Bret Jones and features theater and musical theater students as well as alumni Robert Thomas, Kyle Dilley, Ashley Parton, Trevor Comstock, Hannah See, J. Bailey Burcham and Caleb Coffman, with casting by alumna Claire Gerig.
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WSU audio theater, Sidekicks the Musical, featured at HEAR Now festival WICHITA - Stagestruck Audio Theatre, a radio show put on by Wichita State University’s Theatre program, will be featured at the National Audio Theatre’s HEAR Now festival this summer, represented by a selection chosen from a number of national entries. Stagestruck Audio Theatre was started by WSU Director of Theatre Bret Jones in 2011. It produces radio show programs from adventure to detective noir. The selection chosen for the festival was Sidekicks the Musical, featuring the vocal talents of Jones and students Kyle Dilley, Ashley Parton, Robert Thomas, Krista Nelson and Adriana Somerville. The National Audio Theatre event, HEAR Now: The Audio Fiction and Arts Festival, is the equivalent of a film festival for contemporary audio storytelling in all its forms, including live and scripted solo performances; multi-voiced performances; classic radio dramas; experimental narratives and more. The four-day festival showcases sound art storytelling in theaters and other ‘listening’ venues. It takes place June 11-14 in Kansas City, MO. To h e a r S i d e k i c k s t h e Musical and other Stagestruck Audio Theatre shows, go to stagestruckaudiotheatre. podomatic.com. l
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Royals continued from page 10
More information: To get up-to-date information on this event, visit the ‘Out With The Royals: Forever Proud, Forever Royal’ Facebook page.
Tickets Tickets are also available at www.royals.com/outatthek and range between $18-20, plus fees.
tickets. Switzer says a majority of the proceeds will go towards the AIDS Service Foundation of Kansas City. Switzer wants to see the event become a tradition. “We definitely want this to be an annual event,” he says. “Chad, Randy and I have been working very hard on making this year
a huge success so people will want to come back and do it again.” The response to the event so far has been gratifying. “We are all thrilled with the response that we have received and cannot wait to show Kauffman stadium how much our community supports the Royals Organization.” l
Wedding Giveaway continued from page 6
Sign-up to Win!
providing wedding services to a variety of couples—including LGBT couples—many are motivated to participate in the LGBT Wedding Giveaway to send a message. “I’ve actually had LGBT couples ask me up front if I’m comfortable photographing their wedding,” said Kelsy Gossett, owner of Images by Kelsy. “I assure each couple I work with that I’m excited and honored to be a part of their special day.” “My goal is for each couple to feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible throughout the planning process,” said Shannon Boone, owner of Shay Chic Events & Design. “This should be one of the happiest times in a couple’s life. It’s my job to take the stresses of wedding planning out of their hands so they can enjoy their big day.” The couple chosen for the LGBT Wedding Giveaway will have their wedding/reception on the evening of Saturday, Aug. 29
Win the wedding of your dreams! Register at
www.libertypress.net by June 30. at Candela, utilizing the various participating vendors’ services. Couples in the Wichita area who are interested in entering for a chance to win the LGBT Wedding Giveaway may visit www.libertypress.net and submit their information by Tuesday, June 30. The winning couple will be selected and contacted by Friday, July 10, as well as announced via social media and the August issue of the Liberty Press. “We encourage as many who can to enter,” said Ramsey. “This is an awesome opportunity for a deserving couple and we can’t wait to help make their wedding dreams come true.” l
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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. We want to hear from you! Visit www.libertypress.net to answer our Readers Poll. Send your letters and feedback to editor@libertypress.net.
GUEST EDITORIAL Marriage Equality: Coming Soon to a State Near You
allies can get away with it. His administration has ordered the DMV not to process name changes on driver’s licenses. His administration has ordered the Department of Revenue not to accept income tax filings from same-sex couples. His administration has ordered that there be no access to health insurance for spouses and their children. We may marry in 61 Kansas
By Tom Witt, Executive Director Equality Kansas
M
arriage equality is coming. For some in Kansas, it’s already here. As of this writing, 61 of our 105 counties are granting marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Our most populous counties are among the 61, making marriage equality (almost) a reality for 2.4 million of Kansas’ 2.9 million citizens. I say “almost” a reality because, sadly, the State of Kansas under Sam Brownback is determined to treat us as second-class citizens for as long as Brownback and his
continued on page 15
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The Kansas GayHawk: A Youth Perspective Laverne Cox opens minds at WSU
T
his past April the glorious Laverne Cox graced us with her presence by visiting Wichita State University and giving a majestic and respectable speech regarding her experiences and the wisdom she has gained from them. Initially, I expected to eventually succumb to boredom as I often do when it comes to attending speaking events; however, this was not the case with Cox. Her introduction did not feel forceful or generic, in fact, it seemed as though she and I were talking oneon-one even though the room was packed. The atmosphere as she stood there on that stage was miraculous. You could feel the love and understanding that radiated from her words. I did not know many of the people around me, but as she spoke I felt as though everyone in that room was part of the same entity. Cox presented me with an opportunity to be authentically educated for the first time in my life. The sole premise of Cox’s presentation was to present the idea that the world is not just black and white and that people cannot be forced to live under a single label. There is in fact a whole umbrella of groups and cultures that a person can identify with and Cox explained that intricate topic beautifully and simplistically. Cox said, “I am not just one thing,” which reminded me that this was not some celebrity on a talk show; this was just a human verbally connecting to hundreds of other humans on a non-superficial or demeaning
By Jordan Hawk level. Laverne Cox is not just a transgender woman nor is she only black. A dictionary does not have enough words to thoroughly provide an accurate definition of Laverne Cox. The attribute of Cox that impressed me the most was how extraordinarily intelligent, well-read, and wise she was. She may have been a dance major in college, but that woman could baffle a Nobel Prize winner. I already had a great deal of respect for her, but learning that she is educated and sophisticated made me fall in love with who she is as a human being. She may be beautiful on the outside, but the beauty she possesses on the inside is ten times greater. Throughout the evening I learned so much about Cox and the life she lived in order to get to where she is today. She talked of her childhood, her mother, and her early days in school. She also mentioned that from an early age she knew “that there was no difference” between boys and girls. Cox then proceeded to talk about her years in college and how quickly her transition began as she started to find herself. As the words flowed from her mouth my heart and mind expanded and filled with understanding and I walked out feeling as though I had become a better human being. l
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Marriage continued from page 14
counties and have those marriages recognized by the Federal government, by our friends, by our families, but every state agency outside those 61 courthouses treats us as legal strangers. That we may marry at all is the outcome of complex legal maneuvering in Kansas and Federal courts since the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals struck down marriage equality bans in Utah and Oklahoma. Last October, the Supreme Court refused to hear those states’ appeal, and the 10th Circuit, which includes Kansas, refused to stay their order. The morning of Oct. 10, the first lesbian couple wed in Kansas. Within three hours, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt rushed to the Kansas Supreme Court, which halted marriages for four weeks. In mid-November, the justices told local Kansas courts it was each their decision on how to follow the 10th Circuit ruling, lifted their injunction, and allowed marriages to proceed. Last month, the United States Supreme Court heard
arguments in marriage equality cases from the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, which includes the states of Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee. The 6th Circuit is the only appellate court to uphold state equality bans, causing a split between rulings and forcing the matter to the Supreme Court. We expect the ruling in the case, Obergefell v. Hodges, to be handed down sometime in late June. We are confident and hopeful the long fight to marriage equality will end in victory, just in time for Pride celebrations across the nation. A United States Supreme Court ruling for equality should put the matter to rest, but we are, after all, still in Kansas. The right-wing ideologues who control our state government will not give in on their campaign of discrimination and unfair treatment of LGBT Kansans. In February, Gov. Brownback rescinded the Sebelius-era executive order protecting LGBT State of Kansas employees from discrimination in the workplace. In every year since 2011, Brownback cronies have
introduced so-called “religious freedom” bills that would overtly legalize discrimination against our community. Every year, Equality Kansas has worked with our allies in the legislature to block final passage. There is a bill currently on hold in the Kansas House of Representatives that would allow college campus student organizations to control membership, including individual behavior, based on “religious beliefs.” These attacks will not stop with the passage of full marriage equality. If anything, they will intensify as the old guard of intolerance, bigotry and discrimination continue to lose their right to treat us as second-class citizens. Their backs are to the wall, they are losing this fight in the Kansas courts, in the U.S. courts, and in the most important court of all: the court of public opinion. Even in Kansas, polling shows that those who believe in discrimination instead of equality are now in the minority. We a r e o n t h e c u s p of a great victory for our
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community, but we must remain vigilant and ready to fight for our rights. Those who believe we deserve no freedom and no equality are not going to give up and quietly go away. We must be ready to stand for our rights and continue the fight. CISmagnet.eps 1 10/18/2011 2:23:51 PM l
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16th annual Kansas City LGBT Film Festival kicks off June 25
By Ciara Reid, staff reporter KANSAS CITY - The 16 th annual Kansas City LGBT Film Festival will be held at the Tivoli Cinemas in Kansas City, MO, June 25-July 2. The festival will feature more than 20 films spanning numerous genres – drama, comedy, horror, documentary, and everything in between. Jamie Rich, organizer of the film festival, aims to give a showcase to the voices of cinema from around the world, and to make a connection between the audience and the filmmaker in the process. Rich says the film festival is for people who enjoy movies – you can attend by yourself, with friends, in casual attire – the point is, to come as you are and enjoy a film you may not have otherwise heard of before. “The festival allows you to
see all of these voices at one time,” Rich says. “Watching a movie with a like-minded audience; there’s nothing like it.” Rich says that when the festival first launched in 2000, they were one of the only venues around showing LGBT cinema. Today, films are much more accessible – via Netflix and the Internet. Though LGBT issues have also come a long way since 2000, the festival is still a go-to for those who want to support the LGBT community, or simply catch a good film. Another big difference between 2000 and today: Rich says that the LGBT stories are now in the hands of the storytellers, not a straight filmmaker determining the narrative. “Our stories are now an integral part of the mainstream experience,” he says.
This year, the festival received close to 1,000 film Things to know submissions, the most they have ever received, and Visit www.outherenow.com for that number ends up being film trailers, showtimes, tickets, and whittled down to about 20. other events scheduled. One of the most important criteria to determine if a Evening films are $8.50; matinee film gains entry into the films are $6.75 festival is originality. “Is there something new being All-access passes are $65 said, and is it something only 50 are sold. One pass gives our audience wants to see?” access to all movies screened at the festival. Rich says. One of the films that will screen at the film festival on Thursday, June 25 Winning Dad, which screens is Out to Win. The film, which Friday, June 26, tells the story was given the Celebration of of a father who knows his son Courage award by the KC Film is gay, but doesn’t like talking Festival, examines the lives about it. His son tricks his dad of amateur and professional into going on a camping trip LGBT athletes from around with his boyfriend – under the the world. Athletes chronicled pretense that his boyfriend is in the film include Billie Jean actually his straight friend. King, Martina Navratilova, and Brittney Griner. continued on page 19
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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. SPECIAL LGBT PRIDE EDITION
JULY 21 • 7:30PM Hartman Arena Box Office • 800-745-3000 • ticketmaster.com
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Chuck Sigars (Michael Clarke) and Jake Street (Colby Clarke) in Winning Dad, which screens June 26 as part of Out Here Now.
From Left: Venice Brown, Terrain Hill, Patreese Johnson and Renata Hill, known as The New Jersey 4, are the subjects of the documentary Out in the Night. It screens June 30 at the Tivoli Cinemas as part of the KC LGBT Film Festival.
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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. SPECIAL LGBT PRIDE EDITION
Brittney Griner is one of the LGBT athletes featured in Out to Win, screening June 25. It is just one of over 20 films showing at the Kansas City LGBT Film Festival, June 25-July 2. Film Fest continued from page 16
Out in the Night, screening Wednesday, June 30, is an award-winning film that tells the story of a group of AfricanAmerican lesbians in New York City who go to a gay-friendly neighborhood for a night of fun. Instead, the women are confronted by a man on the street. A fight breaks out, they
defend themselves, but they somehow find themselves arrested and convicted of gang assault. These are just a few of the many compelling films in the lineup at the Kansas City LGBT film festival. Whether you live in Kansas City, or are coming from Topeka, Wichita, or elsewhere to catch these films, all are welcome. l
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Dear Mama, I am so sick of all the people killing other people and riots and just all of it. How come things like this happen? Distraught I have never understood why people cannot just get along and mind their own damn business and just be nice to each other. Hell, I don’t even know why the ketchup bottle takes so long to come out. If everyone would accept each other and deal with their own lives we would not have this trouble in the world. But what do I know? I can’t even get Ellen and Eunice to get along.
Mama, Who do you think should run for the next President of the United States? Not Signed It better be someone intelligent, determined, honest, and strong. So, that narrows it down quite a bit. A WOMAN! Oh, everyone just shut up! You know I’m right! It won’t be any worse than some of the so-called men we have had in office. What is your take on Bruce Jenner, Mama? Stirring the Pot Good grief! First, Bubba bring me a beer (gulp). I have always tried to have an open mind. I say to each his/her own. I think
if he truly is a woman then go for it. Frankly, I think living with those Kardashian women has done a number on Bruce’s mind. My God, have you seen some of the things they wear and what they put on their Christmas cards? I wasn’t aware that there was a mule in the stable scene that night, let alone a jackass. No wonder Bruce wants to be a different person to get away from that family. Mama, Are we going to float away with all this rain? Singing in the Rain
JUNE 2015
Okay, now I am going to sound like an old person. No, we will not float away, because we need the rain. There I got that out of my system. Rain is good, but enough already! Make it stop! I am not singing in it nor will I. Better get the lumber for that ark. Thank you for all the questions, Kansas. Stay dry, and have a safe, fun summer. l Have a question for Mama? E-mail MamaTHarper@aol.com or friend Thelma Harper on Facebook.
JUNE 2015
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. SPECIAL LGBT PRIDE EDITION
Leather Life By Nolin Christensen aka Master C
live in the proverbial Leather closet (not that there’s anything wrong with that, the smell of leather in there is GREAT!) or the BDSM closet. What causes many to have to live in this closet is the type of sexual play we do. Because of our kink we run the risk of job loss, and worse, the loss of our children. The government still hasn’t come to grips that we can be great parents to our child while still being kinky in the bedroom. They think that because we are kinky in bed, we are kinky with Leather Pride kids. WRONG!! Child molesters his month we celebrate are not accepted by us and we the 46 th anniversary of WILL prosecute them to the the Stonewall Riots. This fullest extent of the law. riot was a pivotal point in the But to have children removed community. It was a group of from their parents just because people who were sick and tired their parents get kinky in the of being sick and tired of being bedroom?! WTF? I’m sure harassed by the police for simply that those government officials being who they were. Part of the are just as perverted in their group that night were members bedrooms. Nobody I know of does only the “missionary” “There are many segments position. We have just of the gay community where begun the fight people are still harassed.” for children of gay parents and of the Leather community. And the right for gay parents to in the days that followed, more adopt. We haven’t even started and more of our Leather brothers to talk about protection of kinky parents. came to be part of those riots. Now, 46 years later, we are So as we celebrate our pride on the verge of nationwide and our heritage, we must realize same-sex marriage. Who would that we still have a long way have thought that in less than 50 to go. The African-American years something like that would community has fought for change for over a 100 years and happen. But it’s not over yet. There they are still fighting. All of us, are many segments of the gay regardless of who we are, what community where people are ethnicity we are, what sexual still harassed. There are much orientation we are, we have a needed protections that still need LONG fight for equality that we to be granted. Our fight is not cannot be lax about. And all of us must fight for equality for all. over yet. And we have a LONG way to For more information on the go when it comes to the Leather Leather lifestyle, please come and BDSM communities. Many talk to me or someone at in our community still have to WOOLF. l
T
tinyurl.com/herscopes Charlene Lichtenstein’s ground-breaking 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.
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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. SPECIAL LGBT PRIDE EDITION
By Ben Rivers
Kathy Richstatter
KS Realtor ABR, e-PRO, GRI, SRES Kathy@KansasRainbow.com www.KS.PenFedRealty.com
316 316--641 641--3954
Fun Home by Alison Bechdel. Mariner 2006
V
ery few things excite a stereotypical gay male like the Tony Awards. Every year around this time I turn into a theatre aficionado, who knows every nominee and has seen every show. I haven’t. And did you see how I spelled theater? The pretence permeates the air. This year the new musical that is poised to garner many awards is Fun Home, based on the 2006 graphic novel by Alison Bechdel. Bechdel’s memoir is almost a decade old now, and has never been on my radar. It wasn’t until I read that it was being turned into a musical that I had even heard of it. But I’ve been interested in trying a graphic novel, so I thought this might be a good introduction. Fun Home is brilliant. First, the art is textured and stunning.
JUNE 2015
I lost myself in many panels, seeking out every carefully placed detail. Bechdel uses only black ink and washes of blue to create the world of her past, specifically her childhood in relation to her father. His figure dominates almost every panel as Bechdel unpacks their difficult relationship. We get to see Bechdel grow from a child whose parents make physical appearance choices for her, to a teenager beginning to express her identity, then to a college student who has embraced her identity. Where in most stories this has to be written, Bechdel uses her art to show what is happening within her. In addition to being a skilled artist, Bechdel knows how to craft a story. The memories and anecdotes don’t strictly follow a chronology, but weave together through relationships of place, object, or emotion. Several moments left me breathless, the first of which is when she reveals what I suspected about her father. And she does this in one sentence, which she almost throws away. If she was performing spoken word, moments like this are like a perfectly placed mic drop. Fun Home isn’t new, but it’s receiving new life on stage. I enjoyed the music from the musical the first time I heard it, but now that I know the story I am nervous about seeing these beautiful panels brought to life. I love this work that Bechdel has produced. I love it as a standalone masterpiece, so I will need some time before I partake of the musical it has inspired. l
JUNE 2015
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. SPECIAL LGBT PRIDE EDITION
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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. SPECIAL LGBT PRIDE EDITION
JUNE 2015
“none” on the poll are atheists, some agnostics and skeptics, but others are “spiritual” or just don’t identify at this time in their lives with a denomination. However we want to read such polls, here are some interpretive thoughts:
But this doesn’t just apply to individuals. Religious institutions have ways to add people to their membership without subtracting them sometimes even upon death. People often leave churches without formally announcing their departure. They remain on rolls counted as “inactive” but members, and sometimes after leaving, they still claim their old institutional identity.
Minor
Details By Bob Minor
What Progressives Could Take from the Religion Polls
S
ocial and mainstream media are abuzz about the rise of the “nones” and the decline of people identifying with religious institutions. A lot of the discussion reflects quite a bit about each writer’s hopes and dreams about religion’s future. Atheist and progressive writers are excited that more people are questioning religious beliefs while conservative Christians gleefully respond that the figures show only a rejection of liberal Christian alternatives. The lessons people are taking from the recent release of the Pew Research Center’s second U.S. Religious Landscape Study,
(1) Whether a statistic has changed or not doesn’t mean that the same people are a part of the statistic. For at least the third year in a row, the national poverty rates have hovered around 15%. Though the poverty rate has remained unchanged, the reality is that different people actually move in and out of poverty. The unchanging rate doesn’t measure the same people. In fact, four
(3) Labels don’t always signify the same thing to different a follow-up to its first study of people. So, grouping them religion in America in 2007, together as a block on any issue are more enlightening than the is questionable. actual poll results. The designation That bastion of Evangelical “evangelical” is one example. Christianity, the magazine So is “born again.” Christianity Today, headlined its According analysis: “Evangelicals to the recent Pew Stay Strong as survey, a rising Christianity Crumbles “The report mostly documents the in America,” while slow rise in the number of Americans share of adults in various Christian another headline read: who don't want to identify with any traditions self“Christianity in Decline identify as and Atheism on The religious institution.” born-again Rise in America.” The report mostly documents of five Americans will at some or evangelical, including: the slow rise in the number of time in their lives struggle with mainline Protestants (27% in Americans who don’t want poverty, and many actually 2014, 25% in 2007), Catholics to identify with any religious move out of it thanks to, in (22%, 16%), Orthodox (18%, institution. Some who check the fact, the social safety net that’s 16%), Mormons (23%, 21%), criticized by the right-wing Jehovah’s Witnesses (24%, for supposedly keeping people 17%), and spiritualist Christians dependent. (24%, 15%). In the same way, “none” may Remember, Jimmy Carter be a position that people move was one of the first presidents in and out of. That makes the to use the phrase “born again.” position fluid in including those In addition, more gay men, temporarily unidentified. lesbians, and bisexual people Church historian Sydney identify as evangelical (13%) Mead called America, “a than atheist (8%) or agnostic marketplace of souls.” That (9%). Overall, “evangelical” d i s t i n g u i s h e s A m e r i c a n ranks as the third most-common religiosity from so much identity among this group, after around the world – churches Catholic (17%) and “nothing are exchanging souls rather than in particular/religion not settling for people remaining important” (14%). just whatever their parents were. Overall, what these polls (4) It’s clear that religious mean, then, is that people are organizations that are reporting not always willing to take what the highest percentage of religious leaders, institutions, losses are traditionally larger and communities tell them mainstream denominations. to be universally true even if T h e s e u s u a l l y a r e t h e they move in and out of their denominations with more liberal current religiosity. The poll theological options. measures a growing skepticism Right-wing Christians love with the authoritative hold of to point to this as proof that the religious leaders, traditions, and liberal message is an unappealing institutions. deviant Christianity. Rightwing churches respond to what (2) Pollsters tell me that there are turns the culture off not by two questions on which people questioning their message, but are more likely to lie: (a) Are you by changing the packaging it’s a likely voter? (b) Do you attend a religious service regularly? continued on page 26
JUNE 2015
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. SPECIAL LGBT PRIDE EDITION
Page 25
Kansas Pride: A comprehensive list of all things Pride!
By Ciara Reid, staff reporter Is there a better time of year than late spring? Not only does the weather vastly improve from the icy grips of January (and it’s not yet the sweltering heatwave typical of July and August), but the LGBT community has also come to expect a slew of pride festivals during the month of June. Liberty Press has summarized the key details of the pride festivals and events happening around the state of Kansas (with one crossing over into Missouri – but just barely!). Go to them all, but only if you dare: most of these events occur during the first weekend of June – so don’t blink, or you’ll miss all the action. The Kansas City PrideFest, presented by the Kansas City Diversity Coalition, is back at Berkley Riverfront Park, a scenic and easily accessible park in downtown Kansas City, MO. From Friday, June 5-Sunday, June 7, attendees can enjoy a wide array of entertainment, vendors, and activities – all in the name of celebrating the LGBT community in Kansas City. The ticket packages include a one-day pass for $5, or a twoday pass for $8. There is also the option of a two pack – which offers two tickets for $8, or a four pack – which offers four tickets for $15. For those who may be traveling farther than others to attend the festival, the
Hampton Country Club Plaza offers a pride discount. Headliners include Cyon Flare, an energetic and theatrical performer who has had two songs chart on Billboard, including “Everybody Everybody” which charted in 2008, and “Rise,” which charted in 2009. DJ Barry Harris, known for creating the unofficial theme song “Dive In The Pool (Let’s Get Soakin Wet)” for the series Queer as Folk. Material Girl, a cover band that focuses on Madonna and Lady Gaga songs, is slated to perform Saturday. MK Nobilette, one of the top 10 finalists on the 13th season of American Idol as well as one of the first openly gay contestants to enter the top contestants round, will perform Saturday as well. Josh Zuckerman and The First Ladies of Disco round out this year’s headliners. S a t u r d a y ’s p e r f o r m e r s include PerformOUTKC, an educational outreach choral and theatre arts program for LGBTQ and straight youth ages 14-22. Devin Tait, a singer/songwriter who blends acoustic cabaret pop with electronic, new-wave inspired rock, is also slated to perform Saturday. Tait is a Kansas City native who recently relocated to Los Angeles and has performed at various pride festivals across the U.S. The beloved Heartland Men’s Chorus will also be featured as part of Saturday’s exceptional entertainment.
All you need to know! Salina Pride: June 20, 1-6pm at the Salina Ambassador Hotel, 1616 W. Crawford. Check the “Gay Pride Salina” Facebook page for updates and details. Flint Hills Pride Campout: June 5-7 at Thunderbird Marina. Visit the Facebook page “Flint Hills Pride”(with the word “cause” under the heading) for more details. Also visit www.thunderbirdmarinadk.com for additional information on various campgrounds available. Lawrence Pride: June 6, 3-7pm at Clinton Park, 901 W. 5th St. Visit the NetworQ Picnic Facebook page. Kansas City Pride: June 5-7 at Berkley Riverfront Park in Kansas City, MO. Visit www.gaypridekc.org for more details, including how to access the discount rate room block at the Hampton Country Club Plaza hotel. Parking at Berkley Riverfront Park is $5. No pets allowed. Visit the website and click the Festival Info tab for more frequently asked questions. S u n d a y ’s l i n e - u p o f performers includes Melinda Ryder, who was crowned Miss Gay Midwest in 1979, and Miss Gay Kansas America in 1982, Miss Gay Missouri in 1984, and Miss Gay Show-Me State USA in 1989. And what Kansas City pride festival is complete without the presence of Flo, one of the city’s most famous and revered drag queens? Additional performers include Kansas City treasure, D i r t y D o r o t h y, w h o w i l l perform Friday evening. Other performers slated for Friday’s
kick-off festivities include DJ Chef Nguyen, DJ Daniel, DJ Aaron, DJ Remix Wes Warner, DJ Chad Slater, and Men of Skin – an erotic entertainment group of national and international entertainers. For a full schedule of events and performers, visit www.gaypridekc.org. If you get hungry, be sure to check out the many food vendors who will be at the pride festival. Vendors include Blackbelt BarBQ, Burritos Lagos, Cameron Catering, continued on page 30
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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. SPECIAL LGBT PRIDE EDITION Minor cont'd from page 24
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wrapped in to allure pop culture followers whose commitment can be as shallow as the packaging. There are individual progressive churches that are increasing in membership, but many are asking how they can get new members to join while their memberships t u r n g r a y e r. F o r progressive churches that turnaround will take some new thinking about what a progressive religious institution is. By their theological journeys, they’ve already thought of their faith in new, less legalistic and
judgmental ways, not merely in how many people they baptize or how many butts are in the pews on Sunday mornings. The problem is that denominational hierarchies continue to measure success and mission on the basis of what brings in more people on Sunday mornings. During my ten years as president of the board of a large progressive ecumenical campus ministry, we learned that the new generations, particularly the “nones” aren’t drawn to religious buildings based on theology, but through opportunities to be involved in changing their world for the better. Many of these students would otherwise never enter a church. The future of progressive churches will be in terms of what they do during the week, how they take open public stands for LGBT people, working
JUNE 2015
people, people not of their demographics, and those who might worship alongside of them who don’t look prosperous. The younger generations’ leaders will want to be a part of their outthere progressive actions once they see them; only later will they start asking about beliefs. (5) As long as right-wing churches can continue to demean and ridicule progressive religion, they’ll find reasons to do it. But be prepared: when progressive churches show popularity, expect right-wingers to act like addicts who’ve had their supply threatened. 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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JUNE 2015
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. SPECIAL LGBT PRIDE EDITION
My Place in the World: Thoughts and Feelings - SCOTUS and Marriage Equality
T
oday, the Supreme Court of the United States is hearing arguments about whether or not I have the right to marry a person of my choosing irrespective of whether or not they are “male” or “female.” The use of quotation marks is necessitated because maleness and femaleness is a quite subjective determination. As a transgender woman, and as it is considered in this SCOTUS case, my own knowledge of my femaleness is not generally taken into consideration. The world is experiencing itself in many different ways right
Distribution Sites Derby
Derby High GSA
El Dorado
Pathways Psychological Services
Hays
Mokas
Hutchinson
Hutchinson Community College GSA, Hutchinson High School GSA, PFLAG Hutchinson, Prairie Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
Junction City
Devil's Tail
Manhattan
Arlan's Fine Wines & Spirits, Auntie Mae's, The Bluestem Bistro, The Chef Café, First Congregational Church, K-State LGBT Resource Center, K-State Student Union, K-State Women's Clinic, Karnivore Bar and BBQ, Mimi's Cheese Shop & Other Delights, On the Wild Side, People’s Grocery, Queer-Straight Alliance meetings, Radina’s Bakery & Café (two locations), Riley County Health Dept., Rockstar Home Fusion, Sisters of Sound Music, Strecker-Nelson Gallery, Varsity Donuts
Newton
Bethel College Student Life Center
Kansas City
Hamburger Mary’s, LIKEME Lighthouse
Lawrence
now. Baltimore is screaming to the un-listening ears of America; screaming that racism is both alive and intolerable. Nepal is bleeding for thousands of lives lost and countless examples of hopelessness and fear. There are stark realities in our world to which we have become indifferent. Not the least of these realities is that if you could become rich feeding the poor, no one would be hungry. Oppression of endless versions wraps its arms around the daily lives of far more people than not, and we end up providing insidious entertainment for the oppressors as we continue to fail to join hands across our differences and stand up in unison. We are far more in number and power than
Community Mercantile, KU’s Dean of Students office, KU’s Multicultural Resource Center, Lawrence Public Library, Wheatfield’s Bakery
Pittsburg
Pitt State GSA
Salina
Ad Astra Books and Coffeehouse, Chamucos Nightclub, Mokas, Mokas South, Peaceful Body Wellness Retreat, Salina Unitarian Universalist
our common oppressors. Our differences only serve to reduce our united power. The day we come to understand this will be the day our oppression ends. Today is a great, fine day for me to consider my place in the world. Amidst the declarations that Bruce Jenner’s coming out on national television was the greatest act of courage ever seen in the history of all humankind, are other stark realities. There are people in Nepal who are displaying courage a thousand times greater. There are people in Baltimore - protestors and police - who are putting everything on the line to stand up for what they think is right. Today, the Supreme Court of the United States is hearing arguments about who should be allowed to marry. I know that a few of my words were quoted in at least one of the amicus briefs that were filed. It is absurd that this is even an issue. It is absurd that our efforts and energy, our resources of time and money, our hearts and souls are needed here, and not being directed to help bring an end to other human suffering in this world. So what about SCOTUS? Any act of oppression creates human suffering. The time has long since passed to stop Fellowship, Saline County Health Dept.
Topeka
The Break Room, Bunker Coffee Company, Central Congregational United Church of Christ, Classic Bean (two locations), Field of Greens, Flowers by Bill, Gravity Gallery, Lazio’s Coffee Bar, Metropolitan Community Church of Topeka, NOTO Burrito, Pinkadilly, Positive Connections, PT’s Coffee Roasting Co., The Razor’s Edge, Serendipity, Skivvies, Three Flowers Metaphysical, Topeka/Shawnee County Public Library, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Topeka, The Upstage Gallery, Washburn Mabee Library, Washburn Union, YWCA
Wichita
Adult Superstore, The Anchor, Artichoke Sandwich Bar, Book-AHolic (all 3 locations), Bungalow 26, Camelot Cinema, The Center, Circle Cinema, Club Boomerang, College
Page 27
oppressing same-sex couples and their families. The character of America will be on display when the Supreme Court announces its decision. The response of our country will speak undeniable truth about what it means in America to stand up for what is right. I am thinking that my place in the world is to stand up for what I think is right. To me, this means that I must continue to speak out for LGBT equality. I must continue to speak out for an end to racism. I must understand that the only path to true richness includes doing what I can to help feed those people who are hungry. My place in the world is to reach across differences and see the stark realities. My place in the world is to see all human beings as human beings; to be more concerned about what I can give, than I am about what I can take. My place in this world is not to tell you what your place in this world should be. My spot on the planet is to do my best to shine the light of love. 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. Hill United Methodist Church, The Cotillion, Cow & Sow Deli, Crazy J’s Furniture & Sleep Shop, The Donut Whole, Doo-Dah Diner, Earthwise Pet Supply, Fisch Haus, First Metropolitan Community Church, First Unitarian Universalist Church, Fit For A Queen, Harris & Co. Frame Shop, Hue Gallery, Hunter Health Clinic, J’s Lounge, A Journey in the Light, Kirby’s, KU Internal Medicine Midtown, Light and Sound Spa, Lotus Leaf Cafe, Mead’s Corner, Moe’s Sub Shop, The Monarch, The Orpheum, Patricia’s (all 3 locations), Picasso's Pizza, Pine Valley Christian Church, Planet Hair, Planet Sub, Planned Parenthood, Positive Directions, Rain Café & Lounge, Reverie Coffee Roasters, Spektrum Muzik, Spice Merchant, The Store, T - A Tea Bar,Tanya's Soup Kitchen, Vagabond Coffeeshop, Vegas Video, Watermark Books, Wichita Community Theatre, Wichita Public Library - downtown branch, WSU - Spectrum meetings, 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.
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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. SPECIAL LGBT PRIDE EDITION celebration held in September. 537-2349, www.uufm.net, services Sundays at 10:45am.
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
Community Centers The Center, 800 N. Market, Wichita, (316) 285-0007 www.thecenterofwichita. org Kansas State University LGBT Resource Center, 207 A/B Holton Hall, Manhattan, (785) 532-5352, lgbt@kstate.edu, www.k-state-edu/lgbt
Health
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
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
Wichita Prime Timers, ICTPrimeTimers@aol.com, www. primetimersww.com/Wichita, social group for mature gay men.
Hunter Health Clinic, 2318 E. Central, Wichita, (316) 262-3611, FREE HIV confidential or anonymous testing with Spanish and Vietnamese interpreters.
A Journey In The Light Ministries, 2231 S. Bluff (St. Christopher ’s Episcopal Chapel), Wichita, Sunday Praise and Worship services at 11am.
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
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.
LGBT Health Coalition of Sedgwick County, Wichita, (316) 285-0007, www. wichitalgbthealth.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 South Wind Women's Center, 5107 E. Kellogg, Wichita, (316) 260-6934, www.southwindwomenscenter.org, LGBTQIA-friendly health services. The Sweet Emergency Fund, KUSM-W MPA, 1010 N. Kansas, Wichita, (316) 293-3405
Spiritual
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 Meditation Center, 721 W. 13th St., Wichita. (316) 263-1533, weekly meditation classes, prayers and workshops. See calendar of events at www.MeditateInKansas.org, everyone is welcome.
Politics/Activism
Lutheran Campus Ministry, 1421 W. 19th, Lawrence, lutheran@ku.edu
E q u a l i t y K a n s a s , w w w. kansasequalitycoalition.org, chapters across the state.
Metropolitan Community Church of Topeka, 4425 SW 19th, (785) 2721442, office@mcctopeka.org, www. MCCTopeka.org, services Sundays at 10am.
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
Pine Valley Christian Church, 5620 E. 21st St., Wichita, (316) 685-2421, churchoffice@pvcconline.org, www. pvcconline.org Prairie Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1809 E. 30th, Hutchinson, (620) 663-8002, www. prairieuufellowship.org Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Manhattan, 481 Zeandale Road, (785)
JUNE 2015 (316) 807-2271, psychsteve2@yahoo. com
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Topeka, 4775 SW 21st St., (785) 2729233, www.uuft.org, services Sundays at 10:30am.
Wichita West High School GSA, astucky@usd259.net
Student groups
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.
Derby High School tkellenbarger@usd260.com
GSA,
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 Highland Park High School's Parity, Topeka, LGBTatHP@outlook.com, facebook.com/LGBTatHP. Hutchinson High School GSA, faculty advisor: Mr. Westmoreland, chairperson: Kara Vaughn. The Independent School GSA, Wichita, sponsor: Matt Hanne matt. hanne@theindependentschool.com K-State LGBT & Allies, meets every Thursday at 5:30 in Leadership Studies room 123 KU Queers & Allies, University of Kansas, Lawrence, (785) 864-3091, qanda@ku.edu, www.ku.edu/~qanda Lawrence High School GSA, sponsors: Shannon Draper SDraper@usd497.org, and Lindsay Buck LBuck@usd497.org Manhattan High School GSA, mhs_ gsa@hotmail.com Maize South High School GSA, sponsor: Shelly Walston swalston@ usd266.com, meets 2nd Fridays. Pitt State GSA, Pittsburg State University, pittstategaystraightalliance@ gmail.com Spectrum: LGBTQ & Allies, Wichita State University, Twitter.com/ Wsuspectrum, meets Thursdays at 7pm in the Lucas Room (RSC 265) when classes are in session. Wichita East High School GSA, Tdavis2@usd259.net Wichita Heights High School GSA, nmagoon@usd259.net Wichita North High School GSA, (316) 204-5621, kellykk00@yahoo.com, rhorning@usd259.net, cwidmer@ usd259.net, meets every Wednesday at lunch in room A213. Wichita Northeast High School GSA, Jbell2@usd259.net Wichita Northwest High School GSA, amcdonald@usd259.net, meets every Monday after school. Wichita Southeast High School GSA,
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. Get Connected, Wichita, (316) 2850007, LGBTQIA youth group for ages 12-21. Meets at The Center, 800 N. Market, every Friday from 7-9pm. GLSEN Greater Wichita, wichita@ chapters.glsen.org. Headquarters Counseling Center, Lawrence, (785) 841-2345 free 24/7, www.hqcc.lawrence.ks.us Healthy Transitions, for heterosexually married gay men in KC. A phone and face-to-face interview required, Mark McCarthy, LPC (816) 931-0011x4. 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. The Face of Trans*, www.thefaceof trans.com 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. l
Is an organization you're involved in listed in Around Kansas? Help us keep it current! E-mail editor@libertypress.net with corrections/current info.
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bridges Died: Pat McElligott, 86, piano player for many Wichita establishments over the years, most recently at Larkspur, on May 10 in Wichita. McElligott was featured in the Liberty Press in the August 2007 edition. See a reprint of that story, by Matt Hanne, online this month at www.libertypress.net. If you or someone you know is having an anniversary, received a promotion or award, or a loved one has passed away, we will publish it free in Bridges. E-mail editor@libertypress.net.
T
his June is busting Out all over for Pride Month and why not? Jupiter sits in rowdy Leo and soon conjuncts sexy Venus. Hold onto your hearts or your minds. But you just can’t do both!
ARIES (MAR. 21 - APRIL 20) LEO (JULY 24 - AUG. 23) It is party hearty time this June gay Ram You are the one to know and the one to so get with the program and get down. show now, proud Lion. Strut and fret You might lose your heart to a randy your hour upon the stage and be sure the stranger or overdo your festivities in powerful few notice you. Then you will many other ways. But no matter what be able to successfully implement any happens to spark your imagination, it will be the perfect long-term plans that have been sitting and waiting for launch to summer. Is nude body painting in the stars? the right time. This is it. Everything and everyone you Heck you don’t have to be a celebrity to participate! do this June will cement your future plans for world dominance. Heh heh. TAURUS (APRIL 21 - MAY 21) There will be times this June when you VIRGO (AUG. 24 - SEPT. 23) look around your apartment or house and If you are finding that your intuition is say, “Things are too quiet here.” And at more on target and that the forces behind that point you need to invite a bevy of the scenes are working to your benefit, compadres over to liven the place up. thank your stars and go with your gut This will happen with greater frequency as the month more often this June. Queer Virgos are progresses. At what point is too much, too too much? often cautious and that is good. But you can breathe a I’m not sure you will ever feel that you reach that point, little freer knowing that you seem to coordinate with queer Bull. the fates now. Add a few good gay deeds to your efforts and increase the good gay karma. GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21) Pink Twins are often very charming, LIBRA (SEPT. 24 - OCT. 23) but now your personal oil flows almost Friends will be there for you when you uncontrollably. Set your sights high and need them this June, proud Libra. In far and make good use of your powers of fact, anything having to do with platonic persuasion now. Ever think of running for pastimes will figure prominently in your life now. That office? You bring warring parties to the peace table and means that you should be open and flexible in your can sway anyone to your way of thinking. Come to think social interactions. You never know who will influence of it, you are far too honest for politics. you. Join some new groups or associations and expand your small world into a massive galaxy. CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 23) Money flows and you are there to capture SCORPIO (OCT. 24 - NOV. 22) every last penny. Make good use of your Let your ambition get the better of you largess while it flows to you by treating this June, gay Scorp. That is because the yourself and a special someone to little cosmos is conjuring up some intense and trinkets and treasures. Experiences are advantageous professional opportunities enhanced by a small dose of luxury, even if it is only for you. Check out the political corporate a fancy coffee. But also see if you can invest a bit for landscape and make your best moves. Hobnob with the the future rainy day. No it is not raining now, gay Crab. snobs and get them to help you out. The world will be yours . . . or at least the corner office!
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 - DEC. 22) Plan a summer getaway this June, gay Archer. Things have been too busy and stressful and you could use a recharge and re-invigoration. If money and time are tight, find ways to de-stress closer to home. It could be yoga, meditation or a hammock in the yard. But you can also relax with an interesting course, an exotic dinner or a spicy you-know-who. CAPRICORN (DEC. 23 - JAN. 20) You not only feel sexier this June, you really are! What a nice change of pace. The atmosphere is charged and the opportunities are there. Pink Caps are feeling their temperature, are hot to trot and ready for anything and anyone. Quickly scratch your itch before your ardor cools down. Thank goodness we are just in the beginning of summer! AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 - FEB. 19) Consider your current relationships and see if they meet all of your expectations. If so, make a bold effort to strengthen them and spoil your partner. If not, find ways of improving them . . . or leave them entirely. If you are seeking a match, try some new hunting grounds. If the grass seems greener other places, plan to graze in these other places, Aqueerius. PISCES (FEB. 20 - MAR. 20) Guppies will not only have greater energy this June, they will also have greater powers of concentration as the month progresses. So make good use of this serviceable energy and tackle any nitpicky detailed projects or spend more time on exercise and healthy living. Prepare for swimsuit season so you sizzle on the beach in July. Oh, no swimsuits necessary?
(c) 2015 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.
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Sandwich Pimp, Scimeca’s Italian Sausage, SSaaCC Lunch, and Tivanov Catering. Marketplace exhibitors include the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Missouri, the AIDS Service Foundation of Greater Kansas City, the Kansas City AntiViolence Project, and the LIKEME Lighthouse – all among more than 60 other exhibitors who will be present at this year’s festivities. The Lawrence Pride Picnic, organized by NetworQ, will be held June 6 from 3-7pm at Clinton Park, 901 W. 5th St. Bring a dish to share and your favorite beverage - they have a liquor license. The Flint Hills Pride Festival will be in the form of a campout, Friday, June 5-Sunday, June 7. The campout event will be at the Thunderbird Marina on the west side of Milford Lake, in Junction City. If you’d like to set up a tent, the cost is just $10. The marina also offers sites for RVs, as well as cabins. A potluck featuring burgers and hot dogs is planned for Friday evening, and is hosted by Glessner Excavating. Bingo is also planned for Friday evening. Don’t miss the biscuits and gravy breakfast Saturday morning, hosted by the Junction City Teddy Bears, a gay men’s
JUNE 2015
social group in the Flint Hills. Music and games are planned throughout the day Saturday. “We are at a different location this year, but the Flint Hills Pride campout will be held as usual,” says Kevin Stilley, a longtime organizer. “There is a nominal fee for tent campers, and those with RVs must make their own arrangements. All other activities are free. Please join us!” Gay Pride Salina will be celebrating its third year on Saturday, June 20, at the Salina Ambassador Hotel, from 1-6pm. The festivities will include headliner Kristie Stremel – a Lawrence-based singer/ songwriter, as well as drag queens and kings, and spokenword artists. A cash bar will be available. Admission is free for the daytime activities. Craft activities will be available for children. The Stonewall Pride Dance will begin at 9pm. Tickets are $5 in advance, and are available at Ad Astra Books and Coffeehouse. Tickets will be $7 at the door. This event is open to those 18 and older. This year, the festivities w i l l k i c k - o ff J u n e 1 9 a t Chamucos Nightclub (time to be determined). The Junction City Teddy Bears will host a hot dog roast. The party will feature area drag performers. $5 admittance fee at the door. l
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&
ROx Y’s DOWNTOWN
QUEER CINEMA Presents
HEDWIG
Join us at Roxy’s Downtown
*
to Gay Pride Month
AND THE ANGRY INCH
SUNDAY BRUNCH JUNE 28 @ 1:00 PM Doors Open at Noon
*
Tickets $15 Reservations 265.4400
*
Full Bar & Appetizers Available for Purchase
for The Fabulous Finale’
movie brunch
&
live performance
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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. SPECIAL LGBT PRIDE EDITION
JUNE 2015
WSU's production of Into the Woods nearly flawless REVIEW By Grayson Barnes WICHITA - The Wichita State University School of Performing Arts did an exquisite job of paying homage to Steven Sondheim’s superlative lyrics in Into the Woods. It ran from April 30-May 3 at Wilner Auditorium on the WSU campus. The night I went, the show was nearly flawless. I am saying this up front, although not my usual tack, because this had to be the best performance I have ever seen at WSU. And I am old. The movie of the same name was released last year, but the original play is almost 30 years old. In 1986, Into the Woods opened in San Diego, then on Broadway the following year. It won a number of awards, managing to hold its own against the ubiquitous Phantom of the Opera (which is only slightly less persistent than Les Miserables). James Lapine, who wrote the book, craftily dovetailed familiar fairy tales, such as
“Jack and the Beanstalk,” “Snow White,” “Rapunzel,” “Cinderella,” “Little Red Riding Hood,” and then wove in a baker, his wife, a witch, and dark scary woods where anything can happen. Sondheim shored up these knotted plots with phenomenal music and lyrics. The “woods” are the backdrop where the fairytale archetypes work out the explorations of their motivations. In Freudian terms, the woods represented the “Id.” Although cunningly hidden within interlocking fairy tales, Into the Woods is about life. It cautions us to be careful what we wish for, to be aware of the consequences of our actions, to understand why people behave as they do, and how to weather loss (“sometimes someone leaves you halfway through the woods”). In the story, the Baker and his wife are childless because of a curse on them. The Baker’s thieving father stole six “magic beans” from a neighboring witch’s garden. After squirrelling
The Baker and his wife are played by Michael Allen and Jennie Hughes in Wichita State’s production of Into the Woods.
them away in his coat pocket, he subsequently abandoned his family. Later, the witch appears to tell the young couple what had happened. The Baker and his wife must then find “the cow with a coat as white as snow, the cloak as red as blood, the shoe
as bright as gold, and the hair the color of corn” in order to lift the curse. This is how Jack’s cow, Little Red Riding Hood’s cape, Cinderella’s shoe, and Rapunzel’s hair get mixed into the plotline. continued on page 34
CELEBRATE GAY PRIDE MONTH AT ROXY’S DOWNTOWN
Cougar
“It’s your thing. Do what you want to do.”
The Musical JUNE 11 - JULY 18 ROXY’S DOWNTOWN 265.4400 Or maybe weird dead crooners are your thing. In that case...
Starring: Patty Reeder Kelly Wonsetler Ronda Kingwood & Some Hot Dude
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DOORS OPEN & DRINKS FLOW AT 10:30PM & SHOW STARTS AT 11 PM
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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. SPECIAL LGBT PRIDE EDITION Into the Woods continued from page 32
The “woods” are the liminal space that all the characters have to move through on their separate quests – it’s the way to the fairgrounds so Jack can sell his cow; the path to Grandma’s house for Riding Hood; the road to the castle for Cinderella; and where Rapunzel’s tower is sequestered. Of course, it’s where the Baker will find the items he needs to fight the curse. Into the Woods is long by musical standards, over two hours, so it would be easy for the actors to lose impetus by the middle of the second act. However, the performers did a beautiful job. Hannah Fernandes (Cinderella) gave us the whole arc of a character who moved from dreaming of being a princess to someone who realized that living in the castle “isn’t what I thought it would be.” Gavin Myers (Jack) traipsed convincingly into postadolescent nascence: the boy who became a giant killer, but still loved his cow. Michael Allen (the Baker) did a fantastic job of balancing his character’s desire for a family with his desire to be manly and protective. He was more of a prince than the smarmy posturing princes in the story, one of whom comments, “I was raised to be charming, not sincere.” Emily Vargo’s Little Red Riding Hood was appropriately naïve at the beginning, but later, NO ONE was going to mess with her after the Grandma “thing.” Vargo can sing, too. Full out. A few times she had me leaning back in my seat. The other pivotal character
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besides the Baker was the Witch. She was masterfully (mistressfully?) played by Emily Quinn Monrad, who had such a powerful stage presence I wanted to throw her roses from the get-go. This was even before she transformed from ugly into gorgeous. (Then I wanted to throw my phone number.) Apart from the main characters, Deiondre Teagle was wonderful as Milky White, Jack’s cow, and Anthony Gasbarre was a particularly predacious Wolf. Teagle deserves kudos for playing a charming bovine while bent over in a cow suit AND walking on arm extensions to imitate front legs. If Teagle has a personal trainer, he or she would be proud. Gasbarre’s Wolf was sibilant and “oh my, what a package and he knows it” sexy – but scary – but sexy – oh, you know what I mean (he says, fanning himself)! On the downside, I have always found the acoustics problematic at Wilner. This time was no exception with volume issues and disappearing sections of vocals. It definitely wasn’t the performers, because their talent was evident. Therefore I’m targeting the technology. The set, although aesthetically amazing, was sometimes technically iffy as well, with trees moving when they weren’t supposed to and Rapunzel’s tower looking less than sturdy. All in all, though, Into the Woods was a fine final performance for the year for the Wichita State University School of Performing Arts. They thoroughly deserved their standing ovation. I look forward to seeing what they have planned for next season. l
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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. SPECIAL LGBT PRIDE EDITION
HAPPY PRIDE! GOD loves
YOU
exactly
the way you are! FMCC June Events “A Net Full of Hope”
Book Signing and Poetry Reading by Annette Billings Saturday, June 13th 6:00PM
Junk for Jesus Sale
All Day Rummage Sale Friday, June 12th 7:00AM - 6:00PM
Attend Church in Your UNDERWEAR?* *ONLY if you watch our Livestream Service Sunday at www.GodLovesYouPeriod.com
Meaningful. Empowering. Worship. 10:15AM Sundays GOD LOVES YOU.
PERIOD Experience the R evolution ™
FIRST MCC
OF KANSAS
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-TH 9 -12 And by Appointment
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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. SPECIAL LGBT PRIDE EDITION
Over five years of Rain
By Blake Hampton
WICHITa - Rain Café and Lounge has been a part of the Wichita community for over five years. It offers good food, drinks, and great service to all its patrons. It’s a clean space for people to enjoy, and has a relaxed atmosphere. For many it’s a staple of what Wichita has to offer to locals and people just passing through. It’s also been a place for people to relax, talk, and be in an environment where they can be themselves. Rain’s owner Allen Mairs and his staff have worked hard to create a place that is welcoming to everyone. In a recent interview
with Mairs, he explained one of his reasons for opening Rain: “At the time there were very few places where people in the LGBT community could go with their families.” Not to say that there wasn’t any place that you couldn’t take your family, but compared to the many bars that seemed to be in a state of decay those choices were too few. Also with poor food, service, and music too loud for conversations there were few choices to expose family to the LGBT community without making a possible bad impression. “What has been most
rewarding about this business has been being told by others that Rain has helped the process of transitioning and coming out easier,” Mairs said. There is scrutiny towards the LGBT community, and stereotypes of what an LGBT establishment would be. Mairs believes that Rain breaks the stereotype. “Rain was made to be a place where it reminds others that LGBT is more than a lifestyle. It was made to remind us that Wichita or any other community is affected by the people who live in it,” he said. “It can be your neighbor, your aunt, your nurse, and they are
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continued on page 38
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Rain continued from page 36
all a part of your community that works to survive and grow together.” Kansas politics are primarily conservative, with legislation that creates mixed feelings among its citizens including Mairs. He does feel very grateful for the city that he lives in, though. “Wichita and Kansas have treated Rain very well. It has its ups and downs, but we’ve been able to succeed in the goals we set out to do,” he said. ”I have a great staff that understands what it takes in making a quality
experience.” Plans for the future are not set in stone, but there is work being done. Mairs has recently upgraded and expanded the patio and soon the cafe will be bringing in more fresh ingredients and undergoing renovations. Rain is open from 11-2am every day. They provide catering, hold parties and receptions, and help with charity events. Rain is located at 518 E. Douglas in downtown Wichita; carryout orders are available at (316) 2619000. l
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