Marriage equality: It's the law of the land!
PAGE 2
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
JULY 2015
JULY 2015
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Page 3
PAGE 4
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
L I V E S TA N D - U P T O U R
JULY 2015
BILL MAHER Century II box office (WichitaTIX) • 316-303-8100 • WichitaTix.com BILLMAHER.COM
JULY 2015
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Liberty Press
Volume 21, No. 11 • Editor: Kristi Parker • Contributors: Greg Fox, Charlene Lichtenstein, Mama, Dr. Robert N. Minor, Stephanie Mott, Steve Sack • Staff Reporters: Grayson Barnes, Blake Hampton, Ciara Reid • Contributing Photographers: Ana Gilbert, Planting Peace • Cover: Tanya and Olive By Richard Davies Oil on linen 26" by 30" • Graphic Designer: Troy Dilport • Webmaster: Ren Autrey • Publisher: Liberty Press, LLC • Printer: Valley Offset Printing National Advertising: Rivendell Media, (212) 242-96863 Subscriptions are $18/year
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.
PO Box 16315, Wichita, KS 67216 phone: (316) 652-PRESS [7737] e-mail: editor@libertypress.net www.libertypress.net www.facebook.com/LibertyPressKS twitter.com/LibertyPressKS © 2015 The Liberty Press
We Accept
Inside: OP/ED......................................6 POINTS OF INTEREST.............8 MAMA KNOWS BEST.............12 KYLE'S BED & BREAKFAST....12 TRANS-FORMATIVE...............17 DISTRIBUTION SITES............17 OUT IN THE STARS................19 MINOR DETAILS....................20 Out Here In Kansas documentary..........................10 Supreme Court rulling on marriage..................................14 Tanya Tandoc...........................15 and more!........
The Liberty Press distributes 4,000 copies a month in cities throughout Kansas, including Derby, Lawrence, Topeka, Wichita, Manhattan, Junction City, El Dorado, Hays, Kansas City, Pittsburg, Newton, Hutchinson and Salina.
August 2015 DEADLINE July 22 ON-STANDS July 31
Page 5
PAGE 6
OP/ED
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
JULY 2015
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.
Why marriage equality? Dear editor: After reading the OP/ED article, Marriage Equality: Coming Soon to a State Near You, in the June issue I felt compelled to write this letter and express my concerns over the whole “gay marriage” issue. I am a 50-year-old, single gay man who isn’t a lawyer or politician but just a person who is confused as to why the marriage issue has been the focus of the LGBT community as opposed to TRUE civil rights and equal protection and recognition under the law. It is my assumption that
should gay marriage become the “law of the land” then it would, at its base point, do absolutely nothing for me with the exception of allow me to marry another man if I would so choose to do so. It would not ensure that I, or any other LGBT person, cannot be discriminated against in employment, housing, etc. It is interesting to me how the marriage issue is equated to “our rights” as LGBT people yet we are not seeking to have full rights instead of a singular right. Why is this? Is it because we know that even in 2015 we would still not have enough support from the country as a whole to have a LGBT Anti-Discrimination Act passed at the Federal level? As we look back over the last several decades we can see that prior to the 1964 Civil Rights Act individuals covered under this act were allowed
to be married but were still second-class citizens. Prior to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, disabled individuals were allowed to be married yet were discriminated against in employment, housing, etc. So, this brings me to the question again, of why only marriage equality? Is this because we want to throw a brick through the religious rights stained glass window? A few people I have talked to about this on a one-on-one basis have basically stated, “It’s a start.” That could be true but my greatest fear is that once we have marriage and ask for a complete non-discrimination law in the future we will be told, “We just gave you marriage.” “Something is better than nothing” is not always true nor is it best!! Surprisingly whomever at the national level pushing this marriage issue over the last several years does not seem to understand that if a civil rights bill were written which basically mirrored the Americans with
Disabilities Act it would require states and local governments to not discriminate in any programs and services which would also include marriage. For whatever reason the focus is only on this one issue which will, in the long run, be great for a minority of LGBT people and not all because as we know, whether by choice or divorce, the majority of LGBT people (from 1 year to 101 years old) will be single and without any legal protection from discrimination in this country where there is no national protection and in several states where there isn’t. Should we have full legal “right to marry” and anyone who chooses to do so I do wish the best but I know that for the majority of LGBT individuals who are single it will do nothing to give us any rights except to get married. To me this is truly disappointing and all I can say to it is this . . . welcome to remaining second-class citizens of the United States of America. K. Gifford
JULY 2015
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Dumbledore and Gandalf wed at Topeka’s Equality House
By Ciara Reid, staff reporter TOPEKA - Two beloved ‘out’ characters have tied the knot at Topeka’s Equality House, conveniently located across from the Westboro Baptist Church (WBC). Albus Dumbledore, from the famed Harry Potter series, and Gandalf, from The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings trilogies, were portrayed by local actors for the June 7 ceremony. The ceremony was organized and hosted by Planting Peace, a nonprofit organization which focuses on humanitarian aid and environmental initiatives, and also founded the Equality House. Funds for the wedding event were raised via CrowdRise, an online platform dedicated exclusively to charitable fundraising. Julia Bucciero, communications manager for CrowdRise, says the wedding was the idea of Aaron Jackson, founder of Planting Peace. The idea came to him after he saw Westboro Baptist Church tweet in relation to a potential wedding between the two characters. “Their tweet said if a union between Dumbledore and Gandalf were to occur, they’d be sure to picket and Aaron decided to bring the wedding to them,” says Bucciero. Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling responded with her own tweet, saying, “Alas, the sheer awesomeness of such a union in such a place would blow your tiny bigoted minds out of your thick sloping skulls.”
In a press release about the event, Jackson says, “When we read the battle between J.K. Rowling and the Westboro Baptist Church, we instantly connected with Ms. Rowling’s message on many levels. The Equality House was founded to take a stand against the hurtful words and actions of hate groups like the WBC. People often question why we even mention them, and Ms. Rowling’s words were spot on.” Jackson says everyone must actively stand up to hate and ensure that LGBTQ youth understand that they have a broad platform of love and support in this world. “That is a core part of what we do at Planting Peace,” he says. “We are delighted to have hosted the Dumbledore and Gandalf wedding and stand with them in the face of bigotry and celebrate equality for all. The WBC won’t have to go too far to picket this union. They can look out their front window.” The CrowdRise page stated: “In lieu of wedding gifts, the happy couple invites you to celebrate their love by making a donation to help counter the harmful messages of antiLGBTQ groups.” The event raised approximately $1,000 for Planting Peace. Bucciero says that according to Jackson, “the overall tone of the event was excitement and anticipation. The crowd started arriving two hours prior to the event, and we had nearly 250 guests attend. There were people
Actors playing Gandalf and Albus Dumbledore were married June 7 in front of Topeka's Equality House. Photo courtesy of Planting Peace
of all ages from all over the world.” Jackson continued by saying that “the crowd was asked at one point in the ceremony to stand and say ‘I will’ to show a community of support. While the overall tone was joy and fun, everyone seemed to really support the underlying message about standing up to
hate and bigotry with love and compassion.” The Westboro Baptist Church did not picket, according to Jackson, but they did offer to make a cake for the wedding, via Twitter. Jackson says they did not end up following through with the offer, but he did hear that Shirley Phelps said their flower girl was adorable. l
Renew your body, mind & spirit!
Massage Therapists
Gary Martens Larry Bunker
wellness retreat
book your appointment at: www.peacefulbodywellnessretreat.com 120 N. Santa Fe - Salina, KS 67401 - 785-452-0171
The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department offers free HIV testing. For more information, visit:
www.ldchealth.org/HIV
Page 7
PAGE 8
Bears in the Heat July 9-11 WICHITA – President Ben Breese-Isley and the Wichita Bears will be hosting their annual bear run, Bears in the Heat, Thursday, July 9-Saturday, July 11 at the Hotel at Waterwalk. Bears, Otters, Cubs and their admirers are invited to attend. Activities include “Bears at the Casino” night Thursday, pool parties both Friday and Saturday, a pub crawl Friday night with meal, and a banquet/ Toga/Bingo Party Saturday evening at Caesars Table. Other than the pool parties and lunch on Saturday, attendees are free to explore Wichita or gather in the hospitality suite for fellowship. The entire weekend that includes the pub crawl transportation on Friday night and the banquet on Saturday night is $80. Single day fees
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
JULY 2015
are $40. Register for the event by going to www.wichitabears.org/ bearsintheheat.html and clicking the “register here” button. Participants have already registered from O k l a h o m a , Te x a s , Nebraska, and California.
Art For Your Ears offers free outdoor concerts WICHITA - The Ulrich Museum recently announced its Art For Your Ears Outdoor Concert Series summer lineup. The series features a variety of musical genres. Admission is free and open to the public. Art For Your Ears concerts are held on the McKnight Art Center Plaza (west of the Ulrich). Rain location is the WSU Campus Activities Center Theater. The museum galleries will open at 6:30pm, performances begin at 7 pm. Light refreshments will be provided. July 9: Nikki Moddelmog and Shane Marler with Dennis Hardin Locally grown singer/ songwriter, Nikki Moddelmog,
The Calamity Cubes! will perform Sept. 1 as part of Art For Your Ears. Photo courtesy of Ana Gilbert
takes the stage with Shane Marler and Dennis Hardin performing soulful melodies and their unique blend of jazz infused folk songs. Aug. 6: Doug MacLeod MacLeod, winner of the Blues Music Awards Acoustic Artist of the Year and Acoustic Album of the Year, brings his triple talents as a singer/ songwriter, storyteller, and blues guitar player. MacLeod is an international touring artist. Sept. 1: The Calamity Cubes! With hard driving banjo, upright bass, and acoustic guitar, The Calamity Cubes! blend traditional country, folk and bluegrass with the fire of an 80’s punk band. Rarely seen in their hometown of Wichita, The Calamity Cubes! frequently tour the U.S. Established in 1974, the Ulrich Museum of Art at Wichita State University serves as the area’s premier venue for new work by emerging and established artists. The Ulrich Museum is home to the renowned 76-piece Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture
Collection — rated one of the top collections of its kind by Public Art Review — and a permanent collection of more than 6,300 works of modern and contemporary art.
HOAMC looking for new singers and board members WICHITA – Heart of America Men’s Chorus is looking to expand its ranks by adding a few new voices to their chorus. Men age 18 or over who love to sing are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to join a friendly group of men who have been entertaining local and regional audiences for over 13 years. Membership is open to any male regardless of sexual orientation. In addition, the chorus needs people to be on its Board of Directors. There are several openings on the board that need to be filled. Backgrounds in marketing, media relations, catering, law, or business are specifically sought. If interested in joining the chorus, its board or for more info, contact www.hoamc.org. l
DUSTY RHODES I am excited to have the great services of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate to offer to you.
Call/Text 316.519.2112 Email: Dusty@DustysHomes.com
Web: www.DustysHomes.com
I am
grea
Hom
Esta
JULY 2015
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Kathy Richstatter
KS Realtor ABR, e-PRO, GRI, SRES Kathy@KansasRainbow.com www.KS.PenFedRealty.com
316 316--641 641--3954
Page 9
PAGE 10
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
JULY 2015
Documentary tells story of Burt Humburg, a former Southwestern football All-American, and his reconciliation between Christianity and sexuality
By Ciara Reid, staff reporter ANDOVER - Journalist Adam Knapp, who has written award-winning articles for publications that include the Wichita Eagle and the Butler County Times-Gazette, is currently working on Out Here in Kansas, a documentary short film about Burt Humburg, an Iowa physician originally from Andover. H u m b u rg w a s a n A l l American football player at Southwestern College in Winfield, who struggled with his sexuality. Knapp is no stranger to Humburg’s story; he initially wrote an article about Humburg almost 15 years ago, and then again in 2011. His story stuck with Knapp, and the documentary, which is expected to be released this year, explores Humburg’s story in depth as it relates to the struggle between Christianity and the LGBTQ community. Liberty Press (LP): You wrote an article on Burt Humburg
in 2011 for the Butler County Times-Gazette. You are now filming a documentary on his story, called Out Here in Kansas. What has drawn you to Burt and his story? Adam Knapp (AK): Let me put it this way: Our working title for the documentary was Brain Of Burt. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who is so curious about the world, so thoughtful and so analytical with the new knowledge he is constantly seeking. I’d actually written about Burt before, when he was a college athlete and I was a sportswriter. The whole angle of that story was how he’d lost his home in a tornado, and how he’d lost his father, and how he had turned himself from a selfdescribed chubby bookworm into an All-American football player. Then a couple of months later, I’d heard he came out of the closet and – well, let’s just say nobody saw that one coming. So that was in 1997, and I never forgot about Burt. He’s
just not someone you forget. And 14 years later I found an excuse to write about him again – this time, telling his story about what it was like for a fundamental Christian in the middle of the Bible Belt, coming to the realization that he is gay. LP: How did the documentary originate? What is your focus for the film, and how is it progressing? AK: An important part of the 2011 article was tracking down Burt’s former pastor, Joe Wright, who was living in Florida at the time. This was a man who not only preached against homosexual practice, but was an integral part of Kansas banning same-sex marriages. On the other hand, this was the same man who officiated the funeral of Burt’s father, and a man who Burt highly respects. Pastor Joe gracefully gave me all his thoughts on the matter. He’s a smart guy - media savvy and a terrific quote because he’s not politically correct. He and Terry Fox have their own
radio show, and he’s done this a thousand times before. But when the interview was over, he expressed his desire to talk to Burt directly. So I passed that message along, and Burt’s reply was, “Oh man, I would love that.” That’s when I started getting the idea to make a documentary. I knew getting these two together in a television studio, after they hadn’t seen each other in 20 years, was going to make for a fascinating discussion. And it took off from there. My focus is telling Burt’s story the best way I possibly can, using a big visual platform that only a movie can provide. I want millions of people to see this. We’ve shot most of our footage and have begun the editing process, but there are some things I want to do that are a little unconventional that require more work from our illustrator and editor. Luckily for me, they’re highly skilled guys who can translate my ideas onto the screen.
JULY 2015
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Page 11
tinyurl.com/herscopes
Burt Humburg didn't start playing football until the 7th grade but he turned himself into a star at Andover High and then an All-American at Southwestern College in Winfield.
LP: One of your goals for the documentary is to interview Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback. Why is this integral to the film, and what would you ask him? AK: Well, if you’re going to be gay in Kansas, you’d better be tough. And a lot of that has to do with our politics. At this point we’ve got what we need for a fantastic movie, with or without Sam Brownback. I’ve personally told him I’d like to visit with him about what we’re doing, and his people know we’d like to get him on camera at some point.
I’m sure the first thing I’d ask him about is reversing the measure that barred employment discrimination against LGBTQ state workers earlier this year. At the very least, the timing of that order seems bizarre. Some say it’s downright mean. Is there something we’re not considering? Why do this now? And I’m sure that would lead into a discussion about the governor’s stance and feelings on LGBTQ rights. I’m not trying to catch him in a “gotcha” moment. I’ve spent more than 20 years
building a reputation as a fair, accurate journalist, and by now there are hundreds of people who can tell him that. Does he want to touch this subject matter? I guess we’ll find out soon. To donate to the film, or to find more information, visit www.outhereinkansas.com or contact Adam Knapp at adamduaneknapp@gmail. com. l
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.
Healthy Pets for Happy Lives Mon. - Fri. 7:30 AM - 6 PM Saturday 8 AM - 12 PM
Anti-gay pastor Joe Wright officiated the funeral of Humburg's father before Humburg himself came out.
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.
1726 E 61st St N • Park City, KS , 67219 • (316) 744-0501
www.ctahvets.com • facebook.com/ctahvets
PAGE 12
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
not be able to find it again. It has to be a man running the company. Not only do they change it, they charge too dang much. It is a wonder why I drink. Just My Size, my ass! Dear Mama, Do you have trouble when you find a good pair of pantyhose or a bra, and then when you go to buy another pair, they have changed the style or quit making it all together? Bra Less Amen, sister! I go through this all the time. I wish the morons that make bras and pantyhose would just leave the style and design alone. It is so frustrating to find something you like, then
Mama, What is it with people driving in the passing lane on the highways? I thought it was against the law. Not signed Because they are idiots! I believe that driver’s education should be mandatory in this country. No one knows how to merge or exit on the highways, let alone drive in the left-hand lane. Do not even get me started on cell phones. Good Lord, your car is not a damn phone booth. Just drive!!
Mrs. Harper, Do you have trouble with your cell phone? No Answer Lord help me, my damn phone has a mind of its own. It’s like a man - does what it wants and does not care about my needs. It may have the largest network in the nation but 4G is a bunch of horse manure. My phone adds contacts and deletes pictures, and I do not even touch it. I miss landline phones. Back then you could at least slam the receiver down. I can’t even hang up on Eunice anymore. What do you think of this “Go Fund Me” website? Not signed I believe it could be a very good thing for legitimate situations. Like everything else in this country someone has to abuse it and use it incorrectly. Some
JULY 2015
of the things I have seen on this site are just bull crap. I am not funding some idiot that wants to go to Florida to spy on his girlfriend. People, get a freaking clue. There should be a button on the site for stupid stuff like that that you can push instead of donating money it sends them a message that says, “Go fund yourself!” Maybe I should set up a Go Fund Me account for a new pair of pantyhose - those suckers are expensive! Go get a job people!! Have a safe and fun 4th of July! Thanks for the questions, Kansas! l Have a question for Mama? E-mail MamaTHarper@aol.com or friend Thelma Harper on Facebook.
Don’t Get Out Much? Get a Subscription.
Name:_____________________________________ MAILED Address:___________________________________ FIRST CLASS! City _______________________________________ State______ Zip_____________________________
___ Check Enclosed ____ Please bill my (circle one) Visa Mastercard AMEX Discover
Card # __________________________________________________________________________ Exp. Date:
3-digit security code:
Just send this completed form with $18 to: LP, PO Box 16315, Wichita, KS 672160315. We’ll send you a full year (12 issues) of Liberty Press, mailed every month in a plain brown envelope.
JULY 2015
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Page 13
PAGE 14
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
JULY 2015
With sweeping new ruling, marriage equality must begin in all 50 states
I
n a historic 5-4 ruling on June 26 the Supreme Court of the United States found bans on marriage equality to be unconstitutional — and that the fundamental right to marriage is a fundamental right for all. The majority’s opinion, authored by Justice Anthony Kennedy, represents a clear mandate for governors, state attorneys general and officials everywhere to cease their attempts to uphold these discriminatory statutes. On April 28, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Obergefell v Hodges, a case originating in Ohio. Jim Obergefell issued the following statement in reaction to the ruling: “Today I could not be prouder of my country, more grateful for the memory of my late husband John, and more indebted to the incredible
lawyers, advocates and fellow p l a i n t i ff s w h o m a d e t h i s landmark day possible. The fact that the state I have long called home will finally recognize my marriage to the man I honored and cherished for more than 20 years is a profound vindication — a victory I’m proud to share with countless more couples across the country.” In response to the ruling, six LGBT advocacy organizations launched a joint website MarriageEqualityFacts.org to provide answers to same-sex couples and their families as they navigate accessing the rights, benefits, and protections that marriage affords. Created by American Civil Liberties Union, Freedom to Marry, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, Human Rights Campaign, Lambda Legal, and
Over 200 people gathered in Wichita's Old Town Square to celebrate the June 26 Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage. Photo by Kristi Parker
Several people spoke at the marriage rally including Pastor Jackie Carter and Equality Kansas executive director Tom Witt. Wichita's rally was just one of several taking place across the state including in Topeka, Manhattan and Salina. Photo by Kristi Parker
the National Center for Lesbian Rights, MarriageEqualityFacts. org includes information on seven topics: Marriage Licenses and Wedding Planning; ParentChild Relationships; Social
Security; Veteran’s Benefits; Retirement Benefits; Income Ta x e s ; a n d E m p l o y m e n t Protections. l
JULY 2015
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Tandoc a true ally to LGBT community By Kristi Parker, editor W I C H I TA - T h e L G B T community of Wichita lost a treasured ally last month. Tanya Tandoc, owner of Tanya’s Soup Kitchen, was killed in her home June 3 by a friend she was letting live in her basement. Curtis Mitchell was a local musician and a friend of both Tandoc and her ex-husband Wayne Gottstine, of the local band Split Lip Rayfield. Mitchell was arrested at the scene after police responded to a 911 call requesting a welfare check on Tandoc. Mitchell at first told police that Tandoc may be in Lawrence, but as they were leaving he called 911 and said that he had killed his roommate. When police returned they found her body, bound at the hands and feet, in a storage area in the basement. It is believed that she was killed the day before her body was found. In an unusual step, Mitchell pled guilty to the murder in court less than two weeks later against the advice of his courtappointed attorney.
Tandoc was an advocate for the community well before she became a restaurant owner. She was part of a loosely organized group of friends that had gathered under the name "Who’s Next?" in the early 90s. The group didn’t have a clear focus other than gay and lesbian rights and forming a network to respond to events when needed. However, just a few weeks later Bill Tanner was shot in Herman Hill Park in south Wichita. The group’s focus quickly became hate crimes reporting and police classification. Tandoc attended culinary school in San Francisco, and when she opened her first restaurant in 1997 she immediately placed ads in the Liberty Press to show her support of the community. She donated to many causes over the years including chili for First Metropolitan Community Church’s chili cook-offs, gift cards and aprons to Queens are Wild, artwork to ArtAID, hors d'oeuvres for art openings, expertise to other restaurant owners - wherever she could help, she would.
When the second incarnation of her restaurant opened, she joked that the ads she placed in the past in Liberty Press were the only advertising she ever bought . . . as she signed an ad contract for the new restaurant. They featured her beloved pugs ordering carry out. Tandoc’s restaurants had always been so successful she didn’t need to advertise. There were lines from the counter to the door every lunch hour. She was also a woman of many talents, often seen performing on the cello around
Page 15
town with fellow musicians, belly dancing with a local troupe, and making pottery for art shows on Final Friday. She was a friend of the theatre community, hired members of the LGBT community in her restaurant, and reviewed local restaurants for Wichita’s local NPR station, KMUW. At 45, Tandoc was taken from the community far too soon. She was an irreplaceable bright spot in Wichita’s cultural communities. l
PAGE 16
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
JULY 2015
JULY 2015
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Open Letter to Deniers of Transgender Existence
S
o you believe that biological sex and gender identity are always inextricably linked. This, in spite of the fact that science is absolutely clear that they are not. This, in spite of the fact that the American Psychological Association, the American Medical Association, and the American Psychiatric Association are absolutely clear that they are not. Okay, I would like to just suppose, for a minute. Just suppose that you might not be right. Just suppose that it is possible that a person might be assigned male at birth but identify completely as a female. If you choose to stop reading
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
Aggie Station, 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, Mimi's Cheese Shop & Other Delights, On the Wild Side, People’s Grocery, Positive Connections office, 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
Kansas City
Hamburger Mary’s, LIKEME Lighthouse
Lawrence
now, you have chosen to ignore the potential harm that comes from denying the existence of transgender human beings, and the potential good that comes from affirming who we are. Please keep reading. If you can imagine that it’s possible for a person to be assigned male at birth to identify completely as a female, please also imagine what their life might be like. Imagine waking up knowing who you are on the outside doesn’t match who you are on the inside. Imagine believing you can never be who you are; that you will spend your life pretending to be someone not truly you. Imagine living in a world that constantly reminds you that
Bethel College Student Life Center
Pittsburg
Pitt State GSA
Community Mercantile, KU’s Dean of Students office, KU’s Multicultural Resource Center, Lawrence Public Library, Wheatfield’s Bakery
Salina
Ad Astra Books and Coffeehouse, Chamucos Nightclub, Mokas, Mokas South, Peaceful Body Wellness Retreat, Salina Unitarian Universalist
Page 17
there is something bad about being who you are. A world that demands it knows more about who you are than you do. Imagine continuously wondering if your life is really worth living - 41% of transgender people attempt suicide. Imagine the ray of sunshine that enters your darkness when you discover that you can really be who you are, you are not bad, and your life has potential to be amazing. Imagine the courage to step into the sunlight and begin to live authentically. I ask you: Are you so certain of your knowledge you would block that light from reaching a person who is transgender? At what gain? What good comes to you or anyone if you choose to block the light? Is this about God’s will? Sometimes I am asked why God made me male if God wanted me to be female. Simple. Why is the sky blue? Science tells us why the sky looks blue. But, why blue? Why not magenta? Wouldn’t magenta be a pretty color for the sky? The color of the sky question is really asking: Why does God do anything? Why does anything happen? What just happens and does God do? We don’t know why about a lot of things.
As I look at the dark parts of my life, I was always asking why, and I failed to think about what was the right thing to do. The right thing to do was really important to me. When I finally began thinking about that, everything changed. Why transgender? I was raised in faith. As I came to believe that faith found me unacceptable, I became separated from faith; spent many years in darkness. Then, I found a place of faith where I could embrace my true self. I have come back to faith in an amazing way. Maybe, that’s why. My journey has prepared me to help show people who are on a similar journey, who are living in darkness, to know it is possible to come back to faith, to be able to find God. Maybe, God wanted me to shine my light. I know, firsthand, the harm that comes to a person when they are denied their true identity. I know the amazing beauty of finding a way to live authentically. I am blessed to have many more people in my life who enhance the light that shines into my soul, than people who try to block it. But there
Fellowship, Saline County Health Dept.
Methodist Church, The Cotillion, Cow & Sow Deli, Crazy J’s Furniture & Sleep Shop, The Donut Whole, DooDah 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
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, Beautiful Day Cafe, Book-A-Holic (all 3 locations), Bungalow 26, Camelot Cinema, The Center, Circle Cinema, Club Boomerang, College Hill United
continued on page 19
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.
PAGE 18
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
JULY 2015
Rawwwr! Cougar at Roxy’s Downtown rediscovers femininity and sexuality
REVIEW By Grayson Barnes
A bit later, Clarity arrives, believing the club would be the perfect place to do research for WICHITA - Cougar the Musical her Master’s in Social Work. had its Midwest debut on June Clarity’s life is in flux as well. 19 at Roxy’s Downtown in She gave up a high-paying Wichita and runs through July business career to pursue her 18. It is a fairly young show in dream of teaching. the musical scheme of things, Now that I have made it sound having opened Off-Broadway all boring and straightforward, it in August 2012. The book and isn’t. The expected reversal of lyrics are by Donna Moore, the objectification of women to who was also responsible for a that of the objectification of men portion of the music. heralded by the title just doesn’t The name of the musical happen. promises the older-woman- Instead, the three women in-search-of-younger-prey begin to rediscover their gifts: storyline, but the tale is more femininity, sexuality, power, nuanced. Cougar is a series of and, even sacredness. This is vignettes about the changes in done to a musical score that the lives of three women over runs the gamut from doo-wop 40. Their stories are loosely to anthem. There is even a pinned like lengths of ribbon love song to a vibrator (named to a central place – a “cougar” “Julio”). The lyrics are original, club – and to a person – the funny, and just a bit snarky, but club’s owner – Mary-Marie. they challenge the women to Mary-Marie opened her business “Say Yes” to new experiences, to cash in on the older female and remind them that “[My] crowd, ensuring them an ample Love is Ageless.” supply of booze and beefcake. The production is quite Another character, Lily, a romp for the cast as well, makes her living by dressing up because it covers a lot of ground as movie and cartoon characters and a mere four people do it for children’s parties. She all. Patty Reeder played Marywanders into the club one day to Marie with a biting Southern celebrate her recent divorce and sensibility. She had the funniness meets Mary-Marie, who shows and physicality required for the CISmagnet.eps 1 10/18/2011 2:23:51 PM Lily that life isn’t over after 40. part. Reeder gave us a Mary Marie who was knowing and a little naïve at the same time. There was one moment where Reeder lost her lines, which I attribute to it being only the second show, but she sailed back in smoothly as patent testimony to the performer she is. Kelly Wonsetler was Lily.
Wonsetler had to take her character through a great arc, from divorcee to mature-olderwoman-setting-free-a-newlove. She managed to do this wearing a range of costumes as well, including Dorothy and Cat Woman (well, she was getting off work, here and there). Although there were some great leaps of realization that made it hard to believe Lily could have changed as much as she did, it was more the fault of the loosely-pinned story rather than Wonsetler. Clarity was played by Ronda Kingwood, who gave a potent performance as a high-rolling powerhouse of a woman seeking to rebuild her foundation. All three women harmonized wonderfully through a diverse set of songs. Here and there, they were counterpointed by the one man in the cast. The only problem was that they were wearing microphones, which their strong voices often uncomfortably overrode.
As the only dude, Ryan Ehresman had a lot of charactershifting to do, appearing as the sexy bartender Buck, the raincoat-clad Naked Peter, the swarthy (and REAL, not to be confused with the sex toy) Julio, and a dorky young man. Ehresman even donned high heels and a wig as a female Asian manicurist. He did a great job, given the stamina required, only missing a beat here and there, which was admirable, considering it was night two for the show. However, at one point, it looked as if Ehresman’s SHIRT wasn’t holding up to the task as formidably as he was! For those of you unfamiliar with Roxy’s Downtown, it is the new incarnation of what used to be Cabaret Oldtown. The stage there is small and open, so John Hammer artfully created a static stage that had varying levels. With a little imagination by the audience, the levels became a boudoir, a bar, an office, a park bench, or a nail salon. The only additions or subtractions were a few chairs (and a SUPREME set of red rolling stools), making the space quite versatile. Cougar the Musical was fun, ribald, and an affirmation that life and love go on even after the midlife crisis ends. For reservations or more info for this or other shows at Roxy’s Downtown, located at 412 ½ E. Douglas, visit www. roxysdowntown.com, or call 316-265-4400. l
JULY 2015
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Trans-Formative continued from page 17
are many people who put great effort into blocking the light for me personally, and for all people who are transgender. To me, that light is God. That light is the presence of God. And with the presence of God comes the love of God. All things are possible with God. Many of them are beyond my understanding. God doesn’t ask my opinion or my permission. God just promises to be there. In truth, it doesn’t matter if that light comes from God, or if it comes from somewhere else. It is the light that shines into the darkness. Word. I have learned to let the light
shine into my soul. Believe as you choose, but please do not block the light. It is very important to my ability to exist in this world. If I don’t receive the light, I cannot share the light with the world. You never know to whom I might bring light, given the chance. It might be you. 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. Minor continued from page 20
children was exposed by Donald Capps in The Child’s Song: The Religious Abuse of Children (1995). But it’s abusive to adults as well. Sometimes it breaks out in public adult shaming. Like a punishing parent from his
P
ut more oomph in your life this July as Mars sizzles in Cancer and trines retro Neptune. What this means is that our actions can lead us into wild and risky temptation. Ouch! But what a way to go!
Page 19
own childhood, pastor Jonathan Leeman labels this “discipline” in his book: Church Discipline: How the Church Protects the Name of Jesus, saying rigorous church discipline is one of nine central components that comprise a “biblical church.” Dartmouth professor Randall Balmer, author of The Making of Evangelicalism, is thereby reminded of past public heresy trials that had implications not only for church membership but also an individual’s job security. “The Puritan model is to put people in the town square or the village green in the stocks as a way of shaming the individual,” Balmer writes. And there’s nothing more shaming than right-wing religion’s attitudes toward sexuality. In a culture already confused about the place of sexuality while using sex to sell everything it can, rightwing religion stifles accurate discussion with abstinence-only, anti-contraception, and antiwomen’s self-determination moralisms. It’s easy to make people feel guilt about their sexual lives, and right-wing
ARIES (MAR. 21 - APRIL 20) LEO (JULY 24 - AUG. 23) Anything that you try to arrange, Work behind the scenes this July and see compromise or accomplish with relatives how to best use your seductive talents. will have a way of kabooming when you Proud Lions have big bright plans that least expect it. But don’t sweat the range require extra wattage. You need to be of possible outcomes, gay Ram. This July able to rub elbows with heavy-hitters things will go as they will go at home and with family. and big moneymakers. There will be intrigue and You cannot control others. You can only control yourself. competition but you have surprising staying power Show your self-control . . . or take a short vacation! and charisma. Uh, maybe you should hire a press agent, just in case? TAURUS (APRIL 21 - MAY 21) Even the best of friends can miscommunicate VIRGO (AUG. 24 - SEPT. 23) this July. And, surprisingly, this may not A particular friendship might progress to lead to catastrophe or harsh words. In ongoing love or temporary lust this July. fact you two may have a meeting of the Which do you think it will be? And is this minds that could lead to a much deeper what you really want? On the one hand it connection. Will you go head over heels in a lofty cloud? could wind up to be the perfect match for Anything is possible queer Bull. But be prepared to fall you. On the other hand, if it doesn’t work out, you could back to earth as the cosmic dust dissipates. Oops. lose a good compadre. It is your choice to make, queer Virgo. Oh decisions, decisions. GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21) As I gaze into my crystal ball I see that LIBRA (SEPT. 24 - OCT. 23) money will figure prominently for you Are you working hard or hardly this July, pink Twin. This can mean a raise, working, proud Libra? This July the an unexpected reward or gift or it could chickens will come home to roost if you go the other way - an unexpectedly large have been lazy or slacking off in your job. You may expense. Check your personal karma to see which way not realize it but all eyes are on you and there are great the scales fall. Have you been diligently working hard expectations about your accomplishments. I think you and impressing your boss? Uh-oh. will rise to the task! Or are you just getting up to get that umpteenth cup of coffee? CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 23) You manage to impress a big mucky-muck SCORPIO (OCT. 24 - NOV. 22) who will then help you out in numerous You have itchy feet and are ready and delightful ways. Good for you, gay Crab! raring to get away from it all, queer So keep your eye out for the powerbroker Scorp. So where will the trade winds who can make things happen for you. And carry you? Expect great adventure, some you might always have to be “on,” just in light and flirty romance to keep things case. But you only have to work it for a few weeks. You interesting and overall great fun. If time and money can go back to your true personality after that. are tight, find your jollies closer to home. How about an all-night party fest in some offbeat part of town? Bring your bongos.
religion’s known how to play on that well. R i g h t - w i n g r e l i g i o n ’s inherent tribalism is manifest in its obsession with insiders versus outsiders. It has divided into hundreds of sects over who has it right and who is wrong on every question of doctrine and practice. The arguments of centuries ago can still be heard among its leaders today. And let’s not even get started on a discussion of what it did historically to those judged as heretics before secular law stepped in. All of this informs what’s really going on and what we’re actually denying by calling those from whom the veneer drops “hypocrites.” And in order to make that clear, we have to change our framing: What we’re seeing is the heart of what rightwing religion itself really is, not merely hypocrisy. 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.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 - DEC. 22) Gay Archers are feeling especially sexy and alluring this July, for a change. You have ample charisma and spicy ha cha cha. So don’t be shy or retiring. Show off your talents and ply your trade with your special someone. If you are on the prowl for a soulmate, re-make your home into a delightful destination. Make it into a love nest and then see who flies in. CAPRICORN (DEC. 23 - JAN. 20) Bank on your beautiful eloquence this week, pink Cap. You have great powers of persuasion that could elevate and heat up a current relationship, possibly save a failing one or put a nice closure on a poor one. Decide how important it is to you and speak from your heart. Before you know it you will have them exactly where you want them. Err, exactly where is that? AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 - FEB. 19) If you find yourself toiling into the small hours of the night for your job it may be a good time to take a clear and calculated look at where you are and where you want to be. Aqueerians have higher aspirations and lofty goals to achieve. Put your sweat equity to work to create equity for you and not only your boss. Start the revolution and see where you march. PISCES (FEB. 20 - MAR. 20) Get your party shoes on Guppie and prepare to kick up some dust. This is your month to get yourself in front of the movers and shakers and move and shake a bit yourself. Implement your grand plans, find a mentor and start building. Get creative, have fun doing it and toss it a bit of crazy romance to make it interesting. If not now, when? If not you, who?
(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.
PAGE 20
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Minor
Details By Bob Minor
Why I Quit Calling Right-Wing Hypocrites "Hypocrites"
F
rom the Duggars to the weekly examples of the latest clergy or legislator who has professed “Family Values” – which everyone knows is code for anti-LGBT equality - it has become routine, even expected, to find that the more someone righteously protests, the greater the likelihood that they have related skeletons in their closets struggling to burst out. It’s been a psychologist’s expectation for generations that the louder people object, the more likely it is that they’re covering up their own guilt. They’re easily, and rightly, labeled hypocrites. And preaching moral outrage against others while living and doing
what it objects to is a necessary part of legalistic, moralistic right-wing religions. But labeling them hypocrites is too easy. It actually lets the religious views, and most of the people who endorse them, off the hook. Any right-wing religionist can agree that someone didn’t live up to the standards they blame on divinity. “We’re all sinners,” after all. But if these sinners are willing to seek some kind of forgiveness, to the rightwing it really doesn’t matter what they did. Their slate is cleansed and right-wing religion is thereby reaffirmed. Hypocrites to them are not only an anomaly but merely
Celebrate 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 • 11am-6pm Sat.
human beings who’ve backslidden. If backsliders claim that they’re forgiven and born again, all is well and the beat can go on. What the term hypocrites doesn’t do is stick long enough to affirm what it is that’s inherent in right-wing religion itself that not only spawns hypocrites but drives right-wing religion’s judgmental meanness. It frames the problem as a personal one, a set of mistakes, human flaws, youthful indiscretions, or common foibles, not a problem deeply embedded within rightwing religion. What’s exposed when we see right-wing religious people acting out sexually, judging others ruthlessly, affirming moralistic superiority, resorting to violent language and activities, abusing children and others, and condemning to hell-fire all those who don’t agree, is the sexual dysfunction and erotophobia, tribalism, violence, abusiveness, and self-righteousness inherent in right-wing religion. Exposed is not only the psychological problems of the individuals who’ve come to light, but the very nature of right-wing ideology and practice that attempts to cover-up those problems with a veneer of some kind of godliness. It’s the latter that takes damaged psyches and encourages them to find their answer in a religion addiction. No matter how we might not want to admit this to ourselves, we can no longer give right-wing religion itself a pass by calling predictable future examples we will witness “hypocrites.” We must expose each example as the fall of a façade that covers what right-wing religion really is. Right-wing Christianity’s inherent violence and
JULY 2015
abusiveness can be seen in the Jesus it chooses. Seldom does it focus on the Jesus of the Gospels who values others by their treatment of “the least of these my brethren.” Instead it’s enamored with the warrior Jesus of the Book of Revelation who comes in judgment and destructiveness, armed for battle against all enemies and ultimately throwing them in “the lake of fire” for everlasting torment. No wonder so much rightwing Christianity supports the gun lawlessness pushed by the National Rifle Association. And some churches have even given away rifles as premiums for membership. Only a religion of violence and abuse could trumpet The Cage: A Young Children’s Guide to the Biblical Teaching on Hell, by a C. Matthew McMahon, Ph.D., Th.D., which Puritan Publications of Tennessee published in June, describing the book as “tastefully illustrated.” As the book’s “Note to Parents” warns: “Some parents may be thinking that this kind of exhortation to children will give little ones horrible nightmares… It would be better for them to have nightmares now while you teach them about the realities of hell… than to wind up in the reality of the nightmare that is hell. To the Christian parent of young children, I plead with you to… teach your children about hell and the power of God’s wrath. Teach them that Christ is their only hope… Teach them that they are locked in a spiritual cage and that it dangles over the fires of hell.” This religious abuse of continued on page 19
Jenny Brown, Brown,Licensed LicensedMarriage Marriageand andFamily FamilyTherapist Therapist Jenny Individual,couple, couple,and andfamily familytherapy therapyininManhattan, Manhattan, Individual, KSKS ExperienceininLGB LGBand andTransgender Transgenderissues issues Experience
Evening without insurance Evening and andweekend weekendavailability. availability.Affordable Affordablerates ratesforforthose those without insurance forfor more information Call (785) 539-5455 539-5455 for foran anappointment, appointment,ororvisit visitwww.andrewsinc.net www.andrewsinc.net more information
JULY 2015
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Page 21
DEFINITELY BROADWAY UNIQUELY WICHITA DANCE AND DREAM
At this church, you’re
FREE to be
UNLOCK IMAGINATION
just how
GOD
made you!
HAPPIEST OF HIJINKS
Attend Church in Your UNDERWEAR?* *ONLY if you watch our Livestream Service Sunday at www.GodLovesYouPeriod.com
Sunday Mornings at 10:15AM
Single tickets on sale now!
156 S. Kansas Street in Wichita GOD LOVES YOU.
PERIOD Experience the R evolution ™
FIRST MCC
OF KANSAS
METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH. Rev. Jackie Carter, M.Div
www.GodLovesYouPeriod.com • (316) 267-1852 Office Hours: M-TH 9 -12 And by Appointment
Century II Performing Arts Center | 225 W. Douglas 316.265.3107 | mtwichita.org
PAGE 22
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
JULY 2015
Chorus not allowed to sing at funeral of member's father By Blake Hampton WICHITA - On May 14 Ken Bolton was laid to rest. At 84 years old he was a retired pastor, a Sunday school teacher, a U.S. Army veteran, and a great grandfather. Though he is gone this is not what troubles Bolton’s family. In an interview with Dr. Paul Bolton, Ken’s son, Paul expressed how the Pastor Dr. Charles Boswell of Immanuel
Baptist Church in Wichita upset the plans that were made to honor Ken’s memory. Dr. Bolton, though originally f r o m Wi c h i t a , m o v e d t o California where he practiced as a chiropractor. “About a year and a half ago I was in a car accident. I was riding a bicycle when I got hit by a car,” he explained. “It’s been a long road to recovery. I felt like during that time I was in a place where I could help my dad out, and so
I came back.” Ken was suffering from Alzheimer’s. Paul and the family helped Ken make the transition to a nursing home. Paul, his aunt, and father would go and have lunch about once a week, and just try their best to spend time with him. Ken’s death was a shock to the family. Though Alzheimer’s had taken his short-term memory Ken could still remember who his immediate family was. With news of his death, plans were being made for the funeral. It would be at the Immanuel Baptist Church to accommodate for the group of attendees, it was also the church that Ken had been a member of for several years, and with the ceremony performed by Pastor Boswell. The day before the funeral Paul had a written eulogy and order of service that he handed to Pastor Boswell’s assistants. Dr. Bolton is a member of the Heart of America Men’s Chorus (HOAMC). A chorus that Ken was supportive of and had enjoyed seeing perform. For
his father’s funeral Paul asked a quartet to come and sing The Star Spangled Banner with him. However, on the morning of the funeral, because the group has openly gay members, and has performed for events such as Wichita Pride, Pastor Boswell wouldn’t allow the quartet to sing. The pastor also didn’t perform the ceremony, but gave the responsibility to another, and a eulogy other than the written one was used. Immanuel Baptist, in its history, has never had a good relationship with the LGBT community, and that isn’t expected to change anytime soon. Even if it did change, the damage for the Bolton family has already been done. “I will never step into a Baptist church again,” Dr. Bolton said. Because Ken’s funeral did not receive the honor that the family had planned, the Heart of America Men’s Chorus performed a memorial during the recent Red, White, and Cure concert, a benefit for the American Cancer Society. l
JULY 2015
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Page 23
NEW EXTENDED HOURS!
PAGE 24
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Thurs - Sat 5:00PM - 2:00AM Sunday 5:00PM - Midnight
NO COVER
JULY 2015
club Boomerang
for ages 21+ 18 to Enter with $8 cover
Great food Every night 5PM - Midnight! Best burgers in Wichita Everything is hand made, never frozen
Nightly Happy Hour 5PM - 8PM
$2 Wells and Domestics, $3 wine, $5 Martinis, $1 off Appetizers
$8 Breakfast Buffet Saturday night After you have fun at the bar!
1:00AM - 3:00AM Beach Party Weekend! July 23-26
Wet bathing suit contest 11PM Friday - Ladies Saturday - Guys $50 First Place $25 Runner up Each night
1400 E 1st - FREE Nearby Parking in neighboring lots www.clubboomerang.com