Liberty Press Aug 2015 by Liberty Press Kansas

2015 – 2016 McCain Performance Series

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The Charlie Daniels Band Iconic artist fuses country with Southern rock!

7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3

m-pact Award-winning contemporary a cappella ensemble

7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8

Jay Leno with special guest, Emily West.

7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11

The Robert Cray Band with special guest Shemekia Copeland.

7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat A fun family show of Biblical proportions.

7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26

An Evening with Kristin Chenoweth Wickedly talented Emmy- and Tony Award-winning actress sings a mix of Broadway and movie tunes.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2 Holiday favorites in his own distinctive style.

An Evening with Ana Gasteyer

7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 6

Sultry, saucy songs from the actress/comedienne.

7 and 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, Wareham Opera House

A Midsummer Night’s Dream — Actors from the London Stage Part of a semesterlong series of campus and comunity events honoring the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death.

7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5

Jessica Lang Dance Part of a semesterlong series of campus and comunity events honoring the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death.

7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9 A multimedia theatrical concert experience. You should be dancin’!

7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12

7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11

The Metropolitan Opera Rising Stars Concert Series

Bram Stoker’s Dracula

4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14

One of the greatest horror stories ever told.

Los Lobos with Ballet Folklórico Mexicano

Red-hot, toe-tappin’ New Orleans jazz with a twist of wartime Parisian flair.

7 and 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23 Wareham Opera House

Vienna Boys Choir Get a jump on the holiday season with the world’s most beloved choir.

Celebrating the Mexican-American experience through song, dance, music and film.

7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18

Get a blast of holiday brass with all the verve and virtuosity of the Canadian Brass.

OFF

7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 10

Branford Marsalis Quartet One of the most revered instrumentalists of our time.

7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 5

Acoustic Africa with Habib Koite and Vusi Mahlasela An evening celebrating the richness of African traditions of voice and song.

7:30 p.m. Friday, April 8

Ragtime It was the music of something beginning…

7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 14

Sharon Isbin, Guitar, and Isabel Leonard, Mezzo-Soprano A sublime evening of Spanish music for guitar and voice.

7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 17

Carmen — Moscow Festival Ballet A full-length ballet based on Bizet’s most popular opera.

4 p.m. Sunday, April 24

Chris Botti Superstar trumpeter live in concert.

with one of the world’s greatest orchestras.

7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 18

7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26

Under the Streetlamp Retro never sounded so now!

7:30 p.m. Friday, May 20

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Russian National Orchestra with 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 10 Yuja Wang, piano ONCE the Musical The young and charismatic superstar joins forces

7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18

Canadian Brass: A Holiday Concert

Flashdance — The Musical The pop culture phenomenon live on stage!

An Evening with Shirley MacLaine

The Hot Sardines — Speakeasy Nights

Engaging all-female super group performs traditional Irish music just in time for St. Patty’s Day!

7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9

The Australian Bee Gees Show

7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13

Cherish the Ladies 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 4

Aaron Neville

7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2

The Academy Award-winning beloved national treasure of screen and stage.

AUGUST 2015

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AUGUST 2015

Liberty Press

Volume 21, No. 12 • Editor: Kristi Parker • Contributors: Greg Fox, Charlene Lichtenstein, Mama, Dr. Robert N. Minor, Stephanie Mott, Nolin Christensen • Staff Reporters: Grayson Barnes, Blake Hampton, Ciara Reid • Contributing Photographers: Bob Bishop, Photography by Davidson • Cover: Zachary Mallory; design by Troy Dilport • 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.

LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

Inside: OP/ED......................................6 POINTS OF INTEREST.............8 MINOR DETAILS....................11 MAMA KNOWS BEST.............12 TRANS-FORMATIVE...............17 DISTRIBUTION SITES............17 AROUND KANSAS.................18 BRIDGES................................23 OUT IN THE STARS................23 LEATHER LIFE.......................24 KYLE'S BED & BREAKFAST....24 The Wall at the Monarch Gastropub.................................7 Dr. Pearson helps shape the LGBT experience at WSU........15 Zachary Mallory.......................19 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.

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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.

Letters LGBT life in Mid-America Dear editor: Since you are in Kansas, you are able to serve the movement/community the “coasts” media does not know exists. And the news and views and interests are the same as

elsewhere as shown by three articles in the July issue. While you report on the recent Supreme Court decision on marriage, you have a good letter that shows the diversity in the movement/community on the issue. (K. Gifford, Why marriage equality?). What needs to be said to those who ask why the marriage issue has dominated the movement is that it has NOT.

SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS Save the dates for 2015-2016 Fall 2015

Spring 2016

September 24-27 • Smokey Joe’s Café

Feb. 18-21 • The Roaring Girl

Oct. 29-Nov. 1 • Light in the Piazza

March 9-13 • The Leftovers

Nov. 13-14 • Kansas Dance Festival

March 31-April 3 • Les Indes Galantes

Wilner Auditorium Miller Concert Hall

Miller Concert Hall

Nov. 18-22 • Wrong Window Welsbacher

Wilner Auditorium Welsbacher

(opera and dance) Miller Concert Hall

April 21-24 • Chicago Wilner Auditorium

AUGUST 2015

It has dominated the media. When the continuing movement began in Los Angeles in 1950, in secret (early Mattachine), and went public in 1952 with ONE, ONE had to do everything - publish the first national magazine, fight a legal battle with the Post Office, discuss issues in the magazine (including marriage, in 1953 and 1963 issues) and in lectures, etc. But each decade after the movement grew and slowly people and groups started specializing. There are legal groups (Lambda Legal, NCLR, GLAD), political groups, including Log Cabin Republicans, religious groups (Dignity, Kinship, MCC), groups for GLBT physicians, lawyers, anthropologists, groups for publishers, editors, politicians, etc. There were groups working on military issues. There are national groups talking to businesses, politicians, and holding meetings - HRC, The Task Force, GLAAD, etc. There are services aimed at older LGBT people, and younger ones - general such as GLSEN and particular such as The Point Foundation, which gives grants to college students, and groups such as PFLAG (for parents of LGBT children) and COLAGE (for children of GLBT parents), etc. And major cities have gay centers. These resources “the media” does not find sexy enough, and so “news” of our community seems to be only about the current issue . . . in this case marriage. The media may cover “sexy” documentaries or stories, such as the latest trans celebrity to come out, or a documentary on AIDS, which had celebrity support and got publicity when wild things were said and done. (It is easy to scream when your life is at stake.) But will the media, GLBT or general, give publicity to the documentary you report on? (Documentary tells story of Burt Humburg, a former Southwestern football All-American and his reconciliation between Christianity and sexuality) Will HBO show this documentary? (Out Here in Kansas, by Adam Knapp) I see little discussion in the coast press that equals the thinking of Bob Minor (Minor Details) including his, in this issue, saying that we must go beyond just calling bigots hypocrites - the religion itself has to be held accountable. He names names and is right: “What we’re seeing is the heart of what right-wing religion itself really is, not merely hypocrisy.” Best wishes in your continuing to be a voice to and for the community. Billy Glover

COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS BOX OFFICE 316.978.3233 (All shows pending licensing approval.)

wichita.edu/fineartsboxoffice Single event tickets on sale three weeks prior to opening.

AUGUST 2015

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The Wall at the Monarch Gastropub

By Grayson Barnes WICHITA - Every evening, until about three years ago, the southeast corner by the Delano roundabout in Wichita was adorned by motorcycles. The line often stretched up

the street. For the last two and a half years, though, the site has been home to the Monarch Gastropub (579 W. Douglas). The Harleys and Hondas are gone from the outside and the interior is outfitted with bicyclerim lamps, local art, and The

Wall o’ whiskey. I met with Jennifer Ray, Monarch’s owner/operator. Ray is intense, her bearing indicates tightly coiled energy. When asked why she opened the Monarch, she said she was already working in sports bars,

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JULY 31-SEPTEMBER 12

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but didn’t like that format. She also wanted to be her own boss. When the corner in Delano became available, Ray jumped on it. The dramatic change from a former “biker bar” to the current upscale-yet-laid-back space was driven by a number of issues besides wanting to erase the former concept: an interest in the history of Wichita, the desire for something unique, and storage needs. “It was a puzzle with a lot of moving parts,” Ray grinned. “Monarch” was a moniker resurrected from that of an early saloon in Wichita near First and Main. “We were under some tight time constraints, like, having to open in less than 65 days, and we needed a name. My boyfriend went online and did some research and we pulled this one out of the archives.” Besides recalling the city’s past, “Monarch” suggests sovereignty (there IS single malt bourbon on The Wall), as well as the butterfly. The interior took on a butterfly-like transformation. Ray credits her boyfriend with helping her foster the ambience, along with his R&D (Research and Development) work. “He built the lamps,” she beamed, “and other local artists and friends helped create this space – they have ownership in it.” Ray made the stainedglass over the main windows. Throughout the large room hang works by local artists. This ties current Wichita culture to the past. The past is further continued on page 10

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following. Free and open to the public. Wednesday, Aug. 26, 3–5pm University Congregational Church, 9209 E. 29th St. Tea for modern day Women Suffragists to honor past Presidents of the Wichita Metro League of Women Voters and women who are politically active. Free and open to the public.

Wichita’s 95th Anniversary Celebration activities of the 19th Amendment Wednesday, Aug. 12, 1:30– 2:30pm Wi c h i t a P u b l i c L i b r a r y Downtown, Senior Wednesday A panel of League of Women Voters members will share what it took to get the 19 th Amendment passed. Free and open to the public. Sunday, Aug. 16, 2–4pm Wichita Sedgwick County Historical Museum Historian and author Diane Eickhoff, with support from the Kansas Humanities Council, will present “Women Rising: How Kansas Women Gained the Vote, 1859-1912.” Reception

Wednesday, Aug. 26, 7–9pm WSU Hughes Metroplex, 5015 E. 29th St. N a t i o n a l Wo m e n ’s Equality Day Celebration Honorary Chair Nancy Landon Kassebaum Baker welcomes former Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger as the keynote speaker. Jill Docking will provide a challenge to women at this program that commemorates the actual signing of the 19th amendment 95 years ago on Aug. 26, 1920. Patriotic music provided by Karla Burns, Sharon Cranford and East High School Instrumental Music Dept. Co-sponsored by the WSU Departments of Political Science, Women Studies and the Hugo Wall Center. Free and open to the public.

COMCARE Crisis Services move to new location SEDGWICK COUNTY - As of July 24, COMCARE Crisis Services moved to the new Community Crisis Center (CCC), located at 635 N. Main. The CCC - a joint initiative by Sedgwick, Butler and Sumner

counties - provides a single location, and a comprehensive system of care for integrated assessment, triage, stabilization, engagement, and referral to ongoing supports and services for those in the region experiencing a behavioral health crisis. The CCC expands existing crisis services to promote rapid stabilizations, and to avoid emergency room admissions, local and state hospitalizations, and jail bookings. This project will improve coordination among agencies and improve overall care and hospital diversion outcomes, while also reducing costs through community treatment and the elimination of duplicate services. “The Community Crisis Center will allow mental health and addiction staff members to resolve a crisis as a team rather than requiring individuals in crisis to go from one treatment facility to another,” Marilyn Cook, director of COMCARE of Sedgwick County, said. “Having this center will better ensure individuals and their family members get the support they need to help prevent problems from escalating further.” The CCC will also house sobering beds and detoxification services through a contract with the Substance Abuse Center of Kansas. These services are now being offered at 1720 E. Morris and will move into the new location when renovations to the building are completed. COMCARE Administrative Services, currently located at

635 N. Main, will move to 934 N. Water, effective July 31.

KMUW wins for documentary, interview, and commentary W I C H I TA – I n a f i e r c e competition among newsmakers around the nation, KMUW– Wichita Public Radio 89.1 FM was honored with three new awards. • 1st Place – Interview: Crossing the Cedar Fence by Aileen LeBlanc, KMUW News Director • 1st Place – Short Documentary: The Anniversary of Dr. Tiller’s Murder by Aileen LeBlanc • 2nd Place – Commentary: I’ve Just Seen A Facebook by Richard Crowson, KMUW Commentator Wichita Public Radio won these awards for excellence from Public Radio News Directors Incorporated at the organization’s annual conference in Salt Lake City on June 27. This year, there were more than 1,100 entries from public radio newsrooms across the country, and event organizers handed out 130 awards. The accolades recognized stellar journalism produced in 2014 in topics such as arts, sports, multimedia, nationally edited work, and student work. KMUW is currently on the main Wichita State University campus. The station will relocate to 121 N. Mead at WSU Old Town later this year. l

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amplified by Ray’s decision to retain the original wood bar. Its red surface, a holdover from the place’s previous incarnation, reflects from huge mirrors on The Wall behind the liquor. Ray wanted to capture the essence of Wichita and offer an atmosphere that was clean and not stuffy. Along with the unique “persona” of the place, the Monarch has distinctive food and liquor offerings. Some of this had to do with logistics: the size of the kitchen (small) and the amount of storage space (not enough). The little kitchen did not lend itself to a huge menu, so Ray kept it simple. The addition of a smoker out back meant that what could have been a run-of-the-mill “sammy and apps” assortment has extra panache. Meats are smoked in-house, as are cheeses. A number of the selections from The Wall also find their way into marinades, bastes, and

LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

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sauces. Ray said her personal favorite is the “Monarch Wings,” which are marinated, smoked, and basted with a Jim Beam and Sriracha sauce. She says her customers enjoy “The Monarch,” a smoked brisket sandwich that comes with caramelized onions, red peppers, and smoked Provolone. There is even a “Cheese and Sausage Tray,” with smoked cheeses (Mozzarella, Provolone, Cheddar), olives, peppers, sausage, and Naan. Ray appreciates the vicissitudes of smoking food “en plein air.” “It’s tricky figuring it all out, with the timing.” The beauty is, each meat or cheese has its own character influenced by the particular day it was smoked. I return, once more, to The Wall, where Ray opted for a bar featuring whiskey, bourbon, rye, and other distilled liquors

because it takes up less room than beer. “Bourbon just has a smaller footprint,” she declared. In the future, Ray plans on adding a line of liqueurs made inhouse, like limoncello, hazelnut, and rum cream. She has no plans to open another Monarch, because “it wouldn’t have the same ambience,” and, after two and a half years (a benchmark of success in the food/bar industry), she’s finally getting to a place where she can step back a bit. Besides, she sees it as “a lifestyle more than a career path,” and Ray adores her job. She loves her customers and wants to give them the best service possible. Ray complimented the other Delano business owners as well. “Everyone has given me an amazing reception,” she lauded. Although, she laughed when I asked her about her experience overall, stating, “It’s not for the faint of heart, but by far the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done in my whole life!” I raised my shot of Bulleit in salute to her and The Wall. Visit The Monarch Gastropub at 579 W. Douglas, or for a preview of the menu, the webpage is www.monarchwichita. com. Find it on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. l

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Monarch continued from page 7

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AUGUST 2015

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AUGUST 2015

LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

Minor

Details By Bob Minor

The Supreme Court Moves to Destroy Straight Marriage

he right-wing has gone crazy since the Supreme Court sanctioned marriage equality in late June. What they’d been praying for didn’t come to pass – their angry, righteous, warrior deity didn’t intervene with fire and brimstone or floods and pestilence. Neither Pat Robertson’s senile predictions nor the other threats of impending Armageddon materialized. Chaos did not ensue and the heterosexual divorce rate has yet to spike. The American legal system moved on as if right-wing

destroy what they mislabeled “traditional marriage.” Up to the time when marriage equality was on the horizon, they had said “family values” were threatened, but the push for same-gender marriages eclipsed that wellworn trope. In spite of the silly, historically uninformed response of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court -- who said things like: “the Court orders the transformation of a social institution that has formed the basis of human society for millennia, for the Kalahari Bushmen and the Han

“Traditional marriages in most societies were clear about the roles of the man and the woman. Marriages were about property, not love or companionship.” objections no longer mattered. And, believe me, that had to hurt the religious right-wing that’s been working for a generation to be taken seriously. Right-wingers responded as if not knowing what to say. But clearly their responses play to their bases, frightening them about everything that will now victimize them, including one pastor saying that Christians pastors will now be punished for not marrying LGBT people. It was such a good issue to rile up the base for fundraising and voter turnout. It was easy to demonize LGBT people and, with heterosexual marriage so precarious and disappointing to many, all of that distress could be blamed on the desire of LGBT people to join in a sick institution. Their ultimate argument was that the marriage of two people of the same gender would

Chinese, the Carthaginians and the Aztecs. Just who do we think we are?” -- history tells us that the marriage of one man and one woman is no more “traditional” than any form of marriage from polygamy to arranged marriages where couples seldom shared sex. Most marriages historically were clearly that of a patriarch taking a wife along with other property such as slaves and livestock. One only need to page through both testaments of the Christian Bible to see that biblical marriages involved numerous arrangements other than one man and woman in love, in spite of what rightwingers pontificate about today. Even the Mormon Church got into the act, declaring that “traditional marriage” was between one man and one woman. They never mention the U.S. troops in Utah that helped

convince them of that fact. Very few – I’ve seen none - mainstream reporters will contradict the phony claims repeated ad nauseum by anti-gay religious leaders and politicians, that “traditional marriage has forever been between one man and one woman.” But then, who any longer expects enlightened conversations on most cable television or those Sunday morning “news” shows and their ilk? Traditional marriages in most societies were clear about the roles of the man and the woman. Marriages were about property, not love or companionship. In fact, marriage and family historian Stephanie Coontz, who took on both “family” and “marriage” to explode the myths involved in our culture’s backward nostalgia, subtitled her 2005 book Marriage, A History with From Obedience to Intimacy, or How Love Conquered Marriage. She begins quoting George Bernard Shaw’s quip about modern marriage as an institution that brings together two people “under the influence of the most violent, most insane, most delusive,

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and most transient of passions. They are required to swear that they will remain in that excited, abnormal, and exhausting condition continuously until death do them part.” Historically, the woman was the property of the man transferred from her father. She was to have no financial status and little value beyond her roles as wife and mother. This ideal was especially kept by a culture’s elite upper classes while lower class women worked alongside their husbands in the fields, factories, or shops. It was post-World War II society that produced what the right-wing wants us to believe is “traditional marriage,” which was coupled with another nonbiblical ideal: “the nuclear family.” In that recent definition we see an ideal of “straight marriage” in which gender roles are clearly established and one is assured thereby who “the man” and “the woman” is. Now, “straight marriage” is not natural to heterosexual people either. It’s not how they would necessarily live if they continued on page 16

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Dear Mama, How do you deal with automated phone systems? Hung Up I do not deal with them well. They make you press a button for a language. Why in the hell do I need to do that? I live in America it is English.

LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

Then they make you press a button for what department you need. After that another button must be pressed to prove who you are. Good Lord, I am calling from my number I know they have caller ID! Then they put you on hold for the next available representative. If they would just skip the automated system we wouldn’t have to hold. Who created this system? I would like to kick the idiot that did! Mama, Are you offended by the

confederate flag or any other one? not signed I realize certain things offend some people. I just wonder where we will draw the line. Every time someone gets offended we have to change something to suit that person or group. Newsflash! People, if it offends you do not look, watch, listen, do or be around it. This is not rocket science. Good Lord, they wonder why I drink beer. What do you think about all these clerks quitting or refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples because of religious freedoms? On The Line

AUGUST 2015

Wake up, America. Change is going to happen whether you believe in it or not. There is not a darn thing we can do about it. I understand if you have different beliefs than someone else, but do your damn job. I cannot say I am not going to work on Mondays because I do not believe in it because of my religious freedoms. That would never fly. What if all the gay people in the world stopped doing their jobs; what would happen then? I will tell you what would happen, lousy service at restaurants, our hair would be a mess, and our homes would look like crap. That’s correct. No hairstylists, wait persons, or decorators, not to mention all the other professions. You guessed it! Gay people are everywhere! If I ever run for an office my slogan will be vote for me and mind your own business! We all just need to get along and mind our own damn business!! Thank you, Kansas. Enjoy the rest of your summer! l Have a question for Mama? E-mail MamaTHarper@aol.com or friend Thelma Harper on Facebook.

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Dr. Pearson helps shape the LGBT experience at WSU By Blake Hampton WICHITA - Wichita State University features different classes and student groups as a safe spot for LGBT youth to express themselves. One class and one student group in particular not only let individuals express, but also to listen and learn of the experiences of others. Dr. Jennifer Pearson, an Assistant Professor in sociology, teaches Intro to Gender Studies (SOC 306), and is also the faculty advisor for the group Spectrum. She has been teaching gender studies and has been the faculty advisor for Spectrum

(formerly known as That Gay Group!) since 2009. Intro to Gender Studies involves taking a look at how individuals identify their gender, which can be within a range between male and female, agender and genderfluid. The class looks at the difference between the biology of a sex (anatomy, chromosomes), gender identity, and how someone communicates to the world what their gender is. “A big part is to see how gender is constructed by the media,” Dr. Pearson said. “The students big project for the semester is to pick a form of media - TV shows, books, children’s books, magazines and analyze what the message in those are.” The foundation for the class is based upon empirical research within sociology studies and publications in scientific journals. “I think that I demonstrate well in the class that gender is socially constructed. Once you’ve seen the research it’s really hard to argue that

gender isn’t culturally or socially based.” D r. P e a r s o n t a k e s t h e opportunity to have what she calls a “Gender Panel.” She invites guests to come in and speak and take questions about their experiences being a person who is, for example, trans. She also creates an opportunity for discussion among students so that they can listen and learn from fellow students. Spectrum is an LGBT student group that holds meetings every Thursday at 7pm. The first meeting for the fall semester is Aug. 27 at the Rhatigan Student Center in room 265. It’s an ice cream social. The group does a mix of things from watching movies to discussions on their role within the community, participating in events such as Transgender Day of Remembrance, and sharing coming out stories. The big project for this year is to make Spectrum more visible on the WSU campus. Spectrum also offers legislation and ideas to the student council on how WSU can be more welcoming to the LGBT community. Dr. Pearson described such an instance that happened last February. “When Gov. Brownback rolled back the workplace protections for state employees, Spectrum and other groups came together and said, ‘Look there is a clear need for protection for LGBT employees on campus.’ Spectrum wrote a letter to [WSU] President Bardo and pushed for that.” Anyone who wishes to be a part of Spectrum is free to attend any meeting. Dr. Pearson’s goal in teaching and being faculty advisor to Spectrum is to make a space that students can feel safe in speaking about their sexuality and gender. To find out more about Dr. Pearson’s classes and Spectrum, visit www.wichita. edu. l

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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. Minor continued from page 11

hadn’t been conditioned by the institutions around us to expect what marriage really means and what the roles of “husband’ and “wife” clearly are. “Straight marriage” as enforced since World War II is clear about who is supposed to do what. And if particularly the man deviates from these expected roles, the nature of the relationship is questionable. Everyone knew which gender should mow the lawn, do the outside barbequing, wield the hammer for fix-it projects, be the primary bread-winner, drive the car when the family rides together, and be sexually dominant. Whether heterosexual people actually live the straight marriage role, we can all recall who’s supposed to do the laundry, host the parties, cook most meals, change the diapers, and change her name with the wedding ceremony. If the image of a traditional marriage is this historically recent straight one, then it’s no wonder the right-wing looks back to the 50s as the good old days of Ozzie and Harriet and Leave it to Beaver. And if the right-wing definition of

AUGUST 2015

“traditional” marriage is this straight-acting one, then, yes, same-gender marriage will upset it. Feminists have called for its destruction long ago, and they’ve been accused by straight marriage’s idolizers of doing just that. So, if two people of the same gender marry, there’s no way to ensure that either will live by “straight” marriage’s gender roles. LGBT people as couples will actually have to sit down, talk with each other, maybe regularly, about who is going to take out the garbage and who is going to stay home with the sick child. And that interaction is actually healthy for any relationship but a threat to “straight” marriage. 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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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

that someone IS a Christian, print that a person identifies as a Christian. There is certainly more room to question whether a person is actually a Christian - really represents the example and teachings of Christ - than there is to question whether or not someone actually knows their own gender. In articles expressing socalled Christian disdain for marriage equality, I have yet to see a single journalist question Selling Souls for the whether or not these people Price of a Paper the selling of newspapers. Damn actually embrace the undeniable he print media’s comfort the cost to humanity. Christian value of unconditional with perpetuating the Just once, I would like to love. Where are the questions false, mutually exclusive see a newspaper print that a about how a person can be d i c h o t o m y o f L G B T a n d person who is transgender IS Christian and be fighting against Christian is distinctly not their gender. Instead, we get this love? journalism. Making choices When someone talks that sell newspapers, but at about their personal the cost of human dignity, are “ ... I have yet to see a single experiences with not journalistic choices. It is journalist question whether discrimination as a the disgusting devaluation member of the LGBT of human beings for the or not these people actually population, these are embrace the undeniable price of a paper. fact-based accounts of These choices participate Christian value of unconditional real-life experiences. in the failure to bring an end Then the news ushers to the persecution of LGBT love.” in someone with no people. They participate lived experience to in the violent and suicidal “identifies as a woman” crap that present a “counter opinion,” realities of LGBT teenagers. has nothing to do with what’s usually something to the effect They espouse prejudice and real and what’s not real. of discrimination doesn’t exist. discrimination. Not for the Just once, I would like to see People claim faith as a purpose of truth-telling. All for a newspaper, instead of printing mechanism of oppression. They

Distribution Sites Derby

Derby High GSA

El Dorado

Pathways Psychological Services

Hays

Mokas

Hutchinson

Bluebird Books, Hutchinson Community College GSA, Hutchinson High School GSA, PFLAG Hutchinson, Prairie Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

Junction City

Devil's Tail

Newton

Bethel College Student Life Center

Kansas City

Hamburger Mary’s, LIKEME Lighthouse

Lawrence

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, QueerStraight Alliance meetings, Radina’s Bakery & Café (two locations), Riley County Health Dept., Rockstar Home Fusion, Sisters of Sound Music, Strecker-Nelson Gallery, Varsity Donuts

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

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, Beautiful Day Cafe, Book-A-Holic (all 3 locations), Bungalow 26, Camelot Cinema, The Center, Circle Cinema, Club Boomerang, College Hill United

Page 17

sermonize the idea that not letting them use their alleged faith to justify treating other people as less than, is a way of oppressing their right to their own religious beliefs. You have to wonder why a journalist wouldn’t respond by questioning the logic and faith of that idea. This is not balanced reporting. There is no journalistic integrity in doing this. All there is, is a purposeful attempt to stir up everyone who thinks they should have a voice in some mythical conversation about whether or not LGBT people should be recognized as equal and worthy human beings. Ka-Ching! Another eight bits into the newspaper vending machine. Aren’t we all better off now? If you want to create journalistic integrity, every time you print about some selfidentified Christian being against equality for LGBT citizens, you should also go find a selfidentified Christian who is in favor of treating all our citizens with dignity and respect. We are not that hard to find. Or you might want to ask some questions or make some comments about how continued on page 23 Methodist Church, The Cotillion, Cow & Sow Deli, Crazy J’s Furniture & Sleep Shop, The Donut Whole, DooDah Diner, Earthwise Pet Supply, E.C. Tyree Health & Dental Clinic, 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, WSU's Office of Diversity & Inclusion, 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. prairieuufellowship.org

Wichita Pride, info@wichitapride. org, www.wichitapride.org, annual celebration held in September.

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Manhattan, 481 Zeandale Road, (785) 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/

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

Heart of America Men’s Chorus, Wichita, (316) 708-4837, www.hoamc. org Junction City Teddy Bears, c/o Kevin Stilley, 2 Oak Valley Dr., Manhattan, (785) 556-8188, trlrhouseman@webtv. net NetworQ, Lawrence, KansasNetworQ@ yahoo.com, www.KansasNetworQ.org, meets at Maceli’s, 1031 New Hampshire

Health

Wichita Bears, presidentwichitabears@ yahoo.com, www.wichitabears.org

E.C. Tyree Health & Dental Clinic, 1525 N. Lorraine, Wichita, (316) 6812545, www.tyreeclinic.com

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.

AUGUST 2015

org

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.

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Topeka, 4775 SW 21st St., (785) 2729233, www.uuft.org, services Sundays at 10:30am.

Student groups 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, CFee@fcscounseling.com 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, (316) 807-2271, psychsteve2@yahoo. com Wichita West High School GSA, astucky@usd259.net

Support Central Plains Area Agency on Aging, 2622 W. Central Suite 500, Wichita, (316) 660-5120, www.cpaaa.org, CPAAA is available to assist seniors, caregivers, and adults with disabilities through life’s transitions and with various levels of support. COMCARE Crisis Intervention Services, 934 N. Water, Wichita, (316) 660-7500 free 24/7, www. sedgwickcounty.org Flint Hills PFLAG, Manhattan, (785) 340-2815, meets on the 1st Saturday, 10am-noon, call for location. 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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Page 19

Anti-bullying activist aims to help LGBTQ youth

Zachary Mallory, of Kansas City, recently won an award from Nickelodeon for his work in the community. Photo by Photography by Davidson

By Ciara Reid, staff reporter

felt connected and accepted for who he was. While at the pride KANSAS CITY - One single festival, he came across the Gay, day in 2013 changed Zachary Lesbian, Straight Education Mallory’s life forever. That Network (GLSEN) table. “I year, Mallory, a freshman in explained to them who I was high school at the time, came and what I was going through out as gay. He was bullied, even and they said it sounded like I pushed down the stairs. Each needed someone to talk with night, he would lock himself and that can understand me,” in his room and be alone. He Mallory says. “That day changed would even skip school for fear my life forever.” GLSEN gave him the contact of being bullied. “The struggle of coping with information for the Trevor Project – a national organization that provides crisis “The HALO Effect Award is intervention and suicide a monthly award given to prevention services to a young person committed LGBTQ youth between the ages of 13 to 24. to creating change in their Mallory called them right community.” away, admitting that he myself being gay was about the had been contemplating taking same struggle everyone around his own life. The phone call me was having,” Mallory says. saved his life. The counselors It was hard to accept, he says, spoke with Mallory about his because he had heard and read purpose in life and that his story stories of those who came out could inspire others. young, and were killed for “My phone call to the Trevor being simply themselves. “I was Project was a life-altering terrified,” Mallory says. ”It led experience,” says Mallory. me into drugs and depression “They saved my life by simply and almost forced me to end telling me I am worth living my life, after numerous times and everything that has gone of being told I am not good on in my life isn’t normal for someone to go through, but enough." Then, he attended his first everyone eventually does in one Kansas City pride festival. “I way or another. That one phone had the time of my life,” Mallory call changed my life. That’s all says of his experience. He says I needed to hear.” that for the very first time, he After his fateful phone call

with the Trevor Project, Mallory immediately spoke with his mother, and came out. He says if not for the Trevor Project, he would not have been able to be in a position to inspire others who find themselves in the same situation. Mallory has filmed several YouTube videos, sharing his story in hopes he could help someone just like the Trevor Project helped him. “The one thing that inspired me to start making YouTube videos was to share my story with those who have been through the same thing as I did,” he says. In his YouTube videos, Mallory talks about a wide range of LGBTQrelated topics, from overviews about his struggles, how labels

regarding sexual orientation and gender identity can hurt people, and learning the warning signs of suicide. Mallory stopped creating YouTube videos about a year ago; he now focuses on face-toface and phone calls with others. Soon after his struggles, Mallory was able to give back to the very organization that saved him. In October 2014, Mallory was given the HALO (Helping And Leading Others) Effect Award by Nickelodeon. The HALO Effect Award is a monthly award given to a young person committed to creating change in their community. The award comes with a $5,000 grant for the recipient to donate to an organization of their choice. Mallory chose the Trevor continued on page 20

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Mallory continued from page 19

Project. “This award means the world to me and so much more,” he says. “It made me feel like I officially began my life as an activist.” Currently, Mallory is a Volunteer Field Advocate with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, working specifically on advocacy for LGBTQ youth and all youth. This fall, he hopes to become a National Youth Ambassador for the Human Rights Campaign and learn more important statistics

and ways to handle life-changing experiences. His future plans are to complete Emergency Medical Technician classes and become an EMT. “I eventually want to become an ER physician so I can help save lives to the max,” he says. Mallory has a message for those who are currently struggling as an LGBTQ youth. “My message to anyone struggling with who or what they are is to never pay attention to those who are negative,” he says. “Always remember that it

AUGUST 2015

More Information: To v i e w M a l l o r y ’s Yo u Tu b e v i d e o s , visit www.youtube.com/channel/ UCdetK3KZDKmiHxFSNOWJxHA To learn more about the Trevor Project: www.thetrevorproject.org/

does get better and it can’t rain forever. Tomorrow is a brand new day. There are people out there who love and care for you, the world is changing and you deserve to be here to see it.” l

The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department offers free HIV testing. For more information, visit:

www.ldchealth.org/HIV

Kathy Richstatter

KS Realtor ABR, e-PRO, GRI, SRES Kathy@KansasRainbow.com www.KS.PenFedRealty.com

316 316--641 641--3954

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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

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Trans-Formative continued from page 17

bridges Closed: Auntie Mae’s Café, owned by Albert and Michael Conrad, both locations - Harry and Webb and Central andTyler, on July 19, 2015 in Wichita. Closed: the Port of Wichita, also owned by Albert and Michael Conrad, located at Harry and Webb, on July 19, 2015 in Wichita. Closed: Bella Luna Café, owned by Matteo Taha, located at Central and Oliver, on July 28, 2015 in Wichita. The other two locations will remain open. 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.

discrimination is not a Christian value; perhaps call into question whether or not your source is really a Christian or just identifies as a Christian. Yo u c e r t a i n l y h a v e n o problem stating that people who are transgender merely identify as their authentic gender. After all, how could we really know who we are? No, wait, that’s not it. How could YOU really know who we are? And why would you assume that we don’t know? In the meantime, another LGBT teenager is struggling with the idea of whether or not their life is worth living.

If you want to sell tabloids, sell tabloids. If you want to do journalism, do journalism. Just remember that the words you print will be one of the things that helps decide the struggle for many people who want nothing more than to be able to be who they are, and love who they love. Their lives sometimes hang in the balance. All for the price of a paper. 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.

njoy the planetary pile-up in Leo this August. Five planets - Mars, Mercury, Sun, Venus and Jupiter - all traverse the sign at some point. Get ready to strut and fret your hour upon the stage. Do you have a speaking part or are you just stage filler? Your choice.

LEO (JULY 24 - AUG. 23) ARIES (MAR. 21 - APRIL 20) There will be no stopping you this Life is a cabaret this August, proud Ram. August. You are boundless energy Not only are you on everyone’s “A” list and a shooting star, proud Lion. The of must-attendees for the hot parties, you timing is right for success. So don’t sit are also a bit of a party planner yourself. on the sidelines and wait for the world There appears to be no limit to the amount of fun and artistic inspiration you can have now. Of course to call you. You need to get out of any rut you are in, you can always over-indulge in too much food, drink or step out of your front door, greet the public and make your dreams come true. If not now then when? If not romance. Ah, but what a way to go! you, then who? TAURUS (APRIL 21 - MAY 21) VIRGO (AUG. 24 - SEPT. 23) Now is the time to focus on your home There are many secrets swirling around life and on family matters. Queer Bulls you queer Virgo. But that doesn’t mean may have tried to avoid sticky issues with that you are totally in the dark and prey certain relatives but now, not only can to whoever has a personal gripe against you not avoid it, it also happens to be a you. In fact, your intuition is sharp and great time to solve problems and smooth over any rough edges. Even a small effort has dramatic results. So do precise. You can discern the evil motives of anyone what you must do, even if you are a bit of an actor. You who is primed to act and stop them in their tracks. You are a superhero. Just lose the orange cape. Keep will headline. the spandex shorts. GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21) LIBRA (SEPT. 24 - OCT. 23) Pink Twins seem to know just what to Start to swirl around in your social say to get what and who they want. Good circles this August, proud Libra. Friends thing too. You have many things on your come pouring in from all corners and mind that need to be expressed and many personal ambitions that have been on hold your dance card fills up to overflowing. Don’t let it get for too long a time. Don’t let grass grow under your feet boring. Try to mix it up and create an intoxicating new this August. Get your message out, loud, proud and queer. friendly cocktail. But be careful of becoming too tipsy with all of this friendly activity. Do you know when You won’t even have to shout to cause a rout. too much is too much? Oh, who cares?! CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 23) SCORPIO (OCT. 24 - NOV. 22) Money figures prominently in your Plan your next corporate ascent this thoughts this August and why not? Gay August. Queer Scorps are given a variety Crabs are very generous and have been of opportunities to prove themselves. dipping into their wallets a bit too often The possible career paths seem endless. lately. It is time to focus on yourself But you need to keep your eyes focused and your future needs. Do your fiscal on the ultimate prize. Be open and ask homework, ask the right advisers for guidance and start planning for your eventual cushy retirement . . . even if for the chance to prove yourself. What will you do when you reach the top? Start peering on the horizon it only ends up as a small pillow. for the next big peak!

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 - DEC. 22) If you haven’t already planned a nice summer vacation, do it now when all signs point to exotic and far-flung adventure. Gay Archers have a few creative travel ideas up their sleeves. But if time and money are tight, find your excitement in cheaper ways or in more local enclaves. The most important thing is to see life from a different angle. Prone? CAPRICORN (DEC. 23 - JAN. 20) Your love-life heats up as the summer progresses so don’t let things cool down between you and a certain special someone. Pink Caps are sexy, sensual, alluring and full of peppy energy. You are also able to attract anyone you set your sights on. So polish your glasses and see who is up your alley . . . among other places. Will you need to pack a map? AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 - FEB. 19) Aqueerians are starting to take a very close look at their current relationships - whether for business or for pleasure. Are they meeting your expectations? Do they make you feel good about yourself? It may be time to change the personal dynamic or seek new liaisons that better fit with who you are and what you really want. Plug in and create a connection. Don’t blow a fuse. PISCES (FEB. 20 - MAR. 20) Happy times are afoot this August, Guppie. Let yourself be carried off on a party wave and see where you wash ashore. You might want to steer the festivities yourself. If so, gather an interesting and eclectic crowd together and do something wildly creative or crazily artistic. Nude body painting is so passé . . . unless you paint with food.

(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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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

Leather Life By Nolin Christensen aka Master C

Desire vs. Fear

hen desire overcomes fear, individuals and communities can accomplish great things. This is no different in the Leather community. Many times people stand by and watch what we do, they are fascinated with it and intrigued. Yeah, sometimes folks are disgusted with it, but after awhile, their interest outweighs that. There are many times where someone will experience a little bit of our life and after awhile they want more. They fantasize

about it and that helps to push those desires. That desire builds and builds and eventually they overcome their fear and they seek us out to quench those desires. Now there is nothing wrong with that. Many of us went through that when we were just beginning to experiment with our sexuality. Many also experience that in just the fact of going to the bar or to MCC. I’ve heard many stories where people would for weeks on end drive by or round the building before they would finally get the courage to come in. It’s no different with kinky sex. They first are totally afraid of us; they avoid us, but pretty soon you see them on the edge of the conversation listening. They start asking questions. Then finally they approach one of us. Then it’s back to the shadows until the desire comes to the surface again. I’ve known people who have done this for years. It just takes some time to accept that this is what you want; this is what you desire and it’s what turns you on. So if you have any type of

AUGUST 2015

kinky desires or questions, please do not hesitate to ask someone about them. Just make sure it’s someone who has been around and it’s someone you can trust. I am more than willing to help anyone embrace their kinkiness. I know the pure

satisfaction that it can bring. I’ve never been more at peace with myself than when I finally came into this lifestyle. If you have questions or just want to know more, please come to any WOOLF meeting. Come experience the wild side of life! l

Support you local gay mag! Own a business? Work for a business? Know a business? Refer them to us. Advertising pays.

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

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

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

AUGUST 2015

LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

Page 25

Tom Otterness' Makin' Hay debuts this month on the WSU campus. See it at the intersection of Perimeter Road and Mike Oatman Drive.

WICHITA - This August, the Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection at Wichita State University will have a new installation from Tom Otterness, the creator of WSU’s beloved sculpture Millipede. Tom Otterness’ Makin’ Hay will be placed at the intersection of Perimeter Road and Mike

Oatman Drive on the WSU campus. Makin’ Hay, a group of three 18-foot tall sculptures, has been seen most recently at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, AR. The group sculpture will be on loan to the Ulrich Museum of Art until the summer of 2017

through the generosity of the Alturas Foundation. The outdoor sculpture collection boasts 76 works spread across the 330-acre WSU campus. Public Art Review named this collection among the top ten campus sculpture collections in 2006. Take an online sculpture tour,

download a printable map of the collection or submit a tour request form and schedule a free, guided tour of the collection for groups of 10 or more at www. ulrich.wichita.edu. l

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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

AUGUST 2015

Riverfest 2015 Photography Contest winners announced

Bob Bishop’s river view of the Capitol Federal Fireworks was named Best in Show of the Riverfest 2015 Photography Contest.

WICHITA - Wichita Festivals, Inc., which produces Riverfest, announced July 24 the winners of the 10th Annual Riverfest Photography Contest at a reception at Douglas Photographic Imaging, sponsor

of the contest. Photographers of all skill levels, novice and professional, submitted their favorite 2015 Riverfest photos for the chance to win cash prizes. Awards were presented for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd

place, plus runner-up, in six categories. A “Best in Show” award went to Bob Bishop for his photograph of the Capitol Federal Fireworks Finale on June 6. Twenty-six awards were presented in all, totaling $1,800 in cash prizes. A total of 567 photos were submitted by 39 photographers this year, up more than 40% over 2014. Photographs submitted for the contest help document Riverfest 2015 and are used to promote the festival on its website, in advertisements and elsewhere. “The increase in participants is exciting for us,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, President and CEO of Wichita Festivals, Inc. “It’s always fun to see the people and events of Riverfest from a wide variety of perspectives.” Rockin’ Performances 1st – Andrew Montano 2nd – Steve Adelson 3rd – Debbie Greene Runner-up – Andrew Montano That Screams Riverfest! 1st – Lisa Kilmer

2nd – Steve Adelson 3rd – Dennis Snyder Runner-up – Tom Gdisis

New and Renewed Fun 1st – Steve Adelson 2nd – Trey Winters 3rd – Rick McPherson Runner-up – Jennifer Riordan Sundown Parade/Fireworks 1st – Bob Bishop 2nd – Dennis Snyder 3rd – Rick McPherson Runner-up – Rick McPherson Do It! River Run and More 1st – Debbie Greene 2nd – Jerry Romero 3rd – Rick McPherson Runner-up – Andrew Montano Rolling on the River 1st – Bob Bishop 2nd – Jerry Romero 3rd – Susan Kane Runner-up – Rick McPherson Best Selfie Robert Lawrence Wichita’s Riverfest 2016 is scheduled for June 3-11. l

AUGUST 2015

LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

Happy Hour

Thurs - Sun 5PM - 8PM

AUGUST 2015

club Boomerang

$2 Wells Ladies’ Wet T-Shirt Contest $3 Wine Friday, Aug. 7 @ 11PM Guys’ Wet Boxers contest $5 Martini Saturday, Aug. 8 @ 11PM CASH PRIZES! $1 off Appetizers

Back to school college parties! college pride night

Wear your favorite team!

Friday, Aug 21

Toga Party Saturday, Aug 22 Sexy toga contest at 11PM!