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Liberty Press
Volume 22, No. 1 • Editor: Kristi Parker • Contributors: Daryl Cagle, Nolin Christensen, Nicole Fenoglio, Greg Fox, Human Right Campaign, Charlene Lichtenstein, Mama, Dr. Robert N. Minor, Stephanie Mott, Steve Sack • Staff Reporters: Grayson Barnes, Blake Hampton, Ciara Reid • Contributing Photographers: John Paradiso • Cover: 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.
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SEPTEMBER 2015
Inside: OP/ED......................................5 POINTS OF INTEREST.............8 MINOR DETAILS....................12 MAMA KNOWS BEST.............16 KYLE'S BED & BREAKFAST....17 TRANS-FORMATIVE...............20 DISTRIBUTION SITES............20 AROUND KANSAS.................21 OUT IN THE STARS................28 LEATHER LIFE.......................29 BRIDGES................................33 Tru returning for limited engagement................................9 Wichita Pride events................17 Topeka Pride events................25 Patience and Sarah review.........32 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.
October 2015 DEADLINE Sept. 23 ON-STANDS Oct. 2
Around Kansas listings are free to non-profit/volunteer-based groups. Send your additions or corrections to editor@libertypress.net.
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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.
HRC: A troubling night for LGBT equality at GOP debate CLEVELAND – The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) responded to a slew of antiLGBT comments and positions by candidates competing in the first Republican presidential primary debate in Cleveland, OH on Aug. 6. During it, Mike Huckabee defended the existing ban on transgender military service, and Ted Cruz, Rick Santorum, and Bobby Jindal said that as President they would put LGBT people at risk for discrimination by using their executive authority on Day 1 to pass executive orders enabling taxpayer-funded discrimination. “The comments from Ted Cruz, Rick Santorum and Bobby Jindal -- pledging to sign antiLGBT executive orders on day one in the White House -sent an exceptionally troubling message to millions of LGBT Americans,” HRC Senior Vice President of Policy and Political Affairs JoDee Winterhof said. “And by defending the ban on transgender military service in offensive terms, Mike Huckabee proved once again that he’s campaigning on hate. Countless LGBT families across Ohio and the nation want to know that our next president will defend their Constitutional rights and fight for full federal equality. But sadly, the debate left far more
questions than answers, and the answers we did get were deeply disappointing.” There are approximately 15,500 actively serving transgender members of the U.S. military, making the Department of Defense (DOD) the largest employer of transgender people in America. These service members are forced to serve in silence by DOD medical regulations prohibiting their service. The American Medical Association has said there is no valid medical reason for the ban. Ohio Gov. John Kasich was applauded after saying that while he remains opposed to marriage equality, he would respect the Supreme Court’s recent ruling -the only candidate at the debate to say he would accept the Obergefell decision. His position is in line with a majority of Ohioans, who support marriage equality by a margin of 53-39%, according to the Public Religion Research Institute. After the debate, FOX News reported based on Facebook data that LGBT equality was the thirdmost important issue on the minds of Ohio voters. Recent polling conducted by GQR for HRC showed that a 55% majority of voters are less likely to support a candidate for president who opposes allowing same-sex couples to marry. This majority includes Independents, married women and white millennials. All of these groups voted Republican in the last congressional election. l
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Can’t Hide Our Pride.
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Wichita’s Fork & Fennel participating in national Center fundraiser WICHITA - This summer BLgTUSA Partnership kicked off a 50-state food tour for LGBT rights. The organization connected with chefs and local community centers on each stop of the tour. Partnered chefs will feature a spin on the BLT sandwich, the BLgT. Proceeds
from the BLgT will go to each local LGBT community center. BLgTUSA aims to amplify the work being done on a local level to spur national conversations about equality. The tour for the Wichita area started Aug. 5 and will run through Sept. 22 with Fork & Fennel being the partnered chef who is participating in this fundraiser. For each BLgT sandwich purchased, part of the proceeds will go to The Center of Wichita. Fork & Fennel is located at 3425 E. Douglas. It’s o p e n 11 a m – 1 2 a m Tues-Thurs and 11am–2am Fri and Sat. forkandfennel. com. Healthy Pets for Happy Lives Mon. - Fri. 7:30 AM - 6 PM Saturday 8 AM - 12 PM
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Ecofest 2015: It’s Easy Being Green WICHITA - Saturday,
Oct. 3 marks the date of the second annual Ecofest at First Unitarian Universalist Church, 7202 E. 21st St. From 10am-4pm, family members of all ages will find something to connect with, interact with, and take home. Living Green, the foundational mission of Ecofest, reflects the values and principles of First UU members. Crafts, upcycled and recycled items for the home will be available and affordable. Examples of “found” materials and unique artwork from those repurposed materials will be featured. The “Bug Lady” will speak about her work, and entertain from 10-11:30am. Food, including a great “Potato Bar” will be ready to enjoy, and baked goods to buy for later. Kind Kravings food truck will provide luscious treats for the vegans. Raffles, rickshaw rides, books, Little River Trading Company items: all to be enjoyed. “We’re really excited at the support we’re finding within the business community, including the Green Biz folks here in Wichita this year. It’s looking very good,” says Vivien Minshall-Ford, who, along with Marcia Ellsworth, co-chairs Ecofest 2015. “We’re certain
SEPTEMBER 2015
Bear Fruit, 2015 Hand embroidery on cotton, thread, wood hoop on wood panel. By John Paradiso 18" x 18" x 2"
everyone will find something to like.” Admission is $1 for adults, kids under 12 are free.
Maryland artist’s works featuring male nudes part of WCFTA exhibition WICHITA - John Paradiso of Brentwood, MD has three pieces in the upcoming Wichita National All Media Craft Exhibition 2015 opening Aug. 28 at Wichita Center for the Arts (WCFTA). Paradiso’s work consists of hand-stitched cotton images presented in wooden hoops featuring male nudes. While not something one would normally see at WCFTA, this particular exhibit had a guest juror: Linda Sikora. The opening reception is on Final Friday, Aug. 28 from 5-7pm and Paradiso will be in attendance. The exhibition is open through Oct. 18 at Wichita Center for the Arts, 9112 E. Central. Gallery hours are Tuesday-Sunday, 1-5pm. For more info, visit www.johnparadiso.com. l
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Frye brings Tru back to Wichita for limited engagement By Grayson Barnes WICHITA - This September, Roxy’s at 412 ½ E. Douglas, will be presenting Tru, a oneman play about the life of author Truman Capote. It will run only one weekend, from Sept. 1820. The story, written by Jay Presson Allen, is based on two evenings with Truman Capote as he bemoans his fall from society’s grace while ingesting vodka, pills, and chocolates. The play drops into Capote’s life years after he wrote In Cold Blood about the Clutter family murder in Holcomb, KS. As he traipsed among the rich and famous all over the globe, he gathered information for another book, which he titled Answered Prayers. The activities of his rich and famous friends and acquaintances came out when Capote published a few chapters from the book in Esquire Magazine. Some of these pastimes were not flattering. Many of his friends deserted Capote as a result. He reflects on this in the play as well as his life in general, making for a funny, poignant, and compelling drama. Tru originally opened on Broadway in 1989 and was performed 297 times. Robert Morse starred and he won a Tony Award and, later, an Emmy for a 1992 PBS version. In the Roxy’s production, Wichita actor Tom Frye will be reprising a role he has played four times previously. Frye is returning to Wichita after having spent part of the year in New York and Missouri. This will be the first time for Tru at Roxy’s, but Frye has performed it at The Center for the Arts and Wichita State University. Allen, Tru’s author, wanted to open the play in St. Petersburg, FL, the first time Frye performed it, but then decided on Wichita. This September will be its only weekend in Wichita, before it opens in Arizona. Frye says the script is phenomenal. “I may be prejudiced, but Jay Presson Allen’s script of Tru is TRULY brilliant. Her screenplays were Cabaret, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, 40 Carats, Prince of the City and Alfred
Hitchcock’s Marnie. I did this role before with Jay [Presson Allen] directing. It was quite an experience.” Frye also feels like he has an inside track on the play because he had the opportunity to work directly with Allen when she directed his earlier performances. “It was an awesome experience to work with the writer – there was a lot of give and take – I could ask her directly what she thought I should do. Sometimes I would come up with something and she would tell me to do it. “The key to a good play,” adds Frye, “is the script and the performers.” Since there is only one performer in this play, it takes a lot of work from one person to carry the story. Frye laughs that he has “only one line in the show that lasts for four hours!” Apart from the professional challenge of a solo stage performance, Frye worked to get Tru back to Wichita because he had also been hearing from people who really wanted to see him do it again. It is a close look at the life of a unique writer and a slice of larger history as well, since it name-drops throughout, with the likes of Manhattan socialites, movie stars, and more. Since the context might be unfamiliar to some in the audience, Roxy’s will have a bio sheet on hand to help fill in the blanks. Tru, according to Frye, examines “the life of a man who was out before being out was fashionable or acceptable. It got him in trouble sometimes, but other people were accepting. This little tiny man who was flamboyantly gay spent several months in Garden City, KS in the 50’s, but he became good friends with the sheriff and attorneys. He became friends with the killers and he paid for the stones for their graves. He was a truly unique person.” Tru will show Friday and Saturday with a Sunday matinee. Evening shows are at 7:30pm and the matinee is at 2pm. Tickets are $25. Roxy’s also serves snacks and cocktails. Seating is limited. For reservations, call 316-265-4400. l
Tom Frye as Truman Capote in Tru, running Sept. 18-20 at Roxy's Downtown in Wichita. Courtesy photo
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2015 – 2016 McCain Performance Series 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.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2 Holiday favorites in his own distinctive style.
7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9
Jay Leno
An Evening with Ana Gasteyer
with special guest Emily West.
7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 6
Branford Marsalis Quartet One of the most revered instrumentalists of our time.
7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11
The Robert Cray Band
7 and 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, Wareham Opera House
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
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.
An Evening with Kristin Chenoweth
7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5
Wickedly talented Emmy and Tony Awardwinning actress sings a mix of Broadway and movie tunes.
Part of a semesterlong series of campus and comunity events honoring the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death.
7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2
An Evening with Shirley MacLaine The Academy Award-winning beloved national treasure of screen and stage.
7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11
Bram Stoker’s Dracula One of the greatest horror stories ever told.
7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13
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.
7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18
Canadian Brass: A Holiday Concert Get a blast of holiday brass with all the verve and virtuosity of the Canadian Brass.
7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1
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
Jessica Lang Dance 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9
The Australian Bee Gees Show A multimedia theatrical concert experience. You should be dancin’!
7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12
The Metropolitan Opera Rising Stars Concert Series
Sharon Isbin, Guitar, and Isabel Leonard, MezzoSoprano 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
4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14
Superstar trumpeter live in concert.
Los Lobos with Ballet Folklórico Mexicano
7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 10
Celebrating the Mexican-American experience through song, dance, music and film.
7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18
ONCE the Musical 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 18
Under the Streetlamp
The Beach Boys
Retro never sounded so now!
7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 22
7:30 p.m. Friday, May 20
Russian National Orchestra with Yuja Wang, piano
Dates and artists/attractions are subject to change.
The Hot Sardines — Speakeasy Nights
Flashdance — The Musical The pop culture phenomenon live on stage!
Sultry, saucy songs from the actress/ comedienne.
with special guest Shemekia Copeland.
Engaging all-female super group performs traditional Irish music just in time for St. Patty’s Day!
7:30 p.m. Friday, March 4
Aaron Neville
7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8
Cherish the Ladies
The young and charismatic superstar joins forces with one of the world’s greatest orchestras.
7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26 Half-price tickets for K-State students and kids 18 and under.
McCainAuditorium |
mccainksu | 785-532-6428 | k-state.edu/mccain
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found children of lesbian or gay parents to be disadvantaged in any significant respect relative to children of heterosexual parents. Indeed, the evidence to date suggests that home environments provided by lesbian and gay parents are as likely as those provided by heterosexual parents By Bob Minor to support and enable children’s psychosocial growth.” The Supreme Court Moves And studies since this review have corroborated what the APA to Destroy How Americans says. The problem is still rooted Raise Girls and Boys in the popular but inaccurate ongoing presumption that children h e n t h e S u p r e m e as a scare tactic that appeals to do better with both a male and a Court decided on June those solidly in their base and female as parents. 26 in Obergefell v. draws in others who might fall So, what is a single parent, much less a same-gender couple, Hodges that marriage could not for it. constitutionally depend upon We’ve lived under this to think in the midst of the the gender of the partners in a presumption for generations - so commonly propagated belief married couple, it also affirmed long that it’s ingrained in adults that their parenting is somehow that the gender of parents no across the political spectrum. inferior? We can’t expect longer legally matters. Children There are liberal people who mainstream media to correct do not need both a father and still believe that they suffered this error especially when the a mother to be a part of an for not having both a father and media regularly enable the rightAmerican family. a mother around instead of the wing to spew all their claims as Here’s another reality that type of fathering or mothering if they’re factual. W h y i t ’s c l a i m e d t h a t drives the right-wing nuts about they did experience. marriage equality. And notice It’s not because research children need the male and that this too has to do with shows that having both a female genders before them as gender and gender roles, an father and a mother results in they grow up is the belief that issue that transcends the fight a healthier child. The health of children need models of what for equality for transgender a child is actually correlated to it is to be a man and what it is to be a woman. That is, the people while transgender people numerous other factors. remain the lightning rods for the Back in 2005, the American claim goes, they need to see broader issue of cultural gender Psychological Association’s examples of people acting out limitations for everyone. (APA) review of the research the culturally-installed gender The presumption that children entitled: Lesbian and Gay roles for “real” men and “real” need both a father and a mother Parenting concluded just the women. Based on gender assumptions, for their health is widespread and opposite: has been used to argue against “In summary, there is no men and women are taught to same-sex adoption as well as evidence to suggest that lesbian be a certain way, feel things a marriage equality all the way women or gay men are unfit to certain way, react to things a up though the judiciary to this be parents or that psychosocial certain way, and relate to others Supreme Court decision. Right- development among children a certain way. And in all this they wing religious organizations of lesbian women or gay men are not to be or act like the other repeat this belief, manipulate is compromised relative to that gender. data to claim to back it up with among offspring of heterosexual Children - born completely “science,” and use threats to it parents. Not a single study has human - are taught to suppress what doesn’t fit with the role that’s set before them and encouraged to perform in terms of what the role for their assigned Jenny Brown, LMFT gender prescribes. The process Individual, couple, and family therapy of thereby raising children in our culture is to install what I’ve Experience in LGB and T+ issues argued in Scared Straight are actually unhealthy scripts that limit human beings, put them out of touch with their unconditioned humanity and their varieties of inborn proclivities, harm Evening and weekend availability. Affordable rates. relationships with every gender, Call (785)and539-5455 for an appointment Evening weekend availability. Affordable rates. and promote mental distress. The stress of in-breeding orCall visit www.andrewsinc.net for more information (785) 539-5455 for an appointment these gender roles, which are installed through fear, is actually or visit www.andrewsinc.net for more informatio an additional harmful element of
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SEPTEMBER 2015
what child-rearing experts such as Alice Miller in works such as For Your Own Good: Hidden Cruelty in Child-Rearing and the Roots of Violence (1990) have called a “poisonous pedagogy.” And these roles, in spite of all the gains of the LGBT movement, are enforced by the fear of what will happen to a child and adult if they don’t fit them and are therefore punished as queer. Parents pass these roles on to their children in order to protect them from the violence, threats, ridicule, humiliation, isolation, and rejection that parents fear their offspring will experience if they don’t conform. It takes a lot of courage and living counterculturally to buck this systemic assault. To do so parents must face their own fears that little Johnny won’t grow up to be man enough or little Susie will never get a man if she doesn’t conform to feminization. They’ve got to be willing to let their children chart their own path to whatever expression of humanity they choose. That will take some emotionally difficult work on the part of parents – getting appropriate support, building a surrounding community of like-minded members, facing down their fears, and ignoring the gendered-advice of relatives. But the reality is that if a single parent or two parents of any gender decide to live their own lives in their full humanity, sloughing off all those expectations that have in fact limited the parents themselves, they’ll be able to give to their children everything children need. They’ll be able to model for their children what it is to be full, healthy, human beings with all the inherent traits humans have and can express in a world where they’re not limited by being scared “straight.” The majority of justices and progressive activists have affirmed freedom from gender imprisonment as a new norm. 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.
JULY 2015 SEPTEMBER 2015
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Tom Frye stars as literary giant Truman Capote in
STARRING
TOM FRYE
SEPT. 18/19/20
ROXY’S DOWNTOWN 265-4400
this funny and poignant slice of the life & times of Tru through his own words, wit, and wisdom. Directed by Ray Wills
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Dear Mama, What is your opinion on Donald Trump running for President? Not having a bad hair day . Oh dear Lord, all I can say is I am not voting for anybody that has a worse hairstyle than Bozo the clown! I like the idea of him not answering to anyone because he has his own money. I just do not agree with him on his views. Please someone give him Fantastic Sams’ phone number. Mama, What do you think of the Duggar kid and this Ashley Madison thing? Not signed He can preach all he wants and be all uppity and pure, but he is still a pervert and a cheat! I do not know much about this AshleyMadison.com, but I hear it is nothing but a hook-up site. I guess he got tired of his sisters and wife. Some people are just sick in the head.
SEPTEMBER 2015
Mama, I heard a rumor that you might be getting married. Is it true? Wanting an invite No comment; Eunice bring me a beer. Mama, Do you have a smart phone? If so, do you get confused with all the apps out there? Not a smart phone My goodness, yes. They have an app for everything. It gets overwhelming and annoying. Just like those damn rewards cards that every type of store has now. There is an app for every store as well. When will there be an app to get idiots off the street and boobs out of office? When those apps become available I’ll be the first one to download them. We can call this app an A$$-free app. Thank you for the questions, Kansas. Keep them coming! l Have a question for Mama? E-mail MamaTHarper@aol.com or friend Thelma Harper on Facebook.
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Wichita Pride to host nine days of events the band Yale Street Players headlining on stage. Following the precedent that started last year for the entertainment, there will be many performers from all walks of life. So anyone who wants to perform at the Block Party may get in contact with Wichita Pride. Food vendor Passage to India will be there for hungry partygoers with its brand of Indian food. Drinks will be available; alcohol for those 21 and older. At 10pm the party will move to Club Boomerang for Drag Night. Many drag queens and kings will be there to perform. You must be 18 to enter. Rally, Parade and Festival By Blake Hampton WICHITA - Celebrating 10 years, Wichita Pride is having its annual Pride events. It’s always a good time and welcomes anyone who wants to join. With a decade of being a part of the community the goal for this year is to share that corner of history with participants. Pride throughout the nation has become a symbol for the work in equality and
removing discrimination - as work continues to make an event where anyone who has ever felt like an outsider can come and be a part of a community. Block Party The party starts Saturday night at 6pm on Sept. 19 outside at the Mid-America All-Indian Center. Adina Ronee is MCing the party. There will be entertainment with
The Rally starts at noon on Sunday, Sept. 20 at the old Sedgwick County Courthouse. It’s the get together before the big parade. Equality Kansas will have speakers to inspire those at the rally. Then the parade begins at 1pm. From the courthouse the parade travels westward on Central until it reaches the Indian Center. There will be floats and marchers from various organizations and businesses.
The party starts up again at 1:30pm after the Pride Parade at the Indian Center with more entertainment and snacks from First Metropolitan Community Church. Inside the Mid-America All-Indian Center there will be vendors with gifts, info from LGBT-friendly organizations, and free HIV screenings from the Sedgwick County LGBT Health Coalition. Cosmic Bowling and the Family Picnic Bowling is at Seneca Bowl, 1909 S. Seneca, from 10:30pm12:30am on Sep. 25. Entry fee is covered with a pride button. You can bowl for hours and compete against friends and other groups, have fun, and be with good company. Then in the morning at 11am, Sept. 26 come to the Family Picnic for some hot dogs and burgers. It’s at O.J. Watson Park in the community facility Shelter #6. There will also be T-shirts for sale there. l
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Step Into the Light: Eight Years of Authenticity
Y
esterday was the 8th anniversary of the last time I took off my “Steven Suit.” I came home from a meeting where I presented my male persona, never again to cover up the woman who had been hiding beneath. And in so doing, I stepped into the light. Steven was never a real person. Just an actor on a stage. Socially-constructed layers of maleness applied throughout the years had hidden the real person, leaving her unable to experience life. Eight years ago I began to deconstruct the facade. To step away from the persona. To uncover the woman who had always been there.
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Junction City
Devil's Tail
Much has changed over the last eight years. For me, stepping into the sunlight meant stepping into the light of God’s love. Removing the male costume allowed my soul to experience the light, the life, and the love. Time has healed some of the scars. L o v e h a s “ Steven was never a real person. reconstructed much of the Just an actor on a stage.” pain into purpose and passion. Life hit had no reference point for what the ground running. Light has living authentically would be become a place of familiarity, like. rather than an unimaginable To d a y, a u t h e n t i c i t y i s dream. something I wake up to each To deny authenticity to a morning. Many are the mornings person whose gender does that I break into tears as I realize not align with their assigned that no force of this world can sex is an act of violence; a possibly place me back into the crime against humanity. We darkness. And the peace, truth, 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
Newton
Bethel College Student Life Center
Kansas City
Hamburger Mary’s, LIKEME Lighthouse
Lawrence
have assigned binary rules to a non-binary world and when transgender human beings are denied the ability to embrace our authentic gender, all of humanity pays the price. There would have been no way for me to completely understand that which had been stolen from me - not by the laws of nature, not by the laws of God, but by the rules and roles of an unknowing world - until I stepped out of the darkness and into the light. I had no concept of living. I had no concept of light. I only knew that I was in pain. Suffering the emptiness of flesh without soul. Longing for something I could never have been truly able to imagine. I
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
SEPTEMBER 2015
and correctness in my soul tells me that no force of God’s world ever had any intent for me to be in the darkness in the first place. When people give breath to the notion that transgender human beings should not be able to embrace our authenticity, I have complete understanding of what this means to us. I have that understanding because I have lived in the darkness created by their ignorance, arrogance, and unfounded fears. I have that understanding because I have lived in the light where their fears are exposed for what they truly are - empty, heartless, lies. In the final analysis, the question is not if you can wrap your head around a person whose gender doesn’t align with their assigned sex. The question is if you can wrap your head around the fact that denying us our authenticity is killing us - mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. So when I am asked about reconciling my faith with my gender, anticipate that I will ask in turn if you know how many transgender women of color have been murdered already in 2015. I will ask how do you reconcile your faith with the fact continued on page 25 Methodist Church, The Cotillion, Cow & Sow Deli, Crazy J’s Furniture & Sleep Shop, The Donut Whole, DooDah Diner, DT's Outlet, 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, 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.
SEPTEMBER 2015
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. Prairie Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1809 E. 30th, Hutchinson, (620) 663-8002, www. 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
Community Centers The Center, 800 N. Market, Wichita, (316) 285-0007 www.thecenterofwichita. org Kansas State University LGBT Resource Center, 207 A/B Holton Hall, Manhattan, (785) 532-5352, lgbt@kstate.edu, www.k-state-edu/lgbt
Health E.C. Tyree Health & Dental Clinic, 1525 N. Lorraine, Wichita, (316) 6812545, www.tyreeclinic.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 Hunter Health Clinic, 2318 E. Central, Wichita, (316) 262-3611, FREE HIV confidential or anonymous testing with Spanish and Vietnamese interpreters. KU Internal Medicine-Midtown, KU School of Medicine, 1001 N. Minneapolis, Wichita, (316) 293-1840, (877) 472-8227 toll-free, (316) 293-2652 HIV Program LGBT Health Coalition of Sedgwick County, Wichita, (316) 285-0007, www. 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
Politics/Activism E q u a l i t y K a n s a s , w w w. kansasequalitycoalition.org, chapters across the state. Flint Hills Human Rights Project, fhhrp@yahoo.com 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
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South Central Kansas, 1407 N. Topeka, Wichita, (316) 263-5886, director@ wichitapeace.org, www.wichitapeace. org
Freethinking Parents Group, Are you raising kids without religion? You're not alone. Freethinking Parents meet 2-4pm, third Sundays at Botanica, Wichita. Info: www.facebook.com/ groups/586131888148529/ Heart of America Men’s Chorus, Wichita, (316) 708-4837, www.hoamc. org Junction City Teddy Bears, c/o Kevin Stilley, 2 Oak Valley Dr., Manhattan, (785) 556-8188, trlrhouseman@webtv. net NetworQ, Lawrence, KansasNetworQ@ yahoo.com, www.KansasNetworQ.org, meets at Maceli’s, 1031 New Hampshire Wichita Bears, presidentwichitabears@ yahoo.com, www.wichitabears.org Wichita Organization of Leather Fetishes, (316) 201-6242, www. woolfks.com Wichita Prime Timers, ICTPrimeTimers@aol.com, www. primetimersww.com/Wichita, social group for mature gay men.
Spiritual A Journey In The Light Ministries, 2231 S. Bluff (St. Christopher ’s Episcopal Chapel), Wichita, Sunday Praise and Worship services at 11am. College Hill United Methodist Church, 2930 E. 1st, Wichita, (316) 683-4643, www.collegehillumc.org, Sunday Celebrations at 8:30, 9:40 and 11:00am. First Congregational United Church of Christ, 700 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan, (785) 537-7006, www.uccmanhattan. org, Sunday services at 10:45am; Taize services Thursday at 7pm, An Open and Affirming Congregation. First Metropolitan Community Church of Kansas, 156 S. Kansas, Wichita, (316) 267-1852, www.mccwichita.com, www.godlovesyouperiod.com, Sunday services at 10:15am. First Unitarian Universalist Church of Wichita, 7202 E. 21st St., (316) 6843481, officemanager@firstuu.net, www. firstuu.net. Kalpa Bhadra Kadampa 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. Lutheran Campus Ministry, 1421 W. 19th, Lawrence, lutheran@ku.edu Metropolitan Community Church of Topeka, 4425 SW 19th, (785) 2721442, office@mcctopeka.org, www. MCCTopeka.org, services Sundays at 10am. Pine Valley Christian Church, 5620 E. 21st St., Wichita, (316) 685-2421, churchoffice@pvcconline.org, www. pvcconline.org
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of 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.
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.
Hutchinson High School GSA, faculty advisor: Mr. Westmoreland, chairperson: Kara Vaughn.
Get Connected, Wichita, (316) 2850007, LGBTQIA youth group for ages 12-21. Meets at The Center, 800 N. Market, every Friday from 7-9pm.
The Independent School GSA, Wichita, sponsor: Matt Hanne matt. hanne@theindependentschool.com
GLSEN Greater Wichita, wichita@ chapters.glsen.org.
K-State LGBT & Allies, meets every Thursday at 5:30 in Leadership Studies room 123
Headquarters Counseling Center, Lawrence, (785) 841-2345 free 24/7, www.hqcc.lawrence.ks.us
KU Queers & Allies, University of Kansas, Lawrence, (785) 864-3091, qanda@ku.edu, www.ku.edu/~qanda
Healthy Transitions, for heterosexually married gay men in KC. A phone and face-to-face interview required, Mark McCarthy, LPC (816) 931-0011x4.
Lawrence High School GSA, sponsors: Shannon Draper SDraper@usd497.org, and Lindsay Buck LBuck@usd497.org
HIV+ Men’s Support Group, Wichita, (316) 293-3405, mmadecky@kumc.edu
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
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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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
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SEPTEMBER 2015
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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
SEPTEMBER 2015
Third TransKansas Conference continues educational opportunities for – and about – the transgender community
By Ciara Reid, staff reporter MANHATTAN - The third TransKansas Conference will be held at First Congregational United Church of Christ in M a n h a t t a n S e p t . 11 - 1 2 . Stephanie Mott, executive director of TransKansas, says attendees can look forward to a total of 32 workshops and presentations. The conference offers four tracks per day, one in the morning and three in the afternoon, and will include presentations and workshops that focus on a variety of topics
related to the transgender community. One track per day will focus on transgender intersectionality, which is the interconnection of categories such as transgender, race, and economic class. Another track will focus on transgender youth. While details are still being confirmed, Mott says workshop and presentation topics will include medical care, coming out in the workplace, the legal aspects of persons who are transgender, and transitioning with a lack of monetary resources.
Speakers include Dr. Laura More Information: Arrowsmith of Tulsa, OK. Her TransKansas Conference: Sept. 11-12 at First topic will involve Congregational United Church of Christ, 700 a discussion of the Poyntz Ave., Manhattan, KS 66502 medical aspects of the transgender Regular registration: $10 community. Dr. Students and members of the First Arrowsmith is a Congregational UCC: $5 member of the World Professional For more information, including volunteering, Association for sponsorships, and vendor opportunities, visit T r a n s g e n d e r transkansas.com. Health, a member of the Board of Directors of the and recently retired as Director National Center for Transgender of Transgender Programs at Equality in Washington, D.C., Oklahomans for Equality. Several workshops will offer continuing education credits. Mott estimates that approximately 150 people will attend the conference over the two days, which is on par with previous years. Conference registration is $10. The registration fee for students and members of the First Congregational United Church of Christ is $5. For those interested in volunteer opportunities, time slots of approximately four hours are available for mornings and afternoons on both days of the conference. Volunteers who complete a four-hour session will be given free access to the remainder of the conference. l
tinyurl.com/ herscopes Charlene Lichtenstein’s ground-breaking astrology book HerScopes: A Guide To Astrology For Lesbians is the best in sun sign astrology! The secrets that are revealed about each sign continue to amaze. Makes a great gift.
SEPTEMBER 2015
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
2015 Topeka Pride festivities to celebrate diversity and community
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Topeka Pride Festivities
By Ciara Reid, staff reporter TOPEKA - This year’s pride festival in Topeka is full of events and activities for the entire family. It’s not just one day, or even one weekend of LGBTQ celebration – it’s an entire week of pride events. The buzz has been building for weeks; if you happened to drive past 21st and Western, you may have noticed a billboard for the Topeka Pride Festival, with the slogan, “Celebrating Diversity in our Community.” Pride organizers raised almost $100 more than their goal of $875 to get the billboard produced. It’s clear that this year’s pride festivities will be full of energy, community, and celebration. The festivities kick off Sept. 21 and culminate on the 27 with the first-ever parade for Topeka Pride, featuring the Topeka
Chief of Police James Brown as Grand Marshall, as well as a street festival in the North Topeka Arts District. Admission is free; though organizers encourage attendees to bring canned goods to donate to area food pantries. Confirmed performers include drag performer Tyreese DeMornay, and drag performer and transgender woman Solana Solstice. Performer TRaynbow, who has been performing music since 2006, holds titles such as Mr. Capital City 2008, Mr. Xcalibur 2009, and Mr. Kansas Regional International Inc. 2010. This year’s pride festival also includes dancer Vanessa Childs, as well as Ms. Amanda Love, who writes and performs her own parody songs. She also is a drag performer. Attendees can check out vendors including Equality
Trans continued from page 20
that nearly half of transgender teenagers will attempt to end their lives because they can’t live authentically. Eight years ago, I walked into the light. My authenticity is no longer negotiable. I can no longer compromise my authenticity so that some people can continue to live in the comfort of an imaginary, binary world. And if I get to ride this planet authentically for another eight trips around the sun, I hope I manage to help create a world in which more transgender people are able to peel away the layers of socially-constructed, forciblyapplied pretend. Or even better, a world where people who are transgender are never forced to pretend. Step into the light. 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.
Sept. 21 - International Day of Peace Service – Metropolitan Community Church of Topeka - 7:30pm. Sept. 22 - Topeka Pride Awards/Potluck - Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Topeka - 6pm. Sept. 23 - Karaoke Contest - Skivvies - 9pm. Sept. 24 - LGBT Educational Day - Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Topeka - 9am-8pm. Sept. 25 - Topeka Pride Social - J & J Gallery - 7pm. Sept. 26 - Pride Drag Show - Serendipity - 9pm-2am. Sept. 27 - Topeka Pride Parade - 1-2pm. Staging begins at noon. Sept. 27 - Pride Festival - North Topeka Arts District (NOTO) - 2-6pm. For more information, visit topekapride.org. Visit the Facebook pages of Topeka Pride, the Topeka Pride Parade, and the Pride Poetry Project: Speak Easy Does Topeka Pride. Topeka Pride is looking for volunteers for assistance with the parade, kids activities, vendor set up, security and parking, bouncy house monitors, and more. For more information, send an e-mail to topekapridevol@gmail.com. Kansas of Topeka, Transgender Faith Tour, the Kansas Statewide Transgender Education Project, Positive Connections and more. A pride poetry booth called the Speak Easy Poets Booth will be one of the featured vendors at this year’s pride festival. The booth will include a closet door and thumb tacks; visitors of the booth can enter the room and pin their own printed poetry related to the LGBTQ community to add to the wall. For onsite contributions, a typewriter and other writing materials will be provided. Events and activities are planned for the entire week. Events include a Karaoke contest at Skivvies, a Topeka
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Pride social at J & J Gallery, and a drag show at Serendipity. Sponsors include the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Topeka, the Beacon Youth Group, Equality K a n s a s To p e k a C h a p t e r, Skivvies, Ultimate Bounce, and NOTO Burrito. l
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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
SEPTEMBER 2015
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The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department offers free HIV testing. For more information, visit:
www.ldchealth.org/HIV
SEPTEMBER 2015
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
SEPTEMBER 2015
National Suicide Prevention Month provides opportunity to talk about difficult subject
Provided by Nicole Fenoglio, LMSW, co-chair for the Sedgwick County Suicide Prevention Coalition
S
eptember is N ational Suicide Prevention month and, thus, a good time to address this difficult but real issue. Suicide rates in this country are on the rise and yet life expectancy rates for Americans are at an all-time high. In a study done by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in 2012, suicide rates were the highest they had been
in over 25 years. In 2013, someone died by suicide every 12.8 minutes. The highest suicide rates are among individuals aged 45-64. The suicide rate for men is four times higher than women. In Sedgwick County in 2014, there were 82 suicide deaths. Firearms accounted for the highest method of suicide at 55%. People between the age of 35-54 accounted for the highest rate. Additional data shows 63% of those completing suicide had a history of mental illness or substance abuse. Medical issues were noted in 43% of suicides. While there is an indication of a history of mental illness
L
et’s reap the rewards of all of our hot summer efforts this September. Sassy Venus redirects while stern Saturn moves into rowdy Sagittarius. Expect to tap your limit and fill it to the brim. Enjoy the spillage!
in many people that have committed suicide, there may be a misperception of what that really means. Mental illness, still stigmatized in our society, may often be thought of as a condition such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. However, mental illness can include many other conditions such as depression or anxiety. There are other risk factors to be aware of including: substance abuse disorders, serious or chronic health conditions and access to lethal means (including firearms or drugs). Prolonged stress factors such as harassment, bullying, relationship problems, unemployment, divorce, job loss or death of a loved one are also risk factors. In addition, there are historical factors that can be of risk including: a family history of suicide, family history of mental health conditions and childhood abuse/trauma.
ARIES (MAR. 21 - APRIL 20) Even the most laid back gay Rams (and there are very few) are getting itchy feet and need to travel this September. You are getting too sedate and homebound. So pack your bags and see what the world has in store for you. If time and money are tight, expand your horizons closer to home with an unusual gang, exotic foods and crazy entertainment . . . all in that order!
LEO (JULY 24 - AUG. 23) Party hearty you party animal. The next few weeks brings your popularity rating to an all-time high. Good thing too, proud Lion. You were getting too sedate and routine. Take a risk and stir things up with a dash of romance. Now is the time to ramp up your creativity and your curiosity. Curiosity may have killed the cat, but remember that you also have nine lives. Grrrr.
TAURUS (APRIL 21 - MAY 21) There is a tiger in your tank now, queer Bull. So what will you do with all of this pent up sexual energy? Will you go on a hunt to capture your quarry? Or will you contentedly kanoodle with your special someone and make things closer and more intimate? You will learn a few lessons as well as a few new tricks. Put everything to good use for a happy, loving future.
VIRGO (AUG. 24 - SEPT. 23) Take some time to relax and enjoy your personal surroundings over the next few weeks, queer Virgo. This can mean a few mellow nights on your own to recharge or it could be something more energetic like a complete home makeover. Whatever you decide to do, be sure to include time to invite your merry band over to make your evenings more complete.
GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21) Pink Twins love to be part of a couple and now is the time to make that dream a reality. If you are currently in a relationship, put in the extra effort to make things even better between the two of you. You know what you have to do. If you are currently looking for a match, strike out on your own and you will find a delightful choice of companions. Things will get hot fast. Ouch!
LIBRA (SEPT. 24 - OCT. 23) Proud Libras always seem to know just what to say to get others to do just what they want. There is no truer time than now to make your opinions known. Not only will they have great impact, you share them with the right people who will move some of your more important personal projects one step forward. Of course if you have nothing special to say you can always just mime.
CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 23) Focus on your health and diet this September, gay Crab, and you will reap the benefits in time for the holiday season. There is a lot you can do to sculpt your body into the form you desire. It won’t even be that difficult to achieve. Also focus on lowering your stress levels with a mind to mindfulness and mellowness. Become a happy pup with a few downward dogs.
SCORPIO (OCT. 24 - NOV. 22) Focus more on your finances this September, queer Scorp. You have learned a few new fiscal lessons and are ready to implement them. But life is more than just making money - isn’t it? Check to see if there is something else that needs a little tender loving care and attention. Just staying home and counting your money can get fairly lonely. Can’t it??
LGBTQQ Researchers have found suicide attempts among L G B T Q Q ( L e s b i a n , G a y, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning) youth is higher than the general population. LGBT teens and young adults have one of the highest rates of suicide attempts. It is believed by some groups this is due to institutionalized homophobia that still exists. Bullying of LGBT youth has been shown to be a contributing factor in many suicides of youth. More attention is being paid to this issue since there was an increase in suicide of this population in the early 2000’s. Since death certificates do not include sexuality information, it is hard to discern the actual statistics for suicide among LGBT populations. continued on next page
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 - DEC. 22) You are catapulted into the center of attention and will get several opportunities to make your next big move - in whatever area you decide. So don’t waste your time on trifles, gay Archer. Make the most of the influential people you will meet this September. Dazzle them with your knowledge and aptitude. Then go and make your mark . . . beyond a smudge. CAPRICORN (DEC. 23 - JAN. 20) Your intuition is on the mark pink Capricorn. And that is because you have amassed a wealth of knowledge regarding others’ motivations. You have been very observant and have picked up clues along the way. Be strategic and cautious. Play your cards close to the vest. You will glide to success. Then you can turn the tables on your adversaries! AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 - FEB. 19) Now is the time to expand your social circle, Aqueerius. Use the month to join new organizations and clubs. You never know who you will meet that can change your life for the better. Of course there are those who are ready to provide a bit of mischief and mayhem. Decide how much real excitement you want and need and plan accordingly. Hang on tight! PISCES (FEB. 20 - MAR. 20) If you have your eye on the next step on the corporate ladder, be prepared to climb up. Just be sure to wait for the right moment to connect to the powers-that-be and make your move. You have done all of your homework and have demonstrated your talents, Guppie, and this will carry you through. For those who prefer to sleep under their desks, however, all bets are off!
(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.
SEPTEMBER 2015
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Leather Life By Nolin Christensen aka Master C
Not All Submissives Are Girls Editor’s note: This column may contain content that is offensive to some people.
F
irst of all before I get into the core of today’s topic, I know that there have been people who haven’t been too happy with what I write about. Well, I want to point out that the Leather culture IS a subculture of the gay community. However, not everyone participates in it and that’s okay. Just as there are other subcultures within the broader gay community we are just a small part of the overall picture. What I write about is Suicide continued from page 28
Due to an increased focus on this issue, there have been more efforts to help communicate to LGBT youth through social media. The Trevor Project is a nonprofit organization that operates nationwide and offers around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention help. In addition, they have a digital community and advocacy/ educational programs that create a safe, supportive and positive environment for everyone. This project can be located at www. thetrevorproject.org/. It Gets Better Project is an internet-based campaign created in response to suicides of teens that were bullied because they were gay or were suspected by their peers of being gay. The goal is to prevent suicide among LGBT youth by having gay adults convey the message through social media videos that these teens’ lives matter and
what this lifestyle is about and if you’re interested, please read. If this is something you find offensive, then don’t read. But remember, we are a small part of the broader LGBT community. This lifestyle is something that does exist; I’m just trying to help educate folks about it. Now, having said that, on to the topic at hand. Recently I heard something that is happening within the BDSM community and I would like to address it. Currently an incorrect impression is going around that all Dominants are men and all submissives are girls. Well, I’m here to tell you that kind of thinking is one, wrong, and two archaic. Where do you think Dominatrix’s come from?! They are Dominant women. Hello!! And that only girls can be submissive? WHAT?! What century or country are you living in? Brownbackistan? From the beginning of the Leather and BDSM cultures, submissives can be anyone, men or women. And in the Leather community it was always men because that culture was totally men in the beginning. So if your machismo is so fragile will get better. The project has a YouTube channel and can be accessed at www.itgetsbetter. org/. As LGBT issues become more openly addressed and with the recent Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage, there has been, and will likely be, more policy options considered. One such option is to provide LGBT-sensitivity training to current middle and high school counselors and teachers. With increased awareness and increasing acceptance, it is hopeful LGBT teens will experience less bias, bullying and discrimination which will hopefully lead to a lower rate of suicide among this population. Due to the increase of social media, it is also very important to pay attention to what individuals might be posting on their Facebook page. If someone makes a statement in any way
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that you don’t think you can be a submissive, then you need to really think and get in touch with yourself. I’ve always advocated that in order to be a good (and I mean a REALLY good) Dominant you need to have, at some time, experienced being a submissive. Submission and submissivetype personalities come in all kinds. There are individuals who love helping and serving others. There are all types of persons who like and enjoy submitting to someone or something. There are also situations where someone may have to just because of life. Employees submit to their bosses and people with strong religious beliefs submit to their god and religion are some examples. There is nothing wrong with any of these. There are all types of things that show various types of submission within our lives. Just stop and look around. Think of it this way; it’s like a pet who submits to their owner (unless you own a cat!). So if you don’t think you are submissive and that you are always dominant, then I suggest you re-evaluate your life. Every one of us has to submit to something. Government, work, family. There are clubs in the larger cities that are referred to as Dominatrix bars/clubs.
It’s where Dominant women meet submissive men. What is interesting about these clubs, is that the submissive men are mostly made up of corporate executives. They are people who are in charge of lots of people and lots of things on a daily basis. However, they crave and desire to have something in their lives where someone else dictates to them and they are not the ones having to make the decisions. So no, not everyone who is a submissive is a girl. And no, not everyone who is a submissive is a boy. That’s the glory of this lifestyle, there are all sorts of people doing all sorts of things that make them happy and to free themselves from the confines of life. If you are a type of personality that loves to help, who loves to serve, who loves being in service to others, then embrace it and live your life the way that makes you happy. If your service personality includes serving an individual, then you may want to look more into the kinky lifestyle. We are not ALL about sex, we are also about a lifestyle where we help service individuals learn how to be a good submissive. If you want to know more, please contact me or come to a WOOLF meeting. l
related to suicide, it should be taken seriously. It is very important to reach out to someone if you have any reason to believe they may be at risk. Anyone can be at risk, even if none of the risk factors exist. If you or someone you know is at risk, there is help available. In Sedgwick County a 24-hour Crisis Intervention Service is available at 316-6607500. There is also a national
hotline available 24 hours a day at 800-273-8255. It is very important to not feel embarrassed to call; either for yourself or someone else. There are also websites that can be of help including The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at www.suicidepreventionlifeline. org. Always remember your life and the lives of those you care about matter. l
DUSTY RHODES I am excited to have the great services of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate to offer to you.
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New audiobook release of classic lesbian fiction, featuring Ian and Smart, erotically-charged
REVIEW By Grayson Barnes Patience and Sarah Audible Inc. Written by Isabel Miller Narrated by Janis Ian and Jean Smart
A
udible, Inc. releases its audio version of Patience and Sarah, by Isabel Miller in September. The fact that this swoon-worthy selection of Lesbiarcana is resurfacing is fantastic all by itself, but one of the characters (“Sarah”) is narrated by (wait for it) JANIS IAN, who definitely holds a place on the Lesbian Pedestal of Worship. Ian is a songwriter and singer whose career started in the 1960’s. She came out as lesbian in the 1990’s. The other character (“Patience”) is brought to life by actress Jean Smart. Some may remember her from Designing Women and Frasier, but Smart is also noted for her award-winning voice work. Patience and Sarah is one of the foundational works of lesbian fiction. It originally appeared as a self-published novel titled A Place for Us in 1969. It was given its current name and offered to the public by McGraw-Hill in 1971. It won the first Stonewall Book Award later that year. In 1998, it debuted as an opera at the Lincoln Center Festival. Miller only got to hear a few songs from the opera before her death. Later, Patience and Sarah was adapted into a screenplay called Greener Pastures. Today, the book ranks 24 th on The Publishing Triangle’s “100 Best Gay and Lesbian Novels.” It is loosely based on the lives of the painter Mary Ann Willson and her companion, Miss Brundidge. Miller discovered them while trolling through museums in Greene County, NY. She felt this kind of story was worth telling, but instead of trying to recreate historical people, Miller opted for the fictional Patience White and Sarah Glover. The story is narrated in turns
comes across an itinerant bookseller, with whom she spends the summer traveling. Sarah/Sam becomes the bookseller’s “hired boy.” It is within this relationship that she finds what it means to be a “man.” At the end of the summer, the two women get together again and eventually set out on their own. Patience and Sarah travel to Greene County, NY and settle on a little farm, although very little of the book is devoted to this part of the two women’s lives. What is interesting is that this book HAS a happy ending, unlike Radclyffe Hall’s Well of Loneliness, where the protagonist falls on her knees at the end screaming the name of the woman who abandoned her (the lesbian version of the “Stella” scene in A Streetcar Named Desire). Patience and Sarah get to live full, happy lives, or, at least, we assume that, because we see them ensconced in their warm home with the ubiquitous furry family member (a dog named “George”). The “happily ever after” part is left up to you, Dear Reader. In this audio version, Ian’s voice gives Sarah a warm, saltof-the-earth feel. We understand both the simplicity and strength of her character from Ian’s tone as well as Miller’s sensual writing. Smart plays Patience with nuance, capturing everything from assuredness to frustration to warm yet wrenching love
Alma Routsong self-published A Place for Us under the pen name Isabel Miller in 1969. It was later re-titled Patience and Sarah and released by McGraw-Hill in 1971.
by Patience, who has been left fairly well-to-do as a result of her father’s will and Sarah, a pants-wearing woman raised by her father to be the “boy” in a family of girls. Patience has living quarters attached to her brother’s house. Patience has her first glimpse of Sarah when she delivers wood on a frigid winter day. Intrigued by Sarah, Patience invites Sarah inside to warm up. The acquaintance builds into love as they share their first kiss. “And I felt her lips on my cheek, nibbling towards my mouth, and getting there, and staying; and I knew why she’d been afraid and wondered why I hadn’t been, why I had lured this mighty mystery and astonishment into the room, into our lives. I turned my head to save my life.” After that – “Oh, we were begun. There would be no way out except through.” They make plans to leave Connecticut to build a place together in Genesee County, NY. Before this happens, though, the couple is “outed” to their respective families. Sarah, adamant in her fortitude, proclaims her love for Patience. Patience, however, denies it. The next spring, Sarah dresses herself as a boy (“Sam”) and sets off to explore New York by herself. Beset by delays, she
(“Oh when you leave from me it is as if the whole front of me is torn open!”). Miller’s language is also reflective of the age, enveloping us in a diary-esque sensibility. Physical interactions between Patience and Sarah are delivered with a subtlety reflective of the manners of the age. They invent their own words for the new territory they explore with each other: “melts,” “wets,” and “waves.” The passion between the two is managed with a delicate restraint that wraps the reader in the same long_slow_ burn experienced by Patience and Sarah. While Miller presents history in a way that outlines some of the context of the era, she is careful to not get too deeply into the “accuracy in historical fiction feedback” loop. As a cultural historian myself, I wanted to see some of these voids filled in, but they were potholes and not overly distracting. When it comes to Miller’s prose, she keeps the story sensuously and erotically charged, but just this side of the “bodice-ripper” sensibility. You can enjoy the ride without having to throw yourself in your rack. This is lesbian fiction at its finest. Even better that you can close your eyes and listen to the exemplary Ian and Smart read you a story. l Patience and Sarah, as well as many other audio titles are available at www.audible.com.
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K-STEP celebrates fifth anniversary
By Ciara Reid, staff reporter SALINA - The Kansas Statewide Transgender Education Project (K-STEP) celebrated its fifth year as an organization on Aug. 14. President and executive director Stephanie Mott says the organization has been extremely successful in working to achieve its vision and mission, which is summarized on the group’s website as, “ending discrimination against transgender Kansans through education.” The organization relies on volunteers to execute its mission to provide transgender education to universities, community colleges, drug and alcohol treatment centers, various LGBTQ groups, government entities, faith organizations, and more across the state of Kansas. K-STEP began in 2010 in the Prescott Room of the Salina Public Library. On Aug. 15, the group convened in the same room to reflect on and celebrate the last five years of the organization. Since 2010, the organization has conducted more than 350 presentations and workshops throughout Kansas as well as locations outside of the state. In 2015 alone, K-STEP has conducted events and
presentations in Wichita, Hutchinson, and Leavenworth, KS; Springfield, MO; and numerous cities across the country that include Cleveland, OH; Little Rock, AR; and Tulsa, OK. The organization has presented to entities such as the Kansas Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners at Wesley Medical Center, the Human Sexuality Class at the University of Kansas, the Columbus chapter of PFLAG, and the Womyn Rising Conference at Washburn University, among others. While all of the presentations hold meaning for Mott, several stand out. A presentation to a women and gender studies class at Washburn University is a favorite for Mott, because a lot of people who attend the university are from rural areas who likely are not exposed to the transgender community. Mott says that at the end of almost every presentation or workshop, someone approaches her to tell them about their struggle, or the struggle of someone close to them. After the meeting, the group hosted the 4th annual K-STEP Awards at Martinelli’s. This year’s awards recognized Adam O’Brien and Elle Boatman (The
bridges Closed: EarthWise Pet Supply, owned by Kim Bonnesen and Lisa Obregon, located at 327 N. Hillside, on August 16, 2015 in Wichita. 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.
Support you local gay mag! Own a business? Work for a business? Know a business? Refer them to us. Advertising pays.
Brenda Way, Stephanie Mott and Elle Boatman at the 4th annual K-STEP Awards.
Face of Trans) with the Pioneer Award for their placement of a billboard in Manhattan featuring O’Brien. The Flint Hills Human Rights Project was recognized with the “For the Kids” Award for their work in achieving policy changes in the Manhattan School District creating protections for LGBTQ students. The Ally Award went
to the College Hill United Methodist Church for support, which included hosting the 2nd annual TransKansas Conference in 2014. For more information on upcoming K-STEP activities and presentations, or to volunteer or make a donation, visit www. kstep.org. l
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/Clubboomerangwichita
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
@ClubBoomerangks
club Boomerang
SEPTEMBER 2015
www.ClubBoomerang.com 1400 E 1st Street - FreE Parking Nearby
Open Thursday - Sunday
5:00PM - 8:00PM Happy Hour $2 Wells & Dom Bottles, $3 Wine, $5 Martinis
Happy Labor Day
Open Late until 2:00AM Sunday, Sept. 6
Check out our Food menu
Thursdays - Sundays 5:00PM - Midnight
Everything is made fresh, by hand! Fresh Cut fries, mozzarella sticks, fried pickles, and more!
Competitive Bingo*
Wednesdays at 6PM, Doors open at 4:30 Starting Sept. 9th *Not “Bitchy Bingo” - This is State Licensed with $1200 in cash prizes each week. All game proceeds go to FMCC
Wichita PRIDE Drag Night
Saturday, Sept 19 10:30 PM
Miss Boomerang Pageant
Saturday, Oct. 3 9:00 PM