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NOVEMBER 2015
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NOVEMBER 2015
NOVEMBER 2015
Liberty Press
Volume 22, No. 3 • Editor: Kristi Parker • Contributors: Nolin Christensen, Greg Fox, Charlene Lichtenstein, Dr. Robert N. Minor, Stephanie Mott, National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund • Staff Reporters: Grayson Barnes, Blake Hampton, Ciara Reid • 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
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NOVEMBER 2015
A Monthly Collection of Opinions and Editorials.
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GUEST EDITORIAL LGBTQ advocates respond to first Democratic Presidential Debate Provided by National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund
O
n Oct. 13, the Democratic National Committee held its first televised debate for candidates seeking the party’s nomination for next year’s presidential election in November. In response, the National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund released the following statement: “[October 13th’s] debate was a good glimpse into each candidate’s vision for our country’s future. We were very pleased to hear from [Hillary] Clinton, [Bernie] Sanders, and [Martin] O’Malley about the need to reform the criminal justice system, secure
comprehensive immigration reform, and to lift up lowincome families from poverty. As we know all too well, LGBTQ people —particularly LGBTQ people of color — disproportionately experience poverty, unemployment, and workplace discrimination. “Also, while some candidates did specifically reference LGBTQ people and #BlackLivesMatter, we eagerly await the candidates’ discussion of specific policy issues at the next debate such as the need for strong and explicit federal nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people,” said Stacey Long Simmons, Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs, National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund. l The National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund works to secure full freedom, justice and equality for LGBTQ people. For over 40 years, the organization has been at the forefront of the social justice movement by training thousands of organizers and advocating for change at the federal, state, and local level. www. thetaskforce.org
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NOVEMBER 2015
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Giroux announces bid for 4th Congressional District
WICHITA – Dan Giroux, a native Wichitan and local a t t o r n e y, a n n o u n c e d h i s candidacy Oct. 1 for the U.S. House of Representatives, seeking to represent Kansas’ 4th Congressional District;
a position currently held by Mike Pompeo. A graduate of Northwest High School and Newman University, Giroux has lived in the district for 33 years. “I am running to give a voice to everyday Kansans in Washington. The people of this community need an effective leader who cares about our hard-working middle-class families and understands the struggles families face each day. As someone who grew up here, went to school here and is raising a family here, I feel that Washington is out of touch with the needs of our community and we need to correct that before the American Dream is lost. “Kansas needs an advocate for working families in Washington,” said Giroux. “The
economic state of our district is in crisis and will continue to be so as long as we continue down the current path. “We need a representative in Washington who will stand up for the people of south central Kansas, not special interests.” Giroux lives in west Wichita with his wife Christine and their four children. He is the president of the Newman Booster Club, co-director of the Wichita Gladiator Dash, and serves on the board of the Center of Hope, Inc. For more information o n G i r o u x , v i s i t w w w. DanforKansas.com. l
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NOVEMBER 2015
KC’s LGBT Community Center announces a Night of Comedy at the Folly KANSAS CITY – The 2015 annual fundraiser of LIKEME Lighthouse, Kansas City’s LGBT Community Center, will be held at the Folly Theater on Friday, Nov. 13, and features performers Michael Ian Black, Carson Kressley, Fortune Feimster, Dana Goldberg, and special guest Ty Herndon. The Shine A Light Awards will be given to National Honoree Actor Wilson Cruz and Kansas City Councilperson Jolie Justus. This is the fourth LIKEME L i g h t h o u s e f u n d r a i s e r. Previously featured were Alan Cummings, Hal Sparks, Margaret Cho, Wanda Sykes, and Chely Wright. The LIKEME® Organization was founded in March 2010 by country music star Chely Wright. The LIKEME® board of directors, composed of wellknown public figures from across the country who support the LGBT movement, wanted
to do more of a grassroots effort and voted to open an LGBT community center for the Midwest. The Kansas City area was chosen for the center, which was named the LIKEME® Lighthouse. It opened its doors in March 2012 at 3911 Main St. For more information, Lead Administrator Willow Parsons is available from noon-4pm on weekdays, 816-753-7770 or visit www.likemelighthouse. org.
Theater program at Wichita State creates opportunities for innovation WICHITA - Innovation isn’t perhaps the first word that comes to mind when thinking of the theater. But for Ed Baker,
associate professor and technical director in the Wichita State University School of Performing Ed Baker with the ProDowser he developed. Arts, it’s a passion. “Virtually every university At the time, the theater in the U.S. teaches the technical program was performing The skills for making a play,” he Tempest, a production that says. “I am building a way to required two projectors with teach students the skills to make dowsers – projector attachments a career in the theater.” that automatically block “gray Over the next two years, light” from the lens when the a group of Baker’s technical projector is turned off, allowing theater majors will be tasked for a full blackout of the theater. with developing their own The dowsing equipment devices for use in productions. available commercially would It’s more than a class project; have eaten their entire scenic the students involved in the and lighting budget. So Baker development will eventually fashioned his own dowser decide whether to seek patents with some cardboard, gaffers or sell the rights to what they’ve tape, paint poles and a pair of created. freshmen with strong shoulders. Baker says Performing Arts But for their next performance, faculty are continuing to find there was no room in the back other ways to foster innovation in of the theater for someone to the school with the advancement stand and hold the handmade of “green” theater technology, dowser. After several attempts experimenting with different at a variety of solutions, Baker filming methods and learning developed a prototype that was more about the intellectual battery operated and quieter than property process. a college student. The final product, which Innovation and invention in Baker named the ProDowser theater and sells hundreds of each year, has been used successfully at One of the ways in which WSU ever since, with slight Baker is fostering a creative improvements. But in that time, spirit – and providing practical it has grown to be more than a experience – is through the device. It’s now a model that continued development of a Baker is using to teach his device he created 10 years ago students about innovation and when he came to Wichita State. invention. l
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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department offers free HIV testing. For more information, visit:
www.ldchealth.org/HIV
NOVEMBER 2015
NOVEMBER 2015
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Minor
Details By Bob Minor
Transgender People are Lightning Rods for Our Issues
B
efore we settle down with families to eat this Thanksgiving Day, let’s take the time on Nov. 20 to remember those who’ve been killed as a result of what we’ve come to call transphobia -the fear and resulting violence about gender nonconformity that is directed at transgender and gender non-conforming people. The Transgender Day of Remembrance was founded in 1998 by Gwendolyn Ann Smith, a transgender woman, graphic designer, columnist, and activist, to memorialize the murder of Rita Hester in Allston, Mass. because Rita didn’t conform to culturally-conditioned gender expectations. Now we remember all those human beings harassed, abused and killed because of gender nonconformity. This year’s reported murders have hit an all-time high: 24 deaths in the U.S. alone as of Oct. 15. Something is very wrong above and beyond the tragic suffering that people who identify as transgender or otherwise gender nonconforming experience. And, as in most such fear- and hatebased violence, what’s wrong isn’t the victims of the violence - transgender people - but something systemic about our society that we don’t want to face, much less change. In transgender people, rightwing religious pushers have found another group to condemn. Right-wing politicians have found another fear to exploit for political support. And because transgender people are becoming more visible, they’re lightning rods for cultural fears, confusion, and dysfunction. I t ’s i m p o r t a n t t h a t w e keep pushing for the rights of transgender people to express their gender identity without
retaliation anywhere. But it’s also important for us to challenge the systemic factors that keep gender issues stuck; and those represent issues for us all. They begin, as so much does, from the moment children are born. From then on, all of the institutions that make up our system enforce three crucial misunderstandings: (1) there are two and only two genders; (2) gender is inherent, not culturally conditioned; (3) males are the best gender. Haven’t things changed regarding this? Yes and no: we’re now giving it an attention we never did before and even claiming things are different, but the sum of all our institutions and their inter-workings (“the system”) still teach these three ideas. The system also continues to enforce them, doing so by seeing that anyone who challenges them is marginalized and punished. It’s okay to think about them in private, but don’t flaunt your rejection of them publicly. And that’s what the out and open lives of transgender people are seen to be doing. It’s the unusual child in our culture who hasn’t absorbed these three misunderstandings early in life. Conditioning begins with the first question adults ask when a child is born. We all know what that question is: “What is it?” And we don’t want the answer to be that the baby is a fully human human-being with all the possibilities all humans have. We adults are the ones asking if the newborn is a boy or a girl; not the baby. The baby isn’t insisting that it will only be happy with certain colors of blankets and clothing. So, let’s admit it: we’ve been conditioned to feel that we need to know which of two genders
the child is in order to relate best to the child. Can we ever be comfortable if we don’t know? We know from all the studies of parenting that from that point on the adults around the child treat babies differently depending upon what they perceive the gender to be. So do all the institutions with which that child has to do. The young baby doesn’t understand this gender binary and all of the limitations and conditions it comes with, but if the young child’s genitals are unambiguous (or if they’ve been surgically adjusted to be so by attending physicians in the cases where they weren’t) the pressure to conform to the culturally conditioned gender roles is enforced by adults out of their own fears around the alternatives. Systemically each of the two acceptable genders finds certain behaviors, feelings, and expectations enforced on them and others denied to them. And the adults around them, even those who have some understanding, continue to embrace assumptions about gender. Listen to fairly enlightened discussions: “I’m trying to get in touch with my feminine/ masculine side.” This assumes the gender binary and its limitation of certain qualities to one side of it rather than seeing them as human qualities our culture has merely said each gender can’t have. “I thought my son was gay because when he was little he was so gentle, kind, and sensitive.” Since in our culture lesbians and gay men aren’t supposed to fit the appropriate gender role, this also accepts the idea that heterosexual people can’t deviate from the appropriate gender roles in the
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binary; heterosexual boys and men can’t be gentle, kind and nurturing. “Did you see the athlete who came out and doesn’t fit the stereotype?” The “stereotype” is a question of gender performance – does the athlete look or act effeminate or masculine. We might hear the language of gay or straight, but what we’re really talking about is binary gender conformity. “Did you hear about the student who was harassed for being gay?” Actually what the bullying is based on is the boy or girl’s deviation from the conditioned gender role. The boy acts too feminine, the girl too masculine. It’s seldom about sexual and emotional attraction. The three assumptions around gender mean that everyone, not just transgender people, is supposed to conform to boxes they didn’t build and are expected to enforce. It limits those who identify as female from expressing their power, leadership capacities, career orientation or anything that only males are supposed to exhibit. It keeps males from expressing the nurturing, sensitive, creative, caring, and relationship qualities that all human beings possess. And these assumptions and the transphobia they spawn promote homophobia as well: that fear of getting close to one’s own gender that limits all relationships from friendships to intimate ones by keeping us wondering that if we don’t feel like conforming to gendered relationship expectations, does it mean we’re, oh no, really LGB or T. 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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NOVEMBER 2015
Support for the transgender community: WiTCoN By Grayson Barnes WICHITA - Some people come out of the closet. Brenda Way came OFF the toolbox. She had been on tiptoe there, ready to kick it out from under herself – a rope tied around her neck. Then she realized only by living could she make a change. That change was the development of the Wichita Transgender Community Network (WiTCoN) with her friend (now partner), Elle Boatman. Way was inspired to start the organization because she had attended events in the community, like those by GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network), and felt like she was the only transgender person there. She wanted to come up with a means for transgender people to recognize, support, and socialize with each other -- to show transgender people that they can be loved, are loved, and that the majority of their love will come from other people who understand, like other transgender folk and
their allies. The need for such support is overwhelming. Transgender people are 41% more likely to commit suicide as compared to the national suicide rate of 9%. Already this year, there are 22 transgender people have been murdered in the United States, up from 14 last year. Most of these were women of color. In August 2015, a woman was killed in Kansas City, MO. It is ironic that the escalation in hate crimes against transgender individuals is happening during a time of increased visibility for them, with people such as Kristin Beck (former Navy SEAL), Laverne Cox (actress), and Caitlyn Jenner (Olympic gold medalist and co-matriarch of the Kardashian clan) in the news. The majority of transgender folk don’t have the same financial safety net that fame provides. They can’t pay for medication, therapy, or surgery. WiTCoN was Way’s answer to at least part of those problems. The first meeting was this past May.
About six transgender people showed up with their allies, for a dozen total. Since then, WiTCoN attendees have talked about safe sex, hormone replacement therapy, watched movies, carved pumpkins, and played Glo-Golf. One meeting had 36 people. Future plans for WiTCoN include continued focus on socialization, education, and support. Next, Way wants to advocate on behalf of WiTCoN by educating people in businesses, hospitals, and schools about transgender issues and acceptance. She hopes to offer transitional housing for transgender individuals at some point. The problem is finding a place to provide that. For now, she is happy about how people feel about the group. Way says, WiTCoN “saved my life. It means my life and because of that I want to give my life to WiTCoN and all the people who made that happen. That’s everyone who shows up. I didn’t have any friends and now I have a roomful of them. I have a very strong need to be motherly and I love to take
Way at her first Pride rally this year.
care of people. I want to be the mother to the trans community in Wichita … this is my calling.” The response from WiTCoN’s trans members has been similar. To them, this group is . . . […a place where I can find] “friends, community, and I am not alone.” “…a place for transgender people to meet and learn more
NOVEMBER 2015
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
about ourselves and other people with like minds and souls. To help find answers we’re seeking and to be a part of something without feeling like a freak. To learn how to be a woman or a man, not what others think we should be.” “…family, community, and activism. A group for discovery, learning, and empowerment. The experiences I’ve had over the last three months have helped me to grow so much as a person in general, that I can only hope to continue participating and
doing my part to pay it forward. I would not be where I am without [the] people in this group…” Allies added that WiTCoN . . . “…offers me insight into what life is like for a trans person. It is a place where I can feel safe enough to ask questions. WiTCoN also gives me the opportunity to socialize and form new friendships with other trans people and their families and allies. I want to educate myself so that I can be a better and more supportive partner. I also want to be a better ally in
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my community. I want to be an example for others that I come in contact with on how to be inclusive and be accepting of others.” “…has been a saving grace for my partner and I. We went through a rough time when we told family of the upcoming transition and the family wasn’t supportive. We had a short supply of friends we felt we could tell and we had no references for any community support.” After being invited to a WiTCoN meeting, “I knew we
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were on to something fantastic. Not only could we meet other transfolk, but WiTCoN brought in community support and resources. WiTCoN had changed our lives by giving us a loving, safe environment to be ourselves and courageously take the next steps in our journey.” If you are transgender or an ally and would like to participate, WiTCoN meets on the first and third Thursday of every month at 7pm at The Center, 800 N. Market. “Like” their page on Facebook for updates. l
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NOVEMBER 2015
21st Annual Wichita Alternative Gift Market announces new location for 2015
WICHITA - Wichita Alternative Gift Market volunteer steering committee members are pleased to announce that the 2015 market will be held at East Heights United Methodist Church, whose members have been longtime partners at the market. Join hundreds of shoppers at the 21st annual Wichita Alternative Gift Market, which will be held Saturday, Nov. 14 from 10am-4pm at East Heights UMC, 4407 E. Douglas. The
market, co-hosted by dozens of local service groups and congregations, takes place each year on the second Saturday of November, and is one of hundreds of such markets across the country. Alternative gifts do exactly what traditional gifts do: express love and celebrate occasions. But alternative gifts are different: they are things like food for pantries and shelters in the U.S. and Canada, scholarships for students in Haiti, or milk-
providing yaks for children in China. Shoppers can purchase these tax-deductible gifts to honor family and friends, then present to them a beautiful greeting card with a gift insert describing the project supported. In 2014, the 20th anniversary market raised $29,016 — enough to rank in the top five of all-time Wichita markets. Of that amount, $3,515 was disbursed to six local agencies: Head to Toes Hygiene Pantry, Dear Neighbors Ministry, Fairmount GoZones, Urban Young Life, HopeNet Inc., and Filling the Gap/Partners for Wichita. The remainder was disbursed to 30 national and international projects in the Alternative Gifts International (AGI) annual catalog. The 2015 market will be fundraising for the following local organizations: Dear Neighbor Ministries, EmberHope (Youthville), Fairmount GoZones!, Partners for Wichita: Filling the Gap,
Wichita Circles Network, and YWCA Women’s Crisis Center. At the upcoming market, shoppers can also sample foods, fair-trade crafts and more. Light breakfast and luncheon items will also be available for purchase. Those seeking more traditional, tangible gift items will find gourmet goodies and accessories from Wichita Women’s Initiative Network, hand-crafted jewelry from Kenya sponsored by the Olive Branch Mission African Jewelry Project, craft items from artisans around the world presented by Ten Thousand Villages (Fair Trade Wichita), and fair-trade chocolates, coffees and teas from Equal Exchange. l tinyurl.com/herscopes
Charlene Lichtenstein’s groundbreaking 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.
NOVEMBER 2015
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
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NOVEMBER 2015
Think “consignment” as an alternative option for holiday shopping
By Blake Hampton WICHITA - Consignment and resale stores are meeting in Wichita to promote, grow, and learn from each other: promoting themselves and other Wichita local businesses, finding more ways to expand their inventory, and learning new ways to run their stores. Since June, about 17 store owners have come together to have meetings. From Sweet Repeats to Memories of Home all the way in Rose Hill, these independent stores are helping each other. I had the pleasure of talking with Pia Schwamman (owner of Fit for a Queen) and Rebecca Whitely (owner of 2nd to None) about the group, how it’s helped their respective businesses, and what they would like to see in the future. For each monthly meeting the group goes to a different store so
they’re not meeting in one spot. This also allows them to see the different neighborhoods and communities that the members are a part of, and to see firsthand how they take care of their respective stores. “Pia sort of spearheads the group with discussion topics,” Whitely said. “We discuss various topics from store security to what price did they give a certain item,” Schwamman explained. Trading these practices lets the store owners bond. As well as learning new ways to improve their own stores. “One thing that has really helped is knowing what the other stores carry,” Schwamman added. These consignment stores have at least one thing in common, they’re in competition with stores such as JcPenny’s, Dillons, and other franchises. Schwamman admits she doesn’t have everything that
everyone wants in her store. So before making this network of stores it was much harder to recommend which other local shop might have what a customer is looking for. The consignment group has had a consistent membership of about 17. Asking if they would like to see the group grow Whitely said, “Yes, we want to grow, but we want to be selective in growing this group. We want store owners who will take it seriously, and participate in the group.” The group did start with 19 members with two dropping out for personal reasons. With the holiday season around the corner and budgets being a little tighter, these stores are a viable alternative. Many items cost less than 50% compared to retail stores. “’Used’ is becoming less of a derogatory term for the items in our stores and is starting to be more of a trend that people like,”
Schwamman said. In any case many of the items in the stores are freshly bought and used maybe once if used at all by the consigners who bring in the items. Each store thoroughly cleans each item they place for sale. This is a list of the member stores and many if not all are LGBTQ-friendly. Fit for a Queen, 2nd to None, Christiane’s Closet, Keep it Simple, Sweet Repeats, The Working Woman’s Shop, eDrop, Selective Scavenger, Urban Renewal Consignment Boutique, Village Flea Market, Bargain Hunters of Kansas, Invio Fine Furniture Consignment, Memories of Home, Shane’s Great House of Vintage, Three Pea Consignment Gallery, New 2U Kids, and Trendy Tots Resale Shop. Each store has either a website and/or FaceBook page that can be visited for more information. l
NOVEMBER 2015
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
The Life and Death of Coming Out Trans
B
ecause I believed there was something wrong with me, I hid myself from any and all who might have been there for me, if they had only known how to be there for me. I have often wondered what would have happened if I had “come out,” as it were, when I was six years old. When I already knew who I was and who I had to be. In the 1960s, when I might have first come out, the response would have been truly devastating. The world would have tried to “fix” me, instead of understanding the fact that no other person on the planet could possibly know more about my gender than I do. It would have resulted in my being exposed to the kind of psychotherapy that was the standard at the time. My ability to function in this world would have been permanently stolen from me. Far too often, the kind of psychotherapy that was standard
in the 1960s is still utilized today. Far too many people believe that being transgender is something that needs to be fixed. Far too real, is a world in which the decision to come out is a very personal debate between the need to live authentically and the dangers of doing so. Sometimes I am asked if it frightens me to be open as a transgender woman. Yes, of course it does. But I will not hide. I am not ashamed of who I am. There is nothing wrong with being a transgender woman. I shall not allow someone’s lack of compassion and understanding to push me back into the closet. Darkness no longer has any hold on me. I have lived in the light of authenticity. Can’t go back. Won’t go back. In truth, I am not frightened by being open as a transgender woman. I am frightened by a world that says I cannot be open as a transgender woman. But here’s the thing - the best way for me to help create a different
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world is to be who I am. And to Because as hard as it has been tether my life, to the best of my to live openly as a transgender woman, it pales in comparison ability, to kindness and love. All of this having been to how hard it was to pretend to said, another black transgender be a man. woman has been murdered, this And yet, I know six-year-old time in Philadelphia. This brings human beings who are being the total number of known encouraged to live authentically. murders of trans women in 2015 Empowered to embrace their true in the “land of the free” to 21 - identity. Enabled to participate nearly all of them transgender in a life of less pain. The world women of color. These words are is changing. in honor of Kiesha. And every A s l o n g a s t h e r e a r e person who has been subjected transgender people who are to violence because we don’t all willing to pay the price of fit into those delusional boxes authenticity, the march toward of male and female. Because transgender acceptance will the price of authenticity is continue to move forward. Oh, sometimes death. but what a price to pay. l Every time I publicly identify myself as a transgender woman, Stephanie Mott is a transgender woman I increase the likelihood that I from Topeka. She is the executive will meet with violence. But I director of the Kansas Statewide Education Project, and also believe that every time I Transgender a commissioner on the City of Topeka publicly identify myself as a Human Relations Commission. Reach transgender woman, it makes it her at stephanieequality@yahoo.com. less likely that others will meet with violence. There are days when I wonder if this is true. Fortunately, there are more days when I know that it is true, and that transgender visibility is the most powerful tool we have to create change. There are far too many people in this world for whom diversity of gender is used as a license for violence. A reason to marginalize that which they don’t understand. As justification to treat another human being Healthy Pets for Happy Lives as less than human. Why come out? Daniel Thompson, D.V.M. Mon. - Fri. Because the price Cindy Payne-Robertson, D.V.M. 7:30 AM - 6 PM of authenticity is Saturday Lori Mitchell, D.V.M., C.C.R.P. sometimes death. 8 AM - 12 PM Kelly Martin, D.V.M. Because the price of the denial of authenticity 1726 E 61st St N • Park City, KS , 67219 • (316) 744-0501 www.ctahvets.com • facebook.com/ctahvets is sometimes death.
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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. South Central Kansas, 1407 N. Topeka, Wichita, (316) 263-5886, director@ wichitapeace.org, www.wichitapeace. org Wichita Pride, info@wichitapride. org, www.wichitapride.org, annual celebration held in September.
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
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, Wichita, (316) 302-6225, Sunday Praise and Worship services at 11am;Wednesday Discipleship Training at 7:30pm. 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
NOVEMBER 2015
pvcconline.org Prairie Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1809 E. 30th, Hutchinson, (620) 663-8002, www. prairieuufellowship.org Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Manhattan, 481 Zeandale Road, (785) 537-2349, www.uufm.net, services Sundays at 10:45am. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Topeka, 4775 SW 21st St., (785) 2729233, www.uuft.org, services Sundays at 10:30am.
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 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. l
bridges
Metropolitan Community Church of Topeka, 4425 SW 19th, (785) 2721442, office@mcctopeka.org, www. MCCTopeka.org, services Sundays at 10am.
Promoted: Mallory Rine, marketing coordinator for the Orpheum theatre, to Marketing Manager of the venue, on October 8, 2015 in Wichita.
Pine Valley Christian Church, 5620 E. 21st St., Wichita, (316) 685-2421, churchoffice@pvcconline.org, www.
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.
NOVEMBER 2015
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Leather Life By Nolin Christensen aka Master C
Safe Words Editor’s note: This column may contain content that is offensive to some people.
I
know that I’ve probably talked about this before, but it always bears repeating. The use of safe words and hand gestures are one of the cornerstones of our community. When you negotiate to play with someone, I cannot express enough that you need to have safe words and or safe hand gestures. The reason I bring this up is because of some communication
that has transpired in the last month or so about some situations that occurred over a year ago. One I was just informed about and the other was a situation where I was attending a class. So, let me explain. Because of the type of play we engage in, it is paramount that you use a safe word and if you can’t use words, then have safe hand gestures. This is so that the person you are playing with knows that you have reached a limit and the play needs to stop all together. So if the person uses the safe word, which means you need to STOP right then regardless of what is happening. Safe word means they have reached their limit and they can’t take anymore. My partners and I use a very simple set of safe words, words that normally would not be said or used in any type of play we do. We use Red, Yellow and Green. Easy to remember and something that just about everyone knows, Red – Stop, Yellow – slow down, Green – go, I’m doing good. If you are
doing any type of play where the person is unable to say safe words, then you need to decide on some safe hand signals. Just remember, it needs to be something easy to remember and something that will not occur in the type of play you are doing. At a class I was attending a year or so ago, the bottom who was the demo, used their safe word and the person doing the class ignored it. Those of us in the class didn’t hear the safe word the first two times it was used, but we did hear the third time. Both I and another Dom in the room stood up to intervene and the person doing the session saw us and finally stopped. Needless to say, that person will never be back to teach a class again. The latest happened about a year ago and it was a situation where the Dom just simply ignored the bottom because they were into the scene and didn’t care about what was happening with the bottom. They were only interested in their feelings and not about the submissive. BAD BAD BAD. You should never break your toys! They won’t want to play with you again. Whenever you have someone who ignores your safe word, you need to 1) never play with them again 2) let other submissives
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know so that they will not end up in the same situation with the person and 3) let the leader(s) of the group and or community know what transpired. Because when someone ignores safe words, it is no longer consensual or normal BDSM play but it is physical and mental abuse. When you ignore the safe word, you have just gone from consent to abuse. And abuse is something that is punishable by law. And it’s not just locally that this is occurring. As more and more people jump into the community (thank you, 50 Shades of Grey), we are seeing more and more of this type of abuse. I was talking with a friend in Tennessee this week and they are having the same issues there. So, the point of this discussion is to educate everyone that safe words MUST be followed and MUST be adhered to by everyone. Don’t play with anyone who is not willing to use safe words and tell others when someone violates the use of safe words. So how do we stop this? Let others know what happened. Don’t wait a year like the one I just heard about this week. Let people know ASAP. The violation of the safe word is continued on page 22
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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
NOVEMBER 2015
Riverfest officials remind citizens: ‘You’re the fest!’ Applications now available for the poster contest, festival entertainers, event organizers and food vendors
WICHITA – Wichita Festivals, Inc. officially kicked off the Riverfest planning season by reminding the citizens of Wichita that, “You’re the Fest!” and releasing application forms for Riverfest 2016. Artists are encouraged to enter the Riverfest Poster & Button Artwork Contest, sponsored by Emprise Bank. Riverfest is also seeking entertainers of all kinds, as well as food vendors and event organizers for the festival. “This event has always been all about the citizens of
Wichita – who truly are what make Riverfest a success,” Ann Keefer, vice president of program development for WFI, said. “Whether they are talented artists or performers, fun food vendors or creative event organizers, they are the fest, and they help us to create a nine-day party that offers something for everyone in the community.” Designs are sought for Riverfest 2016 based on the theme, “Party in ICT!” The winning artist will receive a $3,500 cash prize. All artists 18
W
e can make our “wildeest” dreams come true this November as advancing Mercury nuzzles Neptune through the month. Get your dreams into your mind’s eye. Will you sit, stare and ponder the possibilities or get up off your chair and make it all happen? It is totally up to you.
or older are invited to participate and no fee is required to enter. Entries must be received by 5pm Wednesday, Dec. 16 to be eligible. The winning artwork will be featured on the Riverfest 2016 poster, buttons, official T-shirt and other items, and will be used as the central artwork in promotional campaigns for the nine-day annual celebration, scheduled for June 3-11 in downtown Wichita. Local and regional entertainers also have an important place in Riverfest. While national headline acts are much anticipated, favorite area bands and other performers have always been fundamental to the diverse flavor of Riverfest.
Plus, iconic Riverfest events such as the bathtub races have sprung from the minds of local hobbyists and civic groups. Those interested in contributing their talents to Riverfest can find New Event, Entertainment, and Food Vendor applications, as well as the Poster & Button Artwork Contest rules and application at WichitaRiverfest.com. l
ARIES (MAR. 21 - APRIL 20) “Dream lover put your arms around me,” you seem to sing. But will everything just be in your head or are you prepared to do what is needed to make your desired love life into a reality? The world and its joys are yours for the taking. Resolve, before the holiday season goes into full tilt, that you will share it with someone special. Sure, go ahead and dream, but also act up, proud Ram.
LEO (JULY 24 - AUG. 23) Make your home a desired destination now, proud Lion. That can mean creating a bevy of home-entertaining soirees or it may mean a sprucing up of your surroundings. Or maybe combine the two efforts? It might be fun to get your posse together to help you paint or move furniture around. Who knows what can happen when you move the couch poolside?
TAURUS (APRIL 21 - MAY 21) Friends have your best interests at heart but if they get a little too involved in one of your relationships, you may have to draw the boundary line. That is not to say that you ignore their sage advice but ultimately you have to be the one to make your own decision. In fact, maybe one of your pals will go from platonic to passionate. Oh, life will not be boring, queer Bull!
VIRGO (AUG. 24 - SEPT. 23) CAPRICORN (DEC. 23 - JAN. 20) This is the time to open up all of the Re-evaluate certain friendships to see if channels of communication, Virgin. they are giving you everything you need, Strong silent types should change their pink Cap. It might be time to expand tune and start singing. Express your hopes beyond your core group and expand into and dreams and you will be happily surprised who new clubs and organizations. You hanker answers your siren call. This is especially important to share your dreams, opinions and thoughts and maybe in relationships where there is too much left unsaid. a new set of ears will help you move things forward. So say it loud, proud and queer. You have nothing to lose except your old precepts and those orange pants. LIBRA (SEPT. 24 - OCT. 23) It is important to recognize the true AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 - FEB. 19) value of all of your hard work. Your Put your career first, at least for the next compensation should be fair and few weeks, so you can strengthen your commensurate with your efforts. So tally up the finances and prepare for the future. It is scorecard, proud Libra, and see if you need to request easy to procrastinate, but don’t do that now. You know a raise or seek more lucrative enterprises. Start that the sooner you get started, the cushier your eventual planning for your future security by doing your fiscal retirement will be. So dazzle the big bosses and climb homework. You see through the smoke screen. Bring the corporate ladder while you can. Rest when you get your strobe light. on top, Aqueerius.
GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21) Pink Twins will instinctively know what moves to make and what projects to take in their job that will have the most beneficial impact on their long-term career plans. The big bosses are watching your every step so dazzle them with your talent and abilities. Before you know it you will be rewarded for your efforts. Maybe that reward will be more time off to relax? CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 23) Adventure and fun are all in the cards for you this month so get your creative juices boiling and pour them all over the place. Gay Crabs have a tendency to fall into ruts and routines. Now you can shake things up and see the world with fresh eyes. And who knows what else is waiting for you in some strange and exotic locale? Maybe it is someone strange and exotic? Whoo hoo.
SCORPIO (OCT. 24 - NOV. 22) Step out into the limelight and showcase your considerable talents, queer Scorpio. You attract all the attention and use it to further your creative goals. You also find new romantic possibilities. Make your very best first impression. If that requires a complete makeover or refreshing your wardrobe, so be it. It’s soon going to be a new year. Resolve to make an improved you.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 - DEC. 22) There should be no secrets at home, gay Archer. That means that you need to be more forthcoming about your needs and sincerely inquire about your partners’ needs too. It also means coming out (if you haven’t already) to family members, come what may. For those on the prowl for a relationship, honesty is going to be the best policy. That means no exaggerations or inflation. Oh dear.
PISCES (FEB. 20 - MAR. 20) Make your mark on the world now, Guppie. You must prepare for your big global entrance. Don’t be a wallflower. Overcome your shyness and put yourself Out there. Meet and greet. The folks you meet now can help you move to the next step in any personal project. And your ideas can take you to international acclaim. The sky is the limit. Take a bow. No, take two.
(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.
NOVEMBER 2015
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
NOVEMBER 2015
Leather continued from page 19
NOT normal, is not condoned by the community and should not be tolerate by anyone. If you know of a situation where safe words were ignored, please get with someone you trust and talk with them. If you don’t know someone, please contact me or someone in WOOLF. We have individuals who can talk with you and we have counselors who are aware
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.
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
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
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.
DUSTY RHODES I am excited to have the
of our lifestyle who can work with you. If you want to learn more about consent, safe words, safe play or anything about our community, please come to one of our classes or reach out to someone who is a member of WOOLF, we are more than happy to help teach and educate you. WOOLF meets the fourth Saturday of each month at The Center. Come join the fun! l
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
NOVEMBER 2015
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
club Boomer a ng
NOVEMBER 2015
www.ClubBoomerang.com 1400 E 1st Street - FreE Parking Nearby
Wednesdays - bingo
Doors open at 4:30, bar and grill opens at 5:00, Mini games at 6, Full games at 7. All game proceeds go to the Metropolitan Community Church food pantry.
Thursdays - Brown Sugar Showcase
Doors open at 5, Happy Hour until 8, Show starts at 10:30 Cheer on your favorite “future stars� in this epic drag show, hosted by Brown Sugar
Fridays & Saturdays - Boomrang Boys and Babes Doors open at 5, Happy Hour until 8, Dancers start at 10 Come check out the sexy dance moves of the Boomerang Boys and Babes
Sundays - Karaoke and Queens
! u o y k n a h T
Doors open at 5, Happy Hour until 8, Karaoke 5-9, Drag Show 9 - 11 Sing your heart out, then watch our fabulous queens lip sync for their lives
Thank you, Wichita, for making our first 6 months so successful! We are grateful for your love and support. We are proud to be a part of this commuity, and we are excited to serve you for years to come! Love, Joshua, Brad, and the Club Boomerang Family