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MARCH 2016
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Whether you participate in the Food Pantry each Tuesday, or Worship with us on Sunday mornings at 10:15AM in person, or live on our website at www.GodLovesYouPeriod.com, whether you believe in God or you don’t, everyone is welcome at the Table of Hope.
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MARCH 2016
Editor's Desk
Where Would We Be Without Our Allies? When I first started to get involved in the LGBT community one of the first people I met was Bev Fiedler. She and her husband Ed were two of the founders of the Wichita PFLAG chapter that had been active since the 1980s. Their son Fritz had died of AIDS. Bev answered the Wichita PFLAG helpline. A number that rang into her house. She was an unconditional loving, supportive voice on the other end of the phone day or night. She was a grandma to everyone in the community. PFLAG chapters, locally and nationally, were some of the earliest ally organizations and their combined voice on behalf of our community was, and still is, tremendously powerful. Unfortunately, as you can read in this issue, the Wichita chapter has recently folded, but there are still active chapters in Hutchinson, Topeka/Lawrence, the Flint Hills region and Kansas City. Where would we be without our allies? Allied businesses are the reason the Liberty Press has been able to expand its distribution reach. I have added over 40(!) new distribution spots in the last two months. Please check the list in your area and if there are new businesses listed that you frequent please thank them for carrying the paper. Since 1994, when the Liberty Press started, I’ve said that there weren’t enough LGBT-owned businesses in Kansas to keep a newspaper afloat. The success of the paper was going to depend on our friends. My motto when approaching prospective advertisers was: “Everyone is gay-friendly until they tell me they’re not.” This turned out to be a winning approach. There still aren’t enough LGBT-owned businesses in Kansas to keep the Liberty Press afloat. Thank goodness for our allies.
--Kristi Parker Pictured: Bev Fiedler, left, was part of Vinnie and Kristi's wedding party in 1996. Also pictured Darrell Johnson. Photo by Kelly Riegle
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Volume 22, No. 7 • Editor: Kristi Parker • Contributors: Beacon Youth Group, Annette Billings, Nolin Christensen, Greg Fox, Charlene Lichtenstein, Mama, Dr. Robert N. Minor, Stephanie Mott • Staff Reporters: Grayson Barnes, Emily Beckman, Elle Boatman, Blake Hampton, Isabella Parker, Trevor Reichle, Ciara Reid, Jeromiah Taylor, Brenda Way • Contributing Photographers: Blake Hampton, Isabella Parker • Cover Design: Troy Dilport • Graphic Designer: Troy Dilport • Webmaster: Ren Autrey • Publisher: Liberty Press, LLC • Printer: Valley Offset Printing
OP/ED......................................6 KANSAS NEWS......................10 NATIONAL NEWS..................13 BRIDGES................................13 TRANS-FORMATIVE..............24 MINOR DETAILS....................25 WHAT'S NEW AT THE CENTER?...............................26 MAMA KNOWS BEST............28 OUT IN THE STARS...............28 THE BEACON BIT..................29 OUT ON THE TOWN.............29 AROUND KANSAS.................32 LEATHER LIFE.......................33 KYLE'S BED & BREAKFAST...33
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ON THE COVER: Not your grandma's etiquette..12 "Moreganic" at the Beautiful Day Cafe.......................................16 Allies Show Up..........................21
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OP/ED
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
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.
LP report on vandalism of church, new book by Kansas author Dear editor: With all the good news on GLBT issues, it is sad to be reminded that even churches are still being attacked for being gay-friendly, as is reported in the February issue of Liberty Press. It is good to hear that the LGBT community - including even atheists - is giving support to the church (First Metropolitan Church in Wichita, and pastor, Jackie Carter). It would be interesting to learn who the vandals are - their motive and any organization(s) they are members of. The new book by L.A. author and former Kansas man, Julian Jones,(Bohunk’s Big To-Do) sounds fun and hopefully will get coverage in our media. It is good that you cover marriage equality and those who have married, celebrating
Valentine’s Day. It is also interesting to consider the religious connection to marriage and civil partnerships and, as Bob Minor points out, how we should deal with being religious and yet giving support to organizations that continue to not only be anti-gay, but work to force their views on all of society. Billy Glover
Corrections In the February issue on page 12 in the story A new, positive direction for Duxler, it said that ArtAID raised “more money in the last two years than any of the 19 previous years.” That was an error. The amount raised each year was more than the event was doing annually for the previous three years. We truly regret the misinformation and any disrespect it caused to the original ArtAID organizers.
Tim Wise: Black Lives Matter vs. All Lives Matter
An introspective look into the racism conversation By Trevor Reichle, staff reporter W I C H I TA - O n F e b . 1 7 , renowned anti-racism speaker Tim Wise gave the keynote address for Black History Month for Wichita State University at the Eugene M. Hughes Metroplex, covering a wide array of issues including white privilege, the over-policing of minorities and “school-to-prison pipeline” for young black men – all of which have become topics at the forefront of the public mind over recent years. For decades, the American culture all but erased any notion of racism from its past, essentially declaring that despite festering discrimination within various communities and a prison system that has been stacked against people of color, racism was no longer a major issue since the era of Jim Crow was over.
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As Wise so eloquently put it, white people have been telling black people for years to just get over the past, all while we relish in the parts of our history that make us feel good. “We love the past as long as it makes us feel special, as long as it makes us feel superior,” said Wise, who is a white man himself. “We don’t want to deal with the implications of the past, but we linger in the past all the time.” Nonetheless, this age of neglect came to a boiling point when the shooting of Michael Brown occurred on Aug. 9, 2014, in Ferguson, Missouri. Since then, media coverage of police shootings of people of color has skyrocketed, but it’s ignorant in and of itself to assume this is a recent phenomenon. This also spawned the beginning of the Black Lives Matter movement, an effort to realize a change in the treatment of black people by authorities and to hold those that shoot unarmed black people without valid reasoning accountable. Perhaps the most widespread argument that is made against Black Lives Matter is that all continued on page 17
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Domestic partnership benefits help unmarried couples in long-term relationships By Ciara Reid, staff reporter The world changed for the better last June when the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage in all 50 states. LGBT couples and allies rejoiced at the large leap forward. However, for LGBT couples not married but in long-term relationships, a new fear arose as to whether employers would cease to offer domestic partnership benefits in the workplace for same-sex couples in light of the new legalization. After Maryland legalized same-sex marriage in 2013, the state ended domestic partnership benefits for state employees shortly after. Arizona followed suit in 2014. While it depends on one’s employer, many companies continue to offer some type of domestic partnership benefits for straight and gay and lesbian couples. The criteria a couple has to meet may vary depending on the employer and/or state, but generally the requirements are that both persons in the relationship are over 18 years old, are not related to each other, and have been cohabitating for at least six months. Some employers require personal
references to certify that the couple has been living together and are not related. A Kansas couple, who wish to remain anonymous, had a recent positive experience with domestic partnership benefits. One person works for a state agency, while the other is selfemployed. The self-employed person was paying almost $1,000 a month in insurance. The cost was getting so high that she needed to explore other options. The person who works for the state agency discovered that her employer offered benefits for those in a common law or domestic partnership. The requirements included having two references not related to either person certify in a written statement that they cohabitate as spouses at the same address. The couple also had to meet one of the following criteria: share a joint banking account, file joint taxes, or own a home with both their names on the title. Shortly after submitting the required paperwork, the state employee was able to officially add her partner to her benefits and insurance. l
More information: If you are unsure whether your workplace offers domestic partnership benefits, ask your human resources contact or check the list of employers with domestic partnership benefits on the Human Rights Campaign website (select ‘advanced search’ in the database, then scroll to ‘policies’ and select ‘domestic partner health benefits’), www.hrc.org.
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Kansas News Art and Book Fair returns to WAM with new look WCHITA - For over 55 years, families have made the Friends of the Wichita Art Museum’s Art and Book Fair part of their Mother’s Day tradition. This year on May 7-8, with the completion of the museum’s Art Garden, FWAM will continue the tradition with an expanded fair on the grounds of the museum. In addition to their wellknown book sale, FWAM is expanding the art portion of the event by inviting regional and national artisans to apply to show and sell ceramics, paintings, photographs, prints, jewelry and more. The event, including admission into the Art Museum, will be free. L a s t y e a r, w h i l e t h e construction of the Art Garden was being finished, FWAM transitioned the fundraiser back to the museum with a smaller version of the event, Art of the Book, which was
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focused on book sales and a small works market. This year the Art and Book Fair will have room to spread out the event, transforming the grounds for a completely different feel. The event will feature artist tents, entertainment and the Muse Café will serve its traditional Mother’s Day brunch on Sunday. Some of the area’s food trucks will serve lunch. The book sale will be held in the Jim and Darla Farha Great Hall.
HMC’s next concert hits perfect pitch KANSAS CITY - With a little less piano, Heartland Men’s Chorus, KC’s gay men’s chorus, presents “Perfect Pitch,” a concert that celebrates the power and beauty of the human voice. Singing mostly a cappella arrangements, the 135-voice chorus will perform songs featuring arrangements of contemporary popular music including The Good Life by OneRepublic, Stitches by Shawn Mendes, and the Imagine Dragons hit Radioactive. Some classics will also be continued on page 24
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TODAY’S ART MATTERS. TODAY’S ART MATTERS. PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. TODAY’S ARTLIBERTY MATTERS. @ulrichmuseum TODAY’S ART MATTERS.
ulrich.wichita.edu | Free Admission | 316.978.3664 | 1845 Fairmount
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VISUAL JUSTICE:
The Gordon Parks Photography Collection at WSU
ON VIEW: January 16 – April 10, 2016
Gordon Parks, Untitled, New York, 1963. Gelatin silver print, 8 x 10 in. Ulrich Museum of Art at Wichita State University. Museum purchase/gift of The Gordon Parks Foundation, Courtesy of and ©The Gordon Parks Foundation The exhibition and associated programs are made possible by generous contributions from the Samuel M. and Laura H. Brown Charitable Trust administered by INTRUST Wealth, Mickey Armstrong, Kansas Health Foundation, and the Fidelity Bank Foundation. Additional support provided by Marcia and Ted D. Ayres, Ann and Martin Bauer, Joan S. Beren, Eric Engstrom and Robert Bell, Gridley Family Foundation, Rex and Denise Irwin, Jane C. McHugh, and Keith and Georgia Stevens.
This celebration of the Ulrich Museum of Art’s most recent Gordon Parks acquisitions surveys the life work of one of this country’s most important photographers. He captured the injustices of the Civil Rights Movement alongside the stark realities of world strife through images taken throughout the second half of the 20th century. Many of Gordon Parks’ best known photo essays for Life magazine are represented in this exhibition.
FOUNDATION
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MARCH 2016
Empowerment: Not your grandmother’s etiquette class
Jill D. Miller, headmistress at the Finishing School for Modern Women.
By Elle Boatman, staff reporter WICHITA - Finishing school is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of feminist institutions. Traditionally, finishing schools have been places where young women learn to be polite and appropriate young ladies, doting over their kids and kitchens and attending ceaselessly to their husbands’ every need. Jill D. Miller, headmistress at the Finishing School for Modern Women, has a different idea in mind for better preparing
women of all ages for the hustle and bustle of modern-day living. An 18-year veteran of the business consulting industry, Miller found her passion for empowering others early on while selling Aveda products to salons. In that position Miller says she found that “she was more successful when she helped her salons be more successful” and began giving customer service and relationship-building training to her salon contacts. As a business consultant, Miller has helped open many popular local businesses, including Planet Hair, The Donut Whole, Tanya’s Soup Kitchen, and Bluebird Arthouse. “When you open really funny, quirky businesses people are really attracted to it,” she says, ”because everything else is just so . . . vanilla.” The Finishing School for Modern Women is Miller’s latest endeavor and a solid foundation promises great things. The school started hosting classes in September 2015 at Watermark Books, Harvester Arts, and the Wichita Art Museum. It became readily apparent that the need and the audience for a modern finishing school were ample and
a small storefront not far from Century II became the school’s new home in February. The space is still being decorated but the Tiffany Blue walls and Miller’s incredibly warm welcome set the stage for what promises to be an inviting and empowering atmosphere. The school’s website states upfront that “these are not your grandmother’s etiquette classes” and the school delivers on its promise. Through a dynamic and engaging approach to empowerment and skills training, class participants learn from co-teachers, facilitators, and each other how to better equip themselves for success and happiness in their personal and professional lives. “I want to help people own their power, whatever that looks like for them. I think it’s important to have good manners…so I’m not discounting that completely,” she says. “But I think it’s more important that women learn things like negotiating skills and money management and how to own our power and how to be better communicators.” Miller also emphasizes the inclusiveness of the school. When asked about how members
of the LGBT community, especially trans women, would be welcomed she says, “I will not let anyone be put down or be discriminated against or made to feel uncomfortable in any of my classes. If you say to me, ‘I am a woman,’ you are a woman.’” The material is womancentered but classes are not restricted to women. “If men want to come they are welcome to come. We love men. And men need these skills, too. The classes are about the interaction between everybody that’s there and learning from everybody. It’s really open and safe and a great place for us to get together and talk about how we can be better people, how we can be happier, how we can have better lives.” March classes include Own Your Power, Relieving Stress with Aromatherapy, Getting W h a t Yo u Wa n t , M a k i n g Connections, and a special no-holds-barred Ask-A-Man Event, which will feature a panel of men to answer all of your burning questions. For more information about the school and details about classes, visit finishingschool formodernwomen.com or find it on Facebook and Twitter. l
Bike Walk Wichita: new location, new opportunity By Isabella Parker, staff reporter WICHITA - Since its creation i n 2 0 1 0 , t h e B i k e Wa l k Wichita organization has been working hard to make bicycle transportation easy and available for everyone in Wichita. Thanks to a very supportive city council, bike lanes and bicycle safety awareness has increased significantly, making this form of transportation much safer for those who either rely on bicycles for transportation or simply enjoy exploring the city on their bikes. Now that this organization has expanded to a new location, 131 Laura St., the availability of bicycle repairs and information about bike safety for bicyclists in Wichita has increased dramatically. This volunteer-based organization also provides
a large amount of service to the homeless community in Wichita. Their new location is equipped with a bicycle repair shop and the volunteers are able to provide repair services to those who would not be able to afford it elsewhere. They also go visit homeless centers in Wichita to give people a form of transportation that is easy, fast, and safer than alternatives such as providing illegal favors for transportation from strangers. Bike Walk Wichita president, Kim Neufeld, says that the new location allows for a “larger outreach to the community,” and the more people who are aware of the simplicity of using bicycles as a positive transportation method, the better. Women Bike ICT is a profeminism movement that is hosted by Bike Walk Wichita. Neufeld hopes to create an
“empowering and informing” space for people to ask questions and learn about how bicycling can be a way to promote gender equality. This space is open to anyone who identifies as a woman, and there are a variety of events involving this organization that are dedicated to promoting both feminism and exercise. Bike Walk Wichita plans to again hold a women’s bicycle fashion show, where the women of ICT can show off their multicolored, trendy, From left to right: Kim Neufeld, Bike Walk President. Jack Murphy, BWW Board and/or flashy biking gear. The Wichita member. Jess Bechtelheimer, member of BWW third annual Bike Beautiful Women Bike ICT group. Photo by Isabella will take place on Mar. 31 from Parker 7-9pm (doors open at 6pm) in the Murdock Theater. Tickets said. “They will be highlighting are $10 and available online at the latest bike apparel/gear and bike-friendly fashions from local www.BikeWalkWichita.org. “Our models are a diverse retailers.” group of ladies representing all W i n e , b e v e r a g e s a n d ages and ethnicities,” Neufeld appetizers will be provided. l
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National News State ‘Religious Liberty’ laws pushed by long-time antiLGBT groups MONTGOMERY, AL – A new Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) report profiles the top Christian Right groups on the frontlines of the campaign to enact state “religious freedom” laws, demonstrating that the movement is merely the latest strategy to deny equality to the LGBT community. The report – “Religious Liberty” and the Anti-LGBT Right – shows that the most active national groups backing Religious Freedom Restoration
Acts (RFRAs) in various states have long track records of working furiously against LGBT rights. Many of these groups have networks of state and local allies to push RFRA bills. “These vehemently antiLGBT groups give lip service to religious freedom, but that is clearly not their goal in pushing these so-called ‘religious liberty’ laws,” said Heidi Beirich, report author and director of the SPLC’s Intelligence Project. “This is about discriminating against LGBT people, plain and simple.” RFRAs are named and loosely modeled after the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993. But that law was intended as a shield to protect religious liberty. These laws, such as the one enacted and then modified under intense public pressure in Indiana last year, allow individuals to deny goods and services to LGBT people on the basis of their religious beliefs. “Religious liberty is a cherished constitutional value, enshrined in the First Amendment,” Beirich said. “But, as earlier efforts to offer biblical justification for slavery
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
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and Jim Crow segregation have taught us, religious liberty should not, and must not, be used as an excuse to discriminate.” The six groups profiled in the report include the Alliance Defending Freedom, the American Family Association, The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, the Family Research Council, Focus on the Family and the Liberty Counsel. The report can be viewed at splcenter.org/religious-libertyand-anti-lgbt-right. RuPaul’s Drag Race adds all-star panel of guest judges for the upcoming season NEW YORK, NY – RuPaul’s Drag Race returns to Logo
with a Queen-sized 90-minute premiere on Monday, Mar. 7 at 8pm that also marks the 100th episode and 100th Queen to sashay into the workroom. To celebrate the milestone, Logo will air a ‘Runway to 100’ marathon of the full series beginning on Thursday, Mar. 3 at 6pm. Throughout the marathon, viewers will be treated to allnew interviews with previous contestants who will spill all of the behind-the-scenes T on their seasons. The series marathon leads into the 100th episode and the kick-off of a new season featuring a court of cutthroat Queens competing to snatch the crown and strut away with a $100,000 cash prize as well as the coveted title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar.” Think you know this race? Honey, you have no idea. This season’s celebrity guest judges include Nicole Richie, Gigi Hadid, Marc Jacobs, David and Amy Sedaris, Debbie Harry and Chris Stein of Blondie, Ester Dean, Faith Evans, Jamal Sims, Chanel Iman, Todrick Hall, Thomas Roberts, Tasha Smith and Vivica A. Fox. l
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bridges Featured: Elizabeth Behrman, professor of mathematics and statistics at Wichita State, gave two invited talks in India. She delivered the keynote address at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers InternationDUSTY RHODES al Conference on Research in Computational Intelligence and Communication Networks in Kolkata, and was an inaugural speaker at the QuanCall/Text 316.519.2112 I am excited to have the tum and Nanocomputing Systems and Applications conference in Agra. great services of Better Homes and Gardens Real
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MARCH 2016
Seed House presents the Big Gay Mural
By Blake Hampton, staff reporter WICHITA - On Feb. 13 the Big Gay Mural was unveiled at Evergreen Park and Recreation Center. Produced by Seed House and created by the ICT-Army of Artists, this mobile mural will be making rounds throughout the area to be shown to as many people as possible. The Big Gay Mural features symbols of the LGBT community. Armando Minjarez, one of the co-founders of Seed House, had organized the majority of the project. “The point of the mural is to start conversations within communities to talk about LGBT issues,” he said.
The process for making the mural started back in March 2014. Meetings were held to share ideas on what should be on the mural. For example, Elle Boatman from WiTCoN was invited to one of the meetings and designed the sunflower that is featured. Once the design was decided on the Army of Artists were organized. About 50 artists worked on the project. Two of those artists were Michelle Calhoun and Kaylee Bond. “It took about five weeks to make it,” Bond said. “We really enjoyed making this mural.” The women also explained the ideas behind some of the
symbols in the mural. “When we were making the people we wanted to keep it as genderneutral as possible, which is why they’re colored the way they are, and why their shape is very generic,” the explained. Dorothy Gale from the Wizard of Oz is featured because of the historic term “friend of Dorothy,” used to discreetly describe a member of the gay community dating back to World War II. Judy Garland, who played Dorothy, was a wellknown gay icon. The unveiling was considered a success. Not only did it feature the Big Gay Mural, it featured another mobile mural with the theme of protesting against the hate that can be a part of political and religious powers. There was also the Wichita Arts coloring book. Artists who contributed to the book were there to sign it. A coloring table was present for anyone who wished to color. WiTCoN’s Brenda Way and Elle Boatman had a table with pamphlets with various pieces of information about the
organization. There were snacks and punch for the over 50 guests to partake in. These guests ranged from families, groups of friends, couples, to individuals interested in the murals. The Seed House is an organization that creates spaces and workshops for people from the Wichita area to come together to learn and share ideas. Art is a part of what they do and this mural is no exception. Seed House has only been around for about three years, but they have made several murals. Some you can see at Evergreen. Many of them made in the hopes to inspire conversation about the issues of today, such as immigration and Black Lives Matter. Margi Ault-Duell is in charge of getting the Big Gay Mural on display. As of now she is unsure of where it will be featured next. To keep updated on where it will be featured look up ICT-Army of Artists’ Facebook page. To learn more about Seed House check out its website at theseedhouse. org. l
2015-16 TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
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AT CENTURY II CONCERT HALL
APRIL 12 -14, 2016
APRIL 26 - 27, 2016
BroadwayWichita.com • wichitaTIX.com TICKETS: 316.303.8100 • GROUPS 10+: 1.866.314.7687
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MARCH 2016
“Moreganic” at the Beautiful Day Café
By Grayson Barnes, staff reporter WICHITA - Right before our post-lunch interview, Charolett Knapic, the owner of Beautiful Day Café, was bustling around clearing and wiping down tables. I discovered after we talked that this is typical of her character and the foundation for this establishment – she wants to help people and believes her business can do exactly that. She opened the café on May 30, 2015, so she’s been at it less than a year, officially, but there were a lot of ideas she wanted to twine together. That began years ago. She grew up on cattle farms. Occasionally there were hard times. Knapic learned that building relationships between the cattlemen, farmers, and other businesses was important for success. She was also in the restaurant business, which is a tough occupation too. Money was hard to come by and places shut their doors. Both of these backgrounds gave Knapic concepts she would later implement. Knapic also owns an ecolandscape business. She noticed that the 20-somethings who worked for her would take a break for lunch, gobble down burgers or other fast food, then bottom-out. After lunch she was still going – at more than twice
their age. Her conclusion was that her healthy, organic food choices sustained her. The idea for a café blossomed. The name for her café was easy to come up with. “I wanted [you] to have a good feeling when you said the name,” she explained. Someone had also given her the 1969 album It’s a Beautiful Day, the self-titled album by a San Francisco psychedelic band, so the name was an easy choice. The album cover is even depicted on the wall inside the café. Manifesting everything else took a while. She credits her friend, Jill Miller, with helping her create a business plan nearly seven years ago. The biggest trick for Knapic after that was to find a place where she could serve good food, work with permaculture principles, and be able to go from garden to plate all on the same site. “I wanted to create a space that was healing -- not to sound ‘hospitalish’ -- with the food, the colors the atmosphere, I wanted to be good to the earth, to recycle,” Knapic said. At first, Knapic wanted to have a place at the Old Town Market. Then she found the property at 2516 E. Central. It had the green space she wanted with a building for a café. She talked with the owner for over a year and he went down on the price. Knapic loves the space. In addition to the café, she grows things that are free to take along the alleys and out front. Neighbors and passersby can have whatever is outside the partially-fenced area. She has a couple of neighbors who even made use of the loofah plants she had growing around the site. Knapic’s future plans within the fence include enclosing the plot and applying her gardening knowhow to the area. She is specifically interested in continuing to prove that the permaculture
principle is better than organic. Even organic farmers still plant monocrops and use pesticides. In her practice, weeds are not bad. They shield tender roots and bring up nutrients. The menu at the café reflects the connection to sustainable agriculture as well as the direct relationships with farmers and other food producers. Knapic has seen that if she works with them one-on-one, she can “talk to farmers and they will grow food like you want it, creating a cleaner food production and changing the way the business works.” It’s a way to start small, but it will eventually spiral out into the food industry as a whole, Knapic believes. Her goal is better food overall. The Beautiful Day Café features a menu expressive of this philosophy. Offerings are as fresh as possible, organic, and there are some vegan and gluten-free selections. I had lunch right before chatting with Knapic and decided on the grilled veggie sandwich, which had thin-sliced grilled carrots, squash, mushrooms, and hummus nestled between
perfectly toasted sourdough. My partner had the tilapia and gave it an “excellent” vote. When asked what the creation of Beautiful Day Café has done for her, Knapic mused, “It has really expanded me. I come from being a super shy person. I thought I knew what it took because I was raised in this business, but I have been surprised. I can do a lot more than I thought I could -- as long as I can have a nap!” She also believes that it is the “American woman who will be changing the world – she is empowered but nurturing. She will be the one who builds the businesses that will help people.” Beautiful Day Café is open Mon.-Sat., 7:30am-2:30pm. For more information, “like” them on Facebook. l
Glitter! SALINA - Equality Kansas of North Central announced the return of its signature fundraising event, Glitter: a gala variety show and silent auction. The event, including music, dance, acting, and spoken word, will take place Saturday, Mar. 12 at the Salina Community Theatre, 303 E. Iron Ave. The silent auction has been expanded to include both art and gift baskets from local merchants. The silent auction and cocktail hour (cash bar) begin at
6:30pm, performance starts at 7:30pm. Tickets are $15 at the door, advance tickets are $12 and are currently on sale at Ad Astra Books and Coffee House, The Market Shop, and Thiessen-Elise Salon. Funds raised go to support the Equality Kansas mission of ending discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and to fight for full equality and civil rights for all LGBT Kansans. l
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WSU's Redux puzzling, engaging, and ultimately disturbing REVIEW By Jeromiah Taylor, staff reporter WICHITA - The students and faculty of the WSU theater department have created a startling original film entitled Redux. A limited time screening was held at the CAC Theater on the WSU campus from Feb. 1-4. The film centers around a schizophrenic college student charged with solving her best friend’s murder. Rian Leigh plays the main character in an effective and compelling performance. Leigh’s character must sift through clues which are both real and hallucinatory and deal with ex-boyfriends and enemies in the process. The suspects are endless and even include her father. She enters the story with an explanation of her “abductive” reasoning process and maintains a literary theme of hamartia throughout the entire film. Hamartia being the Greek concept of a tragic flaw that all heroes have which ultimately ends them. L e i g h ’s s c h i z o p h r e n i c detective uses peculiar methods, including archery, and possesses an unsavory reputation. As the film draws to a close however, it is apparent that Leigh is the most unsoiled and trustworthy character in the film. The best part about Redux is the script written by Bret Tim Wise continued from page 6
lives matter – which, as we all know, is true. The problem isn’t in the belief that everyone’s life has significance – it’s that those individuals who are minorities in this country are not treated as though their lives have relevance. “Of course all lives matter,” said Wise. “But you don’t have to proclaim that which is taken for granted, you have to proclaim that which is ignored.” This conversation has been going on consistently for a while now, and this argument is brought up time and time again. Regardless of race, background or cultural identity, it should be true in this country and around the world that when we see an injustice committed
Jones. Jones wanted to create a film so that his students could experience what it was like to work behind a camera. He was inspired by his research of optogenetics; an experimental treatment which examines how neurons which have been made to be light sensitive can be manipulated. The script is nuanced, sophisticated and at times humorous. Though it is in some ways over done; seeming to be extraneous and consciously dense. Nonetheless Redux sounds wonderful. It is almost more literary than it is visual. While the language is occasionally pretentious the concepts are fresh and the film accomplishes its apparent goal of surprise and provocative bewilderment. This effect is taken to the extreme, resulting in confusion in even the most diligent viewer. Sadly, the ingenious bones of Redux are burdened by the presence of annoying tropes such as the alcoholic writer and the college girl who sleeps with her professor. Redux is an ambitious film defined by its superb writing and inventive concepts. It is a puzzling, engaging, and ultimately disturbing psychological thriller rich in allusions and linguistic depth. Unfortunately the acting was at times amateurish and did not against another group of human beings, we should do everything within our power to make a change for the betterment of our communities as a whole. This isn’t just about police brutality, either – it’s about finally allowing people of all ethnicities to have equal opportunity to get ahead in life and to make something of it that they can be proud of. This includes financial inequities, educational opportunities and breaking down employment barriers. Something that has been argued frequently by those opposed to the movement is that the very idea of “white privilege” is one that expects white people to feel guilty about being born the way they
match the sophistication of the script. Despite the excellent writing many of the characters were unconvincing, though this is as much the fault of the clichéd content the actors were given to work with as it is the actor’s themselves. I imagine a remake of Redux made 10 years from now with a larger budget, revised script, and with the return of one actor: Rian Leigh. The treatment of mental illness in the film was respectful though somewhat silly; rife with wincing, finger-to-the-temple revelations and stereotypical misanthropy. The inclusion of optogenetics was a nice touch and made the film appear to be well researched and plausible. Leigh’s immediate clarification that schizophrenia does not involve the stereotypical
Wise
are. “Our attitudes about race come from our experiences with race,” said Wise, pointing out that the understanding of one’s privileged stance does not equate guilt. “You don’t have to
misconception of multiple personalities was responsible and I imagine much appreciated of the writer. Flaws and all, Redux is an admirable and impressive first effort on the part of WSU’s actors and directors. The theater department has much to be proud of; they have made a thought- provoking, believable and mature film. This season holds many more delights. An opera-ballet entitled Les Indes Galantes opens Mar. 31 and several other theatre productions are arranged for WSU’s latest season. Tickets can be purchased to any event over the phone at (316) 978-3233 or online. The box office is located at the Duersken Fine Arts Center and is open Monday-Friday 10:30am–5pm. l
think about this stuff so you don’t. That’s what white privilege really is when it comes to race, it’s about the privilege to be stonecold ignorant to other peoples’ truths.” Now that this conversation about race is being taken seriously for the first time in a great while, i t ’s i m p o r t a n t t o remember what we all have in common here – we are all human. Regardless of the defining characteristics that make us who we are, we all desire to build lives of meaning and purpose. l
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Topeka Civic's Clybourne Park extremely well done REVIEW By Annette Hope Billings
ADDING COLOR TO YOUR RAINBOW Though love may continue to win for the LGBTQ community, representation and inclusion for queer people of color in the community has not. “Adding a Bit More Color to Your Rainbow” will not only include a conversation about the importance of validating intersections, but also will give attention to the lived experiences of queer people of color and why visibility is so important for those who identify as both queer and a minority.
Dr. Jonathan Paul Higgins California State University - Long Beach National Black Justice Coalition’s “100 Black Gay Emerging Leaders to Watch
6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 29
K-State Alum ni
Center, Ballro
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nsas State Sponsored by the Ka urce Center University LGBT Reso
TOPEKA - Bruce Norris’ two act play, Clybourne Park, is set in a fictional neighborhood in Chicago in the 1950’s. Having seen Lorraine Hansberry’s award-winning play, A Raisin in the Sun as a child, where this neighborhood was created, the playwright wrote this play to pick up where Hansberry’s play ends. A Raisin in the Sun is the story of an African-American family’s (the Youngers) decision to purchase a home in an all-
white suburb of Chicago. Residents of Clybourne Park are vehemently opposed to having African-American neighbors and go so far as to offer the Youngers a substantial sum to buy the home back from them. A Raisin in the Sun ends with the Youngers decision to decline the offer and move to Clybourne Park. This reviewer was particularly excited to see this play having portrayed the family’s matriarch, Lena Younger. Act one of Clybourne Park is set in1959 as the current white residents of the home the Youngers have purchased prepare to move. Adding layers of complexity to this transition is the death of their son who committed suicide after his return home from the Korean War. The son’s death has led to deep depression in his father, Russ, very aptly portrayed by Shawn Nyberg. The acting choices Shawn makes to portray a seething anger are spot on. His discussion with his wife Bev (Erin
McGinnis) about seemingly inconsequential things such as various national capitals and the origin of neapolitan ice cream, belie their internal battle to make sense out of the senselessness of their son’s suicide. The developing volcano Russ has with his pastor and neighbors, who arrive to check on his welfare, is very believably choreographed between all the characters. It is directed so well by Joanna Lassley that audience members both expect and dread the inevitable eruption. Russ begins to explode after the arrival of the couples’ pastor and their acquaintances, the Lindners. The Lindners, played by Matt Briden and Kelly Huff are caught in the lava flow as is Pastor Jim (Brad Stipcak). Karl Lindner is by far the most overtly racist in the conflict while Bev/Erin McGinnis does a marvelous job of providing a counter balance to the vitriol spewed by Karl Lindner. The first act is constructed in such a way to evoke emotional involvement by the audience which makes Russ’s eventual threat to physically harm his pastor very believable. Act two is set 50 years later, 2009, and finds the neighborhood now predominantly AfricanAmerican. The home has been sold to a young, white couple, Steve and Lindsey, expecting their first child and intent on rebuilding the home to their liking. They are buying the home from Lena (Treykia Pollard) and her husband Kevin (Dane’ Shobe). Lena is a niece of the now deceased Youngers. A battle similar to the one in act one evolves out of what begins as pleasant, aseptic conversation. As they, on the surface, plod through legal issues, the playwright does a tremendous job of writing those issues as symbolic of interracial communications. Lena’s embodiment of being continued on page 30
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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
The Golden Girls – an Homage
REVIEW By Grayson Barnes, staff reporter WICHITA - Reviews often get written after the fact, which means they regale you with what you missed, good or bad, instead of saying, “GO SEE [FILLIN-THE-BLANK]!” Here, therefore, is a rare opportunity to do the latter. Dig the change out of the couch, have a few less skinny-soy-mocha-lattes and get thee to Roxy’s Downtown to see The Golden Girls (a hysterical theatrical parody), which runs through Mar. 26. Christine Tasheff, the director, saw the play in Oklahoma City. She laughed herself silly and was inspired to unleash it on Wichita. In order to do this, she assembled the actresses-uhmactors John Bates, Tom Frye, Kyle Vespestad, and Monte Wheeler. Did I mention it is The Golden Girls characters in drag? Hence the reason it is considered a “parody.” This seems a bit harsh, though, because according to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, a parody is “a literary or musical work in which the style of an author or work is closely imitated for comic effect or ridicule,” OR “a feeble or ridiculous imitation.” While this play does copy the style of the original Golden Girls TV show (1980’s and 90’s) and it is certainly comedic, the stellar Roxy’s cast cranks it up to an homage to, rather than a ridicule of, the original. The TV show ran for seven seasons -- six of those in the top ten. It was a watershed at the time, addressing issues faced by older, single women who still had a lot of life (AND boomchicka-wow-wow) left. In our living rooms, we were introduced to Blanche Devereaux, a man-crazy Southern Belle; Rose Nylund, who was big-hearted but not the sharpest pencil in the box; Dorothy Zbornak, statuesque and brilliantly dry-witted; and Sophia Petrillo, Dorothy’s mom, who still possessed all the piss and vinegar expected of an old Sicilian matriarch. These four Miami roomies navigated boyfriends, broken
engagements, job problems, health catastrophes, and their relationships with each other. It wasn’t always easy – their powerful personalities sometimes clashed – but they emerged on the other side with humor, and, of course, friendship. Besides the formerly underrepresented demographic of older women, The Golden Girls also battled with social concerns like HIV/AIDS, same-sex marriage, and teenage pregnancy long before those subjects were regular TV fare. The show ultimately spawned copycat versions all over the world and became the foremother of favorites like Designing Women and Sex in the City. Roxy’s production of The Golden Girls is the result of an evolution that began Off Broadway in 2003, with a drag version called The Golden Girls: Live! Unfortunately, it ended as a result of a “cease and desist” order -- the producers failed to get the rights from the TV show’s creators. After a resolution, newer adaptations have been playing for the last 14 years all over, with special Christmas and Halloween versions. This Wichita premier features selected episodes from seasons three, four, and seven of the TV show. The set includes the ubiquitous kitchen, where the women klatch around coffee. Present also is a swinging door from there into the rest of the house. Suspended only on one side, sans frame, on the Roxy’s set, the door is almost another character with which the performers interact, variously sauntering or slamming through it. The actresses-er-actors carry the comedic momentum of the play admirably. There appeared to be a few slip-ups, which might have been opening night snafus, but they were side-stepped with the same ad-libbed grace reminiscent of the original. The actors had the characterizations down. Bates does Blanche as well as Rue McClanahan. He glides along with a feminine Southern sexiness that captivates. Frye’s
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From left: John Bates, Monte Wheeler, Tom Frye and Kyle Vespestad.
purse-wielding Sophia is excellent – calculating and clueless (whichever suits her at the moment). Vespestad does a wonderfully vacuous Rose. He renders Betty White’s blinkblink-open-stare magnificently. Wheeler RAWCKS Dorothy Zbornak. Bea Arthur would have been so proud of how he got her mannerisms and timing “just so.” Since The Golden Girls is done in drag, it would have been easy for the actors to get all up in the campiness of the idea, but they handled their parts with restraint, and, better yet, RESPECT. Trevor Comstock and Michael Karraker, in true Roxy’s supporting-cast-withmultiple-roles style, move seamlessly from character to character. These gentlemen turn
on the charm when necessary, but back off appropriately to give the four main “ladies” the floor. As I said at the beginning, you will be able to read this review and still have time to GO. If you are old enough to remember the original, you will even get a twist of nostalgia with your gin and tonic as I did. When you do see The Golden Girls, be sure to hold moment of honorific silence for the FABULOUS job the makeup artists do. Those four dudes actually LOOK like the original cast members, bringing those world-altering women back to us for the evening. The only thing missing is a cheesecake on the table. For reservations, call 316.265.4400. l
Special cabaret! While the national touring production of Flashdance the musical is in town, the performers are getting together at Roxy’s Downtown after their show to host a benefit. Details: A Charity Benefit Cabaret presented by the cast of the national touring production of Flashdance the musical Hosted by Nyasia Cassadine Wednesday, Mar. 2, doors open 10:45pm, show begins 11pm, Roxy’s Downtown, 412 1/2 E. Douglas, cash cover of $5, open cash bar. 100% of proceeds go to benefit the Heather Muller Black Box Theatre. l
Host Nyasia Cassadine
MARCH 2016
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Allies Show Up.
Family and friends stand out in the community's fight for equality | By Brenda Way
S
tanding up and fighting for equality is commonplace for many in the LGBT community. Many stand side by side on those statehouse steps, in front of local city offices, gathered in parks or any other place a rally of equality is planned. From the distance the local community sees rainbow flags, signs of empowerment, and lots of colorful people. Many may think they are all gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, but this is not true. Many times in those crowds, begging to be heard, are family members and friends of LGBT people. These people are the allies of a marginalized and often-silenced community. First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Socialist. In the Wichita community there is a strong foundation of allies working alongside LGBT activists. They come as diverse as the LGBT communities themselves. Teachers, students, the unemployed, and moms, they all have something in common - they are making themselves heard. “We have to work together to promote awareness for social injustice because we never know whose rights we’ll need to fight for next. This is also the reason I feel allies are important for the LGBT community,” says Kaytie Brozek, an Academic Adviser at Wichita State University. “The moment that truly changed my life was when someone dear to me came out as trans. Watching her daily struggle with merely surviving each day opened my eyes to some of the challenges that the LGBT community face in every facet of life.” Brozek has been promoting equality, access to education, and acceptance to the many WSU students who come through her door each year. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Most allies consider themselves open-minded and many may not even remember a time when they weren’t inclusive and accepting of the LGBT community. Liz Hamor, a formereducator-turned-realtor-turnedstay-at-home mom states, “I only recently realized I was an activist for the LGBT community. I never set out to be an activist. Even as I started GLSEN [the Wichita chapter of the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network] I didn’t think of it as activism. I just wanted to be ‘love to people’ who I saw hurting, and I wanted to teach people how to respect each other and embrace each others’ differences.” It is this power of love that drives many allies to show up, listen and act. When asked how to become a good ally, Hamor talked about always learning, being visible and not letting harassing anti-LGBT language slide. A good ally, she says, “ is aware of their privilege, and uses it to carve out safe spaces for the voices of LGBT folks to be heard.” It’s not always easy, the ally who stands up for the LGBT community may face obstinance, lose friends or get “Bible-thumped,” but mostly they will run into the person who is unaware and curious. People tend to be afraid of what they don’t understand or know, but there is so much opportunity for positivity being an ally. Colin Fee, LMSW, a part-time social worker at East High and the faculty sponsor of its Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) said, “Thursday at lunch, when the East GSA meets, is a positive experience for me, because our group is incredible this year. “The students in our GSA are aware of community resources and relevant programs and events. It’s important that young people who are in whatever stage of sexual and/or gender identification see the world as a place of opportunity and see themselves reflected in our local community.” Fee mentions the pleasure he gets seeing a trans kid show up
week after week “because that means they’re still alive and haven’t given up.” Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Jew. Hamor recalls hearing of a student from the first GSA they helped start that said they would not have been here at the end of the year if it wasn’t for the support of the GSA. She also received a Facebook message from an adult man about how her advocacy through Facebook had helped his relationship with his mother. “I just wanted you to know that because of you she shared her support for me” he wrote. “I’ve always known she loved and supports me. But it was a long time coming that she supported me as a gay person and not in spite of it. Thanks for sharing your voice.” Tamara Johnson, a student at WSU studying for her master’s degree in social work with plans to be a licensed addiction counselor, says, “The positive experience I have had is getting to know wonderful people in WiTCoN [Wichita Transgender
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Community Network] and being able to attend its support groups and social functions. I have had so much fun hanging out with them and have enjoyed getting to know them better. I have made several great friends because of it.” So you’re an ally. You are a mom or dad of a trans child, a friend of a lesbian, a sibling to a gay brother. Maybe you know someone who identifies as bisexual or maybe you are a member of the LGBT community and you want to be a better ally to others - how do you go about this? Many of the allies interviewed use words like “support and kindness” or “grace and acceptance,” but all of them mention education. Learning about the issues that LGBT community members face is a sure way to being a better ally. People tend to show compassion when they see that, while their road has its difficulties and inequality, someone else’s path might be even more difficult. There is no better way to sway the public’s perception of oppression than with knowledge. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me. l Poem: “First they came…” by Pastor Martin Niemoller
Augusten Burroughs comes to Wichita in early April WICHITA - Watermark Books & Cafe will host author Augusten Burroughs for a reading and signing of his book at Abode Venue, 1330 E. Douglas, on Monday, April 4 at 6pm. The event is $30 and comes with a copy of Lust and Wonder. Tickets can be ordered online or in-store. In chronicling the development and demise of the different relationships he’s had while living in New York, Burroughs examines what it means to be in love, what it means to be in lust, and what it means to be figuring it all out. Burroughs is the author of Running with Scissors, Dry, A Wolf at the Table and You Better Not Cry. He is also the author of the novel Sellevision, which
is currently in development for film. The film version of Running with Scissors was released in October 2006. In 2005 Entertainment Weekly named him one of “The 25 Funniest People in America.” He resides in New York City and Western Massachusetts with his longtime agent and husband Christopher Schelling. l
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Riverfest button artwork and concert headliners unveiled
WICHITA - Wichita Festivals, Inc. revealed the artwork and released the concert headliners for the 45th Riverfest. Wichita-based artist Chris Parks won this year’s button and poster artwork competition with his interpretation of the Wichita flag to capture the theme of the June 3-11 event, “Party in ICT!” The red, white and blue design with subtle icons that reflect the diverse attractions of Riverfest make up the poster. A simplified version will be featured on the adult button. The child’s button, for kids 6-12, will feature a sunny, smiling character. Wichita native Parks is a creative dynamo who has had a lasting visual impact on his hometown. His style can be seen in logos on businesses up and down the Douglas Design District. The designer, illustrator, art director, and branding strategist is a graduate of Wichita State University. His design was also selected for the
Wichita River Festival poster competition back in 1998. An eclectic mix of music continues through the festival starting Friday, June 3 when the Twilight Pops Concert featuring the Wichita Symphony Orchestra will perform on the Kennedy Plaza Stage. Los Angeles bluesrockers Andy Frasco & The U.N. will perform on the RedGuard Stage southeast of the Hyatt Regency Wichita. On Saturday, June 4, the Meat Puppets will open for the Violent Femmes on the Kennedy Plaza stage. The Coleman Country Concert, Sunday, June 5, costars A Thousand Horses and Brothers Osborne on Kennedy Plaza. Those who prefer punk can mosh to Flag, featuring original members of Black Flag and the Descendents. The 20th Gospelfest, with duel performers Grammy Award-winner Tasha Cobb and Zacardi Cortez, will take place Monday, June 6. World music
favorites Brave Combo will play on the RedGurad Stage. On Tuesday, June 7, on the RedGuard Stage, Sinbad (yes, the comedian, but he’s a musician, too) will perform with Wichita’s own Rudy Love. New Jersey trio Naughty By Nature will play Wednesday, June 8 at Kennedy Plaza. At the RedGuard Stage is Moreland & Arbuckle. Elle King will headline a Throwback Thursday concert on June 9, on Kennedy Plaza. Modern soul act, The Suffers, will open for King. On June 10, the Indie Showcase welcomes Fishbone, who opens for Reel Big Fish. On the RedGuard Stage, William Clark Green and Hugh Masterson will play Red Dirt country music. The finale kicks off at Kennedy Plaza on Saturday, June 11 with The Roots, the Grammy-winning house band for The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Fiesta del Rio
will take place on the RedGuard Stage. A number of local and regional acts will also perform, including OPhil, DJ Carbon, Big Red Horse, Kill Vargas, Divorce Corpse, Candy Lords, Haymakers, and A Squared. Adult admission buttons are $10, early-bird buttons are $7 when purchased online at SelectaSeat.com or in person April 11-May 5 at Cox Solutions stores, Intrust Bank Arena box office or Wichita Festivals, Inc., 444 E. William. The price for the child’s button will be $3 in advance and throughout the festival. l
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Discover just how much your vote counts.
New location and topic, 2nd Tuesday of every month.
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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Replace the false, fabricated OMG with the real, horrifying OMG.
Ten Steps to Winning the Transgender Bathroom "Debate" 1. Stop Calling It a Debate - If your argument against allowing transgender people to use the bathrooms associated with their gender identity amounts to repeating a lot of garbage that is patently false, it is not a debate. There are truth-tellers and there are liars. 2. God Said - All ye who are persons of faith AND believe gender identity should be Kansas News continued from page 10
offered including Ave Maria, Home on the Range, and Loch Lomond. Guest artists include local beatboxer artist Luke
Harbur, and “Kansas City A Cappella,” a group of area high school students. “Perfect Pitch” will be performed at 8pm Saturday, Mar. 19 and 4pm Sunday, Mar. 20 at the Folly Theater, 300 W. 12th St. Tickets are available online at hmckc.org/tickets/ or by calling 816-931-3338. Prices are $18-$43; students $7. Dress is casual.
Wichita PFLAG disbands WICHITA - After three years, the local Wichita chapter of Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays has decided to close shop. “After much discussion and thought, the board of Wichita PFLAG has
respected, even/especially in bathrooms, please stand up and say so. I know that a lot of you are already doing that. We need a lot more. Please. 3. Talk About Harm - Children die. People shove trans men into bathroom stalls and carve “IT” into their chests. Little boys are being beaten to death because they don’t act masculine enough. Teenagers throw themselves in front of moving semitrucks. Transgender women are murdered at horrific rates. decided to suspend our charter with PFLAG, and we will no longer be meeting as Wichita PFLAG,” president Brian Sutton wrote in an e-mail informing supporters of the decision. Sutton cited low turnout as at chapter meetings as a contributing cause. “We have discussed many options, but have decided at this time that we will not continue to meet,” he wrote. The board has decided that the remaining funds will be divided between WiTCoN and the Get Connected Youth Group.
Liberty Press awards canceled WICHITA - The Liberty Press readers’ choice awards have been called off. Billed as the Best of Gay Wichita, what would have been the fourth annual awards will not be presented. “After hundreds of votes in past years, 2016 garnered 19,” Kristi Parker, editor, explained. “It just doesn’t make financial sense to proceed.” Most of the 19 ballots had only one or two completed categories as well, making it even harder to justify declaring “winners.” l
4. Transition - I believe our language promotes the idea that transgender people go from being male to female. It is easy to talk about transitioning to female. I did it for years. Then I began asking myself if this was actually helping achieve acceptance and equality, or if it was hurting. It’s about the way we process our language, subconsciously. “Transition” means that we go from something, to something. When applied to transgender lives, that means we go from male to female. I replaced when I began my transition with when I started living authentically or when I stopped pretending. I have published more than 100 articles about being transgender and provided nearly 400 educational presentations and workshops. I see the difference in the understanding people take away. It is markedly significant. I am not saying people can’t say transition. I would ask people to ask themselves - Is this helping achieve acceptance and equality, or is it hurting? Then do what you think you need to do. 5. Trans Men in Women’s Spaces - Can we please flood media (including social media) with images of transgender men in women’s spaces. This is a great counter to the bathroom lie. This is the other bathroom truth (in addition to the fact that transgender people are the ones at risk in bathrooms). Some of this is happening. Not enough. We can make videos too. 6. Not “Gender Transition” - Gender ≠ Sex. If you use the word transition, please don’t use it to suggest we change genders. I express my gender authentically BECAUSE I can’t change it. 7. Not “Gender Reassignment Surgery” - Gender ≠ Sex. Sex Reassignment Surgery is not a particularly good term either. There are many different surgeries. SRS does not relate to all of them. Gender Confirmation Surgery is a good term (IMO) surgeries related to confirming a person’s gender.
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By the way, few conversations about genitals are relevant or appropriate. Determining which bathroom a person should use is NOT ONE OF THEM. 8. The Media - The media continues to be an accessory to hate crimes against transgender people. I am not transgendered. There is no such thing as transgendering. I did not become a woman. I don’t “identify” as a woman. I am a woman. My name is the name I use to identify myself. When yo u w rite about us, please ask yourself why you question our real, lived experiences, but don’t question fabricated, easily-refutable lies. 9. The Bible - The Bible doesn’t contain a single word related to people who are transgender - other than the “love your neighbor” stuff - I think that’s for everyone, including people who are trans. This is not about being an eunuch, no matter why or how someone becomes a eunuch. Not even the same thing. Genesis says God created us. So I don’t understand the confusion. People be like, “Do you think God made a mistake?” I be like, “No, do you?” Guess what else is not in the Bible? The Constitution. 10. Stop Fighting Each Other - There is no right way or wrong way to be trans. The only thing that counts is that we work together and unite our strengths. Funny thing. It’s not only effective if we work together, it turns out to be the right thing to do. We can’t fight with LGBs either. Same reasons. Besides, a lot of us are LGBs or Qs. We just don’t fit into those crazy boxes. Finally, we can’t forget about trans people of color. Or any of the other ways humanity and oppression intersect with transgender. Same reasons. It is the effective thing to do. It is the right thing to do. It’s how we become free to pee when and where we need to pee. No debate. Just truth. 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.
MARCH 2016
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Minor
Details By Bob Minor
Why "God, Guns, and Gays" Is Still Working
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f the goal is to get the votes and political grassroots activism of the far rightwing, the Fundamentalists, and assorted fear-based people who turn out to vote Republican even against their financial interests, it’s still effective to look as antiLGBT as possible. We might argue that it’s against the arc of history, that most in younger generations don’t care, or that a Supreme Court decision has settled things, but we’re probably not the people being targeted by the not-yet-worn-out “God, guns, and gays” politics. Politicians who rely on this are speaking to those faithful, consistent voters who are guaranteed to turn out still today to keep right-wingers in office so they can solidify their agenda in place now making hay while the sun shines. They’re looking to the voters who’ll turn out in droves for the Republican primaries. They’re the voters who’ll vote in offyear elections while so many centrist and liberal voters stay home thinking elections aren’t important or the candidates are all the same. Tell that to the Koch brothers and other corporatists who spend millions to influence every election. We know that the goal of their negative political advertising isn’t to change minds but to discourage actual voting by convincing people to stay home believing “they’re all corrupt.” That thinking has proven successful in turning state legislatures red, packing statehouses with Republicans so that they’ve been able to gerrymander districts to their long-term benefit, and passing laws and amendments that it will take a long time and a lot of political will to undo.
While others wait for demographics to change, this proven strategy has set the tone for American politics at all levels. We even see it in the fact that liberals are still responding to the right-wing when it trots out “God, guns, and gays.” The strategy is so entrenched that even Democrats who, I’d hope, might believe otherwise,
marriage, is against abortions, and won’t let the feds take our guns.” The corporatist Republican leaders have learned how to use these masses with this message. Most corporatists could care less about “God, guns, and gays” or even women’s reproductive rights except for how their internal corporate stance on these issues attracts customers and gets we’re-good-to-the-gays ratings. The big boys in their Party who distract the gullible masses with these issues would actually be willing to give up these causes as long as they can maintain control over the economic structures of the country. As long as they can buy legislators, Congress, the courts and the presidency, the progress we do or don’t make in the fight over these social issues can be a good distraction from
“The strategy is so entrenched that even Democrats ... worry excessively about how to appeal to those who vote these interests more than worrying about energizing their own base.” worry excessively about how to appeal to those who vote these interests more than worrying about energizing their own base. It’s so central to politics that Democratic candidates often play Republican-lite. They usually, then, lose. And if they do win, they still act Republican-lite to get re-elected. In a state like Kansas, for example, where many complain about what their Opus Dei governor, Sam Brownback, and his Republican tea party legislature have done to ruin the state’s financial structure, if Brownback could run for a third term, this old strategy would be a winning one for him. And Brownback knows it, even if many of the more liberal Kansas optimists think he’d lose. You can just hear people who face economic suffering blame it all on President Obama, “liberals,” or the “liberal media” while they cast their votes for a right-wing governor. And they’ll be saying: “But he’s a good Christian man, wants to protect
the power corporatists wield, income inequality, and their abilities to amass vast fortunes of sizes unheard of in all of human history. They play both sides of this fence, courting the LGBT community as long as it doesn’t question their control of the economy. They’ll even be “good citizens” according to the measures of supporting protections and marriage for LGBT people while they destroy the American working class, the environment, and the public educational system. In fact, they’ll advertise in LGBT magazines and the newsletters of LGBT organizations. The largest adbuys have often been for moneymaking pharmaceuticals of companies that turn around and promote the anti-gay candidates, but today you can also find the biggest polluters, tax-dodgers, and bail-out-receivers buying full page ads. The response of national outrage that included corporate
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objectors such as Eli Lilly and Angie’s List to Indiana’s antiLGBT Religious Freedom Restoration Act last year hasn’t prevented the return of a new, even worse set of bills this year, including one called a “SuperRFRA” by one Indiana activist. And that’s because the radical right-wing candidates who are anti-LGBT remain in place thanks to the corporate support. Ta rg e t C o r p o r a t i o n i n Minnesota was caught back in 2010 supporting anti-LGBT candidates while getting good ratings for corporate nondiscrimination policies and even producing a line of t-shirts to benefit an LGBT group. The key is that corporatists will support LGBT organizations as long as they are oneissue organizations. If those organizations become known for realizing the intersection of all oppressions like the National LGBT Task Force, they’re less likely to receive such large donations. Hence, even these big boys support the “God, guns, and gays” meme indirectly. They’ll support candidates who are actually anti-LGBT and who use this strategy because those candidates will guarantee the hegemony of corporate leaders. At the same time they’ll have proLGBT corporate statements and be considered good corporations by one-issue LGBT groups. Some day “God, guns, and gays” will be ineffective. But for now, conservatives at all levels still find it useful. Just as they haven’t given up maneuvering since Roe v. Wade gave women the right to choose in 1973, they’re not ready to give up their anti-LGBT politics. They know that it will continue to work as long as there are people gullible enough to be used by the leaders of one party, and there are pro-LGBT citizens who think that participating in electoral processes at all levels is unimportant. l Robert N. Minor, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies at the University of Kansas, is author of When Religion Is an Addiction; Scared Straight; and Gay & Healthy in a Sick Society. Contact him at www. FairnessProject.org.
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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
What’s New at
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e have exciting activities coming up at The Center this month! Starting with the new children’s support group called Kids Connect. The objective of Kids Connect is to help support non-gender conforming children pre-K-5th grade and their parents. Our first meeting will be Mar. 9 at 5:30pm. If you have any questions before the scheduled time, please feel free to contact us at thecenterofwichita@gmail. com. WiTCoN has opened a wonderful new clothes closet. The ribbon cutting was Jan. 24. Named the “Fabric of Life,” it is to help transgender and allies with their clothing needs. If you would like to donate items or you are in need of some good quality items, please contact Brenda or Elle at Witcon.org. International Transgender Day of Visibility is an annual event occurring on Mar. 31. It was founded by transgender activist, Rachel Crandall in 2009. The day spreads awareness of how many transgender people there are, and the issues they face. Many people post on social media; search for those by looking up #happyTDOV, #TDOV, and #transdayofvisibility. To those who might be interested in joining the new group Kids Connect or have questions about gender-variant children, we recommend this excellent book located in the Transgender section of our library. The Transgender Child: A Handbook for Families and Professionals by Stephanie Brill and Rachel Pepper, San
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Francisco, CA; Cleis Press, 2008 This guide for parents of transgender and gender-variant children seeks to fill a gap in both parenting and transgender literature. Building on existing research, as well as the authors’ experiences working with families, the book provides an overview of issues ranging from medical care to negotiating what a child will wear to a formal family event. Brill and Pepper offer a mix of practical suggestions and philosophy to guide and reassure parents at all points in the understanding and acceptance of their child. To address specific challenges, the authors include sample letters for parents to revise, such as a physician’s recognition of the child’s gender status, which the child can carry to show to authorities. Quotations from parents, children and community members provide real-life perspectives. The Center is always looking for financial support from the community to keep our programs going, so please DONATE! Yo u c a n g i v e m o n e y any of the following ways: Paypal – paypal.com, our e-mail is thecenterofwichita@ gmail.com, GoFundMe w w w. g o f u n d m e . c o m / T h e Center-of-Wichita, Click & Pledge co.ClickandPledge. com/?ID=34552. Dillon’s Community Rewards at www. dillons.com/communityrewards, link your card to The Center of Wichita, organization #58952. AmazonSmile at smile.amazon. com/ch/27-3339639. l
Renew your body, mind & spirit!
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wellness retreat
book your appointment at: www.peacefulbodywellnessretreat.com 120 N. Santa Fe - Salina, KS 67401 - 785-452-0171
MARCH 2016
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Are you a member of Netflix or watch it at all? Not Signed
Dear Mama, How are you dealing with all the earthquakes? Shaken Up When one hits I brace myself and grab another beer! Then I call to make sure Eunice did not do something stupid to cause the ground to shake. I am going to tape all my knick knacks so they do not vibrate off the shelves!
Yes, I do. Vinton got it for us when he got a raise at Kwick Keys. I have to say it is starting to tick me off. Netflix does not always send things in order, and in television series’, they do not always have the whole series. Why is that, when you can go buy it at Wal-Mart? What the hell is up, Netflix?
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those tycoons that two can play at this game. I bet bad hair guy is behind all this. He is just as big of an idiot as the oil tycoons! Do you watch Fox News, Mama? Informed Are you kidding? You cannot call that damn channel a news channel. One of the stories today was “Kim Kardashian explains
how she tapes her breasts.” How the hell is that a news story? Why would anyone give a crap about her breasts. Where is Walter Cronkite when you need him? Thank you all for your questions. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! l Have a question for Mama? E-mail MamaTHarper@aol.com.
Did you hear OPEC wants to cap oil production to stop the gas prices from falling? Running on Empty Well good Lord, leave it to some idiot to want to make more money. I have an idea, let’s all stop driving and show
A
lthough they always say “March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb,” it is not really so. In fact March comes in big and Out even bigger. So strut your best stuff upon the stage of life and see how much applause you get.
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.
ARIES (MAR. 21 - APRIL 20) LEO (JULY 24 - AUG. 23) Figure out what you need to do to make Feisty proud Lions are all meat and your mark on the world and get out and no leafy green salad this March. That do it this March. Consult advisers, if you means that you want a rollicking good must, but also listen to your inner voice sexy time and may not want to deal and go with your innate wisdom. Then, with the quiet niceties that go along in true robust gay Aries fashion, focus on your personal with a civilized courtship. You want it and you want goals, get your track shoes on, start moving and pick it now! So give a good roar, let your sensual embers up speed. Others better get out of the way . . . and fast. burn in passion and see where you can start a BBQ. Is Lion on the menu? TAURUS (APRIL 21 - MAY 21) March will be a “socia-bull” time for VIRGO (AUG. 24 - SEPT. 23) all proud Taureans with a need to reach While your thoughts may be on the job, out and touch someone. As the month what you really want to concentrate on is progresses you may have an itch to travel. improving your relationships. If you are If so, do it immediately. Your adventures in one, give it all you’ve got, queer Virgo. on the road could lead to even more people to meet and If you are seeking your soulmate, this is the time to get greet. Your dance card fills up and suddenly you are an out and look. You will be able to improve your home international sensation. Or are you just sitting on your life and even repair tenuous family relationships. Build vibrating cell phone? bridges and see how easily you can get around. GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21) The question you will have to answer this March is are you going to spend more time at work or developing personal relationships. It may be that you can do both, but more than likely you will have to make a choice as to how you spend your time. Expect a needed change in a particular one-to-one relationship. Can’t live with ‘em and can’t live without ‘em, pink Twin.
LIBRA (SEPT. 24 - OCT. 23) Your energy level is high, proud Libra, so don’t sit around and wait for things to come to you. Get into the nitty-gritty and clean off your desk. You will be able to accomplish a great deal of work with relatively little stress and strain. It may be hard to tear yourself away to just have fun. But I think you will manage to have a good balance of sweet and sour.
CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 23) Gay Crabs feel like they need to buckle down and “get healthy” now. It is a good idea, but you don’t have to kill yourself with exercise. A simple, good plan for a better diet and some beneficial activity will do the trick. And social activities can also improve your overall health and outlook. Join new groups and develop more interests. You will be even more interesting.
SCORPIO (OCT. 24 - NOV. 22) Queer Scorpios can sway to the music, feast lavishly on sweets and party up a storm this March. But don’t stop concentrating on your earning power. Fun will have its costs and you want to be able to afford the very best. There may be some financial hurdles to overcome, but once you have untangled the problems you can easily tie yourself up in luxury.
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SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 - DEC. 22) Gay Archers will focus more on homerelated issues, which may involved some changes and modifications in your living space or situation. You may begin to ask yourself what you really want in life. What you value, how you communicate and how you even appear to others may transform. Will the world see a brand new you next year at this time? Who knows? CAPRICORN (DEC. 23 - JAN. 20) Pink Caps seem to have a lot to say now and are not shy about saying it. You have some great ideas and valid opinions. Tell the world what you think and wait to see if you have a lasting impact. I think you do. The secret is to go with your gut in any big venture. You seem to know exactly what is what and who is who. Be sure you get the why, how and where as well. AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 - FEB. 19) Surprises are in store for all Aqueerians who are planning a big friendly gettogether. No matter what the planets have in store for you, you are ready for anything. You have the composed wherewithal to keep on dancin’ to the beat even as the floor rocks and rolls. Keep your balance and aplomb, grab a graceful partner and show ‘em how it’s done in style! PISCES (FEB. 20 - MAR. 20) Prepare for a special delivery of selfconfidence that enhances your public persona and brings you into the limelight. It may seem that you can do no wrong. So get out there and show the world what you are all about. You say all the right things around the big bosses that will seem especially impressive and promote-able. Better not say anything profound before then, Guppie!
(c) 2016 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.
MARCH 2016
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
The Beacon Bit: A Youth Perspective
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any transmasculine folks choose to bind in order to ease dysphoria or to come across as more masculine to the outside world. Binding involves wearing a garment that compresses the breasts to give the appearance of a flatter chest. Following are some tips for buying, wearing, and caring for a binder. - Don’t bind improperly. Pretty simple, don’t use Ace bandages, duct tape, or anything similar. Both Ace and duct tape won’t allow for proper expansion of the lungs/ribcage when breathing and can lead to collapsed lungs and broken ribs, as well as potentially damaging breast tissue to the point where you may be ineligible for top surgery later in life. - Don’t buy a binder from Amazon or Wish. - Don’t buy a binder that is marketed to lesbians, tomboys, or cosplayers/stage performers. - Don’t buy a binder from Les Love Boat or Les Lesbian. In general, these brands make low quality binders. - Don’t buy a binder with clasps, Velcro, or zippers. Most people with these kinds of binders say they are uncomfortable or difficult to wear because they dig into the skin, they come undone easily, or both. - Read reviews on binders before you buy. - Take your measurements. Just guessing your size or basing it on your t-shirt size is not a reliable indicator. Measure yourself according to the method in the sizing chart of the company you’re buying from and compare it to the chart. If you’re in between two sizes, round up. - There are two binder brands that you will generally hear recommended; they are
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OUT on the Town George Hodgman reading, Feb 11, 2016 Watermark Books Photos by Kristi Parker
Binding Guide
Underworks and GC2B. GC2B is credited as more effective. You can buy from both companies online. - Half vs. full binder: half binders are not as hot and work just as well in the chest as a full binder. They occasionally will ride up and you’ll be compulsively pulling down your binder all day. A full binder has the added bonus of smoothing your hips; however, these can be really tight in the tummy area, especially if you’ve got some pudge there. Read reviews to help you make your decision. - White binders collect sweat stains very easily. Buying a white binder is not recommended. - There are a lot of tutorials to make your own binder, and also shops online that make custom binders. These are good resources if you are unable to find a binder in your size. Just make sure you buy from a reputable shop. - There are a couple of ways to bind without a binder. One is to stack sports bras. Try putting one on backward and one on forward (note: this only works with compression sports bras). Another method is to use shapewear like Spanx. Most shapewear is made out of the same material as a lot of binders. Buy a pair and cut a slit in the crotch part. You can then pull it on just like you would a normal binder. - Don’t wear a binder for more than 8 hours if at all avoidable. 10 hours is okay as long as you’re not doing it every day. Don’t wear a binder for more than 12 hours. You will be in pain. A lot of pain. - Don’t continue wearing a binder if you are in pain or having trouble breathing. Keeping a sports bra with you when you’re binding so that
A memoir, to me, is like a treasure box. … It’s where you keep all the good stuff you want to remember. --George Hodgman
you can change if you need to is recommended. - Don’t exercise while binding. Exercising while binding could potentially cause you to pass out due to lack of oxygen. - Don’t sleep in a binder. This applies to naps too. The reason for this is that the pressure of the binder combined with the additional pressure of your body weight on whatever surface means more risk of bruising, lung damage, breathing constriction,
and rib fractures. - Don’t wear a binder if you are sick with a respiratory illness. If you are coughing or having trouble breathing, binding can aggravate these issues. - If you have a chronic respiratory condition, ask your doctor if it is safe for you to bind. - It’s okay to put a binder in the washing machine on cold, but do not put it in the dryer. If you want to be extra careful, hand wash your binder. l
PAGE 30 Clybourne Park continued from page 18
continually interrupted, does a great job of portraying patience worn thin. Suicide becomes a focal point again as it’s disclosed to have happened in the house. The audience is introduced
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
to a trunk found buried in the yard by a contractor. The trunk is symbolically left in their midst— unopened, containing a suicide note. Despite what could accurately be described as humorless issues, i.e. suicide, depression, PTSD, racism and homophobia,
Clybourne Park is rife with remarkably funny moments. The actors, under Lassley’s direction, do an excellent job of mining the comedy of the story. The relief provided allows the audience to take a breather when needed and then dive back into the next depth of the story.
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Framed by a marvelous set designed by Adam Jenks who also designed the lighting, Topeka Civic Theatre and Academy’s Clybourne Park was extremely well done and a delight for this reviewer to experience. l
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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. Peace and Social Justice Center of South Central Kansas, 1407 N. Topeka, Wichita, (316) 263-5886, director@ wichitapeace.org, www.wichitapeace. org Wichita Pride, info@wichitapride. org, www.wichitapride.org, annual celebration held in September.
Social
Community Centers
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/
The Center, 800 N. Market, Wichita, (316) 285-0007 www.thecenterofwichita. org
Heart of America Men’s Chorus, Wichita, (316) 708-4837, www.hoamc. 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.
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 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,
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churchoffice@pvcconline.org, www. pvcconline.org Prairie Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1809 E. 30th, Hutchinson, (620) 663-8002, www. prairieuufellowship.org Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Manhattan, 481 Zeandale Road, (785) 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 Lawrence High School GSA, sponsors: Shannon Draper SDraper@usd497.org, and Lindsay Buck LBuck@usd497.org Manhattan High School GSA, mhs_ gsa@hotmail.com
Wichita Southeast High School GSA, (316) 807-2271, psychsteve2@yahoo. com Wichita West High School GSA, astucky@usd259.net
Support Beacon Youth Group, Topeka, beacontopeka@gmail.com, queer youth group for ages 12-20. Meets every Monday at 5:30pm at Central Congregational Church, 1248 SW Buchanan St., the 1st, 4th, and 5th Mondays and Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Topeka, 4775 SW 21st St., 2nd and 3rd Mondays. 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
Maize South High School GSA, sponsor: Shelly Walston swalston@ usd266.com, meets 2nd Fridays.
Healthy Transitions, for heterosexually married gay men in KC. A phone and face-to-face interview required, Mark McCarthy, LPC (816) 931-0011x4.
Pitt State GSA, Pittsburg State University, pittstategaystraightalliance@ gmail.com
HIV+ Men’s Support Group, Wichita, (316) 293-3405, mmadecky@kumc.edu
Spectrum KU, University of Kansas, Lawrence, (785) 864-3091, rockchalkcentral.ku.edu/organization/ SpectrumKU Spectrum: LGBTQ & Allies, Wichita State University, Twitter.com/ Wsuspectrum, meets Thursdays at 7pm in the Lucas Room (RSC 265) when classes are in session.
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
Wichita East High School GSA, CFee@fcscounseling.com
PFLAG Lawrence/Topeka, sffeist@ msn.org, www.pflagnekansas.org, meets 1st Sundays, 2-4pm. Location alternates between Lawrence and Topeka. Check website or e-mail for location.
Wichita Heights High School GSA, nmagoon@usd259.net
The Face of Trans*, www.thefaceof trans.com
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 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.
Wichita Northeast High School GSA, Jbell2@usd259.net Wichita Northwest High School GSA, amcdonald@usd259.net, meets every Monday after school.
Wichita Transgender Community Network, social group meets the 1st week of each month and the support group meets the 3rd Thursday of each month at The Center, 800 N. Market, at 7pm. l
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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Leather Life By Nolin Christensen aka Master C
Rules for Dominants Editor’s note: This column may contain content that is offensive to some people.
T
he last couple of months I’ve been talking about various rules that are found within the leather community. This month it’s general rules for the Dominants. As I have stated there are lots of other rules/protocols that we use in the community, but what I’m listing here are just some general ones that are of higher importance. For Doms the primary unspoken rule is “don’t break
your toys.” What we mean by this is don’t damage or hurt your submissive or the person you are playing with. When you break your toy (hurt them or worse) they will not want to play with you again and worse yet, they will tell others. Nothing is worse for a Dom than to get a reputation of someone that others don’t want to play with because you don’t follow the rules or you don’t obey the negotiation or worse, you ignore the safe word. So when you play, make sure you protect your toys. Because if you break it, you won’t have a toy to play with anymore. The second one is along the same line. Protecting the sub. The Dom is responsible for protecting the submissive, regardless. This is in both play and sometimes in the relationship (if negotiated). When you are doing a scene, you are responsible for making sure the person you are playing with is safe; that they are enjoying it and that nothing happens to them outside the scope of the play. If a scene goes bad, own up to it because YOU are
responsible. That’s why you need to communicate with the submissive about their health, about their mental state and anything else. I f t h e y d o n ’t t e l l y o u something unfortunately you are still the responsible person because if something goes wrong and rescue or police are called, YOU are the one that is going to be hauled off. Even though the police are getting better about consent, if you failed to find out something about your toy, you are the one at fault. Stay within the parameters of what was negotiated. I can’t stress this enough. I’ve seen more and more Doms who are stepping outside the bounds of what was talked about and negotiated between the submissive and the Dom. This is a very bad habit to get into. One, it ruins your reputation in the community and two, it is a cause for legal action against you. (There is currently one legal action occurring in the community and several more being investigated). In our type of play, it is very important to make sure that everyone is on the same page, you don’t go outside what was discussed and it is highly recommended that you get everything in writing and that
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all parties sign the document. No, it probably won’t hold up in court, but it sure will help. Conduct yourself with the utmost honor and integrity. This is a very important aspect of being a Dom in the leather community. As a Dom you are a leader and people will ask questions about the lifestyle. If you always act with honor and the utmost integrity, then you will always be someone that people can respect. Lose respect in this community and you are done. One screw-up and you’re finished. We are not a forgiving community and just one f**k up and you’re out. Once you lose respect here, you won’t get it back. This may seem harsh, but it’s a reality. We have this hard and fast rule because of the type of play we do, we can’t afford to have someone who doesn’t follow the rules. Let me expound on this a bit. Years ago there was someone in the community who sexually abused their stepchild. I went to the DA’s office and explained to them who we are and that NO we do not condone this type of behavior and told them to throw the book at him. Actually I asked that we get him for one day after the trial and we would give back to the DA whatever was left. So continued on page 34
PAGE 34 Leather continued from page 33
if he ever gets out of jail could he return to the community. Not only no, but h**l no. There are still people today who would love to take him to a dark alley. The reason I’m stating this is because we are getting more and more “Doms” who are not abiding by the rules. They are basically abusing individuals for their own enjoyment and are breaking their toys. And for others in the community they are taking a “no stance” approach to it and are losing the respect of others in the community. You as
LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
a Dom and thus a de facto leader, cannot not take a stance. Riding the fence is the same as siding with the problem. In order to keep our community’s integrity, we have to call out these people and hold them responsible. If we don’t the whole community suffers. All of the rules in this article are about caring for your submissive. Kink play is all about the caring between the individuals who are playing. The sub caring that the Dom is satisfied, the Dom caring that the sub is satisfied. It’s all about satisfaction between
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individuals. And to achieve that satisfaction, both individuals must be protected and not harmed, mentally or physically (outside the scope of the play). Because satisfaction of your
deepest primal desires is what we are about. These are just some of the rules (protocols) for the Doms. There are many others, but too many to list here. l
Kathy Richstatter
KS Realtor ABR, e-PRO, GRI, SRES Kathy@KansasRainbow.com www.KS.PenFedRealty.com
316 316--641 641--3954
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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
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