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7 PM
OLD TOWN SQUARE
SEPT 24
REBIRTH BRASS BAND
OCT 1
CARRIE NATION & THE SPEAKEASY
OCT 8
MISS TESS & THE TALKBACKS
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WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. SEPTEMBER 2016 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 5
Liberty Press
Volume 23, No. 1 • Editor: Kristi Parker • Contributors: Beacon Youth Group, Nolin Christensen, Greg DaltonWhite, Greg Fox, Charlene Lichtenstein, Mama, Dr. Robert N. Minor, Stephanie Mott, Kevin Stilley • Staff Reporters: Grayson Barnes, Emily Beckman, Annette Hope Billings, Blake Hampton, Isabella Parker, Trevor Reichle, Ciara Reid, Jeromiah Taylor • Contributing Photographers: Dan Brennan, Mark Leaver, Aaron Rogers • Cover Design: Troy Dilport • Graphic Designer: Troy Dilport • Webmaster: Ren Autrey • Publisher: Liberty Press, LLC • Printer: Valley Offset Printing National Advertising: Rivendell Media, (212) 242-96863 Subscriptions are $18/year
The “Liberty Press” and its contents may not be reproduced in any manner, either in whole or in part, without the express written consent of the publisher. All rights reserved. Unsolicited material may not necessarily be acknowledged or returned, is assumed intended for publication unless otherwise stated, and becomes the sole property of the Liberty Press. Letters to the editor and bylined columns reflect the views and opinions of the authors only and are not necessarily those of the Liberty Press, LLC or its staff. The Liberty Press reserves the right to refuse or restrict advertisements at the editor’s discretion. Advertisers and agencies assume liability for claims arising from the content of their ads. Publication of the name, photograph or likeness of any persons, organization or business in articles or advertisements in the Liberty Press in no way indicates or reflects their sexual orientation. First copy free, additional copies may be obtained for a nominal fee from the publisher.
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We Accept
Inside: KANSAS NEWS......................12 NATIONAL NEWS..................20 DISTRIBUTION SITES............20 MINOR DETAILS....................24 BEACON BIT..........................25 MAMA KNOWS BEST............26 OUT IN THE STARS...............26 LEATHER LIFE.......................27 KYLE'S BED & BREAKFAST...27 AROUND KANSAS.................28 TRANS-FORMATIVE...............29 WHAT'S NEW AT THE CENTER?...............................29 BRIDGES................................29 ON THE COVER: Derby stylists express grief through hair, collaboration..22 Wichita Pride.............................19 Topeka Pride.............................21
October 2016 DEADLINE Sept. 21 ON-STANDS Sept. 30 Around Kansas listings are free to non-profit/volunteer-based groups. Send your additions or corrections to editor@libertypress.net.
HAPPY PRIDE! GOD loves
YOU
exactly
the way you are! ToH September Events Junk for Jesus Sale All Day Rummage Sale Friday, Spet. 16th 7:00AM 6160 E Cenral in Wichita
Summer Osborne in Concert Friday, Sept 9th 6:00PM Club Boomerang, 1400 E 1st
$20 Tickets, Fundraiser for Food Pantry
PRIDE Worship Service
Sunday, Sept. 24th 10:30AM Mid-America Indian Center
Meaningful. Empowering. Worship. 10:30AM Sundays
156 S Kansas St. In Wichita
www.GodLovesYouPeriod.com
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OP/ED
A Monthly Collection of Opinions and Editorials.
The opinions represented here do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Liberty Press. We reserve the right to edit and cut submissions for space and grammatical content. Send your letters and feedback to editor@libertypress.net.
Hillary: The sensible choice for 2016 By Trevor Reichle
T
here are very few w o r d s strong enough to capture the overall essence of the current election season. Many would say it’s been “unpredictable,” but it can all be sufficed in some way as a mixed bag of attacks, childlike bickering, conspiracy theories and – most importantly of all – two completely different ideologies for what America should be like four to eight years from now. Perhaps this time more than ever, voters find themselves in a position of polarization and confusion; some of the most common similes used since the Presidential primaries effectively ended the voter having to choose which way they want to die. The reality, however, is that there are two very distinct choices being presented to the public: hatred or acceptance. It is not hard to imagine that the latter choice is not only the most compassionate – it is the most sensible. The person who the Republican party has selected to be their standard bearer in November is not only inconceivably incompetent in regards to foreign policy, basic economics and social issues – he is a divisive demagogue whose
rhetoric consists of dishonesty, bigotry and fear-mongering. There is a distinct lack of eloquence or intelligence to the words Donald Trump speaks. Perhaps the most important part, however, is the complacency of so many to simply sit out the election – therefore opening his pathway to the Oval Office – rather than seeing that the greater good sometimes isn’t glossed over in perfection. When then-Senator Obama ran in 2008, his path to the nomination – and subsequently, the presidency – seemed to be a bit of a long-shot. During a very dark time in our nation’s history, he shined as a beacon of hope, promising to right the economic and social wrongs of the outgoing administration. Now, eight years later, his onetime opponent is up to the task of continuing that progress. Her name is Hillary Clinton. Clinton, for all her decades in public service, is no stranger to controversy. If there were ever a candidate to be put so vigorously through the process of vetting a potential commander-in-chief, she would appear as a prime example. While it is true that the former Secretary of State has made mistakes in the past, it is also true that what we can expect out of a Hillary Clinton presidency is true steady and ambitious leadership. Beyond the so-called “scandals” and talk of e-mails, something very simple often gets overlooked when it comes to Clinton’s candidacy: her policies. Her approach to equal continued on page 30
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Kansas City Renaissance Festival celebrates 40 years of eclectic medieval fantasy
By Ciara Reid, staff reporter
More Information:
BONNER SPRINGS - On Sept. 3, the Kansas Open 10am-7pm Saturdays and City Renaissance Festival will officially kick Sundays Sept. 3-Oct. 16, in addition th off the celebration of its 40 year. Open every to Labor Day and Columbus Day weekend through Oct. 16, the festival offers something for everyone – the entertainment is 633 N. 130th Street, Bonner Springs wide-ranging and full of fantasy and lore, and who hasn’t drooled over the massive turkey legs, For ticket prices, weekend themes, funnel cakes, and craft beer? and other information, In addition to the main attractions of the festival, visit www.kcrenfest.com which include live jousting, street acts, and Most of the characters festivalgoers will see wandercosplay, this year’s festival will include a chocolate ing the KC Renaissance Festival grounds are actors and mead tasting (an alcoholic drink of fermented who have to audition. Michael Bishop (pictured) plays honey and water); a Plague Escape Room wherein Rowan, Brownie of the Spring Court. While all of the stage acts are paid most of the street performers are contestants have 20 dedicated volunteers. Photos by Mark Leaver minutes to find a cure for the plague; and between men (straight more often than Wizard’s Flight School not),” he says. “I have never felt unaccepted Zip Line. or on the outside simply because I’m gay, F o r m a n y, t h e or the need to ‘come out’ as it just seems common knowledge.” renaissance festival is a For optimal enjoyment at this year’s festival, Bishop recommends tradition that instantly attending plenty of the diverse shows, interacting with the village, and becomes an annual having a good sense of humor, as good-natured but mild embarrassment highlight. Michael may be coming your way. Bishop’s involvement “Show up at 9:30am to watch the opening gate activities, look around with the festival goes for stories being told in the lanes, go watch a joust, stay until we close back to 1980, when his and watch the closing gate scenes,” he says. “Really, just immerse mother took him to the yourself in the pageantry.” l festival. He enjoyed the festival as a patron until 2013, when he became involved as a vendor. “It was my way in,” he says. His heart was set on acting. The following year, he auditioned, but didn’t get the part. However, he did get a part that was specifically created just for him: Rowan, Brownie of the Spring Court. He describes his character as someone who helps care for the Wyldes in the Enchanted Forest and the mortals of Canterbury. Bishop says his character could not have been more perfect. “I’ll be honest, playing a human never appealed to me,” he says. As the fantasy aspect has become an essential component of renaissance festivals, being something ‘more than human’ is what Bishop was when he was playtroning – meaning, attending the festival in costume rather than in street clothes and sometimes acting in character. The Renaissance Fair community, or fairemily, as it is known to the cast, is closely connected. During Bishop’s time preparing and rehearsing, he got to know the cast and the fairemily. He says that the people are very affectionate and supportive, open-minded and quite diverse. “It’s the first place I really learned platonic affection Myofascial Release and Massage Therapy
Gary Martens & Larry Bunker
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for more information and to book an appointment
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Symphony Designers Tour includes first openly gay couple
By Jeromiah Taylor, staff reporter WICHITA - Dennis Murphy and Dennis Reimer reside in a pristine, decadent home and can’t stop laughing about it. The pair, the first openly gay couple to participate in Tour Designers’ Digs to Support Symphony Gigs, giggle and beam in their stately living room. Their home will be one of many houses belonging to interior designers which will be toured in the upcoming Wichita Symphony fundraiser from Sept. 10-11. Murphy, the interior designer of the pair, and Reimer live on the east side of Wichita in a brick home filled to the brim with artifacts, art and perfectly picked furniture. Cow hides and chinoiserie grace the same room in a zany but delightful vision only Murphy could realize. Murphy started as a hairstylist, a job he holds currently, over 20 years ago and while not formally trained in design had a long-term interest in interior. “[I’ve been a designer] now for 15 years,” Murphy said. “It started slowly from word of mouth from doing one client and then some commercial work.” Murphy is driven not only by his passion for the work, but also by the impact his work can have on his clients. “I love helping people realize their dreams and fulfilling their vision,” Murphy said. Interior design comes with a certain measure of secrecy, at least by Murphy’s rule book. “A lot of people name drop,” Murphy said. “But I think it’s very unprofessional.” One project Murphy feels comfortable sharing is his role
in decorating the former Eaton Steak House. What: Tour Designers’ Digs to Support Although the restaurant is no longer open Murphy Symphony Gigs was able to mold an iconic Wichita building. The tasteful brick house that Murphy and When: 10am-5pm Saturday, Sept. 10 Reimer call home has been theirs for nine years. and 11am-5 Sunday, Sept. 11. The two have known each other for 15 years; have been together for nine and legally married for two. Tickets: $20 for a one-time tour through Their wedding reception took place in the French each residence; available at garden behind their house; a small, ornate space www.wso.org with a private elegance. When it came to decorating their own home, Opening Gig: Sept. 9, 6:30-9:30pm at Murphy and Reimer were open-minded. “For Union Station, 701 E. Douglas, featuring me it’s to find something creative and different,” live music, food and drink. $100/person Reimer said. “Half the time it is the hunt for that includes Designers’ Digs Tour. exact right piece.” In the library there are all but one of the Stations of the Cross in marble and a marble bust of a Roman Emperor. “I didn’t mean to buy him,” Reimer said. “But I was at the auction and my hand just went up.” Their home is not only beautiful but also historic. The house was built by a renowned local architect named William Caton. Caton was inspired by his experiences with French architecture during World War 1. French elements feature prominently on the exterior of the house. LGBT history was made at the home recently as well. Donna DiTrani and Kerry Wilks, a couple that were notoriously denied a wedding license despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, were finally married in Murphy and Reimer’s garden. The history of the home has been wonderful and Murphy is relaxed in regards to the future. “I am pretty live in the moment,” Murphy said. “I have found I’m a lot happier if I don’t try and force anything. I know that’s against the rules of setting goals and everything but if I am more open I’m happier.” Murphy continues to balance his careers as a hairstylist and interior decorator and feels that doing a selective amount of design work makes it more enjoyable. “It used to be that if I didn’t take every job that came along I was a failure,” Murphy said. “It’s nice if you don’t have to depend so much financially on the next job.” So far Murphy and Reimer are both enjoying self-employment and are looking forward to showcasing their beloved home. “You don’t realize all you do to a house over the years to make it a home,” Murphy said. l
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Coded_Couture
ON VIEW: September 10 – December 4, 2016 FALL EXHIBITION OPENING: Friday, September 9, 2016 7 - 9 P.M. | Ulrich Museum Free admission | Public welcome Artists and designers—infusing technology into their creative process— explore different aspects of coding and fashion while intersecting topics of identity, relations, and representation. Coded_Couture celebrates technology and art, brought together in a stunning showcase of conceptual pieces looking to the future. Join us for an evening of exploration, and a vision of the future in art, music, food and possibility. Coded_Couture is organized by the Department of Exhibitions, Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York, and is curated by Ginger Gregg Duggan and Judith Hoos Fox of c²-curatorsquared. The exhibition is sponsored in part by the Elizabeth Firestone Graham Foundation. The Ulrich presentation is sponsored by Norma Greever, the Gridley Family Foundation, the Khicha Family, Lee and Ron Starkel, and Georgia and Keith Stevens. Additional exhibition support is provided by Genevieve and Chris Farha, Vincent Farha, Toni and Bud Gates, Liz and Bob Workman, Patrick Habkirk and Dean Bradley, Pam Bjork, Sonia Greteman and Chris Brunner, Trish Higgins, Bonnie and Richard Honeyman, Monica and James Smits and Aspen Boutique.
TODAY’S ART MATTERS. TODAY’S ART MATTERS. TODAY’S MATTERS. IMAGE: Alison Tsai, Coding Non-Stop Black ART Coat, 2013. Rayon and polyamide, courtesy of the designer. Photo: Paul Jung TODAY’S ART MATTERS. @ulrichmuseum TODAY’S ART MATTERS.
ulrich.wichita.edu | Free Admission | 316.978.3664 | 1845 Fairmount
PAGE 12 | LIBERTY PRESS | SEPTEMBER 2016
Kansas News HOAMC presents “Life is a Cabaret!” By Greg Dalton-White WICHITA – The Heart of A m e r i c a M e n ’s C h o r u s (HOAMC) recently announced its upcoming event, “Life is a Cabaret!” This casual evening will be held at Roxy’s, 412 E. Douglas, on Friday, Sept. 9 and Saturday, Sept. 10. Tickets ($15) are available at the door or can be reserved by calling 316-7084837. The doors open at 6:30pm; show starts at 7:30pm. There is a two drink minimum. Instead of doing the usual summer concert, HOAMC
decided to try a new type of entertainment. The cabaret will feature whole group performances of a disco medley, the Cell Block Tango from Chicago, and I Am What I Am from La Cage aux Folles. In addition, there will be solos and group numbers poking fun at gender roles. A cabaret performance is free form with the audience encouraged to interact with each other, listen to the music or travel to the bar. The Heart of America Men’s Chorus is a not-forprofit organization dedicated to providing fellowship and
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
music education for its members as well as quality musical performances for the public. Deanne Zogleman, Director of Music at Newman University, is artistic director. HOAMC is always looking for new chorus members from age 18 on up to add to its ranks. If interested and plan to attend the concert, ask any chorus member for details; or call 316-708-4837 for details.
Raising money to end suicide WICHITA - The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) will be hosting its fifth annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk on Saturday, Sept. 17 at 10am at the Hyatt Regency Wichita, 400
W. Waterman. The AFSP is the leading national not-for-profit dedicated to suicide prevention. The Greater KS AFSP chapter holds community walks every year to raise awareness and funds to end suicide in Wichita and Sedgwick County. The walk provides education, research, and advocacy for mental health and suicide prevention. Walk to honor loved ones. Walk to fight stigmas. Walk if someone you know is struggling. Walk to end suicide. And remember to visit afsp. donordrive.com to register and create a fundraising campaign. l
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Manhattan DJ inspires scholarship
By Kevin Stilley JUNCTION CITY - What constitutes a hero? Our men and women in the armed forces? Our police and firefighters? The individual who enters a burning building to save a life? These all certainly fall into the category of hero. But, there is another type of hero. He is the everyday citizen, who goes about his life quietly and unobtrusively making a difference in the lives of those around him. Joe Nisil was such a hero, as well as a veteran of the U.S. Army. Nisil was an active member of the Flint Hills LGBT community. He was a member of the Junction City Teddy Bears (JCTB), serving a term as President. He was a founding member of Flint Hills Pride, which was active from 200515, and continued to be involved until his death in 2014, acting as DJ. He also filled the role of DJ at Flint Hills Pride Prom, the Red Ribbon Ball, and the K-State
Drag Show. Nisil did this, and so much more, without pay. He sought no accolades or recognition. He gave of his time, talents and financial resources because he cared. Nisil was diagnosed with lung cancer early in 2014. He fought this disease the way he lived his life; with courage and dignity. He lost the battle in November 2014. At the K-State Drag Show in January 2015, entertainer Brock Hard did a tribute to Nisil. All tips raised during the tribute were used to start a scholarship at K-State’s School of Veterinary Medicine in Nisil’s memory. Nisil worked in this department for many years. When Flint Hills Pride disbanded in June 2015, $500 of the remaining funds were set aside to help continue the scholarship on an annual basis. Fundraising ideas were discussed, and members of the JCTBs pledged to make up any shortfall in the years to come. On Aug. 6, entertainer Allie
Monet hosted a drag show at the Devil’s Tail in Junction City to raise funds for the scholarship. She invited performers from the era when she first began performing at the Xcalibur Club, with Nisil working as DJ. Performances were given by Jamie Ray Downes, Brock Hard, Lil Kim Chi, Brihanna Jayde, Vanity Monster and Miss Monet, all donating their tips. With the addition of proceeds from admission, donated by Nikki Londeen, owner of the Devil’s Tail, $945 was raised for the Joseph E. Nisil Memorial Scholarship. This fundraiser is slated to be an annual event. For more information about the scholarship, contact Brandon
Haddock at the Kansas State University LGBT Resource Center. l Pictured: Joseph E. Nisil
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PAGE 14 | LIBERTY PRESS | SEPTEMBER 2016
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Sound quality distracts from MTW's production of Jesus Christ Superstar
REVIEW By Grayson Barnes, staff reporter WICHITA - In July, Music T h e a t r e Wi c h i t a ( M T W ) took on the long-lived and historically controversial Jesus Christ Superstar. This work by composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice is dubbed as a “Rock Opera,” because of the music. This made it controversial when it was written in 1970, as does the choice made by Webber and Rice to tell most of the story from the point of view of Judas with addendums by Mary Magdalene and other pivotal characters. The storyline additionally implicates the Jewish priests for bribing Judas and then being instrumental in Christ’s ultimate crucifixion. Christ is shown as merely a man, not God. He was a man who happened to be “the right man at the right time at the right place (Tim Rice).” As
a result of Webber and Rice’s layered presentation, both Christian and Jewish groups took offense. Jesus Christ Superstar was banned in some countries for being anti-religious or propagandistic. However, this bad press did not stop it from becoming an oft-repeated classic. The musical, after the release of an initial concept album, had a rough start on Broadway in 1971. Webber hated the production, even though he received the Drama Desk Award for “Most Promising Composer.” It was also nominated for a number of Tony Awards, but did not win any. In 1972, Jesus Christ Superstar opened at the Palace Theatre in London and began its assent, and has subsequently continued to gain popularity world-wide. I first became acquainted with Jesus Christ Superstar after hearing the album. I then
went to a performance at the Palace in 1973. I already loved musicals, but this one HAD ROCK MUSIC. The experience was so moving, it made me want to see it every time I had the chance. Since then I have witnessed it performed “in very many ways (to steal the lyrics from “I Don’t Know How to Love Him”)” in a variety of theatres. MTW’s production featured a minimal cast. Besides the principal characters, there were the disciples and a few chorus/crowd members. The set was spare in keeping with the number of people on stage. What I enjoyed about the set was first, the lighting (operatic, of course), and second, the stone-covered projection pointing towards the audience at center stage, which reminded me of Caravaggio’s painting, the Entombment of Christ (1603-04). On either side there were structures that moved in and out to become raised architectural spaces for the priests to gather or where Pontius Pilate could stand above the crowd. A large piece of fabric was stretched across the stage, becoming variously a tent, moving water, and even Christ’s cross. This last element was original and effective when it worked, but incredibly distracting when the performers-
a-la-stage-hands could not get it placed properly. Erin Clemons played a reserved yet passionate Mary Magdalene, and stamped her own brand on “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” which she had to wrest from the likes of Yvonne Elliman (from the original Broadway production) and Helen Reddy. Thaddeus Pearson’s Christ was present but merely passable, instead of powerful. This may have been the director’s call, who might have wanted to show him as “just a regular guy,” in keeping with Webber and Rice’s original idea, but he was a bit too laid back. Avery Smith did a great job as the protectiveyet-rebellious Judas and aptly expressed the vacillating emotions of his character. Tony LePage as Pontius Pilate, however, stole the show. He could grate out low angry tones as well as park higher ones up in the rafters. He had a great voice for rock-n-roll, which is partially what Jesus Christ Superstar is about: the music. This leads me to the downside in this review: the music and voices, overall, just didn’t “sing” to me. Maybe it is because for most of the performers rock isn’t their genre. There was also a problem with sound quality on the day I saw the musical. It was as if the volume controls weren’t staying set where they needed to be and the balance between the voices was off. Almost like the roadies forgot to do a sound check before the show. Besides the music, what Jesus Christ Superstar is also about is that every one of us has experienced our own Gethsemane – that moment on the hill when we are in pain and calling out for someone, anyone to listen. For more information on Music Theatre of Wichita’s 2017 season (because, HAIRSPRAY!), visit mtwichita.org/home. l
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Editor's Desk
The Power of Pride I had a boyfriend in high school that taught me all I needed to know about shame. Although we were dating and had lots of mutual friends he didn’t want them to know we were dating. If we were out at the mall he wouldn’t hold my hand. I felt that he was ashamed to be with me and I allowed that to continue. After I finally dumped him I swore that I would never let that happen to me again. Nor would I treat anyone I was seeing that way, be it a man, woman or alien. I learned what shame felt like and I didn’t like it one bit. So I thought nothing of it when, after an early date with Vinnie at Red Lobster, we slid out of the booth and I kissed her. I had enjoyed our time and it was a natural reaction. It wasn’t a huge public display just a peck on the lips. However, a lady in the booth next to us visibly choked on her shrimp and Vinnie was a little taken aback. When we got to the car I explained that I was never going to pretend I wasn’t with her. I was PROUD of her. I also thought nothing of it when I told my dad I wouldn’t be at Christmas that year after he told me Vinnie couldn’t come. The fact that we had only been dating 17 days didn’t matter; I didn’t want to let hin think that was okay. However I did think something of it when I left my job as an oil and gas accountant. That was a harder decision. I came out to my boss and suddenly things got hostile. I had taken too many sick days, I didn’t dress appropriately, I set a bad example for the employees I supervised, I was too social with the president of the drilling company I worked for. None of these things were a problem before I came out. And none of them had anything to do with the quality of my work. That was because I knew I was a damn good accountant. So my same principle applied - if they weren’t proud to have me as an employee why was I giving them my talents? Before my two-weeks notice had ended, I was scooped up by a former manager at the oil company who then worked for a CPA firm. Better pay and better benefits. It’s no wonder that when I first got involved in the LGBT community I headed straight (pun intended) for Pride. I often talk about Pride in the context of the Pride Guide I created my first year and its impetus to the Liberty Press. But there is oh so much more to it than that. Besides hosting the very first PrideFest and Block Party, there are many of the things you see today that I oversaw in my five years as chairperson. I separated Pride into its own entity rather than a committee of the Wichita Gay/Lesbian Alliance, and incorporated the name Wichita Pride, Inc. I filed for its own 501(c)3 tax designation and opened an office next to Mother’s gift store with a grant from San Diego Pride. I had a knack for merchandising and fundraising. The $1,500 I was given that first year ballooned into a near $25,000 budget by the time I stepped down in 1999. Then I was offered what I thought was my dream job - Co-chair of San Diego Pride. I had always wanted to get paid to host Pride. I also thought something of this, but it didn’t take long to realize I already had my dream job. Lots of work, dedication, time and energy goes into producing Pride events. If you have the opportunity, please attend one in Topeka or Wichita this month. And if you go, take a second to thank one of the volunteers. I offer a huge thank you to the organizers in Wichita who have carried on the tradition.
--Kristi Parker
PAGE 16 | LIBERTY PRESS | SEPTEMBER 2016
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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2016-2017 WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. SEPTEMBER 2016 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 17
ThePianoGuys YouTube sensation performs mash up of classical themes with pop songs.
7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Pilobolus: Shadowland Mind-boggling images with awe-inspiring athleticism. University Choir Celebrated South African choir interprets African and Western repertoire.
7:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26
Kathy Mattea (Wareham Opera House)
An Evening with Pat Metheny
7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14
w/ Antonio Sanchez, Linda Oh & Gwilym Simcock.
No recipes. No script. No holds barred.
7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday, March 3
7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23
7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17
The Oak Ridge Boys
Annie
Dervish (Wareham Opera House)
One of country music’s longest running and most acclaimed acts.
The world’s best-loved musical.
7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30
The Capitol Steps: What to Expect When You’re Electing
Chef Robert Irvine Live
7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30
The Ten Tenors: Home for the Holidays
Country/Bluegrass megastar welcomes you to “The Acoustic Living Room.”
Celebrate “Fake Paddy’s Day” with magical music from Ireland!
7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, March 11
Shaolin Warriors Remarkable skill, stunning movement and death-defying martial arts prowess.
Putting the “mock” in Democracy.
One of Australia’s most successful touring groups of all time.
7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7
7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2
Mnozil Brass
Julie Fowlis: Music of the Scottish Isles
Brian Regan
Internationally acclaimed brass gods of musical mischief, mayhem and wit!
An evening of sidesplitting laughter.
4 p.m. Sunday, April 2
4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band — Art of Time Ensemble Featuring the former lead singer for the Barenaked Ladies, Steven Page.
7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20
Straight No Chaser I’ll Have Another...World Tour.
7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23
The Havana Cuba All-Stars: Cuban Nights The Asere Friendship Tour and U.S. debut.
7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27
An Evening with Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen Two Texas iconic songwriters share the stage, stories and songs.
7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30 (NEW DATE)
Cyrus Chestnut (Wareham Opera House) Robust and soulful jazz pianist swings gospel to bebop.
Melissa Etheridge Holiday Trio The rock and roll icon performs all her hits and holiday classics.
7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18
Air Supply
Trojan War: Our Warrior Chorus Classic myths of ancient Greece and Rome set against the narratives of modern war.
7:30 p.m. Friday, April 7
Bobby McFerrin His dazzling musical diversity and astonishing creativity will make you happy!
Soaring voices. Majestic songs.
7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 22
7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19
STOMP
Mamma Mia! The hit musical based on the songs of ABBA.
7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24
Cinderella: Russian National Ballet Theatre 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28
Odd Squad LIVE! This time, Odd Squad needs your help.
Dance, music and theatrical performance blended together in one electrifying rhythm.
7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 27
42nd Street Broadway’s song and dance extravaganza.
7:30 p.m. Monday, May 8
Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway
6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 30
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PAGE 18 | LIBERTY PRESS | SEPTEMBER 2016
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Students, faculty to celebrate 40 years of LGBT groups at WSU
By Trevor Reichle, staff reporter WICHITA - Student groups on school campuses are not only a way for students to connect with peers, make friends or get involved with projects; in many ways, they provide an avenue for students to get support, further their education and offer their support to others. For LGBT students, this has appeared as a welcome resource. This year marks the 40th anniversary of LGBT student groups on the Wichita State University campus. Spectrum, WSU’s current LGBTQ and allies group, is taking note of that and celebrating their predecessors at a 40th anniversary celebration party in the Beggs Ballroom on the WSU campus on Sept. 17 at 6pm. Details are still being confirmed, but plans are underway to include dinner, speakers, and dancing. The first of these groups was the Student Homophile
Association, which began in 1976. Other groups, such as the Gay and Lesbian Resource Association (1984), Responsible Active Gays (1989), Ten Percent (1994) and That Gay Group! (2000) were subsequently formed or reincarnated to continue to meet the needs of the LGBT population at Wichita State. The groups offered support from LGBT people and allies, resources for students, education for those unfamiliar with LGBT issues, and a sense of comradery for similar-minded students who felt marginalized. As the years and decades changed both socially and politically, the various groups adapted to address ongoing and changing concerns of the community. Spectrum, the current incarnation of That Gay Group!, began under its previous name in the fall 2000. The group’s mission, according to the WSU website page, is to “provide
Former Spectrum president Robert Teutsch, third from left, researched the history of WSU student groups for a paper. Also pictured, second from right, Dr. Jennifer Pearson, the group's faculty advisor since 2009.
a safe space where LGBTQ students and allies can meet to discuss a wide range of topics, share experiences and concerns, and build lasting friendships.” The group’s faculty advisor s i n c e 2 0 0 9 , D r. J e n n i f e r Pearson, is a professor in WSU’s sociology department and has taught sexuality courses in the past. “An LGBTQ student group is usually the first step to making campus welcoming and inclusive to students. Research demonstrates that LGBTQ students often experience harassment and victimization in schools, with consequences for their well-being and academic success,” Pearson said. “Many of our students went to high schools where it was not okay for them to be themselves, and if we want them to thrive – and graduate - we need to make sure they feel supported and feel like they belong.”
Former Spectrum president Robert Teutsch has put together a paper extensively detailing the history of LGBTQ groups at WSU, including interviews from former members or group leaders. The paper can be found at wichita.edu/spectrum under the “History” section of the group’s “About Us” page. Niche.com, a website that provides analysis and statistics for cities, neighborhoods, campuses and other areas, gives Wichita State University a C+ rating in diversity based on surveys and data collection. While there is still work to be done, groups such as Spectrum and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion remain steadfast in their goal to provide more inclusiveness and acceptance on the Shocker campus. l
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. SEPTEMBER 2016 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 19
Shortened celebration allows Wichita Pride the ability to focus
By Blake Hampton, staff reporter WICHITA - It’s almost time for Pride weekend. This year’s celebration begins Saturday the 24th and ends on the next evening. All full of music, dancing, performances, food, drink, and a good time for the LGBT community and beyond to enjoy. Before the festivities start there will be one more fundraiser - Bitchy Bingo at Rain Café on Sep. 15. Twenty dollars buys a bingo card and ten games to play. That night there will be a chance to meet Mr. and Miss Wichita Gay Pride, Ladiesman and Sasha May Carmichael. Both will be seen throughout Pride weekend and continue to hold their title till next year. The Pride Family Picnic at OJ Watson Park starts at 11am. It’s a family-friendly event with the only admission fee being a Pride button. Thanks to the sponsors who are supporting Pride, food and refreshments will be provided. There will be music, and a bounce house for the kids along with the other amenities in the park. This event goes on until 3pm and then
the celebration moves on to the Block Party. The Block Party starts at 5pm at the MidAmerican AllIndian Center. Table of Hope MCC will be serving food and drinks. There will be a DJ to bring music and dancing for the evening. This event promises to be family-friendly as well. At 9pm it’s over and then the party moves to Club Boomerang. The Pride Drag Show gets started at 10:30pm. This event’s activities are exclusive for adults. The club has food and alcoholic beverages for purchase. Queens and kings will be performing until 2am. Then Sunday morning is the church service led by Pastor Jackie Carter at 10:30am at the Indian Center. The Rally follows at 12pm at the old Sedgwick County Courthouse, 510 N. Main, featuring various speeches from leaders across the LGBT community. The Pride Parade kicks off from the rally at 1pm and travels along Central to the Indian Center. The Pride Festival runs from 1-6pm Sunday and is the last event of the day for Wichita Pride. There will be vendors, organizations and a health fair inside the Indian Center. Outside will be food and drink vendors, a bounce house, and various performers on stage. The planning for Pride this year started with many changes. A new board took over with
Travis Hooper as the new president. “There were changes that we wanted to make this year,” Hooper said. “I wanted to be president because I had a few ideas that might improve Pride.” One of these ideas was to shorten the length of the Pride celebration. Instead of being a week long it’s been brought down to a weekend. “What we’re doing is refocusing the events to have it possible to have the most amount of people attend rather than stretching out over a week-long period,” Hooper said. “The other things that we are trying to do is build and rebuild bridges with companies, and groups to if not improve this year’s Pride then next year and the years
afterwards. For more information, there are Facebook pages for each event that are updated with new info leading up to the events. l
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PAGE 20 | LIBERTY PRESS | SEPTEMBER 2016
National News Longest-ever wrongfully incarcerated woman in U.S. history sues those who framed her RENO, NV – Attorneys for Cathy Woods, who according to the National Registry of Exonerations’ database is the longest-ever wrongfully incarcerated woman in U.S. history, filed suit in federal court against four former Reno, NV and Shreveport, LA cops, a district attorney and a physician who knowingly caused her wrongful imprisonment. The former police officers are accused of coercing false statements out of a mentally vulnerable person and falsely attributed statements to her for the 1976 murder of college student Michelle Mitchell. Despite multiple witness reports of a man fleeing the scene of the crime, the officers with no evidence concocted a homophobic theory that Woods is a lesbian, that her “mannish” appearance explained the witness reports, and that she murdered Mitchell for rejecting her sexual advances. Woods, also known as Anita
Carter, was exonerated after DNA testing conducted on evidence from the crime scene revealed that the actual killer was a serial rapist and murderer, a man named Rodney Halbower. Halbower is currently serving a prison sentence in Oregon. Emmylou Harris tour featuring Patty Griffin to raise awareness for refugees KANSAS CITY - Grammy Award-winning artist Emmylou Harris confirms a North American tour this fall with special guests Steve Earle, Patty Griffin, Buddy Miller and The Milk Carton Kids (not all artists will appear at all venues). The 11-stop tour, Lampedusa: Concerts for Refugees, will raise awareness for the unprecedented worldwide refugee crisis. In an effort to shed light on the plight of the more than 65 million refugees worldwide and the need to raise funds to support refugee education. The concert tour will be in Kansas City, MO Oct. 8 at Helzberg Hall. For more information about Lampedusa: Concerts for Refugees, visit www.jrsusa. org/lampedusa. l
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Manhattan Aggie Station, Arlan's Fine Wines & Spirits, Auntie Mae's, The Bluestem Bistro, The Chef Café, First Congregational Church, K-State Ecumenical Christian Ministry, K-State LGBT Resource Center, K-State Student Union, K-State Women's Clinic, Mimi's Cheese Shop & Other Delights, On the Wild Side, People’s Grocery, Positive Connections office, Queer-Straight Alliance meetings, Radina’s Bakery & Café (both locations), Riley County Health Dept., Rockstar Home Fusion, Sisters of Sound Music, Strecker-Nelson Gallery, Varsity Donuts
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WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. (both locations), Field of Greens, Flowers by Bill, Gravity Gallery, Lazio’s Coffee Bar, Metropolitan Community Church of Topeka, NOTO Burrito, Pinkadilly, Positive Connections, PT’s Coffee Roasting Co., The Razor’s Edge, Serendipity, Three Flowers Metaphysical, Topeka/ Shawnee County Public Library, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Topeka, The Upstage Gallery, Washburn Mabee Library, Washburn Union, YWCA
Wichita Adult Superstore, Albero Cafe, The Anchor, Artichoke Sandwich Bar, Artist At Large, Beautiful Day Cafe, Bike Walk Wichita, Bionic Burger (N. Ridge Rd.), Book-A-Holic (Parklane, w. 21st), Bungalow 26, Camelot Cinema, The Center, Charlie's Pizza Taco, Circle Cinema, Club Boomerang, Club Inferno, College Hill United Methodist Church, The Cotillion, Crazy J’s Furniture & Sleep Shop, Delano BBQ, Dempsey's Burger Pub, The Donut Whole, Doo-Dah Diner, DT's Outlet (both locations), East High GSA, E.C. Tyree Health & Dental Clinic, Elektrik Chair, E.M. Shorts Guitar, Eric Fisher Academy, Felipe's (N. Woodlawn), Finishing School for Modern Women, Fisch Haus, First Unitarian Universalist Church, Fit For A Queen, Harris & Co. Frame Shop, Hell Bomb Tattoo, Hue Gallery, Hunter Health Clinic, J’s Lounge, A Journey in the Light, Kirby’s, KMUW, KU Internal Medicine - Midtown, Le Monde, Lotus Leaf Cafe, Lucky's Vape Lounge, Lynne Ziegler Gallery, MCC Table of Hope, Mead’s Corner, Melange Jewelry, Moe’s Sub Shop, The Monarch, The Orpheum, Patricia’s (all 3 locations), Peace & Social Justice Center, Picasso's Pizza, Pine Valley Christian Church, Planet Hair, Planet Sub (east), Planned Parenthood, Positive Directions, Rain Café & Lounge, Reverie Coffee Roasters, Rocky's, Saigon, Skeletons Out of the Closet, South Wind Women's Center, Spektrum Muzik, Spice Merchant, The Store, Tanya's Soup Kitchen, Therapeutic Specialists, The Tire Store, Uhlik Music, Unity of Wichita, Vagabond Coffeeshop, Vegas Video, Watermark Books, What's Brewing?, Wichita Brewing Co. (both locations), Wichita Public Library - downtown, WSU's Brennan Hall II, WSU's Elliott School, WSU's McKnight Art Center, WSU Spectrum meetings, WSU's Office of Diversity & Inclusion, Ziggy's Pizza
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. SEPTEMBER 2016 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 21
Community pride and diversity the focus of this year’s Topeka Pride By Ciara Reid, staff reporter TOPEKA - The 2016 Topeka Pride Festival starts Sept. 12 with activities scheduled through Sept. 17. This is the third annual pride festival for the city, and while pride and diversity are naturally areas of celebration during pride festivals, organizers of Topeka Pride are placing a special emphasis on these themes this year. Especially in this time of strife, when bathroom laws and gender identity conjure heated debates and uneducated opinions all over the country, any opportunity to come together and celebrate differences is welcomed. Topeka pride organizer Stephanie Mott views this pride celebration as more than just equality and celebration based on sexual orientation and gender identity. “We recognize that we must celebrate who we are, but that we also need to celebrate all the intersectionality of who we are,” she says. “This includes all marginalized and oppressed populations including people of color, people with disabilities, people of all socioeconomic classes, and people of all ages,” Mott continued. “If we don’t celebrate diversity, we end up not including some of our own. So, why not recognize that all diversity is cause for celebration, and that when all oppressed and marginalized people join together, equality for all will become a reality.” The festival will be located in the North Topeka (NOTO) Arts District, with various
events scheduled in and around the district. Topeka Pride will commence on Sept. 12, with a Spirituality Night scheduled from 6-8pm at the Temple Beth Sholom. Karaoke Night takes place Sept. 13 from 7-9pm at the Metropolitan Community Church of Topeka. The Topeka Pride Awards are scheduled for 7-8:30pm on Sept. 15 at the Unitarian Universalist F e l l o w s h i p o f To p e k a . Nominations were accepted via the Topeka Pride website through Aug. 15. Nominees included an individual, group, or organization located in the Topeka or Shawnee County areas that have contributed to the advancement of support, understanding, acceptance, or equality for sexual and gender minorities in Topeka/Shawnee County (including family, friends, and allies). One of the most anticipated events - the Topeka Pride Drag Show - takes the stage Friday, Sept. 16 from 9pm-2am at Serendipity. Tickets for the show are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. The festival will conclude Sept. 17 with the parade and street festival. The parade begins at 2pm at N. Kansas Avenue and NW Morris Street. The street festival runs from 3-7pm. Additional events, activities and performers are still being confirmed and will be announced on the Topeka Pride website. For information on events, performers, vendors, and opportunities to sponsor o r v o l u n t e e r, v i s i t w w w. topekapride.org. l
Last year's Topeka Pride Parade was a great success! Photos by Dan Brennan
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WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Derby stylists express grief through hair, collaboration She turned to Aaron Rogers, her friend with a love of photography and co-worker at Eric Fisher Salon, Derby to help her accomplish this goal. “I knew he could artistically help and see the same vision that I had through his work,” Okpara said. The two agreed that they did not want to simply repost something on social media, but instead, share their own creation. “I want to be heard and I don’t feel heard if I just post some meme or article,” Rogers said.
By Emily Beckman, staff reporter DERBY - For some, in the face of tragedy, expression cannot come through a voice box. However, it may come through what they know best. By intertwining the art of hair and a passion for photography with the power of raw emotion, young locals came together to express their grief and remind people that they are ‘never alone.’
The idea: Hairstylist Jen Okpara was searching for a way to express the emotions she felt following the shooting at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando on June 12. Her vision? A collaborative photoshoot. “I just knew that I could express my feelings and my emotions through doing someone’s hair who has strong and equal feelings on the same subject,” Okpara said.
Preparation: Okpara was not looking for “pretty models.” “I had to do someone’s hair who had very strong feelings on the [Orlando] subject,” she said. By texting potential candidates, first asking their thoughts on the Orlando shooting, then their openness to colored hair, she found nine subjects for the photoshoot. To g e t h e r, t h e s t y l i s t s colored each model’s hair.
The photoshoot: On the evening of Monday, June 27 the rocky, wooded area surrounding Santa Fe Lake was filled with emotion and raw beauty. The sun peeked through the trees and the occasional airplane would roar softly overhead. Backpacks, glasses, clothes and camera equipment were placed among the rocks. Six young women in offwhite slips and two young, shirtless men in jeans surrounded Mikel McIntyre, who seemed to break the softness with his black tunic and hat. Sweat dripped down the back of one model, Paige Swa, whose angel wing tattoo reminded Okpara of the wings that blocked Westboro Baptist Church protesters at victims’ funerals. While photographing, Rogers reminded the models of the purpose of the project. “This isn’t just fun, this is something that means a lot to me,” he said, holding back continued on page 32
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. SEPTEMBER 2016 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 23
PAGE 24 | LIBERTY PRESS | SEPTEMBER 2016
Minor
Details By Bob Minor
Face It: Religion Addicts Must Support Right-Wing Politicians
W
ho’s actually setting the agenda for this election cycle so that even those who oppose them spend most of their time responding to their agenda and actions? It’s the authoritative personalities, the religiously addicted, and the politicians who court them. Approximately 20-23% of Americans fit the definition of being authoritarians according to researchers who’ve studied these personalities since World War II. Authoritarians value obedience to authority as the most effective way to deal with their fears, can’t live with ambiguity, need clear structure and certainty, perceive threats all around them, and believe that domination of others is a way to control reality. In addition, the overwhelming conclusion of 70 years of research is that authoritarians are consistently followers of right-wing, but not left-wing, ideology. Those who score highest on its authoritarian scale are by and large rightwing conservatives because authoritarian personalities are those who submit to “established authorities” - the psychologically affirming “proper,” “legitimate” leaders and institutions of what they consider the true establishment. Authoritarians are intolerant of criticism of their authorities and show “general aggressiveness,” even harm, toward others when they believe it’s sanctioned by these authorities. They also have very compartmentalized minds that can keep them from reflecting on their activities. They can, therefore, shed their guilt very efficiently, usually through claiming God’s forgiveness. And, thus, it’s not surprising that about this same percentage of Americans use religion as an addiction in
the process – they’re religion addicts. Notice, then, that when authoritative personalities and religion addiction are correlated, it’s easy to understand why right-wing Christians in this presidential election would support a serial divorcer, who knows how to use right-wing
to the lowest of low self-esteem. They want to feel good about themselves and their religious commitments. In all, it’s actually about a lack of faith in all that they claim and often work hard to convince themselves and others that they believe. Are they sincere? Unquestionably. They are thoroughly psychologically attached to what they believe no matter how inconsistent or hypocritical it might all seem to others. These people claim to have strong consciences, especially when they compare themselves to others, but empirical studies show they’re not as good or principled as they believe they are. In fact, they have little selfunderstanding and don’t realize how much more prejudiced and hostile they are than others. And like the addict in the
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
the current political landscape where the Republican Party continues to court religion addicts who seek their righteous high through political user activities addicts hope will lead to vindication. The surveys the author cites show that the influence of addictive religion is shrinking. People seem to be finding other addictions instead. This, of course, has real meaning for the Republican Party, the author points out. Its decades-long ploy to take advantage of the insecurities and neediness of religion addicts for a more intense high of righteousness through salvation by political victories that would bring government approval is failing at the presidential level. Their last hopes for political justification linger in the downballot races. And given the fact that they turn out in higher voting percentages than liberals, they can still feel righteous through them. It’s also no surprise, then, that the political and religious right-wing are fighting to remake any institutions that are most likely to challenge dogmatism and addictive faith. They’re together in turning the last bastions of interventions, our universities, into propaganda machines, scaring professors into curtailing critical thinking, and turning public schools into money-making, class-based enterprises under the guise of a “reform” that will never counteract the underfunding these same politicians have promoted. Authoritative personalities are easy to manipulate. Those who intervene with a resounding, persistent, and decisive “No” against all that would exploit these personalities and addictive religion are their biggest threat. Some people change through education and discussion, but the religiously addicted require unflinching pushback to prevent them from both self-abuse and their even further harming of everyone else. l
“Whether their great presidential hopeful lies ... doesn't matter.” religion but clearly couldn’t care less about their Christianity or about the fate of right-wing religion itself beyond using them. Whether their great presidential hopeful lies, is inconsistent, thoroughly illogical, or even fails, whether he just seems to be using them, doesn’t matter. All that can be justified in their minds because he promises the best chance of dealing the fix they need. And there’s always a media pundit they can cling to who will explain all this in the manner they need to hear. Religion addicts have as their goal the “high of righteousness.” In the midst of personal lives and a culture that seem to be failing them, they need to feel that they are God-approved, no matter what. It’s not about any of the other things we consider are or should be crucial to right-wingers – fidelity to correct beliefs down to minutia, truth-telling, evidence of having been “born again,” showing the “works” of faith in charity and justice. It’s about dealing a drug that will, they hope, counter their insecurities and feelings of damnable sinfulness, thereby countering what right-wing religion affirms about everyone, which amounts
family who controls family dynamics while hurting all those around them, they don’t identify with the hurts they leave behind in their search for the fix. Instead, they have all sorts of ways to justify why others are suffering from the addict’s addiction. None of this makes a pretty picture. We’d like to believe better. Enablers, often nice, bleeding-heart liberals, want to soften the reality of it. They make excuses and believe, like the victims of abusive spouses, that somehow they themselves can correct, change, or take responsibility for the addict’s addiction. Responses that enable addicts might work to change the nonaddicted, the non-authoritative personalities, but in this 20% that dominates the fight against progressive reform, ending discrimination, and economic justice, what changes things is more like an intervention. The media won’t do it, but we must. A recent lengthy article in Salon, “The Rise of Irreligion Is the GOP’s Real Demographic Crisis,” (Aug. 20, 2016) places the polls of a rapidly rising group of religious “nones” and the “spiritual but not religious” in
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.
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. SEPTEMBER 2016 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 25
The Beacon Bit: A Youth Perspective
M
y name is Nicole. I’m the adult facilitator for Beacon Youth Group in Topeka, a social worker and a mom of two LGBT high school students. The kids got a little caught up in all the things that happen in the beginning of the school year so I thought I would help out and write this month’s column. First off, I am a white, cis, straight woman and try to be aware of the privilege that I am fortunate enough to have with that identity. I also try to be a good ally. I don’t feel I have the right to call myself an ally. I feel like this is a title that I have to earn. I have also been schooled that the A in the LGBT alphabet does not stand for ally; it can hold a place for either Asexual or Aromantic. Ally is not something that I am; it is something that I try to do. Having kids in high school is never an easy thing, but having LGBT kids makes things even tougher. In addition to dealing with homework and hormones we worry about safety. Does the school create a safe environment for our kids to learn? Do the teacher’s support my child’s identity, use the right name or pronouns? Do my children feel safe and supported from the administration down to the other students? My oldest, who is now a senior, did not feel the high school they started in as a freshman was very supportive, so we applied to transfer to another district. This has made a huge change and my child now loves their high school. We found that the teachers are not only respectful of my child’s
A Parent's Perspective
pronouns, but also of their issues with depression and anxiety. We are starting the process all over again now while looking at options for colleges. My youngest is a freshman and worried about gym class. The gym teacher told her to use the locker room she felt most comfortable in. Not every school district in Kansas is this supportive. I would advise parents to talk to the administration, and see where they stand. If they are not supportive, look at other districts nearby, or even online school. Online school is free and offers kids a great alternative to brick and mortar schools when safety is a concern. One caveat, the child needs to be selfmotivated or this can be a huge struggle. A couple additional notes, a new group is being formed in Topeka called SOFFA Topeka. It stands for Significant Others, Friends, Family, and Allies and it’s for people who are supportive of queer, trans, and/or gender non-conforming persons. Our first meeting is scheduled for Sept. 11 at 1pm at UUFT in Topeka. If you have a loved one that is trans or gender nonconforming and have questions, need resources or just want to talk, please consider attending, we would love to meet you. Beacon Youth Group along with Topeka Pride, is hosting a Spirituality Forum on Sept. 12 at 6pm at Temple Beth Sholom. This is an opportunity for inclusive congregations and spiritual leaders to gather with the LGBT community and discuss faith and sexual/gender identity. We welcome you to join us in this discussion. l
PAGE 26 | LIBERTY PRESS | SEPTEMBER 2016
This will help with confusing the lobbyists; they won’t know who is where. This is what they do in my church group. No one sits in a position too long! Have you ever sat in the pews at church? It hurts your back end sitting too long. Dear Mama, Do you think Congress should be limited on the terms they serve? Concerned About the USA
Mama, What do you think about national stores having customers order online and go pick it up? Not signed
I definitely believe they all should be limited to one year then out with them and in with the new. That way no one gets too comfortable with that office.
I think it is a good idea for people with disabilities and the elderly. I also like it for convenience for people having a rushed day. I believe it’s a bad idea for people who are just damn lazy about going to the store. Yes, that’s right Naomi, I’m talking about you. Put down that beer and get off your butt and go to the store.
L
et’s end our summer with a whoosh and a wow as retrograde Pluto, which upends any solid plan, trines the Sun and makes merry with our life dreams and desires. It will all end up to our benefit, but what a ride along the way!
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Good Lord, please have them move out of the basement! Mama, Did you know September is National Honey Month? Time Watcher I did not know that! Are we supposed to buy and eat honey all month? Did you also know that September is National Prostate Health Month? I’m sure all the men are not going to run out and get that checked. What a pain in the rear! Thanks for this information reader. Bubba bring me a beer! Dear Mama, Are you watching the Olympics? Not signed
No, I do not watch the Olympics. I wish them all the luck in the world. I will watch it when they put activities in the Olympics that I can relate to. Here are just a few I would watch: Walker Race (over 70), Lil Rascal Scooter Marathon (for seniors of all ages), Broken Hip Mall Walker Race, and finally the Metamucil Chugging Contest. Now that would be some good competition to watch! They could air it on the AARP channel. Thank you to all the readers and Wichita for being so great. l Have a question for Mama? E-mail MamaTHarper@aol.com.
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ARIES (MAR. 21 - APRIL 20) LEO (JULY 24 - AUG. 23) As hard and as carefully as you work to Health is wealth. Or so they say, advance on the job, there is no predicting proud Lion. This month you are where your efforts will take you now, gay advised to attend to any ache and Ram. That is because the fates are plotting pain, whether physical, emotional or to deliver you into some other parallel spiritual. Expand your knowledge, corporate universe. Expect the unexpected and maneuver seek advice and learn a new thing or two. You can any big change with care and aplomb. You may advance even make a little money through your efforts. By beyond your wildest dreams . . . no, even wilder!! the fall you will be stronger and invincible. Put in the oomph and trioomph. TAURUS (APRIL 21 - MAY 21) Any end of summer travel will have VIRGO (AUG. 24 - SEPT. 23) its unexpected excitement. You might Gay Virgos are not only the center of discover the thrills and chills of faraway attention now, they are also the life of romance or a totally relaxing escape or a the party. So don’t sit at home and swipe frizzy lollapalooza dance party. It is all up right and left. Get out and see who is to you, queer Bull, and the places you choose to visit. But who and what is what. Create a few big should you choose to party at a nudist colony, you might events that get you noticed. Before you know it you want to pack extra sunscreen. will not only become a superstar, you will also pull other heavenly bodies into your orbit. This is no time GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21) for gravity! If you find that you are pulled in two directions now, don’t panic, pink Twin. LIBRA (SEPT. 24 - OCT. 23) There is a seductive someone who vies You are living in a swirl of secrets and for your attention and wants you all to behind the scenes maneuvering, proud themselves. But meanwhile you have Libra. In fact, you may not even be obligations at home or with relatives. There is not enough aware of all of the goings-on going on around you. time for everyone. Try to combine the two energies by But that is okay. You can relax knowing that if you making your home a sexy love nest for whoever flies in. let things evolve as they will, everything will turn out well for you. Trust in the spirits and let karma rule CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 23) the day. Donate or do some charity work just in case. Gay Crabs may need to be more forthcoming in some of their relationships. SCORPIO (OCT. 24 - NOV. 22) Honesty is the best policy now and you Friends may need and ask you for can be diplomatic enough to say what monetary help now. Are you open you need to say and spare anyone’s hurt to giving them a financial helping feelings. So express yourself and get the hand? If so, give it as a gift and expect relationship that you deserve and need. You will be in nothing in return. If not, explain why great shape for the fall and can light up the holiday season compassionately. For those queer Scorpios who need with your special someone. to expand their social circle, use this time to get into new clubs, activities or associations. The more the merrier . . . unless they ask for money.
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.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 - DEC. 22) Any dream deferred needs to be dusted off and launched now, gay Archer. If you have ever wanted to travel, write, learn to dance or even fly, take some time to explore all of your options. You have the confidence and the curiosity to expand your world into a galaxy. The sky is the limit. So there is no glass ceiling on which to bump your head. CAPRICORN (DEC. 23 - JAN. 20) Achieve fame and fortune this August as your long-suppressed ideas are suddenly on the top of your to-do list. Pink Caps can better plan for future success and are able to ask for help from powerful and influential people. So don’t relax and procrastinate. Time is short. Start getting your projects on track and see what success the future can bring. AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 - FEB. 19) Aqueerians may have a secret admirer who, once discovered, will sweep you off your feet. Be prepared to be surprised. For those who are currently in a relationship, use this time to heat things up between the two of you. Perhaps leaving some saucy love notes on the pillow will ramp up the sexy temperature. Whatever gets your blood pumping! PISCES (FEB. 20 - MAR. 20) Will you accept the advice of friends when it comes to a certain relationship? Guppies think they know everything there is to know about someone, but those who care about you may have other ideas. Keep yourself open to discussion, Pisces, and see if there is something a pal can do to help improve your life. They seem to care and have your best interests at heart.
(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.
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. SEPTEMBER 2016 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 27
Leather Life By Nolin Christensen aka Master C
Don't play when you're sick. Editor’s note: This column may contain content that is offensive to some people.
I
tend to write about things that happen to either myself or someone I know. Well, this one’s about me. For those that don’t know me, I suffer from frequent migraines, but unlike most people when I have a headache, the pain makes me hard, which in turn makes me horny. Don’t ask why, I just am. However, when the migraine is to the point where I’m nauseated, then that’s the time
I want to curl up in a ball and for everyone just to leave me the f&*$ alone. Well, flying back from Indy this last month, I had one of those nauseating headaches. But the problem was I had to fly out and I had to be at the airport. So there I was, feeling like crap, I had tossed my cookies and I just wanted to find a dark place to wait it out. However, as I was sitting there holding my head, telling my stomach to hold on, I happened to see a man in skinny jean shorts with the biggest box I’ve ever seen that’s legal in public! I looked at the crotch, then to the hairy legs and then up to his face and saw that perfect beard and I was WOW, headache or not, WOW!! So naturally I HAD to cruise him. It wasn’t until I got home and was lying in bed trying to get rid of the massive headache that I thought, "WHAT on earth were you thinking?!" In the shape I was in there was no way to have airport sex in my condition. (If you don’t think you can have sex in an airport, think again, there’s ALL sorts of ways, believe me.
I’m a charter member of TASS [The Airport Sex Society]). Which brings me to the topic at hand, when you’re not feeling well (for whatever reason) and especially if you are physically sick, you do NOT and you should NOT do a scene. When your headspace is “Oh crap, I feel like crap,” it’s going to be really hard for you to get into the scene headspace. Believe you me; the two don’t mix well at all. I’ve seen too many times where someone was not feeling well, but they were intent on having a scene only to have it go very badly wrong. This brings me to other times you may fall into this issue. Yes, there are times of stress where having a sex scene will help, but there are also times depending on the type of stress where it’s not a good idea to have a scene. So what I want to point out here is WHERE is your head before you negotiate a scene? Look at what’s going on in your head. Is it something that you can’t control (physically or emotionally) or is it something where the scene will help to get your mind off of what’s going on. Be honest with yourself. Too many couples have gone their separate ways because one wants the sex and the other just gives in even though they really
aren’t into it. I don’t know about you, but I can’t stand someone you just lays there like a dead log while I’m trying to have a good time. I want some action and interaction from them! A good moan or two would help!! Sex has always been a give and take between two individuals, so if you’re not in the mood to give or to take, then don’t. Talk about it to your partner. Let them know what’s going on, why you’re not “into” it this time. There’s nothing wrong with that. And the partner, just because you’re in the mood doesn’t mean your partner is in the mood. When my partners have had a bad day, even though I’m all hot and ready, I know it ain’t going to happen. Just have to hold out for another time. If you are interested in learning more about the kink lifestyle and especially about leather kink, don’t hesitate to come inquire about it. WOOLF normally meets every fourth Saturday at 5pm at Boomerang for a monthly munch. Then we have a class later that same day. For September we will meet on the 17 th at 5pm with an electric play class following. Come join us for a shocking good time! l
PAGE 28 | LIBERTY PRESS | SEPTEMBER 2016 WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. Jbell2@usd259.net South Central Kansas, 1407 N. Topeka, Unitarian Universalist Congregation Wichita, (316) 263-5886, director@ of Lawrence, 1263 N. 1100 Rd., (785) Wichita Northwest High School GSA, wichitapeace.org, www.wichitapeace. 842-3339, www.uufl.net, 9:30am amcdonald@usd259.net, meets every program, 11am service org Monday after school. Wichita Pride, info@wichitapride. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Wichita Southeast High School GSA, org, www.wichitapride.org, annual Manhattan, 481 Zeandale Road, (785) (316) 807-2271, psychsteve2@yahoo. 537-2349, www.uufm.net, services celebration held in September. com Sundays at 10:45am.
Social
Heart of America Men’s Chorus, Wichita, (316) 708-4837, www.hoamc. org
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Topeka, 4775 SW 21st St., (785) 2729233, www.uuft.org, services Sundays at 10:30am.
Wichita West High School GSA, astucky@usd259.net
Junction City Teddy Bears, c/o Kevin Stilley, 2 Oak Valley Dr., Manhattan, (785) 556-8188, trlrhouseman@webtv. net
Unity of Wichita, 2160 N. Oliver, (316) 682-7511, www.unityofwichita.com, 10am Sunday service, activities through the week.
The Center, 800 N. Market, Wichita, (316) 285-0007 www.thecenterofwichita. org
NetworQ, Lawrence, www.Kansas NetworQ.org, events are listed on website and FB page.
Student groups
Kansas State University LGBT Resource Center, 207 A/B Holton Hall, Manhattan, (785) 532-5352, lgbt@kstate.edu, www.k-state-edu/lgbt
Wichita Bears, presidentwichitabears@ yahoo.com, www.wichitabears.org
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.
Community Centers
Health E.C. Tyree Health & Dental Clinic, 1525 N. Lorraine, Wichita, (316) 6812545, www.tyreeclinic.com HIV/AIDS Client Emergency Fund administrered by the Junction City Teddy Bears, c/o Kevin Stilley, 2 Oak Valley Dr., Manhattan, (785) 556-8188, trlrhouseman@webtv.net, for people in the Manhattan/Junction City area Hunter Health Clinic, 2318 E. Central, Wichita, (316) 262-3611, FREE HIV confidential or anonymous testing with Spanish and Vietnamese interpreters. KU Internal Medicine-Midtown, KU School of Medicine, 1001 N. Minneapolis, Wichita, (316) 293-1840, (877) 472-8227 toll-free, (316) 293-2652 HIV Program LGBT Health Coalition of Sedgwick County, Wichita, (316) 285-0007, www. wichitalgbthealth.org Positive Connections, 1001 SW Garfield Ave, third floor, Topeka, (785) 232-3100, www.pcneks.org Positive Directions, 414 S. Commerce, Wichita, (316) 263-2214, (316) 2635214, www.pdiks.com Sedgwick County Health Dept., 2716 W. Central, Wichita, (316) 660-7300, www.sedgwickcounty.org South Wind Women's Center, 5107 E. Kellogg, Wichita, (316) 260-6934, www.southwindwomenscenter.org, LGBTQIA-friendly health services. The Sweet Emergency Fund, KUSM-W MPA, 1010 N. Kansas, Wichita, (316) 293-3405
Politics/Activism E q u a l i t y K a n s a s , w w w. kansasequalitycoalition.org, chapters across the state. Flint Hills Human Rights Project, fhhrp@yahoo.com Kansas Statewide Transgender Education Project, (785) 215-7436, stephanie.mott@k-step.org, www.kstep.org, provides transgender education and resources. Peace and Social Justice Center of
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.
Bethel College GSA, North Newton, advisor: Gabriel Fonseca gfonseca@ bethelks.edu, President: Zachary Preheim zacharyrpreheim@bethelks.edu 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
Support
Central Plains Area Agency on Aging, 2622 W. Central Suite 500, Wichita, (316) 660-5120, www.cpaaa.org, CPAAA is available to assist seniors, caregivers, and adults with disabilities through life’s transitions and with various levels of support. COMCARE Crisis Intervention Services, 934 N. Water, Wichita, (316) 660-7500 free 24/7, www. sedgwickcounty.org
Spiritual
Highland Park High School's Parity, Topeka, LGBTatHP@outlook.com, facebook.com/LGBTatHP
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.
Hutchinson High School GSA, faculty advisor: Mr. Westmoreland, chairperson: Kara Vaughn.
Get Connected, Wichita, (316) 2850007, LGBTQIA youth group for ages 12-21. Meets at The Center, 800 N. Market, every Friday from 7-9pm.
The Independent School GSA, Wichita, sponsor: Matt Hanne matt. hanne@theindependentschool.com
GLSEN Greater Wichita, wichita@ chapters.glsen.org.
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 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.
K-State LGBT & Allies, meets every Thursday at 6:30 in Willard Hall, room 120.
Headquarters Counseling Center, Lawrence, (785) 841-2345 free 24/7, www.hqcc.lawrence.ks.us
Lawrence High School GSA, sponsors: Shannon Draper SDraper@usd497.org, and Lindsay Buck LBuck@usd497.org
Healthy Transitions, for heterosexually married gay men in KC. A phone and face-to-face interview required, Mark McCarthy, LPC (816) 931-0011x4.
Manhattan High School GSA, mhs_ gsa@hotmail.com
HIV+ Men’s Support Group, Wichita, (316) 293-3405, mmadecky@kumc.edu
Maize South High School GSA, sponsor: Shelly Walston swalston@ usd266.com, meets 2nd Fridays.
Living Positive, a support group for people living with HIV and their caregivers. Meets 1st Tuesdays at 6pm. Call 785-537-7006 for location.
Pitt State GSA, Pittsburg State University, pittstategaystraightalliance@ gmail.com People Respecting Individuality and Diversity in Education (P.R.I.D.E.), Emporia State University, Rochelle Rowley, Box 4022, 1 Kellogg Circle, Emporia 66801, (620) 341-5723 rrowley1@emporia.edu Spectrum KU, University of Kansas, Lawrence, (785) 864-3091, rockchalkcentral.ku.edu/organization/ SpectrumKU
Pine Valley Christian Church, 5620 E. 21st St., Wichita, (316) 685-2421, churchoffice@pvcconline.org, www. pvcconline.org
Spectrum: LGBTQ & Allies, Wichita State University, Twitter.com/ Wsuspectrum, meets Thursdays at 7pm in the Lucas Room (RSC 265).
Prairie Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1809 E. 30th, Hutchinson, (620) 663-8002, www. prairieuufellowship.org
Wichita East High School GSA, CFee@fcscounseling.com
Ta b l e o f H o p e M e t r o p o l i t a n Community Church, 156 S. Kansas, Wichita, (316) 267-1852, w w w. m c c w i c h i t a . c o m , w w w. godlovesyouperiod.com, Sunday services at 10:15am.
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 Heights High School GSA, nmagoon@usd259.net
Wichita Northeast High School GSA,
O n e D a y A t A Ti m e , Wi c h it a , Alcoholics Anonymous meetings held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8pm at First MCC, 156 S. Kansas. PFLAG Hutchinson, PO Box 2488, Hutchinson, (620) 899-2345, pflaghutch@gmail.com PFLAG Lawrence/Topeka, sffeist@ msn.org, www.pflagnekansas.org, meets 1st Sundays, 2-4pm. Location alternates between Lawrence and Topeka. Check website or e-mail for location. The Face of Trans*, www.thefaceof trans.com Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center, 355 N. Waco, Suite 100, (316) 2630185 office, (316) 263-3002 crisis line 24/7, advocate@wichitasac.com, www. wichitasac.com, free, confidential sexual assault services to all genders and sexual orientations. 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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WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. SEPTEMBER 2016 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 29
What’s New at
Transgender, 1967, and Paul McHugh
P
aul McHugh and a number of other people recently released a ‘study’ that is designed to support their misguided beliefs about what is right and what is wrong in the world of sex and gender. In the report, McHugh says transgender identity “is not supported by scientific evidence.” I have a little story to tell about scientific evidence and transgender identity. Here it is. In January 1967, I got in a little bit of trouble in my rural Kansas home for describing a guy named Bart Starr with a four-letter word. Five days after my ninth birthday, the future Hall of Fame quarterback pretty much had his way with my beloved Kansas City Chiefs. My nine-year-old heart was crushed. I remember the summer of 1967. My family took a weeklong vacation to Colorado. I have many memories of that spectacular trip. This was also the year I spent two full weeks of my summer vacation, sitting in the stairwell of my parents’ home, and looking at every single page of every single volume of the Encyclopedia Britannica. You might wonder why a nine-year-old child might do such a thing. The answer is quite simple. I was looking for scientific evidence. I was trying to figure out what was wrong with me. Everyone kept telling me I was a boy and there was some evidence that might have led them to believe that. There was also a lot of evidence no one could see. I knew I was a girl. I had known it for years. I also believed that it was shameful, horrible, and disgusting. I thought if I could just figure out what was wrong with me, I could fix it. Then, in my nine-year-old
way of thinking, I would be like everyone else. I would be okay. My attempt at finding clarity about my gender offered up no answers. Only more questions. More loneliness. More deceit and isolation. I was more convinced than ever that my life was doomed and my future was destined to be filled with pain. It would be another 40 years, before I threw away my Steven suit in the summer 2007. Another four decades of trying to be someone I could never hope to be. Three-fourths of that time was mired in a desperate, alcoholic search for the means by which to fix myself. You would think, that in the 40 years after my two-week date with the encyclopedia, people in America might have come to an understanding of the damage done by trying to force someone to be who they cannot be. You would be partly right. Many people in America have learned to focus on the harm done to children who don’t fit into the mythical boxes of sex and gender. At the same time, many people have doubled their efforts to preserve a mythical world in which those mythical boxes might have ever been real. A lot of things happened in 1967. I cussed out a future Hall of Fame quarterback. I saw Pike’s Peak and Garden of the Gods. I didn’t know it, but Thurgood Marshall was sworn in as the first black justice of the United States Supreme Court. I learned to hate myself, having found no evidence that there was a scientific explanation for my identity. I boarded myself onto a runaway train of selfhatred and self-destruction. Today, nearly 50 years after my summer search for scientific evidence, I have some pretty strong views on the subject. There is no scientific
ichita LGBT Pride will be held at the end of this month and in celebration The Center would like people to know there is a host of books and DVDs about the LGBT rights movement for people to check out. One of the DVDs we have at The Center is a documentary called Stonewall Uprising. This film tells the story of the massive police raid of the Stonewall Inn in June 1969. “When police raided the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in the Greenwich Village section of New York City on June 28, 1969, the street erupted into violent protests that lasted for the next six days. The Stonewall riots, as they came to be known, marked a major turning point in the modern gay
W
civil rights movement in the United States and around the world.” Again this year, the Wichita Pride Health Fair is being hosted and sponsored by the LGBT Health Coalition of Sedgwick County. The Health Coalition is one of the programs of The Center. Stop by the Buffalo Room at the Indian Center and get free information and free testing. It’s time for SCHOOL. If you know any LGBTQIA teenagers, we have a group for them! Get Connected is for any teen grades 6-12. We would love for them to come and get acquainted with other teens from around the Wichita and surrounding area. Please contact The Center at thecenterofwichita@gmail.com. l
evidence that sex and gender are intrinsically linked. There is no scientific evidence that you or anyone else can determine my gender. There is plenty of scientific evidence that invalidating the identities of transgender children has a direct connection to suicide, substance abuse, harassment, and violence. It is you, Paul McHugh, and people like you who stole 40 years of my life. It is you, who holds the noose by which transgender children end their own lives. You are the monster under the bed for thousands
upon thousands of children who know a hell of a lot more about who they are than you do. Science is best left to those people who can discern the difference between truth and ideology. You, Paul McHugh, do not qualify. l * Anti-LGBT Think Tank’s New ‘Study’ Says ‘No Evidence’ People Are Born Gay, or Trans Kids Are Real. www. thenewcivilrightsmovement.com. 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.
bridges Promoted: Rick Muma, associate vice president for Academic Affairs and Professor of Public Health Sciences at Wichita State University since 2011, has been named senior associate vice president for enrollment management at WSU. In 2011, Muma, along with his partner, established the Richard D. Muma And Rick A. Case Equality Scholarship because the donors felt that LGBT and queer/questioning students are often overlooked. Preference is given to members of Spectrum. If you or someone you know is having an anniversary, received a promotion or award, or a loved one has passed away, we will publish it free in Bridges. E-mail editor@libertypress.net.
PAGE 30 | LIBERTY PRESS | SEPTEMBER 2016 Clinton continued from page 6
pay for equal work, furthering LGBT rights, creating jobs through infrastructure and clean energy, women’s reproductive rights, investing in education from preschool to college and vocational programs and more read as any progressive’s dream list. The fact of the matter is: while the GOP has nominated a candidate with no experience in politics, the democrats have nominated someone with such steep political experience that becoming President is the logical next step. Many criticize Clinton for not coming off as the warm, shoulder-to-lean-on candidate that many hope for in their idealism. Despite her sometimes stern or awkward persona, a thicker layer of personality exists: one that - despite years of scars from political back-andforth - provides the toughness, resolve and knowledge of policy inside and out that are required for our union to continue on its path to success. The values that Trump has put at the top of his agenda
promote nothing more than exclusiveness, bad economic policies and an approach to politics that is drenched in fear and intentional misinformation. While Trump supports building a wall, setting up a “deportation force” and banning people from our country due to religion, C l i n t o n o ff e r s a p a t h t o citizenship for those who want to be American, true freedom of religion and providing both natural-born citizens and immigrants with the chance to develop critical job and life skills. This election is one that simply cannot be “sat out” or ignored. Arguments can be made for third parties – this is true. However, when the one true alternative to an experienced, intelligent candidate is one who has the temperament and policy knowledge of a child in elementary school – along with an archaic view on who America should be “great again” for (see: straight, male, rich and white) – the decision should be clear: Hillary Clinton should be the next President of the United States. l
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. SEPTEMBER 2016 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 31
PAGE 32 | LIBERTY PRESS | SEPTEMBER 2016 Alone continued from page 22
tears. “I really want to talk about those serious things, but I just can’t. My heart bleeds.” Each model had his or her own reason for participating in the project. Sadness, anger and grief were evident in their faces, especially when the photoshoot moved into the murky lake water. M c I n t y r e , o p e n l y g a y,
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
recalled the moment he heard the news of the shooting at Pulse. “I felt like my heart was just torn out in the sense that somebody obviously targeted a community,” he said. Afterward, he felt it opened his eyes to how proud he is of his sexuality and to be part of the community.
The love: Love and the ability to come together were common themes throughout the evening. “I believe that love is love. Who am I, who is
anybody else to judge someone that’s homosexual or somebody that goes to the gay club?” Stephanie Ford, one of the models, said. “Nobody is perfect. That’s why I’m involved in this [photoshoot]. Because I think everybody deserves to be loved.” Leslie Yearout, a stylist at Eric Fisher Salon, also modeled for the photoshoot. She liked seeing the “outpouring of support” that followed the shooting. “I think it’s cool that people all across the spectrum can come together in the face of such a horrifying event,” she said. “I feel like it’s time, especially for our generation, to start speaking up about things that matter.” To see photos, which were posted on the onemonth anniversary of the Orlando shooting, find Never Alone on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ weareneveralone1. l Photos by Aaron Rogers, hair by Aaron Rogers and Jen Okpara.
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. SEPTEMBER 2016 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 33
Pride Weekend 2016 - September 24-25, 2016 Saturday September 24th Community Picnic sponsored by Cargill O.J. Watson Park - 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Block Party sponsored by T-Mobile Mid-America All Indian Center - 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Pride Drag Show Club Boomerang - 10-00 pm to Midnight
Sunday September 25th Worship Services sponsored by Table of Hope MCC Mid-America All Indian Center - 10:30 am to 11:30 am
Community Rally sponsored by Equality Kansas Old Court House, Central & Main - 12 Noon
Pride March Old County Courthouse to Mid-America All Indian Center - 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm
Pride Festival Mid-America All Indian Center - Noon to 6:00 pm Main Stage entertainment sponsored by Cargill, T-Mobile, AARP
Featuring: JP, Chance Carmichael, Trevor Stewart, Blake Hamilton, Daniel Pewardy, Meghan Welch &
WOMEN WITHOUT PURSES Gold Sponsor
Thank you to our sponsors: Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
PAGE 34 | LIBERTY PRESS | SEPTEMBER 2016
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Manhattan City Commission passes inclusive amendment to city’s anti-discrimination ordinance
By Kevin Stilley MANHATTAN - In October 2015, Bre Nechols, a transgender woman, addressed the Manhattan City Commission during the public comment period of the regularly scheduled commission meeting. She spoke about adding sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes to the city’s anti-discrimination ordinance. One or more individuals would address the commission every month through the summer of 2016. In December, Richard Gehring, co-pastor of the Manhattan Mennonite Church, read a letter signed by nine pastors representing five Manhattan churches in support of the change. That number would increase to 14 pastors representing nine churches. The Human Rights and Services Board voted to move forward on the change in March 2016. The item was slated
for the agenda at the April 5 commission meeting. That meeting was attended by more than 100 citizens, and would last until nearly midnight. Of the 27 individuals who spoke during public comment, only four spoke against the change. Representatives of the Flint Hills Human Rights Project have been at the forefront of the movement from the beginning. Chair Katie Jordan and Vice Chair Ted Morgan have met privately with individual commission members, the city manager and the Human Rights and Services Board on numerous occasions to educate them about what the amendment would mean to the community. The first reading of the amendment was July 19, 2016. After much discussion by both city commission members and members of the general public, the amendment passed by a vote of 5-0. At the Aug. 16 commission
Flint Hills Human Rights Project Board members: L-R, Mike Herman, Chair Katie Jordan, Treasurer Kevin Stilley, Judi Nechols, Jim Nechols, Bre Nechols, and Vice Chair Ted Morgan.
meeting, the amendment was slated as an item on the consent agenda. For a couple of reasons, the Riley County Police Department was exempted from the ordinance. They currently have a policy in place. USD 383, Kansas State University, and Fort Riley were also exempted in the original draft, as they also have these policies in place.
The exemption passed 3-2. With the exemption in place, the amendment passed 5-0. It will go into effect Nov. 1, 2016. Manhattan passed a similar ordinance in February 2011. As a result of a subsequent city election in April 2011, that ordinance was rescinded before it went into effect in May 2011. l
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WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
W.O.O.L.F.
Wichita Organization of Leather Fetishes Celebrating Wichita Gay Pride! Woolf Gathering: Every 4th Saturday 5:00 pm – Monthly Munch at Boomerang 6:00 pm – General Membership Meeting 7:00 pm – Education Class at The Center
LEATHER CAMP XII
October 7-9, 2016 www.leathercamp.com Oct 7, Meet & Greet Oct 8, Classes all day – 7 pm, Evening Dinner Oct 9, Goodbye Brunch Come join the kinky fun! For more information please visit us at: www.woolfks.com Woolf is a pansexual organization dedicated to anyone Who has an interest in BDSM or Leather Fetishes
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WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Can’t Hide Our Pride.
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