Liberty Press Nov 2016 by Liberty Press Kansas

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WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

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WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

Editor's Desk

It's Time I’m going to play the woman card. And I’m going to do it proudly without hesitation, regret or guilt. It’s time for a woman to be President of the United States. I don’t care about any of her other policies or shortcomings. I am a one-issue voter. To my advantage, this is a very qualified, progressive woman. It’s not Sarah Palin that we’re talking about here. It’s time to see the difference on how a woman leads. Of course women are completely different from men in how they think, process, deal with conflict resolution, negotiate, show fiscal responsibility, etc., etc. They are different emotionally, aggressively, mentally, temperamentally, passively and diplomatically. It’s time to see how the male-dominated legislature reacts to a woman in charge. To a female commander-

in-chief. To a Mrs. President. It’s time for America to join the over 70 other countries who have already placed a woman in charge, including: Sri Lanka, India, Israel, the United Kingdom, Iceland, Norway, the Philippines, Ireland, Germany, Liberia, Brazil, South Korea and Pakistan. It’s time for there to be a first gentleman. Will the media focus on how he dresses and his style? Will he pick a “pet cause” to focus on during him time as first gentleman? Will he be expected to stand by his wife at public appearances, smile and wave? Will he decorate the White House or pick a theme? I am so excited to watch the next four years after she is elected. It’s time.

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Liberty Press

Inside:

Volume 23, No. 3 • Editor: Kristi Parker • Contributors: Nolin Christensen, Greg Fox, Charlene Lichtenstein, Mama, Dr. Robert N. Minor, Stephanie Mott • Staff Reporters: Grayson Barnes, Emily Beckman, Annette Hope Billings, Blake Hampton, Isabella Parker, Trevor Reichle, Ciara Reid, Jeromiah Taylor • Contributing Photographers: • Cover Design: Troy Dilport • Graphic Designer: Troy Dilport • Webmaster: Ren Autrey • Publisher: Liberty Press, LLC • Printer: Valley Offset Printing

OP/ED..................................6-7 KANSAS NEWS......................10 MAMA KNOWS BEST............18 OUT IN THE STARS...............18 TRANS-FORMATIVE..............19 WHAT'S NEW AT THE CENTER?...............................19 MINOR DETAILS....................22 BY YOUTH ............................23 BRIDGES................................24 LEATHER LIFE.......................24 KYLE'S BED & BREAKFAST...24 AROUND KANSAS.................25 ON THE COVER: Transgender Veterans...............17 Love is All You Need.................26 K-State theater professor........16

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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.

Letters Big moment at WSU Dear editor: On Sept. 7 I watched as Wi c h i t a S t a t e ’s S t u d e n t Government Association (SGA) unanimously passed a resolution to support LGBTQ groups on campus and, even more significantly, to formally apologize for the homophobic a c ti o n s o f p r e v io u s S G A sessions. The tone was business as usual, there was no fanfare and no news coverage. But for me, this was a significant moment that moved me to tears. September marked the 40th anniversary of the first recognized LGBTQ student organization on campus. The Student Homophile Association was founded by Gary Jo Gardenhire, Bruce McKinney, and Gina Barnett and was officially recognized in 1976. That group played an important role in getting a city ordinance passed that prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation (though it was quickly repealed a year later). Last year one of our previous o ff i c e r s , R o b e r t Te u t s c h completed a project documenting the history of the various groups at WSU over these 40 years (if you are interested, you can read his paper at www.wichita.edu/ spectrum). His paper was used by SGA to write this resolution, which noted the importance of LGBTQ groups on campus and formally apologized for the homophobic actions of previous SGA sessions, who at times denied these groups official status and/or funding. The resolution passed unanimously - no debate, no questions, no abstentions. Yes, we still have a lot of work to do. But this was one of those moments that highlighted how far we have come. Even in Kansas. Dr. Jennifer Pearson

Wake up and smell the coffee Dear editor: We in the LBGT community have come a long way and have met many goals that we have established for ourselves; marriage equality, better job opportunities, better acceptance in society to mention a few. But, and there is a big “but,” there are many more things to accomplish and we as a community must continue our fight to hold on to the rights we have earned. Gregory T. Angelo, president of Log Cabin Republicans has made the following statements: There’s no way to sugar-coat this: I’m mad as hell - and I know you are too. Moments ago, the Republican Party passed the most anti-LGBT Platform in the Party’s 162-year history. Opposition to marriage equality, nonsense about bathrooms, an endorsement of the debunked psychological practice of “pray the gay away” - it’s all in there. This isn’t my GOP and I know it’s not yours either. Heck, it’s not even Donald Trump’s! When given a chance to follow the lead of our presumptive presidential nominee and reach out to the LGBT community in the wake of the awful terrorist massacre in Orlando on the gay nightclub Pulse, the Platform Committee said NO. But it gets worse. In their first term of office our next president will likely nominate three Supreme Court Justices. If we ignore our civic duty of voting for a Progressive candidate, like Hillary Clinton, who truly supports the LBGT community, our government could easily reverse all the gains we have achieved. Electing Ms. Clinton and securing a majority of Democratic Senators will assure you of a Supreme Court that will continue to recognize our community. Ms. Clinton has her issues, but it comes down to her or Donald Trump. Speaking of Senators, Jerry Moran has a history of not

supporting our community. Furthermore, he will definitely not support a Supreme Court Justice that will be there for us, please vote for Patrick Wiesner, an individual who will support us, to get a Supreme Court Justice that will support us. Boys and girls Wake up and Smell the Coffee; it is critical that you and your peers register and vote in the upcoming presidential and congressional elections. Vote for the individuals and party that has and will continue to support you. W.G/ (Bill) Lewis Out and Proud in Fort Lauderdale, FL

There is help Dear editor: I came across the article, Party & Play, in the October Liberty Press. Perhaps you might want to do an article or at least mention how Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is making a positive effect in helping save lives of drug addicts of all kinds, including meth addicts. If you’re interested, you can find NA online. As usual, I cannot wait to pick up the most recent issue of The Liberty Press. Keep up the great work! Michael

Additional Leather History Dear editor: In the last paragraph of Nolin’s article [Gay Leather History, October issue], he writes the history of bars but couldn’t confirm a few. Now, I am FAR too young to know about these, but after discussing it with friends I believe they went in this order: Strap’s, JD’s, Boots, and Barracks. He also lists the Link which I do recall. It was a short-lived and tragic attempt, but we (Fantasy) tried to keep up with what was hot at the time. We constructed a wall in back of the main bar that created a space between the front and the entrance to the South 40. We built an elevated stage behind bars in one corner where dancing boys would do their thing to separate music from that which was played up front. We put up corrugated steel on the walls to give it that “back alley” look. Linn [Copeland]

WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

made me primarily work it, but not being able to enthusiastically work it along with not being able to pull off a “leather” persona, I mostly did a lot of eye-rolling. It never really caught on which was fine with me. I think the last straw was when a pitiful boy dancer stuffed his g-string with toilet paper, but failed to get it all in leaving a trail of TP out his back side. Anyway someone should get a comprehensive history of gay bars in Wichita before all of the older folks who would remember them are gone. Kenny Warner

Meth a community-wide problem Dear editor: Last month’s article on meth in the community [Party & Play, October issue] was a much-needed “stick it in the face” to help try and wake up the community to the danger of drugs in our society and especially within our own LGBT community. But there is more to it than just the meth. There is a rampage of prescription drug abuse within. There was a local news article just last month on the topic about the rise of prescription drug use here in Wichita and the surrounding communities. What our LGBT community needs to do to help stop this epidemic is to not hesitate to report those within our community who prey on others by pushing these illegal activities. It’s really sad to know that some of these pushers profess to be “leaders” of the community (albeit a leader only defined by themselves) yet they prey on their LGBT family for their own gains and agenda. How sad. I would hope that the major group leaders of the various support, social and other organizations are willing to take a stand against these individuals and say enough. But these leaders need the backing of the wider community. This is a community-wide problem and it needs a community-wide effort to put a halt to it. It’s time to say NO TO DRUGS and help our community by getting rid of those who only want to tear things down. Signed, concerned

WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. NOVEMBER 2016 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 7

2017 brings continued progress on LGBTQ health

By Stephene Moore

ore than a year after marriage equality became the law nationwide, President Obama, Secretary Sylvia Burwell, and my colleagues and I at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services continue to seize opportunities to improve the health and well-being of LGBTQ Americans. We do so because the sad reality is that LGBTQ people still face discrimination in many areas of life, including health care. This discrimination worsens the very real health disparities that LGBTQ people face, such as higher rates of depression, smoking, HIV, and experiences of violence. The Obama Administration has made historic advancements for the LGBTQ community, yet as we celebrate that progress, we know there is still more to do. We’ve proudly required all hospitals receiving Medicare or Medicaid funds (nearly every hospital in America) to allow visitation rights for LGBT patients, funded the first national resource center for older LGBT individuals, and released the nation’s first comprehensive National HIV/AIDS Strategy, among many other initiatives. But when I’m asked about the most important thing we’ve done for LGBTQ health, the answer is always the same: the Affordable Care Act. You may know some of the law’s benefits—like financial aid that helps eligible consumers afford health insurance, certain recommended preventive care like cancer and HIV/STI screenings without cost sharing,

and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. But many do not realize just how much the law offers for LGBTQ Kansans. Why? Because LGBTQ people are more likely than their straight, cisgender peers to be uninsured. In fact, because of the Affordable Care Act, the uninsured rate for low- and middle-income LGBTQ people dropped by nearly half from 2013 to 2015. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, more LGBTQ people have health insurance than ever before. And even more have the opportunity to get covered by visiting HealthCare.gov beginning on Nov. 1. But that’s not the only thing that the law offers LGBTQ communities. In May, my colleagues at the HHS Office for Civil Rights spelled out significant new nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people under the Affordable Care Act. The new rules mean that all LGBTQ people—whether l e s b i a n , g a y, b i s e x u a l , transgender, non-binary, gender non-conforming, or intersex— are protected from discrimination just for being who they are. These protections apply in every state and mean that: • Health insurance plans sold through HealthCare.gov can no longer have categorical exclusions for services related to gender transition. • A hospital or clinic that receives federal funds cannot turn you away because you are transgender or in a same-sex relationship. • You have the right to be placed in a hospital room or ward based on your gender identity. • Yo u s h o u l d n o t f a c e harassment from a healthcare provider, such as a doctor or nurse intentionally refusing to use your correct name and pronoun. This means that even more LGBTQ people have the opportunity for more meaningful health insurance coverage starting Jan. 1. If you face this or any other type of discrimination, we urge you to file a complaint with the regional Office for Civil Rights at www.hhs.gov/ocr. We know more can be done to improve LGBTQ health and we will continue to build upon the strides we have already made together. But now we need your help to make these protections a

The forgotten election: Why state and local votes matter

By Trevor Reichle

t’s no secret that we are in one of the toughest and most frustrating Presidential election years we have ever seen as a country: both major party candidates are on constant attack-mode, voters are disillusioned with their options, third party candidates are desperate to gain national attention, polls continue to go back-and-forth and the list goes on and on. Paying attention to the general election has become less an option and moreso a burden on the American people due to

reality for millions of LGBTQ people across the country. Beginning on Nov. 1, visit HealthCare.gov to enroll, and talk to your loved ones about doing the same. If you pick a plan by Dec. 15, 2016, your coverage may begin as early as Jan. 1, 2017. Financial help is available to make insurance more affordable for those eligible. In 2016, nearly 7 in 10 people could have selected a plan for less than $75 per month. And you can sit down or call to make a free appointment with an LGBTQ-friendly expert who can help you understand your options. With financial help, new nondiscrimination protections, and better quality coverage, there’s never been a better time to be out, be healthy, and get covered. l Stephene Moore is the regional director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. She serves Missouri, Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska from the department’s offices in Kansas City, Mo.

the divisiveness and bitterness we have all seen. Nonetheless, it is an absolute necessity. It’s important to pay attention to more than just who is running for President, though. State and local elections hold immense weight, too. After all, these are the people we will be electing to represent us in Congress, make state budget decisions, lead our school boards in the right direction, protect our cities’ monuments and so much more. On Nov. 8, we will be doing more than casting our vote for the next President of the United States. We will be casting our votes for representatives, senators and state judges. Different proposals are typically tacked on to ballots as well. Ultimately, the votes we cast in state and local elections determine whether or not we move forward as a country and as a state. It’s crucial during this point in our history to not only elect a progressive commander-in-chief, but also to put progressives into our state and federal congressional seats. If you need any proof, just look at how much work President Obama got done after Republicans took the majority of Congress: not nearly as much as we had all hoped. On the state level, perhaps more of Gov. Brownback’s insane proposals and funding cuts could have been stopped with a different state congress. This is not the only year to keep these things in mind. Mid-term elections grant us the opportunity to elect sensible and capable mayors, city council members and more. With the internet and social media an everyday part of most peoples’ lives now, it makes simply “not knowing” or not having information really difficult excuses to take seriously. The last time people failed to get out and vote in a more localized election in Kansas, we ended up with another Brownback gubernatorial term. I think we all can agree – conservatives and liberals alike – that we don’t want anything similar to that to happen to any of our other elected offices ever again. Don’t make the same mistake again. Remember to stay informed and vote – in this election, and every election going forward. l

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WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

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Kansas News

Williams

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof presented Nov. 3-6 WICHITA - Guild Hall Players presents the Tennessee Williams masterpiece Cat on a Hot Tin Roof Nov. 3-6. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize when it was first produced in the mid-50s, Williams returned twice to his turbulent family drama for major revisions. Guild Hall Players will be presenting his third and final version from 1974, which offers the most unvarnished portrayal of the Pollitt family in crisis as two brothers and their wives struggle for power in the face of their millionaire bully father’s impending death. The play is also notorious for the central character, Brick’s struggle with alcoholism as he grieves the death of his best friend with whom he shared an intimate, conflicted relationship. Williams seemed to struggle with the sexuality of his lead male character just as he did with his own sexuality throughout his own tumultuous life. The Guild Hall production is directed by Phil Speary who directed Oedipus Rex at WSR Signature Theatre and The Subject Was Roses at Guild Hall last season. The cast is unusual in that the three married couples are played by three couples married in real life. Lewis Mize and Alison Bridget Chambers play Brick and Maggie, Dan and Vonda Schuster play Gooper and Mae, Bob and Dona Lancaster play Big Daddy and Big Mama.

WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

All are Mary Jane Teall Award nominees and winners. The play will be presented in the Guild Hall Theatre at St. James Episcopal, 3750 E. Douglas. Performances are Thursday, Nov. 3-Saturday Nov. 5 at 8pm and Sunday Nov. 6 at 7pm. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students through college. Seating is limited. Reservations at 683-5686.

Transform gift giving at the 22nd annual Wichita Alternative Gift Market WICHITA - Join hundreds of shoppers at the 22nd annual Wichita Alternative Gift Market, to be held Saturday, Nov. 12 from 10am-4pm. The market will return to East Heights UMC (4407 E. Douglas Ave.) for the second consecutive

year. The market, co-hosted by dozens of service groups and congregations, is held the second Saturday of November each year. The market offers an opportunity to learn about projects around the world that relieve poverty and suffering. Thirty projects ranging from wells in South Sudan to medicine for Burmese refugees are available through Alternative Gifts International (AGI). An Alternative Gift is a humanitarian gift given in honor of a friend or loved one. “Act locally; impact globally!” l

WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. NOVEMBER 2016 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 11

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Voter ID laws will affect transgender people across the state

By Emily Beckman

Kansas is one of eight states in which voter ID laws will prevent some

transgender residents from voting, according to a new study entitled, The Potential Impact of Voter Identification Laws on Transgender Voters in the 2016 General Election authored by Williams Institute Scholar Jody L. Herman, Ph.D. The study states that over 5,000 transgender people in Kansas are eligible to vote, but nearly 1,300 (26%) do not have accurate IDs to do so. Stephanie Mott, a transgender woman of Topeka, was state chair of Equality Kansas when the bills were introduced. She testified against the bill in both the house and the senate. “This law in Kansas, and these laws across the country, are designed to make it more difficult for women, minorities and poor people to be able to vote,” Mott said. “These groups of people tend to be Democrats, and that is exactly why they are designed that way.” As Mott was registered to vote before these laws were passed, they do not personally affect her. However, if this was not the case, Mott says she would be required to provide proof of citizenship, which for her would be a birth certificate. “I would not have been allowed to register to vote because I was living authentically as Stephanie with a driver’s

license that says female, but my birth certificate still says male,” Mott explained. But these laws are a burden to a number of transgender Kansans. Luka, an asexual transman of Wichita, said the laws “scared him off” from attempting to register to vote, as he did not think he would be able to do so. However, Luka believes it is important for transgender people to cast their vote if it is possible. “The outcome of this election could either be a step forward or a giant leap backward for LGBT rights,” he said. Another transgender man of Wichita, Chance Thomas, plans on voting. “I feel it’s important for everyone to vote,” he said. “It is the one way that each individual voice can be heard.” According to the study, transgender people in the following states could be prevented from voting due to the laws: Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Mississippi, Te n n e s s e e , Vi r g i n i a a n d Wisconsin. About 34,000 of the 112,000 people in these states who have transitioned and are eligible to vote may face challenges. “Denying transgender citizens the right to vote denies us the opportunity to participate in electing our lawmakers, the very same lawmakers who have been trying for years to make the lives of transgender Kansans more difficult,” Mott said. l

WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

Incident at The Center ruled vandalism?

By Blake Hampton, staff reporter WICHITA - Nolin Christensen owns the building that houses The Center. On the morning of Sep. 26, Nolin Christensen went to The Center to return the U-Haul truck that was used to carry equipment and items between the various locations of the events over Pride weekend. However, the truck wouldn’t start. After various troubleshooting and concluding that maybe the battery was the issue Christensen asked a friend for help. Looking through the system they realized that they couldn’t get the jump start through regular means. That’s when they called U-Haul to help jump the battery. Before the jump, they noticed that the battery lines were cut, and leading to an empty gasoline canister under the truck. Afterwards Christensen went to consult with a possible expert. “I talked to a friend who was stationed in Afghanistan and Iraq. I told him how the wires were cut and the gas tank was placed,” Christensen said. His friend agreed with the conclusion that the intended damage was supposed to be more deadly. Police were brought in to investigate. Due to lack of evidence, no way to effectively get proper fingerprints, and since nothing else was damaged the incident was categorized as vandalism. “They came out and took pictures,” Christensen said. “Their official response is that this was just a simple vandalism; they were just trying to steal gas.

Well I disagree. The gas tank had no lock on it and it was just fine. So why was the container just sitting underneath the truck with no lid on it.” The truck was repaired, driven away, and left Christensen with a new perspective on the world around him. “It was unnerving. Luckily whoever did it was inept and didn’t do it right,” he said. Vandalism, death threats, and murder are not uncommon towards LGBT communities nationwide. As of the latest report on single-biased hate crimes from the FBI, about 20% of them are motivated because of the targets’ sexual orientation. Something that the community is painfully aware of. “It’s why we still have to have Pride. It’s why we still have to be out and visible because we can’t let these people win,” Christensen said. Because of what could’ve been a far more tragic story, Christensen is now beefing up security at The Center. “We won’t say what exactly we’re doing other than we’re putting more security features into the building,” he said. The Center is a meeting space usable by anyone, but has been used mainly in planning events within the LGBT community. The building already had some security measures in place. It’s been a safe space to be in for many. Until this incident Christensen was planning to add these additions over time. Now he has sped up the timetable. To offset the cost The Center is looking into financial help from grants to donations, and will find a way to continue to be a staple in the community. l

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WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. NOVEMBER 2016 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 13

Metropolitan Community Church of Topeka calls new pastor

By Annette Billings TOPEKA - To hear the beginning words of a sermon by Rev. Paul Whiting of Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) of Topeka, is to know he’s not from Kansas. Most would guess his wonderfully lilting voice to be British - correct! To be exact, he was born in Wellingborough, England. This begs the question of what brought him from England to the United States and ultimately to pastor MCC of Topeka. A recent interview with Rev. Whiting provided a rich history about him and some of Britain’s history. His family’s ancestry, deeply-rooted in Pentecostal beliefs, can be traced back more than 500 years. “Pentecostal history is in my blood,” he said. This history began in 1936 when his paternal grandmother invited a traveling Pentecostal evangelist, Fred Squire, to the their hometown. The birth of a Pentecostal church was the result. Being raised in a close-knit, church-centered family, exerted a strong influence for the growing Whiting to do ministry. Yet, he was also aware of his sexual orientation, sensed as “different,” at age three. A year before seminary, at age 17, this awareness led to an inner crisis - the conflict between his religion and his sexuality: being called to be a minister against being gay. He proceeded to seminary anyway with what he described as a naivety which led him to believe if his ministry calling was a true one, it would work itself out. He was sent to a church in Hitchin for a one- year internship. There he befriended local Anglican deacon, Richard Kirker, who’d just been outed as gay. Kirker later became the General Secretary of the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement (LGCM). He gave a book to the still-closeted Whiting with counsel to read it. The book, The Lord is my Sheperd and He Knows I’m Gay, was written by Troy Perry, founder of the Metropolitan Community Churches denomination. “That book changed everything in my life,” Rev. Whiting said. Still closeted, Whiting was elected pastor of a church in Tottenham, London. There he made his first visit to an MCC church, Easter Sunday, 1979. He would not return to an MCC for five years, still it opened a door which would never close. He came out to a close friend in 1980 who abruptly reported him to Pentecostal leaders. They asked him to resign as a heretic and he was forced to leave the church where he had pastored since seminary. Rev. Whiting joined MCC of North London in 1985. The advice of a visiting MCC clergy from the U.S., Rev. June Norris, was that he needed to become MCC clergy.

His response, a vehement, “I don’t think so.” Still, being at North London MCC was a very healing experience. It was there he began to reclaim his sense of call. He transferred his Pentecostal credentials and became an MCC assistant pastor. During his time at North London, he experienced a sense of calling to do something new, i.e. plant new churches. One of those new locations was in Manchester where he moved to become their founding pastor. There he also worked in a gay men’s health project. Working with AIDS led to understanding salvation in a different way— saving lives through educating about safer sex. He also worked with Centre du Christ Liberateur in Paris, France, after their pastor was murdered and helped integrate the Paris church into MCC. In 1994 AIDS took one of his closest friends born in Salina, KS. Following his death, that friend’s mother urged Rev. Whiting to apply for the vacant position at MCC of Des Moines. Thanksgiving, 1994, Rev. Paul was elected pastor in Des Moines. He is the longest elected MCC pastor of European descent in the United States. His years pastoring in Des Moines were followed by pastorates in Gainesville and West Palm Beach, Florida and then London, Ontario, Canada before being called to MCC of Topeka. He considers his move to Topeka “a God-provoked thing” to a community where he can make a contribution. His achievements include an autobiography in 2004, Sacred Journeys, available on Amazon. Born and raised in another country, he is deeply troubled and alarmed about racial divisions and gun violence in the U.S. He is passionate to see churches fully integrated. Other tasks he sees before the MCC denomination are 1) the transition of having had defined roles up to and including the AIDS impact 2) national decline of church attendance across all denominations 3) competition for members as other Protestant churches are open and affirming. Rev. Whiting feels MCC’s strength lies in its uniqueness—that it was formed out of a community and not as an offshoot of any one denomination. He believes transitions the denomination is experiencing can be good providing it maintains the idea that community is more important than doctrine. l

PAGE 14 | LIBERTY PRESS | NOVEMBER 2016

WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

Positive Directions moves to smaller space next door

By Jeromiah Taylor WICHITA - On Monday, Oct 24, Positive Directions will move from 414 S. Commerce Street to 416 S. Commerce Street. Brett Hogan, former Prevention Coordinator at Positive Directions, has returned from a brief stint in the Alzheimer’s community as Executive Director of Positive Directions.

Due to Positive Directions outsourcing of various services, board members have decided to move the location into a smaller space. “The big reason we’re moving is because we used to be prevention, case management, food services, housing, and social workers for people living with HIV/AIDS . . . the whole support system,” Hogan said. “Now we’re just prevention.”

The new focus of Positive Directions is prevention and outreach. Hogan has resurrected an old program called Bodyguards, which involves community volunteers. Bodyguards will become the face of Positive Directions, with the name Positive Directions pertaining to the actual corporation. New emphasis has been placed on education. “Our whole mission is now prevention and education,” Hogan said. Hogan has taught classes at WSU and hopes to renew his previous role of going into high schools and talking at GSA’s and other organizations. “We realized we were doing all these things to help people who have [HIV/AIDS] but we want to stop people from getting it,” Hogan said. Hogan feels that younger generations are not bombarded with the same media coverage and sex education that people who were living during the AIDS crisis were. “They may have been told a few times to wear a condom or get tested or something but they don’t really know,” Hogan said. “They haven’t been educated.” Condom distribution at clubs will continue and free testing is always available at Positive Directions, though there will be a pause due to the need to build a new room to guarantee confidentiality. New tests only require a 10day period after exposure to detect HIV. “Ten days, that’s it,” Hogan said. “I can give you a yes or no.” New growth is expected for Positive Directions thanks to pending grants and new support from the community. Hogan hopes to expand personnel and further Positive Directions’ key goals of education and prevention. While a new website is in the works the best place to reach and learn about Positive Directions is on its Facebook page. l

WSU School of Performing Arts/Dance

Wichita Contemporary dance Theatre Fall Concert Friday & Saturday November 18-19 7:30 Miller Concert Hall

Guest Artist choreography:

Charlotte Boye-Christensen - Guest Regina Klenjoski - Guest

Faculty Choreography: Denise Celestin Sabrina Vasquez Cheyla Clawson

Introducing:

“Bass Instinct” conceived and directed by nicholas johnson featuring Live performer/composer - Mark Foley Multimedia Design by Greg Matthias, Curt Rierson, Garrick Enright Photo credit Bartlett PhotoArt

WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. NOVEMBER 2016 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 15

THE TEN TENORS

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JOHNSON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

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Celebrate the season with Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest ever vocal group. Carols, arias and pop tunes - a magical experience for the whole family!

Tickets on sale now! jccc.edu/TheSeries | 913-469-4445 NO ONLINE FEES | FREE PARKING | WINE & BEER AVAILABLE

Pre-Purchase Meal Tickets and Pre-Order Foods before 5 PM on Fri. 11/11 Full Meals and Individual Items Also Available Day Of, While Supplies Last

PAGE 16 | LIBERTY PRESS | NOVEMBER 2016

WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

K-State theater professor brings extensive background to new production

By Ciara Reid, staff reporter MANHATTAN - For those craving a time warp, Kansas State University has got you covered. Just in time for Halloween, the University is producing a performance of The Rocky Horror Show. The production will run Oct. 27-Nov. 6. All performances will be at Mark A. Chapman Theatre at Nichols Hall. By now, most are familiar with the set up: amidst the background of campy sci-fi and B-movies, main characters Brad and Janet become stranded at the home of transvestitescientist, Dr. Frank N. Furter as he unveils and plays with his newest creation - Rocky. Audiences can look forward to crowd participation, a tradition that harkens back to the original live show. The show will be guaranteed to be an entertaining, risqué evening full of song and dance. Jerry Jay Cranford, a professor of theatre at Kansas State University, is the show’s director and choreographer. He has an extensive background in theater, locally and nationally. Cranford has toured the country as the lead in classic musicals such as Singing in the Rain and Anything Goes. He performed in Les Miserables on Broadway, and toured Europe for a year as the featured dance in Evita. In 2007, after four years of playing the Genie in Aladdin the Musical Spectacular at Disneyland, Cranford moved with his husband of 22 years to Kansas City. “I love the KC theatre community!” Cranford says. “I was fortunate to work frequently, most recently as Gomez in The Addams Family Musical for the New Theatre.” Cranford and his husband adopted two girls after their move to Kansas City. Cranford calls fatherhood his greatest role. He is now in his third year at Kansas State University. Cranford has directed productions of Dog Sees Dog, Eight Reindeer Monologues, The Wedding Singer, Santaland

Diaries, and now The Rocky Horror Show. Cranford’s connection to The Rocky Horror Show runs deep. The show was his thesis project many years ago. His mission with this production is to return to the intimacy and risqué nature that became the hallmark of the original show. “The original production was shocking and in your face being staged in small, cabaret space,” Cranford says. “Though the show moved three times, it was always to a space that maintained the intimacy.” One element from the original show that will remain is the audience participation. “Of course you can’t throw things at our actors and spraying water guns at 18 body microphones could be costly, but we can still deliver some of the participation spirit by controlling it,” he says. “Our cast and ensemble will be surrounding the audience, providing many of the elements expected from a midnight viewing.” Cranford wants to invoke the element of surprise in each of the shows. Cranford’s approach to the show will be bold and energetic. “The reception will be interesting as we are not shying away from the charged sexual situations and themes present in the script,” he says. Cranford recalls being only mildly shocked and even a little bored when he first saw the movie. “I can guarantee you will not be bored during this production,” he says. An audience participation kit is also available. The kit includes a flashlight, a newspaper, and confetti. Kits are $8 and available in the lobby before each show. l

Above: Students rehearse for the upcoming Rocky Horror Show, directed by Jerry Jay Cranford. Right: Cranford, left, with his husband of 22 years, and their two daughters. Courtesy Photos

The Rocky Horror Show Oct. 27- Nov. 6, showtimes vary from 7:30, 2:30 and 10:30pm, check www.k-state.edu/ theatre/ for details. Tickets range from $14-19.50

WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. NOVEMBER 2016 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 17

Transgender Veterans By Trevor Reichle

ith Veteran’s Day happening on Nov. 11, communities all over the country will be remembering veterans from all walks of life, both those who came home and those who did not. One segment of veterans that often gets overlooked are trans veterans. Due to current laws and military guidelines that are in place, trans people are often marginalized – or even dismissed – simply for being trans. Three local trans veterans share their stories and what they’ve done since serving.

Grayson Barnes Grayson Barnes served in the Army Reserves from 19791988 as a broadcast journalism specialist. As a broadcast journalist, Barnes covered stories on the reserves and its members to send back to local publications and wrote things like news releases with information that was allowed to be released. Barnes didn’t begin his transition until long after having served and earned his Master’s in Education from Wichita State University in 1997. Barnes now works at Butler Community College, where he has been employed full-time since 2003, teaching art appreciation and humanities classes.

Way helped cook for others serving in that area. Since serving, Way has worked various jobs, primarily in cooking positions. Way didn’t transition until 2014, after meeting her partner, Elle Boatman. Way also attended school for graphic design, having designed logos for various businesses and community events, including Wichita Pride. She spends much of her time, however, involved with WiTCoN (Wichita Tr a n s g e n d e r C o m m u n i t y Network), of which she is the founder. The group strives to build a sense of community and offer support for local trans people.

Elle Boatman

Elle Boatman served in the Air Force from 2001-2011 as a crew chief, focusing on repairing and maintaining various aircraft at McConnell Air Force Base. Boatman transitioned shortly after serving, recently graduated with her Bachelor’s in General Studies from Wichita State University this past summer and is currently job searching. Boatman is also the co-founder of WiTCoN, helping her partner (Way) with projects involving the group. Boatman has also spent much of her time since transitioning as an advocate for the trans community, a role she said she didn’t anticipate initially. Boatman started the popular online project Face Brenda Way of Trans*, which sought to Brenda Way served in the Army highlight and humanize trans from 1981-1985 as an airborne people all over the state of quartermaster. In this position, Kansas and further. l

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PAGE 18 | LIBERTY PRESS | NOVEMBER 2016

Dear Mama, What do you think about people saying there is no good candidates this year so they are not voting? Concerned Voter They may be right about the candidates, but I think there should be a law passed that if you do not vote then you’re not allowed to complain about the

new officeholder. If you do you complain then you have to sit in a room with Donald Trump and listen to him for an hour, then pay a big fine! No one has a right to complain about a politician if they did not vote. Mama has spoken!! Mama, Do you have a Samsung Galaxy Note 7? About to burn up No, I do not have that fire trap. I still have a flip phone by Jitterbug for the older mature woman on the go. I find it amusing that Samsung has stopped production, but still won’t recall the phones. That just burns me up. These phone makers just peeve me off. First no jack on the Apple and now

posse of planets traverse Sagittarius and Capricorn this presidential November. This means that we seek both the worldly and the traditional for our future. Which stellar energy will rule the day? Rub your crystal ball and tell me.

ARIES (MAR. 21 - APRIL 20) Your career will feature front and center now as your ultimate long-term plans are held up to scrutiny. Do you still want to be an astronaut when you grow up, gay Ram? If so you need to seriously get started on that path. If you prefer to just take up space, that will take you on a different path. Whatever you do, get out of your comfort zone and try something or someone new. TAURUS (APRIL 21 - MAY 21) Prepare your stump speech and take your act on the road, queer Bull. This is a great time to travel and see the who, what, when and wheres of life. Adventure can be found around the corner or around the globe. Before you know it, you will spark your passions and perhaps even stoke the passions of someone else. Will it be a volcano or a brush fire? GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21) Concentrate on your most important relationships now, pink Twin. You need to juice them up with excitement, lust and just plain fun. Life has become far too boring for you. If you are on the lookout for your soulmate, it is a great time to look. Check out some new venues. Friends may want to get in on your act, but they may just get in the way. Travel solo to find your duo. CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 23) Get in shape now and see how that enlivens your romantic life. Gay Crabs may lack the energy to stir their pot, but a little whipping action will have a great and positive impact. Become a whirlwind of activity and see who gets pulled into your storm. You will also get a lot of work done on any long-postponed projects. You know, a clean desk can be very sexy.

WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

Samsung fire trap. I say let’s hang up on all of them! Iola, let’s go to the Raytown Mall. Mrs. Harper, What do you think about all these clown sightings around town and the country? Not signed Well for goodness sakes, it is a an election year. The clowns always come out during that time. Maybe it is also the Halloween people just trying to promote a clown costume. Their main spokesperson is the best clown I know. Donald Trump! Someone please bring me a beer and do not vote for him. Dear Mama, What are your plans for Thanksgiving? A Friend Well, I will make a big feast for my ungrateful family. We will eat and then they all will start fighting. I will then be thankful for my six pack of beer in the refrigerator. I also know this is Iola looking for an invite for

LEO (JULY 24 - AUG. 23) The holiday season begins now and that means that any proud Lions with a party plan should put it into effect now. You have some great creative ideas and a group of party hounds to help you put it all together. Stir in a little intrigue and romance with the spiked punch. Create an event that will have them talking for months. Or maybe just jealous, gossipy whispering. VIRGO (AUG. 24 - SEPT. 23) It is time to gather any far-flung family together and celebrate or reminisce. That may mean more overnight guests, queer Virgo. Or it could mean more stressful interactions with folks who you may not see that often and may agree with even less. But all this hard work at building familial bridges will pay off for you in the long-term. There may be one turkey at every gathering. LIBRA (SEPT. 24 - OCT. 23) You are getting right into party season, proud Libra, so don’t scrimp on the gravy and the decorations as you plot your actions. You have some amazing and fun ideas to unleash on your bountiful guests. But before you go totally overboard, check to see if you can muster any helping hands from friends, relatives or partners. The more the merrier . . . and the easier. SCORPIO (OCT. 24 - NOV. 22) Gay Scorps not only have some great ideas, they can also express themselves in a compelling and inspiring way. See where you can take your personal plans and great ideas. Some may pay off in a big way and catapult you into the big monied leagues. Maybe you should run for elected office . . . Not if you want to keep your tax returns to yourself!

dinner on Thanksgiving. Just come over already! Recipe time!

Chinese Salad 1 small can tuna 1 can French-style green beans 1 cup celery, finely diced 1 small can sliced water chestnuts dash garlic salt 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1 small can chow mein noodles Drain can of tuna and can of French-style green beans. Mix together with the celery, sliced water chestnuts (drained), garlic salt, soy sauce, and fresh lemon juice. Stir in the mayonnaise. Chill for several hours. Just before serving, toss in the can of chow mein noodles. Enjoy, and thanks for the continued support! l Have a question for Mama? E-mail MamaTHarper@aol.com.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 - DEC. 22) All of your life experiences will be put to good use now as you have the opportunity to meet, greet and sweep certain folks off their feet. Gay Archers are often discounted, but now you can rise to the occasion and wow the crowds. Ultimately this can result in financial success, but you need to remain practical, methodological and conservative. Uh oh. CAPRICORN (DEC. 23 - JAN. 20) There are things going on behind the scenes that will prove to be instrumental in your personal success, pink Cap. So listen carefully to the undertows of conversation and divine through your gut instinct what your next best steps should be. This can be a profound time where you can take your dreams to the limit. How high is up? Pretty high from here. AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 - FEB. 19) Friends say they know what is best for you now, Aqueerius. Will you let them boss your course or will you take their advice sparingly? Listen to your intuition - you know who has your best interests at heart and who just wants you to remain where you are. All have good intentions, but some are much more cautious. Taking a calculated risk can pay off big. No bigger! PISCES (FEB. 20 - MAR. 20) You will get a career helping hand now, Guppie. So see where you really want to go and start doing what you need to do to get there. Seek out new groups, friends or associations to put you exactly where and with whom you want to be. Will your professional path be a superhighway or a virtual reality? Just be careful who you poke, mon.

(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. NOVEMBER 2016 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 19

What’s New at

G Moms of Trans Youth are Changing the World

n July 12, 2010, I did a presentation for the City of Topeka Human Relations Commission for the purpose of getting them to do a town hall meeting on what it means to be transgender. On Aug. 2, I did that town hall meeting with an amazing man named Matthew Blankers and Matthew’s mom. This was 12 days before the founding of K-STEP. A thought went through my head, as I watched Matthew’s mom share about coming to the realization that when Matthew had come out as trans, she had to choose between her child’s well-being,

in need of her particular kind of power. She is the adult advisor for Beacon Youth Group in Topeka and is involved beyond involved. Moms of TGNC youth have made huge differences in Roeland Park and Manhattan as these two cities have added protections for LGBT citizens. That, is the amazing power I am talking about. I have seen moms across the state make extraordinarily difficult choices so they can support their child’s authenticity. I have seen moms stand up to the bullies who stand in the way of love, doing what they do best, creating an undeniable message that this is not about bathrooms

“Over the years, I have seen the power of moms in creating change.” and her faith. She chose her child. And the thought that went through my head was a simple one, There is no force on the planet more powerful than a mother’s love. Both of Matthew’s parents have become amazing advocates for equality rights for trans and gender non-conforming (TGNC) people. Both of them have come to a different realization about their faith - that loving their child unconditionally is informed by their faith. Over the years, I have seen the power of moms in creating change for TGNC youth. The organization Trans Youth Family Allies (TYFA) was formed by moms. They have made a difference in the lives of thousands and thousands of gender non-conforming kids. Nicole Nesmith is the mom of the TGNC youth, and there is no one I know more impassioned than Nicole when it comes to fighting, giving love to, and being there for anyone who is

or religious beliefs - it is about whether or not you are going to love your child. So as I travel the state and the country and do what I can to stand up for TGNC youth, I share my story and give my well-polished presentation, and I know that it is making a difference. That said, there is no force on the planet more powerful than a mother’s love, especially when that love is for their trans and gender non-conforming child. If you are one of the people who are standing in the way of truth and justice for TGNC youth - if I were you - I’d get out of the way. You got nothing that can stand up to these moms who are fighting to create a different world for their children. l Stephanie Mott is a transgender woman from Topeka. She is the executive director of the Kansas Statewide Transgender Education Project, and a commissioner on the City of Topeka Human Relations Commission. Reach her at stephanieequality@yahoo.com.

reat news with the Center. The Kids Connect group is growing!! Kids Connect is for non-conforming kids pre-K-5th grade and their parents. We knew it would be a slow process, but more and more parents are starting to contact us and are coming to the support group! If you or someone you know needs support for themselves and/or their nonconforming child, please contact us at kidsconnect@ thecenterofwichita.org. Get Connected, our tween group grades 6-12th continues to have great attendance. With the start of school, we always tend to slow down, but our numbers are remaining quite consistent! Which is great news. If you know of any LGBTQIA kids who just want to be themselves and hang out with others, Get Connected is a great place to be. Contact us at thecenterofwichita@gmail. com. WiTCoN continues to be active in the community helping to educate folks on transgender issues. The Wichita LGBT Health Coalition is looking to revamp the Health Coalition website. We are looking for gay-friendly medical providers in the Southeast and Western sections of the state. If you know of any health professional anywhere in the state who has gayfriendly policies, please have them contact us at www. wichitalgbthealth. org where they can request to be added to the site. And from The Center Library: A “coming-of-age coming out story” which was released in time for National Coming Out Day last month. Either Way: A Story of a Gay Kid. “From Day One I Knew There Was

Something Different About Me,” by Sandra Levins, illustrated by Euan Cook, 80 pages, located in the Center’s Library Teen Section. Inside Either Way, you will find three stories braided into one: a coming-of-age coming out story, a lesson on civil rights and marriage equality, and historical fiction about a gay man in the military. And you will read how Cael comes out as gay, comfortable and confident with who he is. Either Way is a graphic novel that teaches teens about the history of gay rights in America while emphasizing the recurring theme that, “It’s okay to be gay, or not. Either way, it’s okay.” Cael sets out to find out who he is—something he wants to know more than anything. With the help of a trusted teacher, a new friend, and his favorite book, he discovers what he knew all along. Look at our updated website, www.thecenterofwichita.org and see some of the changes we are working on! There is more to come as we work to totally revamp. l

PAGE 20 | LIBERTY PRESS | NOVEMBER 2016

WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

Positive Connections moves to new location in Topeka

By Ciara Reid, staff reporter

accessible to their clients either. F o r m e d a s t h e To p e k a AIDS Project in 1985, Positive Connections is Kansasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; oldest HIV/AIDS service organization. Serving Topeka and a 17-county region of rural Northeast Kansas, Positive Connections provides comprehensive services to individuals living with HIV/ AIDS, as well as community education and outreach programs to prevent future infections. Positive Connections completely renovated the new space with new light fixtures,

TOPEKA - Positive Connections has moved to 2044 SW Fillmore in Topeka, and recently hosted a grand opening at its new location on Oct. 25. The move was prompted by the closing of the Marian Clinic, Positive Connectionsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; co-occupant at their 1001 Garfield location, at the end of 2015. The closing left Positive Connections as the sole occupant of the building. Located on the third floor, the organization was not easily

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new flooring, a new roof, and paint. The organization opened for business at the new location on Sept. 26. They are the only occupant in the building, and their space is located on the ground level. The new space features a very accessible food pantry for clients, and a large meeting room big enough to host educational events. For more information, visit www.pcneks.org. l The new location is on the first level making it more accessible.

WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. NOVEMBER 2016 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 21

PAGE 22 | LIBERTY PRESS | NOVEMBER 2016

Minor

Details By Bob Minor

When We Still Excuse This Stuff As Just How Men Talk . . .

o, all our boys and men don’t talk like this. But, when anyone thinks that the justification for offensive remarks about women that amount to sexual harassment and uttered by a presidential candidate is that they’re merely the “locker room” banter boys indulge in regularly, it’s clear that they believe that it’s an effective excuse expressing their view of American culture. Even Pat Robertson who claims to represent Christianity dismissed the words as “macho” talk. If this justification is even used for lesser banter, it abandons our boys to the untruth that this is just how they are – “boys will be boys.” It surrenders our girls to having to cope with a macho gender role that treats them as less than human. If this were how things just are or must be, it would mean giving in to the meme that to get their man, women will have to live down to such objectifying expectations. It would mean that our boys must forgo their humanity to get in line with treating women this way or be ridiculed by other boys as “wimps” and “queer.” We want to say that none of this really goes on in men-only spaces. Many of us have tried to create places and communities

where talk and actions that sound like sexual assault of others aren’t acceptable. But men especially must not dismiss this too quickly. We need to keep our eyes and ears open to the stories so many women recount - when they feel safe to do so - about their regular experiences of sexual harassment, assault, abuse, and rape, because the common

recent most extreme sexual assault claims finally raise a public outcry. If you think such treatment is rare now, younger women have their personal stories to add to the accounts of their elders. When I speak with undergraduate college students, they’re not even sure things have gotten better. It’s recognized by the men and women on campuses who are fighting back with the rise of men’s anti-violence projects and women standing up against campus sexual assault. So, no matter how we want things to be, what we want to believe, or how we experience our own personal relationships, we can’t be too quick to treat this as some anomaly. And if we’re going to change this, we still have work to do, not just deny that this still fits with a lot of mainstream male gender role conditioning.

WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

all of which is just a backward prediction that lacks one thing, observable evidence. I’ve described what I call the “Nine Layers of Getting Laid” that constitute male sexual conditioning for junior and senior high children in Scared Straight, and when I’ve spoken about them to teenagers, they tell me how it’s so true but no one talks about it. They tell me how boys and girls who don’t go along with this are treated as if there’s something wrong with them and even put down as gay or lesbian. Maybe, just maybe, the fact that Hillary Clinton finds herself having to deal with men’s sexual distress from both her husband and her opponent, will inspire us to examine male gender role conditioning around sex and our assumptions about what “boys will be.” I’m skeptical. But there are two pieces of good news. First, our boys and men are not naturally this way. They are fully loving, caring, human beings who do not have to be given up to anger management classes, drugs, or prison. Second, what we’re talking about is not in male genes or in any other way a necessity of some sort of evolutionary theory. It’s learned behavior. That learning is very deep. It’s a role installed by fear of what will happen to a man if he challenges it all in the same way that gay men have learned what can happen to them because they don’t fit in with the straight male gender sexual role that still does not fully include their romantic and sexual attraction to other men. The media, military and athletic industry still promote what must be changed in spite of all their official statements. It will require serious examination of our cultural institutions, ending any denial, and recognizing how women’s liberation is crucial to this. But, let’s start by never falling back on that lame excuse: “boys will be boys.” l

“[I]f anything lurks behind the popularity of Donald Trump, it's the appeal of this American male gender role to so many ...” occurrences of all of this tell us that behind it all there’s a mainstream still teaching boys that this is part of what it is to act manly. And if anything lurks behind the popularity of Donald Trump, it’s the appeal of this American male gender role to so many – a role that includes constant bravado, bullying the weak, never admitting weakness or error, getting revenge on any who offend American masculinity, white male superiority, and r e s e n t m e n t o f w o m e n ’s advancements. It’s no surprise that the possible election of the first woman president feels like a threat to gendered American manhood and that only Trump’s

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If we’re paying attention, an attitude that treats women in a way that puts them down is part of the systemic conditioning of men as a group in our culture. That’s not to say every individual male treats women this way: systemic conditioning is about what happens to a group as learned through what mainstream institutions of our culture teach. Men learn that the masculine gender role is there in the culture with its models of manhood displayed around them, but each male, often feeling alone, makes continual choices about negotiating the conditioning they know is there. Conditioning isn’t determinism and all men are not, thankfully, sexual abusers even if they just remain silent around those who embody it more. It’s, however, too bad that our junior high and high school boys have to go through this when they’re told that it has something to do with the male sex drive. There are even researchers who try to justify this conditioned male sexual role in terms of “prehistoric man” and their “need to spread their seed,”

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. NOVEMBER 2016 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 23

For Youth By Youth About Youth GLSEN's impact on high school students By Isabella Parker

ounded in 1990 by a group of teachers from Massachusetts, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) has been working for decades to improve the safety of LGBTQ+ students in their educational environments. Bullying, discrimination, and abandonment are serious problems that many LGBTQ kids and teens deal with every day not only at school, but in their homes as well. GLSEN continues to work extremely hard to ensure the safety and respect of every student in every educational environment, and they have done so in a variety of ways. GSAs, commonly known as Gay/Straight Alliances, have been spreading through and around Wichita and Kansas since the start of GLSEN. Currently there are 23 schools in the Wichita and surrounding areas that either have a GSA or are working towards developing one, 17 schools have official clubs (two of which are middle schools), and this year there is officially a GSA in every Wichita high school. These clubs provide a safe space for LGBTQ+ kids and teens to feel free and comfortable, and they are also an excellent place for people to find an accepting friend group that can last for years. Liz Hamor, a hard-working and dedicated GLSEN organizer, notes “schools with GSAs have safer environments for all students.” Hamor is one of the major contributors to the incredible

progress that has been made in Wichita. The Greater Wichita Chapter of GLSEN’s primary goal, as Hamor puts it, is “to have safe spaces for students and kids” and educate both students and teachers on how to deal with bullying and harassment. The importance of creating a loving and accepting environment for students is extremely important to GLSEN, and the Wichita area has done an excellent job with creating GSA clubs. Teacher involvement is extremely important in creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ students, and the GLSEN organization has an excellent way to prepare teachers for the difficulties that come with bullying and discrimination. The Professional Development and Training for Educators is available every few months for teachers to attend. It is about six hours long and focuses on how teachers can be a resource of safety and acceptance for all of their students. Hamor makes it clear that in order for students to feel safe in their environments, they need teachers and administrators to “address bullying and harassment, be a visible ally, and use LGBTQ+ friendly curriculum.” Without support from the staff of the school, students will most likely not feel comfortable in their educational environment. The Greater Wichita Chapter of GLSEN has done incredible w o r k in Wich ita an d t h e surrounding areas, and in the next few years they will surely do even more to create safety and acceptance for all LGBTQ+ students. “Every child deserves to be respected, valued, and loved” Hamor said. Because of the GLSEN organization and people like Liz Hamor, we are one step closer to a world of acceptance. l

Love continued from page 26

and discrimination. In some schools, its viewing created controversy. In 2014, a high school teacher in Florida was put on administrative leave for showing it to his students. Charges against him were dropped after Shields went to his defense. Last year here in Kansas, the same fate awaited Tom Leahy, a Conway Springs social studies teacher after he showed it to his junior high class. He was asked to resign and the story garnered national press attention. Shields traveled to Conway Springs to support Leahy As in the Florida case, Leahy was reinstated to his position. In light of its enthusiastic reception as a short film (defined as an original motion picture with a running time of 40 minutes or less), Shields made the decision to adapt it into a feature-length film. She believed that would be a way to reach more people and help

spread the message of what it means to have empathy for those around you. Her idea received a green light and a major studio planned to release the feature film in 2017. However, current events compelled Shields and Tillman to release it themselves. The national tour was planned with the launch being set for Topeka. The film will be available for the public to purchase digitally on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24. When downloads reach one million, one million dollars will be distributed to the charity organizations where the film was shown in each of the 20 cities on the national tour. Shields considers Love Is All You Need? as more of a movement than a movie. She calls it a “movie-ment” and invites the use of the hashtag #moviement to support it. She is currently in development on a slate of projects for film, television and digital: all which explore her mission - “to use media for social change.” l

PAGE 24 | LIBERTY PRESS | NOVEMBER 2016

Leather Life By Nolin Christensen aka Master C

Genetically Dominant or submissive? Editor’s note: This column may contain content that is offensive to some people.

’ve always had an affinity for leather. Having been raised on a cattle ranch and farm, I have always loved the smell of leather. Especially when it became mixed with the sweat of the animal or human that was wearing it. I must have some genetic makeup that makes me like that smell. It has always been a turn-on for me. And the

reason I think it’s genetic is because I have found others who feel the same way. I have always been fascinated with genetics. I first learned about dominant and recessive genes when I was in junior high school science class. And being on the farm, I quickly figured out what genetic traits were dominant and what were recessive in all sorts of the farm animals. These dominant and recessive genes also play a huge part in the Leather and BDSM community. I truly believe that there are people who are genetically dominant and others who are genetically submissive. It’s just “in their nature” as my mama would say. And there has been some research in this area. It’s been determined that some people process pain through pleasure sensors of the body (me). While others (like my sister) who can’t stand pain of any sort. So yes, I do believe that genetics plays a huge part in the Leather community. Not all of us are wired the same and that is what genetics is all about - being

wired differently than the person next to you. Other than possibly identical twins, there are no two people who are wired the same. However, with the new DNA testing that’s being perfected, we are beginning to really find out what genetics is all about. My sister tests true for COPD, I don’t, but we show up as siblings in a DNA test. My twin aunts showed up as a possible twin with the other. It’s

WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

fascinating. But what I would really like to know is if there is a gene for dominance and a gene for submissiveness? I guess only through time and more testing will we ever know. l Master C is the current president of WOOLF, the local leather club. If you have an interest in leather or BDSM, please contact him via www.woolfks. com.

bridges Died: Jason “Jrock” Beard, 45, from cancer on June 30, 2016 in Newton. He was the son of Janet Beard and Leslie (Barbara) Tolbert. 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.

WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. NOVEMBER 2016 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 25 South Central Kansas, 1407 N. Topeka, Wichita, (316) 263-5886, director@ wichitapeace.org, www.wichitapeace. org

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Lawrence, 1263 N. 1100 Rd., (785) 842-3339, www.uufl.net, 9:30am program, 11am service

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

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Manhattan, 481 Zeandale Road, (785) 537-2349, www.uufm.net, services Sundays at 10:45am.

Social Heart of America Men’s Chorus, Wichita, (316) 708-4837, www.hoamc. org

Community Centers The Center, 800 N. Market, Wichita, (316) 285-0007 www.thecenterofwichita. org Kansas State University LGBT Resource Center, 207 A/B Holton Hall, Manhattan, (785) 532-5352, lgbt@kstate.edu, www.k-state-edu/lgbt

Health E.C. Tyree Health & Dental Clinic, 1525 N. Lorraine, Wichita, (316) 6812545, www.tyreeclinic.com HIV/AIDS Client Emergency Fund administrered by the Junction City Teddy Bears, c/o Kevin Stilley, 2 Oak Valley Dr., Manhattan, (785) 556-8188, trlrhouseman@webtv.net, for people in the Manhattan/Junction City area Hunter Health Clinic, 2318 E. Central, Wichita, (316) 262-3611, FREE HIV confidential or anonymous testing with Spanish and Vietnamese interpreters. KU Internal Medicine-Midtown, KU School of Medicine, 1001 N. Minneapolis, Wichita, (316) 293-1840, (877) 472-8227 toll-free, (316) 293-2652 HIV Program LGBT Health Coalition of Sedgwick County, Wichita, (316) 285-0007, www. wichitalgbthealth.org Positive Connections, 1001 SW Garfield Ave, third floor, Topeka, (785) 232-3100, www.pcneks.org Positive Directions, 414 S. Commerce, Wichita, (316) 263-2214, (316) 2635214, www.pdiks.com Sedgwick County Health Dept., 2716 W. Central, Wichita, (316) 660-7300, www.sedgwickcounty.org South Wind Women's Center, 5107 E. Kellogg, Wichita, (316) 260-6934, www.southwindwomenscenter.org, LGBTQIA-friendly health services. The Sweet Emergency Fund, KUSM-W MPA, 1010 N. Kansas, Wichita, (316) 293-3405

Politics/Activism E q u a l i t y K a n s a s , w w w. kansasequalitycoalition.org, chapters across the state. Flint Hills Human Rights Project, fhhrp@yahoo.com Kansas Statewide Transgender Education Project, (785) 215-7436, stephanie.mott@k-step.org, www.kstep.org, provides transgender education and resources. Peace and Social Justice Center of

Junction City Teddy Bears, c/o Kevin Stilley, 2 Oak Valley Dr., Manhattan, (785) 556-8188, trlrhouseman@webtv. net NetworQ, Lawrence, www.Kansas NetworQ.org, events are listed on website and FB page. Wichita Bears, presidentwichitabears@ yahoo.com, www.wichitabears.org Wichita Organization of Leather Fetishes, (316) 201-6242, www. woolfks.com Wichita Prime Timers, ICTPrimeTimers@aol.com, www. primetimersww.com/Wichita, social group for mature gay men.

Spiritual A Journey In The Light Ministries, 2231 S. Bluff, Wichita, (316) 302-6225, Sunday Praise and Worship services at 11am;Wednesday Discipleship Training at 7:30pm. College Hill United Methodist Church, 2930 E. 1st, Wichita, (316) 683-4643, www.collegehillumc.org, Sunday Celebrations at 8:30, 9:40 and 11:00am. First Congregational United Church of Christ, 700 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan, (785) 537-7006, www.uccmanhattan. org, Sunday services at 10:45am; Taize services Thursday at 7pm, An Open and Affirming Congregation. First 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.

Jbell2@usd259.net Wichita Northwest High School GSA, amcdonald@usd259.net, meets every Monday after school. Wichita Southeast High School GSA, (316) 807-2271, psychsteve2@yahoo. com

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

Unity of Wichita, 2160 N. Oliver, (316) 682-7511, www.unityofwichita.com, 10am Sunday service, activities through the week.

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.

Student groups 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 Highland Park High School's Parity, Topeka, LGBTatHP@outlook.com, facebook.com/LGBTatHP Hutchinson High School GSA, faculty advisor: Mr. Westmoreland, chairperson: Kara Vaughn. The Independent School GSA, Wichita, sponsor: Matt Hanne matt. hanne@theindependentschool.com K-State LGBT & Allies, meets every Thursday at 6:30 in Willard Hall, room 120. Lawrence High School GSA, sponsors: Shannon Draper SDraper@usd497.org, and Lindsay Buck LBuck@usd497.org Manhattan High School GSA, mhs_ gsa@hotmail.com Maize South High School GSA, sponsor: Shelly Walston swalston@ usd266.com, meets 2nd Fridays. Pitt State GSA, Pittsburg State University, pittstategaystraightalliance@ gmail.com 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,

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 Get Connected, Wichita, (316) 2850007, LGBTQIA youth group for ages 12-21. Meets at The Center, 800 N. Market, every Friday from 7-9pm. GLSEN Greater Wichita, wichita@ chapters.glsen.org. Headquarters Counseling Center, Lawrence, (785) 841-2345 free 24/7, www.hqcc.lawrence.ks.us Healthy Transitions, for heterosexually married gay men in KC. A phone and face-to-face interview required, Mark McCarthy, LPC (816) 931-0011x4. HIV+ Men’s Support Group, Wichita, (316) 293-3405, mmadecky@kumc.edu Living Positive, a support group for people living with HIV and their caregivers. Meets 1st Tuesdays at 6pm. Call 785-537-7006 for location. 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

PAGE 26 | LIBERTY PRESS | NOVEMBER 2016

WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

Love is All You Need showing kicks off national tour in Topeka By Annette Billings TOPEKA - On Oct. 8 an audience comprised of teens to elders gathered in front of a movie screen on the lawn of the Equality House in Topeka to watch the film Love Is All You Need? It had traveled to Topeka with its director Kim Rocco Shields who also wrote the film. She was accompanied by the film’s co-writer, David Tillman. The night marked the initial viewing in the film’s national tour, which includes 20 cities in 30 days. The choice of the Equality House to be the site to launch the tour had everything to do with Planting Peace’s

mission and its close proximity to Westboro Baptist Church. Love Is All You Need? takes audiences on a journey of what bullying would be like if heterosexuality was considered a horrendous sin and being homosexual was considered normal. Shields doesn’t claim originality in creating a film based on this premise, but she felt previous films were based on comedy. She wanted her film to have a different spin. Her hope was to create a film to help mainstream America understand what it is like to be bullied because you are different. This feature film began as a short film written by Shields

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in 2011. The idea for it came to her in 2010 after a surge in media stories of LGBTQ youth who had been driven to commit suicide as a result of bullying. The news stories impacted her, an out lesbian, deeply and she felt called to try and change the way people think – not only about the LGBTQ community, but about bullying. Based on her belief that people need to feel things in order to make changes, she began to design a film to help audiences feel what it was like to be marginalized, to be “the proverbial other.” Many of the situations in the film are based on true-to-life events that have happened to Shields, her co-writer Tillman (an openly gay man) or on something she read or heard about in the news. There is a scene in the film where a young girl is getting hateful text messages from her peers and each of those messages is an actual message a child being bullied received before

committing suicide. The initial short film received many accolades and won over a dozen film festival awards. It rapidly began to be discussed on thousands of blogs and it was eventually leaked onto the internet in 2013. There, it was viewed around the world and fans translated it into 15 different languages. It received major news network coverage and has been seen by an estimated 50 million people worldwide. As the short film continued to spread, it was quickly welcomed and adapted by educators. They saw its value of being used in classrooms as a conversation starter to discuss bullying continued on page 23

WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. NOVEMBER 2016 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 27

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WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.