PAGE 2 | LIBERTY PRESS | DECEMBER 2016
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
WE FOCUS ON HIV TO HELP YOU FOCUS ON
Ask your doctor if a medicine made by Gilead is right for you.
onepillchoices.com © 2015 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. UNBC1850 03/15
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. DECEMBER 2016 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 3
& In a historic collaboration PRESENT
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s
A Concert Saturday, Feb 11 7:30pm Sunday, Feb 12 2:30pm Century II Concert Hall
Tickets & Information at WichitaSymphony.org 316.267.7658
PAGE 4 | LIBERTY PRESS | DECEMBER 2016
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
LET YOUR INNER-NERD SHINE.
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. DECEMBER 2016 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 5
Liberty Press
Volume 23, No. 4 • Editor: Kristi Parker • Contributors: Beacon Youth Group, Nolin Christensen, Charlene Lichtenstein, Mama, Dr. Robert N. Minor, Stephanie Mott • Staff Reporters: Grayson Barnes, Emily Beckman, Blake Hampton, Isabella Parker, Trevor Reichle, Ciara Reid, Jeromiah Taylor • 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.
PO Box 16315, Wichita, KS 67216 phone: (316) 652-PRESS [7737] e-mail: editor@libertypress.net www.libertypress.net www.facebook.com/LibertyPressKS twitter.com/LibertyPressKS © 2016 The Liberty Press
Around Kansas listings are free to non-profit/volunteer-based groups. Send your additions or corrections to editor@libertypress.net.
Distribution Sites
Inside:
Andover
Andover Public Library
EDITOR'S DESK.......................6 KANSAS NEWS......................10 TRANS-FORMATIVE..............11 WHAT'S NEW AT THE CENTER?...............................11 MINOR DETAILS....................12 BY YOUTH ............................17 NATIONAL NEWS..................17 MAMA KNOWS BEST............18 OUT IN THE STARS...............18 AROUND KANSAS.................23 LEATHER LIFE.......................24 ON THE COVER: Wichita Pride announces June festival...................................15 Interview with Dr. Soni..............21
Derby
Derby High GSA, Derby Public Library
El Dorado
Pathways Psychological Services
Emporia
Emporia State GSA
Hutchinson
Bluebird Books, Hutchinson Community College GSA, Hutchinson High School GSA, PFLAG Hutchinson, Prairie Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
Junction City
Devil's Tail
Kansas City
ACLU of Kansas, Hamburger Mary’s, LIKEME Lighthouse
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 (3 campus locations), Riley County Health Dept., Rockstar Home Fusion, Sisters of Sound Music, Strecker-Nelson Gallery, Varsity Donuts
January 2017 DEADLINE Dec. 21 ON-STANDS Jan. 2
tinyurl.com/herscopes Charlene Lichtenstein’s groundbreaking astrology book HerScopes: A Guide To Astrology For Lesbians is the best in sun sign astrology! The secrets that are revealed about each sign continue to amaze. Makes a great gift.
We Accept
Mulvane
Naughty Tiger Gifts
Newton
Salina
Ad Astra Books and Coffeehouse, The EndIron Inn, Mokas, Mokas South, Peaceful Body Wellness Retreat, Salina Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Saline County Health Dept.
Wichita
Adult Superstore, Albero Cafe, The Anchor, 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, DT's Outlet (West St. location), E.C. Tyree Health & Dental Clinic, Felipe's (N. Woodlawn), Finishing School for Modern Women, First Unitarian Universalist Church, Fit For A Queen, Hell Bomb Tattoo, Hunter Health Clinic, J’s Lounge, Kirby’s, KMUW, KU Internal Medicine - Midtown, Lotus Leaf Cafe, Mead’s Corner, Moe’s Sub Shop, The Monarch, The Orpheum, Peace & Social Justice Center, Picasso's Pizza, Pine Valley Christian Church, Planet Hair, Planet Sub (east), Positive Directions, Rain Café & Lounge, Reverie Coffee Roasters, Rocky's, Saigon, South Wind Women's Center, Spice Merchant, Table of Hope MCC, Tanya's Soup Kitchen, Therapeutic Specialists, Unity of Wichita, Vagabond Coffeeshop, Vegas Video, Watermark Books, 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
Bethel College Student Life Center
Would your business or organization like to be a distribution point? It’s free!
Contact Kristi at editor@libertypress.net to arrange for delivery of complimentary copies.
Don’t Get Out Much? Get a Subscription.
Name:_____________________________________ MAILED Address:___________________________________ FIRST CLASS! City _______________________________________ State______ Zip_____________________________
___ Check Enclosed ____ Please bill my (circle one) Visa Mastercard AMEX Discover
Card # __________________________________________________________________________ Exp. Date:
3-digit security code:
Just send this completed form with $18 to: LP, PO Box 16315, Wichita, KS 672160315. We’ll send you a full year (12 issues) of Liberty Press, mailed every month in a plain brown envelope.
PAGE 6 | LIBERTY PRESS | DECEMBER 2016
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Editor's Desk
I refuse to "give Trump a chance" I’m scared. I’m scared for my business, my community and my country. I’m angry, depressed, sad, in shock, outraged, frightened and worried. I’m disappointed. I don’t want to live in a country that elects the likes of Donald Trump to be President. But running away isn’t feasible. Although I have been avoiding most news since the election, I have been finding comfort in hearing from others who are as wounded as I am. Lambda Legal CEO Rachel B. Tiven wrote the day after, “It hurts. As a woman, a Jew, a queer it hurts that so many people yearn for a white, straight, Christian America that never existed. It hurts that ambition is a bad thing for a woman to have. It hurts that we have made our country a more perfect union, but the racism built into our founding has still not been repealed, and the civil war is still not over.” She goes on to reassure, “Lambda Legal will hold the line when our rights are under attack. We know how to fight the government in the courts when the other branches are closed off - we did it in those dark years after 2004, and still we made progress. We will do it again now - and this time Americans know who we are and stand with us.” I have been encouraged by the protests that I have seen on TV and by the hundreds that have protested in Wichita. But I am still physically ill and I’m still in denial. I have started on the path of “maybe it’ll be okay.” But I can’t fully get there. I haven’t even been able to discuss the trauma from the election with anyone yet - not even my therapist. I read a rebuttal letter in the Wichita Eagle from a woman discounting the people who are telling Democrats to “get over it.” She wrote that we needed more time; that this was huge. And this was especially huge for women who supported Hillary and wanted to live to see a woman President in their lifetime. That was validating. Hillary’s concession speech was uplifting and professional. I thought she was very brave, but I couldn’t understand how she could ask her supporters to give Trump a chance to lead. And then I read Leonard Pitts’ Nov. 21 column: “Is that what Republicans did for Barack Obama when they gathered on the night of his inauguration and plotted a conspiracy of obstructionism to cripple his presidency? Is it what Donald Trump did when he spent years questioning the veracity of an ordinary birth certificate?,” he wrote. He goes on to say that even if Trump accomplishes unfathomable things, “… at the end of the day, the man who did those things would still be a misogynist and bigot.” I agree. I don’t have to give Trump a chance to lead or come together as a country under his leadership. I refuse to join together and “heal” with a buffoon whose plans only include straight, white, male Christians. I, like John Oliver, suggest that we volunteer our time and money to organizations that support our community and back our rights. Locally, The Center of Wichita, the Kansas chapter of the ACLU, Wichita’s GLSEN chapter and Equality Kansas just to name a few. Over the years I have appreciated beyond words the donations that are made to the paper. In fact, just two days after the election I received a $100 donation in the mail and felt a light of hope. I am determined to continue the paper through thick and thin for the next four years and beyond. I don’t want to lose the business. The community is stronger connected.
--Kristi
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. DECEMBER 2016 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 7
PAGE 8 | LIBERTY PRESS | DECEMBER 2016
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Altercation at The Store leaves man with critical injuries
By Kristi Parker, editor
WICHITA - The details are still unclear of what happened in The Store parking lot in the early morning of Oct. 6. Owner Donna Binns couldn’t be reached for comment, but what is clear is the building was struck several times by a pickup driven by John A. Greer. The driver then ran over a man several times before leading police on a brief car chase.
It appears Greer, 38, also tried to set the front door of The Store on fire and did set the man’s SUV on fire before he fled. What isn’t confirmed is the victim, a 33-year-old man, is said to be a new bartender of The Store working his first shift. He was purportedly there with another employee and that the situation was a love triangle of sorts. It’s also not clear what the two were doing at the bar around
John A. Greer courtesy Sedgwick Co. Jail
The truck Greer was driving ran into the front of The Store several times damaging both walls. He also tried to set the front door on fire, dousing it with an accelerant. Photo by Kristi Parker
4:45am, several hours after closing, when the incident occurred. According to KSNW news, police chased the suspect for six minutes before he crashed his truck into a wall at Kellogg and Armour. Greer, of Mulvane, and the victim were both taken to the hospital. The victim suffered critical injuries. Greer was treated and booked into jail for attempted first-degree murder, aggravated arson, arson and fleeing or attempting to elude police, according to jail booking records. Binns was leasing the building that is insured by the owner. Although Binns couldn't be reached, a person close to the situation said she plans to reopen. l
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. DECEMBER 2016 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 9
Happy Holidays from
Gary Massage&Larry Therapists
Myofascial Release & Gary Martens Massage Therapy Larry Bunker
wellness retreat
120 N. Santa Fe in Downtown Salina, KS
www.peacefulbodywellnessretreat.com
Buy $100 worth of Gift CertiÞcates and receive
a $10 Bonus Certificate to use from Jan 1 - March 31, 2017
PAGE 10 | LIBERTY PRESS | DECEMBER 2016
Kansas News American Rose heats up New Year’s Eve WICHITA - American Rose Theatre has steamy plans for New Year’s Eve. The Wichita burlesque group is putting on an event called “Once Upon a New Year’s Dream” that includes dinner, a fairy-tale-themed burlesque show: “Once Upon a Pastie,” a New Year’s Eve Ball (black-tie attire), complete with a champagne toast and entertainment from the Rudy Love’s band, and a shuttle for a hotel stay at Wyndham Gardens. According to organizer Jamie Rhodes (aka Victoria Voluptuous) participants should plan for “an enchanting and magical evening.” It all takes place Saturday, Dec. 31 from 6:30pm-2:00am at Venue 332, Wichita Scottish Rite. There are many ticket options ranging from $30-$300. The group is also o ff e r i n g a n o t h e r burlesque workshop. For those who took the beginners class and/or feel ready to perform, this is an intermediate workshop. It takes place Dec. 17 from 11am– 2pm at Care to Dance studios. The cost is $60. The group routine will be showcased at the New Year’s Eve show. For more information, or to register for the workshop or buy tickets to Once Upon a New Year’s Dream, visit www. americanrosetheater.com.
“Lights, Camera, Christmas!” Christmas music from the movies
By Greg Dalton-White
Kathy Richstatter
KS Realtor ABR, e-PRO, GRI, SRES Kathy@KansasRainbow.com www.KS.PenFedRealty.com
316 316--641 641--3954
WICHITA - Bring the family out for a fun-filled evening of Christmas songs from the movies! Heart of America Men’s Chorus proudly presents “Lights, Camera, Christmas!” The concert will start at 7:30pm on Saturday, Dec. 10 and 4:30pm on Sunday. Dec. 11. Tickets are available at the door - $15 for
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
adults, $5 for students. Groups of ten or more can get a special rate by calling 316-708-4837. The concert includes songs from Elf, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Polar Express and The Nightmare Before Christmas. There will also be hot chocolate, fruitcake and, a medley from the perennial crowd-pleaser, White Christmas, plus many more.
New gay bar opens this month in Old Town WICHITA - Got plans for New Year ’s Eve? If not, a new option is opening that very night catered towards the LGBT community. Owners Jerry
Nguyen and Chad Porter along with general manager Dave Perkins are opening a new dance club called XY Bar. According to a story by Matt Riedl of the Wichita Eagle, the group would like to recreate the success of the Fantasy Complex, which closed in 2015. The guys, whose chromosomes inspired the name XY, found a space at 235 N. Mosley in the heart of Old Town. It’s situated between Revolution Lounge and the Pumphouse in the former Stepps Cocktails and Ales space. A grand opening party is planned for New Year’s Eve and it kicks off early at 11am with a DJ starting at 7pm. There will be a champagne toast at midnight to ring in 2017 and the start of a new gathering spot for the community that focuses on music and dance. For more information, visit facebook.com/xybarict. l
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. DECEMBER 2016 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 11
What’s New at
F Trans in Kansas After the Election
B
eing openly transgender or gender non-conforming in America became noticeably more dangerous during the evening of Nov. 8. People who do not see TGNC Americans as human beings have been further empowered to commit violence in the name of righteousness. There has been a multitude of evidence, in the time since the election, that they are embracing this empowerment with a renewed and mistaken sense of entitlement. A multitude of federal protections will undoubtedly fall away in the early months of a Trump presidency. These protections, put in place under the Obama administration, likely include gender marker changes on passports, fair housing protections, Title IX protections, Title VII protections, and more. There is little doubt that we are going to have to endure four years during which many of the gains of the last decade will be lost. Many, but not all. Most of the struggles for TGNC Kansans will come from the federal government and we will have little opportunity to influence them. As president, Trump will have the ability to change interpretations of policies in all federal agencies. He can issue executive orders reversing existing protections for federal employees and employees of federal contractors. His control of federal agencies will include new interpretations related to policies from the Departments of Justice, State, Education, Labor, Health and Human Services, HUD, and more. There is great concern, and rightly so, about a new Trump appointed Supreme Court
Justice. However, we must remember that the first justice Trump appoints will be replacing one of the most conservative justices in history. The general balance of SCOTUS before Scalia died, will be the same after he is replaced. Marriage equality will withstand this. If Trump were given the opportunity to replace a liberal justice, watch out. At the federal level, the House of Representatives will likely approve most of whatever Trump’s agenda turns out to be. The Senate is another story. The potential to stop extreme appointments and legislation will exist in the Senate. With a margin of 51-49 or 52-48 (depending on the runoff election in Louisiana), there is hope that two or three Republican Senators might break ranks and cross the aisle. If that happens, the appointment of extreme judges, even on the Supreme Court, might be blocked. The same is possible with extreme legislation. In the Kansas Legislature, there was a noticeable shift toward the center. The August primary and the November general election saw several right-wing Republicans replaced by more moderate Republicans and several Democrats. If that shift was enough to bring about positive steps remains to be seen. There is reason to believe that extreme legislation can be defeated. We will want to be ready to call, e-mail, and visit legislators in order to ensure they don’t approve anything harmful. L o c a l l y, t h e r e a r e opportunities to advance equality in cities across the state as city councils and city commissions come up for election in 2017. It turns out that these local government boards have a lot
?
rom the Center library: Newbery Honor-winning author Jacqueline Woodson and Caldecott Honorwinning illustrator E.B. Lewis have created a beautiful picture book with a powerful message that will stay with readers long after they have put it down. When Chloe’s teacher gives a lesson about how even small acts of kindness can change the world, Chloe sets out to make a friend of the new and different friend at school. This is a book that is perfect for a family discussion about diversity and inclusion in our community and in our world. (In the Children’s Section) Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson. A special thank you to all those who have contributed to our new security system. Your contributions are very much appreciated. If others want to help, please contact us at the below e-mail or send to The Center, 800 N Market, Wichita,
KS 67214. The Center needs volunteers! The Center is looking for volunteers for the following areas: Library: Our librarian is in need of help. We are looking for someone to help catalog our new books and to help put everything we have into a library computer system. If you have time or are interested in helping the library, please contact us. Grants and Fundraising: The Center is also looking for volunteers to help with finding and writing grants. We need a person to do grants and another person to help find and oversee fundraising. We want to continue to grow and add additional programs but need the funds to do so. If you know of someone who might be interested in any of these opportunities, please contact the Center at thecenterofwichita@gmail.com. l
to do with what happens in our daily lives. Now is the time to get started building a movement to influence local elections. These local elections are often won by less than 100 votes. Opportunities abound from registering people to vote, identifying equality-minded candidates, and getting people to the table to identify strategies to move forward at the local level. So, all is not lost. There are dark clouds on the horizon, but we have the power to come together and fight for the rights
we already have; maybe even achieve advances. I, for one, plan on putting up the biggest, scrappiest, most powerful resistance to stepping a few decades into the past. Instead, let’s give them a fight that will be written about in history books in the years to come. 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.
PAGE 12 | LIBERTY PRESS | DECEMBER 2016
Minor
Details By Bob Minor
What Now? (Part One: Get Over Appearing Elitist
T
he Big Con on America worked. A perfect storm of many failings (pick your favorite whipping boy) allowed the candidate who won almost two million more votes to lose to a bigoted, offensive, failed businessman. Because consistency isn’t characteristic of this presidentelect, we can’t know what’s in store. Whatever it is, it’ll fatten his pocketbook and ego - his pathological narcissism means the next four years look insecure. Because right-wing Republicans control Congress, their radical agenda with that of their Koch-brother-class owners will likely move forward. Without robust Democratic opposition, given the history of mainstream elite Democratic attempts to make nice, we could witness a major reactionary rightward shift. If those who object shun the 2018 election, as is their habit, these four years look like hell for America’s most vulnerable. Oh, the privileged, especially welloff white males, will do just fine. S o , i t ’s t i m e t o d o everything it takes to correct a repetition of failures this reexposes to engineer a better future. However, many of the establishment institutions involved don’t appear ready to make the necessary changes that will move America out of this mess.
Many are stuck listening to old advisors who told them what they wanted to hear, counseling that demographics would never allow this to happen. This series of columns won’t do that. So, here’s step one: admit there’s an insular nature about recommendations reiterated in organizations run by people who aren’t in touch with workingclass Americans. It’s a result of listening to isolated advisors who believe they know better just because they’re praised by the insulated. Don’t get me wrong, working class Americans have been conned for decades. But when throughout the country they don’t resonate with the advice of the insulated but feel that they’re liberal elites looking down on them as stupid rubes doomed to their prejudices, there‘s little those elites can say or do that will counter the sense that “liberals” see their burden to be correcting poor, unfortunate “middle” Americans. People in this country are, in fact, hurting unless they’re a part of the elites on the left and right. Michael Moore and Bernie Sanders, neither coming across as an elite insider, get it, even if the “Democrat” label they’ve taken on causes their marginalization too. But this sense that workingclass people everywhere, but especially west of the
Support your local gay mag! Own a business? Work for a business? Know a business? Refer them to us. Advertising pays.
Appalachians and east of the Sierra Nevadas, are a problem to be solved by coastal strategists without even listening to progressive activists who live and work among working people in that middle - because liberal elites know better - enforces the image that “liberals” are out of touch. If anything, this election has taught us that if we don’t pay attention to that “middle” that is mocked and spoken of in derogatory terms, its anger and ideas will rule America along with those of the similarly maligned middle south. Don’t get me wrong - many coastal activist allies know this. But it’s time to ask, for example, why all the national progressive organizations that dominate the agenda aren’t located in Middle America? That’s a Democratic Party problem shared by many progressive organizations that visit the Middle, it seems, only with advice and hands out. Maybe in the past they needed to locate near national seats of power, but the Internet and air travel have made that unnecessary. And when new leaders do arrive on a coast from the Midwest and middle south, it’s interesting how quickly many are caught up in a culture of elites with expectations that are no longer in touch with back home. They’ve often actually fled it. Do we need these organizations today to make Connecticut, Boston or New York City bluer? Or is it time to be among people who are moveable but left out? I’ve been a progressive activist working with working people in “middle” America for over 30 years, and, with others out here, I’ve seen progressive organizations and activists preference coastal strategists. What do we know, being in the middle of nowhere? We’re supposed to learn from them, not vice versa, just because they’re in blue territory. Decades ago I led workshops for a local organization that was successfully working with religious leaders on LGBT issues here in middle America. It’s vitality and progress were measured by the facts that it was self-funded and that beginning workshops on “How Homophobia Hurts Us All” were
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
soon enhanced with advanced follow-up. The local organization became merged into a major national LGBT organization that praised the local group’s successful program and said that it intended to use what the local organization was doing as a national model. It made sense out here. It was hardly more than a year before the coastal elites of the national organization, who believed they knew better than people in Middle America, announced that they weren’t going to follow up on those promises. They decided to focus on making coastal connections with other elites there and dissolved the local chapter. The answer is not to start some “outreach” to Middle America. That approach implies that it’s being looked down on with pity, and thought of the way Christian missionaries treated natives. Giving up stereotypes and ending putdowns about working people or flyover country is a beginning. The key is working as equals with the many activists throughout the working-class middle who’ve been advocating for every progressive cause there is - from preventing climate change, to LGBT issues, to ending racism, to workers’ rights, to Democratic policies. I’m not sure if established elites are ready to do this. It means that many would need to surrender some of their power and prestige. They might have to affirm that there are good ideas out here in flyover country that work better. But if we first don’t move out of the insularity of elites, working people - especially in the middle and the South - will continue to react negatively to what they perceive to be those liberals on the coasts whom, they think, couldn’t care less about them except when they need to use those unfortunates. Next in “What Now?” Part Two: It’s Not Either/Or – Let’s Talk Race.” l Robert N. Minor, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies at the University of Kansas, is author of When Religion Is an Addiction; Scared Straight: Why It’s So Hard to Accept Gay People and Why It’s So Hard to Be Human; and Gay & Healthy in a Sick Society. Contact him at www. FairnessProject.org.
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. DECEMBER 2016 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 13
PAGE 14 | LIBERTY PRESS | DECEMBER 2016
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Signature Theatre presents musical, Oliver! WICHITA - The WSR Signature Theatre will present Lionel Bart’s award-winning musical Oliver! on Dec. 2, 3, 9 and 10 at 8pm and Dec. 4 and 11 at 7pm at the Wichita Scottish Rite located at 332 E. 1st St. Oliver! is a musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novel Oliver Twist. The story follows Twist, a young orphan who joins a gang of pickpockets on the streets of London after being forced to leave the workhouse where he grew up. Twist navigates his way with guidance and help from characters like Fagin, the Artful Dodger, Nancy, Mr. Bumble, and Bill Sikes. Killian McGaffin, a 10-year-old member of the
local community, will play the title role of Oliver. The cast includes a total of 35 community members and local children. Bart’s musical is full of recognizable songs including “Food Glorious Food,” “Consider Yourself,” “I’d Do Anything,” and many more. Winner of two Tony Awards and six Oscars, Oliver! has played in 22 languages worldwide. “It’s been a genuine pleasure to work on this musical,” Director Jean Ann Cusick said. “It’s particularly fun to work with these young children and watch their delight when they learn a complicated musical number and realize they’ve succeeded in doing something really hard.”
The cast includes: Gilbert Pearce as Fagin, John DaltonWhite as Mr. Bumble, Jerry Wehry as Bill Sykes, Keely Connolly as Nancy, Abri GeistDennis as Widow Corney, Dan E. Campbell as Mr. Brownlow and Jordan Hill as The Artful Dodger. In addition to Cusick, the crew includes Music Director Diane Houseman, Stage Manager Deb Campbell and Choreographer Molly Tully. Tickets for Oliver! are $18 for table seating, $14 for premium floor seating and $10 for balcony seats. Tickets can be purchased by calling 316-6489043 or at the door. l
John Dalton-White plays Mr. Bumble in the WSR Signature Theatre production of Oliver!
Support your local gay mag! Own a business? Work for a business? Know a business? Refer them to us. Advertising pays.
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. DECEMBER 2016 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 15
Wichita Pride announces June 2017 Festival, asks community for theme and artwork submissions WICHITA - Wichita Pride this month announced the dates for the 2017 Pride March and Festival. After listening to input from Wichita’s LGBTQ community, the Pride board of directors chose the weekend of June 17-18. “Pride celebrations are traditionally a June event across the United States,” Travis Hooper, Wichita Pride president, said. “While we’ve had successful events in September since 2012, many in our community have asked us to move our celebration back to June.”
LGBTQ and allied communities are welcome to submit a theme and artwork for the 2017 celebration. Previous year’s themes have included “Out and About,” “Simply Equal,” “Proud Family,” and more. Artwork and theme will be used on all Pride 2017 printed materials, buttons, and merchandise such as t-shirts. The winning designer will get two free buttons to all Wichita Pride 2017 events, and will be featured in an article in the 2017 Pride Magazine. Themes should be no more than a few words in length. Artwork must be in a scalable
As in the past few years, the Pride festival will be held on a Saturday and Sunday at the MidAmerica All-Indian Center. “We understand people may be concerned about an early June heatwave, and we are taking steps to address those concerns,” Hooper said. “Our parade route is shorter than our last June festival, and we will be setting up water stations along the parade route. “Additionally, the Indian Center is fully air-conditioned, so anyone needing relief may join the party indoors.” Since 2006, Wichita Pride has asked the community for theme suggestions and artwork submissions. Any member of the
vector format, and be legible on items as small as a 3” button. Please design for either a 2.5” x 3.5” rectangle (vertical or horizontal) or a 3.5” diameter round button. Artwork and theme suggestions must be received by Wichita Pride no later than Jan. 7, 2017. Please note: All submitted themes and artwork become the sole property of Wichita Pride, Inc, and may be modified to meet minimum printing standards and layout needs. The winner may include final versions of all applications in their portfolio. Please send questions, or submit designs, to communications@ WichitaPride.org. l
Some past themes include Out and About, Simply Equal and Proud Family.
PAGE 16 | LIBERTY PRESS | DECEMBER 2016
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Y
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. DECEMBER 2016 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 17
For Youth By Youth About Youth Trans youth fears
Provided by the Beacon Youth Group
B
ecause of Beacon, my school’s GSA, and the simple fact that queer kids tend to gravitate towards each other like penguins huddling for warmth in a cold, oppressive environment, a large portion of my friends also identify somewhere along the lines of trans and/or non-binary. And I’m not going to lie, I’m scared.
They are prioritizing the theoretical emotional damage of cisgender kids over the very much real danger that trans students face when forced to delegitimize their own identity. In trying to protect other students, legislation like this puts some of the most vulnerable kids at an even higher risk. I’m lucky enough to attend a school that values the safety of all students, not just the typical ones. I have never felt unsafe in
"I live every day knowing someone I love could take their own life or have it taken from them." I’m scared for myself, and I’m more scared for them. We live in a culture that swings between radical acceptance and brutal hatred, and you never know what will come from who. People who you’ve known for years can turn on you the second they hear of your identity. Being a trans kid in the midst of all that is frankly terrifying at times. Sure, we try to change it. Some ignore it, some get loud, but some can’t take it. Trans youth are committing suicide at epidemic rates. I live every day knowing someone I love could take their own life or have it taken from them. A lot of people seem to be of the opinion that silly bathroom laws couldn’t possibly have any effect on how trans kids are treated, but that is simply not the case. These laws are just one more display of how lawmakers don’t think we deserve safety.
the bathroom, in class, or even walking down the hallway. But this is a reality that many trans students in Kansas simply don’t experience. I don’t want to live in a state that treats youth as if they are nothing, or worse, as if they are tools that can be manipulated for political gain. Trans youth are just as important as everyone else, and we deserve to be treated with respect. People often say that children are the future. It’s a bit cliché, but clichés don’t originate from nowhere. If you want a future that is strong, a future that shines so bright you can see it from where we are now, a future full of people who fight to make change happen, then you will see the importance of protecting this generation, MY generation, from the violent actions of this legislature. We are the change we wish to see. I’m going to protect that change. Will you? l
National News 2016 Best Cities for Gay-Friendly Retirement AUSTIN - SeniorAdvice.com, a leading online information
resource and advocacy site for seniors and their caregivers, recently released the 2016 rankings for the most LGBTfriendly cities for retirement. After an extensive study performed on every city in the U.S., here is the full list: 1. Austin, TX 2. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 3. Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN 4. Atlanta, GA 5. Phoenix, AZ 6. Orlando, FL 7. Tampa, FL 8. Portland, OR 9. Seattle, WA 10. Columbus, OH
11. Salt Lake City, UT 12. Dallas, TX 13. Las Vegas, NV 14. San Francisco, CA 15. Houston, TX
This ranking was determined using the site’s proprietary data-driven algorithm called SeniorScore, which evaluates over 100 variables across four broad categories to determine the most senior-friendly locations in America. The site also evaluated a number of metrics that are of specific interest to members of the LGBT community, such as overall gay and lesbian population, legal protections, and support for LGBT-owned businesses. l
PAGE 18 | LIBERTY PRESS | DECEMBER 2016
not tell Ellen or Eunice, or I will kill you. Mama, Are you as upset over the election as most people are? Depressed Dear Mama, How do you prepare your turkey and dressing? First Turkey Cooker I thaw it then rub butter on it then put in an oven bag with a little flour then bake it at the correct temperature and time. By the time I am done cooking all the sides I am pooped so Stove Top in a box is my stuffing. Do
Well, I am because I know that a really inexperienced idiot is taking over. There is nothing we can do but watch him fail. I am going to pray a lot and drink a beer! He is even worse than my ungrateful children! What do you think of all these so-called news sites on Facebook? Not signed I think they are to blame on dividing America, especially during the election. Half that
G
et your ho, ho, hos together and plan for a jolly December. Jupiter in luscious Libra trines lovely Venus and expands our capacity of delicious opportunities. Have you been naughty or nice? Does it really matter?
crap about either candidate was not true. They need to somehow fine or put a handle on those sites. We as readers need to smart up and not believe everything we read on Facebook. It is time we as Americans get educated and quit being so butt hurt over the smallest things (like a Starbucks cup). Let us all grow the hell up America!! Dear Mama, Do you really think that there is a honey bee problem? Buzzing Wake up and smell the coffee. Yes they are on the endangered species list. So this spring, plant lots of flowers to encourage honey bees. Iola and I are doing our part in the neighborhood, so you all need to do your part as well. LET’S MAKE AMERICA HONEYFUL AGAIN! He he he he!
Have a question for Mama? E-mail MamaTHarper@aol.com.
ARIES (MAR. 21 - APRIL 20) Relationships are the be all and end all now. If two hearts happen to meet under the mistletoe, two worlds could possibly collide. For proud Rams, that can mean a more meaningful and deeper connection with your current partner or it can mean falling head over heels in a new relationship. Hold onto your heart and see who tries to grab it. How grabby do you want it??
LEO (JULY 24 - AUG. 23) You not only have the gift of gab, you also know just where to spread your good word so it has the greatest beneficial impact. Use this time to reach compromise between warring parties or create a union of like-minded people. Proud Lions are able to forge new influential and emotionally binding relationships now. Can you put in a good word with Santa for me?
TAURUS (APRIL 21 - MAY 21) You wow them at work gay Bull. Will you spend your professional currency on moving your career forward, making new and powerful connections or stoking the wave of the adoration? Try a combination of all three while your stock price is high. Of course anything can happen along the way to success but if you play it right, you could float on the love until retirement.
VIRGO (AUG. 24 - SEPT. 23) Check out the great gifts under the tree, gay Virgo. You seem to get whatever you want now. Think carefully about what you really want. If you remain generous and share all that you receive it will also help you feel content and happy. It is the season of giving and receiving, but you will find that the more you give, the better you will feel. Ah sure . . .
GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21) This may be the time to hitch a ride on Santa’s sleigh and see where life takes you. Pink Twins are up for fun and adventure at this time. A little change of scenery will open your eyes to new possibilities. Travel to new places that might challenge your world view or inspire you. It’s time to see the world with fresh eyes. And maybe get a little fresh yourself.
LIBRA (SEPT. 24 - OCT. 23) You are the one to know, as your party calendar fills to overflowing. Will you be able to accept every invitation? Probably not so try to be choosy without being aloof, proud Libra. Those who you meet now will figure prominently in the months ahead. Have a great idea that needs a benefactor? This is the time to show it to the world . . . or to a select few merry elves.
CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 23) Plan a series of home-based holiday parties now, gay Crab. They can be as large and noteworthy or as small and intimate as you like. You have a lot of festive ideas and will attract a luminous crowd to any event you plan. Maybe it is because of the great food and drink, or the jovial atmosphere or the attractive crowd . . . or maybe it’s that mistletoe hat.
SCORPIO (OCT. 24 - NOV. 22) There are good and lucky vibes swirling in the background which bodes well for any of your more behind-the-scenes ventures or projects. Queer Scorps are in their secretive element now and can successfully work undetected. Will you reveal your ultimate plans to close family members or a certain special someone? They would have to be especially close and special!
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Beer Butt Chicken 1 tsp paprika 2 tsp chili powder 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp salt 1 tsp black pepper 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1 tbsp packed brown sugar 2 12 oz cans of beer 1 onion, coarsely chopped 2 cloves garlic, chopped 2 chickens To make the marinade, combine the paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and brown sugar in a bowl. Rub the marinade all over the chicken. Take the tops off two 12 oz cans of beer and empty them about half way. Place 1/2 of the chopped onion in each beer can along with a clove of chopped garlic. Stand the chickens on the cans. Balance the cans on a medium-hot grill (indirect heat) for about 1 1/2 hours with the grill closed. l
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 - DEC. 22) Friends want to get into your act and you are happy to oblige, gay Archer. Get involved and help in a greater group effort or set yourself up to lead a large group of like-minded people. You have leadership capabilities and a need to take charge now. And why not? The end result will be a festive get-together that celebrates the season. Heck, any excuse will do! CAPRICORN (DEC. 23 - JAN. 20) You can climb the corporate ladder as high as you want or are able to now, pink Cap. And that is because all of the hard work and political seeds you have planted begin to sprout. (You have been working hard, haven’t you?) Take advantage of any opportunity, including a select office holiday party. You never know whose eggnog you will fill. And let’s hope it is spiked! AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 - FEB. 19) The world is your oyster, Aqueerius. Will you have the adoring crowd come to you or will you venture forth and discover new adventures? The temptation will be for you to stay out and have the world come to you. But think of what you might be missing. You have extra charisma now and don’t have to do much to draw a crowd. Maybe it’s the Santa suit? PISCES (FEB. 20 - MAR. 20) Your secret admirer makes their big sexy move now, Guppie. Oh will you be surprised! (And hopefully happily about it.) Look your best and be prepared to be impressed and flattered. Expect the unexpected as delightful surprises festoon your holiday season. It will be a time of lucky breaks, fun and frolic. Some people have all the luck!
(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. DECEMBER 2016 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 19
PAGE 20 | LIBERTY PRESS | DECEMBER 2016
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
The Ten Tenors to perform at JCCC
OVERLAND PARK – The Ten Tenors might put you in the holiday spirit in more than one way. Australia’s most famous musical export will perform its “Home for the Holidays” concert twice early in December at Johnson County Community College. Besides bringing Christmas cheer, the singing troupe invites you to share in its fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. More on that in a minute. The 10 guys who make up The Ten Tenors will perform at 2pm and 8pm on Saturday,
Dec. 3, in the Carlsen Center’s Yardley Hall. Their holiday concert features traditional and contemporary favorites such as Joy to the World, Sleigh Ride, White Christmas and Amazing Grace. Tickets range from $33$49. For details and a twominute show reel, visit jccc.edu/ TheSeries. Last year, The Ten Tenors raised nearly $1 million for the Children’s Hospital Foundation in Brisbane by donating a portion of the proceeds from the sale of their album, Our Christmas Wish. This year, the group wants to do the same kind
of thing with the same album for children in the United States. From Nov. 1-Jan. 31, The Ten Tenors are donating 100% of their net proceeds, no less than $3.50 for every album sold on Amazon - the exclusive retail partner in the United States - to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. St. Jude leads the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
Support for St. Jude helps ensure that families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. T h e Te n Te n o r s h a v e performed alongside a range of diverse artists, including Lionel Richie, Rod Stewart, Andrea Boccelli, Alanis Morissette, Willie Nelson and Christina Aguilera. l
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. DECEMBER 2016 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 21
Local psychiatrist a longtime champion of LGBT community
By Ciara Reid, staff reporter L AW R E N C E - D r. H i t e n Soni loves what he does. A psychiatrist with a focus on LGBT issues, Dr. Soni opened Interpersonal Psychiatry in 2013 in Lawrence, recognizing the need for psychiatry assistance and support in the community. Well into his 30s, Dr. Soni was on a very different career path as an environmental engineer with the Environmental Protection Agency. Over time, he became increasingly dissatisfied with his career. “My lifelong dream was to become a doctor,” Dr. Soni says. “At the age of 38, I quit my job and pursued medical school. I graduated from Psychiatry residency in 2013 from UMKC.” It was in medical school that Dr. Soni developed a passion for the LGBT community, becoming friends with LGBT medical students during his training. He noticed that the psychiatry residency did not address “mainstream” sexuality issues, let alone LGBT-related issues. So he obtained additional training at Florida Postgraduate Institute for Sex Therapy and Analytical Institute of Greater Kansas City. He began educating himself on the issues and attending training events. “I wanted to focus on the entire person and not just treat my patients as having an illness,” he says of his approach. He discovered that the many issues faced by the patients were not necessarily mental illness in the traditional sense, but the stresses of conforming
to societal norms. “I soon gained insight that sexuality is very fluid and society’s norm does not accept the natural variance.” Dr. Soni says that once an individual discovers oneself outside of the artificial normality, there is potential for experiencing inadequacy, and that it is entirely natural to have variance in one’s sexuality. “We do not offer treatment for being LGBT, as it is not an illness at all,” he stresses. “We offer treatment for the damage inflicted on a naturally variant individual. My long-term goal is to remove any sexual variance from the realm of mental illness altogether.” His passion for the LGBT community extends to educating as many people as he can reach throughout Kansas and Missouri. Recently, Dr. Soni spoke to school counselors at a Missouri school district regarding the development of guidelines for trans students. Dr. Soni’s practice, Interpersonal Psychiatry, offers services to Trans patients regardless of their ability to pay. “Our practice thrives on supporting the LGBT community in their struggle to reach equality in all fronts,” he says. The recent election has undoubtedly triggered high anxiety in the LGBT community. Dr. Soni says that now more than ever, we must offer support and acceptance to all minorities, specifically members of the LGBT community. D r. S o n i w a s a l s o a featured presenter at the recent TransKansas Conference. His presentation, titled “The Letter,” focused on the requirement that trans persons who intend to have surgical procedures related to their transition must
obtain a letter from a psychiatrist attesting to the need for the surgery. “The ‘letter’ requirement is often seen as an obstacle, with the mental health provider unwittingly becoming the ‘gate keeper,’” he explains. “I find this letter requirement demeaning to a person’s sovereignty over their body and infringement of one’s right to pursue happiness. A cis-woman desiring cosmetic breast enhancement surgeries is not subjected to any such gate-keeping. Why should a trans-woman be subjected to such requirement? A cis-male wanting hair plugs needs no such evaluation, so why should trans-male be subjected to such a requirement.” Dr. Soni says that the response to his presentation has been overwhelmingly positive, and he has had wonderful conversations with parents of adolescent LGBT about their struggles in smaller communities in the Midwest. For more information, visit www.ip-psych.com. l
Surviving the holidays for the LGBT community
T
he holidays can be a wonderful but stressful time for many, but those in the LGBT community may be facing additional stress depending on their family’s level of acceptance of their sexuality. Dr. Soni’s advice is simple: be as authentic as you can be. “If your immediate family rejects you for being who you are, then please forgive them,” he suggests. “Just as the other members of society have a right to display their natural variance, so do you.” Being born in a particular family is a cosmic accident, says Dr. Soni. Family, however, is not necessarily defined by this accident. “Seek out alternative family that will accept you for you and all your variances without having to apologize for who you are on the inside,” he suggested. l
Start your holiday shopping
at the Wild Side!!
Jewelry, bath and body products, clothing -
something for everyone . . .
naughty or nice!
(785) 776-2252
1128 Moro Manhattan, KS 66502 11am-6:30pm M-F • 11am-6pm Sat.
DUSTY RHODES I am excited to have the great services of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate to offer to you.
Call/Text 316.519.2112 Email: Dusty@DustysHomes.com
Web: www.DustysHomes.com
I
g
H
E
PAGE 22 | LIBERTY PRESS | DECEMBER 2016
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!
DEC. 20-22 • CENTURY II CONCERT HALL 316.303.8100 • BroadwayWichita.com
Tickets available online and at the Century II Concert Hall box office. Groups 10+: 1.866.314.7687
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. DECEMBER 2016 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 23 Wichita, (316) 263-5886, director@ wichitapeace.org, www.wichitapeace. org
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 South Central Kansas, 1407 N. Topeka,
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, PO Box 3275, 67201, 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.
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
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.
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 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.
Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Wichita Northwest High School GSA, amcdonald@usd259.net, meets every Monday after school.
Wichita Heights High School GSA, nmagoon@usd259.net
Wichita Northeast High School GSA, Jbell2@usd259.net
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.com, 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 24 | LIBERTY PRESS | DECEMBER 2016
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Leather Life By Nolin Christensen aka Master C
Switches Editor’s note: This column may contain content that is offensive to some people.
R
ecently several of us had a discussion about Switching. First let me explain in the leather world what switches are. Switches are individuals who like to play both Dom and sub roles. They enjoy both aspects of a D/s relationship. While there is nothing wrong with switching, there are some things that need to be considered. Historically, when the leather community was going through its initial creation and then well into the 1980’s, switches were regarded as someone who had not made up their mind. It was either you were a sub or you were a Dom. And while some sub’s graduated to being a Dom, it still was either you were a sub or you were a Dom. Nowadays, it’s more accepted but the old saying was that if you were someone who liked to switch, that was fine, but don’t do it in your own community. If you wanted to switch, you went to another city to do so. There is a lot of wisdom in this. It makes it very difficult to the locals if you are always switching. They never know which you will be each time they see you. That’s why it’s easier for everyone if you play one role in your local community and the other elsewhere. I’ve seen many times where someone would switch and people would come up to me all confused and ask what was going on because the last time they saw the person,
they were something else. It makes it very hard for people who are new to the leather community to understand the community in general without having to try and understand why a person is one way one time and another way another time. Now realize, this bit of wisdom is for when you are out in the greater community. What you do in your own house is totally different. You be what you want to be in private. It’s the public setting I’m talking about here. (Because, personally, I don’t care what you do in the privacy of your own home or bedroom). So yes, you can be a switch, but to make it easier for those around you to understand, it’s best that when you’re in your local community you always present as one specific way, Dom or sub. This is also true for topping and bottoming although it seems to have much more leeway. Now for those who are prominent members of the leather community, it becomes harder for you - especially if you are known nationally - it becomes very hard to switch because everyone knows what role you are. One of the holdovers from the old original leather traditions is that there are still people who will not respect someone who is a switch, especially if they are switching within their own community. We’ve come a long way from the 50’s, where there was no respect at all, but there is still a long way to go when it comes to respecting switches in the current times. We still are not quite there yet. So, don’t be offended if you are a switch and it seems that people don’t respect you. We are still evolving and learning. 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.
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. DECEMBER 2016 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 25
Breakfast For The Soul features healthy repast WICHITA - Nourish spirit and body at Breakfast For the Soul, an informational event and family-friendly gathering meant to recharge and take a bit of time away from the holiday rush. Breakfast for the Soul, hosted by First Unitarian Universalist Church of Wichita,
will take place Saturday morning, Dec. 17 from 8am1pm, at 7202 E. 21st St. Free child care will be provided; tickets are $7 for adults and $3 for kids.
Tables with information and resources on spiritual practices that emphasize meditation and other stress-reducing activities will be available, including information about new meditation classes to begin at the church Jan. 23. The breakfast will feature a hearty repast served on eco-friendly tableware. The menu will include healthy, vegan blueberry muffins and pancakes, fruit toppings, and maple syrup; bacon, sausage, and egg casserole; and coffee, tea, and juice. A 50/50 raffle will round out the event. All proceeds will go to support First Unitarian Universalist Church of Wichita. For more information or to reserve seats, contact the church office at 316-684-3481. l
PAGE 26 | LIBERTY PRESS | DECEMBER 2016
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
The Final Say - Diatribe
President-elect has instilled fear, depression and rage.
I
have no idea where to begin. All I know is that I cannot think of anything else. I cannot WRITE about anything else. I am a Pagan, vegetarian, multi-ethnic, Pansexual Transman and I am frightened. I am an educator and I don’t know what to say. It’s because of our PresidentElect. Since the election I have been physically ill. I stayed in my bed as often as I could, because at least asleep, I wouldn’t have to deal with it. If I wasn’t asleep, I was binge-watching something on TV to stay distracted. Something without commercials or commentary. I thought I was just depressed -- you know, that lovely cycle again. I thought I was simply sad that my fellow Americans had elected a narcissistic misogynist. I have personally lived with that before, therefore I felt I was merely responding to the echo of my own psychological history, if you will. Then I got stupidly angry. I discovered myself blowing minor slights out of proportion: the guy walking on the wrong side of the street, the lady who insisted on letting her dog poop in my yard, or the parent that wouldn’t deal with her screaming child in the grocery store. I found myself sporting for a fight. Luckily I didn’t run down the guy on the street, even though, I confess, I REALLY considered it. Nor did I yell at the (what I thought was
By Grayson Barnes
the) irresponsibility of those two women, because I was educated to be a law-abiding and TOLERANT person. So what was the root of my depression and rage? When I got out of my own way enough, I realized underneath it all was fear. I felt cornered and wanted to chew a hole right through the chests of my attackers. To me it was EVERYONE out there. I was reduced to an animal. Scarily enough, I don’t think I am alone in my fear. When I did manage, mostly by accident, to catch the news, or something on FB, I witnessed the surge in hate crimes. Close friends have reported being attacked. An unfortunate number of my Trans-siblings have chosen suicide. People are leaving hateful notes telling their Black, Gay, Lesbian, Trans, or Muslim neighbors to move. Graffiti cleaners are scrubbing more swastikas from buildings. (Of course, a part of me sarcastically notes that if one is going to PAINT a swastika on something, PLEASE make it correctly. Otherwise it is an entirely different symbol.) Every Alt-right sieg-heil salute slashes at me. As an historian, I understand the origin of this gesture. Ancient Romans used it as their sign of unity against the barbarians. It has since been distilled by neo-Nazism into an act exhibiting White, Right-Wing, Nationalism. We know, in their minds, who the “barbarians” are now.
Reporting, Safety, Self-Help: Southern Poverty Law Center: www.splcenter.org The Trevor Project: www.thetrevorproject.org/ National Suicide Prevention Hotline: suicidepreventionlifeline.org/# I recall the analogy where, once the toothpaste is squeezed out of the tube, it’s impossible to put it back. What this election has done is show Americans, in one great flood, the misogyny, xenophobia, ableism, racism, and the gender- and religiousphobia that we were previously capable of dealing with in little squeezes. Now my fear is ALL out there too. And it isn’t just about me. I am a veteran, I enlisted to protect an America where EVERYONE can live free. Just don’t know which way the enemy is coming from. It’s a warrior’s dilemma. When I go out into the world, I look at the faces of my fellow Americans and wonder which one might paint “FAG” on
someone’s car; which one would deny my friends on disability their benefits and medications; which one wants ME, the abomination, dead. How can I protect my people under these circumstances? Especially when I can no longer trust language. The rhetoric of our PresidentElect was previously divisive, lacking in fact, and, on this side of the election, full of back-peddling. His potential appointees to major offices are scary, scary people. Above my fear, though, I am still angry. I will use that emotion as constructively as possible in order to continue to fight for the America that I envision. Since I am only one man, I will have to work contextually in my resistance. I will say something if I see something. I will stop it if I can. I will do whatever I can to be the change I want to see. I will proudly hold anyone’s hand who feels marginalized. Together we can be a whirlwind. l
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. DECEMBER 2016 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 27
PAGE 28 | LIBERTY PRESS | DECEMBER 2016
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
GRAND OPENING PARTY: DEC 31 DOORS OPEN AT 11:00 AM, DJ AT 7:00 PM XY is a new bar opening in old town to serve the LGBTQ community. The bar has a metropolitan vibe with an emphasis on music and dance. XY is proud to welcome people of all sexual orientations. Join us for our grand opening celebration on New Year’s Eve and stay for the champagne toast at midngiht. Doors open at 11:00 am and the DJ starts at 7:00 pm. It’ll be sure to be a night you won’t forget. Let’s ring in the New Year together!
DRINKS MUSIC
DANCING
C H A M PA G N E A L L A R O U N D AT M I D N I G H T O N N E W Y E A R ’ S E V E 235 N. Mosley, Wichita KS
|
21+
|
facebook.com/xybarict