Liberty Press Jan 2017 by Liberty Press Kansas

PAGE 2 | LIBERTY PRESS | JANUARY 2017

WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

GIRL THE K-STATE DRAG SHOW

WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. JANUARY 2017 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 3

Feeling Frosty Free Testing & Education

A Silent Art Auction

Drag Performances Fun Games & Trivia $2 Domestics $3 Martinis Hosted By Paul Johnson

Thursday,

Jan19th 7-9 pm

518 EAST DOUGLAS AVE

PAGE 4 | LIBERTY PRESS | JANUARY 2017

WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. JANUARY 2017 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 5

Liberty Press

Volume 23, No. 5 • Editor: Kristi Parker • Contributors: Nolin Christensen, Charlene Lichtenstein, Mama, Dr. Robert N. Minor, Stephanie Mott, Kevin Stilley • Staff Reporters: Grayson Barnes, Emily Beckman, Blake Hampton, Isabella Parker, Trevor Reichle, Ciara Reid, Jeromiah Taylor • Cover Design: Troy Dilport, photo by Jennifer Mounts • Graphic Designer: Troy Dilport • Webmaster: Ren Autrey • Publisher: Liberty Press, LLC • Printer: Valley Offset Printing National Advertising: Rivendell Media, (212) 242-96863

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OP/ED......................................6 KANSAS NEWS......................11 TRANS-FORMATIVE...............11 MINOR DETAILS....................12 MAMA KNOWS BEST............18 OUT IN THE STARS...............18 LEATHER LIFE.......................19 AROUND KANSAS.................20 ON THE COVER: 36th Annual Air Capital Open ..... ..........................................14,21

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February 2017 DEADLINE Jan. 25 ON-STANDS Feb. 3

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.

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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 Wichita Bar History Dear Editor: In the November OP/ ED Kenny Warner, a former employee/bartender at the Fantasy Complex, suggested that someone should compile a list or history of the gay bars in Wichita before all the older folk who would remember them are gone. Well it just so happens that there is such a list of the history of Wichita gay bars. About four years ago a professor at WSU started the effort to find out all he could about these bars, dating back to the 1950’s. Wi t h t h e h e l p o f o u r organization The Wichita Prime Timers, (a social club for mature gay and bisexual men), this professor was able to comprise a fairly accurate and extensive history of Wichita gay bars from the 1950’s-2014. Our membership at Wichita Prime Timers scans many age groups, which was a great help in compiling this list, in that the older members were able to supply info on the earlier

bars they remembered, and the not so old and younger could provide info on the later and more current bars. I think the result is a very comprehensive history of Wichita gay bars, and also mentions some of the cruise areas and after bar diners. About two years ago members of Wichita Prime Timers were presented with the completed history (about 11 pages with some repeats) by the above forementioned professor. If Kenny would e-mail me at joey33M@ yahoo.com, I would be able to send him a copy of the list I received two years ago. Joe Mueller

Thank You Dear editor: I just wanted to thank you, as always, for what you do. But particularly for your latest editorial. And to tell you that I felt, in my little world, an explosion of people desperately seeking a useful place for their energies after the election. Your paper is vital to this! There are so many of us wanting to connect and support, and your paper is the conduit. Don’t lose hope. You and I have so much in common. In your struggle, you fight not only for the LGBT community, you are standing up for HUMAN rights. Standing up for human rights for gay, lesbian and transgender persons is standing up for all of us. Thank you Thank you Thank you. Karen Wild

WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

Red Ribbon Week marks World AIDS Day in Manhattan

By Kevin Stilley

MANHATTAN - Once again, the Manhattan/Junction City community observed World AIDS Day with several days of activities. K-State’s Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA) distributed condoms and information about HIV and other STI’s in the Union TuesdayThursday. Thursday evening, a Service of Remembrance was held at First Congregational Church. The service was led by Pastor Caela Simmons Wood. Michael Swanner, HIV case manager with Positive Connections, spoke about where things stand with HIV in the United States today. He addressed treatment, at-risk populations, and services available locally. A candle-lighting ceremony promoting Safety, Education,

Compassion and Hope was conducted by Holly Nelson, Adam Carr and Seth Dills, executive board members of SAGA. A candlelight vigil followed in silence, with audience members stating the names aloud of loved ones who had died from AIDS or were living with HIV. Music was provided by Dr. Mary Ellen Sutton on the piano, Henry Law on the trombone, and a moving rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow by K-State theater major Rachel Hunt, accompanied by her father, Paul Hunt, also on trombone. Refreshments were provided after the service by members of the church. On Friday evening, SAGA hosted the Red Ribbon Ball. This annual event is a Prom-like experience for K-State students, community members and area high school students. Held in

WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. JANUARY 2017 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 7

The Executive Board of SAGA from left: Adam Carr, Meredith Drake, Holly Nelson, and Seth Dills with Kevin Stilley at the Red Ribbon Ball.

Frith Community Center at K-State, the evening was emceed by Ty Woo, who also entertained with drag performances. Food, punch and dancing were plentiful. Brandon Haddock, director of the KSU LGBT Resource Center, took formal photos to commemorate the evening. Sponsors included the Flint Hills Human Rights Project and the Junction City Teddy Bears. Proceeds from the event benefit Duane’s Food Pantry, administered by Positive Connections for persons living with HIV in the Manhattan/ Junction City area. The final event this year was the 11th annual Red Ribbon Revue at the Devil’s Tail in Junction City. Presented by Miss Allie Monet, and co-hosted by Brihanna Jayde, this open cast show is always a first-class performance. This year ’s theme was “Music through the Decades.” The first set featured songs from the 80’s, the second from

the 90’s and the final set from 2000 forward. A narration was read at the beginning of each set giving a chronology of the history of the AIDS pandemic for that decade, as well as trends in popular music for the period. The show opened with the Village People’s Ready for the 80’s to set the tone. Volunteer performers were Brock Hard, Vanity Monster, Ty Woo, Olive D. Cox, Anita Mann, all of the local area; and Velocity Solstice of Topeka. Performers comprised a wide variety of ages and backgrounds, so the music was varied, truly something for everyone. DJ Jakobi kept the crowd dancing between sets. A capacity crowd was in attendance, and almost $800 was raised, including a donation from the club’s owner, Nikki Londeen. All proceeds will benefit Positive Connections’ Emergency Fund for persons living with HIV. Get Tested. Know your status. Reduce the Stigma. l

Cast of the Red Ribbon Revue from left: Ty Woo, Olive D. Cox, Anita Mann, Vanity Monster, Brock Hard, Velocity Solstice and Brihanna Jayde, Allie Monet (kneeling).

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WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

Tale by late KC lesbian author “runs even beyond the last page”

REVIEW By Grayson Barnes KANSAS CITY - Sandra Moran’s first book was her last. Already an award-winning novelist, after four other books, she started reworking the first one she had written but not published. The final revision of State of Grace (Bywater Books, $18.95) was completed in September 2015. By October, Moran was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer. She died on Nov. 7, 2015 in the arms of her spouse, Cheryl Pletcher, and surrounded by family and friends. She was 46. State of Grace was printed posthumously with a forward by Pletcher. Moran had a varied background. She was a reporter for the Topeka Capital-Journal and the Lawrence JournalWorld, was the deputy press secretary for Kansas Governor Bill Graves, and taught as an assistant adjunct professor at Johnson County Community

College. Her dive into the fiction-writing world didn’t start until she was. Letters Never Sent was Moran’s first published novel and won four awards, including the 2013 Rainbow Awards Best Lesbian Historical Romance and Best Lesbian Debut. A few years ago, the Sandra Moran Radio Book Club began, an LGBT book discussion on KKFI 90.1 FM out of Kansas City, MO. Elizabeth Andersen hosts the discussions. It is one program of The Tenth Voice, an LGBT public affairs show on the station. In September 2016, the show examined Moran’s Letters Never Sent. The characters in Moran’s books are intriguing. They are broken just enough to be believable – complex, yet capable of clarity. That doesn’t necessarily mean we will get the whole story, though, because the tale runs even beyond the last page.

In State of Grace, Moran stepped away from lesbian lives and created a more “mainstream book” (her words). In it, Birdie Holloway, an 11-year- old girl, grows up in Edenbridge, KS, peopled with the ubiquitous cast of characters, like the town drunk, the codger, and a developmentally disabled man named “Puddin’.” Puddin’ because of the sound he makes as he peddles his bike around. This little town is like so many others in the ‘80’s where kids can explore aimlessly on dusty summer days. Birdie and her two best friends Grace and Natalie hang out and eat Pop-Tarts in their tree house on the hill. The trio also ends up in places they aren’t supposed to be, for example, the old Montgomery house, especially since one young boy has disappeared from town. This unauthorized jaunt sets up a ripple of events, one of them the horrible murder of

Grace. And even though Grace is dead, Birdie can still hear her. Grace becomes Birdie’s guardian angel while Birdie spends the next decades trying to recover from her shocking discovery of Grace’s body. Grace’s murder becomes a catalyst. People change, continued on page 17

XXI FACULTY BIENNIAL On view January 21 – April 9, 2016

TODAY’S ART MATTERS. TODAY’S ART MATTERS. TODAY’S ART MATTERS. TODAY’S ART MATTERS. TODAY’S ART MATTERS.

Levente Sulyok, Forming the Sound of Color, 2015. Modified IKEA LACK table pigmentblocks and sound, dimensions variable. Courtesy of the artist

The faculty of the WSU School of Art, Design and Creative Industries lead students to create, innovate and reflect in ceramics, painting, sculpture, printmaking, graphic design, photography, art history, and art education. The faculty work as artists, and as educators. Together they form the backbone of the School of ADCI. Explore what they conjure up in their studios, learn about their current research, and ongoing projects. Throughout McKnight—in the galleries, the classrooms, and onto the plaza—you’ll find open studios, and the invitation to participate.

Winter Exhibition Opening Saturday, January 21 | 7-9 P.M. Free Admission | Public Welcome

@ulrichmuseum

Museum Hours Tuesday–Friday: 11 A.M.–5 P.M. Saturday–Sunday: 1–5 P.M.

WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. JANUARY 2017 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 9

& In a historic collaboration PRESENT

Rodgers & Hammersteinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 10 | LIBERTY PRESS | JANUARY 2017

WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. JANUARY 2017 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 11

Kansas News Topeka march to take place in conjunction with Women's March in D.C.

The More Things Change - Equality Center to Open in Topeka

came to Topeka in 2005. I landed on the men’s side of the Topeka Rescue Mission, five days sober, but very certain that my nearly 48-year journey of pretending to be a man was coming to an end. A lot has changed since then. Today, I am one of a group of people who have decided to open an LGBT center in Topeka.

space for all gender identities and sexual orientations came together at a table in the TopekaShawnee County Public Library and decided it was time for such a space to exist here. A year ago, CCEC received word that we had been approved as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Since then, we have been dreaming dreams and putting together plans and working to raise the money to purchase a physical space in

“Today, I am one of a group of people who have decided to open an LGBT center in Topeka.” It will, of course, have space for all the letters in the alphabet and it is our purpose to create safe space for anyone who is marginalized and oppressed. Capital City Equality Center (CCEC) is the newest of the organizations that have come to life in the capital city of Kansas in the last several years. Equality Kansas has had a chapter in Topeka for some 11 years, and Beacon Youth Group is a thriving organization for Topeka area youth. In 2010, the Kansas Statewide Transgender Education Project was conceived here. In 2012, the Topeka Chapter of the National Organization for Women was formed. In 2014, Topeka Pride brought about 2,000 people into the North Topeka Arts District for a celebration of diversity never before seen in a town that is fartoo-often known for the hate crimes perpetrated by Westboro Baptist Church (WBC). Times, have indeed, been changing. The equality center began in the usual way, a group of people who care about providing safe

which to make these dreams come true. In the meantime, Planting Peace, which created the Equality House across the street from WBC, purchased the house next door and painted it the colors of the transgender pride flag. In November, Planting Peace offered to let Capital City Equality Center use that house, the Transgender Pride House. As we enter 2017, CCEC is preparing to open our equality center - months (perhaps years) earlier than we might have believed. There are not enough words to begin to express our gratitude. There is work to be done - painting and cleaning, furnishing the space, enhancing accessibility. There are many details to work out with utilizing volunteers, raising funds, and developing programming. Our first mission is to provide a safe space for persons of all gender identities and sexual orientations, our friends, family and allies. Our dream includes an emergency food bank, and some clothes for free; and a place

TOPEKA - In solidarity with the march taking place in Washington, D.C., there will be a march in Topeka at the Capitol Building Saturday, Jan. 21, from 1-3pm. The State Capitol building in located at 300 SW 10th St. This is a show of support

where people are connected to the resources they need in the community. Our dream includes looking at the resources in the community and identifying the gaps, then creating or facilitating the creation of resources that fill the gaps. We hope to have a space to hold educational meetings for the community, and to develop teams that can go out into the community to provide education. Our dream includes classes designed to help people be able to find employment, live successfully in the community, and learn how to care for themselves; as well as classes designed to teach leadership skills, activism, and advocacy. Our dream includes a library with books and information related to the needs of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, and a place where we can capture and display the

for the community members who have been marginalized by the recent election. It is an inclusive march, and everyone who supports women’s rights are welcome, including: women, girls, femmes, GNC, men, boys, families, people of color, immigrants, LGBTQ c o m m u n i t y, p e o p l e w i t h disabilities, climate change advocates, ALL religious communities, and anyone else who wants to come out in support. To join a group from Wichita, there will be a bus for $15 per seat, round trip, if there is enough interest. Contact Lori Lawrence, lawrencelorid@ gmail.com for more info or to reserve a seat. l amazing history of LGBTQ+ people in Topeka and Shawnee County. These are not dreams I could have held in 2005. They are dreams created by the never-ceasing desire of dedicated individuals to make a difference and reclaim Topeka as a city where diversity is truly embraced. Capital City Equality Center is about to come to life. Not in keeping with the old adage - the more things change, the more things change. Look for a Grand Opening Ceremony sometime in early 2017. We hope you come and join us! Check us out at capcitycenter. org or find us on Facebook! 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.

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Minor

Details By Bob Minor

What Now? (Part Two: It's Not Either/Or: Let's Face Race and Everything

he fact that our presidentelect appealed to both class and race in this election is beyond any doubt – it’s all on video. Yet, there are those who want to defend him as if the way he used race is somehow separate from the question of whether or not he really is a racist. They’re really defending themselves – they don’t want to admit that they’d vote for an open racist. They don’t want to accept their personal responsibility for the resulting rise in crimes against Muslims, people of color, and LGBT people that has followed the permission their chosen candidate has thereby given for people to act as open bigots. They’d prefer to deny that they themselves hold enough racism to give someone who appeals to white racism a pass, as if playing on racism, xenophobia, and homophobia isn’t important to them. They don’t want to think of how their votes evidence their lack of empathy for anyone but themselves. Both class and race figured at a basic level in the rise of this president-elect who lost the popular count by over 2.8 million votes. That loss is a point

we’ll always need to remember – of the Americans who voted and whose votes were counted, over 50% did not support his campaign. To the majority, he’s a loser and his campaign strategy was offensive and embarrassing. The election post-mortem, however, has included debates about the relative importance of racism and classism in its outcome, as if these don’t support each other. The phrase “identity politics” has been used quite broadly as if whatever it refers to is a negative thing. So how do we work through all this to move beyond this election? When one works from a scarcity model of life – a model that supports the worst elements of capitalism, by the way – it’s easy to fear that attention to another issue will take it away from my issue. It’s a mindset that there’s not enough attention to go around. In addition, this scarcity mindset suppresses the facts that all oppressions are related and that ending all of them is necessary. I cannot isolate my issue from any other. It misses the point that any oppression will not die out until all the others also disappear. Oppression is an approach to

life, a way of thinking, a frame that looks for a victim, and a fallback for a failing culture to scapegoat an “other.” The scarcity model also obscures the fact that oppression is more than just prejudice. It’s prejudice plus power: the ability to effectively promote or prevent movement and change. As such, what we’re fighting must be viewed not as just individual prejudice but systemic problems. Racism, sexism, heterosexism, etc. are promoted by the institutions of our society that need to preserve the status quo and how those institutions play off each other – that’s “the system.” And – here’s something we’d rather deny – because the problem is systemic, every one of us, no matter what demographic we identify with and whether we want to admit it or not, has been taught racism, sexism, homophobia, classism, able-bodyism, and others. When someone says, for example, “I am not a racist,” they miss the deeper point – we all have been taught to be racist; the issue really is: are we working on it in ourselves and society. Because they’re all related, then, and we’re a part of all of it no matter how far we’ve come, the second challenging, hardto-face necessity emphasized in this series is that we need to reject denial, complaining, and guilt feelings to think in terms of building coalitions. We no longer can afford oneissue movements. We begin by understanding that what initially appears not to be “my issue” is really my issue. It’s not just that we all have one common humanity whose feelings, desires, prayers, and hopes we share (If we think about it, what people pray for around the world no matter what their religion are the same things all people and their families worry about.). We are not fighting a good charitable fight because some other group of pitiful people needs us to save them – that’s patronizing and disempowering for them. Instead, we need to learn how each of the isms hurts us, limits us, and boxes us in. How does white racism separate those who identify as white from their full humanity? Read: Thandeka’s Learning to

WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

Be White: Money, Race and God in America. How does the oppression of LGBT people limit the potential humanity of those who identify as straight? Read: Robert N. Minor, Scared Straight: Why It’s So Hard to Accept Gay People and Why It’s So Hard to Be Human. Racism, LGBT discrimination, able-body-ism, classism, environmental degradation and others must end, I must be convinced, for my own good – and other people will benefit. Next, we take a hard look at our lives, our friends, the circles we move in, who we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with in our chosen justice work, and where our comfortable interactions are. What we will often find is that naturally our circles are those that we’ve felt safe in and thus often they consist of the same demographics as us. Given the nature of the oppressions around us, that’s exactly how the system expects us to live. Coalition building does not mean that an organization does “outreach” to those it has not included. It means building longterm relationships that grow to share trust and understanding. It means all partners over time becoming convinced that the others are there for them when they have a fight for justice on their hands. No one needs to look around at the last minute wondering who’ll be there for them. And it means listening to find out what the needs of those outside our demographic are, letting them take the lead in their fights but standing as allies, believing that what they say about their experience is true, asking how to be supportive, listening to their hurts, and not walking away when the going gets tough. It’s hard, but necessary, stuff. 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.

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Lesbian darters from Denver kick off the year in Wichita

By Emily Beckman

36th annual dart tournament comes to Old Town By Blake Hampton WICHITA - There is going to be a big dart tournament hosted by the Wichita Dart Association on Jan. 13-15 - the 36th Annual Air Capital Open. At Hotel Old Town, several steel tip dart events will take place, including qualifying rounds for major tournaments. There’s $10,000 worth of prize money being spread over all the events. I spoke with Shannon Reed, who is one of the people that organizes the competition. This competition will be decent sized, “We can have between 100 to 150 people at this tournament,” Reed said. “Local players in the Wichita area will participate, but many will be from out of town.” The tournament is open to everyone. Thirteen events will take place each either being singles, doubles, or triples so it’s possible to grab a friend, or pair up with someone at the competition. Serious to casual players can come and throw provided the fee is covered. The fee can vary between events, but the majority are $20 dollars a person. For all of the events, other than the

501 Masters Qualifier, it’s a single elimination with a best two out of three match. The national qualifier is round robin format. “This isn’t part of the tournament, but it is attached to it, and we hope to entice serious players to join,” Reed said. Reed has organized this event for a while along with Tournament Director Matt Stone, who also sits on the board of the American Darts Organization. “This will be one of the rare tournaments where events run on time,” Reed said. The tournament has a reputation for being well run and organized. Hotel Old Town is hosting the tournament; which is perfect for out of town players since it’s a nice hotel. There is a special discount on the rooms for players. During events and waiting on turns there are bars for alcohol and some appetizers. There are also plenty of things to do in the area in between events. Old Town has a Warren Theater (Wednesday is $5 ticket day), several bars, restaurants, and gift shops. The bar Loft 150, which is across the street from the hotel, is having a favorite continued on page 22

“I have always been impressed with the tournament WICHITA - Brenda Roush and staff in Wichita,” she said. Renee Ripol met through a soft “They run the tournament very tip dart league in 2012. In 2013, professionally, and it has always they started playing steel tip been one of the best tournaments doubles events together. And, in for staying on time.” In addition, Roush noted that 2014, they got married. “Since [2013] we split up the tournament is always held only once to play with other somewhere with enough space. “Some tournaments are held doubles partners,” Roush said. Now, the couple lives in in spaces that are too small, Denver, Colo. and plays in about creating interruptions and distractions for the competitors,” she said. Another aspect of the competition that she enjoys is that there are strong competitors from around the region. Ripol, who has been competing Renee Ripol (left) and Brenda Roush at the 2016 Air Capital Open since 2012, dart tournament. Courtesy photo recalls achie20 to 30 tournaments each year, ving her first singles title in 501 with the Air Capital Open in at the Air Capital Open in 2014. Wichita being one that they try “Although I have only been at this tournament four times to attend annually. “Renee practices at home so far, this is a perfect start to every day,” Roush said. “When each year’s dart travel. The I started playing I practiced tournament staff runs an on-time regularly, but in recent years event at a beautiful hotel and I’ve put more of my time location right in the heart of Old towards organizing darts than Downtown Wichita,” Ripol said. “I cannot stress enough that practicing.” R o u s h , w h o h a s b e e n the Air Capital Open is the best competing in dart tournaments tournament to start off your dart around the country since year.” l 1991, remembers her first time attending the Air Capital Open in the mid 90’s.

WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. JANUARY 2017 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 15

Download the NPRÂ® One app. Listen when you want.

PAGE 16 | LIBERTY PRESS | JANUARY 2017

WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

Myofascial Release and Massage Therapy

Gary Martens & Larry Bunker

120 N Santa Fe in Downtown Salina, KS

for more information and to book an appointment

www.peacefulbodywellnessretreat.com

WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. JANUARY 2017 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 17

Meditation classes offered at Unitarian church

WICHITA - Rev. David Carter, the minister at First Unitarian Universalist Church of Wichita, 7202 E. 21st St., and an ordained Gaudiya Vaishnava priest, will teach a series of meditation classes on Mondays from 6:30Moran continued from page 8

relationships dissolve, and others are strengthened. The biggest question is “what about one’s self?” Birdie works to answer this as she grows up, goes to college, and ultimately finds a comfortable level of success as an introverted, antisocial artist. The resolution is a stunner, but, after some denial, makes absolute sense. State of Grace is a thick book, not in terms of the number of pages (although it’s a stately 409) but because of the depth with which it is written. There is more than one story. There is the quality of the description. There is the breadth of the characters. One story is Birdie’s “coming of age.” The second is the mystery of Grace’s murder. The third is the paranormal presence of Grace in Birdie’s life. A fourth story exists, but to reveal it

8pm beginning Jan. 23 and running for 10 weeks. The rate is $120 or $100 for early registration prior to Jan. 1. Registrants who bring two friends to sign up will receive a special rate of $80. Free child care will be provided. For more information and to sign up, contact the church office at 316684-3481. Rev. Carter is a longtime spiritual practitioner, author, educator, poet, and activist for social justice. He is a religious leader in both Unitarian Universalist and Gaudiya Vaisnava practices. His spiritual education began in 1967, when he undertook formal study of Far Eastern philosophy and religion. In 1972, he graduated from Maharishi International University in Fiuggi Fonte, Italy.

For more than a decade he taught yoga philosophy and spiritual practice extensively to hundreds of students in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. He co-founded the Spanish Center for the Science of Creative Intelligence (SCSCI) and trained others to teach the philosophy and ancient meditation practices of India. In 1984, Rev. Carter met d i s t i n g u i s h e d Va i s h n a v a polymath, His Holiness Tamal Krishna Goswami, and began extensive training with him in the U.S. and India. Carter was ordained by Goswami as a Gaudiya Vaishnava priest in 1989. Carter completed undergraduate work in Philosophy and Religion at Southwestern College, KS, followed by graduate work

at the Graduate Theological Union, Starr King School for the Ministry, in Berkeley, CA. Publications include but are not limited to authorship of part two of Ultimate Journey: Death and Dying in the World’s Major Religions, (Praeger Publishers, 2008), co-authorship of the seventh chapter of Food for the Soul: Vegetarianism and the Yoga Traditions (Praeger, 2011), and an academic paper in the Journal of Vaishnava Studies (Volume 23, No. 1, Fall 2014) entitled “Encounter and Acculturation in 19th Century Bengal: Bhaktivinoda, Thakur and the Unitarians.” He has also published and read onstage and on air from his yet to be published book of poetry, An Aristocracy of Swans. l

would give everything away. Moran also beautifully crafts Edenbridge for us. I could see the setting. I had a solid feel for the town, just along Highway 69. Let’s just say if ever there was a primer for how to create a small Midwestern town in a work of literature, Moran must have thoroughly studied it. Heck, State of Grace may BE the primer. Moran also dressed the set with eloquent props – Birdie’s father ’s scratched Zippo, Mrs. Gray’s “worn copy of The Unabridged History o f E d e n b r i d g e . ” M o r a n ’s descriptive skill continues as Birdie moves from place to place. Even though Birdie is the pivot around whom the story spins, the lives of the supporting cast are just as convoluted as the protagonist. They are fraught with joys, seething resentments, love, and just enough mystery to make them believable, although, occasionally, one or two begin rather stereotypically (the adventurous, almost bad Natalie, who is, yup, you guessed it, the SHERIFF’s daughter; the fashionable gay guy). My only negative criticism of the book is, as it resolves, I thought, “NO that can’t be IT, there HAS to be SOMETHING ELSE!” But, of course, that’s also what makes fiction seem

even more real. Recently, Pletcher, Moran’s widow, began a project titled “Legacies of Lesbian Literature,” which seeks to outline the history of lesbian writing from the

1920’s until today. The project is currently in its fundraising phase. For more information on that or to contribute, go to www.crowdrise.com/legaciesof-lesbian-literature-project. l

PAGE 18 | LIBERTY PRESS | JANUARY 2017

punished or something. As for our President-elect he better be on his best behavior the whole world is watching not to mention all us old ladies! Mama, What do you expect the New Year to bring? 2016

Dear Mama, What do you think of Russia hacking into the elections? Concerned voter Well, I think something needs to be done. This truly means our vote did not count. I am so angry by this I will never have vodka again. Okay, I don’t drink it, but if I did. Putin needs to be

Lots of surprises, scandals, and God only knows what else. I suggest we all pay attention to everything in the next year and quit believing all these so-called news stories on social media. It is time we wise up. I’ve been telling Eunice that all her life, but she doesn’t listen! Bring me a beer, Bubba! Ms. Harper, Are you all concerned about the new political power about

here is a whirlwind of activity in all of the winter signs as five planets careen through Sagittarius, Capricorn and Aquarius. Will your outlook be sunny, drizzly or totally wet in 2017? Check the signs.

ARIES (MAR. 21 - APRIL 20) While most of your energy will be spent trying to navigate your professional path, you will also need to carve out some time for friends and just hang loose. Proud Rams who don’t spread their jolliness around others will find that they will eventually be left out of the social loop. So keep your eye on the corporate prize, but also enlist some helping hands to give you a push up . . . or a rub-a-dub.

to take over the country? Not signed Yes, I believe that we need to see what these people will do, if they screw up (as I suspect) then we will deal with it then. If they succeed (like Eunice LOL) then that will be a wonderful surprise for the country and me!! All I can do is pray for us all. It is going to be a very frightening time. I just love your recipe section, are you going to continue it in the New Year? Betty Crocker

WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

Easy Peanut Clusters 6 oz. of Butterscotch chips 12 oz. of Chocolate chip morsels 12 oz. of Spanish peanuts (no skins) Melt the chips in a double broiler (do not use the microwave it tends to overcook the chips) then add peanuts. Place spoon full on wax paper and let them set up. Enjoy!! l Have a question for Mama? E-mail MamaTHarper@aol.com.

I will continue it until I am told to stop. Then I will not stop and do what the hell I want. Good Lord Betty Crocker use your own damn recipes!

Support your local gay mag! Own a business? Work for a business? Know a business? Refer them to us. Advertising pays.

LEO (JULY 24 - AUG. 23) Stop pushing things out into the future. Time is a wasting, proud Lion. Resolve to handle any project that has been gathering dust on your desk. You will find that if you ask nicely for a helping hand, one will be offered to you. But don’t expect others to do all of the work for you. Lazy Leos who yearn to doze in the sun will not rest for long. The clean-up will be messy.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 - DEC. 22) Even your most careful plans to make more money could go awry because you are not paying close enough attention to the details. Instead of trying to beat the odds, why not just try to enjoy life a little more. Reach out to those who you might have lost contact and try to connect to new acquaintances. Before you know it you are on the top of the heap. Which heap, gay Archer?

CAPRICORN (DEC. 23 - JAN. 20) VIRGO (AUG. 24 - SEPT. 23) TAURUS (APRIL 21 - MAY 21) It is a new year and a new you, pink All of the effort that you have put into Travel plans may go awry but that doesn’t Cap. Will you plan to do something your exercise and health regime over the mean that you should sit at home and totally different or even a bit risky? Will past few weeks are paying off. You feel watch the walls. Queer Bulls need to spice you get a totally new “look” that turns trim, fit and fabulous, queer Virgo. And up their life. Get out of your routine and heads? Anything you do could have some that means that you shouldn’t hide from surprising results that could lead you onto an entirely new comfort zone. Surprises may shock you, but you find that as you become more adventurous, you the adoring crowd. Get your beautiful self out into the course. Take a calculated chance and see where the fates also germinate some great ideas to help you advance party circuit and see who you can turn on. The new lead you . . . and who will follow you. in the new year. Make your revolutions . . . I mean year is young and exciting and so are the partygoers. resolutions now! AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 - FEB. 19) LIBRA (SEPT. 24 - OCT. 23) You attract a crowd, even if you don’t Any home-related project may have GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21) intend to do so. Aqueerians are not only its delays and detours, but that doesn’t Pink Twins may get their love signals oozing charm, they also seem to know mean that you should postpone just what to do to meet, greet and sweep others off crossed . . . to some hilarious results. Will you meet an enticing stranger who captures your home improvement plans. Proud Libras are their feet. But there is a bit of mystery swirling in the your heart? Mean what you say and say extraordinary hosts. So perhaps instead of working background. Will the gossip mill turn an envious eye what you mean, be sure that your intentions on the house, work on the crowd instead. Invite some in your direction? Forget about the bad actors and keep are clearly understood. Of course sometimes a few mixed bosom buddies over for an evening of fun and food. doing what you are doing . . . beautifully. messages and foggy conclusions can lead to passionate Who knows? Maybe one of them will be a contractor. love. But sometimes it can catch you in your underwear. PISCES (FEB. 20 - MAR. 20) SCORPIO (OCT. 24 - NOV. 22) Friends may become more trouble than they Queer Scorps are known for their CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 23) are worth now. But that doesn’t mean that eloquence and sharp insights, but now Life will be one big hug for the next few you should cut off ties with anyone over your best observations may be slightly weeks, gay Crab. So spread your good a silly misunderstanding. Be extra patient off the mark. What you say could be now, Guppie and spend your time cultivating new cheer around and reach out to those with misunderstood. But that is okay - you acquaintances, joining new groups and spreading yourself whom you can make a strong connection. Review certain relationships. What do will find a charming way of overcoming any faux thin in new circles. Soon it will all come together and partners really want and expect from pas . . . and that will make you even more endearing your social circle will form a globe. you? You may not be totally listening to them now. But to some folks. Will you charm the pants off someone it may not matter as long as your actions speak louder special? Let’s just see. and prouder than your words. (c) 2017 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. JANUARY 2017 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 19

Leather Life By Nolin Christensen aka Master C

Get Your Kink On Editor’s note: This column may contain content that is offensive to some people.

t’s the new year and it’s time to put into place those New Year ’s resolutions. How about a resolution to embrace that deep dark desire for the kinky side of life? I know many of you out there have those desires. Most people do. However, they are just afraid of taking that step in trying. What is wrong with trying something new that you have always had a desire or a curiosity about? People have said to me,

how do I know I’ll like it? How do you know if you don’t at least try it? We all have desires, try them out. You might be surprised at the results. The fun of life is trying new things. This is what makes us wonderfully human, the ability of experiencing things you’ve always wondered about or experimenting with things we are curious about. When we quit trying new things humans become bored and life becomes mundane. So this year let’s spice it up and make a resolution to take a walk on the wild side. Take a taste of the “forbidden fruit” as some folks would say. It’s time to make life fun and exciting. If you have a curiosity or fantasy about some kinky thing, please get in touch with me. If I can’t help you I know lots of people around the area who can. We can make it happen for you. And who knows, you just might like it. l

DUSTY RHODES I am excited to have the great services of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate to offer to you.

Master C is the current president of WOOLF, the local leather club. If you have an interest in leather or BDSM, contact him via www.woolfks.com or at president@woolfks.com.

Call/Text 316.519.2112 Email: Dusty@DustysHomes.com

Web: www.DustysHomes.com

Keep warm with our Winter clothing! Bajas & Hoodies, Gloves & Mucklucks!

DUSTY RHODES I am excited to have the great services of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate to offer to you.

(785) 776-2252

Call/Text 316.519.2112 1128 Moro Email: Dusty@DustysHomes.com Manhattan, KS 66502 11am-6:30pm M-F • 11am-6pm Sat. Web: www.DustysHomes.com

DUSTY RHODES I am excited to have the great services of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate to offer to you.

Call/Text 316.519.2112 Email: Dusty@DustysHomes.com

Web: www.DustysHomes.com

PAGE 20 | LIBERTY PRESS | JANUARY 2017 Wichita, (316) 263-5886, director@ wichitapeace.org, www.wichitapeace. org Wichita Pride, info@wichitapride. org, www.wichitapride.org, annual celebration held in September.

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, 2044 SW Fillmore, 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. Lutheran Campus Ministry, 1421 W. 19th, Lawrence, lutheran@ku.edu

WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

program, 11am service

Monday after school.

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

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.

Support

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

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 Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA), meets every Thursday at 6:30 in Willard Hall, room 120.

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.

Manhattan High School GSA, mhs_ gsa@hotmail.com

HIV+ Men’s Support Group, Wichita, (316) 293-3405, mmadecky@kumc.edu

Maize South High School GSA, sponsor: Shelly Walston swalston@ usd266.com, meets 2nd Fridays.

Living Positive, a support group for people living with HIV and their caregivers. Meets 1st Tuesdays at 6pm. Call 785-537-7006 for location.

Pitt State GSA, Pittsburg State University, pittstategaystraightalliance@ gmail.com People Respecting Individuality and Diversity in Education (P.R.I.D.E.), Emporia State University, Rochelle Rowley, Box 4022, 1 Kellogg Circle, Emporia 66801, (620) 341-5723 rrowley1@emporia.edu

Pine Valley Christian Church, 5620 E. 21st St., Wichita, (316) 685-2421, churchoffice@pvcconline.org, www. pvcconline.org

Spectrum KU, University of Kansas, Lawrence, (785) 864-3091, rockchalkcentral.ku.edu/organization/ SpectrumKU

Prairie Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1809 E. 30th, Hutchinson, (620) 663-8002, www. prairieuufellowship.org

Spectrum: LGBTQ & Allies, Wichita State University, Twitter.com/ Wsuspectrum, meets Thursdays at 7pm in the Lucas Room (RSC 265).

Riverside Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 1001 Litchfield, Wichita, (316) 263-0900, www.riversidedisciples. org, services Sundays at 10:30am.

Wichita East High School GSA

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

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.

Lawrence High School GSA, sponsors: Shannon Draper SDraper@usd497.org, and Lindsay Buck LBuck@usd497.org

Metropolitan Community Church of Topeka, 4425 SW 19th, (785) 2721442, office@mcctopeka.org, www. MCCTopeka.org, services Sundays at 10am.

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 West High School GSA, astucky@usd259.net

Wichita Heights High School GSA, nmagoon@usd259.net Wichita North High School GSA, (316) 204-5621, kellykk00@yahoo.com, rhorning@usd259.net, cwidmer@ usd259.net, meets every Wednesday at lunch in room A213. Wichita Northeast High School GSA, Jbell2@usd259.net Wichita Northwest High School GSA, amcdonald@usd259.net, meets every

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

WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. JANUARY 2017 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 21

Jennifer Mounts: Making a name for herself in the darts world

lives because it was that particular experience that pushed me to want to be a travelling competitor.

By Ciara Reid, staff reporter Not even 25 years old, Jennifer Mounts is making waves in the darts world – an impressive feat given that she only began playing darts a little over three years ago. A native and current resident of Lakewood, Wash., Mounts is sponsored by A-ZDarts.com, Ultimate Team Gear, Shot! Darts, L-Style, DartsNutz.net and KryptoniteGirls.com. H o w e v e r, t h e r o a d f o r Mounts is not an easy one: she is dominating a sport played mostly by men, and was once advised to stay closeted when she first began playing darts. Mounts spoke with Liberty Press about this and more in our exclusive interview: Liberty Press (LP): How did your interest in darts evolve and when did you realize you could be competitive on a national level? Jennifer Mounts (JM): I actually learned how to play out of desperation to pick up business for my mom’s failing dive bar. I joined three separate leagues my senior year of college in order to increase foot traffic during the week and it took about a year for the bar to start breaking even. Shortly after I landed my first sponsor in March 2015, I came out to my mother as a lesbian. I was then banned from her bar, my leagues and her home. It’s interesting how creative energy can come from the lowest point in our

LP: Most people are familiar with darts as a popular game in bars across the world; but many do not realize how popular and competitive the game is. How do you describe the world of competitive dart playing to those who are unfamiliar? JM: I’ve participated in many athletic sports growing up. None compare to the mental requirements competitive darts secretly harbors. We’re talking about a high-pressure environment without the help of adrenaline or athletic instinct. You have to have true emotional intelligence - the ability to be within arm’s reach of your opponent and mentally out-maneuver them on an individual basis. LP: You have spoken out on sexism within the dart community. Can you elaborate on this issue, and what progress you hope to help achieve for women in the dart community? JM: Elite sport definitely sets men and women apart. Mainstream sports aren’t even close to equal pay and media coverage. It’s unrealistic to think female darters can work towards driving commercial investment and media coverage for themselves or even increase participation if sexism exists so prevalently in our everyday lives. Women tend to accept daily sexism and remain silent because saying something invites even more dangerous backlash. Don’t believe me? All I had to do was produce a single video about women in darts in order to receive death and rape threats. Ironically, the men that were sending threats in an attempt to discredit the video were just showing how vital and continued on page 22

PAGE 22 | LIBERTY PRESS | JANUARY 2017 WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. Mounts continued from page 21 side of darts warned me to stay being a player. I will always play working on for a while. “One

needed it was. We all simply need to accept the personal responsibility of taking action and continue to share our stories. LP: As a member of the LGBTQ community, what has your experience been within the dart community – do you feel a general acceptance, or do you feel there is still progress to be made? JM: I’m easily accepted because I happen to be a lesbian who is still inherently feminine looking (despite my efforts). No man has publicly come out as gay in the darting world. A handful of men apart of the business/marketing

closeted when I first started I’ve never chuckled so hard! Long story short, although I experience general acceptance on an individual basis, I will never become complacent in terms of progression for the entire community. It’s abundantly clear to me that others are less fortunate than myself.

with the stigma that comes along with those labels and influence the prejudice or understanding of what they represent. l

LP: What’s next for you? JM: My original goal remains the same - to share my unique perspective. I’m a 24-year-old millennial, female, lesbian, mixed-race competitor. I will never have the luxury of just

local band that Saturday night, Lucky People. So whether a player wants to relax or go out Old Town will have plenty to offer. After this tournament, Reed has a project that he’s been

For more information, visit: F a c e b o o k : w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / jennifermountsdarts Instagram: @jenmountsdarts Twitter: @jenmountsdarts Jen Mounts Graphics: www.facebook. com/jenmountsdarts/ Tournament continued from page 14

of the things I would like to do is to create gay leagues,” he said. “We have about 35 dart boards between Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. What I hope to do is online boards and make a community that competes together throughout these states.” The goal being to bring players of the LGBT community together online. For more information, Matt Stone or Shannon Reed can be contacted respectively at 316-516-3957, mstoner00@ gmail.com and 316-633-1524, shannon@soundadvicewichita. com. l

WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. JANUARY 2017 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 23

PAGE 24 | LIBERTY PRESS | JANUARY 2017

WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

Every 3rd Sunday - 8-10pm $5.00 Kinky Sex on the Beach $5.00 XY Mimosa

January 11th, 12th, 13th & 14th $4.50 Long Island, ($5.50 Flavored) $4.00 Vegas Bombs

Every 3rd Wednesday - 8-10pm $5.00 Pitcher

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316.201.4670 - 235 N Mosley - Wichita, Kansas