Liberty Press Feb 2017 by Liberty Press Kansas

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WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

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

& In a historic collaboration PRESENT

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s

A Concert Based on Frenc Molnar’s Play LILIOM as Adapted by Benjamin F. Grazier Choreography for Original Production by Agnes de Mille Dance Music Arranged by Trude Rittmann Orchestrations by Don Walker Concert Adaptation by Tom Briggs

Saturday, Feb 11 7:30pm Sunday, Feb 12 2:30pm Century II Concert Hall

Tickets & Information at WichitaSymphony.org 316.267.7658

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Photo: © Joan Marcus

PAGE 4 | LIBERTY PRESS |FEBRUARY 2017

MAR. 21-23 • 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. FEBRUARY 2017 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 5

Liberty Press

Volume 23, No. 6 • Editor: Kristi Parker • Contributors: Nolin Christensen, John Dalton-White, Charlene Lichtenstein, Mama, Dr. Robert N. Minor, Stephanie Mott, Jamie Rhodes • Staff Reporters: Grayson Barnes, Emily Beckman, Trevor Reichle, Ciara Reid, Jeromiah Taylor • Contributing Photographers: Matthew Arnone, Kristin Marlett • Cover Design: Troy Dilport, photo by Daniel W. Young • Graphic Designer: Troy Dilport • Webmaster: Ren Autrey • Publisher: Liberty Press, LLC • Printer: Valley Offset Printing Subscriptions are $18/year

The “Liberty Press” and its contents may not be reproduced in any manner, either in whole or in part, without the express written consent of the publisher. All rights reserved. Unsolicited material may not necessarily be acknowledged or returned, is assumed intended for publication unless otherwise stated, and becomes the sole property of the Liberty Press. Letters to the editor and bylined columns reflect the views and opinions of the authors only and are not necessarily those of the Liberty Press, LLC or its staff. The Liberty Press reserves the right to refuse or restrict advertisements at the editor’s discretion. Advertisers and agencies assume liability for claims arising from the content of their ads. Publication of the name, photograph or likeness of any persons, organization or business in articles or advertisements in the Liberty Press in no way indicates or reflects their sexual orientation. First copy free, additional copies may be obtained for a nominal fee from the publisher.

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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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KANSAS NEWS....................6-7 MINOR DETAILS....................12 NATIONAL NEWS..................16 TRANS-FORMATIVE..............17 WHAT'S NEW AT THE CENTER..............................17 MAMA KNOWS BEST............18 BRIDGES...............................18 OUT IN THE STARS...............18 LEATHER LIFE.......................19 ON THE COVER: Hutchinson PFLAG chapter.....14 "Suicide" for the rest of us......20 Lawrence author.......................21

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Kansas News Free burlesque show at XY Bar WICHITA - American Rose Theater is putting on a FREE Burlesque Show at Wichita’s newest dance club, XY Bar, located at 235 N. Mosley, Saturday, Feb. 11 at 8pm. Although admission is free, donations and tips are greatly appreciated. The group is raising funds for its benefit show, “Dames, Divas and Drag: a USO Variety Show” at the Wichita Scottish Rite Mar. 25. Proceeds will benefit Wichita’s Midwest Battle Buddies, a non-profit 501(C)3 organization that rescues dogs from the Kansas Humane Society, trains them as service dogs, and pairs them with veterans who have PTSD and other disabilities. There will be a silent auction, along with merchandise for sale, and drink specials. For more information or to make a donation, visit www. americanrosetheater.com or call XY Bar at (316) 201-4670.

Deepak Chopra will speak at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park on Feb. 22. His new book explores some of the most important and baffling questions about our place in the world.

the paradigm shift becomes personal. The reality you inhabit will be yours either to embrace or to change.”

Wichita Pride to host bachelorette/bachelor fundraiser WICHITA - The 2017 Wichita Pride “Bachelorette, Bachelor” auction will be held Feb. 11, 8pm at Rocky’s, 604 S. Topeka in downtown Wichita. Women and

Deepak Chopra to speak at JCCC on discovering your cosmic self OVERLAND PARK – Bestselling author Deepak Chopra will speak about his latest book, You Are the Universe, at 7pm Wednesday, Feb. 22, in the Carlsen Center’s Yardley Hall at Johnson County Community College. Tickets, which are $45 and include a copy of the book, are available through the JCCC Box Office at 913-469-4445 or online at jccc.edu/TheSeries. Chopra joined with leading physicist Menas C. Kafatos, who co-authored the book, to explore some of the most important and baffling questions about our place in the world. The book’s subtitle is “Discovering Your Cosmic Self and Why It Matters.” Chopra and Kafatos write that the answers offered in the book are not their invention or eccentric flights of fancy. “All of us live in a participatory universe. Once you decide that you want to participate fully with mind, body and soul,

Sedaris

men of all sexual orientations and gender identities will be up for “bid” for a dinner date for two. “Our first ‘Bachelorette, Bachelor ’ fundraiser will coincide with Valentine’s Day,” Travis Hooper, president of Wichita Pride, said. “Future fundraisers will include car washes, expanded Turnabout shows, Bitchy Bingo and more,” Hooper said. All dinners will be donated by local restaurants and by individuals supporting Wichita Pride. Community members willing to donate their time in the auction, or who would like to contribute a dinner for two at a local restaurant, should contact Wichita Pride at info@

wichitapride.org. “We welcome the growing awareness in our local business community of the need to support our LGBTQ community,” Hooper said. “We would like to thank everyone who has helped raise money for our annual Pride events, and look forward to continuing to grow Wichita Pride,” he said.

David Sedaris returns to the Orpheum in April W I C H I TA - W i t h sardonic wit and incisive social critiques, David Sedaris has become one of America’s preeminent humor writers. He is the author of Barrel Fever, Holidays on Ice, Me Talk Pretty One Day, and Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim among others. The audio version of his most recent book, Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls, is a 56th Annual Grammy Awards Nominee for Best Spoken Word Album. Sedaris’ next book will be a collection of his diaries, entitled Theft By Finding Diaries (19772002), will be available in May. Sedaris will appear Sunday, April 30, at 8pm at the Orpheum Theatre,200 N. Broadway. Reserved seating tickets are $40 and are available at Selectaseat. com, the Select-A-Seat Box Office at Intrust Bank Arena, 500 E. Waterman, and via phone at (855) 755-SEAT.

Wichita Community Theatre has a new sign WICHITA – A new sign is at the

The new sign at Wichita Community Theatre at Second and Fountain Streets is a long time coming.

corner of Second and Fountain in College Hill: “Wichita Community Theatre.” For a long time passersby have wondered what that square brick building standing in a quiet residential neighborhood housed - now they will know. It is the home of the oldest continuing theater company in the city. Wichita Community Theatre (WCT) moved into the 1932 building in 1964. The foundation for WCT was established in 1946 by Mary Jane Teall and other like-minded Wichita individuals. Thanks to WCT’s generous donors, it now has a sign created by George Lay Signs, Inc.

2017 Gender & Sexuality in Kansas Conference WCHITA- The 4th Annual Gender & Sexuality in Kansas Conference, co-sponsored by the Department of Sociology, the Elliott School of Communications, and the Office of Diversity & Inclusion at Wichita State University will be held on Friday, Mar. 3. The goals for this FREE conference are to create connections and dialogue among gender and sexuality scholars, students, and activists across the state and to provide an opportunity to share research/ scholarship and evidence-based practices related to gender and/ or sexuality. To stay up to date about the conference, join the Facebook event: www.facebook. com/WSUsoc1. l

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Westboro Baptist Church members protested Derby High School on Wednesday, Jan. 11 and were met by counter-protesters and the Patriot Guard. The protest was in response to the school crowning a transgender student as Holly Ball King at its December formal.

Several hundred people turned out to offset Westboro Baptist Church's hate Jan. 11. The counter-protest outside Derby High School dwarfed the church's four members that were present. Photos by Kristin Marlett

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The Wichita Bears held Bitchy Bingo Jan. 26 at Rain. The event, hosted by Mama (above right) raised funds and brought in 31 pairs of shoes for children through St. Francis Community Services. President Ben Breese (above middle) said, "This was the best turn out this far." Photo by Matthew Arnone

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WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

Kansas schools remain hostile for many LGBTQ secondary students, GLSEN report finds

GLSEN released statelevel data from its benchmark National School Climate Survey Jan. 11, which shows that U.S. secondary schools are slowly improving but remain hostile environments for many LGBT students. The biennial survey, which began in 1999, found that harassment and discrimination negatively affect LGBT students’ educational outcomes and mental health. The research also confirmed that lower levels of harassment and better educational outcomes are related to the presence of school-based supports: LGBT-inclusive antibullying policies and curriculum, supportive educators and GayStraight Alliances (GSAs). For Kansas specifically, the report found: The vast majority of LGBT students in Kansas regularly heard anti-LGBT remarks. Many also regularly heard school staff make homophobic remarks (21%) and negative

remarks about someone’s gender expression (38%). Many students had been victimized at school. Of those, more than half never reported the incident to school staff (61%). Only 19% of those students who reported incidents said it resulted in effective staff intervention. Most students reported discriminatory policies or practices at their school. More than half (63%) experienced at least one form of discrimination at school during the past year. Two-thirds of transgender students (64%) were unable to use the school restroom that aligned with their gender identity. Many students did not have access to in-school resources and supports. Only 7% attended a school with a comprehensive anti-bullying/harassment policy; just a fifth (18%) had access to an LGBT-inclusive curriculum; and only half (53%) had access to a GSA or similar student club.

“We’re incredibly excited to have our first Kansas snapshot, and we’re looking forward to using the data in our work with local schools,” said Liz Hamor, Co-Chair of GLSEN Greater Wichita. “Local educators are always curious about whether

or not the national numbers are reflective of our Kansas students. Now we can better help them understand the issues Kansas students are facing, so we can make sure our students feel safe, valued and respected in their schools.” l

New restrictive bathroom bill introduced

TOPEKA - On Jan. 27, Rep. John Whitmer’s (R-Haysville) anti-transgender “bathroom” bill was formally introduced. HB2171 requires transgender students to use bathrooms that correspond with their “gender at birth.” Unlike last year’s measure, t h i s y e a r ’s b i l l d r o p p e d a controversial “bounty” provision, emboldening Rep. Whitmer to call it a “compromise” bill. At no time did Whitmer contact Equality Kansas or any other LGBT advocacy organization to negotiate a “compromise.” HB2171 gives the Attorney General openended prosecutorial authority.

According to the Wichita Eagle, a spokeswoman for Attorney General Derek Schmidt said that the “attorney general’s office did not seek these additional responsibilities nor were we consulted in the drafting of this bill.” Equality Kansas executive director Tom Witt said, “We will fight this bill with everything we have, and we ask that you stand and fight with us.” Visit eqks.org for updates. W h i t m e r ’s b i l l w a s introduced just as California banned state-funded travel to Kansas over concerns about LGBT discrimination. l

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Signature Theatre produces regional premier of musical

Actor Dan E. Campbell plays the lead role Alfie Byrne in the upcoming Signature Theatre production of A Man of No Importance.

By John Dalton-White WICHITA - One man’s struggles with temptation, friendship and disapproval are explored in Wichita Scottish Rite Signature Theatre’s current musical production and regional premier of A Man of No Importance. Winner of the 2003 Outer C r i t i c s C i r c l e Aw a r d f o r Best Musical, A Man of No Importance, is based on the 1994 movie of the same name, written by Terrence McNally, with music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, the same songwriting team behind the hit musicals Ragtime, My Favorite Year, and Seussical, among others. The musical premiered at the Lincoln Center in 2002. The local production is directed by Deb Campbell, assisted by Nathan Houseman. Music Director is Diane Houseman. Set design by Justin Ralph. Three performances will be staged at the historic Wichita Scottish Rite Theatre Feb. 17-19

at 8pm nightly. “When you read the script, it talks a lot about how it encompasses the Irish culture with loyalty and pride and it really showcases that culture through the musical,” director Campbell said. “The music is simple, yet beautiful with bits of comedy thrown in throughout the production.” A Man of No Importance tells the story of Alfie Byrne, a bus driver in 1964 Dublin, whose heart holds secrets he can’t share with anyone but his imagined confidante, Oscar Wilde. When he attempts to direct an amateur production of Wilde’s Salome in the local church hall, he confronts the forces of bigotry and shame over a love “that dare not speak its name” and has to learn to be comfortable with himself. His life is changed, though, by the redemptive power of the theatre. Actor Dan E. Campbell, who portrays Byrne, describes the musical’s central character “as a man who loves poetry and theatre and is motivated by his friends and through creating art. In his story, we learn that family and friendship help us realize that it is important to ‘love who you love.’ “This role has been on my bucket list for a couple of years now,” actor Campbell said. “My cousin, Paul Jackson, introduced me to it. After I heard the song, ‘Love Who You Love,’ I knew I was sold.” Other cast members include: Trevor Comstock as Oscar Wilde; Vonda Newby-Schuster as Lily; Dan Schuster as Carney; Lydia Harbutz as Adele; Ryan Schafer as Robbie; Cary Hesse

as Mrs. Patrick; Greg DaltonWhite as Baldy; Teri Mott as Mrs. Grace; Christine Tasheff as Miss Crowe; Deanne Zogleman as Mrs. Curtain; John DaltonWhite as Ernie Lally; Dalton Smith as Rasher; John Lloyd Stafford III as Sully; Justin Ralph as Breton Beret; Molly Tully as Kitty; and Paul Jackson as Father Kenny. Tara Nicole, Jewell Martinez and Kristen Whatley are ensemble members. Tickets are $18, $14 and $10

with discounts for students, military and senior adults. Tickets are available at the door and no reservations are necessary. The Wichita Scottish Rite is located at 322 E. 1st St. in downtown Wichita. As part of Signature Theatre’s outreach, a portion of ticket sales will be given to the Sweet Emergency Fund, which provides assistance to HIV patients for critically needed medical, dental and eye care. l

Director Deb Campbell discusses characterizations with local actors Dan E. Campbell and Greg Dalton-White

PAGE 12 | LIBERTY PRESS |FEBRUARY 2017

Minor

Details By Bob Minor

What Now? (Part Three: It's Not About Reasoning with the Right-Wing)

f the Trump presidential campaign’s success didn’t convince people, nothing will. Liberal people want to cling to the belief that just rationally explaining something to a rightwinger and reciting policy proposals ought to convince them. There’s some undying faith in education as the presentation of information. They really want to believe that if human beings hear the facts, they’ll come around. We think that it’s some misunderstanding or failure of logic that causes people to “vote against their self-interest.” And we’re aghast that people actually accept that we’re in a “post-fact” world. It’s easy, then, to conclude that people who vote for those who use them are just missing something they should know. So, we expect that enlightening them to their lack is the solution. Yes, there’s a moveable middle that will actually listen to such argumentation, a middle that seems to be shrinking because of decades of Republican rightwing consultants’ work to frame the debate about economic and social issues in their language and its assumptions. But, as I’ve argued for years, including a column here back in November 2011 entitled “And

We Keep Expecting Them to Be Rational…” - “We could have the smartest President that ever lived on the planet. We could rehearse ad-nauseam and as clearly as possible the facts, the data, the studies, and the logic of it all. We could wish, hope, and believe that people were different. But again and again we will run up against the reality that the responses of the powers and believers in the religious, political, military and economic right-wing are neither moved by rationality nor ‘the facts.’” Religious Studies scholars know that symbols always beat rationality and linguist George Lakoff has been arguing for over 15 years that “frames” trump facts. Yet so many liberal people are stuck in analyses of human behavior that go back to the Enlightenment. And as I wrote before, the Republican strategy actually assumes liberals won’t get it: “leave the other side in the dust trying to figure out the logic of what you are saying and looking for further arguments about facts and logic that Democrats think work no matter how they’ve failed in the past.” So, the third necessity emphasized in this series is that we must change the

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

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frame of the debate and stop your frame. expecting success to be the For example, never use result of beautiful, cogent the word “therapy” after arguments. “conversion” or “reparative” This doesn’t mean that our u n l e s s y o u i n t e n d t o arguments shouldn’t be logical communicate that you believe and fact-based. It means that it really is therapy. Call it the we must present our positions brainwashing or psychological and ourselves as if we are the abuse of LGBT people. symbol of the points we’re Don’t repeat the misnomer trying to make: “tax relief” for attempts to lower 1. Don’t ever look wishy- taxes. Call taxes the dues or washy. investment we pay for living in Even if you don’t have the civilization. facts at hand, stand for something 4. Maintain your composure as if you really believe it. Don’t as much as possible and try give the right-wing any excuse to control any unintentional to believe that you don’t really anger. believe what you say by how Don’t make it look as if they you equivocate on an argument, can trigger you emotionally. seem to soften your position, or That’s a message to them that appear too ready to compromise. their position is effective. If you don’t show that But if your anger isn’t an you hold your position with intentional tactic and they do, conviction, you symbolize that step back and ask yourself what you yourself appear to doubt its it was that they triggered in truth. If you don’t really believe you that touched your feelings. something, then don’t stand for Don’t give in to guilt or it. negative messages about it, 2. Come out as progressive. but let everything be a learning You’ve noticed that when experience. you’re with people you just want 5. Never hesitate to repeat to get along with and choose your position as often as you not to discuss politics, religion, want. or social issues to do so, they’ll Education requires repetition bring them up because of their of ideas at least three times. It’s psychological compulsion to do often more effective to repeat so. When that happens, all you the exact same words than to need to convince them about is try to explain yourself, and that you disagree. explanations often give them Anything further in the excuses to get off topic. discussion is up to whether 6. Don’t let them change the you’re willing to put the energy topic. into it – you’re not obligated to A right-wing strategy when solve their problems. You don’t caught in a corner, contradiction, owe anyone explanations or or inability to satisfactorily justifications for your position. answer a question is to change Remaining silent, however, the topic. So, you’ll need to point s y m b o l i z e s t o t h e m t h a t out that they didn’t answer your everyone in the room agrees point or question, and you’ll with them. It doesn’t force have to do it over and over again. them to be confronted with the 7. Don’t feel as if you must presence of a person (as opposed have all the answers. to their stereotypes of “those You can always say: “I don’t people”) who holds an opposing know, but I’ll find out.” Just position. stand strong in your values and 3. Never repeat the language how you believe they should be they use even by calling it “so- expressed. called” or to negate it. Through all you’ve presented When President Richard a symbol: yourself. You embody N i x o n i n 1 9 7 3 f a m o u s l y a position. And in this struggle, objected: “I am not a crook,” your flesh and blood presence Americans concluded that he trumps any arguments. l was. DUSTY Robert N.RHODES Minor, Ph.D., Professor Reframe any response and let Emeritus of Religious Studies at the University of Kansas, is author of themI am object to how you speak Call/Text 316.519.2112 excited to have the of it. Their objections mean When Religion Is an Addiction; Scared great services of Better Straight: Why It’s So Hard to Accept you’re getting through. And Email:Gay Dusty@DustysHomes.com People and Why It’s So Hard to Homes and Gardens Real you’re getting them on a new Be Human; and Gay & Healthy in a Estate to offer to you.to deny Web:Sick www.DustysHomes.com Society. Contact him at www. discussion, the need your words – which reinforces FairnessProject.org.

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Hutchinson PFLAG chapter opening a local center

By Trevor Reichle HUTCHINSON - The Hutchinson chapter of PFLAG is opening a new community center. The new center, located at 2534 N. Main, will also be the location for PFLAG meetings, events, fundraisers or other activities hosted by the chapter. A “soft opening” was hosted at the new location on Jan. 21. The Hutchinson chapter, which was founded five years ago, hosts a variety of events, including peer-to-peer discussion groups and movie nights known as PFLAG 3D - Documentary, Dessert and Discussion. With the opening of the new center, plans to expand events and services are underway, including a potential youth group. The new center also features a library of LGBT-friendly literature and movies for the community to check out or watch in a quiet space. Jon Powell, the president of the Hutchinson chapter, became involved in LGBT advocacy through his previous work with

the Kansas Equality Coalition – now known as Equality Kansas. With that political group, Powell was involved in attempts to elect pro-LGBT candidates to the state legislature along with opposing anti-LGBT legislation that came from lawmakers in Topeka. “We hear stories of kids who have committed suicide or parents disowning their kids. Yes, it happens here,” Powell said. “Some group has to help and PFLAG is that group. “There are different challenges [such as] kids getting picked on and other things when you talk about LGBT families. We want them to have as normal a family life as possible.” While the Hutchinson PFLAG chapter works out the details of their schedule for the calendar year, the group is already gearing up for a busy year ahead. “There’s a big community here and a lot of them have children,” Powell said. “We need to educate the community that is very scared of what our opponents say.” l

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FRIDAY, APRIL 7 ORPHEUM THEATRE Wichita Tickets can be purchased through Select-A-Seat: online at www.selectaseat.com, by phone at 855.755.7328, and in person at the Select-A-Seat Box Office at INTRUST Bank Arena.

SATURDAY, APRIL 8 YARDLEY HALL Overland Park Tickets can be purchased at Carlsen Center Box Office, charge by phone: 913.469.4445 and online at www.jccc.edu/theseries

PAGE 16 | LIBERTY PRESS |FEBRUARY 2017

National News Chelsea Manning Supporters Jubilant Over Her Impending Freedom CHICAGO - After fighting more than seven years to free transgender whistleblower Chelsea Manning, her supporters are cheering the O b a m a a d m i n i s t r a t i o n ’s announcement Jan. 17 of her freedom to begin on May 17 – perhaps not uncoincidentally, the “International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.” From exposing the slaughter of civilians by U.S. soldiers in Iraq, to U.S. support for dictators and oligarchs in the Middle East, to illegal U.S. support of a 2009 military coup in Honduras, Manning is hailed by her supporters as a consistent champion of human rights. Arrested and prosecuted by the Obama administration during what the New York Times called “an unprecedented criminal crackdown on leaks of government secrets,” Manning ended up being the longestimprisoned whistleblower in U.S. history although her sentence was 35 years. Her lengthy terms in solitary confinement are considered torture by international human rights authorities.

WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

New Estimates Show that 150,000 Youth Ages 13-17 Identify as Transgender in the U.S. LOS ANGELES – An estimated 0.7 percent of youth ages 1317, or 150,000, identify as transgender in the United States, according to a new study released by The Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law. The study provides new estimates of the age composition of individuals who identify as transgender in the U.S. and estimates of the size of the transgender-identified population by age group. The youngest age group, 13 to 17, has the highest estimated percentage of individuals who identify as transgender. “Current policy debates in several states have involved legislation that would impact transgender students,” said Dr. Jody L. Herman. “Our estimates suggest that thousands of youth could be negatively impacted by laws that would limit their access to school facilities and undermine protections against discrimination.” Mirroring the relative population size of U.S. states, the largest populations of youth that identify as transgender are found in California, Texas, New York, and Florida. The smallest populations are found in North Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming. l

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T Woman Among Women - Transgender Woman Speaks at the Women's March on Topeka

was honored greatly by the invitation to speak at the Women’s March on Topeka, Kansas on Saturday, Jan. 21. It is extraordinarily validating to be included as a woman among women. Not to say that validation is needed. I know who I am. But to say that this particular type of validation is greatly acknowledged and appreciated. I would like to share a few thoughts about the rally and march, and then a few thoughts about being a transgender woman who was asked to speak at the rally. Thoughts about the Women's March Topeka Kansas I met women who have fought this fight before. Decades ago. Astonished that we are still having to fight for basic human respect and dignity. And they showed up, once again. I met young persons who are filled with fire. Waiting, wanting, willing to step up. Stepping up already with incredible voices of courage and an undeniable knowledge that all human beings are worthy. I met people of all ages and ethnicities and orientations and identities and races and abilities and backgrounds and truths and beliefs. All of us together as one gathering of humanity. I looked up to the Capitol steps (at the speakers) and saw and heard and felt the real, personal struggles of living, breathing human beings for no other reason than because of their faith or the color of their skin or their ability or ethnicity

or because of the simple fact that they are women. I saw their courage and conviction to lift their voices and bare their souls and share their dreams of a world in which we can all live together in dignity and peace. I looked down from the Statehouse steps (when I spoke) and saw the thousands of women and men who took time out of their lives to participate in creating solutions for our troubled world. I saw the families with their children, knowing that their presence there would help their children grow up believing that truth and justice are worth standing for, and because they want their children to know that one person can make a difference. And for those who cannot, or will not see the reason for this, the purpose of this, the need for this; I feel sadness. There is no other reason for our existence on this planet than to lift each other up. There is no other purpose than to embrace each other, not in spite of our differences, but because of our differences. There is no other need than unconditional love.

he Center is still looking for individuals to help out with grant writing and operating the library. If you or anyone is interested in helping out, please contact the Center at thecenterofwichita@gmai.com. Check out more information about Wichita and South Central Kansas’ only LGBT center at

www.thecenterofwichita.org or visit us on Facebook at Facebook. com/thecenterofwichita. If you know of any LGBT or genderfluid kids, contact the Center. We have two youth groups for all LGBTQIA kids. Kids Connect for pre-K-5th grade and Get Connected for grades 6-12. l

oppressed peoples of our country. The sun came out on the Capitol this day and shined down like the promise that peace and persistence will grow the power; that we will prevail in our cities and towns, and in our state.

love that stands out on a street corner and holds up signs and says, “Here I am, we will not allow this to happen.” I’m talking about the kind of love that says, “I don’t care if you’re different from me, you’re part of my family and I’m going to stand up for you.” And I’m talking about the kind of love that would cause thousands of people to come out on a day like today and come up to the Statehouse and say, “We’re not going to take it anymore.” l

From the ending of my speech: And the last thing I want to talk about is love. Because in the end, the answer is love. In the end the answer is love for every single human being on the planet. I’m not talking about the kind of love that sits in the corner and quietly doesn’t say anything and says, “Whatever happens is okay.” I’m talking about the kind of

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.

Thoughts about being a transgender woman who was asked to speak: In front of me were some 4,000 men and women who yelled in affirmation as I proudly declared that I am a woman. Behind me was the Kansas Statehouse where many legislators have sown the seeds of hate that have grown into the vile and violent discrimination and destruction that are faced by transgender youth today especially in states like Kansas. Frightening federal forces are gathering like death clouds preparing to bring pain and s u ff e r i n g t o t h e d i v e r s e ,

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PAGE 18 | LIBERTY PRESS |FEBRUARY 2017

Dear Mama, What do you think of all these Executive Orders that the President is signing off on? Concerned about our future I think it is funny how past leaders had signed off on so many and we heard how they are abusing their power, but Darth Cheeto (current leader of the U.S.) does more than any other

leader and all I hear is crickets. Two-faced all of them!

am still worried. A concerned citizen

Mama, I really do not have a q u e s t i o n , m o re o f a statement. The wall! Not signed

It is natural when a country changes leaders to be worried and concerned about what the future holds. It is good that you are giving them a chance. I look at it this way, if it gets too bad we do have more power than they want us to believe. Darth Cheeto will not control or take away any rights from this mean old woman! There is no one like a pissed off mother!

Wake up and smell the coffee. The taxpayers will pay for it and we will not get our money back from Mexico or any other country. If you believe that we will then I have a bridge to sell you and a magic lamp for you to rub. Even Eunice isn’t this gullible and that is saying a lot! Dear Mama, I am very concerned about the direction our country is taking. I am trying to give the current leader a chance, but I

planetary pile up in Aries of Venus, Mars and Uranus winds up opposing retro Jupiter this love-bitten February. Our romantic missives are like missiles. Our actions take on grand proportions. They say size doesn’t matter, but now I beg to differ. Big becomes way too big! Whoo hoo!!

Hey Mama, Who or what do you think is going to win the Oscar this year? A Fan

WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

It is something I do not speculate on. I leave that to the experts. I can, however, tell you who or what will not win. Best Actress: Not Eunice Higgins Best Leader: NOT DARTH CHEETO Biggest Crowd: Not Inauguration 2017

Recipe 1 bag of Cheetos Eat Cheetos Now your fingers look like Darth Cheeto’s face. l Have a question for Mama? E-mail MamaTHarper@aol.com.

bridges Died: Michael Sellman, 47, on January 12, 2017 in Wichita. He is survived by his partner of 16 years George Mills. If you or someone you know is having an anniversary, received a promotion or award, or a loved one has passed away, we will publish it free in Bridges. E-mail editor@libertypress.net.

ARIES (MAR. 21 - APRIL 20) You want to be your own person, Gay Ram. But by making your own mark on the world you may tip over your applecart of love in a relationship. Learn to give-and-take instead of take-and-take for the next few weeks. Even pretending to be generous will help you regain your personal advantage and may even get you a cheering section. Or is it a Bronx cheer? Razzzz!

LEO (JULY 24 - AUG. 23) Have an opinion to share? Anything you say, post or tweet can go viral now, proud Lion. That may be a good thing if you can carefully craft your message to the masses. But things could quickly spiral out of control if you talk your screed first and reflect and think second. Which will it be? Winning the battle for fame and fortune or wasting your energy batting away the trolls?

TAURUS (APRIL 21 - MAY 21) Thinking that you can go with your gut may give you some indigestion now, proud Bull. So I recommend that you allow others to guide you with their sage advice. On your own, you could imagine things going on and overreact. Of course this makes life very exciting and interesting. Do you want your life to be that exciting and interesting? Hmm . . . thought not.

VIRGO (AUG. 24 - SEPT. 23) Money is highlighted now, queer Virgo. That can mean managing your own stash or scheming to manage others. Careful calculations and risk-taking can produce profitable results no matter whose bundle you handle. But there may be a little voice encouraging you to go crazy and splurge. Which voice will win out moderation or excess? Oh let’s just guess.

GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21) Compadres try to move in on your act and steal your spotlight. This may be a good thing, but you may not always feel that it is. Pink Twins who can balance their need for attention with the needs of pals will have it made in the shade. Those who cannot give up being the numero uno party maker may have to form more intimate gatherings. How about a guest list of one? Ahem.

LIBRA (SEPT. 24 - OCT. 23) Your special someone is not feeling very special right now. And that means that you will need to put aside your own personal desires for the time being to assuage the frail ego of another. Are you up to the task, proud Libra? For those seeking someone new, you will be called upon to be especially caring, interested and present . . . hey did someone mention a present?? SCORPIO (OCT. 24 - NOV. 22) If you are feeling a little under the weather, understand that this might just be a passing feeling. In fact, it may be that you are more psychically spent than physically ailing. Turn things around with a time of quiet meditation, queer Scorp. You may become so mellow that people will not recognize you. Then you can unfurl your ultimate plan. Heh, heh.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 - DEC. 22) It’s time to start moving in more artistic circles to see who inspires you and who you can impress. Opportunities abound if you carefully curate your time and pay attention to the movers and shakers. Strategic networking produces results. This may be the break that you are looking for, gay Archer. Your creativity may hit a high note now, even if you can’t sing. CAPRICORN (DEC. 23 - JAN. 20) Concentrate on things that have to be done around the house, pink Cap. It is never too early for a good spring cleaning . . . or any cleaning for that matter. You never know when bosses will drop by and you will want to impress any visitor. Postpone any large or long range project however. There are still too many unknowns. Or maybe you know all too well! AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 - FEB. 19) Aqueerians may have a hankering to travel and see the world. Any little trip you plan can now become a gigantic trek! But this is all part of the surprising adventure that your life will take over the next few weeks. Enjoy the surprises. They are going to happen anyway. Go with the cosmic flow and see where you wash ashore. Let’s hope that it is a sandy bar and not a sand bar. PISCES (FEB. 20 - MAR. 20) How steamy can a Guppie get? Your sexual appetite is at an all-time high. Passion, jealousy and scheming can easily follow. Keep things simple and uncomplicated. Keep your emotions on cool and suave if possible. You will lure a lot more fish if you calmly bob around in the water, use the right bait . . . and stick your pole in the right pond.

CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 23) How much work can you possibly balance with all of your family obligations, gay Crab? Not many with any quality or attention. Something or someone will have to give. The next few weeks will demand more focus on your full life balance. This is good and necessary. Great advancements are possible if you can conserve your efforts and make every moment count. (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. FEBRUARY 2017 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 19

Leather Life By Nolin Christensen aka Master C

Stand Our Ground Editor’s note: This column may contain content that is offensive to some people.

ith the current political environment, it brings back sad memories of when not only the gay community was in the closet and shadows, but the Leather and BDSM community as well. While there have been great strides in the LGBT community, we in the Leather/BDSM are still fighting battles. Now that battle could be even harder. While more and more people are accepting of the LGT community, we in the kink and bisexual community are still looked on with disgust and in some places still risk loss of jobs

and loss of children and family. There is lots that still needs to be done and there will be lots to do in the future, but one thing we can do now is be who you are. Now you don’t have to go out and throw it in everyone’s face, but just be who you are quietly. It took many years where I used to work before people found out that I was a kinky person. And you know what, they had gotten to know me as me and they knew I was a good person so when they found out that I was kinky and in a triad relationship, it wasn’t an issue. In fact I was surprised how many people came to me to ask questions. That’s when I figured out that everyone now and then will have some sort of kinky thoughts. The problem is they are just too scared to try it. It was like a friend once said, “I’m afraid to go to the ‘dark’ side because I won’t want to come back.” So as we face what is coming in the near future, we need to stand our ground, be who we are, and continue to fight and promote equality for ALL individuals, no matter who they are or what is their kink!! l 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.

PAGE 20 | LIBERTY PRESS |FEBRUARY 2017

WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

"Suicide" for the rest of us

The SuicideGirls bring their Blackheart Burlesque Tour to Wichita By Jamie Rhodes aka Victoria Voluptuous

WICHITA - Suicide Girls.

What a strong name. It suggests death, quitting and perversity. Some may think it has a negative connotation, when in fact, it’s quite the opposite. Nouns like “death.” “quitting” and “perversity” don’t fall short of what a Suicide Girl is, but, it’s not an act of a physical death or quitting who she is. The context of the word is the act of embracing who she is, quitting society, quitting the norm, embracing her “perversity” and “committing social suicide” by choosing not to fit in. Most people are familiar with the tattooed look, piercings, colored hair and unorthodox style of the classic pin-up look. They are known all over the world as the “SuicideGirls,” and their Blackheart Burlesque Show is coming to Wichita. Victoria Voluptuous is my alter ego. She is what makes burlesque in Wichita possible with American Rose Theater, a theater troupe that performs vaudevillian and burlesque

You could almost say they were the first social network. What started as an art project, Missy took experimental photos of her friends believing they were the most beautiful girls in the world. Her friends were not like the two-dimensional bodacious blonde Baywatch beauties that were so popular in Hollywood. She believed they had so much more to convey and share. To her, they were threedimensional. She wanted to give them a voice too. So, Missy started a blog and gave her girls an opportunity to blog as well. From there, the voices began to travel all over the world. The website was started based around their message boards and photos. “We really have been a social network forever,” Missy said with confidence in knowing, “It started on a much much smaller scale. Now there are profiles of 25 million people on social network and we make 6 million on Instagram and 8 on Facebook.” Along with the SuicideGirl

shows. So, you can imagine my excitability when I was asked to interview Missy Suicide, the founder of the SuicideGirls, to talk about who they are and their Blackheart Burlesque Show. “A suicide girl is a girl who is not into, or tries to fit into, mainstream ideas of beauty. She is someone who is confident in herself. Someone who walks to the beat of her own drum. We are a community who is based on people from around the world who share a common interest and appreciate the aesthetic of the girls’ projects.” (Missy Suicide). Missy Suicide founded the organization back in 2001 before all the other social media sites like MySpace, Facebook and Twitter became mainstream.

network being a place for fans and hopefuls alike to go, it is so much more. Missy describes it as a “safe place.” Less than the price you would pay for a coffee a month, “The fee is an important part of people valuing the community and their place in the community. It keeps them in check. It places the value on part of the community and sharing your feelings and respecting others. Members view [nude] photos and comment on everything. “Blogs are kept, to sharing photos, videos, poetry, and thoughts. It grants access to a group where members get together to talk about anything from Japanese anime to cooking, fitness, and politics. It’s a very supportive community. No

matter what you’re into, you will find a group or someone who supports your interests. “There’s people from all over the world that share their ideas. It is a community based on people who already appreciate the aesthetic of the SuicideGirls, which are the ones who are pierced and tattooed and a little bit more outside the box. It guarantees these are your people who Missy Suicide come together.” They’ve had millions of friendships What: SuicideGirls Blackheart Burlesque Tour developed, thousands of When: Sunday, April 23, doors open at 7pm, show starts at 8pm couples who’ve been married Where: The Cotillion Ballroom, 11120 W. Kellogg, Wichita and dozens of babies that Tickets: $30 RSVP, $20 GA, available at www.the cotillion.com or by have been made calling 316.722.4201, 18+ due to their Opening Gig: Wichita-based American c o m m u n i t y. Rose Theater burlesque “It’s the only troupe place online where you’re not going to get attacked, and tattoos, only my ears are pierced, ironically, they post naked and I’m a natural brunette but photos of themselves. It’s color my hair with tones that amazing in that sense. Everyone look red in the sunlight, I carry is so supportive, unique and the same amount of respect with these girls. In burlesque we beautiful.” Everyone knows social practice and teach positive body networks have their ups and image and confidence regardless downs. Perhaps everyone has of scars or an extra BMI. been attacked or cyber-bullied A lot of elements go into in some way, but Missy feels what makes burlesque attractive that having a safe haven within and fun, but it is the confidence this network where people are in performing and being on going to be nice and respectful, stage, sometimes half naked, it’s a lot easier to sluff off. that stands out the most from “They’re not always going to all the choreography, elaborate agree with you, but they’re going costumes, makeup, glitter and to maintain a level of decorum creativity in the routines. A and respectability and knowing lot of hard work, planning, that we’re out there, it’s kind of practices, and time go into a easier to ignore a lot of the social single burlesque routine. Modern burlesque is about network noise.” The SuicideGirls has a very a celebration of beauty, body large LGBT community as well confidence, and loving who as the SuicideBoys, which is the you are. Burlesque takes the opposite gender equivalent. continued on page 22 Although I have less than four

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

Lawrence author publishes first mystery novel

By Ciara Reid, staff reporter LAWRENCE - One can quickly find out if they are cut out to be an author by participating in National Novel Writing Month (NANOWRMO), a challenging exercise with a simple concept: write 50,000 words in the month of November. For Lawrence, Kansas-based Paula Schumacher, it was the launching pad for her now published mystery novel, The Glass Road: A Marie Gardner Mystery. On average, Schumacher wrote about 1,800 words a day. She used a helpful spreadsheet to keep track of her word count and progress. Her daily process went like this: wake up at 5am. Walk the dog. Get a cup of coffee. Throw on the headphones (she

prefers fast top 40 club music when writing) and settle in to crank out words for about an hour. “I realize that I will have non-writing days (like Thanksgiving Day) so I try to write more than the minimum each day,” she says. The fast-thumping music is purposeful: it allows Schumacher t o w r i t e r a p i d l y. NANOWRMO is all about word count, quality later. It took Schumacher about a year to take the 50,000 words produced from the NANOWRMO exercise and turn them into a solid first draft. She distributed the draft to a group of readers for feedback. “They gave me input, I went through all the stages of grief (disbelief they didn’t think my writing was perfect, anger that it wasn’t… all the way through to accepting that they made some good points), and then I revised,” she says. “I also have several people who edit and review craft with me.” Already the author of Hero’s Quest Betrayed, a sci-fi fantasy lesbian romance novel, as well as Beginner’s Guide to Office Boxing, a self-help book, Schumacher’s decision to write a mystery novel came from what may be considered an

unlikely source: the game of bridge. Schumacher says you have to love the subject enough to commit to trudging through the tedious journey of writing a novel. “I thought about what I really enjoy doing: I really like playing bridge,” she says. “I can’t write a book about playing the game because you have to be an expert - it’s just that kind of a game. So, I wondered what type of book bridge players might like to read. Certainly the majority of them would not be into sci-fi lesbian romance…but, maybe a mystery.” Suddenly, it clicked. She would write a mystery with “a dash of bridge,” as Schumacher puts it. The plot of The Glass Road: A Marie Gardner Mystery focuses on protagonist Marie Gardner, a reclusive forensic accountant, who finds herself dealing with the murder of a wealthy art-collecting professor. To ensure accuracy throughout the novel, Schumacher interviewed experts relevant to characters and plot points in the novel. “I interviewed people to make

sure the story was close-ish to reality (I didn’t want the reader to have to suspend too much disbelief),” she says. “I interviewed a detective, a chief of police, an insurance auditor, a claims representative, a banker, CAIS support staff, and a museum curator. I asked a Harvard professor what packing material one might have used for shipping glass objects on the silk road.” The novel was released in November 2016. “Overall, people are liking it,” Schumacher says. She has drafts of two additional Marie Gardner mysteries currently in the works: one involves a fox hunt, and the other a bridge tournament. In addition to mystery novels, Schumacher is working on a lesbian romance/ erotica novella series entitled Emotional Investments, under the pseudonym JP O’Sullivan. Visit www.amazon.com to purchase a copy of The Glass Road: A Marie Gardner Mystery. l

PAGE 22 | LIBERTY PRESS |FEBRUARY 2017 Suicide continued from page 20

strip club element and puts it with a theatrical experience. It is always a sexy eye-opening encounter and the Blackheart Burlesque Show is no different. The SuicideGirls first started in 2003 and they have been performing on and off since, while focusing on their movies and books in between. They have toured the whole country along with Germany, South America, England, Australia and Canada. They have even opened for Guns N’ Roses and Courtney Love. Missy explained how “in the same way the suicide girls are a modern spin on the classic pinup photo, the burlesque show is a modern spin on the classic burlesque aesthetic strip-tease.” If you have never been to a burlesque show, you are in for a real treat. “The SuicideGirls takes the sexy spirit of burlesque, which is the sultry strip-tease element and cranks it up to 11. The girls have an amazing time. We are more in line with performance art of the show. It’s

WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

like going to see a pop performer like Beyonce. “The girls are sultry. It’s fun, silly, and makes sense for the show. It’s a performance. The Blackheart Burlesque is the live show. It’s the physical embodiment of the website. It’s fun, sexy, bold, silly, and a community. It’s very unapologetic.” Expect to see routines that pay homage to movies like Star Wars, Donnie Darko, Clockwork Orange, and much more. Missy commented on the troupe coming to Wichita by saying, “One thing about being a part of this community for so long is, no matter how conservative the area is, there are always people who share our aesthetic and bond. It’s an amazing opportunity to get out and meet lots of people.” Another thing you will get to see at the show, is myself (Victoria Voluptuous) along with other talented performers from American Rose Theater. We were given the pleasure to open for Blackheart Burlesque. l

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

PAGE 24 | LIBERTY PRESS |FEBRUARY 2017

WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

LOVE POTION DRINKING GAME S U N DAY, FEB 12TH 8- 1 0P M

Looking for something to do for Valentines? Join us for the Love Potion Game (Similar to the Newly-Weds Game), 8PM on February 12th. Twelve participants will be selected to play the game on stage with our host Miss Rhonda (Randy Ervin). Couples, singles and mingles are all invited to participate. CALL NOW TO RESERVE SEATS!

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