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The Flaming Lips Saturday, June 3
Safelite® AutoGlass SUNDOWN PARADE
TEXTRON OPENING NIGHT FIREWORKS
WICHITA SYMPHONY TWILIGHT POPS
LoCash Sunday, June 4
Midwest Ford Dealers Presents
BLACKTOP NATIONALS COX KIDS CORNER • WICHICON FIESTA DEL RIO • HOT AIR BALLOONS HILAND DAIRY ICE CREAM SOCIAL
Kansas Health Foundation
RIVER RUN
WICHITA EAGLE MEDALLION HUNT STEAM City • LA RAZA FEST • TECH MIDWEST CNH INDUSTRIAL BUCKAROO/BUCKARETTE RODEO
Gospelfest featuring Jonathan Nelson Monday, June 5
Less Than Jake Wednesday, June 7
Mavis Staples Thursday, June 8
KAKE TOUCH A TRUCK • CRAFTAPALOOZA
CAPITOL FEDERAL FIREWORKS FINALE
Koch Industries Presents Common, Friday, June 9
DONATE BUTTONS SO CHILDREN AND ADULTS IN NEED CAN JOIN THE PARTY! Visit WichitaRiverfest.com or WichitaFestivals.com to give. $5
$10
Purchase at INTRUST Bank Arena Office Wichita Festivals Office - 444 E. William Dillon’s, QT and other retail locations. Online at SelectASeat.com
For up-to-date information download the Riverfest Mobile App.
e2e FuturEpreneurship Expo with
Randy Newman, Friday, June 9
Kids 5 and younger get in FREE! Powered by
Spirit AeroSystems Rockin’ on the River
OK Go, Saturday, June 10
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PRIDE is ageless
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OUR PRIDE KNOWS NO BOUNDS Like anyone else, people in the LGBT community want to live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives. AARP is committed to creating a new vision for aging—one complete with diverse stories and innovative ways for everyone to pursue their passions—equally, openly and proudly.
Learn more at aarp.org/ks
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latow F a r I with
SEPTEMBER 9 AT THE ORPHEUM THEATRE The Secret (Smart) Life of Bees
This Cuttlefish Dazzles Reasons to be Amazed by the Octopus
In the Quantum World, Physics Gets Philosophical
Keeping Your Habits Private in a Connected World
Did Dark Matter Doom the Dinosaurs?
Tickets go on sale July 1 LEARN MORE AT KMUW.ORG
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Take Pride in Pride: Wichita's celebration kicks off June 16
By Jamie Rhodes WICHITA - Before Rodney King, shortly after the Civil Rights movement and during the sexual revolution of the 60s, there was the fight and struggle for equality and civil rights among the LGBT population. On June 28, 1969, the
Stonewall Inn located in New York City had been raided by police for the second time that week, along with other gay bars in the area. Crossdressers and staff who were in the club that early morning were arrested. During the arrests, the clientele erupted into a struggle with police, which eventually turned into violent riots. Demonstrations and protests were held. A month later, the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) was formed, which eventually spread into over 400 national organizations. The Stonewall Riots were a turning point for the LGBTQ community and can be considered the start of the civil rights movement for
homosexuals. To commemorate the events at Stonewall, Gay Pride events started springing up across the country in June. The events attract millions of participants around the world. Memorials are held for those members of the community who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS. According to the Library of Congress, “The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally.” Wichita has celebrated pride month off and on since the early 80s. The first actual Pride Festival in Wichita was founded by Wichitan Kristi Parker in 1994. This year’s three-day event,
held June 16-18, includes a festival, rally, parade, dance, family picnic, drag show and scavenger hunt. A full list of activities and the Pride Guide can be found at www.wichitapride. org. Local businesses as well as the city of Salina will have other celebrations and activities throughout the month. Pride is celebrated by many, but one of the main demographics the Wichita Pride board is trying to reach this year, is the younger generation. “Our brand [for this year] is to reach all aspects of the community. We want to make sure something is done for each age group. That’s why we need the community’s input for more ideas for each demographic,” Nolin Christensen, treasurer of Wichita Pride, said. “The people who were involved [in the 90s] were all
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in their 20s and 30s. Now, we’re all in our 40s and 50s. A new generation has been born since. We want to get them involved and engaged since a lot of new rights have been issued and given. A percentage of their population didn’t have the struggles the older folks had. We’re hoping, and would like, to get a new generation into Pride for help, support and ideas,” he said. There are many reasons to come out and support Pride. Christensen said, “We don’t
have full equality yet, and until full equality is met, retained, and gained, I think it’s still important for us to celebrate our diversity. By doing that, it brings us together, binds us together as a community, and it proves to all by showing them we have numbers. We show we have support until full equality is reached. I think it’s important to always have a Pride Celebration. And even when we do have full equality, it’s always good to celebrate where we’ve come from and our history.” l
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Tig Notaro brings hilarious wit to the Uptown Theater By Ciara Reid, staff reporter KANSAS CITY - Tig Notaro has been through a lot in the last five years. In 2012, in the span of four months, she was hospitalized for a debilitating intestinal disease called C. diff, her mother unexpectedly died, she went through a breakup, and then she was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer. Amazingly, she was on stage just a few days later, sharing her raw and powerful health news with the audience, and ultimately, the world via her CD, Live. Her comedy set on the night she revealed her cancer diagnosis was incredibly brave, honest, heartbreaking, and yes – funny. Two years later, she performed a live show topless, displaying her scars and showing infinite courage. Fortunately, Notaro has been on the upswing the last few years. She married Stephanie Allynne, whom she met on the set of the movie In The World… They are now the proud parents
of twin boys. Professionally, Notaro is keeping herself busy in many facets of entertainment. She is preparing for a second season of her show, One Mississippi, which is available on Amazon. Already the author of I’m Just a Person, she is writing her second book (title to be determined) and is of course touring the country on her stand-up tour, which stops at the Uptown Theater in Kansas City on June 9. Notaro’s comedy is so good, other really famous comedians steal her ideas. Example: on the April 8 episode of Saturday Night Live, host Louis C.K. was featured in a sketch that was eerily similar to Notaro’s short film Clown Service, produced in 2015. While Louis C.K. or Saturday Night Live have yet to respond, Notaro was vocal about her disappointment. In an Entertainment Weekly article, Notaro says of the incident, “I think my fans felt very protective of me as
More information: Tig Notaro at the Uptown Theater, 3700 Broadway, Kansas City Show at 8pm, June 9. For ticket prices, visit www.ticketmaster.com or www. facebook.com/tignotarocomedy
well as the film that they had emotionally and financially invested in.”
Notaro’s humor has been described as dark, personal, understated, and witty – sometimes all at once. l
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Enjoy Eight Fabulous Days in Kansas City
See a Movie Premiere or Two...or Forty!
More Films. More Fun. More Fabulous.
KANSAS CITY LGBT
FILM FESTIVAL
Kansas City LGBT Film Festival June 22 - 29, 2017 Tivoli Cinemas in Westport
WATCH FREE PREVIEWS + SEE THE FULL SCHEDULE
www.OutHereNow.com
PAGE 10 | LIBERTY PRESS |JUNE 2017
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KC film festival premieres Something Like Summer Screen adaptation of Kansas City native's book
KANSAS CITY - Out Here Now, Kansas City’s annual LGBT film festival, returns to the Tivoli Cinemas in Westport June 22-29. Featuring eight days of film premiers, audience choice screening and more, the festival bills itself “More Films. More Fun. More Fabulous.” Among the films being screened are animated short
films, documentaries, romantic comedies, global films, and films for youth. Check out www. outherenow.com for a complete lineup and a synopsis of each film being shown. H o w e v e r, t h i s y e a r ’s Centerpiece Screening is of particular note. It’s the new film from the creators of the acclaimed drama, Judas Kiss,
and adapted from the young adult novel of the same name by Lambda Literary Awardwinning author (and Kansas City area native), Jay Bell. Something Like Summer traces the tumultuous relationship of Ben and Tim, secret high school sweethearts who grow over the years into both adulthood enemies and complicated friends. Benjamin Bentley (Grant Davis) the only guy at his Texas high school with the courage to come out of the closet, dooming himself, as he believes, to a life of loneliness. Putting up with
Author Jay Bell, above, will be in attendance along with lead actor Ben Baur, below left.
the bullies and his classmates’ whispered condemnations keeps him from pursuing his dream of being a singer, despite the encouragement of his best friend, Allison (Ajiona Alexus). Instead, Ben spends his summer vacation stalking the handsome athlete who just moved to town, Tim Wyman (Davi Santos). The film follows the course of true love over the span of a dozen years, from awkward adolescence through challenging adulthood, featuring seven classic and original musical
numbers. It also stars Ben Baur. Author Jay Bell will be returning to Kansas City for this premiere of the screen adaption of his novel. Originally from Olathe, Bell attended primary school in Johnson County and has an undergraduate degree from KU. Also in attendance will be lead actor Ben Baur, star of the LGBT-themed web series Hunting Season. Baur and Bell will offer an Audience Q&A following the screening, which takes place June 24 at 7:30pm. l
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Liberty Press
Volume 23, No. 10 • Editor: Kristi Parker • Contributors: Nolin Christensen, Charlene Lichtenstein, Mama, Dr. Robert N. Minor, Stephanie Mott • Staff Reporters: Grayson Barnes, Emily Beckman, Ciara Reid, Jamie Rhodes • Contributing Photographers: • Cover Design: Troy Dilport • Graphic Designer: Troy Dilport • Webmaster: Ren Autrey • Publisher: Liberty Press, LLC • Printer: Valley Offset Printing Subscriptions are $18/year
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PO Box 16315, Wichita, KS 67216 phone: (316) 652-PRESS [7737] e-mail: editor@libertypress.net www.libertypress.net www.facebook.com/LibertyPressKS twitter.com/LibertyPressKS © 2017 The Liberty Press
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KANSAS NEWS......................13 NATIONAL NEWS..................24 OP/ED....................................26 EDITOR'S DESK......................27 MAMA KNOWS BEST............30 OUT IN THE STARS...............30 TRANS-FORMATIVE..............31 AROUND KANSAS.................32 MINOR DETAILS....................33 LEATHER LIFE.......................42 ON THE COVER: Wichita Pride..............................6 Tig Notaro...................................8 Gay Pride Salina.......................34
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Kansas News KU School of MedicineWichita to host LGBT forum WICHITA - In honor of LGBT Pride Month, the KU School of Medicine-Wichita Diversity and Inclusion Committee will host a roundtable discussion on LGTBQI inclusivity and awareness. Led by KU’s clinical assistant professor Dr. Sarah Houssayni, current topics relevant to medical care and LGTBQI individuals will be discussed. A panel of physicians, including Dr. Houssayni, and members of the LGTBQI community will share their personal accounts, information about LGBTQI health and physicians as advocates. Afterward, small groups will be formed and participants will have the opportunity to ask questions about the speakers’ experiences. The event is Tuesday, June 13 from 5:30-7:30pm at the KU School of Medicine-Wichita, 1010 N. Kansas in the Roberts Amphitheater. Refreshments will be available.
Riverfest announces last headliner, VIP ticket offerings
Worley
WICHITA - Wichita Festivals recently announced that with the addition of Darryl Worley as a country concert headliner on Wednesday, June 7 at the RedGuard Stage, the Riverfest 2017 concert line-up is now complete. Also, ticket sales began for new VIP events open to the public for select concerts at this year’s festival, which takes place June 2-10.
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Fans of The Flaming Lips, LoCash, Mavis Staples, Common, and OK Go will be able to purchase VIP passes that include special viewing and seating options, a private cash bar and other amenities for $25 per show. Details and ticket information is available at WichitaRiverfest.com.
Smell of the Kill at WCT directed by John DaltonWhite WICHITA - Wichita Community Theatre, 258 N. Fountain, presents a wild comedy by Michelle Lowe. The Smell of the Kill runs June 7-18 and is directed by John Dalton-White. Smell of the Kill refers to the animals hunted by one of the women’s husband and stored in a new meat locker in the basement of their home. Each month the three couples meet for dinner and drinks. While the men adjourn to the living room to play golf, the women are relegated to the kitchen. (The husbands are never seen only heard.) As the wives clean up the remains of dinner and trade gossip, each woman reveals that her marriage isn’t what she thought it would be. Meanwhile, the men go down to the basement to see the new prize possession, the meat locker, and inadvertently they are locked inside. Their wives, in the kitchen above, hear tapping and must decide what to do: rescue, call police, or maybe . . . Performances are Wednesday-Saturday at 8pm. The first Sunday is at 7pm and the second Sunday is a 2pm matinee. Tickets are $14 for adults or $12 for military/senior/ students. There is a special opening night ticket price of $10 for all on June 7 only. Call for reservations 686-1282.
Seniors can apply to receive checks to buy fresh food at farmers markets in Butler, Harvey & Sedgwick County B U T L E R , H A R V E Y, SEDGWICK COUNTY - Lowincome Kansas seniors may be eligible for a program that provides checks to purchase an array of healthy foods at farmers markets throughout the state. The Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (KSFMNP) is providing
seniors who meet age and income requirements with $30 in checks to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs an d h on ey f r o m authorized farmers at local participating farmers markets J u n e 1 - N o v. 1 . Checks are available in $5 increments. To be eligible, the following criteria must be met: 1. A senior must be 60 years old or older. 2. A senior ’s annual gross household income (before taxes are withheld) must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. For example, a household of one must have an annual gross income at or below $21,978 or a monthly gross income at or below $1,832. Applications are available at the Butler County Dept. on Aging (316)775-0500, Central Plains Area Agency on Aging 1-855-200-2372, and the Harvey County Dept. on Aging (316)284-6880. l
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REVIEW By Grayson Barnes WICHITA - One of the Wichita State University “Gaypril” events was an artist talk sponsored by the Cadman Art Gallery on campus -- its first such event. Three speakers, Alexander Moore, Sally Frater, and Kelsy Gossett participated in a PechaKucha format where they offered 20 slides for 20 seconds each through which they shared their work or projects they had been involved in. Alexander Moore is working on his Bachelor’s in Studio Arts at WSU. He is also the Assistant for the Shift Space Gallery at 416 S. Commerce in Wichita. Moore started his talk with images of his childhood. He disclosed that he had grown up gay in an accepting household, despite living in the “oppressive state” of Kansas. This experience created his artistic interests in psychological landscapes, large- and smallscale views, power structures, and unusual materials. A work by Moore that ticks off his first three criteria seems simple at first glance: two paintings on canvas, one on the wall and one on the floor. However, the floor piece is a HUGE work in muted pastels with irregular borders. Moore arranged the surface so that it is topographic, rather than flat like a traditional painting. It becomes a behemoth blocking the way so it is difficult for the viewer to interact with the TINY canvas on the wall behind it. The geography of the floor thus becomes a limitation. Moore is also fascinated by materials he considers ‘abject.’ In
Sally Frater, curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Ulrich, shared artists that she had worked with including Trinidad artist Michele Pearson Clarke, right.
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Intersections:
Post-Structuralist theory, these are substances which disturb reality, and/or sensibility and convention. Fingernails parings are not what most would think of as an ‘art medium.’ H o w e v e r, M o o r e u s e d these in his pseudo-taxidermy Hedgehog, along with a compendium of other, well,
Here, Clarke draws parallels between the iconic (“Black, Lesbian, Mother, Warrior, Poet”) Lorde (who was from the Caribbean) her own blackness and sexuality, and her mother. There is also an allusion to Lorde’s work, because Lorde was known to say “your silence will not protect you.”
“[Three] artists participated in a PechaKucha format ... 20 slides for 20 seconds each ...” NOT hedgehoggy elements. His goal was to make us question art (taxidermy?), life (dead hedgehog?), and the aspects of us that are cast away (fingernails = abject) that can be a part of BOTH life and art – if/when we change our view(s). Also presenting was Sally Frater, the Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Ulrich Museum at WSU. Frater shared pieces by artists that she had worked with. All of them explored the identities of race, culture, and sexuality. The first artist Frater talked about was Michele Pearson Clarke, who was born in Trinidad. In Clarke’s video work All That is Left Unsaid, there are clips of Audre Lorde inhaling and exhaling. There is no sound.
We could even reference popular culture and tie in Star Wars: “It is all that is left unsaid upon which tragedies are built (Kreia, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords).” Clarke’s work stresses the necessity of communication. Jorge Galván Flores’ oeuvre is a dialog about identity and how that shifts, as well as empire and commodity. Although these are deep subjects, there is a sense of play in his pieces. One of his works, Espactacular, is a billboard. For the image, he trolled Google Maps and took two pictures, one from the street Paseo de los Heroes in Tijuana and one from the gardens at Versailles in France. He incorporated them seamlessly to create a composite.
This was inspired by Flores’ amusement that the manicured bushes (topiaries) – which to him symbolize dominion and empire – were also favored by the folks on the street in Mexico. Another artist shared by Frater was Diedrick Brackens, who pays homage to West African cloth weaving in his works. Brackens, however, includes a modern twist and uses them to investigate his own experiences as a Black gay man. For him, textiles are a way of weaving a story. Sometimes his pieces include words, sometimes non-traditional materials. One of his works features a color called ‘Alice Walker Blue,’ party fringe, and doorknobs. His concept was that people who viewed the weaving could see themselves reflected. It reminded me of a Fulani proverb: “I am who they are.” One’s reflection would be fractured and only reassembled as one interacted with others. Brackens’ will be showing at the Ulrich in September. Frater also explained the work of Daryl Vocat, who currently has an exhibition in the Underground Gallery at the Ulrich. This exhibit was reviewed in April’s Liberty Press. Last to speak was Kelsy Gossett, a Master of Fine Arts candidate at WSU. Gossett subverts the cultural views of power, sexuality, and the trope of ‘women as tools.’ Her Master’s Thesis Exhibition is reviewed in this issue. l
Audre Lorde, above, is shown in Clarke's video work titled All That is Left Unsaid.
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LGBTQIA Artist Talks at WSU
Jorge Galvan Flores, above, and his billboard Espactacular.
Below: A snapshot from one of Kelsy Gossett's videos from her Master's Thesis Exhibition entitled For Your Viewing Pleasure.
Diedrick Brackens' work was presented by Sally Frater. It will be on display at the Ulrich in September. For more information on the Cadman Art Gallery, see www.wichita.edu/rscgallery/. For the Ulrich Museum, see ulrich.wichita.edu/.
Diedrick Brackens. 10-79, 2015 (detail); hand-woven fabric, nylon, chenille, hand-dyed cotton, bleach; 66 x 14 in.
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On the Beaten Path: Rain proves nay-sayers wrong
By Jamie Rhodes WICHITA - There once was a time if you wanted to go to an LGBT-friendly bar or club, you’d have to go to the outskirts of town. Back then, clubs and bars that catered to the LGBT community had traditionally been out of the way, off the beaten path, and not centralized. This was all for good reason. It was mostly for protection. A lot of persecution went on back then. It was accepted that in order for a club to be successful it was better to be out of the way to prevent the backlash and harassment of the public. “Back then” refers only to up until about 10 years ago. Rain Café & Lounge, located on Douglas in Old Town, opened nine years ago. Rain’s owner takes pride in the fact that he brought something new to the city. It became a “proud showcase and example” to show the community an LBGT bar can survive on a major street in the downtown area.
As with any new business opening (especially one under these circumstances), doubters came along. Through the years, though, “Rain has had incredible support [from the community],” Allen Mairs, owner, says. “We were able to prove the naysayers wrong. Ever since we’ve been open, we’ve been blessed by the community and neighbors, even from the city local authorities. We were able to put a good foot forward in the community.” Rain Café & Lounge’s primary focus is not on the alcohol at the bar, but on the food and the ability to hang out, talk with your friends, and not feel like you’re in a shady or out-of-the-way hidden establishment. It is a place one can bring your parents, partners, spouses or children. Mairs is proud that Rain could give the community something they could be proud of, while in turn, “the city can get comfortable and know it’s okay to support and normalize all of this.
“We’ve accomplished that mission very proudly with the great advances going on. We did what was more important. We changed people’s minds in the end. We changed their minds and opened their minds. No one is terrified to be a part of our community any more. In some cases, you can say it’s something people look up to. That’s a great thing. Even in the last 10 years, major changes have been made. Every LGBT
club that was opened for the most part was out of the way by necessity, and now LGBT clubs aren’t afraid to be in our main entertainment district. It’s terrific that we may have had some part of advancing that.” While Rain is thankful to the community, the community has been thankful to it in return. One of the activities it’s best known for is “Bitchy Bingo.” The event continued on page 18
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helps charitable organizations raise donations. Each “Bitchy Bingo” is customized for the mindset and needs of the charity. “We help by facilitating the venue for it, provide cards, and supplies. It’s all for the organization with communal donations [for prizes],” Mairs said. The bar can also provide the emcee entertainment. It’s had favorites like Brown Sugar and Miss Rhonda. Another popular event is the bar’s Sunday brunch at $7.50 per person from 10am2pm. Part of being a neighborhood bar is focusing on serving the community and its patrons.
2nd Annual Stonewall Remembrance/Celebration
Sponsored by The Wichita Prime Timers Park City Public Library 2107 E 61st St. N, Park City, KS Wednesday, June 28th from 6pm until 9pm All LGBT members, allies and friends are invited Enjoy a film about the Stonewall Riots Burgers and Dogs will be provided--bring your favorite fixin’s and non-alcoholic beverage. This multi-generational cook out is an opportunity for younger people to learn more about Stonewall and for the not-so-young to share their memories. Stonewall was, and is, considered a ‘Ground Breaking’ event in the evolution of the LGBT movement Call (316) 778-1487 for info.
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Sunday, at Rain, is a great gathering place to be with friends and family. The bar is crossclient-based where everybody comes in. “It’s a place for a fun breakfast, and most likely a great laugh,” Mairs said. “When XY opened, it was nice because they take care of the dance format,” Mairs said. “We weren’t the facility for that. We’re a fun pub atmosphere with great food [a kitchen that stays open until close], where you can have munchies while meeting with friends and not have your ears blasted. Our new focus is a more chill environment where you can have a conversation with your friends all the way until close. We’re real excited we can focus on that.” l
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For Your Viewing Pleasure: Kelsy Gossett
REVIEW By Grayson Barnes W I C H I TA - A r t i s t s w h o candidate for a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree have to do a ‘thesis’ too. Instead of creating a bound volume of their accumulated research (including citations) like other disciplines, artists have to show what they have learned in a visual format. Just like that book it is judged by a panel of scholars. The difference is, that book appears in a few copies. Maybe at some point someone will blow the dust off of it and read it. The artist’s Thesis Exhibition, however, is open to everyone. The artist bares her soul. For Kelsy Gossett, who had her MFA Thesis Exhibition at the Diver Studio this past month, that soul-baring included some actual skin-baring. Not totally, though. She kept her undies on along with some other ‘outfits.’ Gossett chooses underwear and clothing for her videos specifically to subvert that women dress FOR men. Her work is about maneuvering through the quagmire of female fetishism and sexual suppression commercialized for the heterosexual male gaze. Since Gossett’s work is videobased, a number of projection screens and televisions showing her films were strewn about the upstairs gallery at the Diver. The stripped warehouse space called to mind a shabby, lowbudget movie studio whose output features skanky porn. I kept looking down to make sure I wasn’t tripping over taped-
down camera cords or writhing bodies. This essentially made the place perfect for Gossett to show her stuff -- stuff reminiscent of photographer Cindy Sherman and the movie-making side of Andy Warhol. On one screen, Gossett and another woman stood facing the camera or interacted with each other and a balloon (The Dance, 2016). Only their bodies were visible. They wore beige sports bras and “granny panties” made of that otherworldly stretchy fabric that is used for women’s underwear which, after repeated washings, turns amorphously beige no matter what pastel color it started out as. The background was beige. There was no intimate touch, only friendly pats or strokes. Sometimes the balloon would be squished between them, but
nothing about the women or their movement was meant to be provocative. In conjunction with this was a series of laptops showing the online video chats that Gossett and her co-conspirator had with men over a period of eight hours. The men were able to watch the video and tell the women what to do. Then Gossett and her ally DID NOT do what was asked of them. Chats that started as complimentary (“you are very beautiful”) became insulting (“you b_tches”) when the men’s desires were not fulfilled. In a series of vignettes made to look like cheap porn flicks, Gossett and a friend become “Vivian and Veronica.” According to Gossett, these girls “like to be looked at.” Vivian and Veronica play out roles in what appears to be
someone’s apartment with appropriate setting materials changed out -- well, stuck to the wall by the bookcase – for the different scenes. They are Catholic schoolgirls, vixens in animal print, and doctor and patient. The irony is that A LOT of action happens, but no PHYSICAL intimacy occurs. It is like Gossett wrote the playbook for “Lesbian Fantasy Interruptus” in order to, again, subvert that male gaze. Probably the most personal piece, Without You (2016), had to be entered through an installation of balloons. I walked in, surprisingly disturbed by the smell of all_that_latex. A feeling of childlike vulnerability overwhelmed me. It didn’t stop when I rounded the corner. There continued on next page
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NYC plans activist march and rally to honor Chanute native Gilbert Baker on Flag Day: June 14
NEW YORK CITY — Friends and family of the late Gilbert Baker will hold an activist march and rally against LGBTQ discrimination and bigotry in memory of the world-renowned artist who created the rainbow flag, the international symbol of LGBTQ pride. Baker, a lifelong LGBTQ and social justice activist, died suddenly Mar. 31 in his Manhattan home. He was 65. The political march and rally “Raise the Rainbow!” will take place, appropriately, on Flag Day, which is Wednesday, June 14, from 6pm-9pm. It is a public event open to all. Attendees are invited to bring rainbow-themed banners, art pieces and protest signs. The event begins with a rally at the Stonewall Inn, the bar whose 1969 riots sparked the modern LGBTQ movement. Speakers will celebrate the life, art and legacy of Baker through personal recollections, resistance speeches and Baker’s own political speeches. At 8pm, participants will march the length of Christopher Street to Christopher Street Pier. “Gilbert Baker belonged to all of us, and his sudden passing has been a shocking loss to millions across the world,” said event co-organizer and longtime friend Charley Beal. “There is no better way to honor his work and his memory than to hold this march and protest, to fight the LGBTQ oppression of Donald Trump’s administration. We
must continue Gilbert’s work, because the struggle for LGBTQ liberation is not over.” The Facebook page for the event is: www.facebook.com/ GilbertBakerMemorial. The website for Gilbert Baker is: gilbertbaker.com. A celebration of Baker in San Francisco, his home for decades and the site of the creation of the Rainbow Flag in 1978, will happen Thursday, June 8, at 7pm at the Castro Theatre, 429 Castro St. Baker was born in Chanute, KS, on June 2, 1951. He grew up in Parsons, where his grandmother owned a women’s clothing store, and where he developed an appreciation for fabrics. He served in the U.S. Army from 1970-72, which stationed him in San Francisco just at the start of the gay liberation movement. After being honorably discharged, Baker stayed in San Francisco, bought his first sewing machine and taught himself to sew. He began creating flags for civic and state events, most notably the 1984 Democratic National Convention. The first rainbow flag had eight colors, each standing for something: Pink was for hot sex; red for life; orange for healing, yellow for sunlight; green for nature; turquoise for art; indigo for harmony; and violet for spirit. Eventually two colors were dropped - pink and turquoise - due to limited availability of fabric.
In 1994 Baker created a milelong Rainbow Flag for the 25th anniversary of the Stonewall Riot 1969 in New York City. The flag was 30 feet across and 5,280 feet long and carried by 5,000 people. It was unfurled in front of the United Nations before a crowd of more than one million. It was the world’s largest flag before Baker broke his own record in 2003 with a new flag created for Key West Pride and to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the rainbow flag, that extended from the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean Sea. For that flag, he restored the missing two colors. Gossett continued from page 19
a film showed Gossett moving about on a rumpled bed. She was sporting the signature beige underthings and awkwardly cavorting with a balloon. Odd shapes were arranged in front of the screen, like an amoebic amphitheater. It was both beckoning AND possessed of an ‘ewww’ factor that kept me standing. I just watched Gossett as she kissed and cradled her surrogate-lover balloon. I was SUPREMELY uncomfortable. I felt like I walked in on my parents having sex. This is just what Gossett wanted, because Without You explores what losing a lover feels like, especially in the lesbian world when, afterward, EVERYTHING is on display, if
Due to his creation of the rainbow flag, Baker often used the drag queen name “Busty Ross.” Baker also created a series of Rainbow Flag-inspired paintings for galleries and museums internationally. The Rainbow Flag is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Most recently, Baker completed a new ninecolor Rainbow Flag, adding a lavender stripe for diversity. Gilbert Baker leaves behind mother Patricia Baker of Conroe, TX and sister Ardonna Baker Cook of Cypress, TX. l
not overtly, then through gossip. Afterward, all one has left is a devastating sense of loss and lots of awkward memories because it wasn’t perfect. But it was yours ... Gossett does a fine job of making the sexual tropes for women do headstands. Her work is graphic – it has to be – but only to a point, because THAT IS the point: it is up to women to take their sexual power BACK. After engaging with Gossett’s art, I came away with a thorough view of what she is wrestling with. It isn’t a small job. I commend her for having the ovaries to smash a balloon or two up against it. To find out what’s happening at the Diver Studio, check them out on Facebook or call (316) 269-2113. l
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Engage ICT: Democracy on Tap
By Emily Beckman WICHITA - When KMUW, the local public radio station, hosted its first Engage ICT: Democracy on Tap discussion at Reverie Coffee Roasters, the community turnout exceeded expectations. Sarah Jane Crespo, director of community engagement for KMUW, recalls more than 115 people packed in the coffee shop to discuss health care. “It was standing room only, with folks filing all the way to the back of the building, perching on the steps to the second floor, and huddled in corners around the room,” Crespo said in an e-mail interview. That was in January 2016. Today, the program continues to exist, bringing panelists and thoughtful discussions to the community. “It seemed like there was a lot of ignorance and a lot of apathy when it came to local issues, but there was also a need to address how national issues affect each of us
locally,” Crespo said. “So, under the Engage ICT umbrella, we launched Democracy on Tap, a panel discussion to inform people and let them ask their own questions.” The events are held monthly at Wichita locations that can provide a large venue while maintaining a casual feel. Crespo believes that Engage ICT is for everyone. “We want to make it easy for people to learn what they need to know and we want to inspire them to take action according to their own values,” Crespo said. “It’s healthy to debate and to have civil discourse. We just want folks to be engaged.” The next gathering will be held Tuesday, June 13 at Roxy’s Downtown, 412 E. Douglas. The topic will be: How to Run for Office. For more information on E n g a g e I C T: Democracy o n Ta p , v i s i t kmuw.org/topic/ engageict. l
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JUNE 2017 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 23
WICHITA PRIDE 2017
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PAGE 24 | LIBERTY PRESS |JUNE 2017
National News Nevada governor signs law ending conversion therapy for LGBTQ youth CARSON CITY, NV - On May 17, Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval signed SB201 into law, putting an end to the practice of “conversion therapy” in the state of Nevada for LGBTQ youth. The bill signing was the result of targeted grassroots advocacy efforts by the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), Gender Justice Nevada, Kaempfer Crowell, and the Human Rights Campaign. NCLR has been standing up on behalf of survivors of conversion therapy for the past
20 years, and in 2014, launched its Born Perfect campaign — marking a commitment to a stateby-state advocacy campaign to end this practice in each state across the country. “Today, Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval and elected officials have prioritized the safety, health, and well-being of LGBTQ Nevadans by putting an end to the discredited practice of so-called ‘conversion therapy,’” NCLR Youth Policy Counsel and Born Perfect Campaign Director Carolyn Reyes said. GLAAD data shows LGBTQ people are nearly invisible or outdated punch-lines in big Hollywood movies Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval
NEW YORK – GLAAD, the world’s LGBTQ media advocacy organization, recently released its fifth annual Studio Responsibility Index - a report that maps the quantity, quality, and diversity of LGBTQ people in films released by the seven largest motion picture studios during the 2016 calendar year. GLAAD found that of the 125 releases from major studios in 2016, only 23 of them (18.4%) included characters identified as LGBTQ. Gay men are still by far the most represented group with 83% of inclusive films featuring gay male characters. Lesbian portrayals rose from 23% in 2015 to 35% of inclusive films featuring lesbian characters. Bisexual representation appeared in 13% of LGBTQ-inclusive films. At the same time, Harley Quinn’s bi-identity, which is front and center in the comic books that inspired the film, was completely erased in the Suicide Squad film. Transgender representation
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
remains abysmally low, with only one transgender character counted, the same number as the 2015 report, and once again the character was used as a punch-line in Zoolander 2. GLAAD also found that racial diversity among LGBTQ characters in film again dropped drastically year over year. In 2016, only 20% of LGBTQ characters were people of color, compared to 25.5% in 2015 and 32.1% in 2014. Based on the overall quantity, quality, and diversity of LGBTQ representation, a grade was then assigned to each studio: Excellent, Good, Insufficient, Poor, or Failing. No studios received grades of ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good.’ Universal Pictures was the only studio to be rated ‘Insufficient.’ 20th Century Fox, Paramount Pictures, and Warner Brothers were rated ‘Poor.’ Lionsgate Entertainment, Sony Pictures, and Walt Disney Studios were all rated ‘Failing.’ No studio has ever received an ‘Excellent’ rating. Pride Foundation awards $438,000 in scholarships to 108 student leaders SEATTLE – Pride Foundation announced scholarships to 108 students from Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington totaling $438,000— the largest total award in the organization’s history. Pride Foundation is the largest source of scholarships to LGBTQ students in the country. These scholarships, which range from $3,000 to $14,000, seed the next generation of leaders in the
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
JUNE 2017 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 25
fuel this state’s economy in the face of national coverage that tells young workers that Texas is in the business of discrimination.”
Miki Cabell, left, who grew up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, received a Pride Foundation Scholarship.
LGBTQ community. Students supported include: Miki Cabell grew up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota and dropped out of school in 6th grade. Cabell is now enrolled in a Ph.D. program in education with the goal of becoming a teacher. Lexi Bergeron is pursuing a degree in psychology at the University of Oregon. Bergeron is one of the first openly transgender women to be accepted to a national sorority – Kappa Alpha Theta. C y n t h i a D e Vi l l e w i l l study Industrial Electronics Technology at Lewis and Clark State in Lewiston, ID. DeVille is the first openly transgender athlete in the Northwest Athletic Conference. Bathroom bill debate has earned Texas $216 million in bad publicity AUSTIN — A review of press coverage shows that the Texas “bathroom bill” debate generated $216 million in bad publicity for the state of Texas. During the 85th Texas legislative session, 25,774 local, state, and national articles were written about the efforts to pass bathroom and changingroom restrictions on transgender adults and children. More than 20,000 of these articles were published outside of Texas. The media tracking service Meltwater was used to generate the data;
Overall, the sentiment calculated across all news coverage was deeply negative. The topic of bathroom restrictions for transgender Texans has been shepherded into the spotlight by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and vocal anti-LGBT backers like Empower Texans, Conservative Republicans of Texas, and Texas Values. Texas business leaders and small business owners have consistently cited the war for talent as a major concern related to the state’s anti-LGBT reputation. “HR executives and business leaders voice concern to us when headlines about discrimination dominate the news about Texas,” said Jessica Shortall, Managing D i r e c t o r o f Te x a s Competes, a coalition of nearly 1,300 Texas employers and chambers of commerce making the economic case for an LGBT-friendly Texas. “We cannot maintain the pipeline of talent needed to
In a February UT/TT 2017 poll, a majority of Texans said that it’s “not important” for the legislature to pass a bathroom law. l
PAGE 26 | LIBERTY PRESS |JUNE 2017
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.
GUEST EDITORIAL Trans is Only Part of the List, Not the Top
By Grayson Barnes
I
am a Transman. I wrote that with capital ‘T’ because of what it took to get here. I haven’t “known all my life,” like some Transgender people have. My gender dysphoria overwhelms me only occasionally, not frequently (or often) as it does a number of my brothers and sisters. My body IS at odds with my identity, but I am not seeking to alter it drastically. Testosterone and two surgeries would be enough. Now you know pretty much where I stand on that aspect of my being. That doesn’t mean I speak for everyone else in the world who is Trans. I want to put this out there, because it is bad enough to have to deal with being misgendered – to have someone call me ‘maam’ when I am a ‘sir’ – but it’s egregious to be called on to REPRESENT all Transpeople everywhere because I am often the only one in the room. I have purposely kept myself visible. Going from being an ‘out’ lesbian to a possibly stealth dude was one of the reasons I delayed hormone therapy for a whole year after I figured out who I truly am. I did not want to disappear into the woodwork
and stop speaking for the disenfranchised. In our culture, we seem to believe the story is authentic ONLY if comes from the actual people it affects. It doesn’t mean anyone will act on anything, but, if a seemingly straight white man tells us how he feels about a given situation, there is serious doubt about the validity of his opinion. Why do we think this way? He might have a range of experiences, he might be empathic, he might have family members who are involved. Maybe he has an excellent plan. If he’s a smart man, he will only act after he gets further information from those affected. What allowed me to begin living authentically was I realized that I am a smart man. That aspect of me would never, ever be invisible. I needed to fight for that. Better yet -- I have had amazing experiences. I was in the military, I have a Master’s degree, and I realio-trulio lived as a woman. How many guys can say that? But, even then, I did not speak for ALL veterans, all people with graduate degrees, or all women. Today, although I have some good ideas because of my uniqueness, I don’t speak for all Transpeople either. It is wrong of anyone to expect that I should. Imagine this – a variety of people are sitting in a room chatting. Someone says, “I have been reading this book and there’s this phrase in Spanish I don’t understand. Is there someone in here who speaks Spanish?” At the same time, the person asking the question turns his/her head and LOOKS RIGHT AT a woman with café au lait skin who might be Latina. I witnessed this exact situation once, and the querent was completely discomfited when the woman responded, “I never learned,” but a blond guy said, “I can help – I grew up in Mexico City.” Amusing outcome aside, this is a form of something called a ‘microaggression.’ It’s when people make assumptions
based on appearances or other not-so-visible aspects that might be mentioned (religion, sexual preference, dietary requirements). Although it isn’t outright inflammatory, it is dismissive. Microagressions do not take into account the whole person. Examples are expecting all women to know about the types of disposable diapers appropriate for different ages of babies or presuming all gay men are intimately knowledgeable about Drag Culture. When I am the only Transman in the room, I don’t want people
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
to turn to ME and expect me to speak for Transpeople everywhere, even though I openly share MY experience. I sit on panels, write about my life, and talk to people about what it is like for ME. Sometimes, I admit, I even get a bit uppity and vehemently defend those topics I feel I have a say about. Medical issues are a big one, because I am a dude with a uterus and ovaries that I can’t get rid of because they are still ‘functional’ and ‘healthy,’ although I am post-menopause. However, I am a smart enough man to know I can’t speak for Transmen who might want to carry children. They do exist. After I have stepped off my Trans soapbox, I want to engage the other aspects of myself – pet-parent, friend, scholar – but I’ll need to clean my trifocals first. I am not all-Trans-all-ofthe-time. To assume this is, again, a microaggression. Don’t ask me to answer “all things Trans” simply because I am. It is invasive. If there is someone Trans in your life, it isn’t his/ her/hir/their job to educate you. Make an effort to learn on your own. Even I had to start with Google. l
Get ready for summer here!! We have disc golf, hacky sacks, hero sacks and more for fun in the sun!
(785) 776-2252
1128 Moro Manhattan, KS 66502 11am-6:30pm M-F • 11am-6pm Sat.
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JUNE 2017 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 27
Editor's Desk
The power of homophobia - internal or otherwise
A
fter 24 Pride issues, I didn’t think I had anything left to say. But there is one story I’ve never told. It is about the immense power of internalized homophobia. I was living in a duplex in College Hill with a roommate; my little brother was living in the basement. I had recently admitted to myself that I was a lesbian and I was seeing a therapist to help me deal with it. It wasn’t an easy thing for me and I was really struggling. One of the initial things she had asked me to do was write down all the things I didn’t like about the possibility of being a lesbian. I did so and stuck the paper in my purse - I had a purse!! - for the next appointment. Before my next appointment something strange happened. While my roommate was staying over at her boyfriend’s someone broke in and stole my purse. Just my purse. My brother didn’t believe it, thought I had misplaced it, until I showed him the plant stand by the window. Someone had removed the screen, and methodically dismantled the plant stand, stacking the glass shelves outside leaning against the side of the house, along with the plants lined up beside them, and apparently crawled through the window. My very first thought was about that letter I had written. Not my credit cards, ID, keys, pictures, money, etc. That damn letter. “He’s going to find that letter, read it and come back and show me what I’m missing,” I said to myself, terrified at the thought. As I was freaking out, the phone rang. “Where were you last night?” a strange man’s voice said. “I looked all through the house for you.” “Aaaaaaaaaaa,” I screamed and slammed down the phone. “Shit, I need to leave. Wait. He has my car keys,” I raced over to lock the door. “Wait. He has my house keys.” I called the landlord who came and changed the locks. I called the police and I called in to work. Through all of this I was still worried about that stupid letter. My deepest secret was in the hands of a stranger. Who knows who would see it? Who knows who he would tell? I was just sure that my being a lesbian - and that alone - was going to prompt him to come back. He didn’t come back. About a year later, I read in the newspaper that the police had caught the College Hill rapist. A victim had managed to get away and call police while he was still in her house. (I bet you can see where this is going . . .) My phone rings, it’s the police. “Ma’am, we found your purse. You can come down to Evidence and pick it up,” he says and gives me directions. The letter was still tucked inside, untouched. THE COLLEGE HILL RAPIST WAS IN MY HOUSE AND I WAS WORRIED ABOUT BEING OUTED!!! Be Out, be Proud, and be Safe.
--Kristi
PAGE 28 | LIBERTY PRESS |JUNE 2017
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Lady Parts Justice League brings powerful combination of laughter and activism to Wichita By Ciara Reid, staff reporter W I C H I TA - I f t h e L a d y Parts Justice League (LPJL) sounds like a conglomerate of superheroes, you may not be far from the truth. Founded in 2015 by Lizz Winstead (who is also the co-founder of The Daily Show on Comedy Central), the
LPJL is comprised of writers, comedians, and producers who aim to educate the public about discriminatory abortion laws and the terrifying reality of diminishing reproductive rights. Using humor as their primary weapon to disseminate information to the masses, the LPJL raises awareness through
Wanna know more? For information on the Lady Parts Justice League, future events, donation links, and ticket information for the Wichita date, visit: www. ladypartsjusticeleague.com, www.vagicalmysterytour.com, or visit the group’s Facebook page.
Vagical Mystery Tour at Barleycorn’s, 608 E. Douglas 7pm doors; 7:30pm show $15 in advance, $20 at the door videos (more than 100 so far), social media, and now a nationwide tour appropriately titled “The Vagical Mystery Tour.” The tour spans eight weeks and hits 15 cities, including Wichita at Barleycorn’s on June 15. “Every summer, hundreds and hundreds of anti-choice extremists get tons of funding to rent a giant tour bus to go ambush clinics across the country. Instead of taking their families to the Grand Canyon, or
Niagara Falls, they literally drive around the country, screaming on sidewalks in front of abortion clinics,” Winstead says in a promotional video about the Vagical Mystery Tour. “Well the Lady Parts Justice League has our own little summer trip planned. It’s an eight-week, 15-city USO kind of tour that’s going to drown out these people with laughter, support, and love.” continued on page 36
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Dear Mama, Do you think Russia is involved with Trump and all that? Signed Wondering Oh Lord, someone bring me a fly swatter. Hell yes he is involved. Any moron could see that! If you don’t, then you are a Cheeto Follower! Mama, What do you think of the
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
President firing all these people? Not signed
then we can stop them! Pray for Manchester
Tastefully Simple Beer Bread
I think Darth Cheeto is confused and thinks he is still on The Apprentice. He is like all crooked politicians just trying to cover all his tracks before it comes crumbling down on him. Never trust anyone that shares secret information with Russia! This is why I don’t drink vodka!
Do you get those annoying calls about student loan forgiveness and lowering your rate on your credit card? Not signed
3 cups self-rising flour 1 (12 oz.) can or bottle of beer ½ cup white sugar 3 Tbsp. butter, melted
Yes, and I hate them. I have not been a student in over 50 years so I have no student loans and I am an old woman on a fixed income so no credit card either. When these people call I say hello and wait for someone to come on the line and then I blow an air horn in the phone. They never call back. That will teach them to bother me while I am having a beer.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a loaf pan. Mix flour and sugar together in a bowl. Pour beer into a separate large bowl; add flour mixture and stir until moistened. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in preheated oven until nearly set, 40 to 50 minutes. Pour melted butter over the top of the bread and continue baking until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 10 minutes more. l
Dear Mama, What is going on with this damn world? All these bombings are so disgusting! A Worried Human I wish I had the answer. I hope it gets better before it gets worst. These terrorists need to be stopped! I know it can be an impossible job, but if we can elect anybody to be President
W
e get to take a “wilde” ride while this crazy world ramps up its spin. Three personal planets step into mushy and emotional Cancer setting off a garden variety of responses. Lettuce just calm down, kids!
Have a question for Mama? E-mail MamaTHarper@aol.com.
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LEO (JULY 24 - AUG. 23) ARIES (MAR. 21 - APRIL 20) Going with your intuition can lead you You may think that your home is your to some very interesting and offbeat refuge. But think again, gay Ram. In situations now, proud Lion. Mischief fact your domestic agenda may be voted is in the wind and may sweep you up down by others in the house. So be very in it. You could become tempest tossed careful in any household-based decision and make sure that everyone is in agreement with any and upside down. Don’t panic. This might be the time grand plan. You will have time and opportunity to gain to let loose and see where the fates carry you. Who knows? It could be to Paris. But on the other hand, it the upper hand later in the summer. So for now, chill. could be to Podunk. TAURUS (APRIL 21 - MAY 21) VIRGO (AUG. 24 - SEPT. 23) Queer Bulls often enjoy being the strong Your social life gets a jolt as suddenly and silent type. But now you cannot help you are on everyone’s guest list. Good yourself - you simply must say what is on for you, queer Virgo! Now how do your mind. All good as long as you can you maximize your exposure? Which remain diplomatic and charming. But for invitations will you accept? What new those who want to be bulls in a china shop, consider the aftermath. Speak softy now and you will find the perfect groups should you join? The decisions you make now can impact your summer plans. Will you decide on the time for your tirade later. A list or the D list? Oh how to choose? How to choose? GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21) LIBRA (SEPT. 24 - OCT. 23) Money and the wonderful things it can buy All of your hard work may start to might be too tempting now for pink Twins, be recognized now by the big bosses, especially those on a tight budget. Do you proud Libra. Start plotting now to find really need that thingamajig? Carefully consider what is essential and what is just ways of maximizing this profitable attention. This nice to have. You will want to pace yourself for later in may be your entry into the higher echelons of upper the summer when there might be a romantic moment management to become a big shot yourself. But life that sends you into ecstasy . . . and credit card overdraft. is not just ambitious corporate climbing, private jets and big fat paychecks . . . or is it? CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 23) SCORPIO (OCT. 24 - NOV. 22) If you are seeking quiet repose and You need to get out of your routine solitary contemplation for the next few and boring habits, gay Scorp. The weeks, just forgetaboutit, gay Crab! The fates encourage you to get out of your world will beat a path to your door and comfort zone to feel fully refreshed create a rousing ruckus. and energized. So take a trip around the Maybe the cosmos is telling you that this is really what you need right now. Don’t sit on the world, if time and money permit. Otherwise, enjoy sidelines and watch all the action. Get into the communal the expansion of your horizons closer to home by exploring some new hot spots, different cuisines or a flow and live life to the fullest, if not the proudest. tasty new hot treat. Anyone we know?
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 - DEC. 22) Even jaded gay Archers can’t help but feel perky, peppy and a bit spicier now. You are rough and ready for anything and anyone. Quaff your sexual thirst in some bubbly watering holes throughout the summer and see who floats by. But try hard to be choosy. Your choices will be limitless, but you should favor quality over quantity. Uh, right?? CAPRICORN (DEC. 23 - JAN. 20) Relationships and how to make them strong and lasting will hold more of your attention now, pink Cap. And this is a good thing because your attention might have been focused on other things for a while. Remember, no one is an island unto themselves. Sometimes it is nice to have a castaway wash up on your shore and stoke a roaring fire. AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 - FEB. 19) If you have been feeling tired and a bit off your game, this is the time to concentrate on health, fitness and rejuvenation. Find ways to recharge and generally upgrade your diet and stress reduction techniques. Aqueerians have been fighting the good fight, but it is important to rest a while before you start in all over again. Okay, now start again. PISCES (FEB. 20 - MAR. 20) Find time to just have fun now, Guppie. That can mean festive parties, a secret romance or something artistic. Your imagination will run wilde and you need to capture a few tantalizing morsels of it for your personal statement. Try a new art form and see how it works out. Is nude body painting with fresh fruit creative enough? Only if it includes cherries.
(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.
A Little Bit Left of the "F" Box
I
dreamed as a child of Easter dresses, and petticoats, and all the things my binarylimited brain could imagine. I dreamed of living, and being, and knowing the glorious truths of womanhood. I prayed and prayed that I could somehow discover the miracle of all miracles and the most wonderful of all possible wonders; the most feminine of all things female. After having lived nearly a half century in the soulextinguishing confines of a male persona, which had been assigned to me by an unaware world, the universe finally provided the key to unlock the box. The male box. And I did. Then I skipped across the stage and dutifully (and joyously) locked myself in the female box. The joy of my partiallyachieved authenticity covered up the truth like the clouds cover up the sun. It took several years for the light to find its way into my still-learning soul. I don’t fit in that box either. Not completely.
Whether by virtue of my perceived-as-male upbringing, or by virtue of my authentic existence, or perhaps some of both, I find myself a little bit left of the “F” box. The who-I-truly-am epiphany was inspired by observing whothey-truly-are youth; leaving me literally unable to fail to see the beauty of their authenticity. Immediately, I wondered who I might have become, how much higher my soul might have soared, had I known this amazing (shouldn’t-be-a) secret from the beginning. Eventually, I came to know that the limits of my knowledge about true authenticity were a gift, of sorts, from a society that is designed to place limits on anything non-binary. As I watch the unbridled freedom of non-binary identity, I know that tomorrow’s truth will be more true, tomorrow’s freedom will be more free, and tomorrow’s authenticity will be more authentic. And I am still learning more about my own truth, and freedom, and authenticity. Right here from a little bit left of the “F” box. l
JUNE 2017 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 31
PAGE 32 | LIBERTY PRESS |JUNE 2017 WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. South Central Kansas, 1407 N. Topeka, Unitarian Universalist Congregation usd259.net, meets every Wednesday at Wichita, (316) 263-5886, director@ of Lawrence, 1263 N. 1100 Rd., (785) lunch in room A213. wichitapeace.org, www.wichitapeace. 842-3339, www.uufl.net, 9:30am Wichita Northeast High School GSA, program, 11am service org Jbell2@usd259.net Wichita Pride, info@wichitapride. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Wichita Northwest High School GSA, org, www.wichitapride.org, annual Manhattan, 481 Zeandale Road, (785) amcdonald@usd259.net, meets every 537-2349, www.uufm.net, services celebration held in September. Monday after school. Sundays at 10:45am. Social Wichita Southeast High School GSA, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of (316) 807-2271, psychsteve2@yahoo. Topeka, 4775 SW 21st St., (785) 272Heart of America Men’s Chorus, com 9233, www.uuft.org, services Sundays Wichita, (316) 708-4837, www.hoamc. at 10:30am. Wichita West High School GSA, org Community Centers astucky@usd259.net Unity of Wichita, 2160 N. Oliver, (316) Junction City Teddy Bears, c/o Kevin 682-7511, www.unityofwichita.com, Stilley, 2 Oak Valley Dr., Manhattan, The Center, 800 N. Market, Wichita, Support (316) 285-0007 www.thecenterofwichita. (785) 556-8188, trlrhouseman@webtv. 10am Sunday service, activities through the week. net org Beacon Youth Group, Topeka, beacontopeka@gmail.com, queer youth Kansas State University LGBT T h e L G B T S o c i a l C l u b o f Woodland United Methodist Church, group for ages 12-20. Meets Mondays Wichita, monthly social outings 1100 W. 15th Street N. in Riverside, Resource Center, 207 A/B Holton Hall, at 5:30pm at Central Congregational for the Wichita LGBT community, www.woodlandumc.com, office@ Manhattan, (785) 532-5352, lgbt@kChurch, 1248 SW Buchanan St., the lgbtsocialclubwichita@yahoo.com. Find woodlandumc.com, services 9 and 11am; state.edu, www.k-state-edu/lgbt families welcome. 1st, 4th, and 5th Mondays and Unitarian us on Facebook. Universalist Fellowship of Topeka, 4775 Health NetworQ, Lawrence, www.Kansas Student groups SW 21st St., 2nd and 3rd Mondays. NetworQ.org, events are listed on E.C. Tyree Health & Dental Clinic, Central Plains Area Agency on Aging, website and FB page. Bethel College GSA, North Newton, 1525 N. Lorraine, Wichita, (316) 6812622 W. Central Suite 500, Wichita, advisor: Gabriel Fonseca gfonseca@ 2545, www.tyreeclinic.com Wichita Bears, presidentwichitabears@ bethelks.edu, President: Zachary (316) 660-5120, www.cpaaa.org, yahoo.com, www.wichitabears.org CPAAA is available to assist seniors, Preheim zacharyrpreheim@bethelks.edu HIV/AIDS Client Emergency Fund caregivers, and adults with disabilities administrered by the Junction City Wichita Organization of Leather through life’s transitions and with Teddy Bears, c/o Kevin Stilley, 2 Oak Fetishes, (316) 201-6242, www. D e r b y H i g h S c h o o l G S A , tkellenbarger@usd260.com various levels of support. Valley Dr., Manhattan, (785) 556-8188, woolfks.com trlrhouseman@webtv.net, for people in F re e S t a t e H i g h S c h o o l G S A , COMCARE Crisis Intervention Wichita Prime Timers, PO Box 3275, Lawrence, sponsors: Hilary Morton the Manhattan/Junction City area Services, 934 N. Water, Wichita, 67201, ICTPrimeTimers@aol.com, hmorton@usd497.org, and Kim Grinnell (316) 660-7500 free 24/7, www. Hunter Health Clinic, 2318 E. Central, www.primetimersww.com/Wichita, kgrinnell@usd497.org sedgwickcounty.org Wichita, (316) 262-3611, FREE HIV social group for mature gay men. confidential or anonymous testing with Highland Park High School's Parity, Get Connected, Wichita, (316) 285Spanish and Vietnamese interpreters. Spiritual Topeka, LGBTatHP@outlook.com, 0007, LGBTQIA youth group for ages facebook.com/LGBTatHP 12-21. Meets at The Center, 800 N. KU Internal Medicine-Midtown, A Journey In The Light Ministries, Market, every Friday from 7-9pm. KU School of Medicine, 1001 N. Hutchinson High School GSA, faculty Minneapolis, Wichita, (316) 293-1840, 2231 S. Bluff, Wichita, (316) 302-6225, advisor: Mr. Westmoreland, chairperson: GLSEN Greater Wichita, wichita@ (877) 472-8227 toll-free, (316) 293-2652 Sunday Praise and Worship services at Kara Vaughn. chapters.glsen.org. 11am;Wednesday Discipleship Training HIV Program at 7:30pm. The Independent School GSA, Headquarters Counseling Center, LGBT Health Coalition of Sedgwick Lawrence, (785) 841-2345 free 24/7, College Hill United Methodist Church, Wichita, sponsor: Matt Hanne matt. County, Wichita, (316) 285-0007, www. www.hqcc.lawrence.ks.us 2930 E. 1st, Wichita, (316) 683-4643, hanne@theindependentschool.com wichitalgbthealth.org www.collegehillumc.org, Sunday K-State Sexuality and Gender Alliance HIV+ Men’s Support Group, Wichita, Positive Connections, 2044 SW Celebrations at 8:30, 9:40 and 11:00am. (SAGA), meets every Thursday at 6:30 (316) 293-3405, mmadecky@kumc.edu Fillmore, Topeka, (785) 232-3100, in Willard Hall, room 120. First Congregational United Church Living Positive, a support group www.pcneks.org of Christ, 700 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan, Lawrence High School GSA, sponsors: for people living with HIV and their Positive Directions, 416 S. Commerce (785) 537-7006, www.uccmanhattan. Shannon Draper SDraper@usd497.org, caregivers. Meets 1st Tuesdays at 6pm. org, Sunday services at 10:45am; Taize and Lindsay Buck LBuck@usd497.org #108, Wichita, (316) 263-2214, (316) Call 785-537-7006 for location. services Thursday at 7pm, An Open and 263-5214, www.pdiks.com Manhattan High School GSA, mhs_ O n e D a y A t A Ti m e , Wi c h it a , Affirming Congregation. Saline County Health Dept., 125 W.. gsa@hotmail.com Alcoholics Anonymous meetings held Elm, Salina, (785) 826-6602, www. First Unitarian Universalist Church Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8pm at First of Wichita, 7202 E. 21st St., (316) 684- Maize South High School GSA, sschd.org MCC, 156 S. Kansas. 3481, officemanager@firstuu.net, www. sponsor: Shelly Walston swalston@ Sedgwick County Health Dept., 2716 usd266.com, meets 2nd Fridays. PFLAG Hutchinson, 2534 N. Main, firstuu.net. W. Central, Wichita, (316) 660-7300, Hutchinson, 620-842-8272, pflaghutch@ Metropolitan Community Church People Respecting Individuality and www.sedgwickcounty.org gmail.com of Topeka, 4425 SW 19th, (785) 272- Diversity in Education (P.R.I.D.E.), South Wind Women's Center, 5107 PFLAG Lawrence/Topeka, sffeist@ 1442, office@mcctopeka.org, www. Emporia State University, Rochelle E. Kellogg, Wichita, (316) 260-6934, MCCTopeka.org, services Sundays at Rowley, Box 4022, 1 Kellogg Circle, msn.com, www.pflagnekansas.org, www.southwindwomenscenter.org, Emporia 66801, (620) 341-5723 meets 1st Sundays, 2-4pm. Location 10am. LGBTQIA-friendly health services. rrowley1@emporia.edu alternates between Lawrence and Pine Valley Christian Church, 5620 Topeka. Check website or e-mail for T h e S w e e t E m e r g e n c y F u n d , E. 21st St., Wichita, (316) 685-2421, PRISM, Pittsburg State University, find location. KUSM-W MPA, 1010 N. Kansas, churchoffice@pvcconline.org, www. them on Facebook. Wichita, (316) 293-3405 The Face of Trans*, www.thefaceof pvcconline.org Spectrum KU, University of trans.com Kansas, Lawrence, (785) 864-3091, Prairie Unitarian Universalist Politics/Activism rockchalkcentral.ku.edu/organization/ Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center, Fellowship, 1809 E. 30th, 355 N. Waco, Suite 100, (316) 263E q u a l i t y K a n s a s , w w w . Hutchinson, (620) 663-8002, www. SpectrumKU 0185 office, (316) 263-3002 crisis line prairieuufellowship.org kansasequalitycoalition.org, chapters Spectrum: LGBTQ & Allies, 24/7, advocate@wichitasac.com, www. across the state. Riverside Christian Church (Disciples Wichita State University, Twitter.com/ wichitasac.com, free, confidential sexual of Christ), 1001 Litchfield, Wichita, Wsuspectrum, meets Thursdays at 7pm Flint Hills Human Rights Project, assault services to all genders and sexual (316) 263-0900, www.riversidedisciples. in the Lucas Room (RSC 265). fhhrp@yahoo.com orientations. org, services Sundays at 10:30am. Wichita East High School GSA Kansas Statewide Transgender Wichita Transgender Community Ta b l e o f H o p e M e t r o p o l i t a n Wichita Heights High School GSA, Education Project, (785) 215-7436, Network, social group meets the 1st stephanie.mott@k-step.org, www.k- C o m m u n i t y C h u r c h , 1 5 6 S . nmagoon@usd259.net week of each month and the support step.org, provides transgender education Kansas, Wichita, (316) 267-1852, group meets the 3rd Thursday of each w w w. m c c w i c h i t a . c o m , w w w. Wichita North High School GSA, and resources. month at The Center, 800 N. Market, godlovesyouperiod.com, Sunday (316) 204-5621, kellykk00@yahoo.com, at 7pm. l Peace and Social Justice Center of services at 10:30am. rhorning@usd259.net, cwidmer@
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Minor
Details By Bob Minor
It's the Pride Part of LGBTQ Pride That Still Drives Them Nuts “If they just didn’t have to flaunt it.” “Why do they throw it in our faces?” “Can’t they act like Americans?” “I like the ones who fit in with the rest of us.” “Why do we have to have all this Pride month propaganda?” All these complaints are akin to the recent statement by a Missouri lawmaker who has a long record of opening his mouth to change feet: “When you look at the tenets of religion, of the Bible, of the Quran, of other religions, there is a distinction between homosexuality and just being a human being.” The complaints reflect where anti-LGBTQ people who’ve convinced themselves they’re not are and how those who still raise money off of anti-LGBTQ crusades get the attention of their followers. They’re in sync with anti-LGBTQ claims that the goal of “the militant gays” (you know, like some mafia) is to destroy “traditional” American culture or some part thereof. It’s also another example of what members of dominant groups say about any outsiders. White racism doesn’t mind gouging on its version of the food, or usurping the music, of the cultures of people of color, but it wants the individual members to act as white as possible. Any person of color knows how white they have to act to get ahead in our society just as LGBTQ people know how acting as straight as possible is a way to keep their heads down. There are so many pockets of America where the finest compliment any group can get is “they fit in well.” And then the complaints begin about a Black History month, a Women’s History month, or a Gay Pride month. The complainers go so far as
claiming that their group ought to have a special month. But the dysfunction of discrimination in terms of how it separates even the discriminators from their own humanity would make such observances little more than attempts to prove that they’re not like whatever they conceive those others to be. Can you imagine a Straight Pride without picturing it as some display trying to celebrate how they’re not whatever “gay” stereotypes they accept? The dominant group in any discrimination is willing to admit that those other people are around (“I don’t care what they do in private” is often the line they recite even though they’re usually obsessed with it.). They just don’t want anything “those people” do to challenge their privileges, especially their sense that they’re the definition of “normal” human beings. They don’t mind “those gays” around as long as they don’t act as if they love being LGBTQ. If they can see them as sick, scared, lonely, failures, and suicidal, that’s okay. It’s best then that LGBTQ people stay in their closets and come out at night so no one can see them or might think they can be proud of, and happy with, who they are. And the history of outright threats experienced by LGBTQ people is reflected in the fact that so much of their nightlife begins late after dark to hide in the shadows. I n p a r t i c u l a r, t h e n , a celebration of LGBTQ Pride contradicts so much in American straight culture, that it’s a healthy threat to many of the assumptions and limitations of conforming to being straight acting, thinking and posturing. Of course, it scares those who’ve bet their life on all the straightness and don’t
JUNE 2017 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 33
see how the straight role they’re performing with all its gender rigidity is limiting and hurting them. Homophobia is a key part of that role. And though it takes many forms, the key culturally conditioned basis for all others is the fear of getting close to one’s own gender. That fear is used to promote America’s warrior culture and turn little boys into men who will cheer culturally approved violence particularly against other men. It’s used to encourage competition among women for the limited number of “good men” straight-acting women are supposed to need to save themselves from hopelessness, emptiness, loneliness, and meaninglessness. So, if two heterosexual male friends walk down almost any street in the U.S. they’ll still possibly become victims of some form of gay oppression. That’s not about who they’re in bed with or in love with; it’s about their acting as if they don’t have to fear getting close to their own gender. Homophobia isn’t natural to human beings. And being heterosexual is not the same as living the straight role that takes decades of fear-based conditioning to install in everyone. But it’s still useful to encourage competition and the fighting spirit that will mean that no man’s masculinity will be questioned if he displays anger and violence. Should he show gentleness and the ability to be in touch with other human emotions, he’s a threat to the
straight role. That’s the danger of Pride Fests to this whole system as well as other examples of LGBTQ people out and proud as healthy and happy. They challenge what’s actually a house of cards by saying and showing that human beings don’t have to be afraid of closeness with their own genders. And that means that all friendships can be different and close no matter what the gender of their members. It means that heterosexual coupling doesn’t have to be straight-acting – both partners can choose how they want to express their closeness with each other. It means that we’ll have to come up with new ways of selling our products, motivating people, investing in our future, and doing our patriarchal politics. LGBTQ Pride is a radical notion not because it expresses some twisted idea of humanity but because it confronts every human being to question the limitations of the straight role they’ve been scared into, a role that becomes a straight jacket. And that’s what anti-LGBTQ communities fear – all of this means they’ll have to move out of their comfort zones and learn again what it is to be as they were born - full, unlimited human beings. 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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WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Gay Pride Salina turns five
By Emily Beckman
SALINA - The fifth annual Gay Pride Salina is set for Friday, June 23 and Saturday, June 24 in Salina, Kansas. For the first time, a Gay Pride Salina Interfaith Service will be held at 7pm Friday at Trinity United Methodist Church, 901 E. Neal Ave. On Saturday, the Gay Pride Salina Festival will be held from 11am-4pm at Jerry Ivey Park, 2465 Edward St. Live entertainment will be featured at The Gazebo Stage throughout the festival, including the Rocky Horror Picture Show community involvement set. In addition, there will be community booths
from LGBTQ supportive businesses, organizations and local agencies. The Stonewall Pride Dance will be held Saturday evening from 8pm-midnight in the Duke’s Room at Quality Inn & Suites, 2110 W. Crawford St. and I-135, featuring a variety of music by DJ Platypus of Wichita. For more information, find Gay Pride Salina on Facebook a t w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / GayPrideSalina or on Twitter at @GayPrideSalina. For specific inquiries, e-mail Karen Ayotte or Adam B. Hulstine, co-chairs of Gay Pride Salina 2017, at GayPrideSalinaKS@gmail.com. l
center { of wichita } the
The Center of Wichita is the only LGBT community center in Kansas. We feature affordable meeting space, including four large, medium, and small rooms for lectures, classes, meetings, conferences, and parties.
The Center of Wichita 800 N. Market St. Wichita, KS 67214 At the intersec on of Market and Murdock
Check out our LGBT lending library with over 2000 community-speciďŹ c tles!
More Informa on: h p://www.TheCenterofWichita.org
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
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PAGE 36 | LIBERTY PRESS |JUNE 2017 WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. Justice League continued from page 28
First Unitarian Universalist Church A Welcoming Congregation
No matter who you love, we’re glad you’re here.
www.firstuu.net
IAN HARVIE TRANSPARENT
APARNA NANCHERLA HBO’S CRASHING
JUNE 15 BARLEYCORN’S WICHITA
JOYELLE JOHNSON
NIGHT TRAIN WITH WYATT CENAC
ALEX ENGLISH
NIGHT TRAIN WITH WYATT CENAC
SPONSORED BY
Abortion rights hit close to home for Winstead, who had an abortion when she was 16. She realizes that the right that she once had is in danger of being extremely restricted or completely taken away for most women nationwide. In 2011, during a rise in abortion litigation, Winstead was in her home state of Minnesota, finishing her book. She felt the sudden urge to do something, so she piled her dogs in her van and drove back to Brooklyn, doing comedy shows and visiting clinics along the way. “I did benefits, I was vocal,” Winstead says in a phone interview. “I fell into causes I believed in.” This isn’t your normal comedy show. In addition to featuring an array of nationwide comedians at every show, the LPJL will take a “boots on the ground” approach in each tour stop, meeting with the local abortion care providers and clinics and helping however they can during their several days in each city, whether it’s helping escort patients, prepare staff meals, or maintenance work. The LPJL will blow off steam with the local community with a comedy show in the evening, where attendees can
have the opportunity to meet with abortion care providers and learn about their needs. Winstead says her mission is not to tell people what to do. “Everyone wants to come and have fun, and that is what we can provide,” she says. “We can provide a stage for someone who represents a clinic, or other groups can come on stage and tell the audience about their work.” The LPJL is currently fundraising to hit their goal of $30,000 to cover tour expenses. A portion of the money will also go to the outreach itself. The league wants to help local abortion clinics grow their escort programs, to improvement projects like building fences, gardening. “We want to help them any way we can,” Winstead summarizes in the video. Those who attend a show on the Vagical Mystery Tour won’t be disappointed. Laughter and involvement at the local community level is a night well spent. “I just think that for anyone who has been ignited after the election, this will be a super fun night - come to the show,” she says. “Have fun, get tangible goals, and hear some comedy about local politicians.” l
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
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WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Transgender 101: Learn what you don’t know WICHITA - With issues about transgender people in the news lately, many people have questions but very few facts. Table of Hope Metropolitan Community Church, 156 S. Kansas, will supply those facts in “Transgender 101,” to be presented at 6:30pm Saturday, June 3 in the church’s Fellowship Hall. “Transgender 101” was first presented on May 7 and was well received. The session is
open to anyone who would like to learn the basics about transgender people and to ask questions in non-threatening surroundings. What does it mean to be transgender? How does the transition process work? How can I be more supportive and inclusive of transgender people? One of Table of Hope’s c o u n s e l o r s , a m a s t e r ’s
degree candidate in Friends University’s Marriage and Family Therapy program, will lead the discussion, answer questions and provide additional information during the session. Contact Lori for information at 316-302-4453. It is important that people have accurate information to share with others. Refreshments will be served. l
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
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WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Roxy's opens new show starring Kyle and Monte WICHITA - An Act of God, a play by David Javerbaum, opens June 2 at Roxy’s Downtown starring Kyle Vespestad, David Stone, and Monte Wheeler. The One with the first and last word on everything has finally arrived to set the record straight. After many millennia, and in just 90 minutes, God (assisted by His devoted angels) answers some of the deepest questions that have
fame. “Javerbaum’s radical rewrite of the Ten Commandments—the evening is structured around God’s introduction of revised laws—is clever and even refreshingly positive, insisting on the separation of church and state and encouraging us to believe in ourselves, not some elderly white guy in the sky.” —Time Out (New York).
“The New York Times, called the play "a gut-busting-funny riff ...” plagued mankind since Creation. Adapted from Javerbaum’s book The Last Testament: A Memoir By God, the play began its initial run on Broadway at Studio 54 on May 28, 2015. It returned to Broadway at the Booth Theatre in 2016 for a limited engagement starring Sean Hayes of Will & Grace
Roxy’s, located at 412 E. Douglas, doors open at 6:30pm, show starts at 8pm. Tickets range from $20-$30; call 316265-4400 for reservations. 18 to enter, 21 to drink. An Act of God runs through June 20 and is Directed by David Stone. l
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
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Leather Life By Nolin Christensen aka Master C
Celebrating Pride Editor’s note: This column may contain content that is offensive to some people.
W
ith this month being National Pride Month, there is something I would like to reflect on. Although gay Leathermen were visible in the early pride parades, it wasn’t until the mid- to late- 70’s that we started to become more mainstream. Since that time, we have been visible and vocal in many parts of gay society. As our community becomes more diverse, more and more of these diverse groups are
developing their own pride symbols and flags. The Leather community already has its leather pride flag. There are now flags for BDSM, leather boys, bootblacks, boot fetishes, foot fetish, freak pride, kittens, puppies, Master/slave, uniform, rubber, skinhead, switch, and just about any other fetish you can think of. But what I don’t see and haven’t seen is a Pride flag for Masculine Gay Men (MGM). It was the MGM who helped to start the Leather community back in the late 40’s. It was the MGM who developed, IML, ISLB, and Drummer. It was the MGM who created the various leather social clubs. And it is the MGM who are a dying breed. As time goes by more and more of the MGM brothers are going back in the closet. We are seeing less and less of them in public. Why is this? There are a couple of reasons. One, the male gay community has become more and more accepted and thus we have become more and more accepting of others into our community.
While this is good, this is also what is driving the men away. As a friend of mine said 30 years ago, “I’m a man who wants a man who wants a man and not a half-baked imitation.” Gay men want and need to be around other gay men. This especially goes for the masculine men. Masculine gay men crave and need to socialize with other masculine gay men (this goes for both gay and straight men). And another reason is, it’s become more and more accepting for gay men to be and to embrace their feminine side. Again, this is good. People should be comfortable with who they are and in their own skin. But what this has done is to exclude the masculine men who want to just be and socialize with other masculine men. At one time, there were bars that catered to just masculine men. But as time passed, these bars had a harder and harder time making it because we didn’t frequent them as much (people paired up and stayed home). In order for these bars to survive, they had to open to a more diverse crowd. Because of this, the MGM stayed away even more. So, masculine men, we have done it to ourselves. If we want a more masculine environment
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
we have got to support it. Today, there are very few avenues for the gay masculine male to go. There is Up Your Alley (break off from Dore Alley, which was a break off from Folsom Street [these break offs were because the parent event became too all-inclusive and the MGM left to start again]). And there’s Drummer NA. Many of the former MGM events have morphed into everyone attending. IML and ILSb, are a couple that have had this happen. Why is this? I believe that many people find it is very erotically attracting to attend one of these events. On a basic deep down primal point, there’s something extremely alluring for many people to go to an all-masculine male event. The energy that is generated at one of these events is very enticing and addictive. So, it’s time to start celebrating gay masculinity and stand out proud to be a masculine gay man! We need to rally to our own symbol. We need to stand up and say, “We are here, we are gay, we are masculine and we are proud to be a Masculine Gay Man!” 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.
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
JUNE 2017 | LIBERTY PRESS | Page 43
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EVERY TUESDAY WITH DJ BOWTIE
FRIDAY, JUNE 16TH, 8PM
KARAOKE NIGHT!
WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
MONDAY, JUNE 26TH, 8PM-10PM
GLOW PARTY
RHONDA’S REVUE!
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SATURDAY, JUNE 17TH, 9PM-11PM
THURSDAY, JUNE 29TH, 7:30PM-9:30PM
MISS GAY WICHITA PAGEANT
SISSY THAT WALK DRAG SHOW PART 1
ALZHEIMER’S DRAG SHOW!
FRIDAY, JUNE 6TH, 8PM
SUNDAY, JUNE 18TH, 9PM-11PM
FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 6PM
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XY PRIDE APPRECIATION DAY!
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21 and over. $10 GA.
21 and over. No cover. Featuring DJ Bowtie.
21 and over. $10 GA.
FREE PIZZA & Giveaways *Limited Supplies
FRIDAY, JUNE 23RD, 10PM
FRIDAY, JUNE 16TH, 6PM
WICHITA PRIDE SCAVENGER HUNT
WHITE PARTY
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