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AUGUST 2014
Liberty Press
Volume 20, No. 12 • Editor: Kristi Parker • Contributors: Paul Berge, Dave Brousseau, Nolin Christensen, Greg Fox, Jordan Hawk, Cassie Lehnherr, Charlene Lichtenstein, Mama, Dr. Robert N. Minor • Staff Reporters: Helen Barnes, Elle Boatman, Brian Hansen, Christy Lyons-Bohrer, Ciara Reid • Contributing Photographers: • Cover Design: Troy Dilport • Graphic Designer: Troy Dilport • Distribution Manager: Sandra Hawk • Webmaster: Ren Autrey • Publisher: Liberty Press, LLC
LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014
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On the Cover:
Back to School
with Wichita Area High School GSA's
Pictured: City-wide GSA picnic held Saturday, May 3 in Wichita's Riverside Park.
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CONTENTS THE CENTER OF WICHITA to hold fundraiser and open house................... 7 KU'S CENTER FOR SEXUALITY AND GENDER DIVERSITY an excellent resource for students.........................................................................8 LGBTQ LITERATURE a focus for KU lecturer................................................10 LESBIANS AND FILM CLASS offered at WSU for final time........................14 AMERICAN ROSE THEATER'S final show at The Forum Theatre................19
Regulars OP/ED Poll results, editorial cartoon........................................................6 THE KANSAS GAYHAWK When it comes to dating, be yourself!...............6 MINOR DETAILS America's Religiosity: A Gut Check of Its Christianities....................................................................................13 TRANS-FORMATIVE The Truth About Trans* Slurs.................................16 BOOKENDS Adam..................................................................................17 LEATHER LIFE Owned............................................................................18
IN EVERY ISSUE DISTRIBUTION LIST..................... 4 MAMA KNOWS BEST.................. 12 COMICS....................................... 19 ONLINE POLL............................. 22 AROUND KANSAS...................... 24 CLASSIFIEDS.............................. 25 OUT IN THE STARS.................... 25
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OP/ED
LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014
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. We want to hear from you! Visit www.libertypress.net to answer our Readers Poll. Send your letters and feedback to editor@libertypress.net.
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AUGUST 2014
The Kansas GayHawk: A Youth Perspective
When it comes to dating, be yourself!
E
veryone takes part in dating, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or age. It doesn’t matter who you are, the world of dating might as well be a labyrinth of heartache, betrayal, and mistakes. It is just crazy how one moment you think everything is fine with your relationship then you wake up from a nap one Friday evening to a text and suddenly you are more single than the number one. Keep in mind that I’m writing this as a single teenager so my outlook on love is a rather negative one. However, I do believe that one day I will meet that perfect person who will not only tolerate all of my flaws, but also love them. But until that day comes I will be stuck in this discombobulating, upside down place that is the dating world. Truthfully, I haven’t had a whole lot of experience with dating. I can count the number of people that I’ve had relationships with on one hand, my longest one lasting a little over a month. But I feel as though each failure, no matter how big or how small, ultimately helps me become a better version of myself therefore I find it best not to dwell on things that didn’t work out. So when a friend comes to me venting about a significant person that has hurt them, used them, or forgotten them, I find a super nice way of saying, “Get over it” because if a person intentionally hurts you they are obviously not worth your time or effort. I’ll admit that getting
By Jordan Hawk over someone is not easy; no matter how much pain they’ve caused you or how illogical your feelings for them are, the memories don’t seem to dissolve as easily as the relationship. Although I’m not an expert when it comes to dating, I am very observant and full of common sense. So if someone were to ask me what the number one rule of the dating game is I’d say that it’s to be utterly and brutally honest about who you are. Why is this the most important rule? Because whether or not you believe it, you’re an extremely unique and awesome individual who possesses a lot of beauty and if a person can’t see that then it’s their loss. So just lay it all out on the table when meeting someone with whom you could form a potential relationship - act weird (not too weird though, you do not want the person to file a restraining order against you) and embrace your individuality, you’ll be surprised what doors become unlocked once you’ve freed yourself from the thing society calls “normal.” l
Support you local gay mag! Own a business? Work for a business? Know a business? Refer them to us. Advertising pays. Help us celebrate our 20th anniversary in the September issue. editor@libertypress.net or 316-652-7737.
AUGUST 2014
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The Center of Wichita to hold fundraiser and open house
By Nolin Christensen WICHITA - Wichita’s LGBT Center is having a fundraiser Aug. 22 at 10:30pm at the Fantasy. This fundraiser is to help support the Center programs including the youth group Get Connected, a social group for any 14-18 year-old LGBTQIA youth. The fundraiser will feature Wichita’s finest drag queens and kings along with video interviews from some of the youth of the group. When interviewed, the youth were asked what was important about The Center and Get Connected, many said they liked the group because of the open environment where they could just be themselves. Others said it was like having a second family. The Center has been an advocate for the youth since its beginning. When informed that some of the youth were being bullied at school, Center board members intervened on their behalf and spoke with school
administrators. The Center board is pleased to have a working relationship with USD 259 in promoting and protecting LGBT youth. Get Connected is a bullyfree, safe space where members of the group can socialize with no pressure or stereotypes. In addition to the youth program, The Center is also home to the Wichita LGBT Health Coalition, a network of advocates and healthcare providers looking to enhance all areas of LGBT health. See more about the LGBT Health Coalition at www.wichitaLGBThealth. org. Along with these programs, The Center provides meeting space for most of Wichita’s LGBT social groups. The Center works closely with PFLAG, GLSEN and the local GSA’s in the various high schools. Once school is in session, The Center will once again host an areawide GSA and Get Connected movie night. The community is invited to this fundraiser to help to
continue to provide for LGBT youth, the various social groups, and the further development of more programs for the greater Wichita LGBT community. OPEN HOUSE The Center is getting ready to have an open house to show off its new space! The new location, 800 N. Market, has a library, conference room and
multimedia room. This gives plenty of space for the various social groups and clubs to meet and enjoy. On Friday, Sept. 26, before the start of the Wichita Pride Festival bar crawl, The Center’s board invites everyone to join them at The Center. After the open house, Pride will start its bar crawl beginning at The Center. l
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AUGUST 2014
KU’s Center for Sexuality and Gender Diversity an excellent resource for students
to go. The Center for Sexuality and Gender Diversity offers a wide array of programs, educational opportunities, and scholarships. Recent events and initiatives include Safe Zone, and a program that will help educate both the campus and greater Lawrence Students come out loud and proud on National Coming Out community in Day on Wescoe Beach! order to create a safer, more civil community for By Ciara Reid, staff reporter all individuals, particularly those LAWRENCE - The summer in the LGBTQ community; is flying by – fast. School educational materials regarding resumes next month(!); for gender-neutral restrooms; and those attending the University of events surrounding National Kansas and want to know all the Coming Out Day and Trans LGBTQ resources available, the Awareness Month. Center for Sexuality and Gender The Center also offers Diversity (formerly the LGBTQ four scholarships to students. Resource Center) is the place According to The Center ’s
website, applications for the 2015-2016 academic year will be available around March 2015. The scholarships include: LGBTQ Community Leadership Scholarship: This scholarship is specifically for undergraduate or graduate students at KU's Lawrence campus who have been active in support of the LBGTQ community, who have financial need, and who have demonstrated academic excellence. Chad A. Leat Scholarship: This scholarship is specifically for undergraduates at the University of Kansas, Lawrence campus who can demonstrate academic success, financial need, and a commitment to fostering multiculturalism on campus. Damon Kiley Meeker Scholarship: This scholarship shall be used to provide renewable scholarships to
undergraduate students at the University of Kansas. Preference will be given to freshmen with a GPA of 2.7 or higher who demonstrate a commitment to, or involvement in the LGBTQ community. J.L. Cleland GLBT NonDiscrimination Scholarship: T h e C l e l a n d Aw a r d w a s established to help eliminate hatred, violence, and bigotry against LGBTQ people. The award provides financing for the college education of incoming freshmen at KU who have experienced discrimination, bullying, and/or violence based on the belief, real or perceived, that said students are GLBT; or for students who have exhibited support for LGBTQ persons. For more information about The Center, visit the following websites: www.silc.ku.edu, silc. ku.edu/scholarships, silc.ku.edu/ SafeZone. l
AUGUST 2014
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AUGUST 2014
LGBTQ literature a focus for KU lecturer By Ciara Reid, staff reporter LAWRENCE - Dr. Susan Thomas, Ph.D., first became interested in LGBTQ literature while working on her Ph.D. in English at the University of Kansas. In the fall of 2007, she began teaching English 209: Introduction to Fiction, and began incorporating 20thcentury American literature focused on the intersectionality of race, religion, sexual identity, and gender into her syllabus. She has taught the course for approximately nine semesters, and says the response has been amazing. Liberty Press asked Dr. Thomas several questions about the course and how students have responded to it over the years. Liberty Press: What are some assignments that you give students? Dr. Thomas: My assignments are really no different than those for another literature course. I ask that students conduct close readings of a character or a scene. The final project is research-based where students pick a text we have read in class and then research the social and political issues occurring when the book was written. The student then needs to demonstrate how these issues may have
influenced the writing of the text. When there are LGBT events on campus, I often allow students to attend those and then write a short reaction paper about the event. The extra credit events are often really helpful for students to step out of their comfort zones to experience something new - but then, I would argue that much of my class asks them to step out of their comfort zones!
identified guest to class to present their story and speak with the students. I have received great responses from students about this experience. Most of them have preconceived notions of what somebody who is trans looks like, acts like, etc. They then meet somebody who is trans and realize that the person is not only a human being, but could be anyone they see on the street or sit next to in a classroom.
LP: Are there any areas of queer literature or queer authors that generate a lot of spirited discussion in your classes?
LP: Have students’ opinions/ understanding changed much regarding the LGBTQ community from when you first started teaching these courses to now?
DT: I do think that the text that is the most emotionally challenging and life-changing is Stone Butch Blues by Leslie Feinberg. Most of my students know people who identify as LGB, or they see characters on TV and in movies with these identities. They rarely know somebody or have met anyone - to their knowledge - who is transgender. SBB introduces the reader to a time period when LGBT people where constantly faced with adversity in their daily lives, where the police are enemies and not safe. This text is usually an eye-opening experience for students. After we have read SBB, I invite a trans
DT: Students don’t know the course’s topic until the first day of class unless they have heard of it from friends, seen me advertise it on the KU Queers & Allies page, or have looked me up on Rate My Professor. The first semester that I taught the course in 2007, 15 students dropped between two sections. In fall 2013, I think I had a total of five students drop out of 45 students. The spaces always fill up with students who want to be there. There are things that have surprised me over the years while teaching this class. The number of straight-identified students who walk into the class on the first day and choose to stay demonstrates how tolerant our youth are becoming. I have had students who have been afraid to stay in the class, but
AUGUST 2014
LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014
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have endured and have loved it. College is about challenging our preconceived notions about society. On the first day, I challenge them to stay in the class because it will be like nothing they have experienced before. English 209: Introduction to Fiction isn’t being taught for the fall 2014 semester and Dr. Thomas isn’t sure if or when it might be taught again due to changes in the common core at KU. This fall, Dr. Thomas will be teaching three sections of English 102: Critical Reading and Writing. l
Books Dr. Thomas uses in her Intro to Fiction class include titles by James Baldwin, Alison Bechdel, Alice Walker, and Willa Cather, among others. Courtesy photo
CISmagnet.eps 1 10/18/2011 2:23:51 PM
WSU SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS CALENDAR 2014-2015 Fall 2014
Spring 2015
September 25-28 • The Spitfire Grill
Feb. 19-22 • The Dead Guy
Oct. 16-19 • Julius Caesar
April 9- 12 • Cold Sassy Tree
Oct. 30-Nov.2 • Don Giovanni
April 17-18 • Brave New World
Directed by Wayne Bryan Wilner Auditorium Directed by Bret Jones Wilner Auditorium
Directed by Marie King Miller Concert Hall
Nov. 21-22 • Kansas Dance Festival Miller Concert Hall
Healthy Pets for Happy Lives Mon. - Fri. 7:30 AM - 6 PM Saturday 8 AM - 12 PM
(316) 744-0501
Daniel Thompson, D.V.M. Cindy Payne-Robertson, D.V.M. Lori Mitchell, D.V.M., C.C.R.P. Kelly Martin, D.V.M. www.ctahvets.com
Directed by Danette Baker Wilner Auditorium Directed by Marie King Miller Concert Hall Spring Dance Concert
April 30- May 3 • Into the Woods Directed by Linda Starkey Wilner Auditorium
(All shows subject to change)
COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS BOX OFFICE 316.978.3233
wichita.edu/fineartsboxoffice Single event tickets on sale three weeks prior to opening.
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D
ear Mama, What do you think about this RussiaUkraine conflict? Concerned I think this world has a bunch of bullies - persons or countries. I wish we could make it all stop! I am afraid when it is all said and done it might be another world war. I pray for peace! Mama, I have a friend that when I text or call them they rarely return my calls or texts and seems to think nothing is wrong with that. Should I just realize that is how they are? Waiting Oh one of those people! Stop calling or texting the person. If that does not get them to respond or a wondering then they were never your real friend to begin with. I wish my kids would get the hint when I do not respond to them! Mama, More conflict in the world with Israel and Gaza, what do you make of it? Stressing People and countries need to
AUGUST 2014
mind their own damn business. If we were just neighborly to each other, saying, “hi” and pleasantries, and not be concerned about what others do, believe, want, or love, we would not have any conflict. I am afraid this world is just a bunch of busybodies. Get a life, world, your own! Dear Mrs. Thelma Harper, I am kindly asking you to not call or write me again. I have told you on more than one occasion that my job is only an eight-year position. I will not be staying on for another term. Please understand that you cannot and will not be my co-worker in the future. Stop telling everyone “Obama Mama.” Sincerely, President Obama Well to hell with that job! I’ll stick with the bingo hall! Thank you, Wichita, again for the questions! Pray for peace! l Have a question for Mama? E-mail MamaTHarper@aol.com or friend Thelma Harper on Facebook.
to win tickets!
This month win tickets to KC Renaissance Festival
AUGUST 2014
LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014
Minor
Details By Bob Minor
America's Religiosity: A Gut Check of Its Christianities
I
t’s hardly news anymore that a growing number of Americans are checking the box “none” on surveys of religious belief. According to Pew Research Center polling, one-fifth of the public and a third of those under 30 are unaffiliated with any religious entity. Among those left who still report being affiliated, the percentage of fundamentalists and other conservatives is increasing. It’s the pie that’s shrinking and leaving the rightwing to have a bigger share. Relying on figures publicized by denominations is problematic. There are convenient ways for memberships to be counted. But even the granddaddy of right-wingers, the Southern Baptist Convention, reported this year that it’s losing members and baptizing fewer people. Their response, of course, wasn’t to question their teachings but to assume they needed better marketing. Those who are religiously addicted never question what they’re teaching. They’re so invested in it that to do so would be a real downer for their high of righteousness. They always assume that it’s the packaging that needs updating. Hence the stagings of hipster churches, or prosperity mega-churches like Joel Osteen’s and Rick Warren’s that refuse not to smile. These fundamentalist-witha-positive-attitude approaches have become multi-million dollar empires. Many drawn into them cherish those positive feelings without commitment to their worn out hidden theologies. They eschew the language and public demeanors of the Fred Phelpses or other regressive clergy who get national media attention for their otherwise
insignificant congregations through outrageous anti-gay acts, burning Qurans, or rantings about divine punishment ready to rain down on the country for whatever cultural fears they can stoke in the gullible who feel they’re losing in the victories of American oligarchy. It’s still this Christian movement that, like the addict in a family, gets most of the attention, steers the agenda, and keeps progressives in a defensive posture. There are a number of reasons for that. First, and foremost, rightwingers are the religious category with the most money to spend on their causes. How many pastors would take a more progressive stand on numerous issues, believing that it’s what Jesus would do, if they weren’t afraid that key people would leave their churches, particularly the wealthiest givers, who’re usually conservative? Conservative theology attracts many of the rich because it justifies the accumulation of wealth. It preaches that wealth is a sign of divine blessing. Look at the right-wing Green family that owns Hobby Lobby. Their recent Supreme Court victory seemed to have little to do with their faith because they profited from selling what was made in a country that mandated abortion and had previously funded the contraceptives they discovered to be against their beliefs only when a president they wanted to destroy backed them. The conservatives’ choice of Biblical passages to take literally is never “It’s harder for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than a rich man to enter the kingdom of god” or “Give all you have to the poor and follow me” or the numerous passages
in the Hebrew scriptures about usury that say never loan money and ask for ANY interest. And the dominant religion in any culture is the one that supports the status quo and its powerful. Second, progressive churches regularly fail at acting progressive. They have progressive theologies, but aren’t sure what to do with them, often out of nervousness about upsetting the very status quo that marginalizes Christian progressives. This has left challenging regressive Christianities to atheist, agnostic and skeptic organizations along with nonChristian religious movements. The established Baptist-inspired Americans for the Separation of Church and State has been joined by more anti-religious groups such as the Freedom from Religion Foundation. And to the original American Humanist Association a growing list of others have been added. Progressive churches have instead taken up charity activities. In the light of strategic conservative attacks on the government safety net, compassion seems to demand it. But two observations need to be made here. Right-wing defunding of government assistance programs is a deliberate strategy intended to move liberal money away from politics into making up the difference through funding charities. This gives mega-rich corporations and right-wingers even more of an advantage in buying the political arena while progressive funds are diverted into charities. But conservative churches do charity as well, and with their major goal to convert recipients to their brand of sectarianism. So, doing charity work, as admirable as it is, doesn’t distinguish progressive churches from fundamentalist ones. In the mind of younger generations from Generation X to the Millennials, then, there is little reason to come back to a progressive church. These generations are looking for actions that speak to a sense of justice, not what goes on Sunday mornings inside some piouslooking building. For the progressive
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church to grow, it will have to move beyond charity to taking a public place in the front line of justice work. For the ten years I was president of the board of a campus ecumenical ministry, what attracted students was exactly that. Only when convinced we practiced justice, did they ask what we believed and how it fit. Did we march to stand for LGBT rights? Did we support the dignity and power of working people? Did we fight for ecological justice and the future of the planet? Did we live as if all oppressions are offensive and intersecting? So, when the United Church of Christ filed a lawsuit to protect its first amendment right to perform same-sex marriages in North Carolina, that was a belated example of progressive Christianity standing out from all the regressive sectarianism. Their progressive action even led a Baptist alliance to follow them. And that contradicts the third reason why the religious addicts have dominated national attention. Progressive Christianity has been defensive, always having to respond to what it isn’t, rather than on the offense. When any position leads, people take notice. Then they see it as a real option, one that real people really believe, walking their walk not just talking some talk. l
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014
AUGUST 2014
Lesbians and Film class offered at WSU for final time
Dr. Ramona Liera-Schwichtenberg is an associate professor at WSU and instructor of the Feminist Film Criticism course.
By Kristi Parker Elle Boatman contributing WICHITA - One of only a couple LGBT-themed classes taught at Wichita State University is being offered this fall semester . . . probably for the last time. Dr. Ramona Liera-Schwichtenberg is retiring in the spring and she’s sure her Lesbians and Film class won’t be offered again after she leaves. Classes start on Aug. 18 and
there is still time to sign up for WOMS 523, Feminist Film Criticism: Lesbians and Film while it’s still being offered. The class is being taught on Tuesdays from 2-4:30pm for three credit hours and is open to graduate and undergraduate students alike. “The Lesbians and Film class makes visible a film history that has been pretty invisible,” Dr. Liera-Schwichtenberg explained. “It is a class that is fun - like the lesbian vampire film - at the same time that it provides new knowledge and points of identification. Who doesn’t love Marlene Dietrich in a tuxedo in the film Morocco?” Although the class is categorized in the Women’s Studies department and has “lesbian” in the title, Dr. LieraSchwichtenberg insists the class is for everyone. “I think anyone who is interested in film or images of women in film would thoroughly enjoy this class. I touch on a number of genres, such as horror, the musical, queer cinema, drama,
independent film and more,” she said. The class is designed as a reading and discussion course, meaning lectures will be light. Students take part in discussions and contribute to film analysis, critique, and arguments. From queer film history to new queer cinema, students will examine both film icons as well as iconic films – Marlene Dietrich, Dorothy Arzner, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, and Daughters of Darkness among others. “My class is about images of powerful women, desire, suggestion, and how, as audience members, we interact with those images,” she said. But what is a lesbian vampire film, anyway? Dr. Liera-Schwichtenberg explains, “A lesbian vampire film is a genre that, during the ‘40s and on, would typically cast the vampire as a lesbian - though not explicitly stated. I suppose the idea was that women are ‘turned’ and become lesbians. “This type of film has become camp over the years! The lesbian vampire in film is
Dietrich
also based on the 19th-century novel, Carmilla, by Sheridan Le Fanu (Gothic novel, 1872). My dad was a high school English teacher and gave me that book to read when I was in high school. I was very, very excited to read a novel about a FEMALE vampire who had a lot of power and was an active, assertive character . . . okay, she was a vampire, but I loved reading about powerful women!” If you are interested in enrolling in this course, see your advisor or contact Dr. Ramona L i e r a - S c h w i c h t e n b e rg a t ramona.liera-schwichtenberg@ wichita.edu. l
BRUCE CONNER: SOMEBODY ELSE’S PRINTS September 5 – December 14, 2014
OPENING RECEPTION
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2014
7-9 P.M.
FREE for WSU Students & Ulrich Members | $10 Public
FORTY YEARS! 1974 – 2014
Bruce Conner, Bombhead, 2002/1989. Pigment on RC photo and Somerset paper, acrylic, 32 x 25 in. Courtesy Magnolia Editions, Oakland, CA. © 2014 Conner Family Trust, San Francisco / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
Bruce Conner: Somebody Else’s Prints is generously supported by Emprise Bank, Dee and Mike Michaelis, Lee and Ron Starkel, and James W. Johnson and Barbara Odevseff.
ulrich.wichita.edu
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The Truth About Trans* Slurs
W
hen someone chooses to use words that they don’t personally find offensive, that does not absolve them of responsibility for the harm that can be caused to others. If a person does not consider the affect their words have on others, it does not lessen the pain that another person might feel. If I have one message about the use of trans slurs, it would be this. Do I find it offensive? Personally? No. People who use such slurs don’t have that much power in my world. But
LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014
if it harms even one person, if it gives rise to someone’s pain, it becomes personal. Expect me to say so. I do have a trans agenda - to work for a world where no trans teenager believes suicide is a necessary response to gender non-conformity. Does the use of trans slurs cause teens to attempt suicide? I don’t know. Does it contribute to an environment that causes trans teens to attempt suicide? Of course it does. I have to ask myself two questions. What good will it do? What harm could it do? If I am not making my decision through
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the lenses of potential good and potential harm, then my motives are self-serving. If I make my decision based solely on what is good for me, I am just wrong. I once had the opportunity to share about being trans with a group of 7th-9th graders. One of them talked about how they said something to someone who was using the phrase “that’s so gay.” This young man was rightfully proud that he had called out this other person. However, what he did not understand was that his actions and words were far more powerful than just standing up to a bully. What he did not understand was that there was undoubtedly a silent bystander who saw him stand up; a person who had been quietly suffering and who was not strong enough to take a stand. That person suddenly realized that someone else was strong enough to take a stand. They suddenly knew that there was at least someone who thought they were worth standing up for. What we will never know is whether or not that momentary hope for a different future was the one thing that gave that person the strength to carry on, or what might have happened if the young man had not taken a stand. Was this the day that the silent bystander was trying to decide if life was worth living? If we are looking at the use of trans slurs through the lens that says people should be strong enough to stand up for themselves, that this is just a joke and people shouldn’t take it seriously, we are casting aside those people who are not strong enough. We have chosen strength as a measure of worth. Is that not the same exact choice that is made by bullies? Have we not, ourselves, become bullies to
the ones who are harmed by the use of words like “tranny” and “shemale”? Do you think in the last year that no gay teenagers took their own lives because they were repeatedly referred to as “fags;” that no young trans person ended their life because someone was calling them “tranny”? Should I consider these tragedies to be unimportant? Is someone’s life less valuable because they are harmed by words that we don’t find personally offensive? On more than one occasion, I have spent hours on the phone with a transgender teenager who is on the verge of suicide. I have stood in front of city councils and state legislatures and witnessed the procession of people who stand at the podium only to say that I am just a “man in a dress.” I have dried the tears of the people for whom those words were daggers in their souls. We must find a way to understand the damage we do. We can’t continue to throw around words that we don’t find personally offensive and wash our hands of the harm they cause to someone else. If we do anything less than put an end to the use of trans slurs, we are just bullies. Do I find it offensive? Personally? No. People who use such slurs don’t have that much power in my world. But if it harms even one person, if it gives rise to someone’s pain, it becomes personal. Expect me to say so. l Stephanie Mott is a transgender woman from Topeka. She is the executive director of the Kansas Statewide Transgender Education Project, and a commissioner on the City of Topeka Human Relations Commission. Reach her at stephanieequality@yahoo.com.
A Journey In The Light Ministries Living, Reaching, Teaching, Preaching the Word of God in Unity
Pastor Danny L. Medell
A full gospel ministry that still teaches Christ, Him crucified and the message of the cross.
2231 S Bluff Wichita, KS 67218 Pastor’s Phone: (316) 925-1102 www.journeyinthelightministries.com
We are a church that accepts everyone regardless of their race, color, social status, sexual orientation, where they are or where they have been in life.
Bible Study for all ages Sunday at 10 am Praise and Worship Service Sunday at 11 am
AUGUST 2014
By Cassie Lehnherr
O
ver the past decade, writer Ariel Schrag has become an established name in LGBT media. She became a critical and indie darling starting in high school when the first of her autobiographical, graphic novels, Awkward was published. The comic chronicled Shrag’s struggles with certain classes in school, her love for the bands she supported, but always ended up coming back to sexual identity. The equally relatable Definition, Potential, and Likewise followed and after graduating from Colombia, Schrag went on as a staff writer for television’s How To Make It In America and for two of the more tolerable seasons of The L Word. Schrag’s newest novel, the
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comedic coming-of-age story Adam (Houghton-Mifflin, $13.95) could be her most important work to date. Adam is the type of work that could bring transgender literature to the mainstream. Written about teenagers and young adults for adults (the book reads like a young adult novel, but some of the themes may be too intense and risqué for that classification), Adam is the story of Adam Freedman, an awkward, 17-year old social misfit from Piedmont, Calif. Growing tired of his small group of coupled-up friends, his mother and internet porn, he takes an offer to spend the summer in New York City, to visit his sister, Casey, who is attending Colombia for college. While his friends are all taking couples trips to Tahoe and other parts of California, Adam fantasizes of a party life in the big city, partying with his older sister and her cool friends, scoring with girls and finding his dream redhead in hopes of returning to Piedmont a changed man with bragging rights, in particular to show up his macho best friend, Brad. His visit would prove to be much more complicated. After a few boring days in Casey’s tiny apartment with she, and her roommates - the butch, pessimistic June and his newfound idol, Ethan, Adam goes out on the town with Casey and enters the underground queer culture she is deeply enmeshed in. Adam soon learns
of all the different queer labels and lifestyles - lesbian (Casey and June are lesbians), bisexual, gay, transgendered and any other nomenclatures possible. While at a party, still trying to wrap his brain around all he is learning, he meets his dream redhead Gillian. After a kiss and subsequent dates, it becomes clear to Adam that Gillian thinks he is a femaleto-male transsexual. He decides to spend his summer posing as such. Adam has to keep up the façade by using an Ace bandage to wrap his penis to his stomach, frequenting trans message boards, stating that he is of legal age to drink and being as much a part of the social scene as his sister. While talking about Adam spinning a web of lies just
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to keep his girlfriend may sound like the book’s hero is a creep, that is simply not the case. Adam is a teenager just trying to fit in; just trying to find his way. Adam Freedman is probably one of the most relatable young characters in anything I have read. His hilarious, painfully honest inner dialog is what we all want to say at times, we just don’t aloud. This novel is hysterical, and its characters are beautifully and brilliantly drawn. Adam is insightful and honest and should be a manual for many transgender and gay young adults for many years to come. During some points the novel is twisted; others it is full of commiseration, Ariel Schrag has written a truly important work of art. l
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Leather Life By Nolin Christensen aka Master C
R
Owned
ecently it has come to my attention that there is a new movement going on in the general gay community that has its roots founded in the Leather community. This is referring to being owned. Now in the general community, it’s different than in the Leather community. In the Leather community when one owns another, it’s in the form of a
consensual slave who is owned by a Master or in the form of a boy belonging to a Sir. This new ownership has to do with owning the sexual aspects of another. Let me explain. Ownership is where someone “owns” or controls something of another. With a consensual slave, it’s the entire person and everything they have. With a boy, it’s just the person (no other property). And this new “in” thing is to own another’s sex and their sexual life. When one owns a person’s sex, they own/control everything about the person’s sexual life. It’s sometimes called “controlled.” This means the person is in service to someone strictly for sex. They have no control about when or with whom they have sex except what is dictated by the one who “owns” them. While this can be quite a turnon, there are several things that need to be considered before engaging in this type of play. First of all, communication!! It’s
extremely important that both parties communicate to each other what they are expecting and wanting in this type of relationship. Second, get it in writing. This is one of those types of relationships where I highly encourage that all parties involved have a written agreement, called a contract. The contract defines what and how everything relating to this relationship is to transpire. When putting together your contract there are several items you need to consider and should have specified within the contract. 1. What sexual acts are to be performed and not performed. Be specific. Spell out everything. What you are willing to do and what you are not willing to do. 2. Specify the responsibilities of both parties. Who’s responsible and who’s not responsible for something. 3. Sexually transmitted diseases. Be specific about whose responsibility it becomes about taking safety precautions when it comes to safer sex. 4. And most importantly, specify
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how to get out of the contract. I can’t stress this enough. A good contract will have, at a minimum, these four items. While this type of contract may be foreign to some, there are several of us in the Leather community who have experience with these types of contracts. Now, by no means am I an expert in these contracts, but I have done several and I continue to learn all the time. Should you have a deep desire or a fantasy for this type of relationship or want to just experience it, there are people out there who are willing to work with you and can help you find someone to get together with. Contact anyone within in the Leather community and we can help get you started on a journey that will take you to places you couldn’t possibly imagine. The Leather community meets every third Saturday at 6pm at the Center. You are more than welcome to come experience the darker and exciting side of sex. l
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American Rose Theater’s final show at The Forum Theatre
By Christy Lyons-Bohrer WICHITA - The Forum Theatre, a former church previously owned by Dr. Grant Rine and his wife Janet, has now been sold to a church called Journey the Way. As ownership changes, the building is no longer going to rent space to any outside companies except for The Forum Theatre Company, Inc., which has performed there since its start in 2010. According to Kathy Page Hauptman, Producing Artistic Director at The Forum Theatre Company, “The American Rose Theatre will be here for its Aug. 23 show. However, the building will stop leasing space after December 2014. We, as former managers of the building as well as the theatre company, are honoring all bookings through December 2014.” Because the American Rose Theatre is losing its performance space, the group will be looking for new venue options. According to its website, wichitaburlesque. com, “Wichita Burlesque is a theatrical dance troupe
that strives to bring a highly artistic, sexually-charged and empowering art form back to Wichita.” Amber Barnes, also known as Tara Heartstring on stage, says
burlesque “is something we feel truly passionate about and is an empowering way for many of us to express our sexuality.” The group started in 2012 and completed its first large show, “Vaudelesque,” in August
2013 at The Forum Theatre. Since that time, it has had several shows at The Forum and special performances at Wichita Community Theater, continued on page 24
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AUGUST 2014
Back-to-School with Wichita Area High School GSA’s WICHITA - GLSEN Greater Wichita, a newly accredited chapter of the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, i n v i t e s t h e c o m m u n i t y, especially high school students and educators, to its upcoming Community Workshop: How to Start or Refresh a Gay Straight Alliance at Your School. The event, to be held Sunday, Aug. 17, 2-4pm, in Ahlberg Hall Room 201 at Wichita State University, will provide valuable information, resources and materials for students and educators to take back to their schools. GLSEN Greater Wichita formed with the intention of working to ensure every student in Wichita and the surrounding
area has a safe space to learn in which they also feel respected and valued. Having successful GSAs in Wichita schools is an important part of creating that type of safe and affirming school environment. According to GLSEN’s national website, “GSAs improve school climate for LGBT students. When a GSA is present, LGBT students hear homophobic remarks less often, experience less harassment and assault, feel safer at school, skip school less often and have a greater sense of belonging.” For more information about this event or how to start or support a GSA at your school, contact GLSEN Greater Wichita at wichita@chapters.glsen.org.
Do you have a GSA at your school that's outside of Wichita? Visit libertypress.net Online Readers Poll to cast your vote!
Current GSA's Derby H.S. kjacobs@usd260.com tkellenbarger@usd260.com Wichita H.S. East Tdavis2@usd259.net Wichita H.S. Heights nmagoon@usd259.net Wichita H.S. North kellykk00@yahoo.com, 316204-5621 rhorning@usd259.net cwidmer@usd259.net Meeting times have been every Wednesday at lunch in room A213.
Wichita H.S. Northeast Jbell2@usd259.net Wichita H.S. Northwest amcdonald@usd259.net Group meeting times are every Monday after school, Room number to be announced. Wichita H.S. Southeast psychsteve2@yahoo.com, 316807-2271 Wichita H.S. West astucky@usd259.net High schools in the area that are currently without a GSA group include: Bishop Carroll, Goddard, Campus High in Haysville, Kapaun Mt. Carmel and Wichita South. l
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Student groups
Episcopal Chapel), Wichita, Sunday Praise and Worship services at 11am.
Derby High School GSA, kljacobs@ usd260.com, tkellenbarger@usd260. com
College Hill United Methodist Church, 2930 E. 1st, Wichita, (316) 683-4643, www.collegehillumc.org, Sunday Celebrations at 8:30, 9:40 and 11:00am.
F re e S t a t e H i g h S c h o o l G S A , Lawrence, sponsors: Hilary Morton hmorton@usd497.org, and Kim Grinnell kgrinnell@usd497.org KU Queers & Allies, University of Kansas, Lawrence, (785) 864-3091, qanda@ku.edu, www.ku.edu/~qanda
Community Centers The Center, 800 N. Market, Wichita Kansas State University LGBT Resource Center, 207 A/B Holton Hall, Manhattan, (785) 532-5299, www.kstate-edu/lgbt
Health Douglas County AIDS Project, 346 Maine, Suite 160, Lawrence, (785) 8430040, www.douglascountyaidsproject. org HIV/AIDS Client Emergency Fund administrered by the Junction City Teddy Bears, c/o Kevin Stilley, 2 Oak Valley Dr., Manhattan, (785) 556-8188, trlrhouseman@webtv.net, for people in the Manhattan/Junction City area Hunter Health Clinic, 2318 E. Central, Wichita, (316) 262-3611, FREE HIV confidential or anonymous testing with Spanish and Vietnamese interpreters. KU Internal Medicine-Midtown, KU School of Medicine, 1001 N. Minneapolis, Wichita, (316) 293-1840, (877) 472-8227 toll-free, (316) 293-2652 HIV Program LGBT Health Coalition of Sedgwick County, Wichita, (316) 285-0007, www. sedgwickcountylgbt.org Positive Connections, 1001 SW Garfield Ave, third floor, Topeka, (785) 232-3100, www.pcneks.org Positive Directions, 414 S. Commerce, Wichita, (316) 263-2214, (316) 2635214, www.pdiks.com Sedgwick County Health Dept., 2716 W. Central, Wichita, (316) 660-7300, www.sedgwickcounty.org The Sweet Emergency Fund, KUSM-W MPA, 1010 N. Kansas, Wichita, (316) 293-3405
Lawrence High School GSA, sponsors: Shannon Draper SDraper@usd497.org, and Lindsay Buck LBuck@usd497.org Manhattan High School GSA, mhs_ gsa@hotmail.com
First Unitarian Universalist Church of Wichita, 7202 E. 21st St., (316) 6843481, officemanager@firstuu.net, www. firstuu.net.
That Gay Group!, Wichita State U n i v e r s i t y, ( 3 1 6 ) 9 7 8 - 7 0 1 0 , thatgaygroup@gmail.com, www. wichita.edu/tgg
Kalpa Bhadra Kadampa Buddhist Center, 721 W. 13th St., Wichita, (316) 263-1533, info@meditateinkansas.org, www.meditateinkansas.org
Wichita East High School GSA, Tdavis2@usd259.net
Lutheran Campus Ministry, 1421 W. 19th, Lawrence, lutheran@ku.edu
Wichita Heights High School GSA, nmagoon@usd259.net
Metropolitan Community Church of Topeka, 4425 SW 19th, (785) 2721442, office@mcctopeka.org, www. MCCTopeka.org, services Sundays at 10am.
Wichita North High School GSA, (316) 204-5621, kellykk00@yahoo.com, rhorning@usd259.net, cwidmer@ usd259.net, meets every Wednesday at lunch in room A213. Wichita Northeast High School GSA, Jbell2@usd259.net Wichita Northwest High School GSA, amcdonald@usd259.net, meets every Monday after school. Wichita Southeast High School GSA, (316) 807-2271, psychsteve2@yahoo. com Wichita West High School GSA, astucky@usd259.net
Social Freethinking Parents Group, Are you raising kids without religion? You're not alone. Freethinking Parents meet 2-4pm, third Sundays at Botanica, Wichita. Info: www.facebook.com/ groups/586131888148529/ Heart of America Men’s Chorus, Wichita, (316) 708-4837, www.hoamc. org
Politics/Activism Kansas Equality Coalition, www. kansasequalitycoalition.org, chapters across the state.
NetworQ, Lawrence, KansasNetworQ@ yahoo.com, www.KansasNetworQ.org, meets at Maceli’s, 1031 New Hampshire
Kansas Statewide Transgender Education Project, (785) 215-7436, stephanie.mott@k-step.org, www.kstep.org, provides transgender education and resources.
Wichita Bears, presidentwichitabears@ yahoo.com, www.wichitabears.org
Wichita Pride, info@wichitapride. org, www.wichitapride.org, annual celebration held in September.
First Metropolitan Community Church of Kansas, 156 S. Kansas, Wichita, (316) 267-1852, www.mccwichita.com, www.godlovesyouperiod.com, Sunday services at 10:15am.
Pitt State GSA, Pittsburg State University, pittstategaystraightalliance@ gmail.com
Junction City Teddy Bears, c/o Kevin Stilley, 2 Oak Valley Dr., Manhattan, (785) 556-8188, trlrhouseman@webtv. net
Peace and Social Justice Center of South Central Kansas, 1407 N. Topeka, Wichita, (316) 263-5886, director@ wichitapeace.org, www.wichitapeace. org
First Congregational United Church of Christ, 700 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan, (785) 537-7006, www.uccmanhattan. org, Sunday services at 10:45am; Taize services Thursday at 7pm, An Open and Affirming Congregation.
Wichita Organization of Leather Fetishes, (316) 201-6242, www. woolfks.com Wichita Prime Timers, ICTPrimeTimers@aol.com, www. primetimersww.com/Wichita, social group for mature gay men.
Spiritual A Journey In The Light Ministries, 2231 S. Bluff (St. Christopher ’s
Pine Valley Christian Church, 5620 E. 21st St., Wichita, (316) 685-2421, churchoffice@pvcconline.org, www. pvcconline.org Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Manhattan, 481 Zeandale Road, (785) 537-2349, www.uufm.net, services Sundays at 10:45am. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Topeka, 4775 SW 21st St., (785) 2729233, www.uuft.org, services Sundays at 10:30am.
Support Central Plains Area Agency on Aging, 2622 W. Central Suite 500, Wichita, (316) 660-5120, www.cpaaa.org, CPAAA is available to assist seniors, caregivers, and adults with disabilities through life’s transitions and with various levels of support.
AUGUST 2014 COMCARE Crisis Intervention Services, 934 N. Water, Wichita, (316) 660-7500 free 24/7, www. sedgwickcounty.org Flint Hills PFLAG, Manhattan, (785) 340-2815, meets on the 1st Saturday, 10am-noon, call for location. Get Connected, Wichita, (316) 4913778, LGBTQIA youth group for ages 12-21. Meets at The Center, 800 N. Market, every Friday from 7-9pm. GLSEN Greater Wichita, wichita@ chapters.glsen.org. Headquarters Counseling Center, Lawrence, (785) 841-2345 free 24/7, www.hqcc.lawrence.ks.us HIV+ Men’s Support Group, Wichita, (316) 293-3405, mmadecky@kumc.edu O n e D a y A t A Ti m e , Wi c h it a , Alcoholics Anonymous meetings held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8pm at First MCC, 156 S. Kansas. PFLAG Hutchinson, PO Box 2488, Hutchinson, (620) 899-2345, pflaghutch@gmail.com PFLAG Lawrence/Topeka, (785) 235-3831, sffeist@msn.com, www. pflagnekansas.org, meets 1st Sundays, 2-4pm at MCC of Topeka, 4425 SW 19th. PFLAG Wichita, info@ictpflag.org, www.facebook.com/WichitaPFLAG, meets 2nd Thursdays, 6:30-8pm at College Hill United Methodist, 2930 E. 1st. The Face of Trans*, www.thefaceof trans.com TransYouth of Kansas, Topeka, tyks@ cox.net, www.tyks.org, providing support for transgender youth and their families. Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center, 355 N. Waco, Suite 100, (316) 2630185 office, (316) 263-3002 crisis line 24/7, advocate@wichitasac.com, www. wichitasac.com, free, confidential sexual assault services to all genders and sexual orientations. Medical & legal advocacy, support groups, adult & child crisis counseling, educational programs. Wichita Transgender Coalition, wichitatranscoalition@gmail.com, wichitatrans.webs.com/. l
Around Kansas listings are free to non-profit/volunteerbased groups. Send your additions or corrections to editor@libertypress.net. Burlesque continued from page 19
The Looney Bin Comedy Club, and Cowtown. While offering unique talent to the community, fundraising and donation efforts go to women’s shelters in the Wichita area. The last show at The Forum Theatre, called “Cinema Shakedown” is Saturday, Aug. 23 at 8pm. Doors open at 7:15pm. Tickets are $18 in advance or $20 at the door. Advanced tickets may be
purchased by calling (316) 618-0444 or visiting www. forumwichita.com. Despite losing its regular space, expect Wichita Burlesque to continue to offer workshops for those who are interested in learning the art form, and performances that offer diversity and fun to the Wichita community. During this time of transition, follow the group on Facebook at www.facebook. com/ARTBurlesque. l
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Products & Services
For Rent
Massage Time! Male-to-male massage, 8am-8pm, open 7 days. No appointment necessary. (316) 204-0111.
1 bdrm apt. $505 private residence - all bills pd including cable. No lease, begin Aug. 1, no pets. Kenn (316) 204-0111.
tinyurl.com/herscopes Charlene Lichtenstein’s ground-breaking astrology book HerScopes: A Guide To Astrology For Lesbians is celebrating its 10th anniversary! The secrets that are revealed about each sign continue to amaze. Makes a great gift. Classifieds are available for $5 for the first 15 words. E-mail editor@libertypress.net for other options, and pricing.
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In Search of Friendship only If you would like to go on outings in the Wichita/ SouthCentral Kansas region and are female or MTF, this 59-year old transwoman would like to meet. No sex. Please contact michelletg58@ gmail.com.
A
ugust grabs us by the short hairs and gives us a tug. Energetic Mars manages to angle and touch almost every planet through the month. Feistiness rules and removes all boundaries and barriers. Ouch and wow! Where do I start?
ARIES (MAR. 21 - APRIL 20) You rule the love nest this August. Not only do you emit more passion and sexiness that most mere mortals can handle, you are apt to overstep your bounds of propriety and get into madcap trouble. This is not a bad thing, gay Ram, but it is a warning to expect some aftershocks from your uncontrolled zesty zaps. Well, at least your love life won’t be dull.
LEO (JULY 24 - AUG. 23) Don’t be surprised if travel loses its allure for you this August. Frankly, nothing feels as good as just puttering around the house and relaxing at home. And why not? You have crafted the perfect entertaining environment and you seem to have boundless energy to tackle any domestic project. You can be lazy or industrious, proud Lion. Just don’t stray too far.
TAURUS (APRIL 21 - MAY 21) Volatile relationships may erupt like a volcano. Even sedate relationships can hit a rocky road or pebbled path. Queer Bulls who enjoy a bit of peace and quiet in the dog days of summer may not quite get what they want. But isn’t this all part of an exciting summer? See what shakes your timbers and go for it. Single Bulls find lush new pastures to graze.
VIRGO (AUG. 24 - SEPT. 23) Queer Virgins can toot around the neighborhood and glad hand the neighbors. And guess what? You may find yourself involved with new community initiatives and chairing local committee councils. Power, such that it is, is yours for the taking. Or you can channel all this energy into hoisting a few cold ones at the local hot spot. Take that instead.
GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21) While work is never on my list of favorite things to do in the summer, you seem to have ample energy and even enthusiasm for day-to-day chores and your job. So who am I to rain on your parade? Go for it, pink Twin. Clear off your desk, move things from the in to the Out box and handle any co-worker who has been getting on your nerves. You can sunbathe in the fall.
LIBRA (SEPT. 24 - OCT. 23) August is the time for a financial review and re-investments. Careful planning can lead you to a cushy early retirement, if you can focus on the bottom line. So ask the right advice from knowledgeable advisers and channel your efforts into profitable endeavors. Or, if all else fails, find a well-endowed benefactor and see how you can leverage those assets.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 - DEC. 22) There is a lot going on behind the scenes that can change the direction of your life. Folks are there to help you if you can discern friend from foe. And there is a lot that you can do on the sly that will guide others to do your bidding. Are you able to navigate these ever-changing waters without getting totally lost, gay Archer? I know you have the right paddle. CAPRICORN (DEC. 23 - JAN. 20) Friends and social groups figure prominently for you this August. This means that the efforts you place in interacting with friends and acquaintances will take you farther than you expect. You will not only be able to enter new and powerful inner cadres, you will also be able to attain higher status in these groups. Move and shake, pink Cap, while your stock rises. AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 - FEB. 19) Focus on your career and long-term plans and be prepared to take another step up the corporate ladder this August. Aqueerians are at the top of their game which means that instead of lolling around a pool, you should be diving into the corporate shark tank with your harpoon. Go for the big fish and prepare your grill for a power lunch. Yum. PISCES (FEB. 20 - MAR. 20) If you have itchy feet, August is the time to scratch them with a jaunt to someplace exotic and exciting. Or, if you are prone to be prone, choose a languid destination where you can lounge and bake. Guppies without the time or the budget will not go without. Find a spot closer to home and see how you can relax, recharge and regenerate on the cheap. Public beach anyone?
SCORPIO (OCT. 24 - NOV. 22) CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 23) You have zip in your doodah and fizz in If you are ready to party hearty, it is your fizzler this August. You stand in the time to release the balloons and start the center of everyone’s attention, rubbing festivities. This week not only brings elbows with the powerbrokers, feeling you into some unique circles, it can also full of enthusiasm and great ideas. All lead you to uncharted territories. How exciting! Your creativity knows no bounds so see how eyes are upon you queer Scorp. Now what? Plan your artistic you can be. One thing can lead to another, gay social ascent carefully and deliberately. All is yours Crab. See who you can meet, greet and sweep off their for the taking. How grabby will you be? dancing feet. (c) 2014 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: A Guide to Astrology For Lesbians is the best in tongue-in-cheek astrology. Order now at tinyurl.com/Herscopes.
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014
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AUGUST 2014
LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014
AUGUST 2014