Liberty Press Jan 2015 by Liberty Press Kansas

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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

JANUARY 2015

Evan Roth // Intellectual Property Donor January 24 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; April 12, 2015

Winter Opening Reception Saturday, January 24, 7 P.M. - 9 P.M. Reaching into the disparate worlds of computer programming and street culture, Paris-based, American artist Evan Roth forges a new way to approach each realm through highlighting the sometimes-confounding issues that define urban culture.

1845 Fairmount Street | Wichita, KS 67260 | ulrich.wichita.edu | Free Admission 1

Evan Roth//Intellectual Property Donor is organized by the Ezra and Cecile Zilkha Gallery, Center for the Arts, Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut and is curated by Ginger Duggan, Judith Hoos Fox of curatorsquared. 1. Evan Roth, Propulsion Paintings, 2013 2. Evan Roth, Slide To Unlock: Multi-Touch Painting series, 2012 3. Evan Roth, Internet Cache Portraits, 2012

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JANUARY 2015

Liberty Press

Volume 21, No. 5 • Editor: Kristi Parker • Contributors: Paul Berge, Greg Boaldin, Dave Brousseau, Nolin Christensen, Greg Fox, Charlene Lichtenstein, Mama, Dr. Robert N. Minor, Stephanie Mott, Ben Rivers • Staff Reporters: Karen AbshireGordon, Grayson Barnes, Jeanne de Grasse, Blake Hampton, Ciara Reid • Cover Design: Troy Dilport • Graphic Designer: Troy Dilport • Distribution Manager/Ad Sales: Sandra Hawk • Webmaster: Ren Autrey • Publisher: Liberty Press, LLC • Printer: Valley Offset Printing

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On the Cover:

Readers Choice Awards: Liberty Press' third annual Best of Gay Wichita! Page 18

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CONTENTS

IN EVERY ISSUE

ROXY'S DOWNTOWN BREATHES NEW LIFE into former Cabaret Old Town space................................................................................................. 7 NEW GALLERY ON COMMERCE STREET shows diverse work...................16

MAMA KNOWS BEST.................. 12 DISTRIBUTION LIST................... 12 AROUND KANSAS...................... 19 OUT IN THE STARS.................... 20

Regulars OP/ED editorial cartoon...........................................................................6 THE KANSAS GAYHAWK When You Gotta Let Go....................................6 BOOKENDS Some Assembly Required..................................................10 MINOR DETAILS We Have Miles to Go to End Bullying..........................11 WILL YOU? Lessons from the Crowd.....................................................14 TRANS-FORMATIVE Transgender, With Privilege....................................17 LEATHER LIFE Go For It!........................................................................22

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OP/ED

A Monthly Collection of Opinions and Editorials.

The opinions represented here do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Liberty Press. We reserve the right to edit and cut submissions for space and grammatical content. 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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JANUARY 2015

The Kansas GayHawk: A Youth Perspective When You Gotta Let Go

s we go through life we meet a lot of people. That’s quite obvious. Some of those people, however, rush into our life as a beautiful disaster and tear our heart open layer by layer until it is raw against the air. Those people, those magnificent mistakes, make us love them until it hurts. But when that pain becomes too much for the soul to bear we must do what is right and part ways. The process which occurs during this time of release can be difficult to bear, but it is important to remember that this person, whoever they may be, has been the pea underneath your mattress and it is time for spring cleaning. I speak from experience when I say that the overwhelming scent of their presence is addictive, but like

By Jordan Hawk isn’t that strong and that it could be easily broken, but then you would be oh so wrong. This rubber band is not your ordinary strip of elastic rubber. It has been bathed in months of joyous memories, deep conversations, and a tortuous pit of remarkable kisses. This

"[S]ometimes we are attached to someone, not by a chain, but by a rubber band ..." all addictions, it can consume you. So even though it hurts to let someone go it would hurt even more to keep them around. They have become the nicotine underneath your nails, the liquor in your pores, and the cavities in your teeth and the only way to repair yourself is to tear away the chains. You are probably thinking that it is impossible just to quit cold turkey but you don’t have to. Slowly start to talk to them less. Begin to allow yourself to create distance from that person. I know that is easier said than done, but I guarantee that if you gently wean yourself off of them, their hold over you will eventually fade. The truth though is this; sometimes we are attached to someone, not by a chain, but by a rubber band and no matter how far or fast we run in the opposite direction we get snapped right back into the same place. You would think that a rubber band

rubber band, this seemingly weak object, is actually a strong ligament attaching that person to your heart and soul and honestly . . . it is unbreakable. Now you’re probably asking yourself why someone would hurt themselves by detaching from someone that they love. Simple. Love is to be a two-way street. Love is designed to be given and received and you can’t spend your entire life chasing after someone down a one-way street because they’ll never see you. They will never look back. They will keep moving forward. That is not a bad thing though. People have the right to do as they please and although you may be a jealous creature, they are allowed to live their life as they see fit and there is no need to be upset over that. You can never let your own wants get in the way of your love for them. I don’t want to be cheesy, but if you love someone you gotta let them go. l

JANUARY 2015

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Roxy’s Downtown breathes new life into former Cabaret Old Town space

By Ciara Reid, staff reporter WICHITA - 412 1/2 E. Douglas holds a lot of history for downtown Wichita and the overall community; for 22 years, Cabaret Old Town entertained Wichita with musicals including Always, Patsy Cline. When the theatre closed in May of this year, Roxy’s Downtown CEO and operating manager John Hammer instantly saw the stars align. The closing of Cabaret Old Town came at a time when Hammer was looking to expand his creative outlets. “I was working in the tech industry from my home office, developing educational content for the animation and game sectors. Granted, I was able to travel and work with some of the most creative individuals in the world, but there was something missing,” Hammer recalls. With a background in studio art, he was used to creating tangible

pieces and wanted to build in a real space once again. “I saw the announcement of the possible closure as an opportunity - I thought, ‘I can do something with this; I can bring something new not only to the venue, but to Wichita.” Yes, the stars aligned at the right time for Hammer. But one other essential component also had to happen for everything to come together. “Phone calls, many phone calls,” Hammer says. “The first person I reached out to was Monica Flynn who took the ball and ran by bringing two other parties to the table.” Flynn helped gather additional supporters - Larry and Sharla Michael, and Charlotte Hays. From there, the group launched into a whirlwind of purchase negotiations, outlines and plans for the new space, securing a bank partner, and of course – getting the space ready for the

opening night in November. “A lot of time, sweat and personal investment goes into any business, but put the passion that goes with theatre into the mix and you have a business concoction that has a great deal of emotion wrapped into it as well,” Hammer says. “It was an exceptionally intense period of

time getting us open, but oh so worth it. It was only possible due to the hard work of many, many wonderful people who saw the potential.” Many people know the name Christine Tasheff – the founder of Cabaret Old Town. Hammer instantly reached out to Tasheff continued on page 8

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if, there were any plans she had with the announcement. If she after he had the idea to reopen had plans to take it over again, the space. I was not going to compete “Cabaret Old Town was out of pure respect. We had originally hers; it was her lunch and she expressed she creation,” Hammer says. “I had no wish to own the business needed to know what, and again, but she sure would love to come back as the Artistic Director.” The answer to that question was easy for Hammer. “Are you kidding?! It was a no-brainer; I took her up on it right on the spot. She was the first member of our growing dream team.” The inaugural show for Roxy’s Downtown, which opened Thanksgiving weekend, was Plaid Tidings. Hammer says the response from the Healthy Pets for Happy Lives audience was better Daniel Thompson, D.V.M. Mon. - Fri. than he could have Cindy Payne-Robertson, D.V.M. 7:30 AM - 6 PM e v e r h o p e d f o r. Saturday Lori Mitchell, D.V.M., C.C.R.P. “Overwhelming 8 AM - 12 PM Kelly Martin, D.V.M. actually, we had a 1726 E 61st St N • Park City, KS , 67219 • (316) 744-0501 standing ovation,” www.ctahvets.com • facebook.com/ctahvets he says. “It was a

wonderful validation of all the hard work that went into getting even to the place where we could open. Kyle Vespestad did a phenomenal job directing our first show, and we were so very lucky to get the cast we did, along with our brilliant music director, Rich Bruhn. The responses since opening have been exceptionally rewarding and inspirational.” Most of the season has been announced; the next show is Always, Patsy Cline, which opens Jan. 29. When the show was performed in Cabaret Old Town, it ran more than eight months to sold-out houses. Other shows slated for this season include The Big Bang, Pageant, and Smokey Joe’s. Roxy’s Downtown will also feature experimental theatre, which will offer cutting-edge shows that have completed runs in smaller theatres in New York or San Francisco. Hammer says this would also include the possibility of producing and showcasing new playwrights who have a great show but need space. “If a new experimental show proves to have an audience, we might bring it into

JANUARY 2015

a future season as our Main Stage show,” he says. “Think of these shows as indie-theatre.” David Sedaris’ The Santaland Diaries is the first one on the roster, Hammer says. Hammer’s plans for Roxy’s Downtown go beyond the stage. He plans to make the theater a screening location for the Tallgrass Film Festival, and also plans to offer animation and filmmaking workshops. “I am exceptionally excited for next year and becoming a part of the festival and also to bring a small part of L.A. to Wichita through our workshops,” Hammer says. “We have some great connections in the animation and gaming development world who are exceptionally keen as well.” Those who attended shows at Cabaret Old Town will instantly feel at home at Roxy’s Downtown – the iconic “Roxy’s Downtown” sign on the building is a welcoming and familiar greeting. For those who will attend a show for the first time – it will be worth the wait. l

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JANUARY 2015

By Ben Rivers

ew Year’s confession time. The book I am recommending as the perfect start for 2015 . . . 1 have one chapter left. I’m asking forgiveness. I am writing this as Christmas approaches and that is the busy season for musicians. Whew, that feels better. However, I feel completely sure that Some Assembly Required by Arin Andrews (Simon & Schuster, $17.99) is

a good addition to the growing collection of LGBTQ memoirs. Even better, it is a much needed addition to YA memoirs. Andrews’ is a story of overcoming the adversity of growing up transgender in the plain states. In fact he hails from Oklahoma, and his story provides the confirmation that so many transgender teens need. Let’s face it, being a teen sucks at times. I have no desire to go back and relive those years. Some Assembly Required confirms the struggles, battles, and tears that all teens go through. And I can only imagine this helps a transgender teen know that they are not alone. Above all, it shouts a resounding message of hope. If Andrews can overcome the adversity of growing up in religiously and socially conservative Oklahoma, there is hope. If he can change the minds of his family and those closest to him; if he can give

them understanding, there is hope that change is possible. Some Assembly Required is not only a book I want to read. I want to gift it to every teen I know, especially those who are cisgender, because this could help develop empathy for a fellow teen in the plains. From there we can branch out to understand people even further outside our realm of understanding. l

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.

JANUARY 2015

LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

Minor

Details By Bob Minor

We Have Miles to Go to End Bullying

014 ends with another child’s suicide in the news. This time, it’s a 12-yearold boy who couldn’t take the bullying anymore. Yes, it was in California, where all the right laws and policies are in place. Still, death seemed better to Ronin Shimizu than enduring his community. And what was he doing to bring what’s known as gaybashing on? Well, it wasn’t about sexual orientation - whom he was loving or having sex with. He was only 12. But the taunts from bullies at Folsom Middle School seemed overwhelming. This little boy who killed himself on Dec. 3rd, was taunted because he was a cheerleader. A cheerleader – oh, the horror! Because of the bullying, his parents had switched him to home-schooling in the sixth grade. And how did the school district’s spokesperson respond? “Well, we were aware of allegations of bullying. I can’t speak to specific allegations, but like all allegations, we investigate them fully.” That’s it. And those children who were responsible can deal with what they caused. It should haunt them enough to fight against bullying forever. This represents an ongoing epidemic. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10 to 24 with lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth four times more likely, and questioning youth three times more likely, to attempt suicide as straight youth. Nearly half of young transgender people have seriously thought about taking their lives, and one-quarter report having made a suicide attempt. Furthermore, suicide attempts are nearly two times higher

among black and Hispanic youth than white youth. Notably, transgender people are reminders of the underlying problem. They embody what’s really behind what we call gay-bashing and much general school bullying – gender roles. Ronin wasn’t taunted because of his sexual orientation, which no one knew. He was bullied because the dominant peer pressure said that males do not participate in cheerleading, among many activities. “Masculinity” says that when they’re old enough, men can ogle girl cheerleaders and that it might even be considered cute if a young boy does. Women are objects to be enjoyed by teenage boys and their male elders. But a boy who enjoys being a cheerleader when most cheerleaders are still girls? Now that’s just queer. He must be gay. And you know how “gay” boys are treated. Even show biz makes money laughing at the actions of Jack, Cam and Mitchell, and other male characters who do all those “effeminate” things. How many laughs in Horrible Bosses 2 were about gay male sex and relationships? Gay male stereotypes might be based on those gay men who aren’t as straight-acting as our culture says men should be, but they provide humor just as Amos and Andy-style stereotypes of black men did in the last century. And it’s all about gender. If a boy or a man doesn’t act manly enough, doesn’t kowtow to the culturally learned male gender role, he knows what can happen to him: ridicule and humiliation being the seemingly least threatening responses. But even they aren’t harmless - “oh, that’s what kids do” - when you’re a 12-year-old. They lead to isolation and rejection, and,

unless allies can be effective counter-forces, to death. We’re speaking of boys, but must not minimize what our girls experience. The difference is girls are supposed to take it, supposed to accept a secondrate status, even in this era of feminist gains and women’s rights. Yeah, yeah, we tell girls they can be anything they want to be these days, but the dominant message is that they’re supposed to settle for 78 cents when men earn a dollar for the same work. America still doesn’t have an Equal Rights Amendment and we still hear regressive folks arguing as if for some inherent reason that that’s all okay. You’d think we’d have gotten over school-bullying by now. Back in October 2000, PFLAG officially launched its Safe Schools Initiative, “From Our House to the School House: A Recipe for Safe Schools,” and the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network has been fighting bullying issues for 20 years. But the bigoted right-wing fights back with claims that ensuring that our schools are free from bullying will mainstream being LGBT - as if that’s a bad thing. And more sickeningly, behind GLSEN’s Straight Ally Week, right-wing darlings like Linda Harvey of Mission America say, aren’t good intentions but “Satan.” Harvey proclaimed this year in her radio bulletin for Christian broadcasting stations, that Ally Week “peddles deviance and immorality” that will lead to “discrimination” against Christians in schools. “No responsible parent,” she added, would let their children become “endorsers of homosexuality.” “Here’s the real trick of Satan,” she went on, “it’s especially children like yours and mine, raised as Christians, raised to want to be kind to others as God has been merciful to us, who are more vulnerable.” Making schools safe for all children, the right-wing talking-points go today, is actually discrimination. It persecutes Christians and their children.

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And so we hear on this issue as others the wellscripted strategy of appealing to the Christian right-wing’s persecution complex. They’re the true victims of this and everything else. Meanwhile our mantra must continue to be: “We want safe schools for all our children.” And when the right-wing brings up its many distracting issues and objections, our single response is: “But don’t you want our schools to be safe for all our children? We do.” Then we repeat and repeat it again as if jumping up and down in the same place. We recognize that making our schools safe from bullying for LGBT youth will also make it safe for every child. It will allow the Ronin Shimizu’s to pursue their heartfelt interests without having to look over their shoulder to see if they’ll be picked on because their joy is found through something that doesn’t fit their gender role. And that will also permit every adult, as well, to freely discover their passion in life and live it fully. 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; and Gay & Healthy in a Sick Society. Contact him at www. FairnessProject.org.

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ear Mama, What do you think of gays being able to marry in Kansas now? Single in ICT I say who the hell cares?! Let them get married. It does not affect me or any other naive straight person or not too bright religious person! I will throw the rice if they want! Mama, What do you think of Brownback being voted in again? A voter Oh lord help us all! We are all in trouble. Do not drop the soap if you know what I mean. If more people would get out and vote this would not have happened. Please register and always vote!

JANUARY 2015

Hey Mama, What do you think of all these earthquakes we have been having in Kansas? All Shook Up

I think that we need to stop fracking. If you try to get earthquake insurance there is a waiting or grace period through the insurance company. I want to know what the hell the waiting period is for? Probably so if we have a big one they won’t have to pay us. The jerks! Mama, The gas prices are going down! YEAH It is nice, but don’t get too used to it. Like Brownback, the oil companies are going to screw us in the rear! Good lord Eunice and Vinton stop arguing you sound like the Republicans and the Democrats! Thank you for your questions! Have a super New Year in 2015! l

Have a question for Mama? E-mail MamaTHarper@aol.com or friend Thelma Harper on Facebook.

Distribution Sites Derby

Derby High GSA

Dodge City

Compass Behavioral Health

El Dorado

Pathways Psychological Services

Hays

Mokas

Hutchinson

Hutchinson Community College GSA, Hutchinson High School GSA, PFLAG Hutchinson, Prairie Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

Junction City

Devil's Tail

Kansas City

Hamburger Mary’s, LIKEME Lighthouse

Lawrence

Ad Astra Acupuncture, Aimee’s Coffeehouse, Bourgeois Pig, Bzar Salon, Community Mercantile, Douglas County AIDS Project, Dusty Bookshelf, Ecumenical Campus Ministries, Einstein Bros. Bagel, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, Henry’s, Java

Break, KU’s Dean of Students office, KU’s Multicultural Resource Center, La Prima Tazza, Lawrence Public Library, Lutheran Campus Ministry, Milton’s Cafe, The Mirth Café, Natural Grocers, NetworQ, Pizza Shuttle, Queers & Allies office, The Raven Bookstore, Rudy’s Pizzeria, South Wind Health Collective, The Vapor's Edge E-Cig Shop, Wheat State Pizza, Wheatfield’s Bakery, Wilde’s Chateau 24, Yello Sub, Z’s Divine Espresso

Manhattan

The Bluestem Bistro, The Chef Café, Dusty Bookshelf, First Congregational Church, Flint Hills Human Right Project meetings, Grace's Asian Fusion Cafe, K-State LGBT Resource Center, K-State Student Union, K-State Women's Clinic, Karnivore Bar and BBQ, On the Wild Side, People’s Grocery, Queer-Straight Alliance meetings, Radina’s Bakery & Café (three locations), Rockstar and Rodgers (two locations), Sisters of Sound Music, Strecker-Nelson Gallery, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Manhattan, Varsity Donuts

Newton

Bethel College Student Life Center

Pittsburg

Pitt State GSA

Salina

Ad Astra Books and Coffeehouse, Chamucos Nightclub, Mokas, Mokas South, Peaceful Body Wellness Retreat, Salina Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Saline County Health Dept.

Topeka

The Break Room, Classic Bean (two locations), Field of Greens, Flowers by Bill, Lazio’s Coffee Bar, Metropolitan Community Church of Topeka, Positive Connections, PT’s Coffee Roasting Co., The Razor’s Edge, Reece Nichols Real Estate, Serendipity, Skivvies, Three Flowers Metaphysical, Topeka/Shawnee County Public Library, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Topeka, The Upstage Gallery, Washburn Mabee Library, Washburn Union, YWCA

Wichita

Adult Superstore, Albero Cafe, After Dark South, The Anchor, Artichoke Sandwich Bar, Book-A-

Holic (all 3 locations), Bungalow 26, Camelot Cinema, The Center, Circle Cinema, City Arts, College Hill United Methodist Church, The Cotillion, Cow & Sow Deli, Crazy J’s Furniture & Sleep Shop, The Donut Whole, Doo-Dah Diner, Earthwise Pet Supply, Fisch Haus, First Metropolitan Community Church, First Unitarian Universalist Church, Harris & Co. Frame Shop, Heights High GSA, Hue Gallery, Hunter Health Clinic, J’s Lounge, A Journey in the Light, Kirby’s, KU Internal Medicine - Midtown, Lotus Leaf Cafe, Mead’s Corner, Moe’s Sub Shop, The Monarch, The Orpheum, Our Fantasy Complex, Patricia’s (all 3 locations), Picasso's Pizza, Pine Valley Christian Church, Planet Hair, Planned Parenthood, Positive Directions, Rain Café & Lounge, Reverie Coffee Roasters, Spice Merchant, The Store, T - A Tea Bar,Tanya's Soup Kitchen, Vagabond Coffeeshop, Vegas Video, Watermark Books, Wellington Place Inn, Wichita Community Theatre, Wichita Public Library - downtown branch, WSU - Spectrum meetings, WSU - Women's Studies office, Ziggy's Pizza

Would you like to see your business or organization on this list? It’s free! Contact Kristi at editor@libertypress.net to arrange for delivery of complimentary copies.

JANUARY 2015

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Will You?

By Greg Boaldin

Lessons from the Crowd

n last month’s column I mentioned that I had created a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign for my film Will You Take This Man, a feature-length romantic comedy to be shot in Wichita. The film tells the story of an interracial male couple and how their decision to wed after a decade together creates opportunities for friends and family to recognize where they are less than honest and “come out of the closet.” The campaign ended on Dec. 6, sadly short of its financing goal. The way that Kickstarter works is that if the goal isn’t met in the time frame allotted, you get none of the money raised. This was disappointing for sure. Backers had pledged over $11,000. It felt like our beautiful early Christmas present was taken away before we even got to open the package. In reality, even though we didn’t get all the money, I gained so much more from the campaign: exposure for the film; support and encouragement from some surprising sources; a knowledge of how better to run a crowdfunding campaign; and more than half of that $11,000 via individual checks and PayPal payments. As a gay man of a certain age, I am constantly in awe of how much society has evolved. This evolution became very evident

JANUARY 2015

to me when I posted information about the film’s Kickstarter campaign on the Facebook page for my graduating class. When I graduated from Derby Senior High none of my classmates were out, myself included. We all knew that there’d be a hefty price to pay for being out, a price we weren’t willing to pay in the 1980s at the beginning of the AIDS crisis. So, it was with a bit of trepidation that I pushed the “post” button on my announcement. I wasn’t sure what reaction I would get. The first comment a classmate made was “Sorry, I can’t support the subject.” I couldn’t thank her enough for that comment. After she posted that, there was a huge outpouring of support. So many classmates, including ones I wouldn’t have dreamed of coming out to while in high school, said that while she might not be able to support a film about gay men marrying, they sure could. And they did! I immediately got pledges from classmates, and in one case the mother of a classmate. I have received messages of support from across the country. The head of the Marriage Equality campaign in Maryland shared the Kickstarter campaign, as did Clela Rorex, the first county clerk to issue a marriage license to a male couple way back in 1975. Some of my favorite backers include a woman from Chicago who just got out of a relationship with a guy she described as a “true ignorant, sexist, racist a**hole.” She felt that backing the film would be something he’d hate, making her pledge all the more rewarding for her. Another was the little sister of a friend from high school who finally revealed she had a crush on me from back in the day. It was good to hear from her and to hope that her gaydar has improved over the years. All in all, 62 people in 19 states, some I knew and some I didn’t, financially backed the film. Many more shared the information on their own social media sites, liked our Facebook page, or are now following the film on Twitter. The response is very continued on page 20

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JANUARY 2015

New gallery on Commerce Street shows diverse work By Blake Hampton WICHITA - Local artists Lindy Wiese and Sean Christopher Ward have opened the doors to a new commercial art gallery on 430 Commerce Street. It’s called the Hue Gallery. With works of realism, impressionism, sculptures, and chalk there is a piece that any fan of art can appreciate. In a recent interview with Wiese, she shared more about the gallery and its plans for the future. Ward is currently traveling the country showing

more of his art. Wiese and Ward have worked on their art forms for many years, and both have features in the gallery. Wiese specializes in impressionism painting taking inspiration from Claude Monet and other contemporary artists. She has taken classes from The Wichita Center for the Arts and Artist Central. Wa r d h a s w o r k s t h a t combine techniques in graphic design and painting. He also does photography, and has some pictures on display at

the gallery. Ward has taken classes from The Wichita Center for the Arts, has an associate’s degree in graphic design from Cowley County Community College, and is working on a bachelor’s degree in graphic design and painting at WSU. Visiting another art gallery together last year the two talked about having their own gallery to showcase their art as well as others. As Wiese describes the conversation, “The thought of doing it came relatively quickly; let’s just do it.” They went to work asking artists to showcase, signing papers, and finding the building to use. Also taking the time to organize the art, and fill the rooms wall-to-wall with pieces of art. The Hue Gallery is currently featuring works from 15 artists. Besides Wiese and Ward there are two other Wichita artists’ works that are shown, while the

other works are currently from around the nation. Wiese also plans to show the work of an artist from Sri Lanka very soon. She hopes in the future that they will be able to show more international art. They are also working to incorporate films to show in the gallery and on making workshops and classes for the public. “Our hope is that Hue Gallery can become a place to learn, enjoy, and be inspiring to everyone in Wichita,” Wiese said. For more information about the artists and dates of showings, visit huewichita.com. l

ROx Y’s

STARRING CINDY SUMMERS

412 1/2 E DOUGLAS

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JAN.29 - MAR.28

8 PM THURS/FRI/SAT 2 PM SUNDAYS

JANUARY 2015

Transgender, With Privilege

am a transsexual woman. I am therefore marginalized and oppressed. Such is the nature of life for transgender people in the home of the brave and the land of the free. I live in a red state. I am therefore pushed further to the margins. However, for me, this is only part of the story. I am also white. I am therefore given opportunities that many trans people - many people - do not have. So am I oppressed or am I privileged? The answer to that question is both. It has everything to do with a word that is becoming more and more intertwined with the way I see the world and the way the world sees me. That word is intersectionality. My mamma stayed at home with me and my brothers and sisters. She read to me every day as a young child. I grew up expecting (and expected) to go to college. I never went to school hungry, nor to bed. My clothes were clean and although they were mostly hand-medowns, they were always in good condition. I had all the school supplies I needed. I had everything I needed. At the same time, at least by the age of five, I had come to believe that there was something horribly wrong with me that I couldn’t talk about with anyone. I knew that I was a girl, but my body was telling me (and everyone else) lies about who I was. I set out to learn how to be this little boy I was told I had to be, to try to learn how to be him, putting on my “Steven suit” every morning and slowly watching my soul die. The female voice of authenticity could not be silenced. She was the voice of truth. She was the voice of correctness. She was the voice

LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

of freedom. The myriad of obstacles presented by trying to live as someone who is not you, while denying your true self, pushes a person to the margins in a very dark and lonely way. And so it seems that I have always been marginalized and oppressed, and privileged. The reality of my privilege was made exceedingly clear to me as I recently suffered a minor heart attack. The events that were about to unfold made indelible impressions as to just how privileged I am, in spite of the fact that I am transgender. It is almost impossible to effectively talk about privilege without also talking about intersectionality. When I went to the hospital, the Facebook wishes for wellness poured in and one of my friends wondered about how being trans had the potential to affect how I was treated (respected). Indeed, the healing process is much more difficult if a person’s basic identity is disrespected. The rest of the story? I am privileged in so many other ways - not the least of which is having insurance - that I have been thinking more about that than how I might be oppressed. I have enough money in the bank to pay my deductible and co-pay. Not what I planned on using it for, but I never had to worry about the financial consequences of being in the hospital. The words angioplasty and echocardiogram were not foreign to me. I had educated conversations with the doctors. I knew what was happening and I had a good idea of what was going to happen. Feeling really privileged. This was my third time at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka. The first two times were when I was just beginning to live authentically several years ago.

I was presenting as Stephanie, but the name on my chart, my legal name, was Steven. Both stays involved getting a hip replacement. During those first two stays, the hospital staff was amazing, calling me Steph and using the correct pronouns (most of the time). I did have one nurse who was visibly uncomfortable with me. It didn’t affect how she treated me, but I could tell. I shared some of my poetry with her, and we talked, and before I left the hospital, she had become (and still is) a friend. On this recent trip to the hospital, I didn’t even have to worry about being trans. My driver’s license and social security card are changed (major privilege). I was mostly in charge of who knew, and who didn’t know, that I am trans. One of the hospital staff actually came to visit me to tell me thank you for my activism in the LGBT community. Being an activist, I also entered the hospital with full knowledge of my legal rights as a trans person, as well as where to turn if my rights had been violated in any way (more major privilege). They were not. I have only scratched the surface of how intersectionality affects privilege and oppression. Hopefully, I have shined a little light on the dynamics involved. To know that I am privileged (and oppressed) is not enough.

Page 17

I have come to understand that if I am not actively working to eliminate the privileges that are bestowed on me as a white, educated, employed, ablebodied person; I am participating in those privileges. I had another recent experience that I should mention here. I was stopped by the police for driving too fast. Neither I nor the white police officer who stopped me had reason to fear for our lives. I was fully aware of this while the officer was writing my ticket. There’s a bumper sticker on the back of my car that identifies me as transgender. I was fully aware of that, too. I wonder if the situation might have been different if I were a transgender person of color. Statistics say that there is an unjustifiably high possibility it would have been. The experiences contained in my illness (and the traffic stop) have given me much to think about. To me, the real point is that I have been given much to do. The faces of oppression are many. Unity against oppression is born in our willingness to help fight the things that oppress others, in addition to the things that oppress our own. There is much to do, indeed. l Stephanie Mott is a transgender woman from Topeka. She is the executive director of the Kansas Statewide Transgender Education Project, and a commissioner on the City of Topeka Human Relations Commission. Reach her at stephanieequality@yahoo.com.

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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

JANUARY 2015

2015 Best of Gay Wichita BALLOT

elcome to Liberty Press’ third annual Best of Gay Wichita! Located to the right is the ballot to vote for your favorites in the LGBT community in Wichita. Voting is open Jan. 1-Feb. 8, 2015. Votes will be tallied and the winners will be announced in the March 2015 issue. Some notes: If you are unsure if your favorite would qualify, refer to the helpful title: Best of Gay Wichita. We want to know what the LGBT community thinks, with a focus on LGBT people, places and things. Feel free to fill out as many, or as few, categories as you like. Only one ballot per person will be counted. To vote: Write in your picks, then send the ballot to us via snail mail to: Liberty Press, PO Box 16315, Wichita, KS 67216-0315 Include as many ballots as you’d like - gather your friends and save a stamp! But please only one ballot per person. Or you may vote online at: www.libertypress.net

Bartender_____________________________ Dance Floor____________________________ Place to Grab a Beer____________________ Place to Meet Women____________________ Place to Meet Men______________________ Theme Night___________________________ Mixed Drink (what/place)________________ Overall Bar____________________________ Gay-friendly Restaurant/Coffeeshop_______ ______________________________________ Local DJ______________________________ Live Theater____________________________ Massage Therapist______________________ Realtor________________________________ Attorney______________________________ Business Person________________________

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

(785) 776-2252

1128 Moro Manhattan, KS 66502 11am-6:30pm M-F • 11am-6pm Sat.

Other Business_________________________ Therapist/Psychologist___________________ Hair Stylist____________________________ Name________________________________ E-mail address__________________________

JANUARY 2015

LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. Wichita Pride, info@wichitapride. org, www.wichitapride.org, annual celebration held in September.

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/

Community Centers The Center, 800 N. Market, Wichita Kansas State University LGBT Resource Center, 207 A/B Holton Hall, Manhattan, (785) 532-5352, lgbt@kstate.edu, www.k-state-edu/lgbt

Health Douglas County AIDS Project, 346 Maine, Suite 160, Lawrence, (785) 8430040, www.douglascountyaidsproject. org

Heart of America Men’s Chorus, Wichita, (316) 708-4837, www.hoamc. org Junction City Teddy Bears, c/o Kevin Stilley, 2 Oak Valley Dr., Manhattan, (785) 556-8188, trlrhouseman@webtv. net NetworQ, Lawrence, KansasNetworQ@ yahoo.com, www.KansasNetworQ.org, meets at Maceli’s, 1031 New Hampshire Wichita Bears, presidentwichitabears@ yahoo.com, www.wichitabears.org Wichita Organization of Leather Fetishes, (316) 201-6242, www. woolfks.com

HIV/AIDS Client Emergency Fund administrered by the Junction City Teddy Bears, c/o Kevin Stilley, 2 Oak Valley Dr., Manhattan, (785) 556-8188, trlrhouseman@webtv.net, for people in the Manhattan/Junction City area

Wichita Prime Timers, ICTPrimeTimers@aol.com, www. primetimersww.com/Wichita, social group for mature gay men.

Hunter Health Clinic, 2318 E. Central, Wichita, (316) 262-3611, FREE HIV confidential or anonymous testing with Spanish and Vietnamese interpreters.

A Journey In The Light Ministries, 2231 S. Bluff (St. Christopher ’s Episcopal Chapel), Wichita, Sunday Praise and Worship services at 11am.

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 South Wind Women's Center, 5107 E. Kellogg, Wichita, (316) 260-6934, www.southwindwomenscenter.org, LGBTQIA-friendly health services. The Sweet Emergency Fund, KUSM-W MPA, 1010 N. Kansas, Wichita, (316) 293-3405

Politics/Activism E q u a l i t y K a n s a s , w w w. kansasequalitycoalition.org, chapters across the state. Kansas Statewide Transgender Education Project, (785) 215-7436, stephanie.mott@k-step.org, www.kstep.org, provides transgender education and resources. Peace and Social Justice Center of South Central Kansas, 1407 N. Topeka, Wichita, (316) 263-5886, director@ wichitapeace.org, www.wichitapeace. org

Spiritual

College Hill United Methodist Church, 2930 E. 1st, Wichita, (316) 683-4643, www.collegehillumc.org, Sunday Celebrations at 8:30, 9:40 and 11:00am. First Congregational United Church of Christ, 700 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan, (785) 537-7006, www.uccmanhattan. org, Sunday services at 10:45am; Taize services Thursday at 7pm, An Open and Affirming Congregation. First Metropolitan Community Church of Kansas, 156 S. Kansas, Wichita, (316) 267-1852, www.mccwichita.com, www.godlovesyouperiod.com, Sunday services at 10:15am. First Unitarian Universalist Church of Wichita, 7202 E. 21st St., (316) 6843481, officemanager@firstuu.net, www. firstuu.net. Lutheran Campus Ministry, 1421 W. 19th, Lawrence, lutheran@ku.edu Metropolitan Community Church of Topeka, 4425 SW 19th, (785) 2721442, office@mcctopeka.org, www. MCCTopeka.org, services Sundays at 10am. 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.

Page 19

Student groups

astucky@usd259.net

Derby High School GSA, kljacobs@ usd260.com, tkellenbarger@usd260. com F re e S t a t e H i g h S c h o o l G S A , Lawrence, sponsors: Hilary Morton hmorton@usd497.org, and Kim Grinnell kgrinnell@usd497.org Highland Park High School's Parity, Topeka, LGBTatHP@outlook.com, facebook.com/LGBTatHP. Hutchinson High School GSA, faculty advisor: Mr. Westmoreland, chairperson: Kara Vaughn. The Independent School GSA, Wichita, sponsor: Matt Hanne matt. hanne@theindependentschool.com K-State LGBT & Allies, meets every Thursday at 5:30 in Leadership Studies room 123 KU Queers & Allies, University of Kansas, Lawrence, (785) 864-3091, qanda@ku.edu, www.ku.edu/~qanda Lawrence High School GSA, sponsors: Shannon Draper SDraper@usd497.org, and Lindsay Buck LBuck@usd497.org Manhattan High School GSA, mhs_ gsa@hotmail.com Maize South High School GSA, sponsor: Shelly Walston swalston@ usd266.com, meets 2nd Fridays. Pitt State GSA, Pittsburg State University, pittstategaystraightalliance@ gmail.com Spectrum: LGBTQ & Allies, Wichita State University, Twitter.com/ Wsuspectrum, meets Thursdays at 7pm in the Lucas Room (RSC 265) when classes are in session. Wichita East High School GSA, Tdavis2@usd259.net Wichita Heights High School GSA, nmagoon@usd259.net Wichita North High School GSA, (316) 204-5621, kellykk00@yahoo.com, rhorning@usd259.net, cwidmer@ usd259.net, meets every Wednesday at lunch in room A213. Wichita Northeast High School GSA, Jbell2@usd259.net Wichita Northwest High School GSA, amcdonald@usd259.net, meets every Monday after school. Wichita Southeast High School GSA, (316) 807-2271, psychsteve2@yahoo. com Wichita West High School GSA,

Support Central Plains Area Agency on Aging, 2622 W. Central Suite 500, Wichita, (316) 660-5120, www.cpaaa.org, CPAAA is available to assist seniors, caregivers, and adults with disabilities through life’s transitions and with various levels of support. COMCARE Crisis Intervention Services, 934 N. Water, Wichita, (316) 660-7500 free 24/7, www. sedgwickcounty.org 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 Healthy Transitions, for heterosexually married gay men in KC. A phone and face-to-face interview required, Mark McCarthy, LPC (816) 931-0011x4. 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 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. l

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

FMCC 1.15 Ad II.qxp_FMCC M6:8 Ad 12/17/14 11:25 AM Page 1 LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. JANUARY 2015

PAGE 20 Will You? continued from page 14

gratifying, and while, of course, there are people out there who would rather this film not be made and that we not be able to wed, their voices, like that of my classmate, are increasingly being drowned out. If you would like to join the “wedding party” and support the film, there are several things you can do. You can like our Facebook page, sign up for

the “guest list” on our website willyoutakethisman.com, follow us on Twitter @takethisman, or become a financial backer by pledging money via our PayPal account. I will honor all rewards offered through our Kickstarter campaign to any backers. If you would like to pledge via PayPal, enter our e-mail address willyoutakethisman@gmail. com, then the amount you’d like to pledge. Will you? l

Join Us in Worship... ALL are Welcome!

SUNDAY SERVICE • 10:15 AM WITH FELLOWSHIP FOLLOWING THE SERVICE Experience the Revolution ™with Us on Sundays

Attend Church in Your UNDERWEAR? ONLY if You Watch Our Livestream Service Sunday at 10:15 am at www.GodLovesYouPeriod.com

anuary rings in a new year and a new you with every personal planet -Venus, Mars, Mercury and the Sun - traveling through Aquarius at some point in the month. Be bold! Be inspiring! Be unique! But don’t behave!

GOD LOVES YOU.

PERIOD Experience the Revolution™

ARIES (MAR. 21 - APRIL 20) LEO (JULY 24 - AUG. 23) You will have so much on your social Your relationships are ready for a plate this January that you won’t know reboot so make a new year’s resolution where to start . . . or stop. Every friend to do better and be more present in any and even some acquaintances, want a one-to-one interaction. Proud Lions piece of you. This is not a bad thing, gay enjoy being the center of attention Ram, but you will have to make some tough decisions and adoration, but it is a good idea to spread the good about what you need to forgo and into what you should vibes around. Who knows? You may find that you immerse. Once you have decided, get totally wet! wield more influence as the power behind the throne than on sitting on it. TAURUS (APRIL 21 - MAY 21) You may think that you are readying VIRGO (AUG. 24 - SEPT. 23) yourself for some down time or even an Starting the new year with a new health early retirement, but not so fast, queer regime may be your ticket to success Bull. Career options heat up to a rapid boil queer Virgo. Whether that means starting and you might find yourself more in the a new diet, getting to the gym more often, belly of the corporate beast and less on your belly on a running a marathon or something stress-reducing like calm beach. Take every opportunity as it comes. Some yoga or meditation, is totally up to you. The important may have unexpected perks. Or is it jerks? thing is to start somewhere. Try to get into ship shape for cruise season. Ahem. GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21) Get out of your usual routine and travel. LIBRA (SEPT. 24 - OCT. 23) You have been too cooped up and myopic, Party season doesn’t have to stop pink Twin. Seeing the world with fresh at New Year’s, proud Libra. In fact eyes will be refreshing. If time and budgets it can continue for at least another are tight find ways to expand your world month. So don’t poop out while the music is still hot view in cheaper ways. Maybe an esoteric class? Or a and the drinks are still cold. Find new avenues of foreign film? Or even a spicy meal in some strange entertainment and bring your pride posse along. Or neighborhood? Whatever gets you spicy and strange. try something artistic and creative. Get your juices going without getting too squeezed. Or maybe that CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 23) is the plan? Open yourself up to new possibilities and deeper personal connections -both SCORPIO (OCT. 24 - NOV. 22) physical and psychological - this January. There is too much to do around the Gay Crabs may find that they are attracted house this January so plan on being to older, wiser or more established (read: closer to home than usual. Queer Scorps rich) love interests. And why not? They say it is as easy to need to map out their domestic agenda fall in love with royalty as it is with a toad. But I actually and see where they can make household think it is easier. improvements. Do your research and ask advice from the experts. Soon you will have the perfect crib where you can be babied. Hot tub or personal sauna anyone?

FIRST MCC OF KANSAS

METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH

Rev. Jackie Carter, M.Div.

156 S. Kansas • Wichita, KS 67211 • (316) 267-1852 www.MCCWichita.com or www.GodLovesYouPeriod.com Office Hours: M-TH 9-12 And by Appointment

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 - DEC. 22) January is the month to get the word out on any deeply important personal project or initiative. You will not only have a willing and eager audience, you will also be able to magnify your opinions and move things forward. Gay Archers like to make strong personal statements. Do you want to shake the world? Just be careful of the aftershocks. CAPRICORN (DEC. 23 - JAN. 20) If you are compiling your new year’s resolutions this January be sure to include a section on your finances. It is time to get serious about your money pink Cap. That means saving, investing and planning for the future. Many of you are already on the road, but there are still some of you that need to get going. It is never too late to start a nest egg. Sit on it until it hatches. AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 - FEB. 19) Aqueerians are in the center of the action and cannot help but become the social directors of 2015. Get your new year in gear with a range of fun events that get the influentials within your sphere of influence. Launch new projects, meet new people, put forward your new ideas designed to create a new, magnetic you. You will move the tides and defy gravity. PISCES (FEB. 20 - MAR. 20) There is so much going on behind the scenes that you can be forgiven for feeling a little paranoid. But you don’t have to worry. Anything that seems hidden or mysterious will soon make itself apparent to you. In fact you may have the opportunity to gain the upper hand in a highly political situation. Be a bit mysterious yourself Guppie. Keep ‘em thinking!

(c) 2015t 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.

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Page 21

FEBRUARY 3 - 5

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PAGE 22

LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

MAGNETIC CALENDARS FOR 2015 - CALL or TEXT

DUSTY RHODES

JANUARY 2015

Leather Life

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your safe call after you play. So

you’ve always wanted to try. Remember, we are having beginner/refresher classes for everyone starting this month. January will be a class on “Protecting Yourself in an S&M World” with do’s and don’ts that everyone to follow. MAGNETIC CALENDARS FOR 2015 - CALLneeds or TEXT February will be “Negotiating and Communicating in the Go For It! Leather World” where we t’s a new year and it’s will discuss how to properly with someone you are Call/Text 316.519.2112 time that those of you who negotiate fantasize about kinky stuff wanting to play with. March we take a break and will have Dusty@DustysHomes.com to embrace those kinkyEmail: desires. our WOOLF Pack Weekend, I know that there are many Web: www.DustysHomes.com people out there who have deep All Tied Up. April will be and possibly dark desires to try “Mentorship and Vetting” where something sexually kinky in we will talk about the importance their lives. With the next year, of mentoring with someone and make it a goal to branch out and how to vet (checkout/verify) if someone is a person who try something new. So what are your first steps? you can trust to keep you safe. Well, one is to specifically And May we will wrap up with MAGNETIC CALENDARS 2015 - CALL or TEXT “Leather Protocols” learning define that fetish you want toFOR try. Second, do some research the dos’ and don’ts within the on the subject. Third, find an Leather community. experienced person who will W O O L F m e e t s e v e r y third Saturday at The Center help you try out your desires. Wichita at 6pm with class Call/Textof316.519.2112 A few other suggestions. starting at 7pm. Anyone 18 One, don’t immediately jump Email: Dusty@DustysHomes.com into it. Like I said, research the or older is welcome to attend. However, 18-20 year-olds subject first. Learn all Web: you can. www.DustysHomes.com Take your time. Find someone MUST be accompanied by a who can help you try it out. This WOOLF member. If you are is one that I really want you to interested in what we do and the take your time with before you classes we offer, please contact get together. Ask around about one of the board members at the person you have in mind. www.woolfks.com. l Never go somewhere private theMAGNETIC first time you get together. CALENDARS FOR 2015 - CALL or TEXT Always meet the first few times in public. Ask questions of them like, “How long have they been doing this type of play? Where did they learn it? What classes Call/Text 316.519.2112 have they taken? Who did they mentor with?” Get to know the Email: Dusty@DustysHomes.com person before you jump. When you do play, make Web: www.DustysHomes.com sure you have SAFE WORDS!! NEVER play without negotiating what will happen and what it expected by all parties. Have someone you will contact after XX hours. Make sure you’re play partner knows this. Once you are comfortable

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JANUARY 2015

LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

JANUARY 2015