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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
APRIL 2014
Liberty Ad 4.14.qxp_Layout 1 3/18/14 9:15 PM Page 1 APRIL 2014
LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
FIRST MCC
OF KANSAS
METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH
JOIN US HOLY WEEK IN APRIL AS WE “EXPLORE SAYING YES”
13th • Palm Sunday
Worship Service & Deacon Ordination • 10:15 am
17th • Maunday Thursday
“A Place at the Table” Worship Service • 6:30 pm
19th • Prayer Brunch
Children’s Easter Egg Hunt • 10:30 am
20th • Easter Sunday
Sunrise Service at Lynwood Park • 7:00 am Pancake Breakfast at FMCC • 8:00 am Easter Worship Service at FMCC • 10:15 am
Rev. Jackie Carter, M.Div.
156 S. Kansas Wichita, KS 67211 (316) 267-1852 www.MCCWichita.com www.GodLovesYouPeriod.com Office Hours: Monday thru Thursday 9:00 am - 12:00 Noon And By Appointment
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
APRIL 2014
LibertyPress.net This month on
Hollywood Tidbits
LGBT News You Don't Want to Miss!
Ellen Page, who recently came out, stars in a new lesbian movie based on the documentary of the same name.
The 411 on two new lesbian movies, Freeheld and Jenny's Wedding, starring Ellen Page and Katherine Heigl respectively. An animated version of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with the help of Elton John? Find out the details and more in Deep Inside Hollywood at www.libertypress. net.
We're Updating! We're making big changes to the website! Visit often and watch for updates as we roll out a new format featuring more content, ongoing contests and more!
Win tickets! Enter our monthly contest at liberty press.net in April when tickets to Memphis is the prize of the month.
Distribution Sites Derby
Derby High GSA
Dodge City
Compass Behavioral Health
El Dorado
Pathways Psychological Services
Hays
Open Roads Community Center, Mokas
Joplin, MO
KU’s Multicultural Resource Center, La Prima Tazza, Lawrence Public Library, Love Garden Sounds, 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
Spirit of Christ Church
Junction City
Rockstar and Rodgers, Xcalibur Club
Kansas City
Hamburger Mary’s, LikeMe Lighthouse
Lawrence Aimee’s Coffeehouse, Bourgeois Pig, Bzar Salon, Community Mercantile, Douglas County AIDS Project, Dusty Bookshelf, Ecumenical Christian Ministries, Einstein Bros. Bagel, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, Henry’s, Java Break, KU’s Dean of Students office,
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, 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, T-La-Re, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Manhattan, Varsity
Donuts
Newton
Leaf Tree Lounge
Pittsburg
Pitt State GSA, Southeast Kansas NOW
Salina
Mokas, Mokas South, 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, 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, After Dark South, The Anchor, Barnes & Noble, Bungalow 26, The Center, Circle Cinema, City Arts, College Hill United Methodist Church, Crazy J’s Furniture & Sleep Shop, The Donut Whole, Earthwise Pet Supply, Fisch Haus, First Metropolitan Community Church, First Unitarian Universalist Church, Harris & Co. Frame Shop, Hunter Health Clinic, J’s Lounge, Jim Starkey Music Center, A Journey in the Light, Kirby’s, KU Internal Medicine - Midtown, Mead’s Corner, Moe’s Sub Shop, The Monarch, Our Fantasy Complex, Patricia’s, Pine Valley Christian Church, Planet Hair, Planned Parenthood, Positive Directions, Rain Café & Lounge, Reverie Coffee Roasters, Spice Merchant, The Store, Twist Yarn Shop, Vagabond Coffeeshop, Vegas Video, Watermark Books, Wichita Community Theatre, Wichita Public Library - downtown branch, WSU - That Gay Group meetings, Xcitement Video
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.
APRIL 2014
LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Liberty Press
Volume 20, No. 8 • Editor: Kristi Parker • Contributors: Paul Berge, Dave Brousseau, Nolin Christensen, Greg Fox, Charlene Lichtenstein, Mama, Audrey McQueen, Dr. Robert N. Minor, Stephanie Mott, Kevin Stilley • Staff Reporters: Helen Barnes, Elle Boatman, Brian Hansen, Christy Lyons-Bohrer, Ciara Reid • Contributing Photographers: Christopher Clark, Kevin Stilley • Cover Design: Troy Dilport • Graphic Designer: Troy Dilport • Distribution Manager: Sandra Hawk • Webmaster: Ren Autrey • Publisher: Liberty Press, LLC
On the Cover:
Wichita's AIDS Walk
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CONTENTS GROUP HOPES TO BRING LGBT education support network to Wichita schools......................................................................................................... 7 'GAYPRIL' ARRIVES at the University of Kansas.....................................10 HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH to premiere in Manhattan......................14 POSITIVE DIRECTIONS MOVES FORWARD with new executive director.......................................................................................................18 20TH ANNUAL AIDS WALK.............................................................................18 RESTORE OUR HUMANITY NEEDS HELP to bring marriage equality to Tenth Circuit.........................................................................................29 10H ANNUAL MISS TRAILER PARK QUEEN is a King!..................................30 FAT SATURDAY SHOW raised funds for Flint Hills Pride............................30
Regulars
IN EVERY ISSUE DISTRIBUTION LIST..................... 4 ONLINE POLL............................... 6 POINTS OF INTEREST.................. 8 MAMA KNOWS BEST.................. 13 COMICS....................................... 15 CLASSIFIEDS.............................. 27 BRIDGES..................................... 27 OUT IN THE STARS.................... 27 AROUND KANSAS...................... 28
OP/ED Letters, editorial cartoon, poll results...........................................6 TRANS-FORMATIVE Transgender Acceptance Simplified: The Air and the Light...........................................................................................16 BOOKENDS Stranger at the Gate and Paradox Lost...............................20 MINOR DETAILS The Conclusions of a Progressive Democrat's Self-Reflection.................................................................................21 LEATHER LIFE The Boy Culture: Part 3 - Modern Times........................22 AUDREY ASKS Heidi Banks...........................................................................24 Liberty Press
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
OP/ED
APRIL 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 or the question of the month. Send your letters and feedback to editor@libertypress.net.
Letters
Online Readers Poll
Finally the last word? Dear Editor: Kudos to Mama. I just read your March advice column, and I loved it. Finally some decent questions and some thoughtful and intelligent answers. A lot better than “How the hell would I know, I’m an old lady, grab me a beer, Vinny.” --Joe Mueller
Do you think the protests will stop now that Fred Phelps is dead?
Visit libertypress. net to cast your vote!
Online Readers Poll
Results! Do you think coming out will hurt Michael Sam's draft prospects? Yes 25%
No 75%
Find more information @ our website www.woolfks.com Or @: facebook.com/Wichta OrganizationOfLeather Fetishes And @ Twitter: WICHITA ORGANZATION OF LEATHER FETISHES Presents April 12, 2014 − Board Meeting @ 6pm April 19 –General Meeting & Class @6pm My 2 cents want change by Master Bill May 10, 2014 –Board Meeting@ 6pm May 17, 2014 – General Meeting @ 6pm All classes are held at 800 N Market in Wichita, KS…. Unless otherwise stated. WOOLF is dedicated to the education and development of the leather and fetish community. We are a pansexual group, open to gay, straight, and bi-sexual persons.
APRIL 2014
LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Group hopes to bring LGBT education support network to Wichita schools
By Brian Hansen
come out to their parents and a group like this would provide the support they need,” Johnson says of the importance of GLSEN in Wichita. “We also want to address the issue of bullying in schools for [LGBT] kids. The group would provide a place for support and friendship.” GLSEN wants to educate teachers and faculty of the problems LGBT students face, but ultimately wishes for the students to support other students. The steering committee of the local network contains high school kids who provide support to fellow students. The Wichita chapter is
WICHITA - For many LGBT youth in Kansas, middle school and high school are the toughest years they face. With 8 of 10 students still being harassed and bullied because of his or her sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, a nationwide organization is working to make schools a safer and more accepting place for all students. Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network (GLSEN) has been working since 1990 to improve the educational environment of youth who are bullied or discriminated against. Activists hope Wichita will become the newest location Offer your feedback: of a GLSEN chapter. A community discussion will be The GLSEN mission held April 6 at 2pm at WSU, is simple: create a safe a n d a f f i r m i n g s c h o o l Ahlberg Hall 201. environment where every s t u d e n t h a s a n e q u a l Please come hear from local high opportunity to learn and school students on how to make grow. The Wichita chapter area schools safer for all LGBT plans to do just that in public students, staff and parents. schools across the city. Terri Johnson and Liz Hamor, not officially affiliated with co-chairs, along with many GLSEN, but plans to be in the others are working to convey the coming months. A community network to schools in Wichita discussion will be held April 6 at 2pm at Wichita State and the surrounding areas. “GLSEN is an education University, Ahlberg Hall 201. network for schools, we are The attendees of the community doing this for the kids,” says discussion will hear from local Johnson. “We want to make the high school students and work schools a safe place for those together to create a plan to who are different; kids who are make area schools safer for all gay, lesbian, queer. Make sure LGBT students, staff, parents, they know there are safe places and community members. The meeting is open to the public. for them to go in the schools.”
Johnson shares one major goal for the local network will be to assemble Gay-Straight Alliances in all schools of Wichita and surrounding areas. “Kids need to have a community where they are accepted and feel safe to come out. Some kids don’t feel safe to
“We need straight allies and people who see that bullying is an issue that needs changed,” says Johnson. More information about GLSEN can be found at GLSEN. org and/or the Greater Wichita GLSEN Facebook page. l
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Dycon Prod. to bring Queer Queens of Qomedy to Kansas City KANSAS CITY, MO – Queer Queens of Qomedy present three incredibly funny lesbian
performers to center stage at the UMKC Student Union Theater on April 12. This unique comedy revue has toured the country with some of the funniest, edgiest, talented and most outrageous comics, united by the single
theme . . . Queer Queens of Qomedy. Producer and comedian, Poppy Champlin artfully selects the best of the best lesbian comics from across the country to join her as reigning Queer Queens of Qomedy. On stage along with Champlin will be Jennie McNulty and Sandra Valls. C h a m p l i n ’s s t a n d - u p pedigree is flawless; from her latest Showtime special: Pride to the Logo special: One Night Stand-Up. She is also a favorite on Atlantis and Olivia cruises. You may have seen McNulty in Logo’s One Night Stand Up and in NBC’s Starting Over. In her spare time, she plays professional women’s tackle football for the California Quake in the Independent Women’s Football League. Va l l s i s a brash, high energy, smart, outrageously funny, Latina comic. Vo t e d b y L a t i n a Magazine as one of the Top 33 Bad Ass Comics with Latin Roots, Valls performs to standing-room-only, soldout comedy shows all over the country. Tickets are available online at www.dyconproductions. com or by calling the UMKC Central Ticket Office at 816235-6222. Tickets are $25 and $40 for a VIP ticket. VIP ticket holders will get prime seating and the opportunity to meet the comedians at a meet and greet after the show.
APRIL 2014
Take Back the Night rally marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month WICHITA - On April 25 from 6:30-10pm, the Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center will host its annual Take Back the Night Rally and March in the Farm and Art Market Plaza in Old Town. The event will kick off with live music, a hamburger/hotdog dinner for the first 250 people, community organization booths, and a community art project from 6:30-8:30pm. The rally and march will start at 8:30pm. The event will conclude with a survivor circle directly after the march. It is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Mary StolzNewton at (316) 263-0185.
Side Street closing? WICHITA - From all outward appearances, it looks like Side Street Retro-Lounge has closed. The Wichita watering hole hasn’t been open since the first part of February, when according to the Kansas Department of Revenue, its liquor license expired. But according to Rick Finney, owner of the bar that’s located at 1106 S. Pattie, that’s not the case. “Bar isn’t closing,” Finney said in a text response on Mar. 17. “Just waiting for our license.” Finney also said that he is taking on a new business partner and that he’s had some personal matters to deal with first as well as some work to do at the bar. “I expect [the bar to be back open] to be probably a week or maybe two at the most.” That would put the re-opening on April Fool’s Day. l
APRIL 2014
LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
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Sunday Worship 11am Lenten Worship Theme “Step by Step - Our Sacred Journey” April 6 & 13 April 6 Rev. Nancy Goddard, guest preacher April 13 - Palm Sunday Blessings of the Palms 10am Rev. Celena Duncan, guest preacher April 18 - Good Friday Taize Worship, 7pm Phil Griffin, guest leader
Easter Worship Theme “Joy in the Journey” April 20 & 27 April 20 - Easter Sunday Rev. Kurt Krieger, guest preacher Children’s Easter Egg Hunt after worship Metropolitan Community Church of Topeka 4425 SW 19th Street, Topeka, KS 66604 Phone: 785.272.1442 office@mcctopeka.org mcctopeka.org “Like” our page on Facebook Follow us on Twitter: MCCTopeka
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
APRIL 2014
‘Gaypril’ arrives at the University of Kansas By Ciara Reid, staff reporter
Lancaster
LAWRENCE - ‘Gaypril’ has arrived – and the events on deck for this year’s gay pride festivities at the University of Kansas are impressive. Grace Long, vice president of Queers & Allies at KU, says the events are developed by Q&A officers, with specific officers in charge of planning an event and other officers assigned to assist with those events. Some of the events are hosted by Q&A along with another group on campus, such as the Rainbow Shabbat, which is co-hosted by KU Hillel, the on-campus Jewish community organization. As vice president, Long took the lead in the conception and planning of several events – Brown Bag Drag, and the Bobbi Lancaster lecture. “I have been in charge of the drag shows the past two years while I have been a part of Queers & Allies,” Long says. Lancaster is a transgender woman, who is a professional golfer. Hearing her tell her story is a must; particularly in light of the heightened awareness of transgender issues in sports. “Earlier in the year, I hosted a panel of KU student athletes who identify as LGBT and it brought in a great crowd of diverse people. I wanted to create an event that was a follow-up to continued on page 28
Events slated for ‘Gaypril’ Calendar April 2: 10pm Burlesque Night at Chateau, 2412 Iowa. There will be a short performance, followed by audience participation where the performers show people the basics of burlesque dancing.
be a dinner provided as well as a presentation discussing stereotypes and experiences with religion as well as the intersectionality between Judaism and LGBT people.
April 9: Pride Prom at Chateau, 2412 Iowa. Theme: Viva Las Vegas. Description: Come dressed in your best casino outfit to enjoy this year’s Pride Prom at Wilde’s Chateau!
April 15: 7pm Trans* Talk Location TBA. A panel event where members are able to hear from different Trans* members of the community. April 17: 3pm GAYLA 4th floor of Union. Tired from classes and work? Be sure to catch a break at the Kansas Union. SUA and Queers & Allies will be having a pridethemed Tea at 3 for all to come. April 18: 12pm Brown Bag Drag, outside the Kansas Union (Woodruff Auditorium in case of rain). Join Daisy Bucket and KU student performers for a fabulous drag show in front of the Union.
April 10: 7pm Bobbi Lancaster, Wescoe 3140. Bobbi Lancaster is a trans woman professional golfer. She will be sharing her personal story. April 11: 6:30pm Rainbow Shabbat: Breaking Boundaries and Embracing LGBT people, Mallott room Kansas Union. Join us for a Rainbow Shabbat with KU Hillel. There will
April 23: 7pm Sex-Ed B o o t C a m p , Wo o d r u f f Auditorium, Kansas Union, 5 th floor. A fun, zesty, and informative boot camp on all things sex! April 30: 10am-3pm HIV Testing Day, Kansas Union. Free, quick, and confidential HIV testing. April 30: 10:30am-3pm KissIn. Stauffer Flint Lawn. l
A p r i l 8 : 7 p m We s t o o d Lutheran Student Center, 1421 W. 19th St., Bible Defense 101: Ecumenical Campus Ministries. Lutheran Campus Ministries at KU and Wesley KU will discuss the eight clobber passages used against LGBT folks, how to defend oneself against such passages, and how to open up the Bible as a source of grace and acceptance for all people.
APRIL 2014
LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
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From the iconic Joan Miró mosaic to Louise Nevelson’s eyelashes, the Ulrich Museum celebrates the people, stories, and art objects that have helped shape its forty-year history.
SPRING CELEBRATION: 40 YEARS! APRIL 26 | 6:30–10 P.M. 1970s ATTIRE ENCOURAGED
Forty Years/Forty Stories is generously supported by Mickey Armstrong; Joan Beren; Dr. Sam and Jacque Kouri; Richard D. Smith and Sondra M. Langel; and the Fidelity Foundation. Additional supporters include Louise Beren; Norma Greever; Sonia Greteman and Chris Brunner; Eleanor and George Lucas; Jane C. McHugh; Dee and Mike Michaelis; Lee and Ron Starkel; Wichita State University; and the City of Wichita.
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
APRIL 2014
APRIL 2014
LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
D
ear Mama, What do you think of WSU men’s basketball going to the big tournament and being number 1? Shocker Fan! Well, I am not a big sports fan, but I’m very glad they are putting Wichita in the spotlight. It is about damn time. I am sick of the nation thinking we are just about the Wizard of Oz. There are no small people or yellow brick roads. There are a few wicked witches here though! Go Shockers! Mama, What do you think of all the countries that cannot find the missing Malaysia plane? Not signed
neighbors, Iola to watch TV. These companies keep raising the prices and taking away the best channels. Also, when any kind of weather happens the sound or picture is lost or frozen, but we do not get credit on those times. Besides with all the reality crap on TV there is not much to watch or worth paying for. Get an antenna! I am glad they have so many countries helping, but let’s be honest, Malaysia is not being up front with information and many other countries either. How hard is it to find a big airplane like that? It is not losing your car keys. I hope it is found safe, but at this rate we are more likely to find Jimmy Hoffa! Oh Mama, I am so frustrated and sick of satellite providers and cable companies. They are so expensive and yet not so reliable. How do you deal with it? Empty Wallet I yell and scream every time I get my bill. So I have decided to cancel it and go over to my
Mama, How come you do not have any videos of your opinions and comments on YouTube? A Fan
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I would not have any idea how to even post on that site let alone record myself. I am not that good on today’s technology! I would ask my kids, but Vinton could not find his way out of a building with an exit sign and Eunice would just want to put herself on YouTube. Who the hell wants to see that?! Have a happy Easter everyone! Thank you for reading and asking all the great questions! l Have a question for Mama? E-mail MamaTHarper@aol.com or friend Thelma Harper on Facebook.
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
APRIL 2014
Hedwig and the Angry Inch to premiere in Manhattan
By Ciara Reid, staff reporter
cult followers of the film.
MANHATTAN - Those who fell in love with the 2001 independent film by John Cameron Mitchell should not miss the musical event that will premiere at Aggie Central Station. Produced by Jimbo Ivy, directed by Heather BranhamGreen, and featuring actor Evan
Liberty Press: How did the decision to perform Hedwig and the Angry Inch originate? Jimbo Ivy: Honestly, as soon as I saw the film back in 2006 or so. I’d known and worked with Evan Tuttle for years, and when I saw the show I knew I wanted to see him play that role.
Show Hedwig and the Angry Inch 7:30pm, April 10-12, 17-19 Aggie Central Station,1115 Moro St., Manhattan
Tickets Ticketing Site: hedwigmhk.bpt.me Floor/Chair/Bar seats $8. Prime Tables can be reserved for $100 (seats 4-5) 5 tables available for each show. Individual seats at non-prime tables $15.
Extra This is an 18+ performance. Facebook: www.facebook.com/events/699155220136400/
Luckily for us, our venue Aggie Central Station was brave enough to let us try some theatre in a college bar district, and I think the results will lead to future experiments. Tuttle as Hedwig, the show is completely home-grown by local talent – both behind the scenes and on stage. Sponsored and supported by the LGBT Resource Center at Kansas State University, Hedwig and the Angry Inch is sure to gain plenty of new fans as well as excite the
In a less selfish way, the story of Hedwig is so effective at being both a hilarious rock opera, but also a serious look at identity and sexuality, as well as the meaning of being whole, both within one’s self and with another. A show like that, demands to be done.
Visit us during Little Apple Pride! We have fun stuff to help you celebrate who you are!
(785) 776-2252
1128 Moro Manhattan, KS 66502 11am-6:30pm M-F • 11am-6pm Sat.
LP: How much preparation goes into a two-week performance run, and what are some ways you are fundraising for this? JI: The production staff started working this show in November, planning, logistics, etc. The band started working in January; it’s really a unique situation
because we’re doing two things at once. On the one hand, we’re producing a theatrical production, on the other, we’re getting a rock band together, formed from folks who’ve never played together, all using local talent. It’s a lot of work, but we have amazing folks working on this project. LP: Hedwig, as both a musical and film, has such a wonderful cult following. Will you stay true to the original musical format, or add your own spin on certain scenes/details?
APRIL 2014
LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Heather Branham-Green: To prepare for Hedwig, I started with the script, as did Evan Tuttle, who plays Hedwig. Neither of us had seen the show, by some strange twists of fate, but were familiar with the idea and the cult following. Like Evan, I always start with the script, especially for shows that are also movies. More often than not, the play script is quite different than the screenplay so you want to keep the authenticity of the playwright’s intent and use your own imagination to see the words of the play. However, this being such a cult film, after I got the basic idea in my head for the show, I watched the movie without taking notes so that I could get overall visuals or moments that stood out after one viewing that I knew we had to touch on. You will see a little of this, if you are familiar with the film, in Wig in a Box and Angry Inch. We want this to be our own unique production of the show so we are trying to find novel ways to present other parts of the show, as well. LP: What are you most looking forward to
regarding this performance run? What do you think will be the biggest challenge? HBG: I am looking most forward to the performances of the actors and band. This is some really difficult material lengthy monologues sandwiched between really great rock and roll. I am a rock and roll girl
so it is hard for me to stop moving and banging my head during rehearsals. My actors are giving so much that even I am pretty worn out after watching them rehearse. This material has so many angles, so much depth, truly comedic rampages, sadness and hope. I am really excited to get the audiences in
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here to witness the amazingly visceral performances. I want to hear what moves them. I know I can find myself in Hedwig and I want to see how others react. After all, it’s arguable that we’re all a little bit Hedwig these days. Mutts. Parts. Searching for our other halves or trying desperately to be whole all alone. l
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Transgender Acceptance Simplified: The Air and the Light
I
n the movie Fried Green Tomatoes there is a scene where Evelyn Couch (Kathy Bates) is asking her husband, Ed, if Ms. Threadgoode (Jessica Tandy) can move in with them. She explains how Ms. Threadgoode has changed her life and Ed is all like “It’s not going to happen.” Evelyn persists and Ed finally asks her, “What has changed?” She says, “The air and the light.” Then the movie goes on without stopping to recognize that Evelyn Couch just said the most amazing thing. What has changed? The air and the light. The air. Every breath I take. The light. Everything I see. You ask me what has changed since I stopped pretending to be a man and began living as the woman of my soul? The air and the light. To begin with, there is air now, and there is light. There never was before. Light was non-existent. Every breath contained thoughts of suicide. I could not imagine the day when I could live as my woman self. I could not continue trying to live
as the man I never was. I tried. For 48 years, I tried. I did everything I could think of to learn how to be this man I thought I had to be. I spent a lifetime trying to get my soul to match my body. In the falsehood of that existence, I was unable to participate in life. I was in conflict with God. Every message I received
woman, who was living as a woman, and I began to believe that I could maybe live as a woman too. The following week, I went back to the church and the pastor delivered a sermon on II Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creature. Old things are passed away. Behold, all things are become new.” I was certain that the pastor was preaching at me; telling me that it was okay with God for me to embrace myself as a woman. Two weeks later, I went to the same church, Metropolitan Community Church of Topeka, as Stephanie. The day before, the woman who invited me to the church took me to a thrift store and bought me a dress, and a purse, and a pair of shoes. And just the right earrings.
“The woman who invited me to the church told me that there were transgender people who went to the church. I did not believe her.” from society told me that God despised me. I became separated from God. Any hope for me to survive was dwindling quickly. Then one day, I was invited to a little church. The woman who invited me to the church told me that there were transgender people who went to the church. I did not believe her. I did not believe that there were any transgender people in church. She told me that there was a transgender support group that met at the church. I had to go see that. I went to the church as Steven, for I was still living as a man. I met another transgender
I stuffed them behind the seat of my pickup truck because I was living in a men’s halfway house at the time. I couldn’t exactly get dressed at the halfway house and drive to the church. So I drove to the church, and sat out in the parking lot, trying to decide if this was the right thing to do. I was afraid. I knew I would be met with love. I had already seen that. For whatever reason, it still seemed too difficult. But I also knew that this was my chance. That if I didn’t take it, I was resigning myself to live in misery for the rest of my life. I attended church as Stephanie that day. I sat down in the pew and looked up at the cross. I felt
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truth and self in the eyes of the Lord for the very first time. They passed around the attendance book, and I signed my name, Stephanie Mott, for the very first time. I can’t remember the sermon from that day. I was being me, in front of God and everybody, and it was beautiful. I do remember the communion. After serving communion the pastor, who is a member of MCC of Topeka, put her arms on my shoulders and said, “God, bless your daughter for the faith she has shown in You.” And Stephanie was born. I have never looked back. This is perhaps the most important thing to know. When I stopped pretending to be male, and started embracing myself as female, light began to shine into my world. I went from being suicidal and depressed to being joyful and alive. What greater evidence could be produced as to the truth of my journey? In the almost eight years since that day, I have fallen in love with God, and I treasure the opportunities that have been given to me to share God’s love in the world; unconditionally. It is hard for me to understand why anyone would think that it is wrong for me to have embraced Stephanie. You ask me what has changed since I stopped pretending to be a man and began living as the woman of my soul? Every breath I take. Everything I see. The air and the light. 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.
DUSTY RHODES Call/Text 316.519.2112 Email: Dusty@DustysHomes.com
Web: www.DustysHomes.com
LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
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APRIL 15-17 CENTURY II CONCERT HALL
PHOTO BY KYLE FROMAN
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316.303.8100 • wichitaTIX.com •
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Tickets available online and at the WichitaTIX box office. Groups 10+: 1.866.314.7687
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
APRIL 2014
Positive Directions moves forward with new executive director
community. Beginning with a practicum at Via Christi-St. Francis, she moved into working with the HIV program at the KU School of Medicine for four-five years. After taking a break to start a family, Duxler began teaching at Wichita State University in the Social Work and Women’s Studies departments. She has also volunteered with the Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center as well as worked for Rainbows United. Duxler’s passion Duxler. Photo by Christopher Clark Photography for helping people and making a difference in this By Christy Lyons-Bohrer community led her to Positive WICHITA - Positive Directions, Directions. She is looking the Wichita-based AIDS service f o r w a r d t o o f f e r i n g h e r organization, is planning to strengths to an already excellent continue providing excellent organization. service to the community with Duxler is only the second the addition of a new executive executive director in Positive director. Directions’ decades-old history. Renee Duxler, LMSW, joined Founded in 1991 by Cody Patton, the Positive Directions team who stepped down last October, in early March and brings a as the Care Coordination Team, passion for outreach, awareness, its original service was to and support. “The work of take care of people who were Positive Directions has always dying from AIDS. Since then been quality,” Duxler said, the organization has greatly “and my goal is to make us expanded and now focuses on a more prominent, with more two-fold mission including care exposure to who we are in the and outreach. community.” For those living with HIV, With a cultivated background Positive Directions provides including a Bachelor’s Degree medical case management, a from Kansas State University grocery center and meal delivery and a Masters in Social Work service, housing, travel, support from Newman University, groups, clothes and anything Duxler has worked with a large else needed to keep its clients variety of people in the Wichita healthy. While providing
services to people with HIV, Positive Directions also focuses on community outreach and HIV-prevention with a stronger presence in communities that are more susceptible to HIV infection. Currently, Positive Directions offers educational classes at five correctional facilities as well as Wichita’s Work Release Program. It also offers classes to groups, clubs, churches or substance abuse facilities that request education and information. Another facet of their community support includes offering free HIV rapid testing at their office as well as out in the community. With Positive Directions already being an effective organization, Duxler hopes to continue working to get rid of HIV-related stigmas and to create more dialogue in the community. “Most people don’t realize that HIV/AIDS is an increasing issue, but according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, there has been a steady 33% rise in the number of new infections over the last 10-12 years in Kansas.” Duxler’s goals as executive director are to coordinate fundraising opportunities and development efforts in order to avoid complacency within the community about the existence of HIV. More specifically, she wants to make people more aware of Positive Directions, its services, and how the community can get involved. l
20th Annual AIDS Walk Saturday, April 19 Positive Directions Commerce Street Arts District Registration at 10am Walk at 11am All dogs welcome!! Walk as an individual or as part of a team. THE DAY OF THE WALK Registration begins at 10am. Register in person the day of the walk. Bring your sponsor form and money to the event. Registration fee is $25 per person (fee waived with a $25 or more in sponsorship). COLLECT PLEDGES ONLINE Follow the link at www.pdiks. com/news_events/aids_walk to the fundraising site. It’s easy for friends to contribute. After registering online, simply e-mail the link. Those supporters can input your name, their contribution amount, and that’s it! No letters, no checks, no hassles. And of course their credit card transaction is secure. TEAM AIDS WALK WANTS YOU!! Forming a team is a great way to build a sense of teamwork while getting involved in the community. 1. Choose a team, all ages continued on page 27
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Page 19
Wichita’s Premiere Women’s Roller Derby Team
VS SPRINGFIELD ROLLER GIRLS
SATURDAY,
MAY 3 DOORS AT 6 P.M., FIRST WHISTLE AT 6:30 P.M.
$11.50 ADVANCE $13.50 AT DOOR
A portion of the proceeds goes to:
Kids 11 & Under FREE!
ICTROLLERGIRLS.COM
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
APRIL 2014
Licensed Therapists Experienced with LBGTQ issues and Trained to help heal relationships
Call: (316) 425-7774 5900 E. Central, Suite 101 Wichita, KS 67208
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Minor
Details By Bob Minor
The Conclusions of a Progressive Democrat's Self-Reflection
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n June 3rd, voters in C a l i f o r n i a ’s 3 3 rd Congressional District will have the chance to vote in their state primary for an independent candidate known internationally for her writing and speaking on spirituality, not her politics. Her work is so influential that six of her ten books were New York Times bestsellers and Time magazine included her with yoga and cabala as three things that “have been taken up by those seeking a relationship with God that is not strictly tethered to Christianity.” Marianne Williamson, a life-long progressive Democrat running as independent, will hear the usual complaints from true believer Democrats, saying it will ruin their chances to do whatever Democrats swear they will do while giving their usual excuses for not doing it. Running makes spiritual sense to her: “While many seekers have turned away from politics, viewing spiritual and political pursuits as mutually exclusive, I agree with Mahatma Gandhi that ‘Anyone who thinks religion doesn’t have anything to do with politics doesn’t understand religion.’ I don’t believe we can afford to be ‘selectively conscious,’ applying more enlightened principles to only some aspects of human endeavor.” I n a M a r c h 11 t h r a d i o interview with John Fugelsang, Williamson described her progressive history, decades of fidelity to the Democratic Party, and past support of the current president. But, as she puts it, today “progressives have a codependent relationship to the Democratic Party.” In 2010, years before launching her candidacy, she wrote: “I see so many people
now -- many of them men, interestingly enough -- tangled up in an almost school-girlish, co-dependent, apologetic relationship with this President. As though ‘poor baby’ should be tacked onto the end of every description of his failures.” “I remember Bobby and I remember Martin. I remember when there was a moral force at the center of the Democratic Party. I see it sometimes still, in a Sherrod Brown, a Dennis Kucinich, an Anthony Weiner, a Marcy Kaptur and an Alan Grayson [today she’d add Elizabeth Warren]. “But they’re not reflective of the general tenor of the Democratic Party anymore, and I think we would all do well to wake up to that fact. We elected Obama and then he sort of became someone else. He’s doing a lot of good things in various areas, but he’s certainly not changing the new bottom line: that corporations get to run the world.” N o w, c a n t h o s e o f u s who’ve put so much hope in the Democratic Party consider that she could be right? Are we willing to listen to her? Or will we respond with the same old codependent excuses that abused spouses give for their abusers? I can hear them now: But you don’t know, or give him credit for, the troubles he faces. But he’s doing the best he can. But you just need to be more supportive. But you just need to be more understanding, loving, forgiving. But you just need to better communicate. But he promises to do better (just listen to his speeches). But aren’t you expecting too much from him? But he’s better than the alternative – infidelity is better than death. From outside codependency,
Williamson appears right. And what that means is that her analysis is crucial to an honest debate that we must encourage, not stifle. It means we’ll need to pick our battles and our candidates. Fred Phelps, after all, ran for governor on the Democratic ticket in Kansas because he too was a lifelong Democrat. It means we need to speak up loudly, showing we disagree with those for whom we still might cast our vote. It means we need to recognize that in both major political parties the squeaky wheel is big business. It means that we might have to protest in the meetings of both major parties. Various communities have learned that parties seldom respond to quiet, rational requests. Protesters, for example, have regularly called President Obama, who has deported 57% more undocumented immigrants per month than his predecessor, the “Deporter in Chief.” Though they’ve been criticized with all the above, though he ran on immigration reform twice, garnering 70% of Latino votes, and though he continued to respond that he had no power to end his reign as the president who’ll win the award for the most deportations; unexpectedly on March 13 the White House changed its tune and told the Congressional Hispanic Caucus that it will review “more humane” procedures, signaling finally that it might slow down the number. Protests work. Being nice doesn’t when you’re up against moneyed interests buying both parties. We must face the fact that both parties are part of the power structure that supports
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what author Mike Lofgren told Bill Moyers is the “deep state” behind the real one. And that, as Frederick Douglass told us: “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.” It means that we recognize all elections are important. The Republicans have given up on the functioning of the federal government. Their method is to maintain enough of a rein on national Democrats so that they’ll accomplish nothing. Whether they field a viable presidential candidate has lost importance. The Republicans and their funders, like the Koch brothers, have turned to the states and municipalities to enact their will. Controlling statehouses, governorships, school boards, and county offices, they believe, will give them the power they want. This further means that we have to be the change we want. We’ll have to run for offices and encourage other progressives to do so. I n 2 0 1 0 Wi l l i a m s o n concluded: “Should we re-brand the Green Party perhaps, or draft another Democrat to challenge Obama in the primaries in 2012? I don’t know what we should do, but I know one thing that we shouldn’t do: pretend to ourselves that this man is delivering on what he promised when he first won our hearts.” So what will we do to change things? In 2014, Williamson’s decided that she’ll just run for Congress herself. 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.
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
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Leather Life By Nolin Christensen aka Master C
The Boy Culture
(Part 3 of a 3 part series)
Part 3-Modern Times
T
oday’s modern boy culture derived from the gay leather scene that started in the late 1940’s. Sometime after the gay leather culture started, the leaders developed a system of training individuals who were interested in the leather community. This training involved a new recruit (aka boy) who would be mentored by a more experienced Leatherman. These “boys” did not have any age restriction. The term boy indicated that they were in training by a Sir or Master, someone who was experienced in the leather community and
lifestyle. This boy role was one of submission and service to their Sir (aka mentor). Although there is no documentation as to how the original Leatherman developed the Sir/boy relationship, it closely mimics the early Greek Pederasty. Individuals new to the leather community would be put under the training of a skilled Leatherman. This relationship may or may not have been sexual in nature, but for the most part it was. The Sir would train the boy on the different aspects of the leather community including community protocols and leather etiquette. If the boy needed training on something that the Sir was not familiar with, the Sir would send them to another Sir in the community who had the experience. Thus boys were traded around the community to get their full training. At this time there were no boy groups, there were no boy gatherings, there was nothing separate for the boys. They were only seen with their Sir and generally were not allowed to socialize with others except with other boys that might be out. While in training, boys were seen and not heard. They did not communicate with other CISmagnet.eps 1 10/18/2011
Sirs unless they were allowed to speak by having permission from their own Sir. They were strictly there to serve their Sir. Sometime in the 1990’s the “boy movement” began to emerge. The inauguration of the Drummer boy title in 1992, the American Leather boy title in 1995, the boy movement had begun. The first boy group to be formed was in Washington, D.C. in June of 1999. Also during this time in May 1999, a group of 40-45 members of the Leather/SM/ Fetish community gathered in Dallas for a unique educational weekend produced by Dean Walradt named boy Training Weekend. For years, this became the avenue where boys could receive boy training in a single compact, high intensity weekend. Several things facilitate the modern boy movement. 1) In the early days of Leather clubs organized by Leathermen, boys were to be seen and not heard, expected to serve the men and were rarely encouraged to grow and to learn as boys. In the early leather culture it was generally understood that a boy would bide his time until one day when he would become a man himself. But the problem with that is that some boys will always be boys, their attitudes are such and they had no desire to become a Leatherman. PM 2:23:51
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2) The boy movement came out of necessity because the community had more boys than Sirs. Training became an issue because there were not enough Sirs to do the training. This was because the AIDS epidemic of the 70’s and 80’s had taken a heavy toll within the leather community. With the creation of the boy groups, it provided an avenue where boys could gather together, discuss boy issues and have a way to be trained in a general setting. It became a forum in which to have fun, learn, educate, socialize, contribute, and support each other and their community. The education format of these organizations was more specific to the boys’ needs whereas the general leather groups were more about learning skills, which was more for the Doms knowledge base than the subs. To d a y ’s l e a t h e r b o y movement is closely connected to what is referred to as the new guard leather culture. Both appeared in the 1990’s. As such, the boys today are very different than boys of the 50’s through the 80’s. Boys today are much more vocal, much more open, and much more visible. But all in all, the basic elements of the boy culture that started way back around 7000 BC, is still very much the same. A boy begins his service with a Leather Sir who trains him, who provides for him, and who mentors him in the Leather lifestyle. For the b o y : t o h o n o r, serve, and obey; to give his heart, his life and his soul to his Master. l
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lady bear I’ve ever seen. AM: How long have you been doing drag? HB: I have been doing drag for about two and a half years. It’s hard to believe it’s already been that long.
H
ello once again Kansas! I have such a special treat for you all this month. To change it up a bit we traveled (via Facebook) to Kansas City, MO to conduct April’s interview and boy do I love this lady! She is a staple in the KC drag community as a singer, actor and a dancer. Let’s just say a triple threat! I give you Miss Heidi Banks! Audrey McQueen: Thank you, Heidi, for taking the time to do this interview with me! Heidi Banks: You’re welcome, girl! AM: Where did you get your drag name? HB: Banks after the fierce, but mostly crazy, Tyra, and Heidi was the name of that little girl who lived with a bear daddy in the woods. It seemed fitting. AM: Any former titles or
Heidi Banks
awards? HB: I am a former Queen of Kansas City Gay Pride [2012] and the reigning Miss Gay Kansas City America. AM: Who are your inspirations in drag? HB: I love Courtney Act. She’s a cabaret artist, which is exactly what I hope to do with my life. I’m also pretty obsessed with Grace Towers. She’s the fiercest
AM: Tell me about your first time doing drag? HB: The FIRST time I did drag was for a party in college. The first time I did DRAG was at Missie B’s Manic Mondays. Genewa Stanwyck invited me to sing live. I, misunderstanding the entire situation, showed up as a boy ready to sing some songs. She said, “No, you idiot. In drag!” The following week was Heidi’s first show! AM: Do you have any advice for anyone who would like to do drag? HB: Treat every experience like a learning experience. Listen to those older and wiser, and absorb everything. AM: Where can we see you perform? HB: You can catch me throughout the week at Missie B’s. I’m also fortunate enough to be a resident queen at Hamburger Mary’s Kansas City. I’m serving up something hot every Sunday for Drag Brunch, and every third Friday join me for my one-woman show, “Crazy ExGirlfriend.” AM: What is your most memorable time while doing drag? HB: I had such a terrific experience last year at the Miss Gay Missouri America pageant. It was my first year competing, and I had no idea what to expect. I learned so much from so many amazing queens. AM: Do you have a motto or favorite quote that you would
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like to share? HB: In life: “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” -Walt Disney; In drag: (Referring to eyebrows) “Sisters, not twins.” AM: Is there anything else you would like to say to your fans? HB: Thank you so much, Audrey, for asking me to be a part of Audrey Asks! I read it every month, so it’s amazing to have been asked. Last December, I was hit by a car while crossing the street. I was in the hospital for a week. That week, I was amazed by the amount of love and support given to me by family and friends. The staff, owners, and patrons of both Hamburger Mary’s and Missie B’s have blown my mind with the things they have done for me. I couldn’t begin to say “thank you” enough to a city that has picked me up, brushed me off, and helped me through this entire process. I have a long road to recovery, but I have full faith that Kansas City will see me through it. AM: What can we expect to see from Heidi in the future? HB: My one-woman show “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” is a tale of love, loss, and revenge told through the music of our angriest divas. I hope to keep things exciting for audiences with fresh set lists and fabulous guest stars. You can keep an ear out for tour dates, and a single release! Twitter: @theheidibanks, Instagram: @blafavorite Thank you so much to the Kansas City diva herself. It was an honor doing this interview and we all wish her the best of luck! This month is my birthday on the 29th. I will be turning 22. I am so excited! Thank you to all of my readers for the support you have given me this last two years writing Audrey Asks! This has been what Audrey asked. l
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
APRIL 2014
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Products & Services
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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.
AIDS Walk continued from page 18
welcome 2. Choose a team captain, team name and set a fundraising goal 3. Register the team online at www.pdiks.com All registered walkers are eligible for drawings and prizes! S p o n s o r s : C o n s u m e r ’s Pharmacy, Cargill Cares, Walgreens and Christopher Clark Designer Portraits EAT AT IL VICINO AND RAISE MONEY FOR AIDS WALK
T
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bridges Anniversary: Stephanie Mott’s column Trans-Formative marks its sixth anniversary with the April 2014 issue. Died: Victoria Daugherty, Jessica Metzger, Andrew Montgomery, Sara Smith in a car accident on March 15, 2014 in Wichita. Metzger was a new bartender at the Fantasy Complex and was stationed at McConnell Air Force Base. A Celebration of Life service was held March 21 at First Metropolitan Community Church. Died: Fred Phelps, 84, founder of Westboro Baptist Church, on March 20, 2014 in Topeka. If you or someone you know is having an anniversary, received a promotion or award, or a loved one has passed away, we will publish it free in Bridges. E-mail editor@libertypress.net.
Cargill has teamed up with Il Vicino (Douglas & Oliver location) to raise money for AIDS Walk. For this event, and at the College Hill location only, 20% of all sales, during the specific time frames listed,
will be given to PDI on behalf of Team Cargill. The two dates and times are: Monday, April 14 from 5–9pm and Saturday, April 19 from 11am-4pm following the Walk. l
he Sun and Mercury conjunct Uranus as part of a Grand Cross with Jupiter, Mars and Pluto - and all six planets are in cardinal signs. April showers a heck of a lot of planetary energy into the cosmos. Will it be a rain or meteor shower? Pack an umbrella . . . and a helmet.
ARIES (MAR. 21 - APRIL 20) Gay Rams are shooting stars sitting right in the center of all the attention. You move in important circles and can press the flesh with notables. Great! Now what? Temper your enthusiasm and focus your efforts carefully and strategically. You could make an unforgettable first impression with some influential VIP. Hmm. Define what you mean by “unforgettable.” TAURUS (APRIL 21 - MAY 21) There is so much going on behind the scenes this April that queer Bulls could be forgiven for not being able to focus their attention on any one important thing. But you need to cut through all the static and parse out what is noise and what is a secret warning signal. Go with your intuition before taking any sharp actions. You don’t want to poke yourself. Poke elsewhere. GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21) Pink Twins are very sociable which is why April might bring extra stress with certain friends. They insist on getting involved in areas that you would prefer to remain private. But no matter how hard you try to keep a lid on things, something or someone will make it pop open. Go with the flow and don’t get hung up on who said what and what said who. What? Who?? CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 23) If you are itching to change your professional life’s course, scratch that itch by taking a break from any decisionmaking. You don’t want to upset the applecart at home before you have time to consider the impact of any major change. There is time to see how things play out, gay Crab. Meanwhile, relax and play with an assortment of things. No names please.
LEO (JULY 24 - AUG. 23) SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 - DEC. 22) It will be hard to contain you this April Outrageous wild fun is possible throughout as you seem to find any excuse to break April. But you will need to know the limits out of your hum-drum routine to let of your party-hearty abilities so that you loose with any crazy new experiences. don’t squander all of your energy on the This is not a bad thing, but be sure lightest of light entertainments. There is a that you enjoy with purpose and not squander any lot to pile on your plate so save some spare oomph for opportunity to learn and expand your knowledge. the biggest stuff, gay Archer. The bigger the better . . . Save it for a rainy day, proud Lion. Bring on those with the exception of the monetary cost! April showers! CAPRICORN (DEC. 23 - JAN. 20) VIRGO (AUG. 24 - SEPT. 23) Capricorns are more focused on their Lovers and their all-encompassing domestic agenda this April and this seductive intensities will become a little means anything from a physical change too cloying and restrictive this April. within your home to an emotional change While you love all those passionate tete-awith certain relatives. Are you in a tetes, you may feel reined in and restricted. Be flexible good place? Do you have a warm, inviting sanctuary? and set boundaries for your time this April. They say If you think you are ready for a spring cleaning, get absence makes the heart grow fonder. I say, possibly. to it. Reassess, renovate, decorate, congregate or even Do you dare give that a try, queer Virgo? bloviate? LIBRA (SEPT. 24 - OCT. 23) Expect a few surprises with your personal relationships in April, proud Libra. Not only will you find that certain folks are ready to push you in a direction that you would prefer not to take, they might also (surprisingly) have your best interests at heart and your success at hand. Hmm. Will you allow yourself to be led blindly on faith alone? Miracles do happen, you know.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 - FEB. 19) Aqueerians love to hear themselves which can be good if you are thinking before you speak, but not so good if you unthinkingly spout opinions right off the top of your head. You are compelling and charming and your words pack a punch this April. Aim them carefully, strategically and calmly. You change the world faster than you change your mind. Uh-oh.
SCORPIO (OCT. 24 - NOV. 22) If you have any nitpicky, detailed tasks on your “to do” list, why not try and tackle them now. But choose your jobs carefully and try to stay on track despite surprising detours. You can accomplish a lot this April by focusing, nonplussed, as the ground shifts and churns. Gather your forces of concentration proud Scorp and you will rule the roost, if not the entire world.
PISCES (FEB. 20 - MAR. 20) Money could become a source of contention for you now especially if you have been cavalier about your budget and have been spending on whims. Partying around town with your needy pals may be great fun, but it can also be wastefully expensive. Try to be a bit fiscally conservative and save something for a rainy day. No, April showers do not count!
(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; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. Wichita Pride, info@wichitapride. org, www.wichitapride.org, annual celebration held in September.
Student groups Derby High School GSA, kljacobs@ usd260.com, tkellenbarger@usd260. com Free State High School GSA, Lawrence, (785) 832-6050, phatcher@usd497.org, welcomes all queer, questioning and straight ally youth to talk about issues. Meets Wednesdays.
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 Open Roads LGBT Community Center, Hays, (785) 259-6526, openroadslgbt@gmail.com, www. openroadslgbt.org
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
Politics/Activism Kansas Equality Coalition, www. 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
KU Queers & Allies, University of Kansas, Lawrence, (785) 864-3091, qanda@ku.edu, www.ku.edu/~qanda Lawrence High School GSA, (785) 330-2391, ArlaKan@usd497.org, welcomes all LGBT, questioning and straight youth to talk about issues. Meets almost every Friday at 3:05pm in the LHS library. Manhattan High School GSA, mhs_ gsa@hotmail.com Pitt State GSA, Pittsburg State University, pittstategaystraightalliance@ gmail.com 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
Social Freethinking Parents Group, Are you raising kids without religion? You're not alone. Freethinking Parents meet 4-5:30pm, third Sundays at University Congregation Church, 9209 E. 29th St. N., Wichita, child care is available. Info: Beth Clarkson, beth@bethclarkson.com 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 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 Episcopal Chapel), Wichita, Sunday Praise and Worship services at 11am. 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. Kalpa Bhadra Kadampa Buddhist Center, 721 W. 13th St., Wichita, (316) 263-1533, info@meditateinkansas.org, www.meditateinkansas.org 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.
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,
APRIL 2014 10am-noon, call for location. Get Connected, Wichita, (316) 4913778, LGBTQIA youth group for ages 12-21. Meets at The Center, 1602 E. Waterman, every Friday from 7-9pm. 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. Transgender Resource and Awareness Network (TRAN), www.thefaceoftrans. com, provides resources, information, and news regarding transgender issues in Wichita. 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, wasac@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. Gaypril continued from page 10
the panel and an even closer look at what it takes to be an LGBT athlete,” Long says. Long is especially looking forward to the Brown Bag Drag event. “The past two years we have had rain, so the show has been inside. I’m crossing my fingers for good weather this year, so we can bring it back out in front of the union,” Long says. The Brown Bag Drag event always attracts a big crowd and is very entertaining to watch, she says. “Having it outside really helps with our visibility on campus,” she said. Long is also excited for the
Lancaster lecture. “I think being ‘out’ in sports is something new and hearing from her will be a very eye-opening opportunity,” Long said. Other new events for this year include Sex-Ed Boot Camp, and the Burlesque Show, in addition to the recurring events from previous years such as Brown Bag Drag and Pride Prom. Long believes this year’s ‘Gaypril’ is going to be the best one yet. “We have a fantastic group of officers who are working really hard to make this April successful for KU and the community,” she says. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/KUQandA. l
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Restore Our Humanity needs help to bring marriage equality to Tenth Circuit SALT LAKE CITY, UT – Restore Our Humanity (ROH) is a grassroots organization that has successfully brought suit against the State of Utah’s prohibition against same-sex marriage. On Dec. 20, 2013 United States District Judge Robert Shelby ruled that all laws which ban same-sex marriage are unconstitutional. The case is set for an appeals hearing before the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals on April 10, 2014. Victory at the Tenth Circuit will mean marriage equality not only for Utah, but also for the other states within the Tenth Circuit – including Kansas. That victory, however, is dependent upon funding. The State of Utah has virtually unlimited resources to use in this fight. Restore Our Humanity depends entirely upon the generosity of individual citizens. Its legal teams is paid from those donations. R es to r e O u r H u man ity has recently launched the 145
Campaign, that is 1 million people 4 5 dollars. ROH’s goal is to raise, from private citizens, the funding necessary to successfully argue this case not just at the Tenth Circuit, but also as far as the Supreme Court. Donating to Restore Our Humanity and the 145 Campaign is easy. You can pledge $5 (or any other amount) by simply texting 145fund to 50155 or visiting 145fund.org. Mark Lawrence, Director of Restore Our Humanity, adds, “This case is history in the making. When it’s over, the victory will belong not to lobbyists or large national organizations, but to the people of Utah, of Kansas, of Oklahoma, and of the other states that came together to demonstrate the power of individuals working together, committed to creating a more equal society.” For more information v i s i t w w w. f a c e b o o k . com/145fund?ref=hl. l
TICKETS
$80 IN ADVANCE TALLGRASSFILMFEST.COM $90 AT THE DOOR FOR INFO AND TICKETS
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10th Annual Miss Trailer Park Queen is a king!
JUNCTION CITY - The 10th Annual Miss Midwest Regional Greater Kansas Wheel Estate Pageant aka Trailer Park Queen, was held Saturday, Mar. 8 at the Xcalibur Club in Junction City. This hilarious event is a fundraiser for Flint Hills PFLAG. The event was hosted by Miss Wheel Estate 2013, Lil Kim Chi, with co-hosts Miss Allie Monet (2007) and Mystie Massengil (2010). Miss Monet opened the show by singing to the audience that they weren’t “woman enough to take her man” and to lay off if they didn’t want to go to “fist city.” She then introduced the esteemed judges: Crystal Strauss, treasurer of Flint Hills PFLAG; Amanda Hugankiss, contender for the title in 2010; and Lisa Zerrlaut, randomly picked from the audience. (She actually volunteered a few days in advance.) The judges were presented with gift baskets containing food items, toiletries,
etc., all in very bad taste. The three co-hosts each presented one of the three contestants: Lezzie Van Dersnatch, Ilene Dover, and Bufford. Contestants were presented in their yard-sale wear, and were also asked a question so that they could be judged on stage presence and their command (or lack thereof) of the English language. They went on to be judged in nightwear and talent categories. The audience was kept a part of the festivities as Kim Chi and Mystie passed out Little Debbie snacks during the evening. T i p s c o l l e c t e d b y Bufford, with his prize package, and Lil Kim Chi, c o n t e s t a n t s d u r i n g t h e Miss Wheel Estate 2013. pageant counted as part of their score, and this tipped the including a “crown,” calendar, scales for Bufford, the only and flowers. male contestant. This is the In addition to that title, Lezzie first time that the trailer park Van Dersnatch was presented queen is actually a king. He was with the Susan Lucci award. This presented with a gift package was her fifth try for this coveted title, and her fifth time coming up short. She was presented with a trophy engraved with the plea asking for “just one more chance.” A total of $300 was raised for Flint Hills PFLAG. PFLAG supports many area allied events, as well as facilitating a monthly support group. l
APRIL 2014
Fat Saturday show raised funds for Flint Hills Pride
Hostess Miss Allie Monet.
JUNCTION CITY - The 7th Annual Fat Saturday Show was held Saturday, Mar. 1 at the Xcalibur Club in Junction City. Hosted by Miss Allie Monet, the open cast show was a fundraiser for Flint Hills Pride 2014. The audience was entertained by Miss Monet and her guests: Ty Her Down, Raven, Kerrie Baker, Ketih DeFranco, and Honey Monet. In addition, there was a Costume Contest, Men’s Best Chest Contest, and a Women’s Best Boobs Contest. Beads were given out freely, and masks were available for those not in costume. A total of $300 was raised for Flint Hills Pride. Pride will be held June 1315 at the Farnum Creek area of Milford Lake in Geary County. l
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APRIL 2014