Liberty Press December 2013

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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

DECEMBER 2013

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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

DECEMBER 2013

This month on

LibertyPress.net

Hollywood Tidbits

Gay and Lesbian News You Don't Want to Miss! What new project is Guinevere Turner up to? Who's playing Elton John is Rocketman? A new TV show produced by Ellen DeGeneres about a lesbian and gay man having a baby? Find out these answers and more in Deep Inside Hollywood at www.libertypress.net.

Win on Facebook! Join us daily on facebook.com/ LibertyPressKS for giveaways, events, and national news. This month win tickets to Robert Earl Keen (above) at the Stiefel Theatre in Salina, Chase Rice (left) at The Cotillion in Wichita or Dr. Robert Minor's book Gay and Healthy in a Sick Society (right).

Follow Us on Twitter

The Liberty Press is tweeting! Join our followers at twitter.com/ LibertyPressKS

Find Liberty Press here! Dodge City Area Mental Health Center, Dodge City High School, Hastings Books & Video

El Dorado Pathways Psychological Services

Hays Open Roads Community Center

Joplin, MO

Lawrence Public Library, Love Garden Sounds, Lutheran Campus Ministry, Milton’s Cafe, The Mirth CafÊ, Natural Grocers, NetworQ, Pizza Shuttle, 4XHHUV $OOLHV RI¿FH 7KH 5DYHQ Bookstore, Rudy’s Pizzeria, Third 3ODQHW :KHDW 6WDWH 3L]]D :KHDW¿HOGœV 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, 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 RI 6WXGHQWV RI¿FH .8œV 0XOWLFXOWXUDO Resource Center, La Prima Tazza,

The Bluestem Bistro, The Chef CafÊ, 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, On the Wild Side, People’s Grocery, Queer-Straight Alliance meetings, Radina’s Bakery & CafÊ (three locations), Rockstar and Rodgers (two locations), Sisters of Sound Music, Strecker-Nelson Gallery, T-La-Re, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Manhattan, Varsity Donuts

Pittsburg Pitt State GSA, Southeast Kansas NOW

Salina 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, Fetish Lingerie, 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, Junk in the Trunk, Kirby’s, KU Internal Medicine - Midtown, Light & Sound Spa, 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 CafÊ & Lounge, Side Street Retro-Lounge, 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.

DECEMBER 2013

Liberty Press

Volume 20, No. 4 ‡ (GLWRU Kristi Parker ‡ &RQWULEXWRUV Paul Berge, Dave Brousseau, Nolin Christensen, Greg Fox, Cassie Lehnherr, Charlene Lichtenstein, Mama, Audrey McQueen, Dr. Robert N. Minor, Stephanie Mott ‡ 6WDII 5HSRUWHUV Helen Barnes, Brian Hansen, Ciara Reid ‡ &RQWULEXWLQJ 3KRWRJUDSKHUV Russ Matthews, Megan Rogers ‡ &RYHU 'HVLJQ Troy Dilport ‡ *UDSKLF 'HVLJQHU Troy Dilport ‡ :HEPDVWHU Ren Autrey ‡ 3XEOLVKHU The Liberty Press, LLC

LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

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On the Cover:

1DWLRQDO $GYHUWLVLQJ 5HSUHVHQWDWLYHV Rivendell Media (212) 242-96863 Subscriptions are $18/year The “Liberty Press� and its contents may not be reproduced in any manner, either in whole or in part, without the express written consent of the publisher. All rights reserved. Unsolicited material may not necessarily be acknowledged or returned, is assumed intended for publication unless otherwise stated, and becomes the sole property of the Liberty Press. Letters to the editor and bylined columns reflect the views and opinions of the authors only and are not necessarily those of the Liberty Press, LLC or its staff. The Liberty Press reserves the right to refuse or restrict advertisements at the editor’s discretion. Advertisers and agencies assume liability for claims arising from the content of their ads. Publication of the name, photograph or likeness of any persons, organization or business in articles or advertisements in the Liberty Press in no way indicates or reflects their sexual orientation. First copy free, additional copies may be obtained for a nominal fee from the publisher.

P.O. Box 16315 Wichita, KS 67216-0315 phone: (316) 652-PRESS [7737] e-mail: editor@libertypress.net www.libertypress.net www.facebook.com/LibertyPressKS Š 2013 The Liberty Press

CONTENTS LIBERTY PRESS' Gay Gift Guide ..................................................................... 8 TOPEKA'S EQUALITY HOUSE shares the love .........................................13 THE FACE OF TRANS -- an interview with Elle Boatman...........................16 SEXY NURSES to raise money for Red Cross ............................................19 WSU PERFORMING ARTS PRESENTS Twice Truman...................................21 SAME-SEX MARRIAGE, taxes and Kansas ..................................................22 NEW LGBT-FRIENDLY DEVELOPMENTS heading to Uptown area of KC ..26

REGULARS OP/ED Letters, editorial cartoon, poll results ..........................................6 TRANS-FORMATIVE Trans-Education: Teaching the Teachers...............12 AUDREY ASKS Jamie Ray Downes .............................................................14 MINOR DETAILS Even ENDA Is Just Another Beginning .......................17 LEATHER LIFE Sir/boy Relationships.....................................................18 BOOKENDS Giraffe People ...................................................................20

IN EVERY ISSUE DISTRIBUTION LIST .................... 4 POLL QUESTION ......................... 6 POINTS OF INTEREST ................. 7 MAMA KNOWS BEST................. 11 CLASSIFIEDS ............................. 23 BRIDGES .................................... 23 OUT IN THE STARS ................... 23 AROUND KANSAS ..................... 24 COMICS...................................... 25

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The Liberty Press distributes 3,500 copies a month in cities throughout Kansas, including Dodge City, Lawrence, Topeka, Wichita, Manhattan, Junction City, Hutchinson, El Dorado, Hays, Kansas City, Pittsburg and Salina.

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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

Start your holiday shopping

at the Wild Side!

Jewelry, bath and body products, clothing something for everyone on your list!

DECEMBER 2013

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 or the question of the month. Send your letters and feedback to editor@libertypress.net.

(785) 776-2252

1128 Moro Manhattan, KS 66502 DP SP 0 ) DP SP 6DW

0DPD DGYRFDWHV GLVUHVSHFW Dear editor: The Mama Knows Best poem on the government shutdown was very offensive and in poor taste. It advocated disrespect and hints of threats toward President Obama. It appears that “Mama does not know best,” and obviously

Online Readers Poll

Results!

White Elephant Gift Exchange

(Google it!)

We are based in Lawrence, Kansas. Our mission is to support, educate and serve the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans communities, their families and allies.

Were you affected by the government shutdown?

6:30 PM - Thursday - December 19th at Maceli’s, 1031 New Hampshire

Bring a “special” gift and let the fun begin! It can be something tacky, wacky, or even something nice. A snack or beverage to share, is appreciated. This is always a hoot so we hope you can make it!

is uneducated as to who actually shut the government down. Just about everyone (except Mama) realizes that it was the Republicans, unwilling to pass a mandated budget that would fund the new law of the land, the “Affordable Care Act” (Obamacare), who caused the shutdown. They even admit it and take great pride in the problems it created for millions of Americans. At a recent show, Mama (the MC), remarked that Obamacare should be called “Obamatearing-the-country-apart.” Mama needs to hold her tongue and quit spewing her venom against my President. Joe Mueller, Wichita

No 53%

Online Readers Poll

Not Sure 7%

Yes 40%

Do you have health insurance? Visit libertypress.net to cast your vote!

DECEMBER 2013

LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

Flint Hills PFLAG VXSSRUW JURXS MANHATTAN - The Flint Hills chapter of PFLAG offers a safe place for parents, friends, a n d f a m i l y o f g a y, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people to discuss issues and concerns. The support group is held on WKH ÂżUVW 6DWXUGD\ RI WKH PRQWK from 10am to noon. For the location, call 785-340-2815.

location after Dec. 1 will be 800 N. Market. The Center houses a library, meeting space and hosts Get Connected, an LGBTQIA youth group. There are over a half dozen organizations that use the Center’s space for meetings. 1HZ FKDSWHU RI R67(0 DW With the new location there WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ RI .DQVDV will be two meeting spaces, a library, and a resource center LAWRENCE - oSTEM (Out for anyone needing information i n S c i e n c e , Te c h n o l o g y, regarding LGBT and LGBTEngineering, and Mathematics) friendly businesses and groups. is a new organization at KU. Its Once the remodeling is

purpose is to create a strong, safe community for LGBTQIA students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics UHODWHG ¿HOGV oSTEM is a national society dedicated to educating and fostering leadership for LGBTQA communities in the STEM fields. The national mission includes: -To educate, empower, and engage a diverse community, -To identify, address, and advocate for the needs of LGBTQA students in the STEM ¿HOGV -Fulfill these needs through mentorship connections, networking opportunities, strategic collaborations, and professional/leadership development. The KU chapter ’s first meeting was held Nov. 13. For information on the group and its next meeting, visit www. facebook.com/oSTEMatKU or e-mail oSTEMatKU@gmail. com.

7KH &HQWHU RI :LFKLWD JHWV D QHZ KRPH WICHITA - Wichita’s LGBT Center has a new home. The new

complete, The Center will host an open house for everyone to see the new space.

-RLQ /LEHUW\ 3UHVV IRU D )HVWLYDO RI 7UHHV PARK CITY - Spend a relaxing evening with friends this holiday season at 2 Attics Antique Mall. The mall, located at 1534 E. 61st St. North in Park City, is hosting a Festival of Trees through Christmas. Over 100 decorated Christmas trees in all kinds of themes are displayed throughout the mall. There is no charge to come in and tour the trees, decorated in themes such as Coca-Cola, Snoopy, railroad, Tonka toys, and John Deere, just to name a IHZ 7KHUH LV HYHQ D VXQĂ€RZHU tree, a barbed wire tree and a Thanksgiving tree. The mall is open Mon.Thu. 10am-6pm, Fri. 10am8pm, Sat. 10am-5pm and Sun. 12-5pm and is now booking after-hours group parties. Call 316.201.1828 for details. The Liberty Press is hosting a meet and greet for readers on Thursday, Dec. 12 from 5:307pm. Join us that night and enjoy 10% off store-wide. O

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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

DECEMBER 2013

Hello, Wine This breezy-to-read but super-informative guidebook is a stylish primer for any newcomer to the endlessly fascinating world of wine. Master Sommelier Melanie Wagner’s down-to-earth tone and comprehensive knowledge make learning about wine fun and approachable. Twelve chapters explore every aspect of wine—from how it is made to how to drink it—and provide helpful descriptions of grape varietals and recommendations that can be taken to the wine store. Available at www.chroniclebooks.com $24.95

Liberty Press’ Gay Gift Guide

Kosher Kards Nostalgic noshers can spread good schmear with these notecards shaped like everyone’s favorite Jewish foods. Kosher to adorn Hanukkah gifts, wish someone mazel tov, or just to say shalom. Available at www. chroniclebooks.com $12.95

Holiday wear for everyone H a l l m a r k ’s r e c e n t s n a f u replacing the word “gay� with the word “fun� on a holiday sweater ornament has prompted Rocco Shirts to produce three holiday sweatshirts featuring the traditional gay apparel as well as sweatshirts with “straight� and “bi.� Available at www. roccoshirts.com $24.99

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DECEMBER 2013

LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

DECEMBER 2013

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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

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say “Merry Christmas� to them during the holiday season. I love the look on their faces when you do and they know they have been rude; it is so priceless!! Mama, Are you ready for the winter weather? Snow business

D

ear Mama, How do you handle the stress of the holidays? Signed already stressed First, I do not go to any store until late at night so it is not busy with people. Second, I turn my music up so loud in my car I cannot hear any jerks honking around me. Third, but not last, I stay home and drink my beer and pretend that I have no family! Happy freaking holidays! Mama, I know that you have talked about it before, but what should we do with people texting and driving? Trying not to get killed Vinton, hold my beer! I think

we need to make it like drunk driving! If caught, your license is taken away and you are not allowed to use your phone for a month! With the second offense, you will never be able to get a cell phone again! Stop texting and drive for God’s sake! Ms. Mama, I’m so sick of rude people. How should I handle them? Tired This is right up my alley! First of all, do not be rude back; be so nice it makes them even madder than they are. The only reason they are rude is they are self-absorbed and have no faith in anyone at all not even themselves! Be sure to always

Good Lord! No, I am not. I hate the cold and the ice and snow. I am too old to be shoveling or scraping ice! Not to mention the idiot drivers who come out when it snows or sleets! Shoveling VQRZ LV OLNH WU\LQJ WR ÂżJXUH RXW this Obamacare! Or should I say Obamascare? Will someone

please go slap the sense into these politicians?! Are you going to make any changes in the new year? Not signed Yes, I am going to move somewhere my kids cannot ÂżQG PH DQG ZKHUH WKHUH DUH QRW stupid politicians! I guess I have to be dead for that to happen! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone! Thank you for always reading my column! O Have a question for Mama? E-mail MamaTHarper@aol.com or friend Thelma Harper on Facebook.

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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

Trans-Education: Teaching the Teachers

I

s transgender education partly responsible for transgender discrimination? Unfortunately the answer to that question is yes. It is time for us to message the message. What does it mean to be transgender? Who are we? What do we need you to see about us? 7KH VLQJOH PRVW VLJQL¿FDQW barrier to transgender equality is the idea that transgender women are not really women. So, why do we continue to teach it? We, which is inclusive of me, have repeatedly taught the very same ideas that stand in the way of seeing us for who we really are. The teachings are

embedded in the message we share. Perhaps we should learn to teach the ideas that open up the doors of understanding. In our own writings; in the words that are found in articles, on blogs, and in our own minds; we unintentionally reinforce the message we most need to confront. We do this when we talk about becoming a woman or becoming a man. We do this when we use the word, “transition.” The understanding I have of my own transition has developed over the years. What I once believed to be a dramatic change that led to becoming a woman, I now see as uncovering of the

woman who was always there. I did not actually transition at all. I simply stopped pretending to be a man. The uncovering of the woman exposed my soul to the sunlight. The transgender story is about the horrifying distress that comes from living as a gender that does not belong to you. Our stories describe the incorrectness and the pain of living a lie. Our transitions are not transitions of gender. Gender is the only constant in the journey. We have transitions from mere existence to fully living. Our changes are changes of freedom, and truth, and correctness. Our changes are about being honest and revealing the hidden human being. As my presentation of what it’s like to be transgender evolves, I realize that many of the things I used to say add to the problem, rather than the solution. These things include the failure to differentiate between sex (which is about genitalia) and gender (which is about identity). When I talk about seeing a therapist, I no longer talk about seeing a therapist for my gender identity issues. I never had gender identity issues. I only have gender identity, just like everyone else. My gender identity is not how I experience my gender. It is my gender. I see myself as a woman because I am a woman. I needed to see a therapist because I spent nearly 50 years trying to be someone who was never me. I needed to see a therapist to help process why so many people hated people like me. I needed a therapist to be able to function in a world that would not allow me to be myself. What I have written so far

DECEMBER 2013

in based on a non-existent gender binary. I have chosen to write it that way for the sake of illustration. That said, we need to teach about the gender spectrum, not the gender binary. We shouldn’t talk about the RSSRVLWH JHQGHU ,W DI¿UPV WKH binary. We have to get rid of the boxes. The idea that we have ER[HV LV SDUW RI WKH VLJQL¿FDQW barrier. 0\ GH¿QLWLRQ RI WUDQVJHQGHU LV ZKHQ D SHUVRQ LGHQWL¿HV ZLWK (because they are) a gender that is not entirely associated with their biological birth sex. If that LGHQWL¿FDWLRQ LV VWURQJ HQRXJK that a person needs to express it, they are transgender. Finally, we need to identify the barriers to transgender understanding and equality. Once we have identified the barriers, we need to have community-wide discussions about how to create a message the chips away at the barriers. And most of all, we need to stop talking about becoming a woman or becoming a man. We are who we are. Telling people that doesn’t change who we are. It does change the heights we are capable of reaching when we stop living in the darkness and step into the light. The only thing you need to know about my journey; to know if it is right or wrong; is that for 48 years I lived inwardly, depressed, and in the darkness; and for the last almost eight years I have lived outwardly, joyfully, and in the light. I did not become a woman. I stopped pretending to be a man. O Stephanie Mott is a transgender woman from Topeka. She is the executive director of the Kansas Statewide Transgender Education Project and state chair of the Kansas Equality Coalition. Reach her at stephanieequality@yahoo.com.

DECEMBER 2013

PLANTING PEACE LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

7RSHND V (TXDOLW\ +RXVH VKDUHV WKH ORYH

By Ciara Reid, staff reporter

TOPEKA - They thought they were just throwing paint on a house. But it was much more than that. On Mar. 19, Aaron Jackson and David Hammet, president and director of operations UHVSHFWLYHO\ RI WKH QRQSURÂżW organization Planting Peace, stood outside of the house they had recently bought, which sits directly across from the infamous Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas. Painters had arrived with an array of paint colors. It didn’t take long for people to notice the rainbow pattern. “Right when we started SDLQWLQJ WUDIÂżF VWRSSHG FDUV were honking and people were hollering,â€? recalls Hammet. He and Jackson had given a couple media outlets, including 7KH +XIÂżQJWRQ 3RVW, a heads up about their painting plans, but kept the plan a secret from everyone else. They didn’t want to risk word leaking. A ruined

surprise would surely lessen the impact. Soon, hundreds of people gathered in the front yard. Many hugged Hammet and Jackson, thanking them for giving them hope in the face of hate – which was literally across the street. Their phones were ringing off the hook; media nationwide and from around the world – Ireland, Australia, Sweden – were taking notice. Hammet recalls the most powerful moment for him: it was towards the end of the night. The doorbell rang. He opened the door. “A girl was in tears, and she grabbed me and told me ‘you have no clue what this means to me and my family’.� Hammet was overwhelmed by the response. Since the day they painted the house, they have received letters stating they had saved several lives from impending suicide, and given people hope that things were indeed getting better. It’s simple, fast actions like painting a house in rainbow colors that make the Equality House, a project of Planting Peace, powerful and much-

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The Equality House hosted a Halloween-themed drag show called Drag Down Bigotry. Photo by Megan Rogers

needed. Jackson, Hammet, and Amelia Markham, director of outreach for the organization, have lived in the house since January 2013. Aside from painting the house in rainbow colors, they have also pulled off a same-sex wedding to coincide with the end of the Defense of Marriage Act and Prop 8, a Halloweenthemed drag show, and most recently painted the house the colors of the transgendered pride flag in honor of Transgender Day of Rembrance on Nov. 20. They have also initiated an anti-bullying program. “I’ve done bully prevention with an emphasis on LGBTQ professional training sessions to all of the Topeka 501 School District’s guidance counselors and social workers,â€? Hammet says. They hosted a community screening of the movie Bully followed by an expert panel discussion. Hammet was the ÂżUVW SHUVRQ WR HYHU SUHVHQW RQ LGBTQ topics at the Kansas Safe Schools Conference. The group is currently collaborating with experts to design a bullying prevention program. If these ideas sound like they

take a lot of lead time and hefty planning, you would be correct – but without the time. Hammet says they pulled off the samesex wedding with one week of planning, and a next-to-nothing EXGJHW 7R ÂżQG WKH ZLOOLQJ FRXSOH who would want to get married within one week, Hammet says they posted the request on their Facebook page. It said: “Anyone in love and want to get married?â€? They received several requests. “We got everything donated,â€? Hammet says. “It was really beautiful. It was exactly the kind of message we wanted.â€? The idea to paint the house for Transgender Remembrance Day happened eight days prior, and they asked for volunteers on Facebook the day before. “There is never a dull moment,â€? he says. No matter what the activity, Hammet says they have no fear. “We are doing something bigger than ourselves,â€? he says. “We can’t be scared.â€? For more information on the Equality House project, or any other projects by Planting Peace, visit www.plantingpeace. org, www.equalityhouse.org or like the Equality House page on www.facebook.com. O

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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

DECEMBER 2013

didn’t show up and, of course, I took her place. But club-wise, I started out as Vanna Vincent’s Debutante when we had the Debutante Ball. AM: How do you feel drag has evolved over the years since you first hit the stage? JRD: When I started, drag used to be larger than life. We wore big hair to hide our large shoulders, and long nails to hide our manly hands, etc. Now that kind of drag and my kind of drag is considered to be campy. I don’t mind it because I am a campy larger-than-life queen. Now most of the girls, including you Audrey, like to EH PRUH ¾¿VK\Âś >ÂżVK\ LV WU\LQJ WR ORRN OLNH a real woman). Don’t get me wrong, I love that kind of drag because the girls pull it off, but I’m glad to see how the people of my generation still stick to the basics. How I like to say it - ‘When I started it would be considered Vaudeville!’

Jamie Ray Downes

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ello once again Kansas! I hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving. I had a blast! I also enjoyed my pumpkin cupcakes from Jasmine’s kitchen! This month in honor of Christmas I decided to interview Jamie Ray Downes. Her birthday is Dec. 11! So let’s get this started! Audrey McQueen: Sorry I was late, Jamie, thanks for meeting me at the South 40! Jamie Ray Downes: Not a problem I started answering some of the questions for you! $0 0\ ¿UVW TXHVWLRQ IRU \RX LV ZKHUH did you get you drag name? JRD: I got them from my fabulous two mothers, my drag mothers that is. They are Neela Downes and Mercedes Ray!

AM: Awesome! Any former titles or awards? Oh goodness, this might take a while . . . JRD: Miss Xcalibur, Miss Flint Hills Pride, Queen of Hearts, Miss Gay International Classic, Miss Gay Kansas USofA At-Large, Miss Gay Wichita, and I was voted the 2013 Wichita Pride Drag Queen of the Year ! AM: Very nice! Who inspires you? JRD: All of the people who came before me. You develop your own personality after you have done it long enough. I am inspired by real people. I actually had an old neighbor who helped me develop Jamie Ray! AM: How long have you been doing drag? JRD: 19 years! Well longer than that, my freshman year of high school, we were performing a melodrama and one of the girls that was supposed to play the grandma

AM: What are your plans for your Christmas drag? JRD: I love Christmastime! This is the time that people are more generous, and we raise a lot more money for local charities and other good causes! But I love performing Christmas music! AM: I am a Christmas fanatic. What is \RXU IDYRULWH TXRWH RU PRWWR" JRD: Be careful whose toes you step on today; because they might be attached to an ass you have to kiss tomorrow! AM: That is perfect! Do you have any advice for anyone who would like to start doing drag? JRD: DON’T! Just kidding! My advice for DQ\RQH ZDQWLQJ WR VWDUW GUDJ LV WR ¿QG ZKR you are, don’t be who people want you to be. You will develop your character over time and never take yourself too seriously. If you get too involved with your drag persona then you lose who you really are. AM: I will actually take some of that continued on page 24

DECEMBER 2013

LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

Ready to Quit? Get FREE help:

1-800-QUIT-NOW KSquit.org

PAGE 15

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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

DECEMBER 2013

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By Helen Barnes WICHITA - You may have seen the ads in the Liberty Press in recent months featuring people from the Wichita transgender community and their allies. This campaign is sponsored by The Face of Trans, which is the brainchild of Elle Boatman. There is also an associated website (thefaceoftrans.com), a Facebook page, and this past year The Face of Trans ZDV DQ RIÂżFLDO VSRQVRU RI WKH TransKans conference. The goal of the organization

is to help society realize that transgender people are human through education and by “highlighting the whole person, not only their transgender status,� in order to create “a more informed and accepting community in which transgender people are able to live and contribute while being treated with dignity and respect.� Boatman started this grassroots effort in order to make things better for people who came after her. Originally from Ohio, she ended up in

Wichita via the Air Force in 2009. It was during that time that she started having serious mental problems associated with her gender identity. She found a therapist who had transgender experience by accident and discovered a transgender support group in Wichita too. She started transitioning in April 2012 and felt it was good to have a group of people who understood what was going on. Her initial goal was to stop being “male,â€? to blend in and silently go back to life as a woman. About halfway through her transition, Boatman came to the realization that outside of the group and outside of her WKHUDSLVWÂśV RIÂżFH WKH WUDQVLWLRQ process was pretty horrible. In fact, her partner had absolutely

no support. Boatman found herself in the tenuous position of being BOTH the problem and the solution. The idea of other transgender people having to go through a similarly horrific experience unsettled Boatman to her core. She decided to start a group to help humanize the transgender community to the rest of the community at large. She felt that she couldn’t do that with numbers and facts because those were impersonal. So she started The Face of Trans to literally “put a face� on transgender Wichitans. The idea is to highlight transgender people for all the other things that they are -- average everyday folk. continued on page 23

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Benjamin L. Breese and Curtis C. Isley Jr. were married on Saturday, November 2, 2013 at 2pm at First Metropolitan Community Church, Wichita. The Rev. Jackie Carter performed WKH GRXEOH ULQJ FHUHPRQ\ 6FULSWXUH UHDGLQJ E\ &ODXGLD *ULI¿WK Pianist Matt Fenwick provided music for the ceremony. Shaun-Michael Morse soloist performed The Battle Hymn of Love and In This Very Room. The Metropolitan Community Church Choir sang Thy Will be Done. The couple’s processional song was Canon in D by Pachelbel and recessional song was Give the World a Smile by the Wichita Gospel Assembly Band. Benjamin is the son of Doris Golden and LeRoy and Kathy Breese of Wichita. Curtis is the son of Curtis C. Sr. and Dianne Isley of Graham, North Carolina. Travis Hooper and Dale Jones were groomsmen. Dennis Murphy and Dennis Reimer served as ushers. Honorary ushers were members of the Wichita Bears. A reception was held in the Metropolitan Community Church fellowship hall. Benjamin is the President of the Wichita Bears and is D 6XE 6WDWLRQ 7DJ RI¿FH 0DQDJHU DW WKH 6HGJZLFN &RXQW\ 7DJ 2I¿FH &XUWLV LV WKH 9LFH 3UHVLGHQW RI WKH :LFKLWD %HDUV DQG LV the Executive Sous Chef at the Hyatt Regency Wichita. The newlyweds reside in Wichita.

DECEMBER 2013

LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

Minor

Details

Help us Celebrate 15 years of Minor Details! Win Dr. Minor's book, Gay & Healthy in a Sick Society this month on facebook.com/LibertyPress KS.

America’s haves and havenots. And as Senator Bernie Sanders illustrated it: “Today the Walton family of Walmart own By Bob Minor more wealth than the bottom 40 percent of America.â€? So many of the jobs created (YHQ (1'$ ,V -XVW since the crash of 2008 caused by big banks that have since $QRWKHU %HJLQQLQJ benefited from it, are low paying. A 2012 report from he good news is that to ENDA might not be religious. the National Employment Law the Employment Non- The challenge will be from right- Project concluded that while a D i s c r i m i n a t i o n A c t wingers such as libertarians who majority of jobs lost during the (1'$ ÂżQDOO\ SDVVHG WKH 8 6 don’t believe the government downturn were in the middle Senate on Nov. 7. By a 64 should impose any limitations range of wages, a majority of to 32 vote, the upper house on business. Since Ronald those added during the recovery of Congress endorsed adding Regan vowed to break the union have been low paying. Consider, then, the lowsexual orientation and gender movement, employees have identity to the reasons one cannot been losing legal protections to a wage workers movement. Fast food and service legally deny human industry workers beings employment. represent one 6SHFLÂżFDOO\ (1'$ ´/*%7 SHRSOH QHHG QRW RQO\ WR EH group of people p r o h i b i t s p r i v a t e SURWHFWHG RQ WKHLU MREV WKH\ QHHG WR employers with over KDYH JRRG MREV ZLWK GHFHQW EHQHILWV Âľ who most threaten A m e r i c a n 15 employees from business. Big discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation government that is increasingly business can’t outsource their or gender identity. Religious doing the corporate bidding jobs to another country, or even organizations are exempt, as when it comes to how business to the state next door. These businesses are stuck they were in the Civil Rights treats its workers. $FW RI DV DUH QRQ SURÂżW I t ’s f u n n y h o w t h e s e here. And they know it. They need workers to serve membership-only clubs. libertarians seldom argue It’s unlikely the House will against government interference, the public. So they must deal even discuss ENDA, given regulations, and subsidies that with American workers who that Republican Speaker John promote business. They often they’d rather keep needy, Boehner won’t bring it up, sound like Republicans who just desperate and competing with saying there’s “no basis or needâ€? want to legally smoke pot and each other. Even though these companies for legalizing protection of have free sex. LGBT people and that it would ENDA represents only one PDNH PXOWL PLOOLRQ GROODU SURÂżWV lead to “frivolous lawsuits.â€? As part of the multiple worker and their CEOs make around usual, Republican leadership is protections needed if there is $80,000 a day, their policies are out of touch with the majority of going to be a chance to have a to do so without passing any of Americans - over 70% support middle-class in America. Even their success on to their workers e n d i n g L G B T w o r k p l a c e large investment fund managers whose average age is 28 with discrimination. are showing signs of worry 70% 20 years old or older. And though we might eat Actually, the greatest threat about a growing gap between

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PAGE 17

a slightly cheaper hamburger or pizza on the backs of these workers, that’s actually deceptive. Because they pay so little, federal subsidies to these workers mean we’re adding about $4 an hour to each worker out of federal taxes we pay. And WKDW ¿JXUH GRHVQœW HYHQ FRXQW state and local government and charitable contributions keeping them alive. A study released in October by economists at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana and the University of California at Berkeley’s Labor Center reported that it costs taxpayers seven billion dollars a year for Medicaid, food stamps and other federally-funded public assistance programs for fastfood workers who are paid poverty-level wages. McDonald’s, for example, posted $1.5 billion in thirdTXDUWHU SUR¿WV WKDWœV SUR¿WV QRW income) while taxpayers paid $1.2 billion in 2012 for public assistance to its workforce. That’s $300 million per quarter, a 20 percent contribution to the company’s bottom line. Fast food workers and other low-paid service industry employees - much of the future of the American workforce - LGBT or not, have therefore decided to change this, beginning with rallies and plain old long-term organizing. They’re asking for a living wage of $15 an hour. Big business and its allies DUH ¿JKWLQJ EDFN NQRZLQJ WKDW if these workers are successful, then there’s hope for any group continued on page 25

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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

Leather Life

DECEMBER 2013

By Nolin Christensen aka Master C

This column is dedicated to explaining to others what the Leather lifestyle is about and what we do.

Sir/boy Relationships

I

be done in private between the Sir and the boy. The boy should NEVER speak out or to the Sir in public where others can hear. Part of the mystic of these relationships is the structure of control. When a submissive voices their opinion or speaks out of turn in a public environment, it causes the appearance that the Dominant does not have control of the submissive. The Sir/boy is built on adult/child dynamics. Just like children, the submissive should be seen and not heard (except amongst themselves). Just as a child should behave and keep quiet in public, so should a leather submissive. And just like a child should not join in an adult conversation, a submissive should not join in or voice opinion within a Dominants conversation. This is perhaps the hardest thing for a submissive to learn, especially someone who feels they have to talk or feel they have to say something.

n the ongoing segment of the various types of leather relationships, this month is about the most common of all the types - the Sir/boy. This type RI UHODWLRQVKLS FDQ EH GH¿QHG as Sir/boy, Ma’am/girl, Sir/ girl, Ma’am/boy. It is the most common form of the Dominant/ ´7KH 6LU FXOWXUH KDV EHHQ submissive relationships, DURXQG DV ORQJ DV WKHUH KDYH and even some marriages fall EHHQ PLOLWDU\ HVWDEOLVKPHQWV ,W within these LV EDVHG RQ WKH PLOLWDU\ µ parameters. So for ease of discussion I’ll be Much can be learned when you using Sir/boy to describe all of keep your mouth silent and open these relationships. your ears. Again, the Sir/boy Another part of the Sir/boy relationship is a consensual type relationship is that the boy is of relationship where one person there to serve the Sir. A boy’s dominates another. Notice I said motto is “honor, serve and obey” CONSENSUAL! Any time a and “to give your heart, life and relationship is NOT consensual soul to your Sir.” In return, the it can very well fall within the Sir protects and provides for the boundaries of abuse. There is boy. (What is provided should be D ¿QH OLQH EHWZHHQ WKH WZR DQG stated in the contract.) consent is the dividing line. The Sir culture has been While not as strict as the around as long as there have Master/slave (M/s) relationships, been military establishments. It it’s still one where the Dominant is based on the military. Hence controls and dictates the the Yes Sir! No Sir! that the parameters and the boundaries boy uses to address the Sir. The of the relationship. And just like boy culture has been around for the M/s, I highly suggest that thousands of years, ever since a contract is written. That way the establishment of a young boy there is no miscommunication who became an apprentice to between the parties involved. learn a trade from a tradesman. Where as in a M/s relationship Not only did they learn a trade the submissive does not have they also learned about sex. It is any voice, in the Sir/boy the a combination of these two that submissive does have the right create the Sir/boy relationship. O to speak. However, this should

DECEMBER 2013

LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

PAGE 19

6H[\ QXUVHV WR UDLVH PRQH\ IRU 5HG &URVV

By Brian Hansen LAWRENCE - There’s no better way to raise money than a “Sexy Nurse” themed party with live burlesque performers, right? This was the idea of one Lawrence-inhabitant aspiring to help others in need. Mali Benvenutti, who recently moved to Lawrence, had a plan for a fundraiser, a sexy fundraiser. The event is to headline a popular Kansas City burlesque performer, Miss

Annie Cherry. In addition, other burlesque acts from the members of Foxy by Proxy will make appearances on stage. All proceeds from the event will benefit the work of the Red Cross. All participants and guests of the event are encouraged to dress in nurse attire. “We are creating a sexy nurse pinup calendar with help from Atomic Photography and Rachael Major,” says Benvenutti. “We hope to use

the event as a launch party for the calendar, with proceeds from the calendars also going to the Red Cross.” Benvenutti has goals for an annual event with future EHQH¿FLDULHV LQFOXGLQJ QXUVLQJ students who have been forced to quit schooling due to a loss of ¿QDQFLDO DLG The event will be held at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire in downtown Lawrence, on Friday, Dec. 13 starting at 8pm with a cover of $5. O

Annie Cherry. Photo by Russ Matthews

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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

By Cassie Lehnherr

O

ver the past few months, I have read and reviewed four books published by Bywater Books out of Ann Arbor, Michigan, a company that specializes in lesbian fiction. I have enjoyed each book I have read and found all very relatable. Upon exploring Bywater Books’ website, I discovered that they are always taking submissions for fiction from

DECEMBER 2013

in a rock band Doggy Life. Through entertaining, strong and believable dialogue, her bandmates and various other classmates become integral to Cole’s coming of age. One of the things I found most relatable was Cole’s connection with budding authors and they also D QDUURZ FKHVW DQG Ă€DW IHHW´ music (especially the music of RIIHU DQ DQQXDO ÂżFWLRQ FRQWHVW Cole, on the surface, seems like The Cure, The Ramones and The in which the author receives the stereotypical “well-adjustedâ€? Violent Femmes) and how she heavy promotion, publication teenage girl - born and raised in considered it to be a release and and a pretty nice cash prize, the church, she is an exceptional a drug for her. ZLWKRXW LPSRVLQJ DQ\ GLIÂżFXOW pupil and athlete and is dating a The only issue I had reading guidelines. Just write a good star athlete in Jeremy. this book was the fact that Cole’s Inside, Cole is struggling bandmates and schoolmates novel, have your friends, teachers and colleagues read it, ZLWK WKH FRQÂżQHV RI UHOLJLRXV were so interesting and well follow the rules and send it off. and military life, she’d rather developed and likeable, the The latest novel from this play rock n’ roll than basketball Meghan character (the intended publisher I chose was Giraffe and her thoughts are even more love interest) becomes secondary P e o p l e ( B y w a t e r B o o k s , confused (and consumed) as and the limited (yet intense) $14.95) by Jill Malone, a past she gets closer to Meghan, interactions she has with Cole, winner of the Bywater Prize an 18-year-old aspiring West make her somewhat unlikeable for Fiction as well as a Lambda Point cadet whom her family is and predatory. award winner, amongst other sponsoring. Her doubts about Overall, I enjoyed it. It read accolades. faith, her relationship with like a Young Adult novel, but Giraffe People is the story of Jeremy and life on a military I found it to be honest and Nicole (Cole) Peters, a 15-year- EDVH DUH LQWHQVLÂżHG E\ D VXGGHQ subtle. In Cole Peters, Jill old military kid living on base sexual encounter with Meghan. 0DORQH FUHDWHG D FRQÂżGHQW DQG in New Jersey during the Gulf This may have been the author’s admirable character. Through War. Cole resides with her two vision, as this story is set in the Cole, I remembered that being brothers, mother and military “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tellâ€? era. a teenager was fun and exciting chaplain father (the title comes Cole eventually gets to at times but frankly, it kind of from Cole describing her family q u i t b a s k e t b a l l a n d p l a y sucked. O as “stooped, long-legged, with

Sunday Worship, 11 AM Join us for worship during the Advent & Christmas season! New Worship Time - 11am Holiday Fellowship Time - 10am

Annual Holiday Bake Sale Saturday, December 7, 8am to 2pm

Christmas Eve Worship Tuesday, December 24, 8pm Íž>ÄžĆ?Ć?ŽŜĆ? Θ Ä‚ĆŒŽůĆ?Í&#x; Metropolitan Community Church of Topeka 4425 SW 19th Street, Topeka, KS 66604 Phone: 785.272.1442 office@mcctopeka.org www.mcctopeka.org Íž>Ĺ?ĹŹÄžÍ&#x; DÄžĆšĆŒĹ˝Ć‰ŽůĹ?ƚĂŜ ŽžžƾŜĹ?ƚLJ ĹšĆľĆŒÄ?Ĺš ŽĨ dŽƉĞŏĂ ŽŜ &Ä‚Ä?ÄžÄ?ŽŽŏÍŠ

DECEMBER 2013

LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

PAGE 21

:68 3HUIRUPLQJ $UWV SUHVHQWV 7ZLFH 7UXPDQ By Helen Barnes WICHITA - This month, Wichita State University Performing Arts will present two hilarious and poignant one-man shows exploring the lives of two KLVWRULF ¿JXUHV QDPHG 7UXPDQ President Harry S. Truman and the author Truman Capote. Give em’ Hell, Harry! is the first play, followed by Tru later in December. Give ‘em Hell, Harry! features Broadway veteran Ray Wills and will be directed by Tom Frye. The play is named for a phrase yelled at Truman by a supporter during a Presidential election campaign speech in 1948. Truman was attacking the Republicans and the heartfelt HQFRXUDJHPHQW EHFDPH WKH ¿JKW song for the Truman camp. Truman was known for his colorful language and enduring personality. Give ‘em Hell, Harry! is crafted to focus on his bodaciousness by making Truman the sole character in the play. Generally this technique is

used to present someone who is more nuanced, thus saving the protagonist’s delicate traits from being buried under those of other characters. Truman, however, is not subtle. This means that the audience sometimes has to retreat deeply into their seats in reacting to the force of Truman’s personality, but, this response e c h o e s t h a t o f Tr u m a n ’s contemporaries who had to face WKH IXOO ¿UH RI KLV FKDUDFWHU ,Q this sense, Give ‘em Hell, Harry! provides a realistic experience for the viewer. Give ‘em Hell, Harry! was written by Samuel Gallu in 1975 as both a play and a screenplay for a movie of the same name. It debuted in Washington, D.C., at the Ford Theatre in 1975 and opened in New York in 2008. Tru stars Tom Frye and will be directed by Ray Wills. It takes place over a period of two days in the life of the author Truman Capote. The week before Christmas in 1975, Capote is

left alone in his apartment to celebrate with drugs, alcohol, DQG WUXIÀHV +LV IULHQGV KDG GHVHUWHG KLP DIWHU ¿QGLQJ RXW about his soon-to-be-released book, which they feared might be a bit too “tell-all,” since Capote said he was writing about them. Tru was penned by Jay Presson Allen, of La Cage Aux Folles fame, at the request of the lawyer handling the Capote estate. Allen was noted for her scathing wit AND that she was the rare female playwright in a male-dominated landscape. Her wit is evident in Tru and helps bring Capote’s own intellect to life. His friends praised Allen for the accuracy of her portrayal. Give ‘em Hell, Harry! will run Dec. 5-8 at 7:30pm, with a 2pm matinee on Sunday. Tru will run Dec. 13-15 at 7:30pm, with a 2pm matinee on Sunday. Both shows will play in the Dr. Richard Welsbacher Theatre at the WSU Metroplex at 29th

Tom Frye stars in Tru, a one-man show based on Truman Capote. Frye also directs Ray Willls in Give 'em Hell, Harry! about President Harry S. Truman.

and Oliver. WSU student tickets are free, others are $15 each. There is limited seating for all performances. Please call early for reservations at 316-9783233. All proceeds will go to the Audrey Needles Scholarship Fund for WSU theatre majors. O

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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

6DPH VH[ PDUULDJH WD[HV DQG .DQVDV By Nolin Christensen The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) ruled that same-sex couples, legally married in jurisdictions that recognize their marriages, will be treated as married for federal tax purposes. The ruling applies regardless of whether the couple lives in a jurisdiction that recognizes same-sex marriage

or a jurisdiction that does not recognize same-sex marriage. So, can a taxpayer and his or KHU VDPH VH[ VSRXVH ÂżOH D MRLQW return if they were married in a state that recognizes same-sex marriages but they live in a state that does not recognize their marriage? The answer is yes. Under the ruling, samesex couples will be treated as married for all federal tax purposes, including income and

DECEMBER 2013

legally married in a state or jurisdiction that allows samesex marriages and should you separate, you HAVE to get a legal divorce. Kansas, since they don’t recognize samesex marriages, will not grant a divorce for same-sex couples. This can cause a problem since many states have residency rules for getting divorced. Therefore, if you are legally married and you wish to terminate the marriage, you need to consult a lawyer. So, starting in January 2014, ZKHQ \RX ¿OH \RXU WD[HV and prior to Dec. 31, 2013 you were legally married in a country, state or jurisdiction that allows same-sex marriages, you need to inform your tax preparer. If you are uncomfortable about discussing this with them, you should seek out a tax preparer who is LGBT-friendly. If you ¿OH \RXU RZQ WD[HV EH DZDUH that most tax software will not properly process same-sex marriage returns for the state. O

gift and estate taxes. However, the ruling does not apply to registered domestic partnerships, civil unions, or similar formal relationships recognized under state law. Legally-married samesex couples generally must ÂżOH their 2013 federal income tax return using either the “married ÂżOLQJ MRLQWO\´ RU ÂłPDUULHG ÂżOLQJ VHSDUDWHO\´ ÂżOLQJ VWDWXV Beginning in 2013, once you are married in a state or jurisdiction that allows same-sex marriages and as long as you live together, you are not allowed to Ă€LS EHWZHHQ PDUULHG DQG VLQJOH (or head of household). In Kansas, same-sex couples must still file a nonmarried single return. They ZLOO ÂżOH PDUULHG RQ WKH IHGHUDO form and single on the state form. Oklahoma will do the same. However, in Missouri the governor has signed an H[HFXWLYH RUGHU WR ÂżOH MRLQW VWDWH returns even though they don’t allow same-sex marriages. Something that same-sex IRS.gov and the National Association married couples need to now of Tax Professionals were referenced in realize is that IF you were this article.

DECEMBER 2013

LIBERTY PRESS - 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. ClassiďŹ eds are available for $5 for the ďŹ rst 15 words. E-mail editor@libertypress.net for other options, and pricing.

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PAGE 23

exciting because she has been contacted by people from all over the world. Some have been very surprised to see The Face of Trans in Kansas and it gives them hope that change is still possible. Boatman will continue to share links and information that people send through the web page or Facebook. She is also happy to help raise awareness

any way she can by sitting on panels or doing presentations. “I am doing this because I can’t imagine not doing this and having others go through what I went through,� she said. Boatman says that focusing on the humanizing, personal approach is the key, along with education: “Education is free and free is good.� O

Face of Trans continued from page 16

Boatman started The Face of Trans in April of this year. Since membership in the group is currently down to one (Boatman), she says, “It’s kind of pompous, but I guess I AM The Face of Trans!â€? Future plans for the organization include EHFRPLQJ DQ DFWXDO QRQ SURÂżW In the meantime, Boatman runs the Facebook page where the goings-on in the trans world are shared. She says even though that is small right now, it is

T

he planets get into mischief this December as Venus retrogrades and rubs Sun, Mercury and Pluto. Ho ho ho. Prepare for love run amok, lumps in your stocking and a smoking yule.

bridges Died: John Kelly on November 8, 2013 in Wichita. A celebration of life was held at Diver Studio and a rosary at St. Jude Catholic Church. He LV VXUYLYHG E\ KLV VSRXVH :LOOLDP %LVFKRII WKUHH VLVWHUV ÂżYH QLHFHV four nephews, several great nieces and nephews, and his beloved pets. Memorials have been established with the American Diabetes Association and Kansas Humane Society. To sign a guest book or leave a condolence for the family, go to www.cochranmortuary.com. Anniversary: Robert Gass and Stephen Watt are celebrating their 15th anniversary on December 5, 2013. Robert and Stephen were legally married in Des Moines, Iowa on August 30, 2013. Robert Gass and Stephen Watt If you or someone you know is having an anniversary, received a promotion d or a loved l d one has h passedd away, we will ll publish bl h it free f d or award, in Bridges. E-mail editor@libertypress.net.

ARIES (MAR. 21 - APRIL 20) Your career takes off this December. And this is something that you have been working on for awhile. Can you control the direction or your ascent? It will be hard to control the fates as what you and the powers-that-be do will be unpredictable based on emotional reactions. But that is part of the fun and excitement. Keep telling yourself that, proud Ram.

LEO (JULY 24 - AUG. 23) SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 - DEC. 22) There will be a temptation to put As carefully as you may plan your all your energies into your job this ¿QDQFHV 'HFHPEHU FRXOG EULQJ D FKDQJH December, working hard and long into in circumstance where you invest with WKH QLJKW %XW GRQœW 7U\ WR ¿QG WKH your heart rather than your head. Quick balance between the demands of the job and easy money is not what it appears to and the joys of celebration. Take time out for a festive be, gay Archer. So tuck into your current nest egg and sit RI¿FH SDUW\ RU HYHQ EHWWHU DQ RXW RI RI¿FH SDUW\ $OO on it for a while. Celebrate the holiday frugally. Sip the work and no play make proud Lions frazzled felines. champagne, but don’t bathe in it.

TAURUS (APRIL 21 - MAY 21) You need to get out of your usual routine this December, queer Bull, and what better way than to pack up your stuff and travel. If you have the time and the money, a lastPLQXWH WULS FRXOG EH EHQHÂżFLDO DQG ZLWK unexpected rewards. If you need to stay close to the KRPH ÂżUHV KHDW XS DQG H[SDQG \RXU KRUL]RQV WKURXJK VWXG\ H[RWLF IRRG ÂżOP RU IRONV *HW KRW

VIRGO (AUG. 24 - SEPT. 23) CAPRICORN (DEC. 23 - JAN. 20) Queer Virgos are the toasts of the town How many parties can you attend this and the party-meisters of the moment this December? Try for as many as possible to December. Savor every event and brand meet, greet and sweep folks off their feet. it with your own personal charm. Eat, Pink Caps are primed to advance their drink and be very merry. Too too soon you will have agendas, set long-postponed projects WR UHIRFXV \RXU DWWHQWLRQV RQ WKH ERWWRP OLQH DQG ÂżQG into motion and reap the rewards of all their hard work. ways to fund your assorted fun times. In the meantime, Emotions can also run high. Will you lose your heart ÂżQG D ZHOO HQGRZHG EHQHIDFWRU WR FXVKLRQ \RX under the mistletoe? You can only hope.

GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21) Love is complicated and especially so this December. Maybe it’s because you treat your amours like a smorgasbord and have piled too much on your current plate. You are a charmer and attract many admirers. It is not too late to change or temper your diet, pink Twin. Keep your sweet tooth and nibble appropriately. Just don’t serve Christmas fruitcake.

LIBRA (SEPT. 24 - OCT. 23) Gather family members around the hearth, proud Libra. Find ways to reach out to even distant relatives to join in. There may be some out of control emotional encounters, but that just adds to the memories as the year progresses. But avoid any home improvements at this time. You think you like the walls red and green, but just wait until the spring when the light changes.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 - FEB. 19) A secret admirer could become obsessed with you this December. So be on your toes, Aqueerius, and don’t give your heart to just anyone. And yet, the excitement and mystery of an infatuation could make this holiday one to remember. You can also become more involved in charitable efforts. You know it is better to give than to receive. At least that’s what they say.

CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 23) Relationships can heat up and melt the snow this December. So nurture and WUHDVXUH \RXU SDUWQHU DQG ¿QG FUHDWLYH ways to celebrate the season together. Gay Crabs who are currently seeking a special someone will have their choice of possibilities. But you have to get out and look. Don’t VLW E\ WKH ¿UHSODFH DQG ZDLW IRU 6DQWD WR VWXII RQH LQ your stocking.

SCORPIO (OCT. 24 - NOV. 22) Do you have a pithy opinion to share? Hold off for a few weeks, proud Scorp. You never know how your words will be received and the impact it will have on unintended recipients. Plan your strategies instead and see how you can quietly implement your personal goals unobtrusively, craftily and ultimately successfully. Vie for the element of surprise rather than front-page news.

PISCES (FEB. 20 - MAR. 20) Plan a few festive get-togethers this December and join some new clubs or groups. See how you can expand your social circle into a globe. Guppies will meet many new and interesting folks who can be important and helpful to you through the next year. So take the lead, get more involved and showcase your immense talents. Deck the halls.

(c) 2013 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.

PAGE 24

LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. celebration held in September.

Student groups 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, 1602 E. Waterman, 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 Hunter Health Clinic, 2318 E. Central, Wichita, (316) 262-3611, FREE HIV FRQ¿GHQWLDO RU DQRQ\PRXV WHVWLQJ ZLWK 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 *DU¿HOG $YH WKLUG ÀRRU 7RSHND 232-3100, www.pcneks.org

Haskell Shout OUT, Haskell Indian Nations University, Bobby. crowfeather@haskell.edu, dedicated to actively seeking to bridge the Native LGBTQ community and their straight allies by promoting Openness, Understanding, and Tolerance. Meets Thursdays at 6pm in Stidham Union. 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 Heart of America Men’s Chorus, Wichita, (316) 708-4837, www.hoamc. org

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 Wichita Pride, info@wichitapride. org, www.wichitapride.org, annual

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

Get Connected, Wichita, (316) 4913778, LGBTQIA youth group for ages

Wichita Bears, presidentwichitabears@ yahoo.com, www.wichitabears.org

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

.DQVDV (TXDOLW\ &RDOLWLRQ, www. kansasequalitycoalition.org, chapters across the state.

Metropolitan Community Church of Topeka, 4425 SW 19th, (785) 2721442, office@mcctopeka.org, www. MCCTopeka.org, services Sundays at 10am.

NetworQ, Lawrence, KansasNetworQ@ yahoo.com, www.KansasNetworQ.org, meets at Maceli’s, 1031 New Hampshire

Regional AIDS Project, Manhattan, (785) 587-1999 or (785) 238-5338 -XQFWLRQ &LW\ UDS#Ă€LQWKLOOV FRP

Politics/Activism

Lutheran Campus Ministry, 1421 W. 19th, Lawrence, lutheran@ku.edu

Flint Hills PFLAG, Manhattan, (785) 340-2815, meets on the 1st Saturday, 10am-noon, call for location.

Wichita Organization of Leather Fetishes, (316) 201-6242, www. woolfks.com

The Sweet Emergency Fund, KUSM-W MPA, 1010 N. Kansas, Wichita, (316) 293-3405

Kalpa Bhadra Kadampa Buddhist Center, 721 W. 13th St., Wichita, (316) 263-1533, info@meditateinkansas.org, www.meditateinkansas.org

Junction City Teddy Bears, www. jctbears.com/index.htm

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

of Wichita, 7202 E. 21st St., (316) 684 RIÂżFHPDQDJHU#ÂżUVWXX QHW ZZZ ÂżUVWXX QHW

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 $I¿UPLQJ &RQJUHJDWLRQ 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

DECEMBER 2013 12-21. Meets at The Center, 1602 E. Waterman, every Friday from 7-9pm. +HDGTXDUWHUV &RXQVHOLQJ &HQWHU, 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 i t 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, SÀDJKXWFK#JPDLO FRP PFLAG Lawrence/Topeka, (785) 235-3831, sffeist@msn.com, www. SÀDJQHNDQVDV RUJ PHHWV VW 6XQGD\V 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) 263 RI¿FH FULVLV OLQH 24/7, wasac@wichitasac.com, www. ZLFKLWDVDF FRP IUHH FRQ¿GHQWLDO VH[XDO 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/. O

$URXQG .DQVDV OLVWLQJV DUH IUHH WR QRQ SURĂ€W YROXQWHHU based groups. Send your additions or corrections to editor@libertypress.net. Audrey Asks continued from page 14

advice to heart, Jamie! You rock! When can we see you perform? JRD: I am the show host for my show ‘The Weekend Pass’ every single Friday night at 10:30pm at the South 40! AM: I will hopefully see you there. Oh wait, I am there! Is there anyone you would like to send a shout out to? JRD: I would like to thank my support system. If it wasn’t for Neela and Brent, I would have never started doing drag. If I wouldn’t have worked with Fritz, I couldn’t pull off the things that I do. I would also like to thank .HOO\ DQG .HOOH\ >RZQHUV RI

The Fantasy Complex] without them we wouldn’t have a place to party and they have supported me a lot! Without my cast - you and Ginger - my job wouldn’t be as easy. We have zero drama and I love it! Oh and book your bachelorette and holiday parties early at Fantasy with us! Thank you so much, Jamie, for doing this interview with me. You are such an inspiration to me and I think you are amazing! Make sure you check out Jamie wherever she is performing! Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I will see you in 2014! This has been what Audrey Asked! O

DECEMBER 2013 Minor continued from page 17

of employees to join together for their mutual benefit. In fact, if low-wage workers are given such an increase, business knows that everyone’s pay will have to increase. It might even come to compare to Australia’s minimum wage of $16.68 an hour. And this hasn’t stifled Australia’s economic growth at all – they’ve had no recession in 20 years. The old arguments that raising the minimum wage will hurt employment, etc., are failing. Rigorous research now shows little evidence of job reductions from a higher minimum wage. In a 2013 survey by the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business, leading economists agreed by a nearly 4 to 1 margin that the benefits of raising and indexing the minimum wage outweigh its costs. Business and government won’t easily change. They represent the owning class. We have the best Congress money can buy - 47% of them are already millionaires, and others will retire millionaires through congressional connections. So ENDA would be just a beginning. LGBT people

LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

need not only to be protected on their jobs; they need to have JRRG MREV ZLWK GHFHQW EHQH¿WV In any movement, the majority of its members are working class. The images of LGBT people, though, are more often not. The marriage equality PRYHPHQW KDV WDNHQ ¿UVW SODFH IRU D ZKLOH ,WV EHQH¿WV UHGRXQG

to all classes of LGBT people, but especially those who are privileged to never worry about job discrimination. ENDA takes us deeper into the community. But our solidarity with the larger work force and the winning of good jobs, well-paying jobs, jobs that pay living wages, is what will PDNH QRW EHLQJ ¿UHG IRU RQH¶V

PAGE 25

sexual orientation or gender identity really worthwhile. Just think of that. O Robert N. Minor, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies at the University of Kansas, is author of When Religion Is an Addiction; Scared Straight: Why It’s So Hard to Accept Gay People and Why It’s So Hard to Be Human; and Gay & Healthy in a Sick Society. Contact him at www. FairnessProject.org.

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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

DECEMBER 2013

1HZ /*%7 IULHQGO\ GHYHORSPHQWV KHDGLQJ WR 8SWRZQ DUHD RI .DQVDV &LW\

By Ciara Reid, staff reporter KANSAS CITY - For decades, the LGBT community has seen beloved bars and coffee shops in the Uptown area along Broadway Boulevard come and go: The Planet coffee shop was a daily staple for many, and Outabounds sports bar became a hotspot that offered karaoke, poker tournaments, and a haven for sports nuts. For a while now, the area has been void of any LGBT-friendly options, but that will soon change, thanks to ECCO Holdings. One major phase of the development will be the relocation of Hamburger Mary’s, which is currently located in the Crossroads Arts District. Having a popular restaurant with a strong, existing customer base ZLOO QR GRXEW UDLVH WKH SURÂżOH RI the rest of the new restaurants and bars planned for this area. Owners of ECCO Holdings a n d H a m b u r g e r M a r y ’s , Jeff Edmondson and Eric Christensen, have been looking for a new location for quite some time due to a less than ideal situation with their current building’s ownership. Edmondson says Larry Sells, the owner of the Uptown Theater, made them a deal they couldn’t turn down. “It gives us a more LGBTfriendly location here in Kansas City,â€? Edmondson says of their new location, which is set to open next summer in the space within the Uptown Theater currently known as the Conspiracy Room. “We are very gay, make no mistake,â€? he says. “But our philosophy at Hamburger Mary’s is that

everyone is welcome here.� Edmondson says that with the new location, they’ll be a little closer to their core customer base. With the diversity that Westport brings, along with the walkability of the area by the

Hamburger Mary's current location.

Uptown Theater, Edmondson says the opportunity could not have been better. “It’s a much better situation,â€? he says. Hamburger Mary’s isn’t the only thing in the works. (GPRQGVRQ LV LQ WKH ÂżQDO VWDJHV RI ÂżQLVKLQJ ,QGXVWU\ 9LGHR %DU which will neighbor the Uptown Theater. The video bar concept is on fire in major cities like New York, Los Angles, and Chicago. The video themes vary nightly, and the ideas are endless: comedy, 80s night – the list goes on. “It’s a very social opportunity,â€? Edmondson says. “You can be entertained by the videos, your friends, etc. It will be a really warm, inviting, entertaining space.â€? The grand opening of Industry Video Bar is the second week of December. Other concepts in the works include a sports pub that is planned to open at the same time as the Hamburger Mary’s relocation, and a Tex-Mex microbrewery, which is still in the early stages of planning and development. O

DECEMBER 2013

LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

PAGE 27

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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

DECEMBER 2013

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