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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
JANUARY 2014
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JANUARY 2014
LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
JUVENILE
IN JUSTICE
Photographs by Richard Ross JANUARY 25 – APRIL 13, 2014
FREE ADMISSION | ULRICH.WICHITA.EDU Located on the WSU campus
Richard Ross, Southwest Idaho Juvenile Detention Center, Caldwell Idaho, 2, 2010. Courtesy of the artist
OPENING RECEPTION SATURDAY, JANUARY 25 7–9 P.M. Extended Hours and Supporting Programs at ULRICH.WICHITA.EDU/JUVENILEINJUSTICE This exhibition courtesy of Richard Ross and www.juvenile-in-justice.com. The Wichita presentation of Juvenile In Justice is generously supported by the Kansas Health Foundation; Office of the Vice President and General Counsel, WSU; Keith and Georgia Stevens; 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.
JANUARY 2014
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JANUARY 2014
LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Liberty Press
Volume 20, No. 5 • Editor: Kristi Parker • Contributors: Paul Berge, Dave Brousseau, Nolin Christensen, Greg Fox, Charlene Lichtenstein, Mama, Audrey McQueen, Dr. Robert N. Minor, Stephanie Mott, Ben Rivers • Staff Reporters: Helen Barnes, Parker Daniel, Brian Hansen, Ciara Reid • Contributing Photographers: Heidi Marcinik of Sundog Pet Photography • Cover Design: Troy Dilport • Graphic Designer: Troy Dilport • Webmaster: Ren Autrey • Publisher: The Liberty Press, LLC
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On the Cover:
Readers Choice Awards: Liberty Press' second annual Best of Gay Wichita! Page 19
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CONTENTS WSU TO MAKE LGBT CLASS a Gen. Ed. option for students....................... 7 TOPEKA GYM A SURPRISING haven for LGBT people............................10 MANHATTAN CHURCH FORMALLY DECLARES support for marriage equality in Kansas...................................................................................13 PFLAG'S RETURN to Wichita..........................................................................14 WICHITA ANIMAL SHELTERS get special holiday donation from Ellen.....26
Regulars OP/ED Letters, editorial cartoon, poll results...........................................6 TRANS-FORMATIVE When I Get There Before You.................................12 BOOKENDS The Heavens Rise..............................................................16 MINOR DETAILS No Matter How Ugly It's Going To Be, There's Hope in 2014...................................................................................17 AUDREY ASKS Jessica Maddox....................................................................18 LEATHER LIFE Trainer/Puppy and more.................................................22
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IN EVERY ISSUE DISTRIBUTION LIST..................... 4 MAMA KNOWS BEST.................. 11 COMICS....................................... 23 AROUND KANSAS...................... 24 CLASSIFIEDS.............................. 25 BRIDGES..................................... 25 POLL QUESTION........................ 25 OUT IN THE STARS.................... 25
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JANUARY 2014
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.
In comparison of political styles; Tim Huelskamp comes up short Dear editor: This is my reaction to the report that Kent Roth, of Ellinwood formed an exploratory committee to test the waters for a race against incumbent Congressman Tim Huelskamp in the 2014 Republican primary election in the 1st district. Roth claims a scientific survey of 400 registered Republican voters in the district who did vote in the past two primary elections concluded “anyone considering a race against Tim Huelskamp should be encouraged by the results” as only 28% stated they were likely to vote for Hueslkamp if they felt a different Republican candidate was qualified. H o w e v e r, t h e s u r v e y questions reminded voters that Tim Huelskamp had been removed from the House Agriculture Committee for being uncooperative with the Speaker of the House. The Report on
this Public Opinion Survey paid for by the challenger was made public at Facebook.com/ kentrothesquire. The process of running for federal office often involves conflicting polls; however, of greater interest is the contrasting style of the two politicians. Roth’s post states the plan was to post on Facebook and issue a press release, however, there was breaking news. After the post on Facebook, while Roth was driving to the GOP event in Dodge City the breaking news of “the death of a world leader, a champion for nonviolent change, on the level of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King passed away.” The post announced the press release would be delayed until Monday to show respect for the passing of Nelson Mandela. Huelskamp had previously scheduled an event outside his district, to take place the next day, at George Tiller’s former abortion clinic. Huelskamp arrived walking past a couple dozen supporters of the South Wind Women’s Center. The Congressman joined a larger group of Catholic High School Students about 40 from outside the district plus more from Wichita for about 100 who opposed abortion. Responding to criticism that he should be doing business in Washington, D.C., Huelskamp said, “I can’t think of a better place to be ...”
Online Readers Poll
Results! Do you have health insurance? No 14%
yes, self 24%
I beg to differ; Wichita has deep wounds from the protests that began outside this same clinic building leading to the murder of Dr. George Tiller, in his own church, in 2009 by Scott Roeder. There were better places for Huelskamp to be. He should have stayed in Washington, D.C. where efforts are underway to avoid a second government shutdown. He could have postponed his news-making out of respect for the passing of Nelson Mandela as did his potential opponent. Better yet, he might have attended to some business in his own congressional district. Ye s , C o n g r e s s m a n Hueslkamp; you may question the survey’s validity, but on the style comparison you come up short. Debi Streiff Pippit Meade
Mama responds Dear Editor: I am writing a response to the letter from Joe Mueller of Wichita last month about my column Mama Knows Best. It seems I offended Mr. Mueller with my poem from the
Yes, thru employer 62% November 2013 issue. Someone needs to tell Mr. Mueller that I did not threaten the President. It is a poem and I was just trying to rhyme. If he has not noticed, I am an entertainer; therefore it is my job to make fun of everyone and everything. As an entertainer I make fun of not only Democrats, but Republicans and all political parties. He also says it was the Republicans that shut down the government. I believe it takes all politicians to compromise not just one side! I also write an advice column so I give my opinions on almost everything. If you do not like my opinion turn the page. I did not realize that President Obama was just Mr. Mueller’s President. I believe he is all of America’s President not just his! I voted for Obama and as free speech goes I have right to say what I want! If I am so uneducated then how come Mr. Mueller is not aware of free speech? One more thing! Mr. Mueller, here is the definition of sarcasm: “a sharp, bitter, or cutting expression or remark!” Mr. Mueller you need to lighten up! Sincerely, Thelma Harper (Mama)
JANUARY 2014
LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
WSU to make LGBT class a Gen. Ed. option for students
By Brian Hansen WICHITA - Over the past decade, an increasing amount of colleges across the country have begun to offer courses covering LGBT-related studies. Subjects of LGBT laws to queer history, lesbian theory to Lady GaGa and everything in between have become available to students as full courses in numerous state colleges, with several colleges offering full degrees in LGBT study. Beginning with the spring semester 2014, Wichita State University takes another step closer to supporting an LGBT studies program. “Introduction to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender S t u d i e s ” i s t h e Wo m e n ’s Studies course now an option for WSU students to fulfill general education course requirements. The introductory course will be taught by the very experienced Dr. Ramona LieraSchwichtenberg. She has been teaching at WSU since 1995 and has taught classes in Femme Fatale in Film Noir, Lesbians and Film, Women in Pop Culture, and several feminism courses. She previously taught at the University of MassachusettsAmherst and the University of Georgia in Athens. “My class is an introductory course that examines a broad range of contemporary LGBT issues in various contexts including: historical, sexual, cultural, racial, political, sociological, literary, and bio-medical,” says LieraSchwichtenberg. The course will involve LGBT books, movies, and speakers from the community. “LGBT Studies are important in terms of inclusion. [We] welcome straight allies and those who are questioning or queer-identified as well as LGBT students. The class is open to everyone and does not assume personal identity choices on the part of individual students,” Liera-Schwichtenberg said. “In addition, these are valuable classes for anyone in
This is one of the last two times available to take the course taught by Professor Liera-Schwichtenberg before she retires to the Milwaukee area in 2015.
a field of study that includes diversity issues. The LGBT community has come a long way and there have been many cultural changes—that should be reflected in the university offerings.” Liera-Schwichtenberg believes this course is one of the best she teaches in terms of student interest and participation. The class has a high energy level and interesting discussions. She may be the instructor, but knows her students have much to teach her and each other. The class offers LGBT students and their allies an opportunity to meet and discuss important issues related to identity, history and politics. The LGBT class is crosslisted with the Social Work department and vice versa. The LGBT studies class is the first being offered towards a future LGBT Studies certificate. Liera-Schwichtenberg is optimistic of the university’s LGBT courses by stating, “[The Social Work department] and I are working together to build an LGBT Certificate across disciplines. We will be contacting other professors interested in contributing to this concentration so that we can build on coursework, and finally be able to offer a certificate in LGBT Studies that is long overdue and already offered at other universities.” l
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
JANUARY 2014
DUSTY RHODES Call/Text 316.519.2112 Email: Dusty@DustysHomes.com
Web: www.DustysHomes.com
DUSTY RHODES Call/Text 316.519.2112 Email: Dusty@DustysHomes.com
Web: www.DustysHomes.com
DUSTY RHODES Call/Text 316.519.2112 Email: Dusty@DustysHomes.com
Web: www.DustysHomes.com
DUSTY RHODES
JANUARY 2014
LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
JANUARY 2014
Topeka gym a surprising haven for LGBT people
By Ciara Reid, staff reporter TOPEKA - What is the definition of a “guild”? According to Justin Johnson, the assistant coach and trainer of Strength Guild in Topeka, it simply means “a joining of people” – a place where everyone is welcome – a mantra that in today’s times, is surprisingly slow to catch on in the gym world. Strength Guild trains everyone from the general public, power lifters, and CrossFit competitors,
to strongmen and highland game competitors. Johnson says the gym has been around for just over two years, and throughout that time, they have grown to be a second family; a sanctuary for many. “The majority of our gym clientele are gay,” Johnson says. “We have become the place where they can come and never be judged.” At his previous job at a gym in St. Louis, Johnson saw firsthand the discrimination several trainers displayed towards LGBT clientele. He recounts one particular story of a gentleman who arrived for his first workout orientation with Johnson. As part of his initial questions, Johnson asked him if he had ever worked out with a trainer before. The man gave him an odd look, and said that at another gym, his trainer found out about his sexual orientation, and said that because of his beliefs, he couldn’t train him anymore. Johnson has been training this particular client ever since, and has trained several of his friends as well.
From them, Johnson began finding out other stories of discrimination. “There is none of that here at the Guild,” Johnson says. “Everyone, no matter what, is treated as an equal.” Johnson says the gym, which currently hosts about 30 to 40
members, is a huge family that often hangs out together. When people label Strength Guild a gay gym, he simply responds, “No – we’re just a gym. “Most of our clientele is gay – we don’t judge them,” he says. “We have such a diverse group at our gym and we’re very accepting.” T he gym also includes members who have never been exposed to the LGBT community. Johnson says that for some members, being around the LGBT community has been a true eye-opening experience. One member of the gym approached two lesbians, gave them a huge hug, and thanked them. “ They opened her eyes,” Johnson says. “She used to call gay people ‘you people.’ But being around them, she said she was proud to say they were a part of her family.” A s the New Year quickly approaches, Johnson says they are expecting a surge of new members. So what are some tips to make sure a continued on page 25
JANUARY 2014
LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
D
ear Mama, What do you do when life gets you down and you just can’t get back up? Feeling blue I pull up my support hose, think about all the things I have and people that love me and I get over it! Life isn’t fair, never has been nor will it ever be! It will never me a sitcom or Hallmark movie. You just take it as it is and keep going! It does not hurt to drink a beer and yell at Eunice either. Mama, What kind of music do you like? DJ I like a variety of music. I do not care for some heavy metal, some rap, and some classical. That does mean I like some of each depending on the type. I love oldies from the 40s, and even country! I do not like any music when Eunice sings! She can’t!
Ms. Mama, What do you think of plastic surgery? Not signed I certainly do not want to look like Joan Rivers (a Barbie doll reject)! I guess if that’s what you want then go for it. It costs way more than I have and Medicare does not cover that! Hell, Medicare doesn’t even cover hemorrhoids! Doesn’t make since though, Medicare is a pain in the ass too! Mama, I saw the letter to the editor in the December issue about you, what are you going to say or do to that guy? Can’t wait to see I suggest you read the OP/ED section this month to find out! I hope everyone has a great 2014! Thank you, Wichita! 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.
When I Get There Before You: A Commentary on LGBT and Racial Equality
W
hat happens when I get there before you? It is a question that has sparked an increasingly significant concern for me. Times are changing. We are winning the war. The war is the never-ending slate of battles by which we slowly achieve equality for LGBT people. In the meantime, racism is alive and thriving in America. As marriage equality spreads across the nation, I begin to see that the dynamics of inequality are not what I thought they
JANUARY 2014
white Americans. It pretends not to see the multitude of systemic obstacles in the paths of young black men and women. Racism denies society’s responsibility for the overwhelmingly disparate numbers of young black men in jails and prisons. It contains the notion that declares unwittingly that discrimination based on race has ended. In so doing, it nonchalantly continues to tell black Americans to give up their seats on the bus, then points a finger at them as though they created the situation. There will still be a fight for true LGBT equality. There will continue to be pockets of violence
will be no less present. When the end of legalized discrimination against LGBT Americans is finally realized, most of the discrimination will phase out over a generation or two. We are still at least three or four generations away from the day we can truthfully say that there is an end to racism in the United States. There is no explanation for the House of Representatives failure to do anything other than obstruct President Obama’s were. When the end of legalized initiatives. The stench of racism discrimination against LGBT exudes from the extreme right people finally happens in with such indisputable identity America, and it will happen, the that denying its pervasiveness fight for equality in this country can only be described as delusional. When I am “When the day comes that it is not legal to in a situation that requires saying the discriminate against LGBT people, the ugly Pledge of Allegiance, head of prejudice will be no less present.” I do not speak the last six words. We will not be finished. and overt discrimination against don’t have liberty and justice for Far too many people believe LGBT Americans. But it will be all. We have liberty and justice that the race war is over; that we nothing like the discrimination for some. The end of legalized did the civil rights thing back that still exists against black discrimination against LGBT in the 1960s. That notion fails Americans today. The real fight Americans will add a number of to recognize the fact that black will be a fight for racial equality. human beings to the list of those Americans are twice as likely to For a very long time, I have for whom liberty and justice are live in poverty in comparison to believed that the fight for LGBT possible. equality was the fight to end What happens when I get discrimination; at least the state- there before you? It turns out that sponsored discrimination that I will still have work to do. Now makes it legal to treat one human that I have come to understand being as though they have less this, I have a responsibility to value than another human being. become a part of the effort to It is a very long walk from the fight racism now. If not, I am end of legalized discrimination just one more member of society to the end of discrimination. who nonchalantly takes my The changing dynamics of seat on the bus without looking the LGBT battleground together in the eyes of human beings with the voice of Professor Ben who are not afforded the same Coates -- the professor in my opportunities. l Sociology class three years ago -- make something very clear to Stephanie Mott is a transgender woman me. When the day comes that it is from Topeka. She is the executive director the Kansas Statewide Transgender not legal to discriminate against of Education Project and state chair of the LGBT people, the ugly head of Kansas Equality Coalition. Reach her at prejudice and discrimination stephanieequality@yahoo.com.
A Journey In The Light Ministries Living, Reaching, Teaching, Preaching the Word of God in Unity
Pastor Danny L. Medell
A full gospel ministry that still teaches Christ, Him crucified and the message of the cross.
2231 S Bluff Wichita, KS 67218 Pastor’s Phone: (316) 925-1102 www.journeyinthelightministries.com
We are a church that accepts everyone regardless of their race, color, social status, sexual orientation, where they are or where they have been in life.
Bible Study for all ages Sunday at 10 am Praise and Worship Service Sunday at 11 am
JANUARY 2014
LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
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Manhattan church formally declares support for marriage equality in Kansas
MANHATTAN - The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Manhattan (UUFM) has adopted a Statement of Principle in support of marriage equality in Kansas: We, the members of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Manhattan, Kansas, in light of our religious and moral principles and commitment to human rights, hereby declare full support for Marriage Equality for couples of any gender identity or sexual orientation, and call for the State of Kansas to legally recognize same-sex marriage. Following Sunday services on Dec. 8, the membership gathered to decide the measure. The statement was adopted unanimously. Tom Phillips, 2014 Chair of the UUFM Executive Board, said, “Our recently adopted
vision statement asks members of UUFM to strive to be ‘a bold model of love, compassion, social action and justice for ourselves, our society and our planet.’ Marriage equality is coming around in the U.S. and in many places in the world, but same-sex unions are considered illegal in our home state of Kansas. We UUs stand on the side of justice in support of marriage equality for all.” UUFM is an LGBT Welcoming Congregation, intentionally inclusive of LGBT people. However, this marks the first time the congregation has formally declared their support for legal same-sex marriage in Kansas. “Unitarian Universalists across the land have been working valiantly for marriage equality,” said UUFM minister Rev Michael Nelson. “We should engage in this faithbased issue more seriously.
Standing on the side of love calls us to be in open dialogue with the citizens of Kansas so that equality can become available to all. We are called to give heft and momentum to our principles by working to eradicate injustice in all its manifestations.” Nelson and his partner of more than 30 years, Charles Dedmon, were united in marriage on Nov. 17, 2013, in California. However, their marriage is not recognized in their home state of Kansas. Nelson explains that the congregation’s vote is part of a larger movement afoot in the region: He and Dedmon are rallying support for marriage equality through a start-up organization called All’s Fair Kansas. Currently in its infancy, All’s Fair Kansas will have a mission to educate the public, motivate them to act, and ultimately, change state law. “Equality is consistent
with Kansas values given our history as a Free State and our rejection of Separate but Equal in public education,” said Linda Kroeger, UUFM member and member of Flint Hill PFLAG. “Many Kansans from different congregations and faith traditions have family members or friends negatively affected by current Kansas law. We will work together through All’s Fair Kansas to promote equality. I try to imagine a Kansas in which all people are treated respectfully and equally under the law and I support the UU’s statement of principle.” UUFM is a liberal religious community committed to open discussion, spiritual exploration, and social justice. Sunday morning services begin at 10:45am at the Fellowship building, 481 Zeandale Road. For more information, contact Tom Phillips at tphillips@uufm. net or visit uufm.net. l
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
PFLAG’s return to Wichita
By Parker Daniel
WICHITA - Beginning in 1972, as a moment of solidarity between mother and son, Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians And Gays (PFLAG) has since grown into the country’s largest grassroots organization toward the advancement of equality and
acceptance of LGBT people. In its mission to “support, educate, and advocate,” PFLAG provides safe and open spaces in which LGBT people and their parents, families, friends, and allies can address their concerns about the coming out process and work toward acceptance.
JANUARY 2014
From a recent conversation with local President Brian Sutton, the re-opening of PFLAG’s Wichita chapter this past November couldn’t have been more timely. He said that 49 people turned up at the first meeting and 40 at the second, which shows community need. Times have changed and more parents are open to acceptance and willing to have a dialogue. According to Sutton, while he originally thought the biggest challenge would be getting parents to participate, that hasn’t been much of a challenge after all. The real challenge is the stigma still attached to transgender people, even within the LGBT community. In fact, the chapter plans to focus on transgender issues in January’s support meeting. PFLAG also works with local organizations to make themselves as accessible to the community as possible. Sutton briefly mentioned the chapter’s work with The Center and the Kansas Equality Coalition, as well as gay/straight alliances in Sedgwick County schools. As he says, the main goal is to “let the community know we’re here.” In doing so, the organization hopes to take the loving environment they produce and expand it to the larger community. Change is slow, but with the help of PFLAG it may come more easily. The support meetings are free and happen on the second Thursday of each month at College Hill United Methodist Church, 2930 E. 1st St. in Wichita, from 6:30-8:30pm. The groups are led by a facilitator, and all conversations are confidential. For more information, contact the chapter by e-mail at info@ictpflag.org or by phone at 316.247.6005. l
H
JANUARY 2014
LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
! r a e Y w e N from: y p ap
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
By Ben Rivers s I write this review I am in the midst of concert preparation, Christmas baking, present making and present shopping. As you read this review you are in the midst of the post-holidays hangover, with the realization that you ate too much, spent too much, and possibly drank too much. Well, I have a delicious read to remind you that while your hangover is uncomfortable, it could be worse. Christopher Rice’s fifth novel, The Heavens Rise ($26, Gallery Books), is a concise thriller with some Lovecraftian underpinnings. In fact, I was not surprised when I googled Rice and found that he was friends with Clive Barker of Hellraiser fame. While Rice considers himself a thriller author, there are dark tendrils of the horror genre that flicker in the shadows of this tale. But he does more than titillate with this book.
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Set primarily in and around New Orleans the book shifts between a pre- and post-Katrina consciousness. It oozes the South in its mood and pacing. We get the “bless your heart” elites, the drawl of the speech, and the vestiges of Antebellum reality. The conversation between black reporter Marissa Hopewell and white socialite Heidi Ferriot is brilliant and disturbing in its succinct delivery. Most of the dialogue and character development is so enjoyable because Rice allows the reader to read between the words on the page to create the character for herself. One of the main characters, Ben, is gay, but this is not a gay novel. It is a novel that LGBT people inhabit, which is very refreshing. Ben’s struggle to come to terms with the disappearance of his best friend Nikki, and his unrequited feelings for Nikki’s boyfriend Anthem add a beautiful tension. The shifting between preKatrina, which is also preNikki’s disappearance and postKatrina/Nikki lends tension to the structure that propels the reader forward. Amidst all of this Rice adds a disturbing supernatural twist which grants mind control to people who stir it from the depths of the swamp. This is a novel about power, and its corruption. Power in the hands of the evil is never a good thing to experience, but it makes for a thrilling read. I will definitely check out his first four novels based on this read. l
JANUARY 2014
LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Minor
Details By Bob Minor
No Matter How Ugly It's Going to Be, There's Hope in 2014
T
he New Year can safely be forecasted to bring more of the same. Actually, it’s likely to be an exaggeration of the political craziness of 2013. There are those who dream of sanity and bipartisan cooperation. I hope they had the pristine white Christmas they fantasized, too. 2014 actually is an election year, though it seems as if we’re always in one anymore. There are 33 U.S. Senate seats being contested in addition to all 435 House seats. So, the pressure to do whatever it takes to raise money and buy votes is now in full swing. The media circus will continue to predict whatever about the outcome, finding polls to keep cable channels’ viewers on edge. Political advertising money will flow more freely as corporatists target local and national races. 2013 ended with outsiders loving the schisms among Republicans. “Falling in line” was collapsing, but it’s easy to make too much of this as wishful thinking. Certainly, the ideologues representing remnants of Tea Partyism will continue to stick to their guns. Incumbents’ realistic fears of being primaried by someone to their right, no matter how conservative they vote, will increase the crazy talk. There’ll be continuing, if slower, progress in the states on marriage equality. The religious right-wing won’t give up waging various fights against LGBT equality while baby boomers set their agendas. We ’ l l b e l u c k y i f t h e federal Employment NonDiscrimination Act goes anywhere this election year. But Republicans would give the Democrats social issues if it
guaranteed that their rich friends get to hoard even more money. Except for the religious extreme, the Republican Party will continue to prioritize the protection of the upper 1% and the redistribution of wealth upward. That trumps everything. The Supreme Court will make it easier this year by loosening election laws further except for those that disenfranchise anyone who could threaten corporate rule. Don’t expect much from this corporate court. Democrats and liberals will continue to be aghast at what FOX News and Republicans say in 2014, as if anything should surprise them. The lies will continue, and even when it’s pointed out that they aren’t true, they’ll be repeated – Benghazi, Benghazi, Benghazi; Handshake-gate; Socialist infiltration; Kenyan president; Threats to guns. Democrats and liberal allies, including the President, will allow the Republican right-wing to continue to set the agenda. Democrats will move to the center claiming it’s good for the country, mom, and apple pie, while Republicans stand pat. The President will give a lot of really good speeches. But he’ll cave to the Republicans while claiming it’s a necessity. Establishment Democrats, under the guise of bipartisanship or effective governing, or another nice idea, will affirm the right-wing’s values by giving them credence and even joining them in “reforming” the big three - Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. If the Republicans are successful, the Democrats will get away with what Republicans could never accomplish in crippling these programs. Republican de-funding of
social programs will mean more liberal money will move to charities to make up the difference, so that liberal money won’t go toward any political change that threatens business. Meanwhile even more corporate conservative money will flow into politics. The fight against working people’s rights to bargain collectively will continue. But they’ll have to turn their attention to the organizing of fast-food and other low-wage workers who are threatening to change the landscape for every working person. The people will continue to rise up and support populists like Elizabeth Warren, Sherrod Brown, and Bernie Sanders. That will anger the Democratic establishment that will work to marginalize the Democratic populists, while the mainstream media support them with the ever-repeated claim that the people want politicians to move to “the center,” as if there is one. The media will continue to lose credibility as it continues striving to prove to the rightwing that it’s not liberal. People will rely more and more on the little and less-vetted information they get from tweets and blogs. We’ll lament more mass shootings while there are calls to loosen restrictions on weapons. As a result many innocents won’t be with us at 2014’s end to protect what the lobbying group for weapons manufacturers and distributors claims is a Second Amendment right. America will continue to rise on the corruption index compared to other countries while it continues to defame European countries that don’t join it in corporatization. And the world will look on wondering what happened to that oncegreat experiment in democracy. 2014 won’t be a pretty year.
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But falling into hopelessness, hiding, turning inward, and refusing to fight all of this would be self-destructive, disempowering and a vote for the ugliness. All over the country in almost every place, there are people who don’t want this, and many who’re doing something about it. Connecting to those who believe you can fight will be the most important choice we make in 2014. Poet, activist Audre Lord was right when she said: “That you can’t change City Hall is a rumor being spread by City Hall.” We don’t have to be optimists when we choose hope. We can face the ugliness even when we’d prefer that our anthem be Louie Armstrong’s It’s a Wonderful World. Wherever we are, however we can, we can do what says to the world that we’re not giving in or giving up. It requires that we be there. And that is what actually does change things. Change is not just silly talk about some crazy dream. No romantic, American historian Howard Zinn put it this way: “History is instructive. And what it suggests to people is that even if they do little things, if they walk on the picket line, if they join a vigil, if they write a letter to their local newspaper. Anything they do, however small, becomes part of a much, much larger sort of flow of energy. And when enough people do enough things, however small they are, then change takes place.” l Robert N. Minor, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies at the University of Kansas, is author of When Religion Is an Addiction; Scared Straight: Why It’s So Hard to Accept Gay People and Why It’s So Hard to Be Human; and Gay & Healthy in a Sick Society. Contact him at www. FairnessProject.org.
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.
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
JANUARY 2014
out and stood there, patted my hip and lipsynched like a deer in the headlights. AM: Do you have any advice for future queens? Or shall I say current queens also? JM: My advice to anyone would be always wear hip pads, eyelashes, nails, and panty hose, unless you’re just that fish!! AM: Where can we see you perform? JM: I can be seen performing occasionally at the Brown Sugar Show and hopefully a few Fridays with my sisters Ginger Rose, yourself and Jamie at the weekend pass show.
H
ello once again Kansas! I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I also hope you all enjoyed my article with Jamie Ray Downes! Let’s get to the point. To start out the new year, we are going to talk to a special titleholder who is giving up her titles this year - my good sister, Miss Jessica Maddox! Audrey McQueen: Thank you for doing this with me today Jessica. Happy New Year! Jessica Maddox: Hey girl, thanks for letting me be the first queen of 2014 for Audrey Asks!! AM: Where did you get your name? JM: I got my drag name one day while sitting at [Club] 1507 talking with Neela Downes and Fritz Capone. Fritz suggested Victoria Maddox and I didn’t like Victoria as it sounded old to me. So Neela pops off Jessica and so I became Jessica Maddox! AM: Any current or former titles or awards? JM: I am the current reigning Miss KGRA Queen of Hearts 2011-present, Miss Wichita Pride 2012-13 and the current reigning Miss Wichita Newcomer 2013-14. CISmagnet.eps 1 10/18/2011 2:23:51 PM
Jessica Maddox (and her mom!)
AM: What was your most memorable time doing drag? JM: My most memorable time while doing drag was when I fell during a talent for Miss Wichita and my mother screaming, “Oh my God! My baby just fell!” As if the judges and the whole audience hadn’t already seen, she made sure anybody who had turned away looked back at me. Then I was embarrassed! When I look back on it now, I say, “Wow, how lucky and fortunate I am to have my parent support me enough to not only LOVE me for who I AM, but be there for me while I perform and compete!”
AM: Who are your inspirations? JM: My inspirations in drag are Nova Starr, Mackenzie Carmichael, Brown Sugar, Arione OhsoLuvlie DeCardeza, Taylor Madison Monroe and Keli Stevens.
AM: Any quote or motto you live by? JM: My #1 favorite quote is from the Bible. It is Philippians 4:13: I can do anything through Christ who strengthens me! My #2 quote is: You get what you pay for!!
AM: How long have you been performing? JD: I have been doing the art of female impersonation for a little over three years.
AM: Anything you would like to say to any friends, family, or fans? JM: In closing I would like to thank first and foremost my mother - without you I would be nothing! To all the fans of drag, thanks so much - without you there wouldn’t be an us. Remember keep true to yourself and be who you are! Find me on Facebook as my boy name Bobby Hise! To my sisters Audrey McQueen and Ginger Rose, I look up to you both so much.
AM: Tell me about your first drag experience? JD: My first time in drag - oh what a mess!! I kept asking for help and the only person that kept their word was Dynasty!! She said, “Girl, bring your makeup to Club 1507 on amateur night.” So I did. She painted my mug and I was as white as chalk because I wouldn’t listen to what she said. I didn’t know how to tuck so I had a moose knuckle . . . I got sick before going on stage, went to back out and my music started. I was pushed
Alright thank you so much for doing this with me! You rock, I love you bunches and you have come so far since I first met you. Make sure you go add Bobby Hise on Facebook! Well I hope you all had a safe New Year!! We will see you back in February for another fierce Keep warm with interview! This has been our new Winter what Audrey Asked. l
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2014 Best of Gay Wichita BALLOT Bartender_____________________________
W
elcome to Liberty Pressâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; second annual Best of Gay Wichita 2014! Located to the right is the ballot to vote for your favorites in the LGBT community in Wichita. Voting is open Jan. 1-Feb. 8, 2014. Votes will be tallied and the winners will be announced in the March 2014 issue.
Dance Floor____________________________ Place to Grab a Beer____________________
Some notes: If you are unsure if your favorite would qualify, refer to the helpful title: Best of Gay Wichita. We want to know what the LGBT community thinks, with a focus on LGBT people, places and things. Feel free to fill out as many, or as few, categories as you like. Only one ballot per person will be counted.
Place to Meet Women____________________
To vote: Write in your picks, then send the ballot to us via snail mail to:
Mixed Drink (what/place)________________
Liberty Press PO Box 16315 Wichita, KS 67216-0315
Include as many ballots as youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like - gather your friends and save a stamp! But please only one ballot per person.
Or you may vote online at: www.libertypress.net
Editor's Note: With the return of GALA at last year's Pride event in September, we are narrowing our focus down to categories in the business community.
Place to Meet Men______________________ Theme Night___________________________
Overall Bar____________________________ Gay-friendly Restaurant/Coffeeshop_______ ______________________________________ Local DJ______________________________ Live Theater____________________________ Massage Therapist______________________ Realtor________________________________ Attorney______________________________ Business Person________________________ Other Business_________________________ Therapist/Psychologist___________________ Hair Stylist____________________________ Name________________________________ E-mail address__________________________
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
JANUARY 2014
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
Leather Life
JANUARY 2014
By Nolin Christensen aka Master C
This column is dedicated to explaining to others what the Leather lifestyle is about and what we do.
Trainer/puppy and more
T
his is the final installment of the series on the various types of D/s relationships that occur within the Leather and BDSM communities. We’ve covered the three most frequent ones, Master/slave, Daddy/boy and Sir/boy. This month we will talk about the remaining types. These types of D/s relationships are very specific and deal with a specific type of play. These include Trainer/puppy, School Master/student, Rider/pony, and just about everything else you can think of that involves a D/s type play/scene. The most common of these that is growing in numbers, is the Trainer/puppy. We are seeing more and more individuals who are becoming interested in puppy play. This is where a person takes on the persona of a puppy and another takes on
the role of dog/puppy trainer. Where the other types of D/s relationships the Dom is a Dom, the Trainer/puppy can involve any two people, whether they are both submissives or they are both Doms. One person plays the trainer the other the puppy. There is a whole range of clothing and play toys dedicated to this type of role-play. At almost every Leather/ BDSM event there is a “mosh” pit. A mosh pit is an area designed for the puppies to play together. Kind of like a dog park in the real world, this is an area roped or fenced off with rubber mats on the floor. The puppies can gather and the trainers can watch and give commands. There are now even specific events and contests for trainers and puppies. The Master/slave, Daddy/ boy, Sir/boy and Trainer/puppy are relationships that define the individuals’ interactions with each other on a daily basis. The other types of interactions are more defined to a specific play/scene. They are not the permanent types as we have discussed. One other type of D/s relationship that exists and can happen (quite frequently in fact) is a poly relationship. A poly relationship is where there are more than two individuals involved. Sometimes referred to as a triad relationship, it is where three or more people are committed to each other and form a family unit. The dynamics of these vary from family to
JANUARY 2014
LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
family. Some examples are two Doms and a submissive, one Dom and multiple submissives or two Doms each with their own submissives. The arrangements can be endless. For some of these families the submissives only play oneon-one with the Dom and do not play with each other. For other families, all of the individuals play with all of the partners. Some are just one-on-one play, others are group play. Each are different and there are no set rules other than the rules defined by the Dom of the family. One thing that I do caution is that for families where there is two Dominants, it is highly recommended that one of the Doms be the primary Dom who makes any and all final decisions. I have witnessed more than one disaster when this was not properly defined. And the final type of D/s relationship that many don’t even realize can occur is that of a husband and wife. The best marriages seem to occur when one of the spouses is the primary decision-maker. (Now notice, I didn’t say the man was the primary decision-
maker!! Either person can be in that role.) When both people have a rule that both are equal, it makes it very difficult when a hard decision has to be made if someone isn’t the heavy. But as in all relationships, communication is key and vital. In the D/s relationship in the Leather and BDSM community,
we advocate communication, communication, communication. Because of the type of play we do and because of the type of relationships we get into, communicating between all the individuals is absolutely paramount. And when you have multiple partners, it’s even more important.
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Overall, the rewards of being in a D/s relationship and also being in a triad family is something I can’t describe, but it is so worth it. I would not trade anything for my two partners. Our relationship is a Sir/boy by definition. Most of all, we all enjoy and cherish each other. l
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; 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 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 Regional AIDS Project, Manhattan, (785) 587-1999 or (785) 238-5338 Junction City, rap@flinthills.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 Wichita Pride, info@wichitapride. org, www.wichitapride.org, annual
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 Junction City Teddy Bears, www. jctbears.com/index.htm 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.org/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, 10am-noon, call for location. Get Connected, Wichita, (316) 4913778, LGBTQIA youth group for ages
JANUARY 2014 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.
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
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a few minutes to be active and burn calories,” he says. Other tips include watching what you eat, drinking plenty of water, and just keeping it simple when it comes to nutrition: meats, vegetables, and fruits. For more information on memberships, visit www. strengthguild.com. l
Strength continued from page 10
resolution to get fit evolves into a permanent lifestyle? Johnson says the first rule is to get rid of the word ‘resolution.’ “It’s not a resolution, it’s a goal,” he says. “A goal is something you can commit to; a resolution is something you can walk away from.” Another tip from Johnson is actually pretty straightforward – just be active. “It only takes
A
parade of planets traipses through Capricorn this January giving the chilly air a definitive purpose and profitable goal. Let’s go for the gusto and see how success can change us . . . or give us extra change.
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bridges Awarded: Jay Price, professor of history at Wichita State, and Fletcher Powell, KMUW news producer, earned an honorable mention from the Kansas Association of Broadcasters for their collaboration, Past and Present: Kellogg, The Lost Thoroughfare. Named: Kerry Wilks, associate professor of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures at Wichita State, has been named associate dean of the Graduate School. Died: Sue Campbell, 84, retired SW Bell employee, on November 30, 2013 in Wichita. She is survived by her long-time partner Connie Condray. Memorials have been established with St. John’s Episcopal and the Kansas Humane Society. 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.
ARIES (MAR. 21 - APRIL 20) LEO (JULY 24 - AUG. 23) SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 - DEC. 22) Your career takes precedence over Whatever job you have this year, expect Money is highlighted this January and everything else this January. Professional it to be filled with surprises. Even small why not? You have been fairly careful decisions and actions impact your efforts you put into doing a task well this past winter with your dough and have progress through the entire year, so could have a monumental payoff. Little managed to turn a small nest egg into a resolve not to take crazy risks or make crafted actions can feed the corporate large rising pile. What will you do with all too many petty outrageous demands while you have the machinery and catapult you into a new situation. Keep your largess? Some gay Archers will spend like crazy. But ear of the power brokers. Sugarcoat your requests. Have your eyes and ears open for opportunity, proud Lion. others will take a long practical look ahead. Find time a gripe? Simmer, stew and plot to serve later. What looks like a dead end actually has a secret tunnel. for both frivolity and frugalness . . . or is it cheap thrills? TAURUS (APRIL 21 - MAY 21) Travel has its surprises this January. On the one hand, it can be a wild and grand adventure. On the other hand, it may be too frenetic and crazy to really relax and enjoy. Plan as much of it as you can, but be prepared for an occasional detour. Who knows? Expect the unexpected and drop a few breadcrumbs to find your way home. Uh, is that a flock of birds ahead?
VIRGO (AUG. 24 - SEPT. 23) CAPRICORN (DEC. 23 - JAN. 20) Follow your artistic muse this January All eyes are upon you and it will soon be and see where all the fun leads you time to make your grand entrance. Plan the possibilities are endless and the your best moves and prepare your best opportunities are enormous. Will you party ideas. Pink Caps can set their personal hearty and wind up with a hangover and a list of New course for the next year as they hobnob Year’s resolutions? Or will you corral your best ideas with the high and mighty. But remember to spend some into a new marketing push and wow the masses and your time with those at the other end of the spectrum too. See bottom line? How energetic do you feel, queer Virgo? life from all angles and shapes. Don’t be obtuse.
GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21) Love and sex cannot only get more complicated, they create ruckus in unexpected situations. Be sure to keep your sex life safely within the parameters of current relationships and don’t order out. Pink Twins can have a wandering eye. Make a New Year’s resolution to keep your eyes affixed on the ultimate prize. Let me know when you figure out what that is.
LIBRA (SEPT. 24 - OCT. 23) What will feed your inner soul this January? Some say s’mores toasting in a fireplace, but I think anything that gets you closer to your roots, home and hearth helps. Even if family is far away or estranged, try to reach out to relatives and build bridges. The connection you make today proves to be beneficial later this year. Did I say beneficial? I meant (ka-ching) profitable.
CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 23) Partnerships can evolve and change not only in January, but also throughout the new year. This is great if you have been feeling stalled and static, but you can become a little uneasy if you want things to remain just as they are. Embrace the adventure and excitement. A new broom sweeps clean, gay Crab. Don’t push all that dust under the rug.
AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 - FEB. 19) Stray intuitive thoughts may seem like a distraction, but they provide the seeds of creativity. So allow yourself a time for contemplative meditation and see if you discover clues that solve some of your long-term intractable problems. At the very least you can have a relaxing respite that clears your mind and readies it for the next big push. How much can you push, Aqueerius?
SCORPIO (OCT. 24 - NOV. 22) PISCES (FEB. 20 - MAR. 20) As strategic as you think you are, you are Pals figure prominently in your life this even more so in January. Everything you January. Find ways to get folks together say has impact, foresight and profundity. and even expand your tight circle with a few Memorize your lines, work the room new fresh faces. Life has been too sedate and impress them with your intelligence, and boring. The new year guarantees more proud Scorpio. Focus your attention on a long-term excitement, Guppie. Stir things up with a potent cocktail goal and resolve to get at least one step closer to it of the four “F”s = friends, food, festivities and frolic. Or now. Simon says forget baby steps - go for at least is it foolishness? I forget. umbrella steps.
(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.
JANUARY 2014
Wichita animal shelters get special holiday donation from Ellen
in need,” said Curt Farrington, president of K-9 Karma Animal Advocates, Inc., which received nearly 2,000 pounds of puppy and dog food. While shelters and rescues appreciate all Photo by Heidi Marcinik of Sundog Pet Photography. donations, an influx of premium food WICHITA - Christmas came like Halo offers unique benefits. early for some Wichita area “We currently have numerous animal rescues and shelters. On sick and malnourished dogs Dec. 11, an 18-wheeler truck along with puppies and a nursing pulled up in front of the All mother,” said Farrington. Paws retail store, packed with “Quality dog food becomes pet food donations from Halo, a precious resource. Only by Purely for Pets, the natural pet returning dogs to health by food company co-owned by providing good nutrition do Ellen DeGeneres. they have a chance of finding For the grateful recipients, safe, loving permanent homes the food was desperately needed. of their own, which is always “This donation could not have our ultimate goal.” come at a better time since we More and more people who are currently deluged with dogs donate to shelters and rescues
are recognizing that often the quality of the food they donate does matter. Shelters nationwide agree that good nutrition helps shelter pets look and feel their best, sometimes helping them find forever homes. In fact, in a survey of 85 shelter professionals, 71% said that better food quality “definitely helps” dogs and cats to get adopted. While the quality of the food donation is unique, the source of the donation is also unusual. The holiday kibble drop is part of a year-round partnership between Halo and Freekibble.com, a site started by 17-year-old Oregon girl, Mimi Ausland, when she was just 11. Visitors can go to the Freekibble.com to answer a daily pet-related trivia question. For every answer, right or wrong, the site donates 10 pieces of kibble to shelter pets. Freekibble.com and Freekibblekat.com receive a combined 125,000 pet-loving
visitors each day, earning more than 1.5 million meals per year for shelter pets nationwide. In 2010, Halo became Freekibble.com’s official pet food sponsor. The Holiday Kibble Drop “Inspire Tour” is so named to honor the pets, their people and the organizations that work hard to “do good” for pets during the holidays and year round. Six shelters and rescues were lucky recipients in the Wichita area. They included Lifeline Animal Placement and Protection, K-9 Karma Animal Advocates, Inc., For the Love of Every Animal, Kingman County Humane Society, Caring Hands Humane Society and PALS. Organizations in Nashville, Washington, DC, Raleigh, Philadelphia, Greenwich, CT; New York, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Bend, OR also hosted stops on the tour. l
JANUARY 2014
2014
LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
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Happy New Years! Thanks for a fabulous 2013
“Join Us For Lunch or Dinner!” “Our daily lunch special is just $7.99 w it h drink, Baby!! ” “We serve food 11am-9pm daily, and Sunday Breakfast Buffet opens at 10:30am”
Intrust Bank Arena Events January 2014 Monster Jam - Jan. 10-11 The Roadshow 2014 - Jan. 25 Harlem Globetrotters - Jan. 26
!!
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LIBERTY PRESS - CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 1994-2014; WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.
JANUARY 2014