Liberty Press Jan 2016 by Liberty Press Kansas

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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

One Queen Two Queen Yass Queen Boo Queen

Saturday, January 30, 2016 7 pm start time with doors opening at 6:15 pm McCain Auditorium at Kansas State University K-State.edu/mccain Pre Show at 6:30 pm Tickets available starting January 25 Students with K-State ID: FREE! Limit of one ticket per K-State ID Non-students: $8 + tax Purchase tickets at the McCain Box Office Sponsored by:

K-State Student Organization for Cultural Studies, LGBT and Allies, K-State LGBT Resource Center, and K-State Union Program Council.

JANUARY 2016

TODAY’S ART MATTERS. TODAY’S ART MATTERS. TODAY’S ART MATTERS. LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL. TODAY’S ART MATTERS. @ulrichmuseum TODAY’S ART MATTERS.

ulrich.wichita.edu | Free Admission | 316.978.3664 | 1845 Fairmount

VISUAL JUSTICE:

The Gordon Parks Photography Collection at WSU

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ON VIEW: January 16 – April 10, 2016 WINTER OPENING: January 16, 7–9 P.M.

Gordon Parks, Untitled, New York, 1963. Gelatin silver print, 8 x 10 in. Ulrich Museum of Art at Wichita State University. Museum purchase/gift of The Gordon Parks Foundation, Courtesy of and ©The Gordon Parks Foundation The exhibition and associated programs are made possible by generous contributions from the Samuel M. and Laura H. Brown Charitable Trust administered by INTRUST Wealth, Mickey Armstrong, Kansas Health Foundation, and the Fidelity Bank Foundation. Additional support provided by Marcia and Ted D. Ayres, Ann and Martin Bauer, Joan S. Beren, Eric Engstrom and Robert Bell, Gridley Family Foundation, Rex and Denise Irwin, Jane C. McHugh, and Keith and Georgia Stevens.

This celebration of the Ulrich Museum of Art’s most recent Gordon Parks acquisitions surveys the life work of one of this country’s most important photographers. He captured the injustices of the Civil Rights Movement alongside the stark realities of world strife through images taken throughout the second half of the 20th century. Many of Gordon Parks’ best known photo essays for Life magazine are represented in this exhibition.

FOUNDATION

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Mallory Rine Marketing Manager, Orpheum Theatre

JANUARY 2016

Liberty Press

Volume 22, No. 5 • Editor: Kristi Parker • Contributors: Pat Bagley, Beacon Youth Group, Nolin Christensen, Greg Fox, Charlene Lichtenstein, Mama, Dr. Robert N. Minor, Stephanie Mott, Ben Rivers, Jeromiah Taylor • Staff Reporters: Grayson Barnes, Blake Hampton, Ciara Reid • Cover: Troy Dilport • Graphic Designer: Troy Dilport • Webmaster: Ren Autrey • Publisher: Liberty Press, LLC • Printer: Valley Offset Printing National Advertising: Rivendell Media, (212) 242-96863 Subscriptions are $18/year

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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

Inside: THE BEACON BIT....................6 MINOR DETAILS....................11 POINTS OF INTEREST...........12 BOOKENDS............................17 AROUND KANSAS.................18 LEATHER LIFE.......................19 KYLE'S BED & BREAKFAST...19 MAMA KNOWS BEST............20 OUT IN THE STARS................20 TRANS-FORMATIVE...............21 Fantasy building sold ...............7 Local photographer wins international praise...........................13 and more!........

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The Beacon Bit: A Youth Perspective

015 has been a great year for LGBTQ rights; we’ve seen marriage equality legalized, we’ve seen huge outcries of support for causes and members of the community in need, and we’ve seen more representation in media than ever before. Here in our home state, there have been positive changes, but there have also been some notso-positive ones. Just before Valentine’s Day, Gov. Sam Brownback decided to reverse the order issued by Kathleen Sebelius in 2007 which granted employment protections to LGBTQ state workers. On a more positive note, the Topeka Public School District has implemented new policies to promote fair treatment of transgender students. Going into 2016, we all have things we’d like to see happen (or not happen). This article contains just a few of the things Beacon kids want from the new year. Many of us struggle with acceptance at home and at school. We would like to be able to express love freely and openly in whatever form it may take, both at home and in the outside world. Safety is hugely important to us. We want to feel safe no matter where we go; no child should have to fear death while walking down the street in the clothes that make them feel most comfortable or while holding hands with the person they love. School sex education is notorious for not including queer identities. We want to see sex ed include discussions about queer relationships, sexual and otherwise. We want to see talks about pronoun usage and gender identity. We want to see schools stop shaming students for having sex or for having the wrong kind

of sex, but we also want to see curriculums that include asexual and aromantic identities. One thing that absolutely needs to change is the use of the word gay to mean something negative. If you’ve ever been around a typical straight teenager, you probably have heard the phrase “that’s so gay” at some point. The notion that being gay means someone is less than―less masculine, less smart, less cool―needs to end as soon as possible because it is harming youth who do identify themselves as lesbian, gay, or bisexual. Living authentically is extremely difficult for trans youth. It’s hard enough for youth to come out and deal with the potential backlash, let alone finding items to help ease dysphoria. Trans teens who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) often use unsafe binding methods like Ace bandages or duct tape, while teens who are assigned male at birth (AMAB) often use similarly unsafe methods to tuck. We would like to see binders and other undergarments that help ease dysphoria readily available in department stores and other clothing shops. We would also like to see better education that teaches kids the dangers of using unsafe methods to bind or tuck. Many younger LGBTQ youth will be eligible to vote for the first time in the 2016 elections. We are extremely excited for this new opportunity to have a say in our federal government. In general, our group seems to have a strong lead towards Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders. One thing we can all agree on is that none of us want a Republican president to take office.

JANUARY 2016

SB158: Pay more to heterosexual foster parents?!

By Jeromiah Taylor

hile the nationwide legalization of samesex marriage was an important victory, the fight for the rights of same-sex couples is ongoing and more urgent than ever. Despite the thousands of children adrift in the Kansas foster care program a Kansas senator named Forrest Knox has drafted legislation discriminating against potential same-sex foster parents. The bill, SB158, outlines a ridiculously rigid set of criteria for any would be foster parents and states that heterosexual couples should be paid higher and generally favored over same-sex parents. The bill also requires that only one parent work outside of the house, that no alcohol or tobacco be used inside the house and gives the ability to choose whether or not the child attends public school to the adoptive parent. Not only is the bill and its dubious innovator riddled with hypocrisy, it demonstrates flagrant homophobia and is essentially counterintuitive in that it worsens the plight of Kansas’ foster children. Senator Knox, who has adopted four children himself, assumes the moral high ground and claims that his legislation is motivated by genuine concern. These claims are somewhat paradoxical considering his other stances on foster homes. When asked about his feelings on firearm possession in foster homes, Knox has stated that he feels no more legal action is required to secure firearms in We’re hoping to make this the best year for LGBTQ equality yet! Happy New Year from us at Beacon. Keep fighting to make change happen, and we can certainly make this another great year. l

foster homes. It is noteworthy that this is the same man that advocated for the legislation which allowed concealed weapons on campus. Apparently some members of the state legislature believe that an arbitrarily chosen, heterosexual family in possession of poorly regulated firearms is inherently more trustworthy than a wellconsidered, same-sex couple. T h e s e n a t o r, i n t r u e hypocritical fashion, has ignored criticism from several sources including Wichita social worker Connie Mayes who says that the bill’s lax rules about private schooling rid children of an important resource and that the moralistic family blueprint which Knox advocates does not promise protection. Clearly Senator Knox is more concerned with institutionalizing a lifestyle than he is protecting the rights and safety of vulnerable children. The bill’s untrustworthy and prejudicial nature is worsened by its obvious practical flaw. According to the latest data supplied by the Kansas Department of Children and Families (DCF) there are some 5,800 foster children living in “out of home placement” and 350 waiting to be adopted. According to Knox, the state government should respond to a considerable indigent population by limiting its opportunities for permanent placement. Evidently it is preferable that foster children should remain in the system rather than receive care and shelter from the hands of an approved and qualified same-sex couple. Once again the Kansas state government has proven that it prioritizes conservative values over the welfare of its constituents and has failed to represent the diversity of the Kansas people. LGBTQIA activists and allies alike should continue the discourse and criticism surrounding this harmful proposed legislation and work to halt SB158 in its tracks. l Jeromiah Taylor is a student at East High in Wichita. He is on the staff of the Messenger, the high school newspaper.

JANUARY 2016

LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

Fantasy building sold to Planeview developer

By Blake Hampton W I C H I TA - T h e F a n t a s y Complex closed its doors this year. The oldest and one of the most popular LGBT clubs left a hole in the community. Since then other businesses and clubs have opened or revamped current establishments. People within the LGBT community have taken it upon themselves to fill what was missing in Wichita, which still left the six acres at 3201 S. Hillside unused. Now developer Rob Snyder owns it. According to the Wichita Eagle, Snyder is going to take that space and turn it into The Place, a new event center. Rob Snyder is a developer of low-income housing in Planeview, which borders the former Fantasy property to the north and east, he owns over 700 properties. His most recent project, Planeview’s Save-aLot, opened in 2011. There were some legalities that lead to the opening of this particular Save a Lot project that called into question the handling of his projects. At the time he had over 200 housing violations filed against him and his companies. However he has taken care of or attended to most of the violations. Current violations are unknown. The proceedings also showed that Snyder is willing to work on projects that are needed within this community. Building the Save-a-Lot was one that community leaders all agreed was needed in Planeview.

In taking the project of putting Fantasy’s space back into use Snyder had some ideas. According to the Wichita Eagle, he at first wanted to use it for industrial purposes, but he listened to his employees who explained that an event center could be of much better use for the community. At this point nothing is set in stone about what the property will be providing, and what will take place. An event license has been applied for, and there is also the likelihood of an application for a liquor license. Although Snyder says he has no plans to open a bar. According to Snyder, the swimming pool has already been filled in. Snyder was unable to be reached for comment, as was Geta Lager, the sister of longtime owner Linn Copeland, who has owned the property since Copeland’s passing in 2005. Jennifer King, a long-time employee of the Fantasy, said she likes Snyder’s idea. “I think he respects the history of the place, and I can’t wait to see what becomes of it.” l

Former Fantasy bartender Bobby Hise and entertainer Audrey McQueen at the club.

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JANUARY 2016

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JANUARY 2016

LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

Minor

Details By Bob Minor

It's Dangerous to Argue that Religion Is Responsible

here must be something emotionally satisfying for many people in arguments about religion whether they’re for “it” or against “it.” Beyond the strategies of politicians who prey on religious prejudices, people argue passionately, existentially, and obsessively about whether religion or Christianity, Islam or another ism, does, causes, or even “is” one thing or another. These arguments seem to have sharpened and become more mainstream with the 24-hour cable news cycle that exploits terrorist attacks committed by people hiding behind religion and the fear-based politics of the Republican primary election gang. Talk radio and religious bigotry have also found renewed energy. Trying to insert rationality into this argument can be an exercise in futility for either side. There’s something deeper being defended within the arguers that’s psychologically crucial to them, not just the need to win an argument. The historical reality is that religion or any of the isms never do anything. But if we were to admit that that’s true, then we’d have to conclude that most religious arguments we’re in can only produce heat, not light. People as individuals and in groups and institutions do things, but not religion or religions. People and institutions use religious ideas, symbols, scriptures, and traditions in ways that sanctify their goals, actions, and psychological conditions. The abstract reification we call religion isn’t responsible for either the good or the bad for which “it” is given credit. The same scriptures, traditions, and dogmas can be used by a Martin Luther King or a Pat

Robertson, a Mahatma Gandhi or a Nathuram Godse, the “Hindu” who assassinated him. How they’re used and what they’re used for is the responsibility of the user or group of users. And “religion” must not be allowed to let them off the hook. Take the Bible or the Quran. People will argue futilely about what these collections of writings “teach.” Since no one, I repeat no one, takes everything in either book completely literally, no matter what they claim to do, what believers choose to use is their responsibility. And their interpretive schemes to get their scriptures to agree with their views are many. Arguing that their sacred scriptures say this or that gets nowhere. Calling someone a literalist about their scriptures ignores their interpretive tactics and enforces their belief that they’re literally correct. Both activities actually encourage religious fervor. Of course, each believer will claim that their interpretation, their selections from the smorgasbords that are scriptures, traditions, and respected religious thinkers are the true versions of their faith. Those claims are what believers fight over among themselves. Their internal fights are so heated and brutal, and often over what looks to outsiders as so trivial, because a true believer doesn’t want to admit that there might be any other way to understand their scriptures or their religion than the version on which they’ve based their soul. Believers cannot admit alternatives because doing so would undermine the comfort of their hope of settled faith with doubts that their beliefs are possibly not true.

We never know with certainty what personal psychological issues, positive or negative, cause people to use religions the way they do. But we do know that there are a variety of emotional problems, family of origin hurts, prejudices, abusive upbringings, societal dynamics, and other factors that impel belief and explain why someone identifies with some beliefs and institutions but not others. That’s why the most common predictor of one’s own faith or the faith one is more likely to spend the most time fighting against, is the religion of one’s family. And since the vast majority of people in the world have never dealt with issues of their upbringing, those issues still propel both belief and unbelief. Religion, then, can become the cover for these unhealed issues. Or still others can use religion to uncover them and promote emotional healing. But think of the emotional high that religion can provide when it’s used as the basis for the actions one takes. One is no longer just acting out of personal sickness, anger, problems, insecurities, and fears when one attacks a women’s clinic or massacres colleagues in a workplace. Using religious beliefs, one can feel instead that they’re doing God’s work, that theirs are actions sanctified by the divine. In that name many horrors can take place as if they aren’t just the very sick murders and brutalities they are. And the victims of such atrocities can now be defined not as fellow human beings who disagree but as evil, demonic, and satanic. How much better for believers is that? There is, thereby, no need to confront their own issues, seek therapy, or face their doubts,

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depressions, inadequacies, and failures. The feeling of righteousness has taken over. So, for the believer, blaming religion enables them not to have to face themselves and their own emotional lack. God is responsible for all that happens, not them. And when others blame religion, it plays into that same trap. When we claim that it’s religion’s fault, we let the individuals, groups, and institutions go free. We become their enablers. We enable whatever happens because we too argue with the believer that it wasn’t actually a believer’s fault; it was their religion that’s responsible. And we thereby encourage others to continue their heinous acts in the name of religion without them feeling their own problems are responsible. The better solution is holding people, groups, and institutions responsible for how they use religion. It’s to stop colluding with them in blaming anything other than themselves. This means refusing to argue about religion and instead calling believers, religious leaders, and institutions to account. And it means facing our own issues about why we want to argue religion in the first place. So, what are we ourselves getting by continuing such arguments? If we answer that we’re just trying to reveal or defend the truth, then we’re arguing exactly what religious people are. Remember, they believe they’re defending the truth, too. l Robert N. Minor, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies at the University of Kansas, is author of When Religion Is an Addiction; Scared Straight; and Gay & Healthy in a Sick Society. Contact him at www. FairnessProject.org.

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Hooper

Wichita Pride board elects new president WICHITA - Wichita Pride held pivotal board elections on Nov. 30 for three of the six board positions – president, communications director, and entertainment director. The newly vacant vice-president position will be filled on Jan. 4 by way of an executive board election. To m Wi t t p r o p o s e d nomination and voting rules and chaired the election. Ron Anderson was nominated for the position of entertainment

LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

director and Brenda Way was nominated for the position of communications d i r e c t o r. A s b o t h people ran unopposed for their respective positions each was elected through a verbal majority vote. The third position open for nominations was board president. The incumbent president, Evan Sheehan, was nominated as well as Travis Hooper. Each nominee spoke briefly about why they were the most qualified for the position as well as answered questions from the Pride members in attendance. Afterwards, ballot sheets were handed out to all the members and each member placed their vote in the ballot box. Forty-seven eligible votes were counted during a short recess and Travis Hooper was elected by the narrowest of margins, 24-23. Congratulations to all of the nominees as Wichita Pride moves forward with exciting

JANUARY 2016

promise and looks forward to its continuation in entertaining and celebrating the local LGBT community. Wichita Pride would also like to thank those who have served on the board with dedication and passion – Evan Sheehan who held both the president and communications director position and Karen Hauschild who was the entertainment director.

WSU awards honorary doctorate to physician Donna Sweet

Dr. Sweet

clinical educator. “It is not overstating the matter to say that Dr. Sweet has changed the world with her scholarship and her heart,” Bardo said. “Her outstanding achievements and visionary leadership in the battle against AIDS make her an excellent recipient of this award.” Dr. Sweet graduated from Wichita State with a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences in 1970 and earned a master’s degree in the same field in 1972. She called the award an extraordinary honor. “Wichita State gave me a chance to have a rewarding career, and I will always be extremely honored and grateful that I was able to go to school there,” Dr. Sweet said. From WSU, Dr. Sweet attended the University of It's time for the Liberty announced in the March Kansas School of Medicine. Today she is a professor of Press’ fourth annual Best 2016 issue. of Gay Wichita Awards! Voters can fill out as internal medicine at the school’s This year the balloting many, or as few, categories Wichita campus. In addition to is totally online to vote as they like. Only one ballot caring for about 1,300 patients for your favorites in the per person will be counted. with HIV/AIDS, she also is a primary care physician to LGBT community in Wichita. Voting is open To vote: Visit www.liberty another 3,000 patients without Jan. 1-Feb. 8, 2016. press.net and click on the the disease. Votes will be tallied Best of Gay Wichita logo! The last time an honorary doctorate was given at Wichita and the winners will be State, it was awarded to Edwin A. Ulrich, for whom the Ulrich Museum of Art at Wichita State is named. A policy change approved recently by the Kansas Board of Regents paved the way for state universities to award honorary DUSTY RHODES D doctorates again. Candidates must be approved byexcited the Board Call/Text 316.519.2112 I am excited to have the I am to have the of Regents. great services of Better great services of Better Email: Dusty@DustysHomes.com Em Dr. Sweet delivered Homes and Gardens Real Homes and Gardens Real the fall commencement Estate to offer to you. Estate to offer to you. Web: www.DustysHomes.com W address. l WICHITA - Wichita State University awarded an honorary doctorate to Wichita physician Donna Sweet during the university’s fall commencement ceremony on Dec. 13, marking the first time since 1988 that an honorary degree has been given at WSU. WSU President John Bardo selected Dr. Sweet to receive the award in recognition of her 35 years of service to patients with HIV/AIDS, as well as her contributions to health care as a

JANUARY 2016

LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

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Local photographer wins international praise for work

By Ciara Reid, staff reporter WICHITA - Kelsy Gossett, a student at Wichita State University studying for her Master ’s of Fine Arts in Photography, has received international praise for her photo series at Cadman Art Gallery, located at Rhatigan Student Center. Gossett has had the photography bug ever since she was little. What started out as a hobby as a young child has now turned into a full blown business and has garnered Gossett high

profile awards and recognition for her work. Her compilation, titled “Wake Up,” a series of photographs taken moments after her subjects wake up in the morning, was showcased in an online database called Feature Shoot. The database features the work of international new and established p h o t o g r a p h e r s . G o s s e t t ’s series has been included on a German journalism website Zeitjung, as well as Hyeness, a Brazilian website. “Wake Up” was additionally featured on Hungarian journalism site

NLCafe. “Inhabiting this intimate space with people allows me to document them just as they are, with guards down and insecurities at bay,” Gossett says of her photo series. “The time between the body awakening and the consciousness fully waking is short and fleeting. I believe in this brief amount of time, there is a special bond that occurs between people. It is one of trust, vulnerability and honesty.” Gossett says the exposure she has received from the project has been a pleasant

surprise. “It’s exciting that others have been interested in the project.” Her interest in photography started very young, when she was a kid and got a bright pink plastic 110 mm film camera. Gossett would frequently save her babysitting money to buy and develop her film. Though her passion for photography began early on, it was in high school that she truly fell in love with it. “I was a yearbook photographer and got to shoot continued on page 16

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JANUARY 2016

LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

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JANUARY 2016

State of LGBT Equality in seven Kansas cities detailed in HRC’s new Municipal Equality Index

WASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) released its fourth annual report Dec. 17 assessing LGBT equality in 408 cities across the nation, including seven in Kansas. The 2015 Municipal Equality Index (MEI) is the only nationwide rating system of LGBT inclusion in municipal law and policy. For LGBT Americans, legal protections and benefits vary widely from state to state, and city to city. In 31 states, including Kansas, LGBT people are still at risk of being fired, denied housing or refused service because of who they are. The average score for cities in Kansas is 25 out of 100 points, which falls below the national average of 56. Kansas City: 24, Lawrence: 69, Manhattan: 26, Olathe: 8, Overland Park: 8, Topeka: 24, Wichita: 21. Key findings contained in the MEI, issued in partnership with the Equality Federation, provide a revealing snapshot of LGBT equality in 408 municipalities of varying sizes, and from every state in the nation. The cities researched for the 2015 MEI

include the 50 state capitals, the 200 most populous cities in the country, the five largest cities in every state, the city home to the state’s two largest public universities, and an equal mix of 75 of the nation’s large, midsize and small municipalities with the highest proportion of same-sex couples. Forty-seven cities earned perfect 100-point scores, up from 38 in 2014, 25 in 2013 and 11 in 2012, the first year of the MEI. This year’s MEI marks the largest number of 100-point scores in its history. Other findings contained in the 2015 MEI: * Cities in all regions of the country earned excellent scores, demonstrating that commitment to LGBT equality is not confined to parts of the country many people assume are most LGBTfriendly; * Cities continue to excel even without depending on state law: of cities that scored a perfect 100, 19 are in states that don’t have a statewide nondiscrimination law; that’s up from 15 cities last year;

Gossett in front of an exhibit of her photographs. Gossett continued from page 13

rolls and rolls of black and white film and develop it in our little darkroom on campus. I loved being creative and the entire process of making a photo and

watching it come to life in the darkroom. I haven’t put down my camera since!” Gossett launched her own photography business 11 years ago. She shoots portraits and

* 32 million people now live in cities that have more comprehensive, transgender inclusive non-discrimination laws than their state or the federal government; * The average city score was 56 points, with half of the cities researched scoring over 61 points. 11% scored 100 points; 25% scored over 77 points; 25% scored under 31 points; and 5% scored fewer than 10 points. The MEI rates cities based on 41 criteria falling under five broad categories:

weddings, as well as her own art projects. “I usually have a personal project or two that I’m working on specifically dealing with issues that are important to me,” she says. For instance, “Wake Up” originated from her desire to capture the raw essence of a person. “By waking up my subjects from sleep, they haven’t had a chance to start performing their gender yet,” she explains. “I was hoping the morning time would be an equalizer, getting to a deeper sense of humanity. Their insecurities are at bay when their minds aren’t fully awake. That small amount of time when the body is awake and the mind isn’t fully awake is short and fleeting, but one I am incredibly interested in.” Gossett draws a lot from her personal experiences when creating her art. “My sexual orientation and my identity as a whole definitely inform

* Non-discrimination laws * Municipality’s employment policies, including transgenderinclusive insurance coverage, contracting non-discrimination requirements, and other policies relating to equal treatment of LGBT city employees * Inclusiveness of city services * Law enforcement * Municipal leadership on matters of equality The full report, including detailed scorecards for every city, as well as a searchable database, is available online at www.hrc.org/mei. l

my work,” she says. “Coming from an extremely conservative home and navigating my sense of self within my family and within my community are things that inspire me creatively.” She says that by creatively exploring her emotions and personal experiences, she is able to emotionally deal with her own struggles. “I am extremely interested in talking about injustice and hopefully creating work that can make a difference.” For Gossett, the future is bright. After graduation in 2017, Gossett plans to keep photographing and become more established as an artist. She also hopes to continue teaching at the college level. For more information, visit www.imagesbykelsy.com or kelsygossett.com. l

JANUARY 2016

By Ben Rivers

Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things by Jenny Lawson (Flatiron Books, $26.99)

isclaimer: the book review you are about to read is for a book that has nothing to do with the LGBTQ community. WAIT! Don’t leave. Still there? Good. If you haven’t heard of Jenny Lawson yet, you may have spent some time under a rock. Nothing personal, but she has two New York Times bestselling books, and a successful blog. And she might be the funniest person alive. Furiously Happy, her newest book, is aptly titled. Lawson

LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

uses her humor and unique style of storytelling to guide readers through a memoir about mental illness. You would think her anxiety over public appearances would induce pity, but hiding under a podium? Who does that? Jenny Lawson. And she doesn’t make fun of herself, nor does she wallow in her condition. Which is a blessing. It’s her perspective on her experiences that she shares that makes this book a joy. If it’s the anxiety of flying, or the struggles of being a parent who spends days on end in the house, Lawson finds the humor in the reality. Truthfully, she uses all caps and italics like there was a buy one get for free sale which normally annoys me, but I laugh too hard to care. Her air travel stories . . . I can’t even. The discussions between her and her husband; priceless. Through all the humor what is awesome to see is the community that has gathered around her. She posted a tweet about a public foible and thousands of tweets popped up from followers confessing their own hilarious mistakes. Most importantly she exposes that mental illness is a part of life. All the stigma and fear that surround it only lead to more stigma and fear. Lawson embraces what RuPaul had told us for years, “If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else?” l

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

Social

Community Centers

Freethinking Parents Group, Are you raising kids without religion? You're not alone. Freethinking Parents meet 2-4pm, third Sundays at Botanica, Wichita. Info: www.facebook.com/ groups/586131888148529/

The Center, 800 N. Market, Wichita, (316) 285-0007 www.thecenterofwichita. org

Heart of America Men’s Chorus, Wichita, (316) 708-4837, www.hoamc. org

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

Health E.C. Tyree Health & Dental Clinic, 1525 N. Lorraine, Wichita, (316) 6812545, www.tyreeclinic.com HIV/AIDS Client Emergency Fund administrered by the Junction City Teddy Bears, c/o Kevin Stilley, 2 Oak Valley Dr., Manhattan, (785) 556-8188, trlrhouseman@webtv.net, for people in the Manhattan/Junction City area 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. wichitalgbthealth.org Positive Connections, 1001 SW Garfield Ave, third floor, Topeka, (785) 232-3100, www.pcneks.org Positive Directions, 414 S. Commerce, Wichita, (316) 263-2214, (316) 2635214, www.pdiks.com Sedgwick County Health Dept., 2716 W. Central, Wichita, (316) 660-7300, www.sedgwickcounty.org South Wind Women's Center, 5107 E. Kellogg, Wichita, (316) 260-6934, www.southwindwomenscenter.org, LGBTQIA-friendly health services. The Sweet Emergency Fund, KUSM-W MPA, 1010 N. Kansas, Wichita, (316) 293-3405

Politics/Activism E q u a l i t y K a n s a s , w w w. kansasequalitycoalition.org, chapters across the state. Flint Hills Human Rights Project, fhhrp@yahoo.com Kansas Statewide Transgender Education Project, (785) 215-7436, stephanie.mott@k-step.org, www.kstep.org, provides transgender education and resources.

Junction City Teddy Bears, c/o Kevin Stilley, 2 Oak Valley Dr., Manhattan, (785) 556-8188, trlrhouseman@webtv. net NetworQ, Lawrence, KansasNetworQ@ yahoo.com, www.KansasNetworQ.org, meets at Maceli’s, 1031 New Hampshire Wichita Bears, presidentwichitabears@ yahoo.com, www.wichitabears.org Wichita Organization of Leather Fetishes, (316) 201-6242, www. woolfks.com Wichita Prime Timers, ICTPrimeTimers@aol.com, www. primetimersww.com/Wichita, social group for mature gay men.

Spiritual A Journey In The Light Ministries, 2231 S. Bluff, Wichita, (316) 302-6225, Sunday Praise and Worship services at 11am;Wednesday Discipleship Training at 7:30pm. 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 Meditation Center, 721 W. 13th St., Wichita. (316) 263-1533, weekly meditation classes, prayers and workshops. See calendar of events at www.MeditateInKansas.org, everyone is welcome. 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,

JANUARY 2016

churchoffice@pvcconline.org, www. pvcconline.org Prairie Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1809 E. 30th, Hutchinson, (620) 663-8002, www. prairieuufellowship.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.

Student groups Derby High School tkellenbarger@usd260.com

GSA,

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

Wichita Southeast High School GSA, (316) 807-2271, psychsteve2@yahoo. com Wichita West High School GSA, astucky@usd259.net

Support Beacon Youth Group, Topeka, beacontopeka@gmail.com, queer youth group for ages 12-20. Meets every Monday at 5:30pm at Central Congregational Church, 1248 SW Buchanan St., the 1st, 4th, and 5th Mondays and Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Topeka, 4775 SW 21st St., 2nd and 3rd Mondays. 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) 2850007, LGBTQIA youth group for ages 12-21. Meets at The Center, 800 N. Market, every Friday from 7-9pm. GLSEN Greater Wichita, wichita@ chapters.glsen.org. Headquarters Counseling Center, Lawrence, (785) 841-2345 free 24/7, www.hqcc.lawrence.ks.us Healthy Transitions, for heterosexually married gay men in KC. A phone and face-to-face interview required, Mark McCarthy, LPC (816) 931-0011x4. HIV+ Men’s Support Group, Wichita, (316) 293-3405, mmadecky@kumc.edu O n e D a y A t A Ti m e , Wi c h it a , Alcoholics Anonymous meetings held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8pm at First MCC, 156 S. Kansas. PFLAG Hutchinson, PO Box 2488, Hutchinson, (620) 899-2345, pflaghutch@gmail.com

Wichita East High School GSA, CFee@fcscounseling.com

PFLAG Wichita, info@ictpflag.org, www.facebook.com/WichitaPFLAG, meets 2nd Thursdays, 6:30-8pm at College Hill United Methodist, 2930 E. 1st.

Wichita Heights High School GSA, nmagoon@usd259.net

The Face of Trans*, www.thefaceof trans.com

Wichita North High School GSA, (316) 204-5621, kellykk00@yahoo.com, rhorning@usd259.net, cwidmer@ usd259.net, meets every Wednesday at lunch in room A213.

Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center, 355 N. Waco, Suite 100, (316) 2630185 office, (316) 263-3002 crisis line 24/7, advocate@wichitasac.com, www. wichitasac.com, free, confidential sexual assault services to all genders and sexual orientations.

Wichita Northeast High School GSA, Jbell2@usd259.net Wichita Northwest High School GSA, amcdonald@usd259.net, meets every Monday after school.

Wichita Transgender Community Network, meets the 1st and 3rd Thursdays at The Center, 800 N. Market, at 7pm. l

JANUARY 2016

LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

Leather Life By Nolin Christensen aka Master C

what they see on the internet, they can just go play out their fantasies. Herein lies the problem. If you have not educated yourself, someone is going to get hurt. Let me give you some examples (these are true examples that have happened here in the local community in the past year).

Fifty Shades? Editor’s note: This column may contain content that is offensive to some people.

ith the Fifty Shades series, there has been a huge influx of people coming into the leather and BDSM communities. While this is good that people are embracing their kinkiness, however, it has also presented its challenges. One of them is the fact that many of these people are wholly uneducated in the kink lifestyle. They think that what they read in the books and

Wax play. Yes consent was acquired, but because the person controlling the wax was unaware that colored or scented wax will burn hotter that just plain wax, the receiving person ended up with blisters on their skin. Yes consent was there, but when you damage someone with blisters (which should never be part of the negotiations or scene), then you have crossed into the abuse area. Accidental as it may be, it still can be considered abuse because the person was not properly educated, therefore they are just plain abusing another person. Impact play. Yes consent was acquired for initial play. Because of this type of play there will be bruises. You should not

play again until the bruises have healed. The problem that occurred was the person doing the impact play again played with the partner before the bruises were healed. This can cause permanent damage to the person. Now in this case I will fault both individuals, the person doing the impact because they SHOULD have known better (hello, common sense?!) and the receiver for allowing themselves to be played with again before fulling healing. Yes consent was acquired both times, but idiocy was at play the second time. Single Tail Whip. Yes consent was acquired for initial play, but when the handler played a second time and it was on purpose to try and strike the exact same cut/bruise/swelling, then there is a problem. That is someone who just doesn’t give a rat’s ass and is someone that everyone should avoid (regardless of the type of play). That second play session was just plain abuse all the way around. What happens here is that common sense goes out the window when people let their fantasy get the best of them. Just like a teenager when their hormones go nuts, the common sense goes too. When the

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hormones take over, the brain just seems to go bye-bye. Stop and think, people. Use just plain old common sense when playing. Think!! You’re educated (at least I hope so), think about what you learned over the years. Think what will happen if you do this or you do that. Another problem we have is that the law hasn’t caught up with the lifestyle of consensual play. The police might look at the consent, but more than likely they are going to look at it as abuse. The law is that when you hit someone, it’s battery and that is something that can get someone arrested. I’ve been working with the local police trying to educate them on consent, but as of now, it’s up to the officer who comes out whether or not they will arrest someone or not. So if something happens and the police are sent, you could and might have a problem. What can you do? Well, first of all, educate, educate, educate!! Reading in a book or reading about it on the internet is just not enough. You need to attend workshops and classes on the type of play you want to do so that you can learn the ins and outs. If you can attend a hands-on learning event, that is continued on page 20

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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

Mama, Is there any help for Donald Trump’s hair? Wondering

Dear Mama, What do you think about the price of gas going down? Driving All Over I think we better not get too comfortable with it being so low. Those damn oil companies will find an excuse to raise it back up. They will probably raise it back up because the low price will offend some rich politician!

I have wondered that myself for years. His hair looks like two muskrats made babies in it. If Vidal Sassoon could not help an old lady, blue rinse won’t either! Mama, Have you noticed that more and more drivers are running red lights? Not Signed Yes I have! People need to wake up and realize they are not the only person in the world. If they don’t I am going to hit them upside their head with my purse and there will be a brick in it. They are in such a hurry, so selfabsorbed, on their cell phone, and just plain stupid!! Here is a review, red means stop, yellow

elcome 2016 with a flurry of cosmic activity. The new year looks bright and shiny. So be a bit bright and shiny yourself.

What are your New Year’s resolutions? Not Signed They are the same as last year. To live through the holidays with Eunice and then try to hide from my kids! I hope everyone had a safe Christmas and has a wonderful New Year to come! l

Leather continued from page 19

even better. Or seek out someone who can teach you one-on-one (this is the way I learned). Ask questions; learn all you can BEFORE you play. And the reason I say this is because you don’t want to break or damage your toy (i.e. play partner). If you would like to learn about any type of play that you might be interested in, please contact someone in the WOOLF group. We will be more than willing to help you learn or find someone who can teach you. WOOLF meets every fourth Saturday. Come learn with us and come enjoy the fun side of kink play. l

Have a question for Mama? E-mail MamaTHarper@aol.com.

tinyurl.com/herscopes Charlene Lichtenstein’s ground-breaking astrology book HerScopes: A Guide To Astrology For Lesbians is the best in sun sign astrology! The secrets that are revealed about each sign continue to amaze. Makes a great gift.

ARIES (MAR. 21 - APRIL 20) LEO (JULY 24 - AUG. 23) What monumental personal goal decision Put your mind to work in ways that will you make this fresh new year, gay can lower your stress and make you a Ram? You are poised for greatness and calmer, healthier person, proud Lion. seem to have your eye squarely on the That means you need to focus on prize. But craft your personal message life’s basics - food, rest, exercise and carefully so that it is not misconstrued or misinterpreted. meditation. Before you know it you will have more The bosses may be hard of hearing, but I know that you reserves of energy, more oomph in your workday and will get your message across loud, proud and queer. will get more things done correctly. Then you can totally relax! TAURUS (APRIL 21 - MAY 21) Itchy travelling feet must be scratched now, VIRGO (AUG. 24 - SEPT. 23) proud Bull, or you will wander off into Party season will not end with the uncharted territories. So carefully plan a holidays, gay Virgo. You now have the faraway exotic trip that not only excites uncanny ability to sniff out any great your mind, but also your senses. It will get party or celebration and wrangle an you out of your routine and rut and set you on a course invitation. Pace yourself and have a good time. It might of inspiration. Before you know it you will be ready to even inspire you to take a new direction in your life or tackle anything with new verve. Go for the touchdown . try something artistic or imaginative, but dressing as a . . or just the touch. potted plant to work may not be one of them. GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21) If you are feeling a little hot under the collar this January it may be coming from other areas of your body. Pink Twins are sizzly and especially sexy now and might be seeking new and passionate connections. Whatever revs your engine will get you going. But take things slowly and be discerning about who you choose. Are those skid marks I see on the side of the road?

JANUARY 2016

means caution and green means go. ATTENTION, YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY PERSON IN THE WORLD! BUT YOU ARE THE ONLY STUPID DRIVER THAT WILL KILL SOMEONE OR YOURSELF! I would love to shoot water balloons at these people!

LIBRA (SEPT. 24 - OCT. 23) There are many things to do around the house now. Proud Libras with an eye for redecorating or even reconnecting with long lost family members will come up with some great solutions. Plan for the long-term in any domestic situation. That can mean saving up for a big move or planning ahead for a big reunion. Whatever you do will make you feel more secure and in control.

CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 23) SCORPIO (OCT. 24 - NOV. 22) Find ways of connecting with those If you see something, say something, who are very important in your life, gay Scorpio. Not only can you sugarcoat gay Crab. Building stronger bridges and even terrible news or withering criticism, spending more time cultivating all types of you can actually make others feel fairly relationships become especially valuable good about it. Practice makes perfect. through the year. It is also a good time to handle those who Try your lines in a friendly arena and see who are obviously not working for your benefit. You muster applauds. When in doubt, talk to yourself in the mirror. the self control and charm to win them over and then . . . Do you like what you hear and who you see? I do!

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 - DEC. 22) There are times when you should be carefully crafting your fiscal budget and there are times when you should loosen your purse strings and enjoy life a little more expensively. This may be one of those times, gay Archer. What is it that you have always wanted? If you have the discretionary cash, try to make your dreams come true. Life is too short. CAPRICORN (DEC. 23 - JAN. 20) If you find yourself in the middle of too many events, take a cold look around and see if there is anyone there who can make your life easier and help you out of a jam. Then make a beeline to them and turn up the charm. Pink Caps will rub elbows with the high and mighty for a while. They will show you when to wear the elbow pads so you don’t chaff. AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 - FEB. 19) With all of this stuff going on behind the scenes, it is no wonder that you might become a little paranoid this January, Aqueerius. But you may find that you need not worry about others’ motivations. There is karmic payback with a guardian angle meddling in for good measure. You seem to be protected and will not only survive but also thrive. Take your revenge later . . . PISCES (FEB. 20 - MAR. 20) There will be increased importance on platonic relationships now, Guppie. That means that you should reach out to pals who you haven’t seen in a while as well as move in new social circles. Join a new club or organization and see who you can meet and greet. Those who you meet now may play a bigger role in your life in the coming months. And even if not, it will be fun.

(c) 2016 THE STARRY EYE, LLC., All Rights Reserved. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Lichtenstein’s blog www.thestarryeye.typepad.com covers everything new age. Her astrology book HerScopes is the best in sun sign astrology. Order now at tinyurl.com/herscopes.

JANUARY 2016

Racism, Homophobia, and the Power of Unconditional Love

LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

of the great gifts of being a person who is trying to make a difference is seeing the multitude of people who are doing it too. In the face of the un-restrained racism and indefensible homophobia that infiltrate America today, and in spite of the tumultuous struggles oppressed people endure every day, I know a new day is coming. And I know that these words from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King are true: an end to its existence. These responsibilities extend to every ism and every phobia. It is the very nature of prejudice and discrimination to not recognize the humanity of its victims. The continual assertion that any human beings are lesser human beings plants the seeds

Well, I don’t know what will happen now; we’ve got some difficult days ahead. (Amen) am uncertain as to how our But it really doesn’t matter to society has become so out me now, because I’ve been to the of touch with the reality mountaintop. (Yeah) [Applause] of the pain and injury that is And I don’t mind. [Applause the predictable, indisputable continues] Like anybody, I outcome of discrimination. would like to live a long life Measurable, undeniable harm – longevity has its is imposed on living, place. But I’m not breathing human beings “One of the great gifts of being concerned about that when we are treated as now. I just want to a person who is trying to make a second-class citizens. The harm extends to our difference is seeing the multitude do God’s will. (Yeah) And He’s allowed families, workplaces, of people who are doing it too.” me to go up to the communities, and mountain. (Go ahead) inexcusably - our children. of destruction, and not just for And I’ve looked over (Yes sir), I am well-traveled in the those who are targeted. This world of activism. I have been kind of destruction does not and I’ve seen the Promised seasoned by narrow minds discriminate. It consumes the Land. (Go ahead) I may not get and an abundance of clearly air. It demands the extermination there with you. (Go ahead) But I enumerated sins enacted against of knowledge and light. It is want you to know tonight (Yes), LGBT Americans. Quantifiable poison to the souls of everyone that we, as a people, will get to abuse is repeatedly inflicted; involved, and the only antidote the Promised Land. [Applause] (Go ahead, Go ahead) And so generally by people who lay is unconditional love. claim to some “greater truth” Love is the light that cannot I’m happy tonight; I’m not that literally contradicts the be extinguished. It carries the worried about anything; I’m not precise beliefs they use to seeds of hope. It promises, in support their misguided version the middle of despair, that there of love. will come a different tomorrow. It is not just the fight for It stands firmly in the face of fear dignity and respect for LGBT and builds the foundation upon Americans. I have moral which the timbers of change will responsibilities to publicly be raised. acknowledge the existence M y h o p e c o m e s f r o m of widespread, systemically- seeing the love that is given entrenched racism in America, freely, without expectations, a n d t o d e v o t e m y s e l f t o and without conditions. I see participate in bringing about amazing things every day. One

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fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord. [Applause] The path to the promised land is paved with unconditional love. The place where we are, at this moment in time, is a fork in the road. We’ve got some difficult days ahead. We have choices to make about which path to take. The truth will either be realized, or revealed. If we choose the path upon which we have been traveling, when the truth is revealed, when the veil is finally lifted and we see the reality of what we have done, we will see our shame. We will claim that we didn’t understand, but it is not that we didn’t understand. It is that we didn’t love our neighbors. If we choose the path that is paved with unconditional love, the truth will be realized. Perfection is not required. We are not asked to do more than we can do. We might wonder, as individuals, if we have the power to make a difference. I mean, what power do we truly have? Perhaps, the power of unconditional love. l Stephanie Mott is a transgender woman from Topeka. She is the executive director of the Kansas Statewide Transgender Education Project, and a commissioner on the City of Topeka Human Relations Commission. Reach her at stephanieequality@yahoo.com.

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JANUARY 2016

LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

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LIBERTY PRESS - WE WERE GAY BEFORE IT WAS COOL.

www.ClubBoomerang.com

1400 E 1st Street

JANUARY 2016

club Boomerang

Miss Gay Wichita Newcomer Friday, Jan. 29th 10:00PM 18 to enter w/ $8 Cover $4 Cover for 21+ 9:00PM - Midnight

New Menu Items!

Dinner Specials Starting at 5:00PM

The Brown Sugar Showcase Every Thursday at 10:30PM

18 to enter w/ $8 Cover

$2 Cover for 21+ 10:00PM - Midnight

“Open Pole” fridays

Starts at 11Pm, Sexy Dancer Contest at midnight

SundayFunday Show

Feat. Candice Michelle & Aurora Van De Kamp

Sundays 9:00PM - 11:00PM

Zipper Karaoke

Sundays 5:00PM - 9:00PM

Save the Date! Friday, Feb. 5th

Dirty Dorothy

Friday, Jan 8th 10:00PM $5 Cover for 21+ 9:00PM - Midnight

18 to enter w/ $8 Cover