The Flint Hills Observer
August 1998 Flint Hills Alliance Fall '98 Schedule The Speakers Joan Wagnon, Mayor, Topeka Thursday, September 3    7:30 pm Joan Wagnon is currently the mayor of Topeka.  Her outspoken advocacy for equal rights for gays, lesbians, and bisexuals has caused her constant criticism by conservative groups. Joan is the first Kansas mayor to appoint an openly gay man and a lesbian to the city's nine-person Human Relations Commission. On Tuesday, June 9, the Topeka City Council stripped Mayor Wagnon of her power to appoint members of the HRC because of her action and disbanded the current commission in order to remove the two gay appointees. The City Council bowed to pressure by hatemonger Fred Phelps--whose Westboro Baptist Church advocates the execution of homosexuals--and local NAACP president, Rev. K.E. Hill, who called the gay commissioners "stated supporters of . . . sinful acts."   Sydney Carlin, Democratic Candidate, State Representative, 66th District, Manhattan Thursday, October 1    7:30 pm Sydney Carlin is running for State Representative for the 66th District (against Jeff Peterson) where she has been a resident for 26 years. Sydney was a city commissioner from 1993-1997 and she was the Mayor of Manhattan from 1996-1997.  She has participated locally on such Boards as: Manhattan Public Library Board, Riley County Law Board, Parks Planning Board, and is currently on the Board of the Indigent Defense Fund.  Sydney was instrumental in blocking Cohen-Esrey, which was a plan to build corporate lower income housing rather than build on already existing resources in Manhattan. Historically, Sydney has reached out to include diversity on her staff. She looks forward to meeting everyone and exchanging ideas and learning how she can be helpful to her constituents.   Scott Curry, Openly gay practicing lawyer, Wichita Thursday, November 5     7:30 pm Scott Curry, tired of watching friends die and angry at a government that failed to respond to the AIDS crisis, became an activist in the early 80s. In 1992, Scott was the first openly gay man to speak to the Kansas Legislature. He has continued to lobby and educate on behalf of Queer Kansas. He went to Washburn School of Law in order to add law as a tool he could use in the struggle for social change. He is now a practicing lawyer in Wichita. His main focus is on Queer Law.  Scott is happy to provide assistance for and legal information pertaining to lesbians, gays, and bisexuals.   George Pyle, Opinion Page Editor, Salina Journal, Salina Thursday, December 3     7:30 pm George Pyle and the Salina Journal made national news when the Journal included the wedding announcement of two gay men, Skip and Steve, on January 24, 1993.  Since then, no other Kansas publication has published a same-sex wedding announcement. George just won the Pullium Fellowship for Editorial writers, which carries a $40,000 award.  The Fellowship allows George the opportunity to study modern economics and the politics of agriculture for one year while he is on leave from the Journal. ------------------------------- The Flint Hills Alliance is a same-sex organization committed to fulfilling the educational and social needs of the local lesbians, gay, bisexual, and transgendered community within a positive, healthy and supportive environment. Until further notice, all meetings will be in the basement of the First Congregational Church, corner of Poyntz and Juliette. The meetings will begin promptly at 7:30 pm.  Out of respect for the speakers, please arrive at least five minutes early. Parking at the church is limited; please consider parking at the Food 4 Less and area business parking lots, or on Poyntz. -------------------------------------- The Potlucks August 21     Bob and David     6:30 pm September 17  Desiree Carlson     6:30 pm October  15    This date is open!  Would you like to have us over?  If yes, call Tim. November 19  Tim and Chris  109 N 9th  6:30 pm December     No, it’s not a secret—we’re just waiting for the “Mystery Potluckers” to confirm a date and time!  Look for the complete information in an upcoming issue of the Observer! Flint Hills Alliance potlucks were created in 1994 so that gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgendered members of the Manhattan community (and surrounding areas) could socialize one day of the week in a safe environment.  Not to be confused with parties, the potlucks are held on Thursdays from 6:30 pm to 8:45 pm.  In this way, we can get together, eat, and leave at an hour which will not burden the potluck host(s).  If you would like to host a potluck in 1999, please call Tim at 776-2191.   Flint Hills Alliance meetings and potlucks are open to everyone.  Membership is encouraged.  Volunteers are welcome.  For more information on upcoming events or how you can be an active part of FHA, contact Tim or Deb.

 

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