Salut! It's A Very Good Year. It's been an amazing first year for the Mid-America Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, full of reasons to celebrate and look forward to the future. Full Story...

CampBiz - May, 2013 The Kansas City AIDS Walk marches on, rain or shine, and this year, it was rain. Although it was just a light mist the morning of April 27, the grounds at Theis Park quickly became waterlogged from the previous two days of rain, and loyal walkers had a lot of laundering of shoes and pants to do when they got home. The weather didn’t deter the walkers, from parents with baby strollers to pet lovers who brought their dogs. Full Story...

With Your Input, Calendar Could Help Unite the Community
A volunteer working to set it up on the LIKEME Lighthouse website wants guidance from you to make it as useful as possible. Groups would add and modify their own events.
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A Change in Plans for Hamburger Mary’s KC on Pride Weekend
I don’t often find myself at a loss for words. But in mid-March, I faced a situation that stunned me completely. What I’m talking about is the news that I was given in March regarding Kansas City’s Gay Pride celebrations, which will be the weekend of May 31.
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KC Pride Planners Have a Local Focus The theme for the event scheduled on Westport Road for May 31- June 1 is “Back to the Basics.” Mason Hakes stepped in to chair the festival. Full Story...

In Memorium - Richard Leslie Farmer A fixture at Kansas City’s AIDS Walk for nearly two decades, Rixter the Clown didn’t attend this year’s event. An AIDS survivor for more than 25 years, Rixter, a.k.a. Richard Leslie Farmer, died March 23, 2013, at the place he called home for 10 years, Kansas City’s skilled nursing facility for AIDS patients, Hope Care Center. Full Story...

‘Auntie Mame’d’ Parodies the Original Classic The latest ensemble piece from Kansas City Artists Against AIDS and director Jeff Church will raise funds for AIDS Walk KC. “In today’s world, we need an Auntie Mame more than ever,” Church said. Full Story...

Here’s Why One Team Leader Walks Each Year Jan Henson’s first AIDS Walk was in 2004. She is inspired by her brother to raise money for those struggling with the disease. Full Story...

CampBiz - April, 2013 The April issue of Camp honors all who are involved in raising money for HIV/AIDS in the Kansas City area through AIDS Walk. We hope you enjoy the individual stories in this issue about people who raise money and awareness for this important cause. Full Story...

AIDS Walk Dollars Also Fund Community Grants When walkers, volunteers, loved ones and community members gather April 27 in Theis Park for AIDS Walk Kansas City, they’ll be part of the central event in a suite of events that raise money for the AIDS Service Foundation of Greater Kansas City (ASF). Satellite events include Mosaic Art Project, AIDS Walk Open, Party with a Purpose, and more. Full Story...

She Wants to Share the Power of a Good Bike Ride Theresa Van Ackeren’s own pedaling journey inspired her to open a bicycle shop in Waldo. Now she helps others wheel their way to fun and adventure. Full Story...

The Advocacy? It’s Mutual Adam Gebhardt is the marketing director for Tivol, which contributes to LGBT causes. Of the jewelry store, he said, “To know that this company totally supports me and every part of my life … it just makes me have all the more passion and drive to do excellent work for them in return.” Full Story...

CampBiz - March, 2013 Even though Kansas City experienced a round of late-February snowstorms, we can take comfort in the fact that spring is only a few weeks away, and we have great activities in March to herald the end of winter! Full Story...

LIKEME Lighthouse celebrates One Year anniversary Two partners in life and partners in the Lighthouse share what motivates them to get involved Full Story...

Homosexuals During the Holocaust Persecution by Nazis is detailed in a traveling exhibit that will be at UMKC through April 10. Related programs include a Heartland Men’s Chorus concert, film screenings, and a Kansas City Museum exhibit. Full Story...

Kansas City Bar Coalition Sets the Stage for June Pride
The community’s LGBT bars are organizing a collaborative celebration that weekend.
Full Story...

From Apathy to … Neon Nights! Millennial League fights HIV/AIDS, energized by young leaders. Their Val-O-Ween event promises fun for everyone. Full Story...

After a Casino Night, MAGLCC Will Turn to Jewelry Luck was in the air at the Mid-America Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce’s B2B Network Event on Jan. 10 at Ameristar Casino. The event was hosted by MAGLCC board member Sean Barnard, the facility’s senior vice president and general manager. Full Story...

CampBiz - February, 2013 AIDS Walk Open: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. March 2 at participating bars in Midtown, Kansas City, Mo. Join hundreds of other miniature golf enthusiasts and fight HIV/AIDS by playing putt-putt, enjoying beer specials and taking opportunities to win some fantastic and unbelievable prizes. Full Story...

The Gay Dad Project Offers a Resource for Families after One Parent Comes Out After almost two decades of feeling like she was the only one who needed to talk about the childhood experience of having a dad come out as gay, Erin Margolin finally found other people like her. Full Story...

Jeanne Manford, Founding Mother of PFLAG, Dies at 92 Jeanne Manford, the mom who started the movement that became Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) died Jan. 8, 2013, in her Daly City, Calif., home. Full Story...

CampBiz - January, 2013 This month’s “CampBiz” is somewhat abbreviated because a lot slows down around the holidays and we haven’t received a whole lot of news this month from people or organizations Full Story...

Anti-Bullying Boxing Group for Youth Welcomes All Fight Club KC promotes empowerment and fitness, not violence. Each session lasts eight weeks. Full Story...

Neon Nights at Val-O-Ween The black light will be shining, so dress accordingly — and glow! — for the Millennial League’s annual fundraiser. Full Story...

Bands Will Battle at the Cashew in HRC Event Now in its fourth year, the HRC-KC Battle of the Bands is back again for another fantastic day of music and good times. Full Story...

List of Resources for Urgent Support of LGBT Youth URLs and telephone numbers for LGBT youth in crisis. Link to page of social, educational and community groups also provided. Full Story...

Youth and Young Adult Links A list of resources and groups within a 60-mile radius of central Kansas City that host public events and social gatherings or that can provide aid and/or useful information to LGBTQIA youth and young adults. Full Story...

CampBiz - December, 2012 The Heartland Men's Chorus just entertained us with their “Cool Yule” holiday concert featuring the legendary Marilyn Maye. Full Story...

Still Pressing ‘Play’
When other video stores have given up, Video Mania has proven itself a fixture of Westport for over 30 years.
Full Story...

How Language Can Divide the Transgender Community On Nov. 20, Transgender Day of Remembrance observances were held at locations around the world. Full Story...

LGBT-Welcoming Congregations and Ministries of Kansas City For those seeking a place to worship or a group with which to connect spiritually, Camp provides this annual list of local LGBT-welcoming faith/religious groups that operate within metro Kansas City as its gift to readers. Full Story...

MAGLCC to Host its First Business Equality Conference Kansas City’s newly launched chapter of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is hosting its inaugural business conference on Nov. 8. Full Story...

Anti-Violence Group Helps Victims Cope and Works Toward Prevention For nearly 10 years, the Kansas City Anti-Violence Project (KCAVP) has assisted local victims and survivors of anti-LGBT violence. Full Story...

A Time to Mourn, and a Time for Action Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable. ... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.” Full Story...

CampBiz - November, 2012 Tom Lancaster from the Heartland Men’s Chorus sent us an update about the Oct. 13 Dinner of Note at the Downtown Marriott Hotel, where they had 400 guests: “The Chorus chose the Lighthouse as co-beneficiary of the 17th annual Dinner of Note, with all donations from the Fund-A-Need portion of the evening going to the Lighthouse. … Full Story...

October Offers Plenty to Celebrate Marking National Coming Out Day and LGBT History Month? That’s only the beginning. Full Story...

A Welcoming Young Chorus New members, ages 14-20, may join PerformOUT KC at any time. The atmosphere is inclusive. Full Story...

A Reporter Shifts His Role Chris Hernandez, who covered politics for KSHB-TV, moved to marketing for his new position at the Unicorn Theatre. During his career, he has learned about the importance of authenticity. Full Story...

CampBiz - October, 2012 Kudos to MGRA Show-Me State Rodeo, Latino Gay Pride and the AIDS Bicycle Cruise. Full Story...

One ABC Organizer Shifted to Bicycling Just 3 Years Ago Karen Heath, 47, says she’s been active in sports her entire life, but she really didn’t begin to embrace bicycling until about three years ago. Full Story...

Kansas City Latino Gay Pride Set for Sept. 8 Get ready for some Latin music, free food, and fun. Latino Gay Pride is returning for its fourth consecutive year from 2 to 8 p.m. Sept. 8 in Hyde Park, 38th Street and Gillham Road, Kansas City, Mo. Full Story...

CampBiz - September, 2012 As you can see by our cover and the special MGRA rodeo section in the back of this issue of Camp, it’s Gay Rodeo time again. The group has been working feverishly all year to make the Sept. 1-2 rodeo a great success. Full Story...

‘Our Family Gathering Regional United Methodists discussed LGBT inclusion after the denomination’s recent conference canceled votes on proposals relevant to the community. Full Story...

LGBTQ Disabled Support Group to Screen "Milk" The Whole Person's Support Group for People with Disabilities in the LGBTQ community will screen the film “Milk” at its Aug. 20 meeting. This is a confidential group. Full Story...

Protest at Chick-fil-A Join LGBT equality supporters from around the Kansas City area as we kick off our campaign to fight back against the intolerance of Chick-fil-A August 3rd and 4th! Full Story...

CampBiz - August, 2012 The Spirit of Hope MCC congregation is celebrating its 40th anniversary with events from Wednesday, Aug. 22, through Sunday, Aug. 26. Full Story...

LGBTQ Health Equity Summit Coming to Kansas City The meeting will be Aug. 14. It’s linked to the National Conference on Tobacco or Health, which is set for Aug. 15-17. Full Story...

An Activist Fighting for LGBTQ Health Dr. Scout is leading the summit in Kansas City. “I think one of the biggest things holding us back,” he says, “is we don’t realize that we have profound health disparities and that can and should stop.” Full Story...

CampBiz - July, 2012 New this year, Hamburger Mary’s created a two-day street festival with four major events, providing something for everyone both inside the restaurant/bar and outside on Baltimore Avenue. Full Story...

Spirit of Hope MCC to Mark Its 40th Anniversary To celebrate, the welcoming church is planning daily activities for Aug. 22-26. Full Story...

SpeakOut
“I don’t understand why they are having Pride at Power & Light. That area is for the straights.”
Full Story...

CampBiz - June, 2012 In his stunning one-man tribute to the classic 1939 black-and-white film The Women, which every gay man knows should be a rite-of-passage film, Philip Hooser will entertain us again June 1-4. Full Story...

This Time, They’ve Created Wonderland Makeup artist Andy Chambers and hairstylist Alan Dunham dreamed of opening a vintage store. Now it’s open for business in Westport. Full Story...

‘In the Life’ Turns 20 The show, which airs on public television stations, aims to advance equality. Full Story...

Kansas City's Gay Bars: Here for the Community With this June issue of Camp, we are pleased to introduce the Gay Pride Bar Guide section. Full Story...

Kansas City’s New LGBT Chamber of Commerce A new chapter of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce will kick off on May 31. Full Story...

HRC Corporate Equality Awards in Kansas City Kansas City recently held an event to honor their Corporate Equality Index (CEI) award winners. They are: Full Story...

CampBiz - May, 2012 On April 26, Good Samaritan Project held the annual Dining Out for Life benefit. More than 30 restaurants participated, and the after-party at Hamburger Mary’s was a festive celebration. GSP honored celebrity chair Gary Lezak, chief meteorologist for 41 Action News (KSHB-TV), with a birthday cake. Full Story...

Show Me Pride Presents "Power of Pride" It�s not too early to start planning your schedule for the Kansas City Pride festival. This year�s theme is �Power of Pride.� We�re listing the schedule and entertainment lineup as it stands at press time, a month before Pride Full Story...

More Than a GSA Network EQUAL is an incubator for social-justice activism. Full Story...

PROMO Applauds Representative's Courage to Come Out Jefferson, City, MO: Today, Missouri Republican Representative Zachary Wyatt publicly came out to his colleagues during a press conference asking for the withdrawal of the “Don’t Say Gay Bill”, House Bill 2051. Full Story...

Missouri HB 2051 Threatens GSA's and LGBT Education in Missouri Schools.
Rep. Steve Cookson, R-Fairdealing, and 19 GOP co-sponsors have introduced a bill in the Missouri legislature that would cause significant damage to the education of Missouri students on LGBT issues and threaten the existence of Gay-Straight Alliances in high schools.
Full Story...

Where to Get Free or Low-Cost HIV Tests The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends routine HIV screening of all patients 13 to 64 years of age in the United States. Download a list of Kansas City area testing centers here. Full Story...

The People Behind the Scenes of AIDS Walk The event’s three co-chairs talk about what led them to work for the walk. Full Story...

CampBiz - April, 2012 Leading the way in this spring’s parade of events is AIDS Walk, which will be April 28. It’s amazing how much the Kansas City community raises for this important cause — one more reminder of the generosity of Kansas City. Full Story...

In Lawrence, Kan., Fund-Raising Walk Comes in the Fall The Douglas County AIDS Project organizes the event, which will be Sept. 29. Board member William Welch says, “We’re shooting for awareness, most definitely.” Full Story...

Kansas Bill Would Undo Local Non-Discrimination Laws
Last year, my partner and I moved from Lawrence to the Kansas City area. As we searched for housing, we did what many people do: posted a housing-wanted ad:
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CampBiz - March, 2012 Good Samaritan Project (GSP) is again participating in Dining Out for Life. Full Story...

It Does Get Better Thomas Roberts proves that daily as an openly gay television news anchor. Full Story...

Local Couples Tell Us About Their Families Behind the census data and demographic analyses about child-rearing are real LGBT parents doing the love-inspired work it takes to keep their families thriving. Full Story...

Picnics, Playmates and Resources LGBT parents and their children can meet families like theirs through the Midwest Alternative Family Alliance. They get together to socialize and share their experiences with one another. Full Story...

New Analysis Looks at Same-Sex Parenting
In a new report on same-sex parenting, a UCLA researcher concluded that proportionally fewer same-sex couples are raising children now (16 percent), as compared to 2006 (19 percent).
Full Story...

CampBiz - February, 2012 The NOH8 Campaign will visit Kansas City on March 11 and set up a mobile studio at the grand opening of the LikeMe Lighthouse LGBT Center, 3909 Main St., Kansas City, Full Story...

He Spreads His Message of Prevention Don Carrel, a long-term survivor of HIV/AIDS, has fought the disease by educating people. Now he’s written a book that continues that effort and shares his personal story. Full Story...

Columnist Dan Savage to Narrate at ‘When I Knew’ HMC Concert Full Story...

‘God vs. Gay’ Author to Speak in Kansas City Jay Michaelson will appear Feb. 21 at the LikeMe Lighthouse Center Full Story...

New Changes in 2012 for the Kansas Equality Coalition
Kansas Equality Coalition--the LGBT civil rights organization for Kansas--is reorganizing its Kansas City chapter.
Full Story...

Media Should Show More Respect in Reporting About Killing Dee Dee (born Darnell) Pearson was shot multiple times and died on Christmas Eve near 43rd and Troost. Kenyan Jones, an alleged john, was arrested and charged in the killing. Full Story...

CampBiz - January, 2012 Jeff Smith tells us his new play, Romantic Fools, will be opening at the Fishtank in February, starring Katie Karel Fay and Jeff Smith. It’s directed by local actor and director (as well as Camp contributor) Shea Coffman. Full Story...

Resources for LGBT Youth of Kansas City When LGBT youth are in crisis, they may find that widely established community resources are not hospitable to them. Full Story...

Tom Atwood May Want to Take Your Picture Tom Atwood, a Los Angeles-based photographer, will be in Kansas City at the end of January looking to photograph interesting LGBT people and their homes for a book he’s working on, called Kings & Queens in Their Castles. Full Story...

Centralia Considers Nondiscrimination Ordinance CANCELLED. PROMO has reported that this ordinance has been removed from the January 9 meeting. They will inform us of when this is being rescheduled. PROMO reports that the city of Centralia, Mo., will introduce an ordinance on Monday, Jan. 9, to update the city's nondiscrimination ordinance to protect individuals in employment, housing, and public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Full Story...

CampBiz - December, 2011 Greetings of the season! With this issue of Camp, we close out 2011, and we are already working on our 2012 issues. As always, I welcome hearing from you and your organization or company for postings in CampBiz Full Story...

On Second Sundays, PFLAG-KC Opens its Doors Wide The group makes everyone feel welcome – from parents and friends of the LGBT community to lesbians and gay men themselves. Full Story...

Fritz and Etta Mae Mutti to Speak at PFLAG-KC Meeting As parents, the bishop and his wife were confronted with AIDS. The couple became witnesses for compassion and healing. Full Story...

Using His Knitting Techniques, He Made ToastyBrain The hatmaker spends 8-12 hours making each stocking cap he sells. He wants to be known only by his nickname, Sponge. Full Story...

CampBiz - November, 2011 Halloween Events This November issue of Camp hits the streets Oct. 27, so just in case you pick up your copy in time to go, here are a few of the Halloween events around town. Full Story...

Val-O-Ween Launches Its 2012 Event with a Halloween Tea Dance Josh Minnis, the new co-chair of the Millennial League’s fundraiser, says the Oct. 30 party will feature a costume contest with a $1,000 prize. Full Story...

Entertainer and Activist Returns to Town At an OutFest symposium, Mickey Ray shared some stories from his years in Kansas City, starting in the late 1960s. He and his partner, Drew Shafer, worked at that time to gain LGBT civil rights. Full Story...

Striving Together to Make Congregations LGBT-Welcoming Looking in from the outside. Wanting to hear the message but pushed to the margins. Perceived as a sinner by broader society. This was the position of Zacchaeus in the Gospel of Luke. Full Story...