How Choral Spectrum Became Family

One evening in early October, I was scrolling through Facebook, when I stumbled across a post calling for new singers to join Kansas City’s LGBTQIA affirming choir, Choral Spectrum. It had been six months since I graduated college leaving my choir family at Baker University behind. I had always promised myself I would join a premier choir someday, but I didn’t anticipate I would find a choir that would also celebrate and welcome me for who I am. I quickly messaged the artistic director, Michael Patch, and hoped for the best.

Two weeks later, I walked through the doors of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Westport. I was nervous, excited, and ready to experience my first choir rehearsal. I knew immediately that I was home. Each member welcomed me with open arms, and made me feel like I wasn’t alone anymore. It was the first time I didn’t feel like I was “too much” or “not enough.” I’ve always felt different from everyone else, but my membership in Choral Spectrum has taught me being different is something I should not only be proud of, but celebrate.

I never thought I would work up the courage to sing Barbra Streisand at our Mardi Gala Choir Fundraiser for our trip to Minnesota, (which will take place in 2021), but it was such a fun and thrilling memory. I probably would’ve never done it had it not been for the amazing support of the friends I’ve made while being a part of this group.

Choral Spectrum has given me the confidence and courage to be an openly gay, non-binary, over the top, courageous and confident young woman. I am excited to continue growing and learning from my beautiful choral Spectrum family. It’s been a joy to sing with them for the last 10 months. I cannot wait until the virus subsides enough, and I can see my family again. Sometimes our rehearsals were the only bright spot in my week. I cannot thank each member enough for their kindness and support.

If you love the LGBTQIA community, and love to sing please consider joining this amazing group of people. We are kicking off an awesome VIRTUAL SEASON! And we are looking to the entire LGBTQIA community to join us! Learn more and setup your audition today! www.choralspectrumkc.org/copy-of-auditions

51 Years of Pride

Today is the 51st anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in New York City’s Greenwich Village. Although it’s still a crime to be yourself in 70 countries, the riots at Stonewall in 1969 kicked off a massive civil right’s movement for people of the LGBTQIA community. The riots sparked in response to police raids targeting gay clubs. Back then, female impersonation was considered a crime in the eyes of the police.

In the early hours of June 28th, 1969, a black trans woman, by the name of Marsha P. Johnson threw the first brick. Johnson was an important figure in the fight for LGBTQIA equality. She co-founded STAR (Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries), which supported homeless transgender youth. Unfortunately, Johnson tragically died in 1992 under fishy circumstances. If you’re interested in learning more about her life and work, please consider checking out her documentary on Netflix. It’s a wonderful account of her life. We truly need more advocacy and social justice for our transgender brothers and sisters.

In 1970, the month of June became established as PRIDE month to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots. Although we have more work to do, it is because of people like Marsha P. Johnson that we have a reason to celebrate LGBTQIA equality and acceptance. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 Pandemic has hurt our Stonewall Inn. I’m really worried about their doors closing. The Stone Wall Inn is such a special landmark for LGBTQIA liberation. If you have the means, I encourage you to please consider donating here. They need our help!!

Even though in person PRIDE celebrations are canceling across the globe this year, we can still celebrate PRIDE in our hearts. Please think about reading books on LGBTQIA activists, history, and culture. You can also watch documentaries on HULU or Netflix which celebrate LGBTQIA figures such as Marsha P. Johnson. No matter what you do, keep showing your PRIDE and never forget, the first PRIDE was a riot!!

Living In The Non-Binary

Non-binary expression goes beyond male and female identities, and although it pertains to transgender people, it is not exclusive. Most commonly, people who identify as non-binary use they/them/their pronouns. However, those who fall under gender neutral expression may also use: Ze, hir, hirs, Xe, Xem, Xyrs. 

When I first came out as a lesbian, I struggled with fitting into society’s gender conforming stereotypes. Despite wishing I could be more masculine, I loved putting on makeup and wearing dresses. I often thought I would never attract another female, because I didn’t shop in the men’s section or own a pair of combat boots. It wasn’t until I came out as non-binary, that I realized being overtly feminine was actually okay. It is important to understand gender identity is different than gender expression. Had I known this earlier, it would have saved a lot of heartache. 

For me, being a non-binary, femme lesbian has eliminated the pressure to fit into a certain mold. I feel more comfortable and confident to express myself without worrying about how my gender expression will influence my ability to find love. Even sexuality falls outside of gender expression and gender identity. With this knowledge in mind, I hope more people feel a better sense of confidence and freedom to live their lives without pressure to fit into the gender binary. 

You may be wondering, “What can I do to be more accepting, aware, and open to people’s expressions? The best thing you can do is ask someone what their preferred pronouns are before addressing them. 

It is important to be mindful and open to educating yourself on gender identities. 

For more information on non-binary expression, please click here.You can also visit here to learn more about how other non-binary people express 

Are Anti-Discrimination Ordinances new?

In the last year, numerous cities in Johnson County, Kansas adopted non-discrimination ordinances to ensure LGBTQIA people a sense of security in their neighborhoods. Despite Johnson County’s progressive changes, journalist Lynn Horsley believes the fight for LGBTQIA equality has been “a conversation Kansas City, Missouri went through more than twenty-five years ago.” While gay and lesbian activists fought for equality coastally, Horsley states “Kansas City played a larger role for LGBTQIA people in the 1950’s and 60’s, because of its active gay social scene.”   

The rest of Horsley’s article focuses on The Ordinance Project, a documentary directed by UMKC doctoral student, Austin Williams. In his documentary, archival footage shows “heated exchanges at City Hall, as gay-rights and AIDS activists fought for services and discrimination protections in the late 1980’s.” Kansas City finally passed an ordinance in 1993.

As much as it is riveting to witness Kansas City’s early role in the lives of LGBTQIA people, I often wonder how purposeful anti-discriminatory ordinances really are. During my undergraduate career, I wrote a paper on national and foreign LGBTQIA legislation. I found in most cases; our current legislation is not being enforced. 

Scholar, Kevin Jost argues “the UN still promotes policies at odds with the Universal Declaration for Human Rights.” If governing documents are not being enforced by the founders who created them, how do we know the UN or other legal organizations are following through on their promise? For instance, while SCOTUS ruled in favor of LGBTQIA people in the workforce, LGBTQIA people are still are not granted rights to adopt children, or guaranteed health care. There is still much work to be done, as well as more enforceable legislation. It is nice to see Johnson County rise in favor of LGBTQIA people, but how will they monitor and enforce new policies? In the coming years, will these polices still exist? And in what ways can we improve existing legislation? 

What are your thoughts on JOCO’s ordinances? Drop a comment below, subscribe, and hit the like button. Please keep your thoughts friendly if you decide to share. Thanks! 

To learn more about The Ordinance Project and Kansas City’s rich LGBTQIA scene, check out Lynn Horsley’s article here.

You can also checkout an extensive report on the legalities of Gay marriage and right’s in the U.S here http://science.jburroughs.org/mbahe/BioEthics/Articles/CQRGayMarriage.pdf

We’re Here, and We’re Queer

Hi everyone! My name is Skye VanLanduyt. About a year ago, I graduated from Baker University with a B.A in English, emphasis in Creative Writing, and a minor in Gender Studies. I grew up in a supportive family who encouraged me to follow my dreams no matter how big. I didn’t realize my gender could threaten my goals until I started college. I credit my professors at Baker University for unveiling the truth about women’s progress. I was horrified, challenged, and inspired by stories of women who fought and succumbed to the barriers against them. I begged my professors to let me focus my essays around feminist ideology, gender hierarchies, and issues about femininity and masculinity. The 2016 election infuriated and motivated me to continue my studies and find ways to become more involved in helping women achieve equality. My experiences working in politics and for women’s organizations have inspired me to pursue a career in women’s studies and education. 

Over the past year, I’ve interned for the Women’s Foundation, UMKC Women’s Center, and various female political candidates including: Presidential candidate, Kamala Harris, mayoral Candidate, Jolie Justus, and Representative Sharice Davids. I also became a member of Choral Spectrum, Kansas City’s premier LGBTQIA affirming choir.

I’m passionate about women’s issues, the LGBTQIA community, and minority studies! I can’t wait to share my insights with you. Thanks for joining me!