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Beyond the Spotlight: Creating Space for Queer Voices in Local Theater Whim Productions, founded by Kevin King, amplifies LGBTQ+ voices in Kansas City theater. Through Alphabet Soup, a queer-focused play showcase, the company nurtures diverse stories, fosters community, and reshapes local theater. By Frances James, for OUT in Kansas In the heart of Kansas City’s vibrant arts scene, one theater company is making space for voices that have often been left out of the spotlight. Founded by Kevin...

Ms. Wheelchair Kansas celebrates 20 years, crowns University of Kansas student as 2025 role model Autumn Bertels, a University of Kansas student, smiles after being crowned Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2025 at a March 16 ceremony in Lawrence. (Maya Smith for Kansas Reflector) Autumn Bertels, a KU biology student, was crowned 2025 Ms. Wheelchair Kansas, advocating for accessibility in education. The competition, celebrating 20 years, uplifts wheelchair-mobile women statewide. Bertels and fellow...

Doctor Jon Paul is here to help you love yourself in “Black. Fat. Femme.” Doctor Jon Paul's book Black. Fat. Femme. is available now. Photo: Doctor Jon Paul. Jon Paul Higgins, Ed.D, known as Doctor Jon Paul, is an educator, cultural critic, and now author of Black. Fat. Femme. This memoir explores the intersection of Black, fat, femme, and queer identity through media critique and personal storytelling. Aimed at empowering marginalized voices, the book encourages self-love and belief. Jon...

Fastest-growing careers in healthcare that require the least amount of education Vivian Health Thinking of pursuing a healthcare career but dreading the years of school needed to get started? Many healthcare jobs are expected to see tremendous growth over the next several years, but not all of them require half a decade or more of education. If you're eager to enter the often-lucrative healthcare field without the lengthy classroom commitment, here's Vivian Health's guide to 10 of the...

Meet the transgender Army Lieutenant who is challenging Donald Trump's military ban Lt. Nicolas Talbott has spent more than a decade preparing to serve in the military. Nicolas Talbott has spent more than a decade preparing to be the best soldier he could be. He's now one of several trans military service members who are suing the Trump administration. When The Advocate first met Second Lieutenant Nicolas Talbott in Washington, D.C., at a pivotal moment in his fight to serve in themilitary,...

LGBTQ autistic people must reclaim narrative about their lives (Image by Soodowoodo/Bigstock) April is National Autism Acceptance Month It has been 10 years since I started to work on a project that later became “Autistic Initiative for Civil Rights,” the first autistic self-advocacy group in Russia and Ukraine, created by autistic people for autistic people. In a region where most “psychiatrists” couldn’t distinguish autism from schizophrenia, and autistic people were considered to be a...

Suspects of Super Bowl reporter’s death allegedly planned drug-and-steal schemes for years Adan Manzano, a 27-year-old anchor and reporter for Telemundo, in Kansas City, Missouri. Photograph: AP Sources say Danette Colbert and Rickey White’s texts show coordination to incapacitate victims and take their money Danette Colbert, left, and Rickey White are suspects in the 5 February death of Telemundo reporter Adan Manzano in Kenner, Louisiana. Photograph: Guardian reporting partner WWL Louisiana...

Queer Lit Matchmaker: What to read after your favorite LGBTQ+ novel Photo: Akarawut/Shutterstock Love a good queer read and want more where that came from? We’ve got you covered. Whether you’re still thinking about Evelyn Hugo or rooting for Nick and Charlie, here’s a lineup of books that bring similar feels—with fresh voices, big emotions, and LGBTQ+ stories that stick with you. If you loved “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid Then try “The Memories of Marlie Rose” by...

WPS 259 seeks applicants for Financial Oversight Committee Ensuring Transparency and Accountability in Wichita Public Schools' Finances Wichita Public Schools is establishing a Financial Oversight Committee to help guide the district in making sound financial decisions for the future. This committee will serve as a community advisory group, providing recommendations on funding priorities, resource allocation, and long-term financial planning. Interested in serving? Apply by Friday, April 11...