One year later, this is the legacy of Kansas transgender activist Stephanie Mott

This week marked a year since the Kansas transgender activist Stephanie Mott died, suddenly of a heart attack, leaving the state’s LGBTQ community and its many allies stunned and heartbroken.  “She will be missed,” Gov. Laura Kelly said at the time, “but her advocacy to improve Kansas will be remembered.”  “There’s a hole in our…

Meet one of the trans people suing the state of Kansas for their birthright

Luc Malik Bensimón was in the news this month. He’s one of the plaintiffs in Lambda Legal’s lawsuit against the state of Kansas over its refusal to change gender markers on transgender peoples’ birth certificates. “My identity as a man has been put on hold… so, short and sweet, I’m here today because I would like…

Meet the Kansas mothers who say having trans children is a blessing

It’s a small but mighty group of allies, one to celebrate on this Mother’s Day: Mothers of trans people. The most famous one in the Kansas City area is Debi Jackson, whose daughter Avery graced the cover of National Geographic last year and who serves as an organizer at the National Center for Transgender Equality. But…

At the Lawrence Public Library, a new way to celebrate Kansas Day

Growing up in Lincoln, the capital of Nebraska, I don't remember any holiday celebrating statehood (or maybe I was just daydreaming during those grade-school history lessons). But as soon as the book launch for No Place Like Home: Lessons in Activism from LGBT Kansas was scheduled for January 29, I discovered that Kansans are serious…