At The Center of Wichita

by Elisabeth Slay
Staff Writer     

Tucked at the corner of Market and Murdock in Wichita Kansas, lies The Center, a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community to grow and embrace who they are.

The Center originated several years ago, and over time has developed into a home away from home for those who need it.

“We now have a library, several adult groups, a parent’s group, and the LGBTQ+ Heath Coalition, making us a primary and responsive resource for the community,” Chair of The Center, Brent Kennedy said.

Presently, The Center is thriving as more of its resources, such as the Library expand, and more citizens utilize its assets.

“The Library began as a media lounge in our Waterman location after community members suggested we start collecting harder-to-find LGBTQ+ themed films and books,” Kennedy said. “We set up a small room with a couch, some shelves, some donated books and videos (with a few used textbooks for students), and a TV.”

Soon after, Kansas passed a law enabling librarians to recommend pro-LGBTQ+ material to local communities. The change in law led to massive donations of books to the Library.

“Our few shelves ballooned to over 600 texts and dozens of movies requiring a dedicated volunteer,” Kennedy said.

Sally Morse was The Center’s librarian before she retired, so they dedicated the Library to her earlier this year. “The collection is now over 1,400 texts dating back to 1910, including a full archive of the Liberty Press. It has become one of only a handful of accessible LGBTQ+ special collections in our region,” Kennedy explained.

In addition to the Library and The Center’s other programs, is Kids Connect run by board member-at-large, Morgan Beisner.

“Kids Connect is a parent support group, where we get together and share our struggles and joys. It’s a place for parents of LGBTQ+ youth 18 and under get together and find support, understanding and resources,” Beisner said.

According to Beisner, Kids Connect helps LGBTQ+ youth find a community at home, at school and socially.

“They get a chance to be within a group of other people like themselves,” she explained. “A chance to really relax, relate and truly just be young and have fun is offered [at] every meeting.”

Kids Connect also aids in approaching unsupportive schools, starting Gender and Sexuality Alliances, seeking medical and mental care and any other way needed.

As far as she knows, Beisner said there is no other place like The Center in Kansas.

“Having local people to turn to who know the systems here, the doctors and therapists, the resources available and what isn’t here, is beyond comparison,” she said. “I believe Kids Connect has helped to make Wichita a more supportive, inclusive, and loving place for our LGBTQ+ youth.

In the future, Beisner said she’s hoping to turn Kids Connect into Wichita PFLAG which is something the city hasn’t had in a while.

Kennedy explained thanks to several community members and organizations The Center continues its growth and outreach for LGBTQ+ youth.

“I wish it were possible to thank every group and individual who made The Center what it is today,” he said. “From our all-volunteer Board of Directors to local organizations like MCC, The Wichita Two-Spirit Society, Hunter Health, WSU’s Spectrum and Office of Diversity, The Gayly, and even Tall Grass Film Festival, all were involved to some degree.”

For more information, visit www.thecenterofwichita.org. 

Copyright The Gayly - 1/12/2019 @ 9:00 a.m. CST.