The LIKEME Lighthouse: a resource for KCMO LGBT youth

by Sara Ritsch
Staff Writer

LIKEME Lighthouse’s mission statement says that they will “provide a safe and welcoming space where LGBT individuals and their families, friends and straight allies can come for education, resources and to build a cohesive LGBT community in the Midwest.” And they do exactly that.

Founded in 2010 by openly gay country music star Chely Wright, the LIKEME Lighthouse (LML) community center is one of the safest spaces for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals in Kansas City, Missouri – Wright’s hometown.

The center is known for its resources, for pointing LGBT teens and adults in the right direction during times of struggle. They have reduced their space, so there is less room to hang out, but, “We still have the ability to have people come and be a part of a safe space. Looking forward, we have begun to plan for a capital campaign to raise funds to purchase a permanent home and expand services,” says Felicia Kyle, volunteer Director of LML.

“We have laptops, a library, books and movies; we still try to do some programs that relate to people who want to come and be social without any pressure. We’re known for chili cook-offs, lots of movies, neutral and fun activities both on and off site.

“We’ve had this transgender presence since we’ve opened. We have several kinds of support groups and an on-site counselor. We offer sliding-scale scholarship counseling sessions. PFLAG, all kinds of groups. Weddings. You name it, we’ve got it,” she says.

Their counseling is more of a resource than a therapy session, since they are a community center. But Kyle says that is an imperative tool when handling thoughts of suicide. “[The counseling is] just neutral, calming; and then maybe we’d involve them in a conversation that guides them towards professional help.

“I absolutely cannot state one story as a general rule, because everybody has a story, but I can say through experience that there are times when just finding someone to talk to or having an outlet, a community, a safe space, a friend, a hug – it does a lot of good. That’s where sometimes a difference can really happen.

“Online, there are no hugs, no real conversation. And that’s what we need sometimes. Just that human contact. I have always said I think one of the most damaging things is the isolation. It’s a real benefit to people to break that up by having someplace to go.”

There is no one who is not welcome, no one who has not been integrated into the family, at LIKEME Lighthouse. “It’s a very open environment,” Kyle says.

This year, Lighthouse put on an Equality Teen Prom, and it was a big hit. Specifically for younger people, but praised by parents as well, the prom took place in May. This, Kyle vows, is an event they will now put on yearly.

“Parents were so happy to be able to bring their child to a prom and have them feel perfectly safe and just free, free to be themselves; and it was well-received with the kids, too. Everyone enjoyed that.”

Kansas City, MO itself has a variety of beneficial community services. The center points LGBT people and allies in the direction of where they need to go.

Lighthouse also hosts the GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network) Day of Silence each year. “Once they finish, they come to the Lighthouse and talk about the day and how they’re feeling. That’s one of the best events to sit and be a fly on the wall for.”

But there is no average day at LML, as Kyle explains. Certain people come through regularly, but “being a community center, anything can happen. Somebody could walk in, and they’re going to have a story. You don’t know what their story is. Because they’re in need – you never know. Every time I think I’m going to predict what a day will look like – ha, nope!”

LIKEME Lighthouse has resources for aging, alcohol and drugs, assault and abuse, attorneys, bars and clubs, housing, friends and family, musical groups, sign language interpreters and support groups. For more information, visit www.likemelighthouse.org.

The Gayly – July 20, 2016 @ 7:15 a.m.