The Kansas City Center for Inclusion (KCCI) has several events scheduled for October, which is designated as LGBT History Month. Four of the big ones are a First Friday art event, a NOH8 photo shoot on National Coming Out Day, a Week of Giving for Hurricane Victims, and a Saturday afternoon potluck.
The Kansas City Center for Inclusion is your LGBT+ center; come out and participate.
Established in 2012 as the flagship LGBT community center affiliated with country singer Chely Wright’s LIKEME organization, the Kansas City Center for Inclusion adopted its current name in May 2017. Now independent from LIKEME, KCCI’s mission is unchanged and its focus remains steady on the local LGBTQ+ community.
6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 6 – First Friday at the Center
The First Friday monthly events in the Crossroads Arts District are well-known to locals. Now you can add the Kansas City Center for Inclusion to the list of First Friday venues. Check out the featured art that’s been donated to the Center and meet local artists showing and selling their work. Charcuterie and beverages will be available, including wine for those who are 21 and over. Location: KCCI URL: goo.gl/ZDi7u2
6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 11 – NOH8 Photo Shoot
The NOH8 Campaign is returning to Kansas City for National Coming Out Day. Stop by the Center and pose for photographer Adam Bouska. Photos are first-come, first-served. Those in line by 8 p.m. are guaranteed a chance to pose.
Arrive camera-ready, wearing a plain white shirt. Fill out a model release form, have a NOH8 temporary tattoo applied, and wait for your number to be called. Your payment will be processed and you will receive your duct tape right before you pose.
Single photos are $40. Group photos are $25 per person. NOH8 accepts cash and credit cards only. The fees pay for one edited digital print and do not include physical prints.
Location: KCCI URL: goo.gl/ZmF783
Oct. 15-21 – Week of Giving for Hurricane Relief
KCCI will be partnering with Hamburger Mary’s to support victims of the recent hurricanes in the Atlantic. In addition to passing around a donation pail during the week’s performances, there will be a special charity bingo on Oct. 17 specifically for hurricane victims. Location: Hamburger Mary’s, 3700 Broadway St. #110, Kansas City, Mo.
6 p.m. Oct. 18 – Leaders of Local LGBTQ+ Organizations, Quarterly Meeting
If you are the leader of a local LGBTQ+ organization and you need details about the meeting, please contact Darin Challacombe, the KCCI board president, at darin.challacombe@inclusivekc.org. Location: Kauffman Foundation, Brush Creek Room, 4801 Rockhill Rd., Kansas City, Mo.
Challacombe, a Kansas native who came to Kansas City via Des Moines, has a background in collaboration – expertise that can be helpful in bringing local groups together. One service of a community center is to act as a clearinghouse for local organizations; keeping a current master list of these groups is a challenge. Another goal for Challacombe is to attempt to de-conflict calendar items among local organizations. Open communication and shared schedules can help avoid meeting and event conflicts.
Noon-6 p.m. Oct. 21 – Volunteer Appreciation Potluck
The Kansas City Center for Inclusion will be hosting a party for everyone who has volunteered, participated or is simply curious about the Center. Burgers, hot dogs, soda and water will be provided. Bring side dishes, desserts and more.
All ages are encouraged to attend. Leaders will be sharing plans and goals for 2018. Location: Loose Park Picnic Shelter, 5200 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, Mo.
URL: goo.gl/6oTLng
November
Yet another Hamburger Mary’s charity bingo event benefiting the Kansas City Center for Inclusion is set for Nov. 9.
Location: Hamburger Mary’s, 3700 Broadway St. #110, Kansas City, Mo.
And that’s not all …
When an organization is the beneficiary of a charity bingo event, it is tasked with providing $15 bingo prizes and larger prizes for the raffle. These prizes are usually donated by individuals or businesses. If you would like to donate bingo or raffle prizes, please contact the Center. Examples of past items donated as raffle prizes include Sporting KC tickets, theater tickets, artwork and gift cards for restaurants, retail and personal services.
KCCI is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and its board meetings are open to the public. Many of its board members are also heavily involved in other ways in the local LGBTQ community.
The Center is used as a regular meeting venue by several local groups. Check its online calendar to see whether anything interests you.
KCCI also hosts a number of events, including the Equality Teen Prom, classes and presentations. In a poll, the two things that community members said they desired most, Challacombe said, were a pride parade and an adult prom. Pride activities are handled by a separate organization, but many people have expressed an eagerness to reinstate a pride parade for some time. As for an adult prom? That could be coming in the future.
Challacombe mentioned Third Thursdays at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art as another potential meet-up opportunity for local LGBTQ+ folks.
Volunteers are always needed at the Center. If you are interested, send an email or call.
Finally, be on the lookout for a wish list of items needed at KCCI. In-kind and cash donations are absolutely necessary to keep the Center running and serving our community.
3911 Main St., Kansas City, Mo.
Parking: rear lot and on-street.
inclusivekc.org
816-753-7770
Mon. - Thurs. 1-5 p.m., Fri. - Sun. 4-8 p.m.
Multiple RideKC transit lines run by the Center.
Facebook and Twitter: @inclusivekc, Instagram: @inclusive_kc