Well, this winter weather has been giving me the blues, so I was excited to catch up with Sue Brazelton this month to learn a bit about the history of the LGBT community in Kansas City. That always warms me right up! Brazelton owned the LGBT women’s bar Birds of a Feather in the late 1980s, and she has been incredibly involved in the Kansas City Co-Ed Dart Association. Unfortunately we’ll be losing her to the state of Florida this year, but for now, she’s still ours!
1. I understand that your nickname is “Suzie Creamcheeze.” You know I have to ask what that is all about!
Oh my, I have just had the nickname of Suzie Creamcheeze most of my life and used it in my alternative lifestyle mainly to keep my professional life separate. You are not the first to be curious. You must note that I’m a product of the ’60s, and maybe we should just leave it at that.
2. Years ago, you opened the first women’s bar, Birds of a Feather, in Kansas City, Kan. First of all, during what years was it active? What was it like to open a women’s bar during this time period?
“First women’s bar” is not the appropriate description of Birds of a Feather. Much before Birds, there was the Rail Room (located where Crown Center is now standing), then the Alternate and Pete’s Pub (first located on 12th Street then relocated to 47th in Kansas) and Billie Jeans (located on Main just south of the Plaza), which were all mainly for LGBT women. I had a partner in Birds of a Feather (Pat McCall, or better known as Potz), and we purchased the bar from Pete and operated it for three years in the late ’80s. I would have to say it was one of the most exciting, fun and rewarding times of my life, mainly for the friends that have resulted from that chapter. We sponsored a fantastic group of women in the HASL softball league that went to nationals three years in a row and I believe came home with a first place one year.
3. Did you have any trouble with the neighborhood disapproving of the bar?
I don’t believe we had any trouble with any of the neighbors. However, that was about the time that the drinking and driving laws were becoming more strict and the Westwood and Kansas City, Kan., law enforcement were known to be overactive in the enforcement of the law. Pete had probably dealt with any of the negatives that were maybe in the beginning at that location.
4. Why did the bar close? Have you owned any other bars?
The Missouri liquor laws changed sometime in the last year we were open. That changed the closing time for Missouri from 1 a.m. to 3 a.m. Birds of a Feather had a private club license and had a 3 a.m. closing. We knew that this would keep people from crossing the state line and subjecting themselves to DUIs and DWIs. With this in mind, we looked at several locations to relocate, one location being what is now known as Buddies. But during this period, my relationship with Pat McCall was ending, and I had to make the decision to either keep the bar or end my railroad career, which came with retirement. I chose career/retirement and am so happy I did. No, I have not owned any other bars, but people do keep asking me if I’m interested.
5. What do you think is currently missing in the Kansas City LGBT community or bar scene?
Unity of the bar owners is one of the missing links. I’ve always said if you join hands you can conquer all. I truly believe in that philosophy with all aspects of life.
6. I also know that you are active in the darts league in Kansas City. How long have you been involved? And this is a mixed league of straight and LGBT people?
While owning Birds of a Feather, Jim White (former owner of the View) and his partner, Bill Dugger, started what is now known as KCCDA (Kansas City Co-Ed Dart Association). This league, we felt, would not only introduce people to darts, but with scheduling games at the various bars at that time, people would make new friends and go to establishments they had previously not frequented. This league is now some 30-plus years old and is now very much a mixed league with straight and LGBT participants.
Also, in the dart community, Bobby Bremer (former owner of Taps) and his then-partner, Larry, along with my partner, Gina Jenkins, coordinated an intrastate dart tournament called Darts Over Missouri with the dart league in St. Louis. Darts Over Missouri will be celebrating its 25th anniversary this coming May. During the 25 years from the start of this tournament, we have made many sizable contributions to the KC CARE Clinic. I also believe this tournament was in the forefront of what is now six tournaments, all based in the gay communities of Dallas, Oklahoma City, Denver and Missouri.
7. You recently helped form a new spin-off darts team that is more amateur and all LGBT. Why was that necessary with the existing darts league? Has there been lack of acceptance of LGBT people in the current league?
Last year, with KCCDA becoming so competitive, there were a lot of darters dropping out. The new league is called the Creampuff League, and along with several other people, we decided to make it a league of no skill standings and a charity (fundraiser) event, with all money collected going to a LGBT charity that is selected by the participants of the league. Our first season, we donated over $300 to LIKEME Lighthouse. This last session, we doubled our donation amount, and the charity has yet to be voted on. This league throws darts on Wednesdays, and since KCCDA throws on Tuesdays and Thursdays, it is in no way a result of any lack of acceptance of the LGBT community, but rather a league that throws for fun and charity.
8, I understand that you’ll be moving to Florida with your partner soon. Do you plan on becoming involved in the LGBT community there, perhaps by finding another dart league?
Yes, we are excited to be moving sometime in 2014 to The Villages in Florida. On several of my visits to that community, we have met members of the LGBT community, and members of PFLAG and Rainbow communities. It is our understanding that they have many active groups and events, but at this time no darts. Guess that will give me something to work on.
9. I always like to have one or two fun questions. If you could be any cocktail, what would you be?
All right, this probably won’t be a surprise to most that know me: a flaming Lemon Drop shot.
10. What is your favorite game in darts and why?
I’m not sure I have what you would call a favorite because I really enjoy all of them, but I think Cricket is a good game because it teaches you to aim, and there is a little more strategy to the game.
WhistlePig and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Wind Tunnel-Trialed Whiskey Is a Ryed You Don’t Want to Miss
SHOREHAM, VT (September 13, 2023) — WhistlePig Whiskey, the leaders in independent craft whiskey, and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake are waving the checkered flag on a legend-worthy release that’s taking whiskey to G-Force levels. The Limited Edition PiggyBack Legends Series: Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is a high Rye Whiskey selected by the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake drivers, with barrels trialed in their wind tunnel to ensure a thrilling taste in every sip.
The third iteration in WhistlePig’s Single Barrel PiggyBack Legends Series, the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is bottled at 96.77 proof, a nod to Valtteri Bottas’ racing number, 77, and the precision of racing. Inspired by Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese F1 driver, this Rye Whiskey is finished with lychee and oolong tea. Herbal and floral notes of the oolong tea complement the herbaceous notes of WhistlePig’s signature PiggyBack 100% Rye, rounded out with a juicy tropical fruit finish and a touch of spice.
Like Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake’s signature C43 racing vehicles, trial barrels were tested in the team’s wind tunnel in Switzerland before hitting the track. Select barrels then endured varying levels of G-Forces at the WhistlePig farm and distillery for the finishing touch, accelerating the interaction between the whiskey and the wood, staying true to the physical nature of Formula 1.
“Partnering with WhistlePig has been a very exciting experience. Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake is dedicated to being the best on the track, and the crew at WhistlePig is fearless in their pursuit to create the best whiskey out there,” said Valtteri Bottas, Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake’s driver. “We’re really looking forward to fans tasting our custom Rye Whiskey and raising a glass to the rookies, veterans, legends and the exhilarating sport of F1.”
"Joining forces with WhistlePig to release a Single Barrel Rye Whiskey that represents my culture and team has been an honor,” said Zhou Guanyu, Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake’s driver. “Formula 1 brings together fearless, thrill-seeking motorsports professionals, and WhistlePig has a shared passion for boundary-pushing innovation. Together, we’ve selected something alarmingly good for fans to enjoy this season when the cars are not on track.”
The Limited Edition Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel will be available for purchase online starting around September 13 for $49.99 MSRP per 750ml bottle and sold in select stores across the U.S. Consumers can win VIP merchandise by scanning the QR code on the back of each bottle.
"We're taking our third Legends Series release on a ryed like never before,” said Meghan Ireland, WhistlePig Head Blender. "Our experiments with dynamic aging went full throttle during finishing trials at the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake wind tunnel, in turn inspiring new ways to expose barrels to G-forces back at the WhistlePig Farm. The herbal and floral notes of the lychee and tea barrel selected with the team create a new, podium-topping experience for PiggyBack Rye."
Fans and collectors have followed WhistlePig PiggyBack Legends Series, celebrating those who give 100% in the name of greatness, since its launch in March 2022 with Major League Baseball Hall of Famer, David Ortiz (“Big Papi”), followed by Country Music Duo Brothers Osborne in November 2022.
To learn more about WhistlePig Whiskey, visit whistlepigwhiskey.com. You can also check out WhistlePig Whiskey on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About WhistlePig Whiskey
Located off the grid on a 500-acre Vermont farm, WhistlePig Whiskey is crafted by a new generation of whiskey distillers and blenders driven to reinvent and unlock the flavor of Rye whiskey. Through their rebellious pursuit of experimenting and pushing boundaries in the industry, WhistlePig has become the leading independent craft whiskey brand for innovation. WhistlePig is committed to becoming the best whiskey on and for the planet, starting with its locally sourced ingredients and sustainable supply chain and distilling process. For more information, head to whistlepigwhiskey.com.
When I started medical transition at 20 years old, it was very difficult to get the care I needed for hormone replacement therapy because there are very few providers trained in starting hormones for trans people, even though it’s very similar to the hormones that we prescribe to women in menopause or cisgender men with low testosterone.
I hope more providers get trained in LGBTQ+ healthcare, so they can support patients along their individual gender journey, and provide the info needed to make informed decisions about their body. I’ve personally seen my trans patients find hope and experience a better quality of life through hormone replacement therapy.
If you don’t have a primary care physician who specializes in LGBTQ+ care in your community, you may need to educate yourself (and your provider). But, before you seek such therapy, here are five things you should know!
- Monitor closely. At Spectrum Medical Care Center, we screen patients for certain risks before starting anyone on hormones. We frequently monitor patients in the first year to ensure there are no adverse reactions and lab results are within safe ranges. Follow-up care is also important to assess your comfort with the transition as well as the social impact and social support you’re experiencing.
- Some changes are permanent, some temporary. For transmasculine individuals going on testosterone, they’ll experience these permanent changes: deepened voice, clitoral enlargement (also known as bottom growth), more body, facial hair, and male pattern baldness. Reversible changes include cessation of menses, increased muscle mass and strength, body fat redistribution, and skin oiliness or acne. For those going on estrogen therapy, the most permanent change is breast growth. Feminizing hormone therapy can also cause atrophy (shrinkage) of the genitals and loss of erectile function that may not be reversible. Estrogen will thin body hair, soften the skin, can increase scalp hair, and decrease muscle mass and strength, all of which are reversible.
- You can’t pick and choose results. Unfortunately, you can’t pick and choose the physical changes you want, which may feel challenging. Some of my patients will say, ‘Okay, ‘I’ve seen the permanent changes I want, and I don’t want it to go any further,’ and so at that point, we stop therapy. Low-dose hormone therapy can slow down the rate of changes, allowing for a more gradual physical transition. We counsel patients in advance about the common changes, and it’s up to the individual as to when they’d like to scale back and determine whether some benefits are worth the potential risks.
- Be aware of risks. Like any medical treatment, there are potential risks involved. Some risks with testosterone therapy include increased red blood cell mass, acne, hypertension, sleep apnea, weight gain, and dyslipidemia (increases the chance of clogged arteries). Cardiovascular disease is likely increased with additional risk factors for testosterone and estrogen therapy. Transfeminine patients going on estrogen therapy may experience weight gain, thromboembolic disease (when a blood clot breaks off and blocks another blood vessel), and a high level of triglycerides in the blood.
Descanso Resort, Palm Springs' premier destination for gay men, just received Tripadvisor's highest honor, a Travelers' Choice "Best of the Best" award for 2023. Based on guests' reviews and ratings, fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor's 8 million listings around the world receive the coveted "Best of the Best" designation. Descanso ranked 12th in the top 25 small inns and hotels category in the United States. Quite an accomplishment!
Open less than two years, Descanso Resort offers gay men a relaxing and luxurious boutique hotel experience just minutes away from Palm Springs' buzziest restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping. Descanso has quickly established itself as a top destination for sophisticated gay travelers, earning hundreds of 5-star guest reviews and consistently ranking in Trapadvisor's top positions alongside brother properties Santiago Resort and Twin Palms Resort.
"Our entire team is honored to be named Best of the Best. To be the only gay men's resort recognized in the Top 1% is incredibly humbling," said Kent Taylor, General Manager at Descanso. "We appreciate Tripadvisor and we're grateful to all our guests who gave us such high marks and reviews to help us reach this achievement."
“Ranking among the Best of the Best demonstrates that you have provided exemplary experiences to those who maZer most: your guests,” said John Boris, Chief Growth Officer at Tripadvisor. “With changing expectations, continued labor shortages, and rising costs, this is no easy feat, and I am con6nually impressed with the hospitality industry’s resilience and ability to adapt.”
Santiago Resort was once again honored by Tripadvisor with a 2023 Travelers’ Choice award, placing it among the top 10% of travelers’ top reviewed des6na6ons. Twin Palms will become eligible for ranking in 2024.
Check out all the reviews, and discover more about Descanso Resort on Tripadvisor here. We have an excellent library of resort imagery available to accompany editorial and additional resources on our press page. Please contact Descanso Resort’s General Manager, Kent Taylor, at kent@descansoresort.com for further information.
About Descanso Resort
Inspired by Palm Springs’ history as a des6na6on for Hollywood stars to unwind in privacy, Descanso offers guests a casual yet modern take on the legendary style of that 6me. Created by the same hospitality team that revitalized Palm Springs’ much-loved San6ago Resort and recently launched the all-new Twin Palms Resort, the Descanso property opened in 2022 featuring 15 spacious guest rooms with custom-designed furniture, dreamy King-size beds, and luxe details. Ameni6es include continental breakfast, poolside lunch, welcome snack basket, and lots of special touches. For guests who need to stay connected, the entire property is equipped with blazing-fast Wi-Fi. Mul6-speed bikes are available for exploring the surrounding midcentury neighborhoods and public art installations. Like the Hollywood stars before them, guests at Descanso are encouraged to unwind, relax, and rest in style.
About Tripadvisor
Travelers across the globe use the Tripadvisor site and app to discover where to stay, what to do and where to eat based on guidance from those who have been there before. With more than 1 billion reviews and opinions of nearly 8 million businesses, travelers turn to Tripadvisor to find deals on accommodations, book experiences, reserve tables at delicious restaurants and discover great places nearby.