Two Groups Choose Scholarship Winner

Kansas City Bear Mafia members Jonathan DeRaps and Brandon Wilcox presented Leslie Ponce-Diaz with her scholarship. Photo: Samantha Ruggles.

This year’s recipient of the Future Leaders scholarship, offered by the Kansas City Center for Inclusion (KCCI) and the Kansas City Bear Mafia, is Leslie Ponce-Diaz. This is the second year in a row that the two organizations have offered the honor. The $500 scholarship is designed to support the recipient’s further education.

Ponce-Diaz, a member of the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art’s Teen Arts Council, often passed by KCCI on her way home. Curious about the center, she decided to search for it online.

“When I found out on the website that there was an opening for a scholarship, I decided to apply, because I believe that KCCI is everything I stand for and believe in,” said Ponce-Diaz. “… We are all equal and different in our own way and we all deserve acceptance in society!”

Samantha Ruggles, KCCI’s interim executive director, said, “The selection process this year was rather intense. We have several great applications, and it was hard to make the decision. However, we all agreed Leslie had the best application and essay.”

Ponce-Diaz will be attending the Rhode Island School of Design for her undergraduate degree. She plans to study both sculpture and graphic design programs there.

“I am the child of an undocumented and first-generation household,” said Ponce-Diaz. “I have tried to give back to my community by volunteering with several programs, including the Central Avenue Betterment Association (CABA). CABA program director Edgar Galicia helps students understand the importance of local organizations in Kansas City Central Avenue. With his mentorship, I was able to help organizations and myself understand how the Latino community in Central Avenue can increase their businesses and continue embracing their culture in Kansas.”

Ponce-Diaz’s volunteer work has also included Open Spaces and Teens in Transition.

In her free time, she creates social and political commentary art that gives minorities a voice in society. You can see her artwork at: leslieponcediaz.wixsite.com/ponceart

WhistlePig + Alfa Romeo F1

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.

Keep readingShow less
by Spectrum Medical Care Center

Nurse Practitioner Ari Kravitz

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.

Keep readingShow less

Descanso Resort swimming pool and lounge area

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.

Keep readingShow less