Are you an educator working with LGBTQ+ students in a high school in the greater Kansas City metropolitan area in Missouri or Kansas?
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Yesterday, I finally gave the trans house an official name: Mott House.
I announced this roughly 20 minutes after it came to me. I did not even have time to think about what people’s responses would be. I’m really happy to say that it was all incredibly positive. People even called to thank me. The response I received is an incredible testament to Stephanie. And her life work. I can not 100% pinpoint it but she had something truly incredible about her. If I were to guess… it would be her calmness. That way she stood there with that little smile as she listened to whatever it is that was being said. She stood there with that same calmness when her “lifestyle choice” to be authentic was being challenged. She stood there with that same calmness when lawmakers challenged her authenticity. She stood there with that same calmness when she was with a person that saw her just as Stephanie. That peacefulness is what brings people in. It helps people listen. And listening to her life story is what brought about change to many of hardened hearts. As an activist myself. Remaining calm and authentic is a life lesson that I could definitely improve on. Now, thankfully, my house will be a gentle reminder to myself of that. And hopefully others.
Ken has spent the last eleven years working to empower LGBTQIA youth and their allies as one of the founders and board president of PerformOUTKC. He believes that communities will be united and healed by the power of young people sharing their voices through the arts. Ken has a BS in music education from Lindenwood University and has been involved in some form of performing arts most of his life. Career and volunteer work have allowed him to develop skills in organization, facilitative management, strategic planning, community engagement, marketing and development. He has served several not-for-profit organizations in event planning, volunteer coordination, membership services and board development. Ken currently works as the Volunteer Manager with Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City. He has also contributed his time and talents to facilitate board retreats for community organizations and plans to continue serving in a facilitative and advisory role. Mr. Strickland is grateful and excited to begin this new chapter of his life in the role of Vice President of FCPA.
Ken’s passion is contagious! Please join us!
