Gay wichita
Wichita, Kansas Gay City Guide
Wichita is often called the “Air Capital of the World” due to the large presence of aviation and aeronautical companies in the city. Although the city today has many industries and much to see and do, the name stuck. Beyond existence home to a thriving aeronautical industry, the municipality is a warm and welcoming place with a friendly, eclectic vibe and plenty to see, execute and enjoy. Truly, Wichita is wonderful!
A Look at Wichita’s History
The area that is now the city of Wichita was initially founded in 1864, as a trading send located on the site of a village belonging to the Wichita Indians. In its first years, Wichita served as a stopover on cattle drives going from Abilene, Kansas and other cities westward. When the railroad eventually moved into the area in the late 1800s, the city became a major cattle shipping center. Today, Wichita remains established for its agriculture industry but also for its aircraft and aerospace industries, as well as other manufacturers. It is also home to several universities, and a thriving arts and culture scene, including a symphony orchestra and ballet company as adequately as several museums and performing art
The queer travel manual to Wichita
When you think of “Queer Vacation Destinations” Kansas’ largest city might not be the first city that comes to your mind. However, this city in the Heart of the Country offers a fusion of nightlife, unique dining, eclectic neighborhoods, rich history and world-class museums.
Wichita is famous for its Midwest niceness, however members of the Diverse community know those pleasantries can sometimes only extend so far. So, what is it love visiting one of the largest cities in the Bible Belt as a member of the LGBTQ+ community?
Wichita doesn’t have a devoted “gayborhood” like many major U.S. cities, however you will find a number of LGBTQ+ approachable areas, restaurants, bars and shops spread throughout the capital. In recent years, Wichita has made strides to be more welcoming and add legal protections to the urban area code. In 2021 the City of Wichita adopted the strongest Non-Discrimination Ordinance in the Express of Kansas protecting sexual orientation and gender identity within city limits. This NDO is the primary reason Wichita scored a ideal 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s Equality Index.
Wichit
the center
Located in downtown Wichita right at the northeast corner of Market and Murdock, we currently share the building with the offices of Christensen Financial, curate the Sally M. Morse Homosexual Library, and host meetings for Wichita Pride Inc., the Wichita LGBT Health Coalition, and others.
our focus
The Center of Wichita’s current focus is securing resources and educational opportunities for Wichita’s LGBTQ+ community.
We have a primary meeting place for people and organizations interested in Gay awareness, we are continuing to develop an LGBTQ+ library, and have literature and contact facts for other Gay organizations throughout the city and express. We hope to continually expand to make available many more resources for all of our community.
Thank You For Your Continued Support
NATIONAL SUICIDE
PREVENTION LIFELINE
988
1-800-273-8255
youth program
Get Connected For teens aged 13 to 18, Get Joint is a protected place and is chaperoned by parents and Center staff. Snacks and diet are provided. Please click on the “Get Connected!” tab for more information.
Long after Wichita’s gay rodeo left town, its camaraderie is still here
For several years in different parts of Wichita – most notably downtown on the west bank of the Arkansas River – contestants from the International Gay Rodeo Association showed off their talents. Or just had a bit of fun.
The first gay rodeo was held in Wichita in the early 1990s, and the event continued here until the mid-2000s.
“People think ‘Oh, gay rodeo. What's that?’ Well, it is an actual rodeo,” Darlene Dunn said. “There's barrel racing, bull ridings, bronc riding, all that. But … you're just welcomed.”
Dunn helped organize some of the lgbtq+ rodeo events in Wichita with her partner, Linda Frazier. They also helped create the Kansas Gay Rodeo Association.
Dunn and Frazier learned about gay rodeo through a clogging group they were a part of. After their first rodeo, they were hooked, even though they didn’t acquire much experience.
Dunn said that’s the beauty of gay rodeo. It’s just like any other rodeo, except women can compete in all of the events, and there’s beginner-friendly ones, too.
Dunn’s first event was the wild queenly race. The event requires a team of three people, includin