A new audience in Andover

By my count, today was the eighth screening we've had for "Out Here In Kansas." Of course this one was pretty special, since we were showing it for the first time in Andover, which is where the story originates. 

An enthusiastic crowd showed up in the Butler Community College student lounge room known as the "Grizzly Den." Some people I knew; most of them I didn't meet until today. 

That's our producer Jon Pic at the top right, wrapping up our Q&A session. He's a self-described introvert but, bless his heart, he somehow transforms into a social dynamo when it comes to our documentary. 

Next up: An evening screening, March 15 at Southwestern College in Winfield.

My goal: One million viewers

A longtime friend surprised me today by telling me about her gay child, and the challenges she was having with it because of her Christian beliefs.
This has happened to me many, many times since word out that I was making a documentary about gays and the church. Each time someone trusts me enough to share their story - whether it's about a child, a parent or even themselves - I consider it an honor and a blessing.
Truth is, the timing was perfect for us to complete "Out Here In Kansas." I said this to the audience at our world premiere, and I'll make it public on this blog:: I want this documentary to be seen by at least a million people.
How do we do that? With fans who have already seen the documentary, and want others to see it, too. There will be an opportunity for everyone to not only see "Out Here In Kansas" but to share it. Hopefully that will happen later this year.

Anxious for Andover

Just a reminder that at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 28, we will be screening "Out Here In Kansas" on the Andover campus of Butler Community College.
The location is 715 E. 13th St. in Andover, in the "Grizzly Den" of the 5000 Building. That's where the main entrance is, as well as the bookstore, student lounge, etc.
Obviously, I'm excited. Andover has earned a special place in my heart over the last 10 years, and that's where the story of this documentary originated.
The screening is free. There will be a Q&A afterwards, and we should have things wrapped up by 12:30 p.m.

Back "home" at Butler

A student reporter asked me today about my relationship with Butler Community College.
Well, I replied, I grew up 10 minutes down the road from BCC. Went to the Grizzlies' football camps when I was a kid. Took college algebra there when I was 19. Covered countless football and basketball games there when I worked for the Wichita Eagle. Stayed up all night with them in Idaho after they won the national championship. Taught English for them as an adjunct. Worked with their athletic department, and marketing.
"Butler," I finally said, "is part of my family."
That's why I was so proud for "Out Here In Kansas" to screen on the BCC El Dorado campus in front of so many of the people who are the reason for that relationship. (I had never even met Butler President Kim Krull, but bless her heart, she was there too.)
Many thanks to BCC's Crystal Aluko (pictured above) for setting up the event. In case you don't know, there's another one on Tuesday in Andover.

Documentary will play at Southwestern

Today we announce our upcoming screening at Southwestern College, which is the alma mater of Burt Humburg, who of course is the central figure of "Out Here In Kansas."
The documentary will be shown 6 p.m. Wed., March 15 at the Deets Library on the Southwestern campus in Winfield. (Editor's note: The location has been moved to the Richardson Performing Arts Center.)

While the event is geared toward students, it is open to the public. Following the half-hour movie, there will be a Q&A and discussion.
Humburg was a football player at Southwestern from 1994-'97, earning All-American honors his senior season. He was active in several organizations on campus, and was even once voted Southwestern's "Ugly Man." (That's the Moundbuilders' version of the homecoming king.)