It’s been 25 years since sexual orientation was added to Kansas City’s Civil Rights Ordinance. It was one of the city’s most controversial moves, and created rifts in the community that are still felt. To understand better the push to outlaw discrimination against lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and people with HIV/AIDS, KCUR met a local activist who was the first openly gay candidate for city council, and learned about an upcoming documentary chronicling the initiative. Featured on the show was:
- Jon Barnett, LGBTQ activist
- Austin Williams, filmmaker, University of Missouri-Kansas City adjunct professor of history and Ph.D student
Jon Barnett and Austin Williams discussed the addition of sexual orientation to Kansas City’s Civil Rights Ordinance on Wednesday, June 6, at the Kansas City Public Library‘s Plaza Branch, 4801 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64112. Footage from William’s upcoming documentary, ‘The Ordinance Project,’ were also featured. For more information, visit KCLibrary.org.