UMKC will host LIKEME Lighthouse Benefit Concert

UMKC continues to serve as a prominent partner and supporter of the LGBTQIA community

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The University of Missouri-Kansas City Division of Diversity, Access, and Equity’s Pride Committee will sponsor the LIKEME Lighthouse Benefit Concert. The event will be held at 7 p.m. on March 10 at the UMKC Student Union Theatre, 5100 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo. The LIKEME Lighthouse is set to open March 10.

Admission prices range from $30 to $1,000, and students, faculty, staff and the community are encouraged to attend. Tickets are required and are available online through the Central Ticket Office.

The LIKEME Lighthouse is Kansas City’s newest community center. The center will provide education, programming and resources in a welcoming and safe space for the LGBTQIA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Ally) community, their families and straight allies.

“The University of Missouri-Kansas City is committed to an inclusive community that is open, respectful and supportive of LGBTQIA students, faculty and staff,” said Angela Cottrell, Director, Office of Student Involvement. “As we continue to be prominent supporters in the LGBTQIA community, the LIKEME Lighthouse benefit concert is an opportunity to showcase our understanding and respect as an ally and encourage members of the community to get involved.”

Performers for the event include Chely Wright, the founder of the LIKE ME organization, along with Alan Cumming, Jennifer Knapp, Hal Sparks, Thomas Roberts, Tracy Ryerson, Stamie Karakasidis and local Kansas City musician Kristie Stremel.

As one of the first country music stars to come out as gay, Wright created the LIKEME Organization in 2010 after the release of her acclaimed memoir “Like Me: Confessions of a Heartland Country Singer.” The book tells the story of Wright’s struggle to accept her sexuality as a young girl growing up in Kansas and then as a recording artist in Nashville.

About The LIKEME Organization

The LIKEME Organization mission is to provide resources, education and support to LGBT individuals and their families and friends. LIKEME has established an LGBT Community Center in Kansas City, Mo., providing health information, counseling, education, and a sense of community; a college scholarship program for students who actively advocate for LGBT equality; and our founder, recording artist Chely Wright, publicly advocates for inclusion, respect, and equality for the LGBT community.

About LIKEME Lighthouse

The Kansas City LIKEME Lighthouse serves as a beacon of hope for the area’s lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender community. Located in the heart of Kansas City, the Lighthouse comes fully equipped with resources, staff, counselors and a sense of community and safety. Within the Lighthouse, the Community Center provides resources on such topics as the coming out process, gender identity, bullying and other issues the LGBT community faces.

About UMKC

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), one of four University of Missouri campuses, is a public university serving more than 15,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UMKC engages with the community and economy based on a four-part mission: life and health sciences; visual and performing arts; urban issues and education; and a vibrant learning and campus life experience. For more information about UMKC, visit www.umkc.edu. You can also find us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and watch us on YouTube.


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