Diversity Rules Magazine

3 Diversity Rules Magazine January 2020 Joey Amato is the publisher of Pride Journeys, the premier source for LGBT travel. Joey publishes des na on reviews in addi on to life- style content that is both insigh ul and engaging to LGBT readers. Joey has spent the majority of his career dedicated to the LGBT community, hav- ing contributed to numerous publica ons around North America. In addi on, he owns Agency33 Public Rela ons, a full-service firm specializing in LGBT outreach. When I found out I had the opportunity to visit Wich- ita, I was really excited. I had never been to Kansas before (aside from Kansas City) and was eager to see what "Cowtown" had to offer. First, a li le his- tory lesson. The city actually began as a trading post on the Chisholm Trail in the 1860s and became a key des na on for ca le drives traveling north from Texas to access railroads, earning it the nickname "Cowtown." In the 1920s and 1930s, businessmen and aeronau cal engineers established a number of successful aircra manufacturing companies which helped transform the region into a hub for aircra produc on. Wichita got a new nickname, "The Air Capital of the World." Manufacturers including Air- bus, Beechcra , Cessna, Learjet, and Spirit AeroSys- tems currently operate large facili es there. In addi on to planes, Wichita is also known for its weather. I know this may sound strange, but I was really hoping to witness some intense storms. Kan- sas lies in tornado alley, so I was in full storm-chaser mode. However, all I experienced was a small thun- derstorm, but it was cool non the less. I digress. Wichita is home to Tanganyika Wildlife Park. Yes, it took me the en re trip to remember how to pronounce the park's name, but I got it eventually. Tanganyika offers more hands-on opportuni es and up-close animal experiences than tradi onal zoos. My first stop was the penguin encounter, an indoor/ outdoor exhibit filled with cuteness. I learned first- hand that penguins like to play with shoelaces and anything colorful. And speaking of colors, they also enjoy pain ng. I le with a beau ful work of art painted by one of my new friends. With my masterpiece in hand, I headed to the le- mur feeding area where I had a chance to feed the adorable Primates. Although Tanganyika doesn't let you pet the lemurs, the experience was s ll really fun. Tanganyika Wildlife Park opened in 2008 with 15 exhibits and three interac ve areas. Today, they boast over 40 exhibits featuring 10 interac ve sta- ons, over 400 animals and 37 successful breeding programs. Zoos some mes get a bad reputa on, but I was really impressed by high level of animal conserva on efforts and care exhibited by the staff. A er freshening up at The Courtyard Wichita at Old Town, it was me to begin the Wichita Pride fes vi- es. The Opening Night Drag Show drew nearly 400 guests to WAVE, a hotspot a few blocks from my ho- tel. For a small city pride fes val, Wichita sure orga- nizes a jam-packed weekend of events for all ages. Wichita - Con't on page 6 Pride Journeys Wichita, Kansas By Joey Amato

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