A team from Wichita State University's Department of History is documenting queer history in Wichita, Kansas, in a new photo history book from Arcadia Publishing. Dr. Jay Price, chair of history of WSU has overseen a series of photo history books about different historical topics in the region, with the newest one focused on the deep history of the LGBTQ community in Wichita. Our student storyteller Kaitlyn Richards talked with Dr. Price along with graduate student Derek Landwehr and Center of Wichita's Chair Brent Kennedy about this project, which will release in June 2025. This is the final episode of our student storyteller's podcast takeover, thanks for listening to Pride in the Plains this semester. We'll return soon with more Great Plains Anywhere.

Cory DeRoin speaks about his experience as mixoge, an Otoe word translated as "sacred person" — someone who possesses a masculine and feminine spirit. DeRoin, a proud member of the Otoe-Missouria Tribe and the Bear Clan, is the current mayor of Red Rock, Okla., and is deeply committed to supporting tribal communities culturally, spiritually, and economically. DeRoin’s volunteer work includes volunteering with the Pawnee Seed Preservation Society, where he aids in corn harvesting in Oklahoma and Nebraska. His career and volunteerism reflect his lifelong mission to uplift tribal communities, and he remains dedicated to advancing their growth and visibility across Indian Country.

Student Storyteller Kaitlyn Richards' podcast takeover continues with an interview with Mar Lee (they/them). Mar is a Nebraskan who has spent years organizing and advocating with community members across the state on issues related to queer liberation, food production and access, sexual and domestic violence prevention, and much more. Hear about their journey from a growing up in a rural community to becoming a force for advocacy in Nebraska in this episode.

Mar responded to Kaitlyn's call for for people to tell their story of life as an LGBTQ+ person living on the Plains.