As may know earlier this month (Feb 2026), the supermajority republican #ksleg passed SB 244 “The Bathroom Bill” invalidating identifying documents of transgender siblings. Senate Bill 244 not only calls for the immediate invalidation of birth certificates, Driver Licenses and State IDs, it is a direct attack on safety of transgender people. According to this bill, that affects approximately less than 2,000 people in the state, a person can “sue for damages” for witnessing anyone they think to be transgender use a restroom in a government building. It is especially alarming that there is an emphasis on monitoring data at public schools and state agencies to make sure “female” or “male” are the only choices for biological sex thus reported “disorder/differences in sex development" is considered a disability. You may read the bill in its entirety here: https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/sb244_enrolled.pdf
But Kansas has always and forever will be the free state with its history of resistance.
Stephanie Mott was on the forefront of transgender rights in the country through her faith tours. She’d be invited to churches around the country to speak about her experience as a transgender woman. Planting Peace settled into its headquarters in 2012 occupying what is now the Equality House. Its neighboring house that was the Transgender house was named for her in 2019 Stephanie said that if she had not been Christian she would have been Unitarian Universalist. In fact, she was eulogized by a Unitarian Universalist minister and final potluck in her honor was held at a Unitarian Universalist church.
This brings me to another titan and woman of faith. Born on March 31st, her name Annette Hope Billings and she is dubbed “Maya of the midwest”.
Annette Hope Billings is a pillar of not only LGBTQ+ history, but is essential to a mention of Kansas history in the 21st Century. In 2014, she cofounded an open mic called Speak Easy Poets Open Mic in downtown Topeka — just blocks away from Brown V. Board National Historic Site. As a Black Lesbian poet, she became well known regionally for her support of the arts. Recently accepting a Governor’s Arts Award from Laura Kelly, and newly nominated for a Push Cart Prize, she continues to hold space for all to share what is on their hearts and minds. Her activism and literary prowess and fiercely consistent kindness merits her the title of Elder (read community leader).
Fairly recently, our Queen Mother Annette suffered a stroke while driving resulting in injury to her person and irreparable damage to her vehicle. By grace, no one else was involved in the accident. As a retired nurse, she was able to confidently advocate for herself while in care. Her sight was partly compromised in this series of events.
I humbly ask that you find it in your heart to help our Queen Mother and LGBTQ+ advocacy in Kansas. She had the vision to start Speak Easy Poets in a political moment and continues to show us how to resist.
Speak Easy Poets has sustained activism through art and community. Your contribution will not only help to continue the work of fellowship: it will help to continue a legacy of excellence in community.
Please buy her books! https://www.anetfullofhope.net
Please sign the Petition! https://sign.moveon.org/petitions/rename-the-equality-house-to-the-hope-house-after-annette-hope-billings?source=rawlink&utm_source=rawlink&share=a02200f7-a54a-42b4-b0fa-c3335243ed83
Please donate if you have the means!