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No Place Like Home: Lessons in Activism from LGBT Kansas
Finalist: Lambda Literary Award for LBGTQ Nonfiction
Far from the coastal centers of culture and politics, Kansas stands at the very center of American stereotypes about red states. In the American imagination, it is a place LGBT people leave. No Place Like Home is about why they stay. The book tells the epic story of how a few disorganized and politically na�ve Kansans, realizing they were unfairly under attack, rolled up their sleeves, went looking for fights, and ended up making friends in one of the country's most hostile states.
The LGBT civil rights movement's history in California and in big cities such as New York and Washington, DC, has been well documented. But what is it like for LGBT activists in a place like Kansas, where they face much stiffer headwinds? How do they win hearts and minds in the shadow of the Westboro Baptist Church (̶Christian" motto: "God Hates Fags")? Traveling the state in search of answers--from city to suburb to farm--journalist C. J. Janovy encounters LGBT activists who have fought, in ways big and small, for the acceptance and respect of their neighbors, their communities, and their government. Her book tells the story of these twenty-first-century citizen activists--the issues that unite them, the actions they take, and the personal and larger consequences of their efforts, however successful they might be.
With its close-up view of the lives and work behind LGBT activism in Kansas, No Place Like Home fills a prairie-sized gap in the narrative of civil rights in America. The book also looks forward, as an inspiring guide for progressives concerned about the future of any vilified minority in an increasingly polarized nation.
Far from the coastal centers of culture and politics, Kansas stands at the very center of American stereotypes about red states. In the American imagination, it is a place LGBT people leave. No Place Like Home is about why they stay. The book tells the epic story of how a few disorganized and politically na�ve Kansans, realizing they were unfairly under attack, rolled up their sleeves, went looking for fights, and ended up making friends in one of the country's most hostile states.
The LGBT civil rights movement's history in California and in big cities such as New York and Washington, DC, has been well documented. But what is it like for LGBT activists in a place like Kansas, where they face much stiffer headwinds? How do they win hearts and minds in the shadow of the Westboro Baptist Church (̶Christian" motto: "God Hates Fags")? Traveling the state in search of answers--from city to suburb to farm--journalist C. J. Janovy encounters LGBT activists who have fought, in ways big and small, for the acceptance and respect of their neighbors, their communities, and their government. Her book tells the story of these twenty-first-century citizen activists--the issues that unite them, the actions they take, and the personal and larger consequences of their efforts, however successful they might be.
With its close-up view of the lives and work behind LGBT activism in Kansas, No Place Like Home fills a prairie-sized gap in the narrative of civil rights in America. The book also looks forward, as an inspiring guide for progressives concerned about the future of any vilified minority in an increasingly polarized nation.
308 pages, Paperback
First published January 15, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 8, 2021
The growth in the recognition of LGBT rights experienced over the decade leading up to the legalization of same sex marriage in 2015 was a sea change that, now that it is past, is easy to forget the struggles that brought it about. One could get the impression from the remembered news coverage that all the action took place on the coasts with not much happening in the middle of the country.
This book documents the stories of numerous Kansans who fought for LGBT rights in an environment where they knew they were going to lose. In some cases when they were successful (or almost successful) in getting a city council to pass civil rights protections only later to see those ordinances rescinded by backlash from conservative political forces.
One example story recounted in this book includes that of a city economic development director who testified at a public hearing regarding a proposed ban on same sex marriage for the State. She didn't identify herself as representing the city, however did let slip the statement, "As director of Economic Development it's my job to bring people to western Kansas. Don't make my job any harder than it already is." The next morning her name had made the headlines all across the state. The City immediately wanted to fire her for cause, but had difficultly finding a reason. In this video she tells this story herself in which she says, "I wasn't fired for being gay. I was fired for talking about being gay."
Other examples of stories in this book include grassroots efforts to expand LGBT rights in cities such as Lawrence, Manhattan, Salina, and Roeland Park. Of course the never-ending legislative battles in the state capitol of Topeka are rehashed, and those who are familiar with Kansas politics will recall that the state constitution was amended to ban same sex marriage. This book describes the hard work that went into fighting what was obviously an impossible effort to keep that amendment from passing. Kansas was one of thirty-one states that banned same sex marriage, but in 2015 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that such bans were unconstitutional.
In the final chapter the book tells of the struggles to get transexuals included in the ordinances being passed to protect civil rights. Their winning of acceptance has been particularly slow and difficult.
This book documents the stories of numerous Kansans who fought for LGBT rights in an environment where they knew they were going to lose. In some cases when they were successful (or almost successful) in getting a city council to pass civil rights protections only later to see those ordinances rescinded by backlash from conservative political forces.
One example story recounted in this book includes that of a city economic development director who testified at a public hearing regarding a proposed ban on same sex marriage for the State. She didn't identify herself as representing the city, however did let slip the statement, "As director of Economic Development it's my job to bring people to western Kansas. Don't make my job any harder than it already is." The next morning her name had made the headlines all across the state. The City immediately wanted to fire her for cause, but had difficultly finding a reason. In this video she tells this story herself in which she says, "I wasn't fired for being gay. I was fired for talking about being gay."
Other examples of stories in this book include grassroots efforts to expand LGBT rights in cities such as Lawrence, Manhattan, Salina, and Roeland Park. Of course the never-ending legislative battles in the state capitol of Topeka are rehashed, and those who are familiar with Kansas politics will recall that the state constitution was amended to ban same sex marriage. This book describes the hard work that went into fighting what was obviously an impossible effort to keep that amendment from passing. Kansas was one of thirty-one states that banned same sex marriage, but in 2015 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that such bans were unconstitutional.
In the final chapter the book tells of the struggles to get transexuals included in the ordinances being passed to protect civil rights. Their winning of acceptance has been particularly slow and difficult.
February 23, 2019
This is a book about struggle, but more than that, it's a book about reality and community. Though Kansas serves as the focus, I think the book's true value is the way it shows our natural potential for tolerance, acceptance and unity. Yes, we have a national politics of division (that has perverse moral roots that sewed hatred as early as slavery and the Great Awakening), but time after time, in tale after tale, we see how everyday people in America's heartland fight back and come together in that fight. Sad and tragic at times, a beautiful collage of inspiring testimonial.
February 4, 2018
In equal parts frustrating and inspirational--like the experiences at its center--No Place Like Home tells a set of interlocking stories that bear witness to the complexities of gender in a part of the US that's far too often relegated to the "doesn't matter" bin by politically active people on the coasts and in big cities. Honing in on the mid-size cities, small towns and rural expanses of Kansas, Janovy tracks the arc of LGBT activism through some very dark times to a present which, while by no means utopian, offers much greater possibilities to young Kansans in search of the answer to questions about who they are. She identifies activists who cleared spaces that didn't seem clearable, often at immense personal cost, and she's unwilling to ceded the turf in her adopted home state--Janovy grew up in Nebraska--to the idiots.
For me, some of the most important stories were those of the transgender men and women. While I've never doubted that they were part of the struggle, I now understand much more clearly why the "T" has to be part of LGBT.
No Place Like Home has a lot to say about political strategy and the value of community for those fighting against-the-odds struggle. It's a book that should be read by activists no matter what their focus, especially those who tend to write off the red states without hearing their voices.
For me, some of the most important stories were those of the transgender men and women. While I've never doubted that they were part of the struggle, I now understand much more clearly why the "T" has to be part of LGBT.
No Place Like Home has a lot to say about political strategy and the value of community for those fighting against-the-odds struggle. It's a book that should be read by activists no matter what their focus, especially those who tend to write off the red states without hearing their voices.
May 9, 2020
There's no way my review of this won't be colored by who I am and how I'm connected to this book... Kansas is home, CJ is a friend, and there are so many names in here that I know, love, and respect for doing the work of Sisyphus for so long in this state.
No Place Like Home, with the passage of time and changing of laws, is more a historical document of the activists that got us here than anything else. It outlines the not far distant history of homophobic Democrats, broad discrimination, a legislature and Attorney General who simply will not acknowledge the equality of Kansans. It also succinctly outlines the shocking incompetence of former Governor Brownback and his commitment to policies that very nearly destroyed this state.
For myself, I wanted more of the policies and the rhetoric that began to move, but the personal profiles are lovely. Most touching of all, and difficult for me to get through, was the chapter on Stephanie Mott, a beautiful soul that left us a year ago. Stephanie was the woman who ushered me into trans activism, with her soft manner and expansive love. Although I had been in favor of trans rights for a decade prior, it was Stephanie who taught me how to deeply care, and just how personal the issue was. Seeing her unintentionally eulogized in this book that was completed before her death, I got to relive that gentle way she had of making you care so deeply.
In all this is a work that will appeal strongly to a few, but holds lessons on the individuals who drive change for all. Really appreciated this book, really appreciate CJ, and I am humbled to be in a state with so many phenomenal souls.
No Place Like Home, with the passage of time and changing of laws, is more a historical document of the activists that got us here than anything else. It outlines the not far distant history of homophobic Democrats, broad discrimination, a legislature and Attorney General who simply will not acknowledge the equality of Kansans. It also succinctly outlines the shocking incompetence of former Governor Brownback and his commitment to policies that very nearly destroyed this state.
For myself, I wanted more of the policies and the rhetoric that began to move, but the personal profiles are lovely. Most touching of all, and difficult for me to get through, was the chapter on Stephanie Mott, a beautiful soul that left us a year ago. Stephanie was the woman who ushered me into trans activism, with her soft manner and expansive love. Although I had been in favor of trans rights for a decade prior, it was Stephanie who taught me how to deeply care, and just how personal the issue was. Seeing her unintentionally eulogized in this book that was completed before her death, I got to relive that gentle way she had of making you care so deeply.
In all this is a work that will appeal strongly to a few, but holds lessons on the individuals who drive change for all. Really appreciated this book, really appreciate CJ, and I am humbled to be in a state with so many phenomenal souls.
April 30, 2022
I highly recommend this well-written, heartfelt, inspiring, and insightful book about the struggle for LGBT rights in Kansas. Janovy tells the story by focusing on the lives of brave individuals who stood up for LGBT rights, often in the face of white, angry, so-called Christian neighbors and leaders. As a longtime resident of another Great Plains state, many of the challenges Janovy describes were quite familiar. Despite the fact that Equality North Dakota did not have to face the vituperative Christianity of the Phelps family or Sam Brownback, we were not nearly as successful as our Kansas counterparts. They are heroes.
February 5, 2019
An interesting history of LGBT activism in Kansas. My favorite parts were the backstories of several of the key individuals. Their journeys from childhood, early adulthood, and eventual "coming out" to the world were interesting and gave some background to who these people are that decided to actually become a face in the fight for equal rights.
The other aspect that appealed to me was that these were either Kansans (quite often from rural Kansas) or those who ended up in Kansas for one reason or another. Many people probably don't think about how not all rural kids, whether straight or LGBT, don't really WANT to move to a city, especially one on one of the coasts. Coming out in rural America is in some ways quite different than in urban areas. For one thing, everyone knows you. Some might be shocked initially, but they have watched you grow up. The dynamics are different...
For the record, I'm a straight rural Kansan. But people I love and work with have made many of the journeys described in this bit of Kansas sociological/political history.
The other aspect that appealed to me was that these were either Kansans (quite often from rural Kansas) or those who ended up in Kansas for one reason or another. Many people probably don't think about how not all rural kids, whether straight or LGBT, don't really WANT to move to a city, especially one on one of the coasts. Coming out in rural America is in some ways quite different than in urban areas. For one thing, everyone knows you. Some might be shocked initially, but they have watched you grow up. The dynamics are different...
For the record, I'm a straight rural Kansan. But people I love and work with have made many of the journeys described in this bit of Kansas sociological/political history.
February 19, 2019
Just a well-written and -researched story about the individuals who helped push for LGBT recognition and rights in Kansas circa turn-of-the-century.
The machinations of this and that city council debate were a little slow, so I'm glad they weren't dwelled upon. But the portraits of the LGBT Kansans -- born here or not -- really shine.
The author obviously spent time getting to know her sources and their communities. As a native Kansan, her portrayals ring true and of love. It really kind of makes me almost proud that I'm from here.
This is a hopeful, moving book that's well worth a read.
The machinations of this and that city council debate were a little slow, so I'm glad they weren't dwelled upon. But the portraits of the LGBT Kansans -- born here or not -- really shine.
The author obviously spent time getting to know her sources and their communities. As a native Kansan, her portrayals ring true and of love. It really kind of makes me almost proud that I'm from here.
This is a hopeful, moving book that's well worth a read.
September 9, 2019
Thoroughly researched and well written, this book presents the stories of activists working to bring marriage equality laws to the state and non-discrimination ordinances to towns in Kansas. Janovy does this by helping the reader get to know each person, what they went through as a child and adult before coming out or transitioning and how they have persevered. The stories from small towns in western Kansas were particularly meaningful.
April 11, 2020
Not since 'What's The Matter With Kansas?' have I read a book that so accurately and truthfully speaks to the struggle of being a political and sexual/gender divergent person in Kansas. As someone who grew up in Kansas, I fled the state in 2003, and after a brief stint back (in Lawrence) in 2006, never went back. Like so many other Kansans, I had become alienated from the place I was from, and chose the path of leaving. This is the story about, to paraphrase Harvey Milk, those who "stay and fight". I will always owe a deep debt of gratitude to my queer brothers, sisters and enbies to have fought to protect theirs and the lives of other Kansans amidst a hugely bigoted and religiously-driven conservative agenda that has held Kansas in its grip for decades. This book tells their stories.
I was particularly drawn to how Janovy explained how wider, coastal and urban-centered LGBTQIA+ advocacy groups repeatedly let Kansas down over the years when it came to showing up for them. This is something I have noticed for years and consistently been disappointed in. As the coasts dismiss Kansas as 'a flyover state', they have chosen to continue flying over the struggles over some of the most vulnerable populations of the LGBTQIA+ community in the nation. While Kansas is not alone in this phenomenon, it doesn't immediately hold the cultural cache that some places linked to the Civil Rights Movement in the south do, and does not draw immediate recognition in terms of attention that those places sometimes are afforded. There has always been a 'why bother?' mentality towards the state when it comes to trying to push for equity from national organizations.
And why bother? Because people have a fundamental right to live and thrive in the places that are their homes. Not all have the means or the desire to run to other more progressive places, nor should they be obliged to. Those mentioned here who have battled for the rights of queer Kansans have fought tirelessly in this uphill battle for decades, and finally have been given the spotlight that has so long been denied to them.
My one issue with the book is that I would have appreciated more focus on POC. I found it extremely odd that hardly any mention was given to the robust Native American communities, as well as the fact that Haskell (one of the biggest Indian Nations universities in the USA) hardly was mentioned at all. I would have appreciated more attention given in regards to the urban Black and Latinx communities in KCK. While definitely touched on, I also would have liked to have seen a little more attention given to the outlying Kansas City suburbs, which are a hotbed for extreme fundamentalist Christian conservatism that has a broad reach over the mentality of the general public.
Personally, it was thrilling to read about other Kansans whose ancestors also arrived there as part of the New England Emigrant Aid Company's sending settlers to Kansas in order to prevent slavery taking hold in the state. While indeed problematic and still very much colonizers, many of those who came for those reasons did manage to successfully cultivate a sense of political justice that their great great grandchildren still hold on to to this day. In my opinion, most demonstrated in the grassroots political organizing that seems to be a birthright of politically-minded Kansans.
In closing, it warmed my heart (and made me laugh) every time they mentioned people in Lawrence coming together over potlucks...as well as found out the origin story of that town's obsession with potlucking!
That town really does love a good potluck.
I was particularly drawn to how Janovy explained how wider, coastal and urban-centered LGBTQIA+ advocacy groups repeatedly let Kansas down over the years when it came to showing up for them. This is something I have noticed for years and consistently been disappointed in. As the coasts dismiss Kansas as 'a flyover state', they have chosen to continue flying over the struggles over some of the most vulnerable populations of the LGBTQIA+ community in the nation. While Kansas is not alone in this phenomenon, it doesn't immediately hold the cultural cache that some places linked to the Civil Rights Movement in the south do, and does not draw immediate recognition in terms of attention that those places sometimes are afforded. There has always been a 'why bother?' mentality towards the state when it comes to trying to push for equity from national organizations.
And why bother? Because people have a fundamental right to live and thrive in the places that are their homes. Not all have the means or the desire to run to other more progressive places, nor should they be obliged to. Those mentioned here who have battled for the rights of queer Kansans have fought tirelessly in this uphill battle for decades, and finally have been given the spotlight that has so long been denied to them.
My one issue with the book is that I would have appreciated more focus on POC. I found it extremely odd that hardly any mention was given to the robust Native American communities, as well as the fact that Haskell (one of the biggest Indian Nations universities in the USA) hardly was mentioned at all. I would have appreciated more attention given in regards to the urban Black and Latinx communities in KCK. While definitely touched on, I also would have liked to have seen a little more attention given to the outlying Kansas City suburbs, which are a hotbed for extreme fundamentalist Christian conservatism that has a broad reach over the mentality of the general public.
Personally, it was thrilling to read about other Kansans whose ancestors also arrived there as part of the New England Emigrant Aid Company's sending settlers to Kansas in order to prevent slavery taking hold in the state. While indeed problematic and still very much colonizers, many of those who came for those reasons did manage to successfully cultivate a sense of political justice that their great great grandchildren still hold on to to this day. In my opinion, most demonstrated in the grassroots political organizing that seems to be a birthright of politically-minded Kansans.
In closing, it warmed my heart (and made me laugh) every time they mentioned people in Lawrence coming together over potlucks...as well as found out the origin story of that town's obsession with potlucking!
That town really does love a good potluck.
January 4, 2022
I spotted this book at the Great Plains Art Museum in Lincoln, Nebraska. I am always wary about academic publications; they sometimes read like term papers rather than a commercial enterprise written to be engaging and exciting.
The book starts off about two landmark Supreme Court cases that emanated from Topeka, Brown v. Board of Education and the 2010 case of the Westboro Baptist Church. I was put immediately in the hands of a masterful storyteller.
The narrative catapults from one profound moment to the next, mostly a series of promising disappointments, the hard work of gaining the support of small percentages of voters. Even in losing, there was advancement and a ray of hope.
Breakthroughs happen, and this is the (continuing) story of the work and dedication to make it through to the other side. There is so much to learn here, and that learning is propelled by a strong emotional current. So many amazing people, so much reason to cheer. Bravo.
The book starts off about two landmark Supreme Court cases that emanated from Topeka, Brown v. Board of Education and the 2010 case of the Westboro Baptist Church. I was put immediately in the hands of a masterful storyteller.
The narrative catapults from one profound moment to the next, mostly a series of promising disappointments, the hard work of gaining the support of small percentages of voters. Even in losing, there was advancement and a ray of hope.
Breakthroughs happen, and this is the (continuing) story of the work and dedication to make it through to the other side. There is so much to learn here, and that learning is propelled by a strong emotional current. So many amazing people, so much reason to cheer. Bravo.
February 1, 2020
I didn't realize how much I wanted to hear LGBT stories from places that look like home. And as a local news reporter, seeing these controversies play out in city council meetings instead of national media was so much more real and interesting. Janovy portrays the Great Plains beautifully and honors LGBT Kansans with the depth of research and diversity of interviews.
April 6, 2020
I enjoyed this book, which is exactly what the subtitle says it is.
It's organized mostly chronologically and each chapter focuses one a couple of people in a particular activist movement....many of those folks appear in subsequent chapters. A good reminder of how far we've come in KS and an introduction to some of the people who made it happen.
It's organized mostly chronologically and each chapter focuses one a couple of people in a particular activist movement....many of those folks appear in subsequent chapters. A good reminder of how far we've come in KS and an introduction to some of the people who made it happen.
February 7, 2018
I am proud to have been a part of the process to make Kansas equal to all. CJ interviewed many people I have come to know, respect, and love. Their stories of the struggle to become equal citizens in Kansas is inspiring.
Read
October 15, 2019DNF although I really enjoyed it. Just super dense. I learned a lot about different organizations that support LGBTQ persons in Ks.
May 14, 2024
An informative and inspirational account of LGBT activism in Kansas between about 2004 and 2015.
March 19, 2025
I was very proud to read parts of our history here in KS!
October 19, 2025
A recent history of LGBTQ activism in Kansas. It covers roughly 2000-2018, a whiplash era of setbacks and successes. It's a little dry, but there are plenty of heartening stories from the heartland.
September 14, 2020
A look at what LGBTQIA individuals have had to endure to gain basic rights in a red state. This is an excellent read for anyone interested in LGBTQIA studies/history but is also accessible for those who just want to learn more on a personal level. The writing could be seen as a little academic (the author is a journalist) but I found it to be engaging.
June 9, 2018
Every page of No Place Like Home is filled with heartfelt courage and personal stories; there is no place like LGBT Kansas! Kansans everywhere are working to ensure that our state is friendly for us all—they’re digging in their heels just like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz to declare “there’s no place like home!”
The lessons? "Prepare to lose, Be Gentle with your allies & check your ego, Do something!!!"
The lessons? "Prepare to lose, Be Gentle with your allies & check your ego, Do something!!!"
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