Shalom my friend

[MuseRider]

This probably has more regional appeal but I feel it is important to recognize those who were tireless in working for the cause of Equality.

**< Posted Saturday Feb 20 2010, 12:24 pm by Thomas Witt > http://www.kansasequalitycoalition.org

Dear friends,

It is with great sadness and grief that I must share the news that Steve Brown has passed away. Steve died yesterday, February 19, at the age of 60.

Steve will long be remembered for his tireless work to bring equality and fairness to LGBT Kansans. He was the founding president of the Kansas Democratic Party's LGBT Caucus, was a founding member of the Kansas Equality Coalition, and until his death served as the Chairman of KEC’s Northeast Kansas chapter. In addition to his work in Kansas, Steve has worked with a number of Missouri LGBT organizations over the years.

Memorial services will be held tomorrow at 2:30pm, February 21, at Congregation Beth Torah, 6100 West 127th Street, in Overland Park. Steve’s family has asked that contributions in his name be made to Congregation Beth Torah. Their website is http://www.beth-torah.org/

Steve was a close friend to many of us, and he will be greatly missed.**


Another bright star winked out in my heart when Tom called me Saturday morning. Steve was part of our original steering committee to organize and start this organization (KEC) and we worked closely making it happen and growing it since then. He taught me the ropes, was patient when I made mistakes or did not understand. He was also patient when I stupidly said something that was very hetero-centric and gently corrected me because he understood I just did not see how what I said was wrong and that I honestly wanted to learn. We laughed, cried, spoke on the phone often and argued points endlessly over the years. Shoot, we wrote by-laws together and nothing will solidify a friendship faster than that tedious work. He was the first with hugs, kisses and an "I love you". We ate together, traveled together, went to drag shows and bars occasionally and he went with my husband and I to indulge in famous KC BBQ then to hear my sons play at a jazz club at 18th and Vine. I am devastated with this loss personally but he is also a huge loss to Kansas LGBT politics.

His services are just starting as I type this. The highways are icy and snow packed so most of us are not there but I have suggested we all pick a nice spring day to gather at his grave to grieve and celebrate his life. Writing this is my first step at healing or perhaps even just accepting that he will no longer be there.

Shalom Steve Brown. Kisses, hugs and much much love wherever you are resting.

[Winchester73]

1. Steve sounds like someone I would have been happy and proud to know.

RIP

[MuseRider]

2. :-)

Thank you.

[mitchtv]

3. RIP Steve Brown

a fallen warrior for the cause

[MuseRider]

4. He is a very large loss

for us here in Kansas. Thank you.

[Shining Jack]

5. "...when I stupidly said something that was very hetero-centric and gently corrected me"

Someone in my family helped me understand too.I'm really sorry for your loss.:(

[MuseRider]

8. I am less and less

likely to do that now.

[cecilfirefox]

6. Fairly certain I meant him when I was on Hillary's campaign,

And I believe a friend of mine(Tyrma) knew him very, very well.

<3

[MuseRider]

7. I am sure you did!

I have not called Tymra yet but have been meaning to. She must be so upset. If you think you met him you probably did, he was pretty hard to forget.

[jonnyblitz]

9. I am sorry for your loss and I am glad you posted this here.

big hugs to you. :hug: :loveya:

We are so fortunate to have you as an ally.

[MuseRider]

10. Hey Jonnyblitz!

I will take those hugs, I need them right now.

How someone could not be an ally always baffles me. It seems like such a natural thing. We are making forward steps here in Kansas but we may very well be looking at a Brownback governorship with 2 Republican houses.

Wanna hear something funny? I got to go lobby the Redneck Rapper about anti discrimination policy. I bet I spent a good half an hour with him. Did not make any measurable headway but he does listen and actually think through what you say.

[ThomCat]

11. I am very sorry for your loss.

:(

:hug:

[MuseRider]

12. Hi Thom!

I so miss seeing you around. Are you OK? I hope all is well.

Thank you for your hugs and condolence. It always means so much when others come to you when you are sorrowful. :hug:

[ThomCat]

14. I'm mostly doing okay.

Thank you. :hug:

Friends are being wonderful, helping me get out and be mobile and social. They are making my life much better than it would be if I was struggling on my own.

I've done some things right somewhere along the way to have such wonderful friends. :grouphug:

A very recent example
A meetup group I belong to had an anniversary party, held in a rented bar/lounge space in a 3rd floor walk up. Friends physically carried me and my wheelchair separately up and down the 2 flights of stairs so that I could be there.

They insisted that I was not going to miss that party if there was any chance I was feeling well enough to attend. Me, in the arms of big beautiful guys! :blush:

[MuseRider]

15. Well in the arms of big beautiful guys

is where you should be! :)

I know what you did right along the way. YOU were a good friend. I have rarely met someone that I barely knew who was as kind as you were to Bill and I and you were so much fun. I am aching to get back to NYC to see you and some shows and jonnyblitz said he might try to make it in! How much fun would that be??? Your friends are repaying you for your kindness to them and the world. You deserve nothing less. Love you Thom. :hugs:

[joeybee12]

13. Ah, how sad...RIP

Good to hear from you, although I'm sorry it's on this post.

[MuseRider]

16. Hey joeybee!

I have been around a little more lately. Not sure why but I have, here and there.

I believe something is being planned this weekend for him. There is a big Democratic thing (Washington Days?) I don't know since I am no longer a Democrat. I will hopefully be able to have a hand in planning it and I will be attending it. Most likely it is an LGBT caucus thing. LOL, I have not a clue what the D's are doing in my state other than my narrow focus on equality. Anyway, it will be a chance to honor him. My post was supposed to do that but I am afraid it was more of a cathartic thing for me.

Tom (KEC chair/lobbyist) arrived back at our house this morning and it sent me into another round of tears. Damn.

[joeybee12]

17. Same with me...

...I try to avoid GD, although I am drawn there sometimes...sports is better because you can bitch and moan and get mad at others, and no one cares...even here it gets a little too tense at times.

Also, like you, I'm no longer a Dem...re-registered as Independent, still vote Dem, but until they get their act together, I don't want to be on their mailing lists!

[MuseRider]

18. LOL

If you managed to get off their mailing lists/call lists I wish you would tell me how. We got our umpteenth request for money the other day and my husband sent it back with $0.00 and the note that he was certain they did not want money from this household of retarded lefty's.

It took me two years to get off Dean's mailing list that I was on and wanted off of before the 04 primary season even started and I had to get down right rude to them to stop it.

[joeybee12]

19. MOVE!

that's how I did it!

Actually, now I'm getting stuff from Reid, but I think that's mainly because he's got so much money in the bank he sends to everyone.

[MuseRider]

20. UPDATE

Steve is being honored at the Kansas DP Washington days with a slide show and recognition of his contributions at the big, expensive banquet. He is again being recognized Saturday morning at the LGBT caucus meeting. I will be attending Saturday morning. As hard as it will be it will also be a wonderful tribute to a man who indeed worked tirelessly for the cause of equality his entire adult life.

[joeybee12]

21. So sad...I don't even know this guy and it makes me sad!

:cry:

[Toasterlad]

22. Thank You, Steve, For All the Work You've Done.

And thank YOU, Muse, for all the work you continue to do.

[MuseRider]

24. He was a good man.

No need to thank me, I just do what I can.

[cecilfirefox]

23. How did Steve Pass?? nt

[MuseRider]

25. Not sure of the cause but

it was apparently quiet. That is all I know.

Are you going to be at the LGBT caucus meeting Saturday morning? There is a slide show being prepared by Tom, he is upstairs working on it now, to be shown there. Also at the banquet if you are going.

[cecilfirefox]

26. No, actually, I'm so sick I had to basically take a week off from KU(Which blows like hell),

If you see Tymra at either event though please give her Jeremy's regards.

[MuseRider]

27. I did not

but I will tell her. :-)