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Seg. 1: LGBTQ in Shawnee| Seg. 2: Inclusive Playgrounds

Segment 1: Derrick Rieke is an unlikely but powerful LGBTQ rights advocate in his community.

When Derrick Rieke spoke out, at a Shawnee City Council meeting, he told his personal story wrestling with being gay from fourth grade well into adulthood. He was addressing a room full of people he knew, many of whom were there to oppose the ordinance he was fighting for.

  • Derrick Rieke, vice president, Max Rieke and Brothers Inc.


Segment 2: New all-inclusive playgrounds are a step toward making public spaces accessible.

When Nancy Truitt visits playgrounds with her son, who has Cerebal Palsy and muscular dystrophy, the slides and swings don't typically accommodate their physical needs. A new generation of playgrounds in Kansas City has allowed Maddox to play with other kids, and to finally access all the fun and social opportunity of the park. But there's work to be done beyond the playground.

  • Deb Wiebrecht, executive director, Variety KC
  • Nancy Truitt, parent

Copyright 2021 KCUR 89.3. To see more, visit KCUR 89.3.

Gina’s background combines print and broadcast journalism, live event hosting and production, creative nonfiction writing and involvement in the arts. Early in her career, she followed a cultural beat for The Pitch, where she served as an editor and art writer in the early 2000s.
Melody Rowell