MONDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2004
NEWS
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
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Reality stars highlight MTV event at Flanigan's
BY AUSTIN CASTER
acaster@kansan
KANSAN STAFF WINTER
Real World alum Tonya Cooley jumped onto the stage next to the DJ booth and yelled at the crowd.
"I'm about to leave this joint!" Cooley screamed, coercing the crowd to get wild.
It took three times to satisfy her, but she got the crowd to scream "Reality Bar Tour."
They were promoting the new season of Battle of the Sexes and helping MTV film a documentary about college students at bars.
Cooley, of The Real World Chicago, and Katie Doyle, of Road Rules season 10, made appearances at Jack Flanigan's Bar and Grill, 806 West 24th St., Friday and Saturday nights.
Both star in the new season which premieres at 9 p.m. tonight on MTV.
The bar estimated that more than 400 students showed up for the event, said Steve, co-
owner of Flanigan's, who didn't want his last name printed.
He said this weekend was the third time MTV visited because past experiences were so successful.
"The kids here turn out," he said. "The reality shows the hottest thing and it doesn't hurt that they're Playboy Playmates either."
He believed that MTV was filming a natural college environment.
She didn't send in a tape, but was chosen for The Real World because of her life experiences.
"Anytime you turn cameras on, people get more extroverted." Steve said. "But it's a balance between sanity and fun."
experiences. "It was just an accident — people who don't know about
Cooley grew up in foster care in Wallawalla, Wash., or "Walla-squared" as she called it.
Cooley and Doyle had different experiences with reality television, but could agree on a few things.
the show get cast," Cooley said. "I had a unique story. They wanted to see me unravel and ravel up again."
Doyle said she didn't have a sad story.
MTV's The Real World cast member Tonya leans in for a kiss with Curt Elsbury, 2018 University of Kansas graduate. Tonya and fellow MTV reality star Katie made appearances Friday and Saturday night to film for a DVD at Jack Flanigan's Bar and Grill, 800 W. 24th St.
Her parents are still together and she thought MTV wanted to see her in an unstable environment.
Ryan Howe/KANSAN
She said the experience on reality television made her a more humble person.
"Self realization, confidence and, of course, the money."
Both women travel across the country speaking at universities about issues students face such as body image, diversity, interracial living, conflict resolution and anger management.
Doyle said the best thing about her reality fame was the money. Cooley disagreed at first but then changed her mind.
"It makes you a better person because you can look at things you don't like about yourself and know you can change them." Doyle said.
Doyle said she was a confident person before she ever went on the show.
Some students danced close on the dance floor as DJ Andrew Northern spun Petey Pablo's Freak-A-Leak, while others joined Doyle, smoking her Mariboro Light 100s, on the patio to talk.
Coolev said.
Barbara Williams, Topeka
junior, was in attendance, but said she probably wouldn't be chosen for the show.
"I'm really sensible and I don't like to play mind games so they probably wouldn't want me," she said.
Ryan Case, Tyler, Texas, junior, brought a camera and got a picture with Cooley.
"You see a good-looking girl like that you just have to talk
to her." Case said.
Case said Cooley was not "Ms. Famous" but more "down to earth." His conversation gave him an idea about what he'll be buying this holiday season.
"She told me to check her out in Playboy in December," he said.
Debutante ball celebrates National Coming Out Day
— Edited by Ryan Greene
BY NIGOLA ROWE
nrowe@kansan.com
KANSAN STAFF WRITE
When Andrew Shirk, Wichita junior, first told people that he was gay he didn't want people to judge him.
"I don't want to be labeled," Shirk said.
But Friday night, Shirk could be comfortable because he was in an accepting crowd.
In celebration of today's National Coming Out Day, KU Queers and Allies sponsored the Coming Out Day Debutante Ball last Friday.
More than 65 tickets were sold for the event and people came from as far away as Hays to meet new people and dance. Members from Networkq, the Women's Activities Group, and queer and straight alliances from Lawrence's high schools were also at the dance. Tom VanHolt, chairman of Networkq, said that it was important to work together. He also gave the Queers and Allies credit for its activism and ideas.
the University has had an organization fighting for equality for the queer community since 1969. David Ta, director of
Queers and Allies, said that dances used to be a regular for the group, but they had died off over the years because of a lack of funding. With the suggestion and help from alumni, and a lot of planning from the executive board the dance was brought back for this year.
Even though the Homecoming game pitted Kansas State against Kansas, Kansas State students joined in
"It's an outlet for KU students but it is open to everyone." Ta said. "It is something where queers and allies can come to and feel comfortable."
the coming out celebration.
"I thought it would be fun to see new people," Damian Head, Kansas State junior, said. "I think the idea of getting the gay community together was a fantastic idea and should be done more often."
Shawna Saubers, Lawrence resident, also agreed that there should be more opportunities like the dance. Saubers heard about the dance at a monthly potluck for the Women's Activities Group.
"It gives KU a chance to bring the community together." Matt Allison, outreach chairman for
Oueers and Allies, said.
Whether you are coming out today or five years from now, it is a celebration of knowing who you are and loving it, Allison said.
Margaret Schrader, Marysville senior, said she was an ally. She said tolerance was something that she understood personally because her uncle is gay. Tolerance still has a long way to go, she said, but she has tried to do all that she could to promote it.
Maureen Warren, social chairwoman for Queers and Allies, said that even though the dance celebrated coming out, the decision to come out about one's sexuality was a difficult choice.
If you risk financial, physical or emotional consequences, don't come out, Warren said. She said some disagreed but a person's health should come first.
Warren said that although it may be uncomfortable being in the closet,it wasn't worth it to lose a job.
"Sometimes the right choice is to not come out," Warren said. "Sometimes you should wait if you're risking serious consequences."
- Edited by Ashley Bechard
THIS WEEK ON CAMPUS OCTOBER 11,2004 STUDENT SENATE
Sponsored by the Emily Taylor Women's Resource Center, 400 Kansas Union, 864-3552 www.ku.edu/-etwrc. In collaboration with the Graduate and Professional Association.
Have questions about what it takes to succeed in grad school? Share experiences and gain ideas and support from women faculty, administrators and graduate students.
Graduate Women's Forums
KU Vietnamese Student Association
Wondering how healthcare benefits, funding policies, graduation time limits and other policies affect you as a graduate student? Come discuss these issues with a knowledgeble administer, get myths expelled and useful information.
Are you interested in learning about the Vietnamese culture? Do you want to make new friends? Do you enjoy eating free food and having a good time?
Meeting: Oct. 12 at 6pm Burge Union, 2nd Floor in the Relay Room
Understanding Policies and How They Affect You Tuesday, October 12, 12:00-1:15pm Centennial Room (Kansas Union)
Contact us: vsa@ku.edu
International Student Association
Watch for the Hispanic Heritage Month Posters!
Try to attend some of the events!
It's never too late to start going to meetings.
Bring a friend!
We meet every Tuesday @ 6:00 in the Multicultural Resource Center (Behind the Military Science Building)
MEETINGS/SHOWINGS EVERY MONDAY @7PM
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