RESOLUTION NO. 250587
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Sponsor: Councilmember Lindsay French
RESOLUTION - Honoring Melinda Ryder on 50 Years of Drag Performance in Kansas City.
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WHEREAS, the Museum of Kansas City is currently presenting "Arrive As A Star. Leave As A Star: Illuminating 50 Years of Melinda Ryder in Kansas City," a landmark exhibition celebrating the extraordinary career of Bruce Winter, who has performed as the iconic Melinda Ryder for five decades; and
WHEREAS, Melinda Ryder has made an indelible mark on the art of drag, having been crowned Miss Gay Midwest 1979, Miss Gay Kansas City America 1982, Miss Gay Missouri 1984, and earning the title of 2nd Alternate to Miss Gay America in 1985; and
WHEREAS, Melinda's legacy continues to grow, with a feature documentary currently in production by filmmaker John McCrite since 2022, and a forthcoming one-woman show titled "Melinda Ryder: Still Here" currently in development; and
WHEREAS, Bruce Winter's continued embodiment of Melinda Ryder has been made possible through the unwavering support of his husband and creative partner, Kirk Nelson, who designs Melinda's costumes and provides hair and makeup styling, especially following Bruce's courageous battles with cancer; and
WHEREAS, Melinda Ryder remains an active and beloved figure in the Kansas City community, regularly performing at Hamburger Mary's for Charity Bingo on Thursday nights, delighting audiences and raising funds for local causes; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:
That the Mayor and Council hereby honor and commend Bruce Winter and Kirk Nelson for their enduring artistic contribution through Melinda Ryder; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the Council in testimony thereof and that a copy hereof be presented to Bruce Winter and Kirk Nelson in celebration by the Mayor and Council for their 50 years of outstanding drag pe...
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