novice guard Val Hella
Heathen battle cat extraordinaire
As a young kitten in Michigan, I was a born performer - gymnastics, dancing, color guard, and two particularly embarrassing seasons as one of "Mother Ginger's Tumbling Baby Clowns" with the Tulsa Ballet's production of The Nutcracker.
I always struggled with a sense of belonging. The word "agender" didn't exist during childhood, and queer folx weren't exactly accepted. Safe spaces simply did not exist. At 35, I came out to my children and I've been living a life of authenticity ever since.
I believe in the joy of individual artistic and creative expression. I love creating new costume pieces for Guard manifestations!
In my free time, I also serve on the executive board for Salt City Pride/Kansas State Pride. I love the quiet peace of the outdoors, loud obnoxious music, spending time with my magical children and grandson, and spoiling my beloved princess kitten Gizmo.