Kansas City News Blog

This week: preventing violence through vagina appreciation, partying like (and for) an animal and queering conventional wisdom: a dollar in the bra of a drag queen is worth two in the coffers of AIDS Walk.

Just because America isn't squeaking with street protests, doesn't mean the immigration system isn't broken. Hear what immigration attorney Angela Ferguson and civil rights lawyer Bill Raney have to say about the subject during "A Conversation on Immigrants and Civil Rights" at the Plaza Library at 6 p.m.

In honor of Fat Tuesday, the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation is raising funds for its anti-puppy mill efforts with a "Mardi Growl Maskgrrrrade Ball" Tuesday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Simpson House. Tickets start at $35, but include food from Eden Alley, alcoholic beverages and tarot card readings.

Before the federal government starts cutting checks for infrastructure, join a "community dialogue" with the Kansas Department of Transportation from 6 to 8 p.m. at MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe on Tuesday. The agency is looking for input on what their priorities should be in the five counties that hug the eastern edge of the state.

It's not really Valentine's Day until a stage full of actresses talk about their genitalia in the always humorous and heart-breaking Vagina Monologues. All the proceeds from UMKC's Wednesday night performance at 7 go to the campus Violence Prevention and Response Project.

Hitting all corners of the metro, Kansas City Wildlands is taking aim at invasive species that make life difficult for our native flora and fauna. If you've got something sharp bring it with you to hack out woody plants from 1 to 4 p.m. at the area's three remnant prairies.

Don't stash that toolbox just yet. Dig in the dirt at the T.W.I.G. community garden -- sprouting for its second season at 3200 Troost -- when the group gathers for its first work session from 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday. The task: constructing raised garden beds.

To raise funds for their AIDS Walk team, the queens of Sidekicks are hosting The D.A.A.M Show -- Drags Against AIDS Madness -- on Sunday night. All those well-earned dollars will be matched by a philanthropic fan, doubling your generosity. Always packed for sabbath drag, get there well before the glam begins at 8 p.m.