Ripley Wayans

General

• Lives in the Artist's Quarter with his partner of 13 years, Keenan "KT" Thoreau
• According to KT, "Ripley doesn't like the rock-star life" -- hence their accomodations tend towards the modest.
• Described by Alejo Jackson as "practically another member of the band, always there for us."

• Converted to Reconstructionism, over the course of 2006.
• According to friends, "seeing KT come out into the open with it really shifted how [he] felt. Ripley never felt like he could live with a secret like that, and things got so much better between them once everybody knew."
  • This is a reference to KT's announcement that he is a Recon, on 04-JUL-05.
  • After that announcement, Wayans saw how life would not change much, and he could go on as he was, but in a healthier way if he converted.

• Wayans wed his longtime companion Thoreau in a dawn Lighting of the Way ceremony on Alchemy Beach, 23-SEP-06.
  • Was handled by Reconstructionist officiant Sister Jaina.
  • Thoreau and Wayans spent the preceding night on the beach in meditation;
  • They were joined shortly before sunrise by their guests, and the day was celebrated by a surprisingly quiet breakfast on a pavilion overlooking the bay.
  • The small ceremony was attended primarily by close friends and relatives, including:
    • Alejo Jackson
    • Joya (with Jackson)
    • Echo West
    • Helix Hesh
    • Serena Duncan (with Hesh)
    • Randal Tokei
    • several highly-placed members of the Reconstructionists

References

• Perplex City Sentinel
  • article, 15-SEP-05 "Iona Interviews... Keenan Thoreau" link
  • letters, 19-JAN-06 "Sexual Politics" link
  • article, 25-SEP-06 "KT Weds in Seaside Lighting Ceremony" link