PROMO Missouri

Two and a half years ago, we celebrated Veterans Day with a post about U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Alleria Stanley, an incredible transgender woman who fully transitioned while on active duty and received an honorable discharge for completing her 20 years of service in Missouri at Fort Leonard Wood. We uplift her words now as transgender service members and their families face a new reality under an administration that aims to erase trans, nonbinary, intersex, and two-spirit people. To quote her directly: "We defended you, even when you did not know who we were. Don’t turn your back on us. Leave no one behind. Speak up!" You can read the full op-ed here: https://lnkd.in/gF8FTeXD

?? Mark your calendars as our most beloved brunch event is back this year, kicking off Pride Month on Sunday, June 1. Spend a morning with us alongside great food from our wonderful partners of RootedBuds and Honey bee’s biscuits + good eats. Additionally, this year, we have a special collaborator who we are excited to announce later. Here's a hint, he's a well-known foodie influencer from the community! Tickets are set to go on sale towards the end of this month, so keep your eyes peeled as tickets go quickly.

???Upcoming Hearing Alert:?The Missouri Senate Families, Seniors, and Health Committee is scheduled to hear?SB 100 (Cierpiot), which seeks to refuse trans individuals the ability to revise their gender identity on Missouri-issued birth certificates. It unnecessarily complicates and ensures inaccessibility to a process for people to update their gender marker. We're asking you to?testify in person with us at the Missouri Capitol?tomorrow and make your voices heard. Sign Up to Testify: https://lnkd.in/gNwMrrMi Here are the details: ?? Date & Time:?Tuesday, March 5 at 8 a.m. ?? Location:?Missouri State Capitol, Senate Committee Room 1

??ENDORSEMENT ALERT?? We are proud to endorse?Shane Cohn for Ward 3?in St. Louis City! ?????????? At a time when LGBTQ+ people are under attack, we need leaders who don’t just stand with us, they?fight?for us. Shane has proven that throughout his many years of service: ? Strengthened LGBTQIA+ protections & banned conversion therapy ? Raised the minimum wage ? Advocated for drug policy reform & election modernization ? Passed more legislation than any other sitting Alderperson As?the first openly LGBTQ+ elected official in St. Louis, Shane has spent his career pushing for equality, justice, and progress. We need his leadership now more than ever to continue helping St. Louis moving forward.

?? Black LGBTQ+ History Spotlight: Langston Hughes Langston Hughes wasn’t just a poet, he was a movement. Born in Joplin, Missouri, he became one of the most influential voices of the Harlem Renaissance, using his words to paint vivid pictures of Black life, struggle, and joy. His work challenged injustice, uplifted his community, and laid the foundation for generations of Black artists and activists. Though Hughes never publicly claimed queerness, his poetry and personal writings reflect deep connections with men, solidifying his place in Black LGBTQ+ history. His legacy reminds us that art is resistance — that our stories, our voices, and our existence matter. ?? Learn more about Langston Hughes: https://lnkd.in/efYxUdp

Some nights just fill your soul, and our evening at Fennel Cooking Studio was one of them. After days of deep advocacy work, coming together around fresh ingredients, laughter, and good company was exactly what we needed. Cooking side by side reminded us how powerful community is — how healing it can be to slow down, share a meal, and just be present with each other. Big thanks to the team at Fennel for welcoming our full staff and board so warmly. If you’re looking for a space to reconnect and recharge, this STL gem is it.

?? Black LGBTQ+ History Spotlight: Vicki Valentino A Missouri legend, a trailblazer, and a mentor to generations, Vicki Valentino has shaped the state’s drag and pageant scene like no other. For decades, she has elevated the art of drag, pioneering the Missouri State pageantry system and creating a platform where countless entertainers found their voices, their confidence, and their crowns. Her influence reaches far beyond the stage as a mentor for national pageant champions, judging competitions across the country, and building community every step of the way. As she retires from the stage, we celebrate Vicki’s legacy, impact, and undeniable excellence. ?? Let’s give icons their roses while they can hold them. ?? Learn more about Vicki Valentino’s legendary career: https://lnkd.in/ejnvxfp3

Another wonderful human —?Hannah (she/they) — joined us at the start of the year as a practicum student! They bring a degree in child, youth, and family studies with experience in supporting elementary students in public schools. They know firsthand the impact of finding support in an unaccepting environment. "This opportunity gives me the chance to support my community like they have supported me. I do this work because I believe Missouri is worth it and deserves a future where the queer community is safe and supported." Join us in welcoming Hannah! ??

?? Black LGBTQ+ History Spotlight: Josephine Baker Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Josephine Baker wasn’t just an entertainer — she was a force for change. She refused to perform for segregated audiences, spied for the French Resistance in WWII, and stood with Dr. King at the March on Washington. Her legacy is one of resistance, activism, and breaking barriers — a reminder that Black LGBTQ+ history is history. ?? Learn more about Josephine Baker: https://lnkd.in/gs3QHyZz

?? Black LGBTQ+ History Spotlight: Lea Hopkins Lea Hopkins is a Kansas City icon whose activism helped shape the LGBTQ+ movement in the Midwest. In 1977, she organized Kansas City’s first Pride parade, a bold act of resistance that sparked a movement still thriving today. From fighting for LGBTQ+ rights to standing up against anti-gay legislation, Hopkins has never backed down. Her work, her leadership, and her unapologetic visibility remind us that Black queer history is at the core of the fight for equality. ?? Learn more about Lea Hopkins and her legacy: https://lnkd.in/ggWbMye3 ??: Courtesy of KCUR's coverage