Celebrate PRIDE MONTH with the
For more information on 2023 events, visit mohistory.org/events.
Pride Keynote: Queer Writes
Thursday June 8 • Free 5:30pm: Happy Hour 6:30pm: Program
Location: Missouri History Museum
Queer literature challenges dominant norms, offers new perspectives, and provides important representation for communities that have been— and often still are—marginalized. Kick off Pride Month with a diverse group of brilliant LGBTQIA+ writers sharing excerpts from their work. Start your evening at a happy hour with activities and tours. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Readers for the evening include:
• Chris Andoe Riverfront Times columnist, author
• Kris Kleindienst—writer, owner of Left Bank Books
• Joan Lipkin—playwright, activist, Producing Artistic Director of That Uppity Theatre Company
• Mary Maxfield—writer, researcher, and educator
• Sam Moore—Managing Director of Public History at the Missouri Historical Society
• Aja La’Starr Owens—author, spoken word poet
• Mariah Richardson—playwright, educator, and actress
• Maurice Tracy—writer and artist
Queer and Allied Writes: Finding Essential Moments in Your Story
Friday June 10 • 10:00am–1:00pm
$30 per person (includes lunch)
Registration is required: st-louis.oasiseverywhere.org
Location: Library & Research Center
Award-winning writer, director, and educator Joan Lipkin will facilitate this workshop to help both established and beginning writers identify essential moments to illuminate their stories. You’ll also get an up-close look at some of the queer literature in the Missouri Historical Society Collections. The workshop includes conversation, writing, and community. All orientations are welcome.
Storytelling in the Museum: Pride Month Stories
Friday June 2 • 10:30am–11:00am • Free
Location: Missouri History Museum
Celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride Month with stories about queer families and historic heroes! Recommended for children ages 2–6 and their families.
Pride Month Craft Workshop
Friday June 2 • 11:00am–1:00pm • Free
Location: Missouri History Museum
Drop in any time to get creative and show your support of LGBTQIA+ Pride Month. Great for children ages 2–12!
PrideFest Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony
Saturday June 24 • 11:00am • Free
Location: Soldiers Memorial
Kick off PrideFest by recognizing and celebrating the tradition of LGBTQIA+ service in our military.
Coming Out Under Fire Documentary Screening
Saturday June 24 • x • Free
Sunday June 25 • x • Free
Location: Soldiers Memorial
Take a break from the heat to view this documentary that shares the story of gay and lesbian soldiers during World War II. (Running time: 71 minutes).
This program is associated with Gateway to Pride, presented by the William A. Kerr Foundation and AARP St. Louis. Chris Andoe Kris Kleindienst Joan Lipkin Mary Maxfield Sam Moore Aja La’Starr Owens Mariah Richardson Maurice TracySee STL Walking Tours: Gay Liberation in the Gateway City
Friday June 10 | 10:00am
Thursday June 22 | 6:00pm
Sunday June 25 | 11:00am
$20 per person; $15 for MHS members
Registration is required: mohistory.org/learn/see-stl/gay-liberation
For most of the 20th century, St. Louis’s Central West End was a hub of LGBTQIA+ community life and political activism. This tour will explore some of the places that were instrumental in shaping the neighborhood’s fascinating history, including the locations of fabulous nightclubs and progressive churches, the home of the region’s first gay community center, and the starting point of St. Louis’s first Pride march.
Find MHS at Pride celebrations throughout the region!
• Saturday, June 17—St. Charles Pride
• Saturday, June 24, and Sunday, June 25—Downtown PrideFest
• Saturday, August 5—Black Pride Expo (are we doing this??)
• Saturday, September 23, and Sunday, September 24—Tower Grove Pride
• Saturday, September 30—Metro East Pride
• Friday, October 13—Black Pride Accolades Ceremony (at the Missouri History Museum)
Pride DJ Night
Thursday August 17 • Free 5:30pm: Happy Hour 6:30pm: Program Location: Missouri History Museum
Come for a dose of disco fever and vogue the night away! Local LGBTQIA+ DJs will spin memories and music from the local clubs and discos of the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. Food and drink will be available for purchase.