2017 St. Louis Pride Fest

38TH ANNUAL ST. LOUIS PRIDEFEST SOLDIERS MEMORIAL • DOWNTOWN ST. LOUIS

JUNE 23 - 25, 2017

PRIDEFEST 2017 IS PRESENTED BY

Hope Matters. Love Matters. #AcceptanceMatters Mastercard is proud to always support Pride because acceptance is PricelessÂŽ

Mastercard and Priceless are registered trademarks, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Š2017 Mastercard. All rights reserved.

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Join Macy’s as we celebrate Family + Friends + Love + Life + Equality + Respect We are proud to join the parade across America in honor of National Pride Month.

We think it’s really something to celebrate.

Plus, join us in our continued support of The Trevor Project!

The Trevor Project provides life-saving crisis intervention for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT

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Helping you and our community grow.

It’s why we come to work every day.

People and community are what really count for us. We’d love to help you face the financial challenges ahead. Why? Because a stronger you means a stronger community.

Proud to support St. Louis PrideFest

WELCOME ST. LOUIS LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY & REGIONAL FRIENDS, The Pride St. Louis Board of Directors is extremely excited to have you join us in celebrating PrideFest2017. This year marks our 38th annual PrideFest. We would like to thank our presenting sponsors: Mastercard, Monsonto, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, and Procter & Gamble. These companies, our dedicated community, and many other valued partners, truly support Pride St. Louis’s mission of education, acceptance, and empowerment year round. For that we are grateful!

our countless volunteers and most of all, our valued community partners for making this year, a year to remember.

We also want to thank our city leaders, corporate partners and our countless allies for always being there in our corner willing to lend a hand in supporting our organization.

Pride St. Louis has made tremendous strides towards uplifting our community through our educational programs, scholarships, community outreach, and the newly opened PrideCenter. We at Pride St. Louis are proud of many accomplishments and achievements, within and by our community, that sparked this year’s theme Community Proud.

As Pride St. Louis kicks off this year’s Community Proud celebration we would like to extend our deepest thanks to

Yours in Pride,

Thank you for joining us at PrideFest 2017 and for participating in the celebration of your LGBTQIA+ community with Community Proud. We are so proud you are here!

Matthew J. Harper President, Pride St. Louis, Inc.

PRESIDENT Matt Harper VICE PRESIDENT Marty Zuniga S E C R E TA R Y L a n d o n B r o w n f i e l d TREASURER Jason Johnson D I R E C TO R S To d d A l a n , L e o n B ra x t o n , C h r i s t a C u n n i n g h a m , J e s s e D o g g e n d o r f , D e n n i s G o r g , K e v i n H i r s c h , Ad a m R u p p e r t , G av i n S c h m i t z , Wo l f S m i t h , E l l e n Va n s co y

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Pride St. Louis, Inc. is a tax-exempt educational and charitable organization under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal revenue Code, dedicated to increasing the awareness of the general public of the presence of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender (GLBT) individuals in the community in an effort to eliminate prejudice and achieve harmony. Donations to Pride St. Louis, Inc. are deductible as charitable donations.

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PRESENTED BY

SUGGESTED $5 DONATION SUPPORTS: PRIDECENTER • SCHOLARSHIP • OUTREACH EDUCATION • FESTIVAL

LA LA LAND 8:30 P.M. 8

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Our Strength Lies in Our Diversity To deliver powerful, life-changing treatments tomorrow, we need today’s best and brightest minds. That’s why at Mallinckrodt we recognize and embrace different cultures, ideas and perspectives, and foster a welcoming work environment where every employee is treated with dignity and respect.

It is the diverse skills, beliefs and experiences of our people that inspire and empower us to live our mission each day.

The presenting sponsor of PrideFest 2017 and a proud supporter of Pride St. Louis.

Mallinckrodt, the “M” brand mark and the Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals logo are trademarks of a Mallinckrodt company. © 2017 Mallinckrodt. 5/17

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THE HISTORY OF THE PRIDE STL Written by Leon A. Braxton, Jr. THE UNOFFICIAL PRIDE STL HISTORIAN

I

n order to understand the origins of the Pride Movement, one must look back to June 28th, 1969. The Stonewall Inn, an LGBT bar in the Greenwich Village neighborhood in Manhattan, New York City, was the location for what is widely considered to be the single most important event leading to the gay liberation movement and the modern fight for LGBT rights in the United States.

The years leading up to the events at Stonewall were filled with violence, police brutality, discrimination, and hate toward the LGBTQIA+ community. Continued, targeted raids by the New York City police led to tension between themselves and the patrons at Stonewall. It wasn’t long before the tension developed into protests, and then riots. Anger toward the injustice experienced by the LGBT community came to a point, and the crowd struggled against the police. One individual who was there, Michael Fader, said the following: “We felt that we had freedom at last, or freedom to at least show that we demanded freedom.

We weren’t going to be walking meekly in the night and letting them shove us around—it’s like standing your ground for the first time and in a really strong way, and that’s what caught the police by surprise. There was something in the air, freedom a long time overdue, and we’re going to fight for it. It took different forms, but the bottom line was, we weren’t going to go away. And we didn’t.”

The first true gay pride, called the “Christopher Street Liberation Day” was held on June 28th, 1970 in New York City. Christopher Street was the location of the Stonewall Inn. This first pride, simultaneously held in Chicago and Los Angeles, commemorated the Stonewall Riots.

A year later, more prides took place around the world -- everywhere from the United Kingdom, to France, to Germany, to Sweden.

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In October 1969 was also St. Louis’ Stonewall where the arrest of nine drag queens outside a local gay bar called the Onyx Room sparked the first LGBTQIA rights organization in the city: The Mandrake Society. The Mandrake Society was formed in April 1969 and its aim was equalizing the status and position of the homosexual with the status and position of the heterosexual.

On June 9, 1977, Metropolitan Community Church, MCC, hosted St. Louis’ Second Annual Gay Pride Rally. Several national and local leaders in the community spoke to over three hundred people assembled, including Troy Perry, founder of MCC. What is also interesting about this fact is that apparently there was a “First Annual Gay Pride Rally” in 1976.

The St. Louis Organizing Committee (SLOC), led my Jim Thomas was formed early in 1979 as part of the process of organizing the Midwest for attending the National March on Washington. The Magnolia Committee was comprised of emissaries from all of the other

gay groups in town plus some few people from minority organizations other than gay. After that highly motivating event, SLOC members worked together to bring about a similar Pride event in June of 1980 in St. Louis. The original concept of SLOC was that the committee would be made up of representatives from whatever groups wanted to participate.

Later that year on November 20, 1979, The Magnolia Committee held its organizational meeting in the large basement apartment of Glenda Dilley. Dilley lived on Magnolia Street and had the largest apartment of any of its 11 members.

At this meeting of The Magnolia Committee is was decided that the purpose of the march would be: 1. Positive visibility of the gay community 2. Raise the consciousness of St. Louis community toward an acceptance of gay people 3. To support several charitable organizations

4. To counteract oppression of gays in St. Louis However, just as the organization of the continuation of SLOC got underway, Jim discovered that the Magnolia Committee already existed. He found that committee’s focus to be the organization of a walk for charity in February, while his group’s emphasis was on a week’s activity in June had the same purpose – celebrating Lesbian and Gay Pride.

Apparently, there was some concern about what to do about the independently forming groups. To resolve this issue an open meeting of 35-40 people was held January 27 to discuss how to accommodate both activities.

After discussion, it was decided to combine the events into one celebration, thus The Celebration Committee was formed. Magnolia members pushed for an early date so as to include area college and university students, although others in the meeting wanted a later date to allow for better planning and coordination. A compromise date of April 18-20 was accepted.

The Celebration Committee would plan both a week’s activity by various sponsors and a walk for charity and rally as the culminating event. Activities included a day of workshops, a picnic, a movie night, a bookstore open house, a dinner and entertainment, and two dances. The goal in those early years was always about community building, and that’s why the key aspect of the Celebration Committee was that it was bringing together the groups for a larger cause.

Since the first Pride Celebration in 1981, the event has grown in size, attendance and scope. Each year the Pride Committee plans and organizes not only the annual PrideFest, but also various fund raising events and other entertainment throughout the month of June.

The Celebration Committee officially became Pride St. Louis, Inc. in 1994 when it became a 501(c)3 registered with the Internal Revenue Service. The organization has held the festival and parade in the Central West End and Forest Park (1980-1997) and South

Grand Business District and Tower Grove Park (1998-2012). The event has grown in size and scope through community, media and corporate support.

In 2011 not only did The Advocate name St. Louis as one of the gay-friendliest cities in the country but PrideFest 2011 was named St. Louis’ Best Festival by the Riverfront Times.

In 2013, Pride’s 34th Anniversary, PrideFest moved downtown with the Parade down Market Street, with the Gateway Arch as a backdrop, and the Festival around Soldiers Memorial. The move to downtown St. Louis brought more visibility, attendees, vendors, and participants in the parade and festival.

In 2016, PrideFest broke records with over 250,000 attendees, approximately 220 vendors and 130 parade entries.

As we approach PrideFest 2017, this year’s theme “Community Proud” pays homage to the Celebration Committee’s initial goal of community building and bringing groups and people together for a larger cause.

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S Creating an environment where people can be proud of who they are makes us a better company for our patients, clients and each other. We’re proud to be a workplace that embraces LGBTQ+you.

Proud sponsor of

2017 STL PRIDEFEST

© 2017 Express Scripts Holding Company. All Rights Reserved. 17-EME40807

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GILBERT BAKER “In Memorial”

G

ilbert Baker created the Rainbow Flag, symbol of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender movement in June 1978.

His work as a vexillographer (flag maker) spans 30 years and includes two world records. The Rainbow Flag is an international phenomenon, with millions of people everywhere embracing it as a visibility action.

Baker, born in Kansas 1951, served in the US Army 1970-1972, which stationed him in San Francisco just at the start of the gay liberation movement. His soldier’s story is told in Randy Shilts book “Conduct Unbecoming”. After being honorably discharged Baker stayed in San Francisco and taught himself to sew.

It was this skill that he put to use making banners for gay and anti-war street protest marches, often at a moments’ notice, at the behest of his friend Harvey Milk- later elected to office and assassinated Nov 27, 1978.

Milk rode triumphantly under the first Rainbow Flags Baker made at their debut on June 25th 1978, for the San Francisco Gay Free-

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dom Day Parade. Baker credits Milk for inspiring his work with the message of hope. Early in 2008 Baker returned to San Francisco to recreate the banners and flags he made in the 70”s for the Academy Award winning feature film “Milk” starring Sean Penn.

Baker is quoted in the 2007 book “The American Flag, Two Centuries of Conflict and Concord” saying “Flags are torn from the soul of the people.” His creation of the Rainbow Flag is in the public domain, as are all flags, and its explosion as a commercial product in endless variations began all most immediately.

In 1979 Baker went to work at Paramount Flag Company in San Francisco, at first doing flamboyant window displays which caught the attention of then Mayor Dianne Feinstein who commissioned him to design flags for her first elected inaugural. From there Baker began designing flags as the centerpiece of formal civic and state events creating fantastic displays for the Premier of China, the President of France, The President of Venezuela, the President of the Philippines, the King of Spain, among many others. His work making flags and their protocols interesting and new opened the way for him to design the flags for the 1984 Democratic National Convention.

While his list of establishment credits is long,

Baker never stopped working on the Rainbow flag. A committed gay activist, he became an industrial artist in residence at Paramount Flag Company, who he credits with giving him the education and opportunity to make the Rainbow Flag known and demanded internationally. Glibert passed away on Friday, March 25, 2017, yet his memory and work lives on forever in our communities, minds, and hearts. At this year’s festival Pride St. Louis is proud to welcome his close friend, Cleve Jones, as our Parade Grand Marshall.

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TOGETHER, WE GO HIGHER.

CLEVE JONES Parade Grand Marshall

C

When we work together to create better opportunities for all, the possibilities soar. Boeing is proud to sponsor the St. Louis PrideFest in honor of our talented and diverse workforce.

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leve Jones is an American human rights activist, author and lecturer. Jones joined the gay liberation movement in the early 1970s. He was mentored by pioneer LGBT activist Harvey Milk and worked in Milk’s City Hall office as a student intern until Milk’s assassination in 1978.

Jones co-founded the San Francisco AIDS Foundation in 1983 and founded The NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt, one of the world’s largest community arts projects, in 1987. HarperCollins published his first book, “Stitching a Revolution,” in 2000.

Jones was portrayed by Emile Hirsch in Gus Van Sant’s Oscar-winning film, “MILK,” and was the historical consultant for the production. Jones led the 2009 National March for Equality in Washington, DC and served on the Advisory Board of the American Foundation for Equal Rights, which challenged California’s Proposition 8 in the US Supreme Court.

Hachette Book Group published his new memoir, When We Rise, in November 2016.

The ABC TV mini-series inspired in part by stories from Cleve’s book was broadcast in February 2017 with a screenplay by Academy Award winner Dustin Lance Black.

Jones lives today in San Francisco, California and works as an organizer for the Hospitality Workers’ union.

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P roviding vital nutrtion services to people living with H I V / A I D S or cancer MAK E A DIFFE R E N C E . MAK E A DON AT ION V IS IT W W W .FOODOU T R E AC H .OR G O R C A L L 3 14 - 6 5 2 - 3 6 6 3 F O R I N F O

Growing PRIDE in Our Community Since 1901 Visit Monsanto.com to learn more.

Monsanto and Vine Design® is a registered trademark of Monsanto Technology LLC. © 2017 Monsanto Company.

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O U R WO

TER.

Your better half is better when you’re healthy.

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BJC is a proud supporter of the PRIDE Community. RLD. MADE

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Health care knows no race, orientation, class, color, gender or creed. At BJC HealthCare, we believe in the power of what we can achieve through our diverse perspectives, experiences and talents. We unite in improving health for patients and communities.

Every one of our 30,000 team members across BJC — from the office to the bedside — helps to make a difference for patients, families and our communities. At BJC, we choose to

Strong. Healthy. Covered. The ACCESS team is made up of Certified Application Counselors and Federal Navigators who can help you: 1

Apply for health insurance

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Choose a health insurance plan Access health care

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Call 314-256-2148 or stop by our tent during PrideFest to chat with an assister for free.

make medicine better, every day.

Join us.

APPLY TODAY!

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Equal Opportunity Employer

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Expert health care.

No matter what.

Planned Parenthood is Missouri’s leading provider of sexual health care, from general wellness exams to STD testing and treatment. Each year, thousands of gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals trust us to provide the high quality, non-judgmental care they need to lead healthy lives.

We’ve got you covered - with or without insurance.

We accept most health insurance including: Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare and more.

6 locations in the St. Louis metro area – make an appointment by phone or online. www.plannedparenthood.org/stlouis | 1-800-230-PLAN (7526)

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Lasik Vision Institute 13 LeafFilter North of Mo 11 Lions Den 104-106 Marco's Fashions 165 Mastercard 178-180 Meats and More 116 Metro Trans Umbrella Group (MTUG) 31 Metropolitan Comm Church STL 42-43 Missouri Center Reproductive Med 147 Missouri Lottery 189 Missouri Women in Trades 14 Monsanto 199 Mr. Nice Guy 95 NARAL Pro-Choice Missouri 34 NCADA - St. Louis 61 P&G St. Louis 181-183 Panera Bread 167 Paul Cerame Auto Group 12 Pi On The Spot 202 Planet Fitness at South Grand 60 Planned Parenthood of the STL 35 Preferred Family Healthcare 65 Pride St. Charles 28 Prime Timers St. Louis 37 PROMO 46 PRP Wine International 148 Purina 170-171

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MARKET STREET QTPOC (a program of MTUG) 30 Ray Ray's Kettle Corn 111 Rearn Thai 110 Retro Active Smokeshop 92-93 Rhodes LLC 207 Riverfront Times 191 Romero Concessionaires 120 Safe Connections 149 Scoops & More 107 Seal Smart LLC 100 SeneGence/LipSense Independent160 Show-Me Cannabis 94 Southampton Healthcare 70 Southern Illinois University Edw 66 Sprint 71-72 St Louis SLAM Women's Football 187 St Stanislaus Polish Catholic Church 102 St. Louis Animal Rights Team (START) 45 St. Louis Black Pride 29 St. Louis Community College on 15th St. Louis Jewish Community 62 St. Louis Post-Dispatch 176-177 St.louis VA Health Care Systems 145-146 State Farm Insurance 74-76 Steps Alano Club 52 Steve's Factory Direct 91 Stray Rescue of St. Louis 32

MASTERCARD VIP Experience Urban Chestnut Beer Garden

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Doorways 53 Drunken Fish Restaurant and Lounge 119 Edward Jones 190 Ethical Society 41 Express Scripts 197-198 Family Food Concessions 208 Farmer's Insurance 20 Fat Boy Fried 108 FCKH8 163 Federal Reserve Bank of St Louis 158 Fireball Cinnamon Whisky 175 First Integrity Mort Ser/Snotes.com 150-151 Flannel Fly 66, LLC. 159 G&S 5105 Inc 155 Gallery 400 / Home Sweet Home 168 Gateway Men's Chorus 98 Gateway Open & Affirming Churches 49-50 Gateway Residential Remodeling 21 Healthy Balance Vet 90 Human Rights Campaign 142-144 Hustler Hollywood 9 iHeartRadio St. Louis 192-194 J-Wo Designs, LLC 83-84 Jiveturkeyllc 206 JORD Wood Watches 80 Lafayette Park United Methodist 40 Las Catrachas 118

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7 Up 185 AARP in St. Louis 23 Access Project 56 ACLU of Missouri 19 Ah Yeah Unlimited 88-89 Allstate Insurance Company 141 American Foundation for Suicide Prev 47-48 American Heart Association 68 APA Adoption Center 33 Athlete's Village by Rehab 15th & Chestnut Baileys' Range 112 BandTogether 36 BathFitter 156-157 Be the Match 97 BJC HealthCare 172-173 Boeing Company, The 195 Bounce Back Sports 152-154 CHADS Coalition for Mental Health 54 Cheryl's Travel 162 Cheap TRX 69 City of St. Louis Dept of Health 161 Community Psychological Service 10 Compton Heights Christian Church 39 Conley's Concessions's, LLC 85-86 Costco Wholesale 96 Defy.Photo 101 Diversity Awareness Partnership 67

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Grand Pride Parade Route Presented by Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals PARADE 12 NOON SUNDAY

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RED BULL EXPERIENCE

That 80's Band 3:45 pm Blu Cantrell 4:45 pm Brandon Stansell 5:30 pm Laura Bell Bundy 6:30 pm

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HOURS Friday, June 23 - 4:30 - 10:30 pm Saturday, June 24 - 11am - 9 pm Sunday, June 25 - 11am - 7 pm Parade Sunday at 12 Noon

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Commissary

STL FD

www.pridestl.org

June 23-24-25 Downtown St. Louis, Missouri $5 Suggested Donation at Entry Daily

dry1 ice

Saturday Pride Volleyball Tournement 10 am Military Wreath Ceremony 1pm Lambda Car Show 11-6 pm Family Fun Korner 12-6 pm

Permit Parking Area

Metrolink Scott Trade Center - Walk North to Festival Grounds TAXI STAND, UBER, LYFT, PEDI Located at 14th & Market Parking City Hall Parking Lot Parking Panda App

bike rack

RESTROOMS

PrideFest Highlights

Compliance

TUCKER

RESTRICTED

PrideFest Transportation

$5 Suggested Donation at Entry Daily

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OLIVE

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PASSENGER DROP OFF

UBER LYFT, PEDI, AND TAXI UBER, CAB ZONE (except Sunday 10a-2p)

Stubb's BBQ Sauce103 PICK UP TABA-Co 55 T Moble 169 Tenth Life Cat Rescue 77 The Alzheimer's Association 59 The Club St. Louis 99 The Gathering United Methodist Church 58 The I Know Campaign 63-64 The McPherson Wedding Venue 22 The NAMES Project 26 The Ozark Trail Association, Inc. 79 Tivanov Catering 109 Upper Limits Rock Wall in Athlete's Village U.S. Equal Emp Opp Comm (EEOC) 15 Union Avenue Christan Church 57 Unity Lutheran Church – ELCA 18 University United Methodist Church 38 Urban Chestnut at main & Monsanto stage VIOS 188 Walgreens 51 Washington University ID and ID-CRU 78 Washington University School of Med 184 We Are Mo`17 We the People Clothing 140 Welk Resorts 82 Wells Fargo Advisors 186 Wildflower Wagon 164

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Parade Judges

Friday, June 23rd

Pride Night at The Movies Presented by Panera La La Land at 8:30 pm Pride St. Louis Board Members

Matt Harper President Marty Zuniga Vice President Jason Johnson Treasurer Landon Brownfield Secretary Todd Alan Director Corporate Sponsorship / VIP Experience Leon Braxton Director of Diversity and Inclusion Christa Cunningham Co-Director Operations

Jesse Doggendorf Vendor Director Dennis Gorg Director Compliance Kevin Hirsch Director of IT / Social Media Adam Ruppert Co-Director Operations Gavin Schmitz Director Wolf Smith Development Director Ellen Vanscoy Parade Director

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CHEL

ALISAN PORTER

RUNAGROUND

JESSICA SANCHEZ

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The multi-faceted Chel is excited to return to St. Louis PrideFest and take the Main Stage for the first time.

“Pride 2016 was a blast and I have every intention of topping last years show,” says the Springfield, Illinois native. “Get ready, I have a brand new unreleased single just for you.”

An emerging pop artist, Chel currently resides in the Gateway City where she continues to write, record, and perform her unique style of pop music on a daily basis. By blending infectious pop lyrics with a broad spectrum of musical genres, Chel has managed to create a genre that is uniquely her own and Pride ready.

“My first Pride festival was about 4 years ago right here in St. Louis,” she explains. “I absolutely loved my experience. I did rainbow eye makeup and then saw one of the best parades ever followed by an awesome performance MKTO. Who knew confetti could make you so happy?”

Chel finds it difficult to place her music and style into a specific genre.

When asked about this, Chel replied, “I have been told that I have a very unique sound. I’m not exactly sure what that means, but I do know that I hear myself differently than other artists. It’s nice to believe that I stand out in some way.”

Chel’s EP - The Chel EP - was produced by legendary hip-hop producer Tech Supreme and released in 2014. It features five emotionally charged songs showcasing the diva’s powerhouse vocals which she looks forward to sharing at PrideFest.

“Pride means accepting yourself and being prideful in who you are,” says Chel of the weekend. “Pride means equality and believing that we are one. Pride means standing up for what is right. Most importantly, pride means Love. Self love, one love, equal love - it is a platform to love and be loved.”

Singer. Actress. Dancer. Child prodigy. Alisan Porter answers to all of these and the siren can’t wait to attend her first PrideFest “and pop her cherry” right here in St. Louis.

“I plan to do a set of some Voice songs and some originals,” she says of what fans can expect.

She’s described as powerhouse singer with remarkable writing chops to match her soaring vocals. So it’s no surprise Los Angeles-based diva could sing with perfect pitch at nine-months-old. Born to parents from the Broadway and rock world, she went from dazzling America on Star Search at age five to the taking a starring turn in John Hughes 1991 classic Curly Sue. After high school, she hit the boards on Broadway, starring in the first production of Footloose and revival of A Chorus Line. She also fronted The Canyons and released two solo albums, namely 2009’s Alisan Porter and Who We Are in 2014.

During a 2016 musical hiatus, Alisan’s friend secretly submitted her to NBC’s The Voice. She won Season 10 - making history on the show as the first victor for a female coach repping “Team Christina Aguilera.” Ever-committed to her personal vision, Alisan turned down a major label contract to follow her heart as an independent artist. Exercising the limits of her robust voice, she summoned a style steeped in booming gospel, soulful blues, and rock ‘n’ roll energy. Now, the first single “Deep Water” introduces Alisan’s next phase with her show-stopping vocals on full display. Her new independent EP I Come In Pieces drops this summer.

Alisan looks forward to spending time in St. Louis and experiencing PrideFest first-hand.

“Pride is standing strong for your worth and having an overwhelming sense of self. Being proud, spreading joy and supporting each other. That’s what pride means to me,” she says.

From gaining YouTube popularity for popular, self-produced music video covers in 2012 to his upcoming EP, electronic musician RUNAGROUND certainly knows how to make a splash.

California native Jessica Sanchez is excited to hit the main stage at St. Louis PrideFest and plans to rock the Lou. “I plan to do a set of some Voice songs and some originals,” she says of what fans can expect.

She’s described as powerhouse singer with remarkable writing chops to match her soaring vocals. So it’s no surprise Los Angeles-based diva could sing with perfect pitch at nine-months-old. Born to parents from the Broadway and rock world, she went from dazzling America on Star Search at age five to the taking a starring turn in John Hughes 1991 classic Curly Sue. After high school, she hit the boards on Broadway, starring in the first production of Footloose and revival of A Chorus Line. She also fronted The Canyons and released two solo albums, namely 2009’s Alisan Porter and Who We Are in 2014.

During a 2016 musical hiatus, Alisan’s friend secretly submitted her to NBC’s The Voice. She won Season 10 - making history on the show as the first victor for a female coach repping “Team Christina Aguilera.” Ever-committed to her personal vision, Alisan turned down a major label contract to follow her heart as an independent artist. Exercising the limits of her robust voice, she summoned a style steeped in booming gospel, soulful blues, and rock ‘n’ roll energy. Now, the first single “Deep Water” introduces Alisan’s next phase with her show-stopping vocals on full display. Her new independent EP I Come In Pieces drops this summer.

Alisan looks forward to spending time in St. Louis and experiencing PrideFest first-hand.

“Pride is standing strong for your worth and having an overwhelming sense of self. Being proud, spreading joy and supporting each other. That’s what pride means to me,” she says.

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What do you have in store for PrideFest in St. Louis this summer?

I’m looking forward to playing some favorites and new songs for the Pride crowd.

You gained a lot of popularity from your YouTube videos, how do you think that has impacted your path to stardom?

YouTube has been an invaluable tool in launching RUNAGROUND. It’s definitely carried my music to the corners of the earth, and opened doors for me in the mainstream realm as well. I’ll always be grateful for a place like YouTube, to share my content directly with fans.

How does your writing process begin for your music? Where does most of your inspiration come from?

It could be anything really. I get little lines and phrases that pop into my mind in the car, or on a walk, or maybe sitting at a restaurant. My phone is full of one liners that become beautiful songs and I love writing that way.

I saw a butterfly with the most beautiful artwork on its wings, about 6-8 months ago on a hike... and it became the inspiration and lyrics to a song i released called that very thing... “Butterfly”.

What can we expect to see from you in the future? Are you currently working on anything?

I have a new radio single coming out very soon, and an EP following that. I hope to settle on the songs for that with the record label very soon, as we’ve been working on it for over 6 months since “Chase You Down” went #1.

What does PRIDE mean to RUNAGROUND? To me it represents the beautiful evolution and expression of love in all forms and how we celebrate that love.

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S AT. 6/24 8:30 P. M .

M A S T E R CA R D E N T E R TA I N M E N T S TAG E

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“In The Beautiful “InCentral The West Beautiful End” Central 22 N. EuclidWest • SuiteEnd” 105 (3354)105 22 314.361.DELI N. Euclid • Suite 314.361.DELI (3354)

International pop sensation Kat DeLuna is looking forward to bringing her innovative, dance and rock-infused sound and operatic vocal range to St. Louis PrideFest for the first time, but it’s hardly her first time at the rainbow rodeo.

“One of my first Pride shows ever was New York Pride,” says DeLuna. “Imagine? NYC has one of the toughest crowds, and they are hard to please. But I really held it down that day and lit up the festival! From then on... I fell in love with Pride! I love the “you can do it all” vibe!”

The Dominican-American singer/songwriter and performer garnered International attention thanks to the success of 9 Lives’ “Whine Up,” which was crowned the top-selling single on iTunes Latino in 2007, reached #1 in France, and topped the charts in Africa and Europe .

Once the single was certified gold, DeLuna made history as the first Dominican pop singer to cross over into the mainstream. Aside from her fans’ appreciation, DeLuna earned the respect of her peers, nabbing MTVtr3s’s Best New Artist Award and scoring a Billboard Latin Music Award for Best Club Play Track of the Year (for “Whine Up”).

DeLuna’s soon to be released sophomore album Inside Out promises a more multi-dimensional, nuanced portrayal of herself as both artist and woman. Her unparalleled determination, more aggressive look, and dynamic sound are sure to give the up and coming diva formidable star power that can’t and won’t be eclipsed.

It’s easy for me to differentiate my American crowd from my overseas crowd... but I have to say that Pride crowds are very special,” DeLuna explains. “Prides hold a lane of their own. The energy and the essence of thousands of people coming together to celebrate unity is amazing to me.”

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THAT 80’S BAND

BLU CANTRELL

BRANDON STANSELL

LAURA BELL BUNDY

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S U N . 6/25 4:45 P. M .

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Let’s face it, the 1980’s were big - big hair, big shoulder pads and big, big entertainment. So embrace the Aqua Net era as That ‘80s Band brings their impressive repertoire to St. Louis PrideFest 2017.

“That 80s Band has a short set of some of the best pop/rock/dance songs of the 1980s from artists who helped shape one of the best decades in music,” explains the band. “We’ll play songs from artists like Madonna, Whitney Houston, Joan Jett and Cyndi Lauper, as well as bands like Poison, Guns-n-Roses, and Def Leopard.”

Featuring IzzyFurreel (guitar/vocals), Jon Dohnson (keys/vocals), Mick Fly (bass/vocals), Valerie Girl (vocals/guitar), and Rod Springfield (drums/ electric things) the over-the-top cover band is no stranger to PrideFest.

“My first PrideFest/Parade experience was either in 1998 or ’99,” offers Valerie Girl. “It was early on when the parade was still held on Arsenal St. and PrideFest was held in Tower Grove Park. I had a great time supporting my friends who were a part of the parade. I had a great day at the festival. PrideFest always has some of the best local and national entertainment around, so it is a privilege to be invited back to be a part of the entertainment lineup.

To quote The Riverfront Times in “Best of St. Louis” 2005: Hit ‘em with your best shot -- ‘cause they got the beat, and their shows will leave you hungry like the wolf and walking on sunshine.

“Based on my personal experience, PRIDE offers a sense of community, support, and belonging for individuals who are isolated from their family and/or community of origin and whose struggles are all too often marginalized by the community at large,” says Valerie Girl. “Pride St. Louis has been an immense support to some of my closest friends over the years and I am grateful for its existence.”

R&B recording artist Blu Cantrell is excited to be making her PrideFest St. Louis debut, but she’s no stranger to the Gateway City.

“St. Louis has always been one of my favorite cities to perform in and it’s been too long since I’ve been back,” says Blu. “I’ll be taking the fans back to the early 2000’s with my hits “Hit’em Up Style” and “Breathe”…. and then we are going to sprinkle in a few fun covers songs for everyone to sing along too. I might even surprise everyone with a taste of one of my new songs I’m currently working on in the studio. It should be a fun day filled with lots of memories.”

In the early 2000s, Cantrell began recording tracks for what would ultimately become her first full-length album. Upon hearing the cut “Till I’m Gone,” L.A. Reid, the CEO and president of Arista Records, signed the diva.

“I have always performed for the gay community,” Blu explains. “It’s been an important aspect of my career. The LBGT audience has been incredibly loyal, I am so grateful to have this community as fans.”

Blu’s “Hit ‘Em Up Style (Oops!)” occupied the number two position on the Hot 100 list. The buzz was out and Cantrell was invited to perform on national television programs. Her full-length debut, 2001’s So Blu, reached the Top 10 on the album charts. Her next record, 2003’s Bittersweet earned Cantrell another Grammy nomination and a number one song in the UK with “Breathe”.

“For me, Pride means Strength & Inclusiveness,” says Blu. “It’s the positive stance against discrimination. It’s also a powerful incentive for us to promote self-affirmation and dignity, equality of rights for all people. It’s a time for us to celebrate diversity and the individuals’ gender-identity freedom from persecution.”

Brandon Stansell is a fresh face onto the Country Music scene, but has always been nearby; honing his craft and finding his voice. Slow Down, his latest EP released in the Fall 2016, is the epicenter of his “California Country” sound.

While his casual country sound is appealing, there is more that meets the eye with this out crooner of Nashville roots.

Laura Bell Bundy - or LBB - the self-proclaimed HOT MESS, will close out St. Louis PrideFest 2017 with a not-to-be-missed performance.

“I plan on doing a fun, wild country music/DJ set with my two amazing back-up singer/dancers,” she explains. “It will include original music, covers and some funny songs too.”

From Broadway to country music, Bundy has proven a double threat, and as always, remains the ever-ballsy, irreverent Ambassador of Good Times.

“I did my first Gay Pride show in NYC in 1991 when I was 10 years old...,” says Bundy. “I have always been a gay man trapped in the body of Jon Benet. It was wild and yet sort of normal for me.. All the men were either dressed very loudly in colorful drag or shirts off in leather biker gear as that was real on trend in the 90’s. Joel Big and I are friends to this day and he will be at my wedding in June.”

With myriad hits to her name, including ‘Giddy on Up’ the Achin’ and Shakin’ star looks forward to this year’s Pride finale and celebrating with her legion of fans.

“Pride is about owning who you are, being true to yourself without exception and living out loud without fear,” Bundy concludes. “It celebrates a community of people who have been brave to come out as they are, and stand together fully, loudly and with joy. It is also a reminder to those in the LGBT that they are not alone in the fight for their equal rights as human beings… and makes a statement to the world that this is a community of love that deserves those inalienable rights.”

Next up, Bundy is set to star as Trixie in an all new Broadway musical version of The Honeymooners alongside Hank Azaria, Leslie Kritzer and Michael McGrath.

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What do you have in store for PrideFest 2017 audiences in St. Louis?

We have an exciting set lined up! The show is all original music - mostly new material written for a record I am recording in July and as well as some older tunes from my EP, Slow Down, which was released last September. This will be my first headlining experience and I am thrilled to be making my debut at PrideFest!

When was your first Pride?

My first Pride was in New York City in 2011. I had just moved the city the winter before and I didn’t really know what to expect. I took the train down from Washington Heights and got out at Christopher Street. I spent the next 3 hours trying to cross Christopher Street… All of my friends and I were meeting at the Duplex to drink and watch the parade, but for most of day I was stone cold sober on the other side of the street. So, my first Pride was not an ideal experience, but I plan to spend every year making up for it!

What does PRIDE mean to you?

Every year PRIDE reminds me how much I love being gay. I think most of us spend our entire lives trying to find ourselves and feel comfortable in our own skin, but for me PRIDE has always been one of those rare occasions where it’s almost impossible to be inauthentic.

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ONE NATION. ONE AMERICA. WE STAND TOGETHER.

COMMUNITY PROUD.

SHERRY MITCHELL. DEAN ROSE. AARON MICHAEL FINNEGAN. JON CARLSON. RYAN MCHUGH. JUDITH HOWARD. ANGELA MORRIS. BETH SORRELL. JOSHUA BROWN. FISH EYE FUN. KIP KOHNZ. DOUG SMITH. KATIE BROWN. LAURA CROSS. JUST JOHN. JIMMY WALSH. BAR PM. TODD ALAN. JASON BENGE. JULIE MALONE. VICKI CORUM. JILL AUL. JIM BUNTIN. PAUL HOF. JOE HEDLEY. TODD BRANDT. MARK COLAO. WILL MUCKRIDGE. JENNIFER JONES. PRIDE ST. CHARLES. ALEXANDER CASEY MCCLURE. STEVE NEELY. MARK MADONNA. JOHN JONES. MICHELLE MARCUS. CLAIRE AUGUSTINE. CHRIS PINSON. GARY KLUESNER. TODD MONNING. MATT SORRELL. JASON MCADAMS. TOD BURKHEAD. PAUL REIGELSBERGER. DOUB ROBINSON. JOHN OBERKRAMER. BRIAN STEFANI. DELTA DAWN. KAREEM LAHAI-PUMAGOI. MCCLURE-HALBERG, INC. REHAB BAR AND GRILL. GATEWAY ANIMAL CLINIC. SCOTT MIEDROTH. BILL AUL. WINSTON HALVERSON. JEROMY RUOT. BRUCE KARMAZIN. LEON BRAXTON, JR. MAXWELL WATERS. DENNIS GORG. CATHERINE RENKINS. ST. CHARLES PFLAG. TERRY LAUPP. PRIDE ST. LOUIS. EMILY KOHLER-TINTERA. DANNY GLADDEN. KEVIN CASTLEBERRY. SHANE SPILLMAN. SHAWN TELKAMP. BECKIE JACOBS. JAMES DUNSE. RYANE CHATMAN. THORNS AND INK. BRITTA KRABILL. INCLUSIVE INDEXING. MATTHEW FERNANDES. CHAD CARROLL. JACOB NORTON. KEVIN HIRSCH. SERENDIPITY HOMEMADE ICE CREAM. JIMMY R. SARAH AND MARCY GAMBLIN-LUIG. LINDSEY SMITH. ST. LOUIS BALLOON BRIGADE. MR. MISSOURI LEATHER ORGANIZATION. COFFEE CARTEL. RYAN MISER. GARY STREETING. STOUT IN SOLIDARITY. WOLF BUDDY SMITH. MACK. MICHAEL. NICOLE WILSON. JULIE HORST. MICHOLA CANTAZARO. TIMOTHY RAINEY. LANDON BROWNFIELD. MADELINE MEYEROWITZ. CATHLEEN CRISWELL. MINION STUFF. SUE TOUCHON. ALICIA MERCHANT.MARK TURPIN. MATTHEW ELLIS. COVENE. SEAN CARL. SCOTT RESTOFF. MARK MCGRATH. KEVIN WELCH. JOHN SCHULER. PATRICK BURKE. RANDALL BEANS. ROBYN BERKLEY. JR SCHAEFER. MATT HARPER. CHRISTOPHER ENGLEMAN. TROPICAL LIQUEURS. MELISSA BREERS. CARRIE BALLENGER AND KEITH BECKER. HOWARDS. HASAN QINDAH. RICK DUNSMORE. JEFF GULANS.

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THE JIM HOEFFER AWARD T H E S H OW - M E B E A R S

THE FELTON T. DAY AWARD STEPH PERKINS

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he Jim Hoefer Award is presented to an organization that best exemplifies what it means to serve St. Louis’ LGBT Community.

The Show-Me Bears of St. Louis is a social and charitable fundraising organization whose aim is to promote interest in bears.

Founded in 1993, and based at JJ’s Clubhouse, the Show-Me Bears raise money and do extensive volunteer work in the community for local and regional LGBTQIA+ related charities through a variety of annual and special events.

Every August, the Bears host “Mr. Heartland Bear,” a pageant-style competition with the goal of increasing interest in the bear community and supporting the contestants’ individual platforms and causes in the greater LGBTQ community. Proceeds from the event benefit Camp Hope, a weekend long camp for HIV+ and HIV-affected kids and families in Potosi, MO. “HiBearNation” has been the Show-Me Bears’ signature fundraising event for 23-years running. This four-day event in early November attracts men from all over the USA and beyond for a weekend of fun, drinking, dancing and brotherhood all in the name of raising money for sponsored charities, which, in the past, have included Doorways, STL EFA, Food Outreach, Growing American Youth and Bethany Place, to name a few.

T

he Felton T. Day Community Service Award is presented to a person – not associated with Pride St. Louis – whose service to the LGBTQIA+ community has gone above and beyond, exemplifying the spirit of leadership and service in one’s community.

Steph Perkins joined PROMO, Missouri’s statewide LGBT advocacy organization, as the Southwest Field Organizer in 2008 and, after serving in several other roles with the organization in Springfield, is now the Executive Director. Raised by a large Jewish family of activists and advocates in Kansas, Steph moved to Springfield, MO and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Sociology and Religious Studies from Missouri State University, where he was active in student organizations and with the administration on campus. Steph also serves on the Board of Directors for Freedom for All Americans, a bipartisan organization working to secure inclusive nondiscrimination protections in all 50 states. He now lives in St. Louis with his wife, Amanda, and their pugsomething, Fiona.

Celebrating 30 years of equality, PROMO is Missouri’s statewide organization advocating for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender equality through legislative action, electoral politics, grassroots organizing, and community education.

THE COMMUNITY PROUD AWARD T H E B U D DY B R I G A D E

THE LISA WAGAMAN LIFETIME COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD S T E V E N L O U I S B R AW L E Y

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he Community Proud Award is presented to the individual, group, business, or organization that has gone above and beyond, giving an extraordinary amount of energy making a positive difference in the lives of those in marginalized communities.

The Buddy Brigade is a community youth movement started by Xander Davison, age 5, (with the support of his parents) and his preschool buddies to show that kids can make a positive difference in the world around them. The Buddy Brigade teaches children to embrace themselves and the diversity of the world around them through advocacy, action and kindness. The Buddy Brigade embraces the motto “Buddies to All,” through service projects that support organizations through donations, fundraising and other acts of kindness.

The three rules of The Buddy Brigade are, Be Kind. Be Brave.

Be YOU. To quote Xander, “Don’t be scared to be yourself because you’re you and no one is better at being you. If you’re different from someone else it doesn’t mean you should cry...because you’re BEAUTIFUL. I mean, why would you be mean to a rainbow?

They’re beautiful and magical.”

The Buddy Brigade is VERY proud to support Pride St Louis and all of their friends at the PrideCenter. Learn more about The Buddy Brigade and their mission of kindness at facebook.com/teambuddybrigade.

T

he Lisa Wagaman Lifetime Community Service Award is presented to an individual who has spent much of their life to further the pride movement and LGBT causes.

For the past three decades, Steven Louis Brawley has been an active member of St. Louis’ LGBTQIA+ community.

In 2007, he founded the St. Louis LGBT History Project, partnering with local archives, colleges/universities, community elders, historians, and researchers to preserve and promote St. Louis’ vibrant LGBTQ past. The Project conducts historical tours, displays rare artifacts at regional events, and provides speakers for educational forums.

In 2016, he authored the first book to chronicle St. Louis’ LGBTQ history. “Gay and Lesbian St. Louis” (Arcadia Publishing) highlights the pioneers, places, and events that have created a lasting legacy for future generations of LGBTQ youth to build upon.

Steve has a 25-year career in not-for-profit management at BJC Healthcare and Area Resources for Community and Human Services (ARCHS).

Over the years, Steve has volunteered with the AIDS Walk, Saint Louis Effort for AIDS, and the Show Me Bears. A native of St. Louis, Steve is a graduate of the University of Missouri-St. Louis and Saint Louis University.

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Domestic and Craft Beer Dogtown Pizza Ted Drewes Frozen Custard And Much More!

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PUTTING LGBTQ ST. LOUIS ON THE MAP Written by Steven L. Brawley ST. LOUIS LGBT HISTORY PROJECT

A

s we celebrate Pride 2017, the St. Louis LGBT History Project is excited to provide an update on a new historic initiative that will literally put St. Louis on the map.

Through an innovative partnership with Washington University in St. Louis, the Missouri History Museum, and the State Historical Society of Missouri (UMSL), the Project is assisting in the development of “Mapping LGBTQ St. Louis” digital history initiative.

Mapping LGBTQ St. Louis is set to launch October 2017 with an exciting interactive website. Surveying a period from 1943 to 1992, the initiative has inventoried more than 700

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LGBTQ spaces. The new map is being funded as a part of a Mellon Foundation grant awarded to the Divided City initiative at Washington University’s Center for Humanities.

Since spring 2016, students, researchers, faculty, archivists, librarians, and interested people have been gathering historical information about places connected to St. Louis’s LGBTQIA community. The information is being organized using GIS tools to show sites on a digital map (think Google Maps – but with history).

Ian Darnell, Ph.D. candidate University of Illinois at Chicago and St. Louis LGBT History Project researcher, says the mapping project is uncovering many lost and unknown LGBTQ places.

“I was amazed to learn how many historical LGBTQ spaces were in structures that were demolished to make way for parking lots and garages,” says Darnell.

According to Darnell, one of the best examples of this pattern is the Entre Nous, an infamous gay bar in downtown St. Louis that was raided by the police in the 1950s. The building were the Entre Nous was located was torn down and replaced with the Famous-Barr parking garage in the early 1960s.

Dr. Andrea Friedman, co-director of the Mapping LGBTQ St. Louis initiative and Professor of History and Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies at Washington University, says that finding these lost spaces has sometimes been a challenge.

“In the early years, many community organizations were identified only by a post office box or phone number, which meant we couldn’t identify their locations for the map,” says Dr. Friedman. “Because St. Louis is so marked by racial division, it has been harder to find the more informal or less visible social spaces that, if St. Louis is like other cities, may have been the center of African American LGBTQ life, such as residences, after-hours places, or places of worship.”

Darnell says the research task was made much easier by posing questions to the members of the St. Louis LGBT History Project’s Facebook group.

“Many of the older members of the group were firsthand witnesses to St. Louis’s LGBT history,” Darnell says. “In a number of cases, they were able draw on their memories to confirm, supplement, or even correct written records. I want to thank everyone who contributed to these discussions online. Their help

was invaluable.”

“The beauty of mapping is that it helps make clear the ways a community is made through (or divided by) space. Users of the new map will be able to see how the St. Louis region’s LGBTQ community changed over time. It will showcase where the bars, the bathhouses, and the drag balls were, and track the emergence of other community spaces such as restaurants, shops, community centers, places of worship, dances, self-help groups, the sites of protest and policing, even the places where St. Louisans met for sex,” says Dr. Friedman.

“There will be links to photographs, news clippings, oral history transcripts, and other documents to tell the stories behind the dots on the map.”

Darnell believes the map will inform the community about St. Louis’ LGBTQ history, contributions, and influence.

“I think it will show that LGBTQ people have had an impact on nearly every part of the St. Louis region—truly, “we are everywhere.” But it will be equally clear that LGBTQ social spaces and activism have tended to be concentrated in certain parts of the metropolitan region,

and that shifts in the geography of St. Louis’s LGBTQ spaces were related to the region’s history of racial segregation, socioeconomic inequality, and urban decline and renewal. St. Louis’s LGBTQ history isn’t somehow apart from the city’s wider history -- it’s embedded in everything else.”

To learn more about the mapping project, visit https://library.wustl.edu/category/collaborative-projects/map-lgbtq-stl/.

To learn more about the St. Louis LGBT History Project, visit stlouislgbthistory.org.

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WHAT’S IN A

NAME? The stories behind Pride St. Louis’ Community Service Awards

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ou hear their names each June when Pride St. Louis announces its annual community service awards, but many of our younger readers know little to nothing about those whose names grace the engraved glass presented to our LGBTQIA community’s movers and shakers each year. To that end, #Boom Media is obliged to reintroduce them to you. For each has a special story and left a lasting mark on both the pride movement and our tribe.

FELTON T. DAY On March 1, 1987 LGBT St. Louis lost an individual who quietly and unselfishly served our community with pride for many years. His name was Felton Taliaferrio Day. Many may not have known his name, but undoubtedly saw him mixing away for many years at the DJ booth of Martin’s, arranging a benefit show for countless organizations, or on stage himself as Felicity Jones of the T.W.I.T.’s.

Whether it was a community fundraiser or just lending a hand to an individual, Felton was always on hand running lights/sound, decorating stages, costuming, and generally giving of his own good spirits for the betterment of his community. Indeed, Felton left a lot of loving friends.

In June 1987, Pride St. Louis created the annual Felton T. Day Memorial Award to honor persons not associated with Pride St. Louis who demonstrate the spirit of community service and individual dedication exemplified by Felton.

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LISA WAGAMAN Lisa Wagaman was omnipresent in the St. Louis LGBT Community.

A native of New Jersey, Lisa relocated to St. Louis in 1972. It was the heyday of the early LGBT rights movement and Lisa became intimately involved in the formation of the local MCC Church, Mid Continent Life Services Corporation (Our first LGBT Center), The Hotline and The Magnolia Committee (which later became Pride St. Louis).

An out transwoman, Lisa was one of our community’s greatest cheerleaders and could be found at events both large and small from grass roots organizing to helping orchestrate the 1987 National March on Washington.

Known as Missouri’s only official “Dyke” after a brief fight with the state to keep her unique license plate, Lisa was a dedicated member and frequent officer of Pride St. Louis from its inception until her death on April 15, 2009 at age 65.

In June 2009, The Lisa Wagaman Lifetime Community Service Award was created in her memory to honor an individual who has spent much of their life to further the pride movement and LGBT causes.

CHUCK CHARLESTON Chuck Charleston was known for many years within the St. Louis LGBT community. He was ever-supportive of local organizations’ energy, talents, and dedication. Chuck was an early supporter of the local pride celebration efforts and was always there ready to pitch in and work wherever needed.

Many people remember Chuck as the uber talented DJ and later manager of Faces, as well as a long time employee of its predecessor, The Red Bull in East St. Louis.

Chuck Charleston died on April 21, 1988 and is remembered in our community for his involvement—both public and private—in many causes and charities. He worked with many among us, lending his support and resources to numerous local events, and often doing so quietly behind the scenes, receiving little credit.

In June 1988, Pride St. Louis created the Chuck Charleston Award to acknowledge individuals who, in the example of its namesake, demonstrate significant involvement and service

promoting LGBT pride in our community. The Chuck Charleston Award is now presented to a former or current member of Pride St. Louis, Inc. who demonstrates these qualities.

JIM HOEFER On March 31, 2001, St. Louis lost a good-hearted, special individual to cancer, Jim Hoefer.

For those who served with him on Pride St. Louis, he is remembered as a dedicated officer, and more importantly, a friend.

Jim served as Pride St. Louis’ treasurer, in a time when the organization needed him most.

He provided PSL with sound advice, a stable

foundation which would help future PSL treasurers, and kept the organization focused on maintaining their fiscal responsibilities to the St. Louis LGBT Community.

But Jim was more than just numbers. His interests and background included his wonderful partner, Richard, as well as his work with both the Gateway Men’s Chorus and MCC. He was also once a member of the clergy. Jim is remembered as someone who was unafraid to confront issues and speak his mind. His voice lent so much to Pride St. Louis and helped to shape out how St. Louis views pride today.

Jim’s compassion, intellect and drive to excel is still missed by Pride St. Louis and many others in St. Louis. In light of the fact that he worked tirelessly for other organizations within the community, Pride St. Louis honors his name with their Community Service Award founded in 2009. *Source: 1987, 1988, 2001 & 2009 St. Louis Pride Guide and The LGBT Archive at UMSL.

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Photography . .

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OUR PRIDE KNOWS NO BOUNDS Like anyone else, people in the LGBT community want to live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives. AARP is committed to creating a new vision for aging—one complete with diverse stories and innovative ways for everyone to pursue their passions—equally, openly and proudly.

JOIN AARP FOR PRIDEFEST 2017 Stop by the AARP booth on June 24th and 25th or sign up to ride the AARP float in the parade. Space is limited on the float and registration is required. Visit aarp.org/stlouis. aarp.org/stlouis Facebook.com/aarpmissouri @aarpstl

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PRESENTING PRESENTING SPONSORS SPONSORS

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SPECIAL SPECIAL THANKS THANKS TO TO Soldiers Memorial Soldiers Memorial Honorable Lyda Krewson Mayor Lyda Krewson 4 Hands Brewery 4 Hands BreweryHonorable Mayor Sonja Bechel Sonja Bechel Ironman Ironman Industries Sound Industries Ann Chance Director Ann Chance of Special Director Events of Special Events Sound Southern Bell Southern Entertainment Bell Entertainment Jeromy Ruot Jeromy Ruot City of St. Louis City of St. Louis Square Square JJ's Clubhouse JJ's Clubhouse Attitudes Attitudes St. Charles PFLAG St. Charles PFLAG John Oberkramer John Oberkramer Bisexual Alliance Bisexual of St. Alliance Louis BASL of St. Louis BASL St. Louis Balloon St. Louis Brigade Balloon Brigade Kelly Gorgas Kelly Gorgas Bi-State Development Bi-State Development St. Louis BlackSt. Pride Louis Black Pride Kevin JohnsonKevin Johnson Bommarito Hazelwood Bommarito Hazelwood St. Louis BluesSt. Louis Blues Kyle Hanten Kyle Hanten Boom Magazine Boom Magazine St. Louis City Streets St. LouisDepartmen City Streets Departmen Lamda Car Club Lamda Car Club Brittani Schlager Brittani Schlager Mark Turpin Mark Turpin St. Louis EffortSt. For Louis AIDSEffort For AIDS Byerly RV Byerly RV St. Louis Fire Department St. Louis Fire Department Metro East Pride Metro East Pride Captain DerekCaptain Rieger Derek Rieger St. Louis Frontrunners St. Louis Frontrunners Missouri Department MissouriofDepartment Higher Education of Higher Education Cathleen Criswell Cathleen Criswell MTUG MTUG St. Louis Metropolitan St. LouisPolice Metropolitan Department Police Department Chad Carroll Chad Carroll St. Louis ParksSt.Recreation Louis Parks and Recreation Forestry and Forestry Nick Barnes Nick Barnes Chad Fox Chad Fox St. Louis PFLAG St. Louis PFLAG PD George PD George Chilis Chilis Pride Royalty Committee Pride Royalty Committee St. Louis PostSt. Dispatch Louis Post Dispatch City of St. Louis City Mayors of St. Louis OfficeMayors Office St. Louis Science St. Louis Center's Science Center's Pride St. Charles Pride St. Charles Coffee Cartel Coffee Cartel JohnPlanetarium S McDonnell Planetarium PrideCenter Volunteers PrideCenter Volunteers John S McDonnell Colin Lovit Colin Lovit Steve Runde Steve Runde PROMO PROMO Colin Murphy Colin Murphy Steve Zeiger Steve Zeiger QTPOC-STL QTPOC-STL County/YellowCounty/Yellow Cab Cab Terry Laupp Terry Laupp Red Bull Red Bull Diversity Awareness Diversity Project Awareness Project The Grove STLThe Grove STL Services-Charlie Regency Services-Charlie Brown Brown Downtown St.Downtown Louis, Inc. St. Louis,Regency Inc. Rehab Bar andRehab Grill Bar and Grill The Names Project The Names Project ENCOMPASS ENCOMPASS The RiverfrontThe Times Riverfront Times Rehab Safe Sets Rehab Volleyball Safe Sets Volleyball Greg Hayes Greg Hayes The Stage at KDHX The Stage at KDHX SAGE SAGE Guy Slay Guy Slay Scott Lokitz Scott Lokitz United 4 Children United 4 Children Honorable Former Honorable MayorFormer FrancisMayor Slay Francis Slay US Bank US Bank Show Me Bears Honorable Joseph Honorable Murphy Joseph Murphy Show Me Bears

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ABANDONING CHURCH MY PERSONAL JOURNEY TOWARD SELF-WORTH AND PRIDE Written by Justin Kralemann

I

n early 2001, I remember attending a youth church service on a Wednesday night. As I stood singing during the worship portion, I felt an overwhelming emotion overtake me. It was in that moment that I prayed to receive Christ into my heart. A few weeks later, I was baptized on Easter Sunday. My fellow church-goers were thrilled to see I finally “gave into the light.” In the Baptist Church, kids often “accept Christ” in their very early years during Vacation Bible School or Sunday school. Being an eighth grader, I was late to a party that most kids my age had been celebrating for years.

After the emotional roller coaster of being labeled “saved” subsided, life returned to normal. However, unknown to me at the time, becoming a “Christian” would also come with years of personal and emotional torment. As I entered high school, I knew I was different.

I felt different than my peers emotionally; I felt uncomfortable meeting the social norms for “masculinity” and simply being myself. At that point in my life, I didn’t know what was different, I just knew that I was and those differences made me feel inadequate, defeated and alone.

As I progressed through high school, I became deeply involved in my youth group.

Although I was often uncomfortable, I maintained a mask that was clever enough to fool even the most devout Christians. I memorized the Bible, mentored students, attended summer camps and retreats, and went on mission trips. However, all of it was carefully designed to fit in the best way I could. In my mind, not fitting in within the church came with a steeper price than I was willing to pay: social isolation and resentment.

One thing I quickly learned in church was different does not mix… I particularly remember the many stares an African American family once received when they visited our church

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one Sunday. I remember sitting in a pew listening to a preacher condemn the LGBT community and anyone who has been divorced as “adulterers.” I remember my peers making fun of the “emos” at their schools while some of my male peers hugged one another and said “no homo.” I even took part in a play called “Heaven’s Gates, Hell’s Flames,” where I played a young drug addict who got my girlfriend pregnant and went to Hell after overdosing.

So, instead of taking a stand for love, I kept my opinion to myself out of fear. I remained immersed in an environment filled with ideologies and people who did not like those who disagreed with their views. I continued to rub elbows with adults who took joy in knowing they had a position in power within the social hierarchy of the church. All the while, I remained hidden in a culture who would never accept me for me.

After graduating high school, I attended Baylor University. Baylor was a similar, but different struggle. Although Baylor was a private Christian University, I found numerous individuals who experienced the same upbringings coupled with similar isolation and guilt. In many ways, Baylor served an important gathering ground for those who felt disconnected, alone and different in Christianity such as myself. Although I continued to struggle with being gay throughout college, I began to realize that my differences made me unique. By the time I graduated, I had emerged a completely new individual ready to live authentically.

When I returned to St. Louis in 2010, I chose not to return to a church. While attending higher education, I had gained a sense of selfworth, increased self-esteem and pride in being myself. As I returned with a renewed sense of life and purpose I decided not to abandon my relationship with God, but rather continue forward with Him by my side. It has been many

“I had gained a sense of self-worth, increased self-esteem and pride in being myself.” years since I stepped foot into a church for something other than a special event. Instead, I have committed my life to meeting the needs of the poor, marginalized, sick and under served through the gifts and talents God has given me. I have also sought to be a compass for kids in the community who are experiencing the same difficulties I faced as an LGBT youth.

The month of June happens to be Pride month. It is a time that always means a great deal to me as someone who has overcome so many personal demons in my own life.

In a world filled with hate, I continue to be a strong advocate for those who require a voice.

I have attended many Pride events where I have stood nose-to-nose and debated biblical theology with individuals who were condemning those different than themselves. More so, I continue to hold my personal faith close and share it with those who need to see what God’s unconditional love truly looks like.

It is my hope that the American church continues to evolve into a sanctuary of love rather than condemnation, hate and egotism. However, until that day arrives, I will continue to serve as a “cast out pillar” demonstrate God’s unconditional love to everyone around me.

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IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE LIVES LOST IN ORLANDO THIS FATEFUL DAY, ONE YEAR AGO, JUNE 12, 2016.

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Coming together to celebrate our Pride. Priceless ÂŽ Mastercard is proud to be the title sponsor of the St. Louis PrideFest.

Mastercard and Priceless are registered trademarks, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Š2017 Mastercard. All rights reserved.