314 Day: Notable LGBTQ St. Louisans Share What They Love About the City

We are St. Louis. A city at the confluence of the continent’s two mightiest rivers. A city that rose from land covered in mysterious manmade mounds. Land that was the site of the largest Native American city north of present-day Mexico—larger than London in 1100 AD. We were French and Spanish before we were American, and for a moment, we were the nation’s 4th largest city, boasting the biggest train station on Earth. A city mighty enough to launch the first transatlantic flight, in an aircraft that bore our name. A city influential enough to host the nation’s first Olympic Games.

We were instrumental in building the West, and for that, a thankful nation bestowed upon us a shimmering crown, giving us one of the most iconic and recognizable skylines in the world.

And LGBTQ people have always been part of the culture of this place. While much of the country is attempting to outlaw drag performances, St. Louis has proudly featured them since at least the 1870s.

Generally speaking, LGBTQ people are more migratory than our heterosexual counterparts. Much of the world is either hostile or boring, so for reasons of safety, belonging, opportunity and stimulation, we tend to venture away from our hometowns to find more suitable cities to call home. St. Louis stands out as one of those places, ranking in the top 5  in the nation for the percentage of same-sex households.

Rather than being outwardly boastful, though, our community’s civic pride is often expressed with quiet confidence. Once you’re part of this place, it seems you’re always woven into the fabric, whether that means you follow the goings on like a favorite program, or you find yourself returning after venturing elsewhere. For many of us, St. Louis is the ideal bowl of porridge. More interesting than most of our neighboring cities, and more livable than the megacities.

For 314 Day, I asked notable St. Louisans to share what they love about this haunted old metropolis we call home.

Drag sensation Lucy Couture is a non-native who has lived in St. Louis more than once. From tiny Stewartsville, Missouri, which is about an hour north of Kansas City, she moved here for college, moved away afterwards, but felt the city’s pull. “I was doing Kinky Boots in Rock Island Illinois, the pandemic shut us down and then I lived in my hometown for a little while before moving back to St. Louis in May of 2020,” Couture says.

The LGBTQ community’s rich history and fighting sprit is what she loves most.

“As someone who has looked up to our LGBTQ+ leaders since I moved here, it is such an honor to be working alongside them now,” Couture says. “As the fight for equality continues with our unpredictable government, I am reminded over and over that people have been fighting the good fight for years. People like Dieta Pepsi, Michelle McCausland, and Vicki Valentino have been doing this work for years and it inspires me to keep going every day. They walked so that we could run. We must keep running and keep pushing for our community just like they did!”

 

Maven Logik Lee has elevated our city’s ballroom scene to meteoric heights, drawing participants from around the globe. That’s one of the reasons he recently received a Mayoral Proclamation.

“I’ve traveled the world, but there’s no place like St. Louis. Our city may have its imperfections, but it produces some of the most talented and resilient individuals. We thrive where others might falter, embodying a unique spirit that sets us apart.”

 

 

Steven Louis Brawley, founder of the St. Louis LGBT History Project, has had an enormous year with his long-awaited Gateway to Pride exhibit at the Missouri History Museum.

“I appreciate the enthusiasm St. Louisians have for their local history, and we’re making great strides in preserving and showcasing our LGBTQIA+ history in our area’s archives and museums.”

 

 

 

 

 

Sara Marler of Marler Law Partners has worked tirelessly to assist the LGBTQ community in the wake of the election, gathering an expert legal panel to answer questions at the LGBTQ Legal Summit, and then helping around 100 set up their Medical Power of Attorney free of charge.

“There are many things to love about St. Louis, but I love the culinary scene the most,” Marler says. “I am a foodie through and through, and St. Louis stands out! With support from amazing local farmers’ markets and community-supported agriculture, it’s no wonder many chefs and restaurateurs have opened their doors in St. Louis. The diverse offerings in types of food, the forward-thinking creativity in menus, and the quality are outstanding. The skill level of many chefs is that of what you will find in any prominent city, with many local chefs and restaurants having collected various accolades from the food critics. You are missing out if you have not experienced the St. Louis culinary scene.”

 

Devion Mornett was the show director at Martha’s Vineyard in Springfield, Missouri from 2007 to 2022, and currently divides her time between Kansas City and St. Louis. This summer, she will make St. Louis her full-time residence.

“After spending much of my career in Springfield, coaching and uplifting college-age entertainers and the LGBTQIA+ community, I’m thrilled to have put down roots in St. Louis. This city not only offers me the chance to continue mentoring up-and-coming talent but also provides endless opportunities to grow my craft with new venues and a vibrant community. I’m grateful to be surrounded by my chosen family here, and I love how much St. Louis has to offer in terms of exploration, connection, and experience.”

 

 

 

 

St Lou Fringe is the original regional arts incubator, creating and producing over 600 works of art for the stage, screen, and walls, with works having gone as far as Off-Broadway.  Executive Director Matthew R. Kerns says he loves St. Louis because it is a city that thrives on creativity and resilience. “The arts scene here isn’t just about performances or galleries, it’s about community. It’s a place where stories are shared, voices are amplified, and connections are made across all walks of life. The heart of St. Louis beats through its people, and the arts are the rhythm that keeps us united and ever-evolving.”

 

 

 

 

Nick Fruend is the owner of The Little Bevo. “Our city offers so much—amazing food, fantastic entertainment, and an affordability that’s rare in big cities. What I love most is how St. Louis has become a melting pot of people from all walks of life, especially within our LGBTQIA+ community. Despite being in a red state, our city stands as a beacon of unity, diversity, and inclusion, where neighbors from all backgrounds come together to support local businesses. And, let’s not forget—where else can you experience all four seasons in one day?”

 

 

Award-winning artist Alex Johnmeyer is a Jefferson City native who has made our city home. “I love St. Louis for its vibrant arts scene and the incredible creativity that thrives here,” he says. “As an artist, I’m constantly inspired by the wide array of opportunities to experience our dynamic music, theatre, and drag culture. One of my favorite events is Queertown Underground, a space where queer and trans folks can connect, celebrate, and just exist together. The Metro Trans Umbrella Group also plays a crucial role in fostering support and visibility for the trans community. I’m proud to be part of a city where visual artists, performers, and activists can truly support one each other. St. Louis has given me a place to find myself, create, and share my voice. There’s nothing like walking in the door, where I know I’m not just welcome, but truly seen… it feels like coming home.”

 

 

 

Ohun Ashe  is the founder and owner of For the Culture STL which is one of the largest and fastest growing networks of Black-owned businesses and events in St. Louis. “The things I love most about St. Louis are the people, the culture and our impact,” Ashe says. “Our culture is so community oriented, you can find a festival, event or an organization for almost anything. We are so passionate, so fierce and we influence the entire world. St. Louis is such a special place.”

 

 

 

Mark Moore is a photographer, event planner, community organizer, and the founder of Gay + St. Louis Social Group. “As a photographer, one of the things I love most about St. Louis are our parks and open spaces. Since we have four seasons, they are always changing, offering beautiful textures and color palettes. Combined with our rich historic architecture, it’s never difficult to find a beautiful backdrop in any direction.”

 

 

 

 

Joan Lipkin is the artistic director of That Uppity Theatre Company. Next month, she will be inducted into the College of the Fellows of the American Theatre in DC, formerly held at the Kennedy Center. She divides her time between St. Louis, Southern California, and her native New York.

“Despite our many challenges, and what city doesn’t have some, there are many things to celebrate about St Louis. As someone who has lived in multiple places, including some big metropolises like Manhattan, L.A. and Chicago, I especially love the scale of St Louis. Yes, the scale,” Lipkin says.

“One Sunday, my pal Christine Elbert and I went to a drag show at Prism, then the Contemporary Art Museum to see the Currents Show,” she continues. “Then we popped over to Union Avenue Church where we saw the Gateway Men’s Chorus Holiday concert where we were joined by our friend and new legislator Elizabeth Fuchs. And THEN, we met Jordan Elizabeth Braxton and Jimmy Lesch for dinner in the Central West End. I mean, come on. So this is about two things. The ease of attending cultural and social events, many of which are free or low cost. And the joy of planning to see or running into our friends. Reasons to love the 314.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Little Rock native Randy Rafter is the longtime Executive Director of Black Pride St. Louis. “As a transplant, I love the overall beauty of St. Louis. The people, the food and its rich culture.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

John Arnold is the co-owner of the popular Just John nightclub, and says Forest Park is his favorite place in St. Louis. “There’s a quiet kind of magic in walking hand in hand around the Grand Basin. Sometimes we talk, sharing dreams and memories. Other times, we walk in silence. It’s in these walks that I feel the most present, the most alive. With my husband’s hand in mine and the beauty of Forest Park all around us, I know that no matter where life takes us, we’ll always have this—the path, the water, and each other.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kris Kleindienst is the owner of Left Bank Books, where she has worked for 51 years. “What I love about St. Louis’s LGBTQIA+ community is how rich, diverse, and resilient it is. Currently my favorite queer thing to come out of our town is Gateway to Pride, The Missouri History Museum’s—as in there is nothing like this anywhere else in the country—LGBTQUIA+ exhibit showcasing our local history. It’s free to attend and hangs through June, 2025. Go see it! Go often! Our history will not be erased!”

 

 

 

 

 

The loneliest period of my adult life was 2012 – 2013. I was living in a soulless apartment block in Oakland, California. A building that felt like an extended-stay hotel. Even though I’m not a St. Louis native, and have lived across the country, it was St. Louis I’d watch from afar, following along as my people here maintained traditions, celebrated and supported one another, and bought beautiful historic houses where they entertained in the home and garden. I wrote to myself at the time, “Some feel like they’re wasting their lives because they’re in St. Louis. I feel like I’m wasting mine because I’m not.”

Like many of you, I’ve wandered, and I’ve come home. Ours is a tribe whose blood is brick red. Cheers to 314 Day!