LGBTQIA+ communities all over the state are rising to meet the moment. At a time when face-to-face connection to our community feels both urgent and powerful, a series of gatherings is working to carve out space for community, visibility, and action across Missouri. PROMO Missouri’s “We’re Queer + We Live Here” series, started in 2024, is nothing short of a movement in motion. These meetings invite LGBTQ+ community members and their allies to come together, forge meaningful relationships, strengthen grassroots advocacy, and celebrate the resilience that continues to define queer fellowship.
“We’re Queer + We Live Here” brings together individuals from across the region for an evening of connection and purpose. The gatherings take place at different types of establishments across the state. Attendees have the opportunity to meet PROMO’s staff, learn about grassroots advocacy efforts, and discover ways to get involved in the painstaking work to change hearts and minds through deep canvassing, narrative shift, leadership development, and policy.
What distinguishes the “We’re Queer + We Live Here” gathering is its deeper purpose. The evening I was present, I saw a couple of casual conversations seamlessly morph into organizing. These opportunities remain essential for such an ambitious movement.
The next “We’re Queer + We Live Here” takes place at Platypus on Wednesday, May 13 at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $10, though anyone can opt out and still participate. To make the evening even more inviting, guests will be treated to heavy appetizers as well as their first round of drinks, with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available. The event will also feature a custom cocktail created by Platypus owner Meredith Barry. It’ll only be available to attendees and offers a first taste of the drinks she’s planning to showcase at PROMO’s Urbanaire Gala on September 26.
All of these details come together to create an experience that’s about more than just a night out.
Whether you’re looking to meet new people, get involved in advocacy, or just spend an evening in a supportive environment, “We’re Queer + We Live Here” offers the opportunity to join the state-wide movement building momentum, fostering connections, and empowering communities.
From Cape Girardeau and West Plains to Springfield, Columbia, and beyond, PROMO has scaled and re-committed to the work this year. And as fear and discrimination continue to drive much of Missouri politics, Executive Director Katy Erker-Lynch shared at the recent St. Charles community gathering, that the deep canvassing efforts and meaningful doorstep conversations are beginning to show signs of moving the needle. There is overwhelming consensus that “Missouri IS winnable”. That was the moment when the crowd of nearly 50 community members erupted in loud cheers and applause. Two local community organizations, Pride St. Charles and St. Charles Democrats were also there to hear the same message.
Beginning in 2025, PROMO’s paid deep canvassers and volunteers launched an ambitious effort to knock on 100,000 doors. The work is ongoing, with the team continuing to expand opportunities for engagement at a range of involvement levels. At its core, “We’re Queer + We Live Here” is about visibility and solidarity. It’s about showing up and sending a clear message: LGBTQ+ people are here, committed, and not going anywhere. In today’s climate, that visibility matters. As this event series continues to travel across Missouri, there will be more opportunities to join in. Those interested can sign up for PROMO’s email list to stay informed about when “We’re Queer + We Live Here” is coming to your area.
Feel free to bring a friend, come as you are, and take part in a community centered on connection, resilience, and pride.
