By Novice Sister Pattie O’Pounder
On the bright afternoon of March 20, the T-REX Center in downtown St Louis buzzed with energy as faculty and staff from local universities gathered with regional nonprofit leaders for a networking luncheon that aimed to address a pressing issue: the support and protection of LGBTQIA+ students in a political climate that has become openly hostile. Organized by the Fourth City Sisters, Abbey of the Glittering Arch, sponsored by the Washington University in St. Louis’s Gephardt Institute, and catered by Steve’s Hot Dogs, the event was a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of the local LGBTQIA+ community.
Courtesy of Pattie O’Pounder
“This event was a great opportunity for university staff and community leaders to connect and share their ideas, experiences, struggles, needs, and wins,” noted Lacie Jett from PROMO. “These types of spaces are always needed, but even more so in such a challenging climate where universities are under direct attack.”
The room was indeed buzzing with conversation within the first minutes of it starting. Attendees expressed thoughts on how to advocate for and uplift LGBTQIA+ students amidst significant challenges and aired their struggles and concerns for collaborative problem solving.
Participants voiced deep concerns over the active hostility toward LGBTQIA+ individuals, perhaps best exemplified by Judge Ana Reyes in her statement regarding the military ban on transgender service members. Attendee Paige Sanders from the Queer Professional Alliance stated “The conversations were enlightening and disheartening… To hear about the ridiculous changes being made proactively at Mizzou and UMSL was simply maddening.” These preemptive and ill-advised efforts to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in state institutions have direct repercussions for students. The cancellation of graduation ceremonies at the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) honoring various affinity groups, including the Black and LGBTQIA+ communities, exemplifies how these attacks on DEI programs contribute to heightened stress levels among already under-supported communities. “My heart breaks for these students who are suddenly questioning the worth of their degree programs and job prospects,” Sanders added. “It’s senseless to think deleting words is going to delete the queer population.”
Despite these serious concerns, the luncheon was filled with a sense of hope and determination. The solidarity displayed among participants was palpable. “I was heartened to see other campus employees remaining open and defiant in their visibility,” shared a faculty member from UMSL. “The solidarity in fighting a good fight with others keeps us encouraged.” This sentiment echoed through the room, as attendees recognized the importance of unity in these challenging times.
As discussions unfolded, Dr. Kade Stotler from the Queer Professional Alliance remarked, the “event was the beginning of what promises to be a continuing success: Queer professionals and educators from around the metro STL area combining strategies to protect and assist STL’s LGBTQIA higher education students in accessing their community needs.” This collaborative spirit is essential for creating a supportive environment for students who are navigating their identities while also preparing to enter the work force and lead our nation.
While the landscape may appear daunting, the collaboration fostered at this event is a beacon of hope. “I’m happy to see that there’s a team working to continue providing love and support to all,” expressed a staff member from UMSL. The Fourth City Sisters and their allies are leading the charge, proving that together, we can combat hostility and create inclusive spaces for all students. “We have been here before, we find ourselves here again, but now we know what to do since we’ve done it before. There’s no problem we cannot solve when we pool resources, lock arms, and stand together” said Novice Sister Pattie O’Pounder, the host of the event. With every conversation and connection made at the luncheon, the foundation for a more supportive environment for LGBTQIA+ students is being laid, igniting a renewed commitment to advocacy and support. As Sanders noted, “I look forward to working with the groups to see what collaborations we can create and to build an even stronger community.”
