A year ago, fashion designer Alicia Markstone was mingling with friends and admiring the skyline views from the penthouse windows of the 612North Event Space on Laclede’s Landing. She was there to be honored by Out in STL at our inaugural Influence Awards. But before she could collect her hardware, she got the call no one in her position wants to receive–a contestant at the Miss Gay Missouri American Pageant, happening at the same time, had ripped her gown, a Markstone original.
The MGMA venue, Hamburger Mary’s, was in view but still required a hurried journey–in heels no less–across a cobblestone street and several busy thoroughfares, under an interstate, around iron fences, and up a slope. Such is the life of an in-demand dressmaker.
A Community of Creativity and Collaboration
It was an oversight that the events were on the same night, but that got our wheels turning. Out in STL is all about collaboration, so we reached out to brainstorm. The result: Out in STL is the official sponsor of the three day pageant, and on the first evening MGMA will produce and host our event.
In addition to the partnership with MGMA, we’re expanding our collaboration with #Boom Magazine. After working together on the Pride Guide issue for the last two years, #Boom will now contribute select content to our magazine throughout the year, including a feature on MGMA in the upcoming issue.
Our Illustrious Honorees
We’ll introduce and honor a dozen individuals who are shaping this community, including Joan Lipkin, who will receive our Lifetime Influence Award.
The other honorees are:
An Evening of Dazzling Performances
Emceed by Tabbi Katt, the reigning Missouri Entertainer of the Year, and Vega, the reigning Miss Gay Missouri America, the event will feature dazzling performances by former Miss Gay Missouri Americas on the iconic Hamburger Mary’s St. Louis stage.
Tickets are $10, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting PAWS. Doors open at 5:00 and the program begins at 6:00.
Tickets now available.
