On Thursday evening, filmmaker Geoff Story and author Scott Alexander Hess hosted a vibrant queer literary salon at Story’s celebrated LaSalle Park home. The gathering, attended by an intergenerational mix of writers and readers, followed the New York-based Hess’s appearance at Left Bank Books, where he read from his latest novel, Drought. The evening’s lineup…
For generations, the story of Sodom and Gomorrah has been weaponized to justify discrimination—particularly against LGBTQ+ people—by those who claim the cities were destroyed due to sexual deviance. But a closer reading of both the Bible and historical religious commentary reveals a different, often overlooked truth: the real sin of Sodom was a brutal inhospitality…
As Donald Trump continues his relentless assault on LGBTQ rights and public health infrastructure, his administration’s latest move has drawn sharp criticism: slashing federal funding for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This vital service, launched in 2022 as an easy-to-remember mental health and suicide crisis number, has saved countless lives—especially within vulnerable communities such…
In Drought, St. Louis native Scott Alexander Hess delivers a quietly lush and emotionally charged novel that explores queer longing, inheritance, and the hard-won tenderness that blooms between men in the margins. At once a ghost story, a pastoral memory play, and a queer coming-of-self, Drought offers a deeply felt portrait of an uncle and…
A huge selection of drag, including costumes, gowns, fabric, wigs and jewelry will be on sale at Grey Fox this afternoon. Performers clearing out their dressing rooms include Candy Principle, Alexis Principle, Mariah Candy, Seymore Chilton, Avah Synclair Cavalier and Lilly Cavelli. They’re cleaning house and passing the savings on to you! These are seasoned…
Martha Wash performed at City Winery St. Louis last night, and it felt like an evening with an old friend. In the audience were plenty of LGBTQ folks, as well as dignitaries including former mayor Tishaura Jones. Photographer Thomas Blue was on hand to capture the show. SEE OUR INTERVIEW WITH MARTHA WASH
Filmmaker Josalynn Smith’s debut feature, Ride or Die, kicks off Cinema St. Louis’ 25 th annual Filmmakers Showcase on Friday evening. Produced by Jamie Foxx’s company Foxxhole, Ride or Die premiered at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival. Smith grew up in St. Louis and graduated from Columbia University’s Film MFA program and has been based…
Bonnie Blake, whose legal name is John Chaney, passed away this month at the age of 96. Blake has owned nearly every building along the 7100 block of South Broadway over the course of her life. The last building she parted with housed her antique store and several apartments, including one she long occupied. She…
Black Pride STL is marking 30 years of uplifting and advocating for the Black LGBTQ+ community, but the milestone comes with urgency. That’s why they’re launching the $30 for 30 Campaign, a call for supporters to give $30 in honor of 30 years. Every dollar helps sustain programs rooted in justice, joy, and safety. It…
Stepping into a new chapter with Out In STL feels like coming home — but with a louder soundtrack and a much bigger dinner table and I’m thrilled to introduce myself. I am Tai Davis, a proud creative, culinary enthusiast, and champion of vibrant, authentic voices. As a new member of the Out In STL…
