Only a year or two ago, it seemed that nothing was more mainstream than drag. Cabaret audiences always included bridal parties, and you just knew some of those attendees had to be Trump voters. Drag, it seemed, was post-political. It’s also jarring to realize that just a year ago, folx could make their own medical…
Upon entering the sliding doors at my home-away-from-home, you’ll first notice the smell. The vetting process, when you’re verbally given directions to this clandestine spot and finally understand where you’re going, probably already filled you with apprehension and anticipation, and those feelings return now as you realize you’re breathing in the acrid air of your…
Today’s American Red Cross is not the one your grandpa knew post World War II. Most people associate it with the blood drive and with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s ban on homosexual and bisexual men being able to give blood. But the Red Cross has actually been fighting that archaic policy with a…
In 2015, joyful crowds hugged outside of the Supreme Court Building when the Justices inside struck down same-sex marriage bans, making it legal across the country. It was the latest restriction to LGBTQ+ rights to fall after sodomy laws were struck down in 2003 and the military allowed people to serve openly in 2011. For…
As home to one of the largest networks of regional Pride celebrations, St. Louis has a calendar already jam-packed with events, but the party keeps going throughout the summer and fall across the region. Soulard Pride kicked things off with its golf cart parade, and our extended season wraps up with the beloved Tower Gove…
The year after Stonewall in 1970, what we now call Pride events began taking place across America. While St. Louis did not host its first Pride until 1980, many foundational events paved the way for modern era Pride celebrations across the St. Louis region. In 1977 and 1978, local gay rights rallies were held in…
Few cities have a neighborhood specifically for drinkers. Sure, New Orleans has the French Quarter, but that’s mostly tourists. Historic Soulard, however, is the real deal. The Anheuser-Busch Brewery’s blazing red marquis looms over the rooftops like the Eye of Sauron, there’s a tavern on or around every corner, and one even peruses the offerings…
“She did it for the kids.” Taken in any other context, this might have been a good thing. But this was part of a conversation I overheard in a coffee shop in south city, and it was far from good. Two humans, both presenting as women, were discussing Jamie Reed’s essay calling out the Washington…
By Monica Obradovic The Missouri attorney general’s restrictions on transgender health care will not go into effect today as planned. Circuit Court Judge Ellen Ribaudo granted a temporary restraining order to prevent the restrictions from going into effect until a lawsuit against the rules is adjudicated. The temporary restraining order expires May 15. The restrictions…
LeeAnne Lowry’s short film “The Treadmill Switcher” is based on an actual incident. One day, she was in the gym and saw someone get on a treadmill a short distance from her and start running. “I couldn’t tell if they were a lesbian or a child,” she says. But the story didn’t occur to her…
