On the evening of December 4, the community came together to honor the 2025 Out In STL Luminaries and to celebrate the release of the latest issue. Taking place in the gorgeous event space at the new Academy of Therapeutic Esthetics and Massage (ATEAM), the event was hosted by Chris Andoe and Lucy Couture, and opened with a blessing by the Fourth City Sisters, Abbey of the Glittering Arch, followed by an exhilarating performance by the world-renowned La Voûte Performance Ensemble. The stunning and statuesque Couture, hostess of Rehab’s Messy Mondays, and the reigning Gay Heartthrob Sofonda Cøxx wowed the audience with several shows. DJ Stormi Michalski was flawless.
Honorees present were (in order presented) Joe Hedley, Arvan Chan, Randy Rafter, Pattie O’ Pounder, Maven Logik Lee, The Art Doll, Dannae Delano, Matthew R. Kerns, Luann Denten and Joan Lipkin.
Former Salem, Missouri police officer and longtime LGBTQ ally Julie Strebe, who was fired, harassed and run out of town over her opinion about Charlie Kirk, was in attendance and invited to speak. After Out In STL covered her story in September, Reuters, the world’s largest multimedia news provider, included Strebe in their feature “The Charlie Kirk purge: How 600 Americans were punished in a pro-Trump crackdown.” In a moving speech, Strebe, who is still receiving hate mail and who has lost thirty pounds from her already slight frame over the ordeal, thanked the St. Louis LGBTQ community for the overwhelming support and for raising thousands to help her and her husband relocate to the city once their house sells. (Her fundraiser is still live.)
“The event was truly inspiring to so many persons in our community, and a number of attendees shared with me a sense of greater connection and empowerment after hearing the powerful messages shared by award recipients,” attendee Michael Rankins said. “At a time when LGBTQIA+ persons are experiencing renewed targeting, with efforts to erode legal rights and protections a daily occurrence, this event was a very timely opportunity to offer thanks to members of the community and their allies who continue to promote equality, inclusivity, diversity, acceptance and love. What a beautifully orchestrated show of community, with such outstanding performances to enjoy! This event was a resounding success!”
This story will be updated as additional photos are submitted.
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Flashing the LV hand sign, Chris Andoe with La Voûte Performance Ensemble. Photo credit: John Frey
Lucy Couture and Chris Andoe. Photo credit: John Frey
Lucy Couture. Photo by John Frey
Photo credit: Alex Johnmeyer
Alex Johnmeyer and 2025 Luminary Matthew R. Kerns. Photo credit: Alex Johnmeyer
2025 Luminary Arvan Chan tips Sofonda Cøxx. Photo credit: John Frey
2025 Luminary Luann Denten tips Lucy Couture. Photo credit: John Frey
2025 Luminaries Maven Logik Lee and The Art Doll
Lucy Couture and Sofonda Cøxx
Photo credit: Arvan Chan
Chris Andoe and 2025 Luminary Arvan Chan
2025 Luminary Pattie O’Pounder. Photo credit: John Frey
2025 Luminary Dannae Delano
Luminaries Randy Rafter, Joan Lipkin, and Matthew R. Kerns
Lucy Couture, Chris Andoe, and Julie Strebe. Photo credit: Michael Rankins
Teen Hannah Shambaugh and two friends enjoyed their first drag show and mingled with Sister Higgledee Piggledee and Sister Amanita GoodThyme of the Fourth City Sisters. Photo credit: Norah Shambaugh
The High Femme Gaiety group celebrating their feature.
