By Tom Epplin
A crowd of over a hundred flag-festooned trans and queer people and allies gathered at the intersection of Arsenal and Morgan Ford in Tower Grove Park on Saturday as part of the “Statewide Protest for Pride” action. Organized by the Missouri Democratic LGBTQ+ Caucus, the peaceful protest was one of thirteen protests across the state calling attention to recent legislative and executive actions aimed at dispossessing those in the LGBTQ+ community of their rights and dignity.
Organizers called on those assembled to be unapologetic in taking up space, urging them to reclaim the community roots that will provide a source of stability and safety in the coming years. The protest comes a month ahead of the March 31st International Transgender Day of Visibility, celebrating trans lives and drawing attention to the violence, discrimination, and wealth disparity facing the trans community.
“You’re blocking the sidewalk,” groused a jogger, his words quickly enveloped by a chorus of protest music and supportive honks from passing cars and two city garbage trucks.
