We’re honored to partner with Pride St. Louis and #Boom to bring you this combined Official Pride Guide and summer issue of Out in STL.
Pride is when we take stock of where we are as a community, and while there will always be conflicts and rivalries (and shade!), I’m seeing more unity and collaboration than I ever thought possible.
For starters, the acrimony and tribalism that long defined our LGBTQ media landscape has subsided, rekindling friendships and creating dynamic partnerships unimaginable a year ago.
We suffered a terrible loss when Bastille’s beloved Peyton Keene was shot and killed outside of the bar last month, yet the way everyone pulled together in the aftermath was truly remarkable. For instance, a request was made to help with his final expenses, and triple the requested amount was raised in the first few days.
It’s not in our civic nature to claim our community is anywhere near perfect, but we’ve no shortage of people working hard to perfect it — and we’re dedicated to covering them and their stories.
In addition to all the great content in this year’s Pride Guide, this season’s issue includes features on a few of the most intriguing influencers in the city, including gay QB and activist Jake Bain. The illustrious Vincent Flewellen welcomes our masterful writer Patrick Collins to tour The College School, home of a progressive community of students who will march in the Pride Parade. Collins attended elementary school in that very structure, and his piece captures the jarring juxtaposition of the trauma and isolation he suffered with the warm and affirming environment within those walls today.
Associate Editor Melissa Meinzer honors the B in LGBT with her story about Bisexual Pride, and K. Templeton gives a rundown of Black Pride, St. Charles Pride, Metro East Pride and Tower Grove Pride, which has expanded into the park.
From our local stories, several which have gone viral, to our always-local covers, Out in STL is dedicated to covering the entire spectrum of this community, and proud to be part of it. Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome in what has been a terrific first year.
