2013 january MetroEast NEWS by Daniel McCree Foundation

January 2013

This issue Presented by: The Daniel McCree Foundation COVER PHOTO BY CLUB ESCAPADE

VOLUME 6 ISSUE 3

ABOUT US MetroEast News is an outreach project of the Daniel McCree Foundation.

Our vision and mission is to provide timely information and events to the entire Southern Illinois Region. We seek to be a voice for those who are traditionally not heard. (READ MORE) Southern Illinois Pride History (READ MORE)

Editor: Colby Kluthe Graphic Design: Jason Brooks Director: Daniel McCree Foundation

Contributors: Mickey Johnson (Carbondale) History & Southern Illinois News Tess Farnham (Belleville) Liberal Arts & Education Susan Spit-Fire Lively (Belleville)

Performing Arts & Spoken Word Aaron Phillip Ruiz (Swansea) Autumn Pickard (St. Louis) Special Features from Daniel McCree (1979-2007)

Common Resources: PFLAG- Belleville IL Chapter St. Louis Gay History Project TransHaven & Belleville Transgender & Friends LGBT Center of St. Louis Metro East Pride of Soutwestern Illinois (MEPSI) L.A.G.O.S.I Equality Illinois & Carbonale Pride, MCC Paducah & Paducah Pride Jennifer Shaw P.C.

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INTRODUCTION It’s a whole new year and along with it the reminder that a tree grows a new ring each year, and we too must build ourselves a new ring as we look towards the coming year. A phrase I seem to always remember this time of year is “if I cannot bring you comfort, than at least I bring you hope”. It reminded me to tell the simple little story of a tree not far from where I live in Joplin, MO. A tree which almost proudly shows off its lack of leaves and small branches, all of which were simply swept clean back in May 2011. Today the “Tree of Hope” as it has become known reminds each of us that adversity is simply the calling card of new purpose and growth. It also seems to me the tree is a confluence of both its roots (where it has been) and the newly vibrant trunk that proclaims what will be, if the efforts of one is willing to “indemnify the effort”. There are so many opportunities in the year ahead for anyone wanting to get involved in the community. This month’s issue features just a few ideas of things to do and places to see in the coming month. Whatever you enjoy you are sure to find your own way to participate and contribute your band of color on the tree.

MetroEast NEWS, “We seek to be a voice for those who traditionally are not heard.” The Daniel McCree Foundation advocates for Suicide Prevention as well as outreach in the areas of HIV/AIDS awareness. We are seeking interested persons in serving the foundation, and work actively in the community of St. Louis, for the empowerment of all people. There were several causes, and organizations Daniel was active with, and the Daniel McCree Foundation, continues to work with these organizations in his honor.

Sincerely,

Colby Kluthe

YOU MAY BE A LIFELINE OF HOPE You can help improve suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth in your state, city or town by joining the Trevor Ambassadors or Trevor NextGen near you.

Click here to get involved. Trevor Lifeline Counselors The Trevor Lifeline (1.866.488.7386) is the only 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention lifeline serving lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. Trevor Lifeline counselors answer calls from young people in the U.S. who are struggling with a myriad of issues surrounding their sexual orientation, gender identity, coming out, family and relationship troubles, bullying, depression, anxiety, stress, loneliness and suicide. Trevor Lifeline Counselors are empathetic, non-judgmental, and care genuinely about the safety of our callers.

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MLK March With Growing American Youth January 21 at 9:00am Growing American Youth in Saint Louis, Missouri

Business Provides Main Street Support for the Marriage Bill January 13, 2013 via Equality Illinios Reaction from Bernard Cherkasov, CEO of Equality Illinois Earlier today, businesses and executives released an open letter to the General Assembly in support of the marriage equality bill because it is good for business and a Main Street value. "These business leaders make fact-driven decisions everyday and are motivated by logic and reason. They see no reason to deny loving, committed couples equal access to the benefits and responsibilities of civil marriage. At the same time, they acknowledge that in their offices, factories, stores, restaurants and hotels, a diverse workforce is essential for success," said Bernard Cherkasov, CEO of Equality Illinois. "Illinois legislators should recognize that to benefit everyone in Illinois and build a stronger future, the state must remain competitive. Passing marriage equality is a major step in that direction," Cherkasov said. The Illinois business letter of support was built from a foundation laid by the Equality Illinois Report: The Business Case for Marriage Equality. The report includes "Ten Reasons Business Leaders Support Marriage Equality" and also lists national brands and national business leaders who support marriage equality. "These national brands and executives support marriage equality and value diversity, and Illinois has to answer to that when the companies look for new places to do business," Cherkasov said. "The demands of our modern, interconnected business world should lead Illinois lawmakers to join the right side of history."

St. Louis Black Pride Updates 1/13/2013 What's next you may ask. Well. The State of the Union for STL Black Pride will be held at The Regional Arts Commission Jan 29, 2013 7 pm. We will introduce the Board committee and announcing Upcoming plans for a Bigger and Better STLBP. Contact Secretary Randy Rafter for RSVP info. Thank You Jay B. Blk Pride President http://www.st-louisblackpride.org/

625 North Euclid Blvd Saint Louis, Mo 63108 RSVP at (314) 531-2284 or info@slbp.org

Jeanne Manford, founder of PFLAG, passes away at the age of 92. 1/8/2013

Pflag Belleville IL Chapter Non-Profit Organization Jeanne Manford, founder of PFLAG, has passed away at the age of 92. PFLAG is an amazing organization providing support to our families, friends and to us. May her spirit live on! Jeanne Manford, founder of PFLAG, has passed away at the age of 92. We will always remember everything she has done for Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. Founded in 1972 with the simple act of a mother publicly supporting her gay son, PFLAG is the original ally organization. Made up of parents, families, friends, and straight allies uniting with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people, PFLAG is committed to advancing equality through its mission of support, education and advocacy. Now in its 40th anniversary year, PFLAG has over 350 chapters and 200,000 supporters crossing multiple generations of American families in major urban centers, small cities and rural areas in all 50 states.

Notable Passages - Sasha Nicole 

1/4/2013

Shining Star - Sasha Nicole Passes Away www.thevitalvoice.com › Lifestyle › Lifestyle The world of drag suffered a staggering loss yesterday (Jan 3, 2013) when Sasha Nicole, whose given name was Patrick McGuire, passed away at the age of 45 o o o o

Miss Miss Miss Miss

Mid America 2008 Heart of America 2007 Gay Missouri America 2005 Gay Missouri America 2004-1st alternate

Trixie LaRue: Thank you for being apart of Sasha Sunday and raising over $4,000 in Sasha Nicole's name to be donated Wednesday January 16th in her honor at her Memorial Service at MCCGSL church from 68pm to PAWS. MCCGSL 1919 S. Broadway St. Louis, MO 63104 www.mccgsl.org

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Saturday, January 19 Memorial Service for Ken Jackson 2p-3p Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Saint Louis 1919 S. Broadway St. Louis,MO 63104

Thursday, January 17

Sandra C. Gant (Sister of Michelle Davis) Funeral 10a-12p Grandberry Mortuary 8806 Jennings Station Road, St. Louis, Mo. 63136 314-867-8837

1/14/2013 January 14, 2013 Notable Passages- Mama Kathy Allen Rice

Dear Members and Friends:

It is with much sadness that I share with you that Mama Kathy Allen Rice died at home last night. She had been in hospice struggling with lung complications on and off for the past while. Mama Kathy was 70 years old, and she and her life partner, Jackie Rice, are charter members of Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Saint Louis. Our Pastor for Congregational Care, Gina Durbin, has been supporting the family, and we will announce funeral arrangements as soon as details are finalized. The family has requested that we provide food for the repast following the service, which will most likely be on Friday. Christine White will be organizing the lunch. If you are able to contribute a dish, please contact her at: Christine@mccgsl.org or phone the church office: 314-361-3221 x 100 "Mama" Kathy exemplified and called us to be the best of what we are about as a faith community. She was a powerful prayer warrior and walked the talk by opening her heart and home to countless people who will be changed forever for the better. The way that Christ's love shone so beautifully through her and her partner, Jackie, will be a lasting legacy of hope and inclusion. They have shown us time and again that it is truly love that makes a family. We are sure that there is another rainbow angel watching over all of us now, and trust that she has been met with open arms and a resounding, "Well done," at the gates of heaven. She will be deeply missed. With Christ's love and promises,

Rev. Pressley Sutherand, Interim Pastor

Thursday, January 17, 2013 Wake at Austin Layne Mortuary: Layne Renaissance Chapel from 4p to 7p.

Friday, January 18, 2013 10a-10.45a - Viewing 11a-12p - Funeral Service @ Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Saint Louis 12.30p-1p Committal Service @ St. Peter's Cemetery 1.30-3p - Repast at MCC of Greater Saint Louis MCCGSL 1919 S. Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63104 314-361-3221 www.mccgsl.org

DIRECTORY SPONSORS “BUY LOCAL OR BYE LOCAL”

J.Brooks Digital “The Premier Graphics in the Metro East Region”

Bethel United Church of Christ (Cahokia, IL) 2200 Camp Jackson Road, Cahokia, Illinois 62206 (Just off Interstate 255,Cahokia Exit 13) Sunday Morning Worship at 10:00 am. “Smart Solutions for Web Development”

Pastor: Rev. Carol Shanks (618) 939-4835 www.CahokiaUCC.org

PFLAGPractical Solutions For All Aspects of Family Law 201 Hillsboro Avenue | Suite A | Edwardsville | Illinois | 62025

Belleville

618.655.0555 | Fax 618.655.9460

www.JaShawLaw.com ONE SAINT LOUIS www.OneSaintLouis.org (314) 241-1114 info@onesaintlouis.org

www.bellevilleilpflag.com Meets the first Thursday Of the month 6:30PM FIND THEM ON FACEBOOK

www.LGBTCounselingSTL.com MAP OUR LOCATION

About LGBT Counseling St. Louis LGBT Counseling St. Louis strictly adheres to the primary mision of the social work profession which is to "enhance human wellbeing and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty," LGBT Counseling St. Louis & Equality Illinois are proud sponsors of MetroEast NEWS

Authenticating your relationship. Protecting your family. Sivia Business & Legal Services gives you the personal attention that your relationship needs. We offer personalized service for you, your family, your relationship and your business. We assist you with the unique barriers that same-sex couples face in several areas. We assist our clients in estate planning and power of attorney matters to give each partner more rights in the even of tragedy. We also handle family law issues -- dissolution of relationship, adoption, custody actions, and name change petitions. We also assist clients with cohabitation agreements and contracts to outline the legal obligation of each partner in the relationship.

Committed to the Community Sivia Business & Legal Services, P.C. started in June 2006 when the founder, Todd Sivia, decided that his clients desired an attorney that is not only committed to the practice of law, but also committed to the community. Mr. Sivia created a firm to serve businesses and family in a variety of areas of law, focusing on asset protection. Since then, the firm has grown, not only in size, but as a member of the community. Our staff is active in the Ed/Glen Chamber of Commerce, SCORE (Counselors to America's Small Business), Rotary, and a variety of community projcts and organizations in and around Edwardsville, Glen Carbon and Alton, Illinois. Mr. Sivia is a member of the Metro East Landlord Association and Metro East Real Estate & Investors Association. The attorneys also stay up-to-date on the law through a variety of legal associations such as the Illinois, Missouri, and Madison County Bar Associations, and Illinois Real Estate Lawyers Association. We'll listen for your needs and give you the best counsel to meet them. Todd Sivia, Attorney-At-Law Mr. Sivia maintains a significant asset protection practice. He assists his clients in their estate planning and general business needs, including drafting wills and trusts, representing clients in multiple matters. Read More

DIRECTORY SPONSORS

TransHaven

www.transhaven.org

TransHaven serves the advocacy needs of the Transgender Communities of Missouri and St. Louis Region.

Tessilu Studio offers mixed media artwork by commission

Become a sponsor or add your upcoming event

SEVEN RESTAURANT ANd LOUNGE

“A bold Hot-spot Where Everyone is Welcome. “ www.sevenrestaurantandlounge.com Free-flow Poetry & Live Music Venue

SAGE Metro St. Louis SAGE of Metro St.Louis provides services and advocacy to LGBT older adults. They are located in the Tower Grove Manor Building on South Grand.

www.SageMetroSTL.org

St. Louis Gender Foundation www.stlouisgenderfoundation.org 314-607-4163 info@stlgf.org Founded 25 years ago, the St. Louis Gender Foundation strives to provide a safe place for people to explore their gender differences. We do this through our monthly meetings and group outings. Gender Foundation meetings provide our members an opportunity to network with other individuals exploring similar feelings and provide educational programs from experts in the fields of interest to our members.

Bethel Ucc church 618-939-4835

www.cahokiaucc.org Rev. Carol Shanks

Worship Services - Sunday 10 am We are one of two official Open and Affirming Congregations of the United Church of Christ in southern Illinois.

NIGHTLIFE IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS BUBBY & SISSY's (ALTON)

602 Belle St., Alton; Tel. 618.465.4775

Spirits Bar and Lounge

(Alton)

300 State Street, Alton 618-463-5555

Club Escapade

(BELLEVILLE)

133 W. Main 62220

SEVEN RESTAURANT ANd LOUNGE

“A bold Hot-spot Where Everyone is Welcome. “ 7 South High Street Belleville, Illinois 62220

www.sevenrestaurantandlounge.com Free-flow Poetry & Live Music Venue METRO EAST PRIDE OF SOUTHWESTERN ILLINOIS

CARBONDALE two 13 213 East Main St., Carbondale, Illinois 62901 (Formerly known as Club TRAZ)

ALTON Bubby & Sissy’s (ALTON)

REGIONWIDE NIGHTCLUBS & VENUES

Atomic Cowboy - 4140 Manchester

Erney's 32 - 4200 Manchester Ave.,

Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110

St. Louis, MO 63110

Korners - 7109 S. Broadway, St. Attitudes - 4100 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110

Grey Fox - 3503 S. Spring, St. Louis,

Louis, MO 63111

MO 63116

Magnolia's Bar - 5 S. Vandeventer, Spirit’s Bar & Lounge – 300 State Street (Alton)

Hummel's on Broadway - 7101 S.

St. Louis, MO

Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63111

Martha’s Vineyard – 219 W. Olive, Bad Dog Bar & Grill - 3960

Hamburger Mary’s 3037 Olive St.

Springfield, MO 65802

Choteau Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110

Louis, Mo 63103

Bastille Soulard - 1027 Russell

Independence Place - 5 S.

Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110

Henderson St., Cape Girardeau, MO 63703

Missie B's - 805 W. 39th, Kansas City,

Meyer’s Grove – 4510 Manchester Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63104

Big Moe’s – 1042 Tower Grove , St. Louis, MO 63110

MO 64112

JJ's Clubhouse - 3858 Market St., St. Louis, MO 63110

Bubby & Sissy's - 602 Belle St., Alton, IL 62002

Manchester Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110

Just John's - 4112 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110

Boxers N Briefs - 55 Four Corners Lane, Centreville, IL 62206

Novak's Bar & Grill - 4121 Premium Lounge - 4199 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110

Club Escapade - 133 W. Main St., Belleville, IL 62220

Clementine's - 2001 Menard St., St. Louis, MO 63104

CHICAGO REGIONAL MAP

SEVEN RESTURANT AND LOUNGE 7 S. High Street, Belleville,IL 62220

Irenes Cabaret – 124 North 5th Street Quincy, IL 62301

Rehab Bar & Grill - 4054 Chouteau Ave.

SKYBAR (Carbondale) SIUC Campus Arena

UNSUNG HEROES- MySLART.org

The organizations facebook banner says it all… Artwork is WORK! And this self-funded organization has for several years provided a free and grassroots platform for St. Louis regions artists… of all mediums. This socialized platform boasts what is easily the largest digital gallery in the region, with content driven by it’s participants. MySlart.Org is not only a place to find and connect with local artists, but also a great venue to share your own creative expertise. Find upcoming exhibits or just take a moment to see what everyone’s working on. MYSLART.ORG PROVIDES FREE DIRECTORY LISTINGS AND WEBSITES FOR ALL ARTISTS, ART GALLERIES, ART ORGANIZATIONS, ART PROFESSIONALS, AND ART SUPPORTERS WITHIN 100 MILES OF DOWNTOWN ST. LOUIS. MySLART.org MySLART.org currently provides .free directory listings and websites for over 1,500 St. Louis area visual artists, art venues and art supporters. “Our nonprofit mission is to provide free directory listings and websites for all members of our greater St. Louis visual arts community living or working within 100 miles of downtown St. Louis. Join for .free now by visiting MySLART.org.” All of us at MySLART.org are proud to have our friend Craig Downs painting LIVE during our "33January" reception this th Friday the 18 . Please join us Friday 1/18/13 at the Old Orchard Gallery in Webster. The 33January exhibit opening features new work by 33 artists, food, drinks, a special live painting demo from one of the area's top artists, Craig Downs, and more! for more info visit the MYSLART.org event page here - http://www.myslart.org/events/33january?rsvpConfirm=1 The Old Orchard Gallery The reception is open to the public and free!

Creative Kids Art Classes January 19, 2013 at 12:30pm to May 4, 2013 at 1:30pm Location: William and Florence Schmidt Art Center Street: 2500 Carlyle Avenue City/Town: Belleville, IL Website or Map: http://SchmidtArt.swic.edu Phone: 618.222.5278 Event Type: children's, programming Organized By: Schmidt Art Center Peace & Blessing Bee upon each of you! Colby Kluthe, Executive Director- Daniel McCree Foundation Emily Smith, St. Louis Regional Director danielmccreeorg@gmail.com www.DanielMcCree.Org 24

Equality Illinois 2013 Justice for All Gala 1/15/2013 Equality Illinois

If you support the freedom to marry for all, then there is no better way to help build that momentum than at the 2013 Justice for All Gala on Saturday, February 9th. Join nearly 1,000 supporters who already purchased their Gala tickets, thereby raising crucial resources for the current push to make marriage equality a reality in Illinois. Confirm your seat at the Gala today! Equality Illinois 2013 Justice for All Gala February 9 at 6:00pm Hilton Chicago Hotel in Chicago, Illinois

An open conversation about Intersex. 1/12/2013 Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Since this is all new to me and I think our STL LGBT community as well let's talk about it and learn what Intersex means. I will answer questions that many of you have asked of me personally. I will share my stories and feelings with you. I am not claiming to be an expert. Dr. Teresa Knight of the Women's Health Specialists of St. Louis will be on hand to answer questions also. Dr. Knight is a board certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist and a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Born and raised in Northern California, Dr. Knight completed her undergraduate education at U.C. Berkeley, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Integrative Biology and a minor in Women’s Studies. While attending college she received recognition for her contribution to the development of a traveling health clinic for the homeless and for perinatal services for homeless women. Dr Knight earned a Master’s degree in Anatomy and Neurobiology from Saint Louis University where she also attended Medical School. She completed her residency at St. John’s Mercy Medical Center in St. Louis. In addition to her medical accomplishments, Dr Knight speaks Spanish and she is a licensed pilot.If you have any questions about this event please contact Leon Braxton at executivedirector@lgbtcenterstl.org.

StLouis-Gay Men's Social-Group presents Movie & Martini:

Every Sunday we will gather as a group to an afternoon matinee and then head to BadDog BarandGrill to discuss the movie and socialize: This week's movie title is "The Guilt trip" at Ronnie's Cine in South County at 2:05. We will meet in the lobby at Ronnies at 1:45. Save your ticket stub and receive $1.00 off your first beverage. Check out "The Guilt Trip" movie trailer here : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ez uLn0Eel6g for more information call 314-529-1771

Sasha Sunday @ Hamburger Mary's St. Louis Benefit Drag Show for PAWS Photo via Greg Weckman

Thank you for being apart of Sasha Sunday and raising over $4,000 in Sasha Nicole's name to be donated wednesday in her honor at her Memorial Service at MCCGSL church from 6-8pm to PAWS. -Trixie Larue

HRC St. Louis is proud to present Her HRC! Saturday, January 26 - Doors open at 7:00 p.m. at Bad Dog Bar and Grill 3960 Chouteau Avenue St. Louis, MO 63110 Tickets: General Admission - $15 Purchase tickets at http://bit.ly/herhrcstl VIP Admission - $30 Reserved, up-front seating, 2 drink tickets (for beer or rail) and roses at the VIP table. 21+ Save the date, Saturday, January 26th and join us for HER HRC at Bad Dog Bar & Grill. This is a night for the women in our community to come out and enjoy live music, burlesque, and one of STL's favorite DJs in a great atmosphere! Buy your tickets early (we sold out last year) online at http://bit.ly/herhrcstl and support the work of HRC. Her HRC events are open to all, regardless of gender identity or history.

Upcoming EVENTS Featured Articles More about the Digital Directory We invite any small business owners and non-profit organizations & Fan Pages to join us as a sponsor for our upcoming DIGITAL DIRECTORY and monthly news publication. Our publications have enjoyed more than 33,000 readers since our first edition came out in June. For the ad rate of $30.00 you can join us as a sponsor. Sponsor Listings include company logo, and link to your contact information and website. AFTER DECEMBER 1st-- the Ad rate will be adjusted to $30 so dont delay and become a sponsor today. BECOME A SPONSOR TODAY AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE LGBTQI COMMUNITY OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS

ALL ORDERS ONLINE We gladly accept VISA/MC/AMEX or Paypal. REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS at http://bellevillepride.weebly.com/sponsors1.html ($30.00)

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO SPONSOR?? Any business, non-profit or public FAN PAGE located within the St. Louis or Southern Illinois Region.

The TG Contra… What is Pride and Where should it be held By: Colby Kluthe, Editor- MetroEast NEWS Pride Celebrations in St. Louis is not only a longstanding tradition but also among the nations largest pride festivals boasting more than 100,000 visitors in recent years. As a community advocate and as someone who has served in leadership capacity with pride organizations (Metro East Pride of Southwestern Illinios) I have a unique understanding about decision-making and forces which will undoubtedly stir up controversy among community supporters, business owners, and government powers that be. I was in no way surprised at the recent announcement by Pride St. Louis Inc. plans to move the festival to Soldier’s Memorial in downtown, uprooting its decade long tradition of a festival in Tower Grove Park. I also remember as a youngster when the festival had a “long held tradtion” of being in the central west end neighborhood, which at the time was the epicenter of the LGBT community. In 2012 It is also very clear we are no longer a community which is centered in one neighborhood. The move to downtown was an option I heard was coming several years ago, and from my own perspective it was a move I actually expected to take place last year. Nonetheless we who call St. Louis home find ourselves in a struggle between what we find most comforting and familiar and the natural angst about the upcoming move to downtown. I know that regardless of the location of Pride in 2013, our community will once again come together to exemplify the very best of who we are and take the opportunity to share it with our traditions both respected and growing into the future. The community outrage and dialogue is very much a part of the vitality of Pride and citizen input and leadership will be needed regardless of whether the festival is held in Tower Grove or any other location. Pride was never about the location, but rather coming together as a family and celebrating all of who we are as a community. Tower Grove Park has served us well in years past and while I wholeheartedly support efforts to keep it there, I would be lacking my own convictions if I did not call it as I have always seen PridefestTower Grove. Ready—Here GOES! Pridefest Tower Grove has always been difficult to find parking or access using Metrolink service. But most obvious to anyone who hasn’t attended a streetscape festival (As downtown would be) Tower Grove Park creates an environment of social “clicks” that to an outsider would almost appear we have a segregated festival. This group over here, and that group over there, and festival goers who are generally bunched up with those they already know. It has been my observation that this tendency always follows the same path, despite concerted efforts in planning and redesigning the festival grounds in recent years. I have said for many years that St. Louis

pride is perhaps the most segregated pride in the nation—an opportunity that a new venue offers our community to frankly get to know each other again for the first time. The other and I think final point I want to make about this controversy is that as someone who helped establish a pride festival tradition in a more conservative community than the City of St. Louis, I cannot tell you how many times we heard from civic leaders “wouldn’t you be more comfortable in a park” was to me only a way of saying “we would be more comfortable if you ‘gays’ were isolated in a park rather than our streets where ‘non-gays’ have to see you.

Artwork by: Tim Gehner

Now I am being a bit exaggerated in my words but the point remains, and the time has come for our festival to “Come Out” to our city. We no longer need 120 acres of land in which to hide, and standing shoulder to shoulder on our city’s most prominent festival grounds is not only an opportunity but a responsibility we have to one another and to the next generation of allies and queers in the Gateway City. We must take our place and hold our heads high as we parade wherever the festival is held. Here is where I think I stand in this debacle… I support Pride St. Louis and the need to move downtown, However I also recognize that participation for todays small business has decreased in recent years due to the large amount of money it takes to become a vendor at Pride St. Louis. Too many business owners do not have hundreds or in many cases thousands of dollars it takes to simply put an advertisement in the Pride Pages and be a participant in the festival each year. Therefore I wholeheartedly support the grassroots movement underway to hopefully make pride more accessible to more than the major corporations that fund and support Pride St. Louis. I hope that Pride festivals of the future can find room for all players big and small, and an environment that fosters both unity and inclusion of all people. I acknowledge that Pride St. Louis has a long history of serving the needs and growth of the festival and maintained an event free of charge for all to enjoy. I hope the 2013 board of directors can lead our community forward into the future in a manner which all participants feel both valued and accomadated. Send Comments to: danielmccreeorg@gmail.com MORE INFORMATION REGARDING THIS GRASSROOTS MOVEMENT: http://www.facebook.com/KeepPrideInTowerGrove 30

j.brooks Digital The official graphics of MetroEast NEWS

MetroEast NEWS is produced by the Daniel McCree Foundation, an Illinois Charitable Trust Managing Editor: Colby Kluthe Emily Smith, St. Louis Regional Director Daniel McCree Foundation Contributing Writers: Mickey Johnson (Carbondale) History & Southern Illinois News Tess Farnham (Belleville) Liberal Arts & Education Susan Spit-Fire Lively (East St. Louis/ Belleville) Aaron Phillip Ruiz (Swansea) Autumn Pickard (St. Louis) Graphics Editor: Jason Brooks

A sincere Thanks to Each and Everyone for your support!

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