And, in August, we joined the Kansas City community's PRIDE celebration by hosting a booth at the KC PRIDE Fest Community Fair and organizing an informal social meet-up. Honoring PRIDE, a communication was sent in June to all team members with LGBTQ+ video, social media leaders, book, movie and podcast recommendations. This year there is a particular focus in our country's LGBTQ+ community to defeat the anti-trans legislation being proposed in almost every state, and the ongoing violence LGBTQ+ communities face worldwide. The first PRIDE parade occurred on the first anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, and parades continue to be a large part of the celebration. This movement followed decades of liberation work done by Black Trans women and Black lesbians. The uprising sparked a strong international movement for LGBTQ+ rights and liberation. On June 28th, 1969, the patrons fought back. Police raided the establishment and assaulted and arrested its patrons on multiple occasions. Stonewall Inn was a bar patronized by the local gay, lesbian and trans community. June marked 52 years since the Stonewall Uprising in New York City: a historical event in LGBTQ+ history. In keeping with those commitments, we are excited to celebrate PRIDE in our Kansas and Missouri communities. We cultivate a culture where all feel welcomed, safe, respected, empowered and celebrated.
