A Pride Month Epistle to My Beloved Midwest

(And why Pride is still so very important!)

(Content warning: homophobia, transphobia, sheer bloody-mindedness)

It’s interesting to analyze the hypocrisy of the anti-LGBTQ prejudice that is absolutely at the root of anti-Pride objections. Ignore the concern trolling, it’s absolutely about bias and hatred and the concomitant “ick factor.”

We argue over what “it” is even supposed to be, Pride/Pridefest/Pride march, protest or party, corporate douchecanoe-ry or co-opting critical support from businesses large and small for our community. In complete candor, ALL of these possibilities have been and are correct.

I’d like to share a few of my thoughts on the current pushback against our annual community celebration of resilience and solidarity, of family of choice, and I’d like to do it in the form of a love letter from our St. Louis and Midwest queer community to the larger nation; hey, YOU.

What does anti-LGBTQ pushback LOOK like in June 2024?

Let’s begin with a review of “throat-shoving”, one of the most popular sins committed by LGBTQ advocacy groups like my own beloved St. Louis LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce (yes, I’m on the board of directors).