June Lunch & Learn: LGBTQ+ Inclusion Matters

June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month, in commemoration of the Stonewall Uprising. It may feel to many like equality and inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community is a non-issue in this day and age, but if this year's Missouri legislative session taught us anything, this is not the case. The conservative caucus made it their mission to target trans youth in Missouri, and only due to the hard work of our coalition partners like Missouri's LGBTQ+ advocacy group PROMO (and the Senate infighting) did these bills go nowhere.

In honor of Pride Month, we are excited to welcome PROMO's Executive Director, Katy Erker-Lynch, who will guide us on how to help build a truly inclusive community. Like so many young, queer Missourians, Katy left the state at 18 and headed west for school, in search of a vibrant queer community.

Returning to Missouri as an adult, Katy envisions a Missouri where all community members are valued, have the tools to thrive, and are given a seat and voice at the tables where decisions are made – a Missouri with thriving, vibrant queer communities.

We will also have an opportunity to hear from representatives from Metro Trans Umbrella Group and the local peer support hotline for LGBTQ+ youth, SQSH.

Questions? Email Jen Bernstein at jbernstein@ncjwstl.org or call (314) 993.5181