St. Louis queer life extends way beyond the stretch of bars on Manchester known as “The Grove.” These nightlife establishments, for those 21+ (Just John, Erney’s, Meyer’s Grove, Rehab, Attitudes- which is actually 18+) can be fun for a night on the town with friends (be safe and have a DD!). However, the queer landscape of St. Louis is more important than bars. Pride St. Louis, the organization that is in charge of organizing the PrideFest and parade every June, has a history of being blatantly transphobic and racist (most recently this past summer when they deliberately surveilled and delayed the Black Trans Lives Matter group marching with the Metro Trans Umbrella Group). In a year that has already seen more than a dozen trans women of color murdered across the country, change is necessary. Queer activism and life in this city needs to be intersectional and revolutionary, and there are a few groups that are doing the important work to improve the lives of all queer and trans people in our community. Some of them include:
- QTPOC STL: Group for queer and trans people of color
- Metro Trans Umbrella Group (MTUG): the largest trans-led organization in the region providing support groups and other resources for the trans and genderqueer community. Is partnering with QTPOC STL to open a brick-and-mortar center.
- Missouri GSA Network: the largest organized body for queer youth in the community. They do amazing, progressive work.
- PROMO: the largest LGBT rights group in STL, they are more macro-level oriented and have growing to do, but are aware of the problems facing different parts of the community and are working to improve conditions for LGBT Missourians. Good place for internships and such.
- SAGE: group for elderly LGBT folks. Recently merged with PROMO
- The Spot/Project ARK: Run through WUSTL Med, they offer medical and support services for LGBT youth as well as HIV/STI testing and treatment options, only for folks under 24
- Growing American Youth: another youth organization in the area
- MoKaBe’s: on the corner of Arsenal and South Grand, a great coffeeshop with yummy eats and a wonderful staff and progressive ambiance
- Rise Coffee: in the Grove, my personal favorite coffee shop in St. Louis
- Blank Space: multi-use space (nightlife and other events) on Cherokee St, typically very queer friendly
- Left Bank Books: in the Central West End
- There aren’t a ton of options for trans-affirming health care in the region, but check MTUG’s website for recommendations. Southampton Health Care is the best practice in the region for trans people. Also feel free to email Cameron Kinker (cameron[email protected]) - they are writing their thesis on this subject.