Celebrating Pride — 2023
By Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller
From Royals Pride Night to PrideFest, members of the Mid-America LGBT Chamber took part in a plethora of events in the weeks leading up to, and during Pride Month. Here’s a look at a few of their experiences.
Erica Ramirez, Director of Operations for the Chamber, took part in at least four events: Impact of Inclusion in the Business World; PrideFest; Royals Pride Night and the Business Pride Awards.
Ramirez said Pride events allow people to celebrate and embrace their authentic selves.
“They provide a space where we can proudly showcase our identities, free from judgment or fear,” Ramirez said. “It’s a time to celebrate who I am and honor the journey taken to embrace the LGBTQ+ identity.”
Pride events, she continued, allow Chamber members and others a way to contribute to the visibility and representation of the LGBTQ+ community.
“By showing up and being seen, you’re part of a vibrant and diverse tapestry of voices, breaking down stereotypes and challenging societal norms,” Ramirez said. “It’s an opportunity to show the world that we exist and that our stories, experiences, and contributions matter.”
She also sees the events as a platform for advocacy and activism, because the fight for LGBTQ+ rights are far from over.
“By participating, you raise awareness, promote equality, and stand up against discrimination,” Ramirez said. “It’s a chance to lend your voice to the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights, amplifying the collective call for change.”
Pride events, she said, are also a way to build community and connections.
“They bring together people from diverse backgrounds, fostering an atmosphere of inclusivity, acceptance, and support,” Ramirez explained. “Lastly, Pride events offer an opportunity for personal growth and education.”
This, she said, is done through workshops, discussions and engaging with different perspectives.
“You may broaden your understanding of LGBTQ+ history, issues, and experiences,” Ramirez said. “It’s a chance to challenge your own biases, expand your knowledge, and become a more informed and compassionate advocate.”
Ramirez said the Impact of Inclusion in the Business World lunch-and-learn presentation was a chance for professionals to come together, to learn from a powerful reminder of diversity in how individuals perceive and connect with information.
“While some guests were deeply moved by the personal story shared by the speaker, others were primarily interested in understanding the tangible bottom-line impact of embracing inclusivity within their businesses,” she said. “In the midst of turbulent discourse surrounding laws and policies governing LGBTQ+ individuals, this gathering became a catalyst for introspection and dialogue.”
“It provided a platform for businesses to grapple with the challenging realities of balancing humanitarian goals with the demands of the business environment. It is during these moments of reflection that the true strength and resilience of the LGBT Chamber of Commerce shine through.”
Pride Around Kansas City
Jeff Wagner, Founder and CEO of Aspis Consulting, attended multiple events including the first Kansas City Rainbow tour launch party, the Kansas City Pride Parade and Out with the Royals (Royals’ Pride Night).
The driving tour, created by Mid-America LGBT Chamber member Joel Barrett of Joel Speaks Out, highlighted Kansas City’s gay history. The two-and-half hour tour ended at the Kansas City Museum where Barrett hosted a launch party.
“Joel has created a true treasure for the community,” Wagner said. “His research was excellent. I had always wanted to know where the Jewel Box was, for example. Also, I had heard of Womantown but had not actually driven the street.”
“As a driving/auto tour that is synchronized with technology (smartphone app and GPS), it is an amazing, enjoyable, educational experience. After we completed the tour, I mentioned to my husband how fortunate we were to begin Pride month with such an activity and how lucky I was to have him to do it with.”
On June 16, during the Royals’ Pride Night, Wagner hosted a family-friendly tailgate complete with food, music and games, to celebrate his 44th birthday and the fourth anniversary of Aspis Consulting’s founding. He also bought a block of 45 tickets so tailgate attendees could also enjoy the game and fireworks.
“The best compliment we received was how we made it family friendly,” Wagner said. “I think there were 10 kids (so nearly a quarter of the party). The only real distinguishable thing from any other game/tailgate was probably during the game when they had the kiss cam, the crowd cheered when it focused on same-sex couples.”
The pre-game events included a drag show — making the Royals the first MLB team to host such an event. It also included then Mid America LGBT Chamber Executive Director Suzanne Wheeler — an openly transgender woman — throwing out the first pitch of the game.
“This momentous occasion shone a spotlight on the Royals and their commitment to inclusivity and celebration of diverse identities,” Ramirez said. “It marked a significant step forward in embracing the LGBTQ+ community within the realm of professional sports.
“[The first pitch] symbolized a powerful and affirming message, showcasing the Chamber’s dedication to inclusion and highlighting the strides being made within an organization that had previously struggled to fully support and understand the LGBTQ+ community.”
Kate Nielsen, Managing Director of On Tap, said she’s attended many Pride festivals and marches during her lifetime. This year’s Kansas City Pride Parade was one of the biggest she’s witnessed, aside from the Dyke March in Boston during the late 1990s.
“This year was different because there is such a political attack on LGBTQ+ people, particularly transgendered people right now,” Nielsen said. “It felt more important to show up and come together as a community.”
As part of the parade, both Wagner and Nielsen took part in the Mid-America LGBT Chamber’s entry. Wagner drove his Jeep Gladiator alongside Wheeler’s Jeep Gladiator, to lead the group. Nielsen marched with fellow chamber members.
“It was reportedly the largest parade ever in the state of Missouri,” Nielsen said. “There were so many floats and so many bystanders. As someone who was marching, it was great to feel the crowd’s support of Pride.
“My wife marched with the Chamber, had a great time, and was very popular with the crowd. She ran to hug every person on the sidelines who had shirts that read ‘free mom hugs,’ ‘free dad hugs,’ or ‘free aunt hugs.’ Any offering of hugs, she took!”
Nielsen said attending Pride events reminds individuals of how large and strong the community is, and the amazing support from allies. “It is a great month to feel proud of who you are, express yourself and come together,” Nielsen said. “Allies who show up also feel that love and sense of community.”
Ramirez agreed, adding Pride event participation has more depth than simply attending a festival or parade.
“It’s about embracing, contributing to a larger movement, and creating a more accepting world for future generations,” Rameriz said. “It’s about showing up, being proud, and joining hands with others who share the same vision of equality and love.”
‘Incredible weekend’
As Director of Operations for the Mid-America LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Erica Ramirez said PrideFest was an incredible weekend for the Chamber.
“With a dedicated group of volunteers and generous donations, our booth saw over 3,000 interactions,” Ramirez said. “It was a resounding success, especially when someone exclaimed, ‘What, there’s an LGBT chamber?!’ Later, I witnessed that same person proudly bringing three others to our table.”
Not only does PrideFest bring together diverse factions of the LGBT community, Ramirez said it provides individuals with resources and fosters a strong sense of unity.
“The connections made at PrideFest reflect the strength and shared knowledge within our community and surrounding areas,” Rameriz said. “The significance of PrideFest extends beyond its vibrant celebration. It represents the importance of relationships, community and pride.
“Witnessing the transformative power of this event reaffirms my dedication to cultivating an inclusive and supportive environment through the LGBT Chamber of Commerce.”
![Williams explained. “We want to make sure we offer a safe space, where [anyone] can get support.” Williams said sexua...](assets/images/item_68825.png)
