Hundreds gather Downtown to celebrate Trans visibility day

On Monday, March 31st, a couple hundred people gathered in downtown St. Louis to celebrate trans visibility day. The event started at Kiener Plaza, and went all the way to City Hall where the event came to a stop to where speeches were given by community leaders, and a drag show was held.

The event was organized by the Metro Trans Umbrella Group, and had help from fellow St. Louis groups such as the Blue Max Cycle Club, and Black Pride St. Louis. The Blue Max Cycle Club is a gay motorcycle and leather club. The historian of the club, Joe Hosea was a speaker at the event, and said “no race, no creed, no sexual orientation is safe right now.” at one point throughout his speech in front of city hall. He also went on to say “I’m tired of this legislature in Missouri trying to overturn the will of the people, we voted, stay away.” in response to the recent actions of the Missouri legislatures attempting to remove sunset clauses for many of Missouri’s bills, including one that protects transgender athletes. They’re also gonna discuss Senate Joint Resolution 57: An amendment that would ban transgender individuals from using bathrooms that match what they identify as.

Another speaker for the event was Ryan Klinghammer, who was named Mr. Trans Missouri 2024. Ryan went on to say, “This is also the time to stop the in fighting between ourselves. We’re all on the same team, and we all deserve and want the same liberties and rights as everybody else.” to the crowd.

After the speeches were given, the march ended with multiple drag performances.

Leading the march, Jordan Braxton shouts a chant into a megaphone for the crowd to shout back.

Photo by; Seth Donovan

Waving a trans flag, a member of the crowd shouts a chant. A couple hundred people gathered for Monday’s march.

Photo by; Seth Donovan

Taking a moment away from dancing, a drag performer accepts a dollar bill from a member of the crowd.

Photo by; Seth Donovan

Holding their hands up in celebration, Damien Serrato (on the right) is about to pass the title of Mx. Trans to Wes Wyman.

Photo by; Seth Donovan