Pride Month on Missouri’s Main Streets
June 28, 2024 | Logan Breer
Over the past 20 years, three Presidents of the United States have incrementally recognize June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex (LGBTQI+) Pride month. Former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, and current President Joe Biden each expanded this federally recognized month of commemoration in honor of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising. This year President Joe Biden shared in his presidential message,
“For generations, LGBTQI+ Americans have summoned the courage to live authentically and proudly — even when it meant putting their lives and livelihoods at risk. … Since [Stonewall], courageous LGBTQI+ Americans continue to inspire and bring hope to all people seeking a life true to who they are. LGBTQI+ people also continue to enrich every aspect of American life as educators, entertainers, entrepreneurs, athletes, actors, artists, scientists, scholars, diplomats, doctors, service members, veterans, and so much more.”
MMSC chooses to recognize the achievements and contributions of Missouri’s Main Street LGBTQI+ leaders this June in honor of Pride Month and every day of the year. Every American citizen should be recognized for their impact on our country as well as their local community.
The board and committees of each Main Street program work best when it reflects the unique walks of life found in its community as the capacity for leadership is inside everyone. The following LGBTQI+ individuals, among many others, are making an impact through their determination to serve their local Main Street.
Dutchtown Main Streets
Dutchtown Main Streets excitedly recommended Nathaniel Lucena to be recognized by MMSC this month for his service as their Treasurer and bringing a can-do attitude to their organization. LaTasha Smith, Dutchtown Main Streets Board President, shared that “Dutchtown is proud to call Nate a neighbor and a friend. He brings his astute business acumen and adds so much to our neighborhood’s economic vitality and design.” Nathanial and his partner, Kentaro Kumanomido, operate their own business within the Main Street’s district named Wildfruit Projects.
Independence Square Association
Tamy Pearsons, founding member of WestiNd Connection (WiNc), annually partners with the Independence Square Main Street program for multiple events including HeART 2 HeART Connection, Pride Walk, and Chalk the Walk. This partnership with WiNc creates a connection between the Historic Main Street District and the Englewood Arts District as two cultural placemaking spaces. Through missions that share commonalities, Tammy Parsons helps create a safe and progressive community for all to live, work, play, and visit.
The dreams and achievements of LGBTQI+ businesses create stronger and more vibrant historic commercial districts with a unique mix of businesses. Many local small businesses are people’s passions and fulfill their dreams of owning their own business. The following businesses are a sample of amazing businesses leaving their mark in the places they are located in.
A Healthcare Collective - Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street
Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street, Inc. wanted to recognize Bobbie, Megan and Sharen for their contributions to Lee’s Summit this June. These individuals operate A Healthcare Collective in Lee’s Summit that offers a variety of therapeutic services for the body and mind.
Rachael Fitch, Creative Content and Design Coordinator for Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street, shared about their pride in A Healthcare Collective’s work and having them apart of their Main Street district:
“One of Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street’s mission is for downtown to be a safe and welcoming place for people to enjoy events and connect with others. Whether that is meeting friends for coffee, enjoying family traditions or prioritizing your mental health, you will find these supportive spaces in the heart of downtown. The visibility and impact of an inclusive business like A Healthcare Collective is essential to that mission.”
The clinicians at A Healthcare Collective wanted to share a message to you regarding their practice:
“We understand that every individual is unique, and we take the time to understand your specific needs and concerns. Whether you’re dealing with physical pain, mental health concerns, or simply looking to improve your overall health and wellness, we are here to help.”
Wildfruit Projects – Dutchtown Main Streets
Dutchtown Main Streets is home Wildflower Projects that describes themselves as a “queer-led project space dedicated to building community through exhibitions & events” (www.wildfruitprojects.com). Nate Lucena and Kentaro Kumanomido are the owners behind this space. Latasha Smith, President of Dutchtown Main Streets shared that they recommended Wildfruit Projects to be recognized by MMSC this month because “Wildfruit Projects has created a safe, inclusive space to bring award-winning art and creative energy to the Virginia Corridor of Dutchtown!”
These highlights are just the tip of the iceberg. Across the state, individuals contribute their unique talents and businesses for the success of their dreams and as a result of the success of Missouri’s historic commercial districts overall. Truly we are better when we come together. If your business or organization is located in a Main Street community that has an agreement with MMSC, contact Logan Breer at logan@momainstreet.org for information on how to be highlighted in future #Mainstreetmonday posts as they are relevant.
