ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - A new traveling exhibit about the struggles of the LGBTQ community in Missouri has opening in St. Louis, after it was controversially removed from the state's Capitol building two months ago.
Part of the exhibit which was created by students at the University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC) was personally purchased by KMOX host Charlie Brennan so that in could be put on display in the St. Louis area. Local businesses, individuals, civic and religious organizations also joined forces to support hosting the display in St. Louis.
“By displaying ‘Making History: Kansas City and The Rise of Gay Rights’ in the St. Louis area, we are showing our support for the LGBTQ+ community in Kansas City and throughout Missouri,” said Charlie Brennan, KMOX Radio host helping lead the effort. “We also see great value in learning the history of Kansas City’s LGBTQ+ community through this exhibit, which is the result of serious academic scholarship at the UMKC.”
It details how the LGBTQ community in Kansas City paved the way for others across the state. It includes sections on LGBTQ-owed bars and restaurants that were victims of police raids.
The exhibit was supposed to be in Jefferson City in the Capitol museum through the end of November, but on Sept. 1 it was moved to a smaller building. It sparked backlash led by Sen. Greg Razer, D-Kansas City, the only openly gay member of the Missouri Senate.
Gov. Mike Parson's office says it was removed because it wasn't approved by the the Board of Public Building. It said Parson wasn't aware of it's removal until after receiving many complaints.
From today through Dec. 10 the exhibit will be at Cortex Innovation Community’s Civic Lounge in the Innovation Hall building and open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Then from Dec. 11 through Jan. 5 it will move to the Gallery at the District in Chesterfield and be open from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon-5 p.m. on Sunday. It's last stop in St. Louis will be Jan. 6 through Feb. 3 in the Food Hall at City Foundry STL.
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