ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - The Gateway to Pride exhibit at the Missouri History Museum officially opened Friday, becoming the first full-scale exhibit to celebrate the history of LGBTQIA+ people in St. Louis.
"We have certainly been planning this one for a long time," said Dr. Jody Sowell, President of the Missouri Historical Society on Total Information A.M. "Still some work this week. Even though you are planning for a long time, you still have a lot of work in the end."
Sowell says Gateway to Pride exhibit has been nearly a decade in the making, and it was the result of a community-driven collection effort.
"The exhibit has been largely built off a foundation founded by Steven Brawley," said Sowell. "He started the LGBTQ History Project in 2007, so I think there's interest in the community of making sure everyone's story is told and making sure these stories are coming to life."
Sowell says Gateway to Pride will showcase meaningful artifacts, striking images and insightful oral histories, especially when it comes to the history of LGBTQ+ in St. Louis.
"Certainly one of our main points is people in the LGBTQIA community has been a part of the St. Louis history from the very beginning," said Sowell. "Members of this community have not just been a part of it, but making an impact on St. Louis from the very beginning."
Sowell says the exhibit's strength is individuality.
"You see artists, activists, sports stars, faith leaders," said Sowell. "You see your neighbors, your fellow St. Louisans, it's incredibly inspirational."
Sowell says he has gotten some push back on the exhibit, but he believes everyone will be inspired if they're open to it.
"It may not changed your mind about what you think about gay marriage, trans medical care," said Sowell, "But I bet it will make you see the humanity in each other and that's a pretty big accomplishment for an exhibit."
The exhibit will run through July 2025.