Last night in Kansas City the LGBTQIA+ community in Kansas City, Missouri held a Townhall in a supportive establishment on Main Street. More than 150 people attended the over two-hour standing room only event. We arrived at the venue at 4:30 p.m. A number of groups had information tables. The speakers started a little after 5:00 p.m. We left the venue after 7:00 p.m., with a question-and-answer session still in progress.

The organizers:

The opening benediction by the City of Fountain Sisters, Kansas City House of Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence:

….We are here to advocate for our community and provide strength, light, and hope, even in the darkest times. Tonight, we gather under a veil of uncertainty, a cloud of fear, a looming future of some unthinkable possibilities. But let us not dismay, for where we are gathered, we are powerful. [applause] Where one goes, we all go. And if you’re a nerd like me, you know that when one party member is attacked, we all roll initiative. [cheers] May this gathering be a space of belonging, where each voice is heard, and every individual is valid. May we be inspired by the courage of trailblazers like Marsha P. Johnson, who fought for the dignity and rights of all people, and Harvey Milk, whose unwavering hope showed us that change is possible. May we carry forward the legacy of Sylvia Rivera, whose resilience reminds us that we must never leave anyone behind in our fight for justice. May we stand strong in the face of adversity, just as Audre Lorde taught us to use our differences as a source of strength. And as RuPaul reminds us, we were all born to be fabulous. You can woo. [“Woo!”, applause] May our hearts remain open, our spirits resilient, and our actions rooted in equality as we continue to advocate for the rights of all people. May we leave here inspired, knowing that the power of community can overcome any obstacle and that together, we will rise. Now, repeat after me. Amen. [“Amen.”] Awomen. [“Awomen.”] Atransfolk. [“Atranfolk.”] And all the magical glittery beings. [“And all the magical glittery beings.”] Thank you. [cheers, applause]….

Liz Davis, Liz Davis Therapy Group, speaking on counseling resources and strategies:

On health care resources:

Arden Pearson, Missouri Kansas Queer Law, on legal resources and strategies:

On self-defense:

Nyla Foster, PROMO and Trans Women of Color Collective, on empowerment and education:

On Jefferson City and politics:

They’ve already told us what they’re going to do [Agenda 2025]:

JD Besares, LGBTQ Commission of Kansas City:

Representing Envision Recovery:

The keynote speaker:

A community is communicating about the paths forward. There is brutal honesty about these times and the challenges. Present is also a very moving and uplifting resilience.

“…May we leave here inspired, knowing that the power of community can overcome any obstacle and that together, we will rise…”