The inaugural Warrensburg Pride Festival took place today at an event venue just south of town. Due to rain the event was held indoors with a number of vendor/product, sponsor tables, and food vendors.
Starting at 11:00 a.m. events included an all all-ages drag show, two panel discussions/Q and A with drag performers, and, at the close of the festival, an 18+ drag show.
Johnson County Democrats were one of the sponsors.
“Make America Gay Again”
Group photo.
Free Mom Hugs.
One of two panel discussions.
Ally.
J.D. Leathers – a Democratic candidate in the 4th Congressional District.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WARRENSBURG, MISSOURI
SUPPORTING AND ENCOURAGING ACCEPTANCE AND DIVERSITY WITHIN THE CITY OF WARRENSBURG
WHEREAS, All persons should be able to live in a community whose environment is free from discrimination on the basis of association with any class; and
WHEREAS, History has shown that civil rights laws are effective in contributing to such environments; and
WHEREAS, Explicit federal and state statutory protections currently address discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, and other statuses, but not sexual orientation, gender identity or gender presentation; and
WHEREAS, The lack of awareness and understanding of issues facing LGBTQIA+ persons has contributed to a variety of challenges facing these individuals; and
WHEREAS, Education regarding sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender presentation issues increases understanding and cultivates acceptance of and respect for LGBTQIA+ persons; and
WHEREAS, LGBTQIA+ persons should be among all groups of persons that the Warrensburg Diversity and Inclusion Commission seeks to reach within the Warrensburg Community, and to foster understanding, respect, and education about this group, in addition to those whose status is presently protected by state and federal statute; and
WHEREAS, The course of history has shown that protection of marginalized groups under law is necessary and laudable, and that education of the community and understanding of these groups strengthens all concerned,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WARRENSBURG, MISSOURI, that the City expresses its support for all persons no matter their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender presentation, and urges understanding and education in the community to foster understanding and fair treatment, and that the City welcomes development, advancement, and clarification of the law at the state and federal level regarding the status of LGBTQIA+ persons. The Council reaffirms its commitment to the work of the Diversity and Inclusion Commission and urges that outreach and education will continue with respect to all marginalized groups within the Warrensburg Community, regardless of their current status under law.
Passed this [25th] day of March 2019.
Applause from the city council after passage of the resolution:
In Missouri there are now sixteen local chapters for Moms Demand Action Against Gun Violence in America. The Warrensburg group held their monthly meeting this evening, discussing past activities and actions and plans for future ones.
A representative of the state organization described the rapid growth in chapters and the importance and impact of small town chapters across the state.
Students on the campus of the University of Central Missouri held a vigil in support of Charlotteville, Virginia last night. Over fifty students, staff, and community friends attended.
….our mission to to stand together as a campus community against hate, injustice, and bigotry; and give our families an opportunity to express and share messages of hope, love, and healing.
Join the Warrensburg and Springfield Missouri Organized Student Alliance as we come together to promote peace and justice on our campuses and within our community! Let us not remain silent during times such as this….
“Not today”
Messages of hope:
University of Central Missouri President Chuck Ambrose with students at the vigil.
The 2016 general election is eleven months away. The primary, for candidates who draw an opponent, is eight months away. Candidates are already out engaging with voters – before you complain about the length of our campaign season(s) consider this: a candidate can always raise more money, the can always print more literature and signs, what they can’t get is more time. One on one contact with voters is the most effective thing a candidate can do to get elected. There are a lot of voters out there – and that personal contact takes a lot of time.
Judy Baker (D), a Democratic Party candidate for State Treasurer, in Warrensburg – December 13, 2015.
In almost every county across the state politically active people gather for one reason or another, sometimes on a regular basis. These gatherings are a convenient concentration of voters for candidates seeking that direct voter contact.
Gordon Christensen (D), a Democratic Party candidate in the 4th Congressional District, in Warrensburg – December 13, 2015.
One Sunday evening in Warrensburg there was one such gathering of engaged Democratic Party voters. It was an opportunity for several candidates to talk one on one with people who actually bother to vote. Judy Baker, a candidate for State Treasurer; Gordon Christensen, a candidate in the 4th Congressional District; and Kyle Garner, a candidate in the 52nd Legislative District utilized the occasion for that one on one engagement.
Kyle Garner (D), the Democratic Party candidate in the 52nd Legislative District.
There may or may not be an opportunity for a candidate to address the crowd. The smart candidate circulates and engages every person present. When you witness that actual engagement from a candidate you know that individual understands the process of retail politics. And in case you’re wondering – it’s very effective. For candidates it’s probably the one part of the process of running for office that they enjoy the most.
