In 2013, a small but determined group of LGBTQ+ community members and allies gathered on the lawn of Zion United Church of Christ in St. Joseph, Missouri. Hosted by the church’s Gay-Straight Christian Fellowship, the event, called St. Joe Pridefest, was the first public Pride celebration in the city’s history.
It was a bold step in a region where LGBTQ+ visibility had long been limited. The inaugural festival offered music, food, and fellowship, but more importantly, it created a safe and affirming space for people to be themselves. For many attendees, it was the first time they had seen their identities celebrated openly in their own hometown.
The Birth of the Midland Empire Equality Coalition
In the years that followed, the need for a year-round advocacy and organizing body became clear. Out of that need, the Midland Empire Equality Coalition (MEEC) was formed. Registered with the Missouri Secretary of State, MEEC became the official nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charity behind St. Joe Pride, giving the movement a formal structure to grow its mission.
From the start, MEEC’s goals went beyond hosting an annual festival. The organization sought to:
- Promote equality and inclusion for LGBTQ+ people in northwest Missouri and the surrounding region
- Provide education and resources to combat discrimination
- Build partnerships with local businesses, faith communities, and civic leaders
- Create spaces, both physical and cultural, where queer joy could thrive
Pridefest Grows with the Community
As MEEC took the reins, Pridefest expanded in scope and visibility. What began as a church-hosted gathering evolved into a citywide celebration, drawing attendees from across the region.
Over the years, Pridefest has featured:
- Live music, drag performances, and family-friendly entertainment
- Vendor booths showcasing local artists, nonprofits, and affirming businesses
- Educational programming on LGBTQ+ history, health, and rights
- Memorials honoring those lost to violence, discrimination, and the HIV/AIDS epidemic
Each year’s festival has reflected both the resilience of the local LGBTQ+ community and the growing support from allies.
Beyond the Festival: Advocacy and Action
While Pridefest remains MEEC’s flagship event, the organization’s work extends far beyond a single weekend. MEEC has:
- Partnered with youth organizations, such as STAR Kids, to promote safe and inclusive environments
- Granted scholarships to LGBTQIA+ students
- Hosted community events, film screenings, and educational workshops
- Supported queer artists, performers, and small business owners
- Given annually to AFL-CIO Community Services' Adopt-A-Family Christmas program
This year-round presence has helped ensure that Pride in St. Joseph is not just an event, it’s a movement.
A New Era of Visibility
In recent years, St. Joe Pride has continued to innovate. The introduction of the St. Joe Pride Pageant, produced by Bianca Bliss, brought a new platform for performers and community leaders to shine, blending artistry with advocacy.
The festival has also embraced intersectionality, highlighting the experiences of LGBTQ+ people of color, people with disabilities, and other marginalized groups within the queer community.
Looking Ahead
From its beginnings on a church lawn to its current role as a cornerstone of St. Joseph’s cultural calendar, St. Joe Pride’s journey reflects the courage, creativity, and compassion of the people who built it.
The Midland Empire Equality Coalition remains committed to its founding vision: a community where everyone -- regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression -- can live openly, safely, and with pride.
As the movement enters its second decade, one thing is clear: Pride in St. Joseph is here to stay, and its story is still being written.
For more information about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, or how to support St. Joe Pride, visit www.saintjoepride.org.