LGBTQ+

In addition to approving legislation that would allow public school students to transfer outside their district, a Missouri Senate committee also sparred over bills on abortion education and preventing teachers from recognizing a student's preferred gender.

Government entities — including schools — could be held liable for allowing transgender Kansans to use bathrooms based on their gender identity.

Following hours of testimony last week, a Missouri House committee on approved bills that would cement the state's restrictions on transgender athletes and health care for transgender minors.

Zoe Mays started Scream Queens about 18 months ago. In her time away from her firefighting job, she dreams up unique flavors such as Scream, Slumber Party Snack and Affogayto.

Gender-affirming healthcare for transgender minors and participating on sports teams that align with trans athletes' gender identity are currently prohibited in Missouri. Those bans are set to expire in 2027, unless the state legislature opts to extend them indefinitely.

Plaintiffs had argued the prohibition violates the equal protection and due process clauses of the Missouri Constitution. The state's highest court unanimously ruled that restricting gender-affirming care does not violate the rights of transgender children.

Democratic state Rep. Ray Reed introduced legislation that would make grant funding available to houses of worship and LGBTQ community centers for safety improvements. He said the bill is a response to a rise in antisemitism.

Studies are showing that Missouri's laws targeting gay and transgender people have already pushed LGBTQ+ residents to move — taking their tax dollars, and even businesses, elsewhere. One analysis estimates that Missouri has lost between $362 million to $879 million in household income, and that's expected to increase.

Indian Heights United Methodist Church plans to keep replacing its "All Are Welcome" sign, which has been vandalized and stolen multiple times since first going up in 2019.

Missouri-born artist Chappell Roan is launching a project supporting LGBTQ+ communities throughout the country — including two community centers in Missouri.

The Kansas Supreme Court’s decision to reject an appeal from Attorney General Kris Kobach allows the state to resume a process that had been in place for more than 20 years.

Roan belted out “Casual,” “Good Luck, Babe!” and other favorites for a sold-out crowd of 30,000 on the lawn of the National WWI Museum and Memorial.