Missouri Democratic Party protests at City Hall
Protestors crowded St. Joseph's City Hall Saturday afternoon for pride as part of a statewide effort led by the Missouri Democratic Party LGBTQ+ Caucus.
The protests were in honor of Zero Discrimination Day, which is celebrated the first day of March. The day and protests promote equality for all.
The protest featured several speakers and over 100 participants with signs decorated with phrases like "Trans Lives Matter", "Trans Equality", "Drag is Art" and more.
Protester Kaye Adkins says she was pleased by the number of participants.
"I think it's a great turnout and I love the feedback from the people driving past too," Adkins said. "We were just talking about how many people are showing their support."
Adkins says she felt it was important to be a part of the protest.
"To show support for my family members and my friends and my coworkers who all feel like they're under attack right now," Adkins said.
An organizer of the protest, Dakota Allen, says he wants St. Joseph to be a safe space for everyone.
"There's a real lack of organization at the statewide level and our local communities need to do better about building safe spaces," Allen said.
Allen, a new resident in St. Joseph, shared more about why he is involved.
"As a former small town kid moving back to a smaller area, I was really kind of nervous to live in this small town and be out and authentically myself," Allen said. "But this is a great example of how that's possible and we are free to be who we are despite everything that's happening at the state level."
