PROMO MISSOURI HOSTS ST. LOUIS’ LARGEST LGBTQ+ FUNDRAISER

After four years, URBANAIRE returns on September 30 to celebrate queer joy and love after a ruthless legislative session attacked LGBTQ+ Missourians

ST. LOUIS (Sept. 6, 2023) — PROMO, Missouri’s LGBTQ+ public policy and advocacy organization, hosts St. Louis’ largest LGBTQ+ fundraiser at the Cortex Innovation Community (4240 Duncan Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110) on Saturday, September 30 from 6-11 p.m. URBANAIRE celebrates LGBTQ+ joy and love, queer visibility, trans liberation, and a growing community in the state. This year’s theme of “Love, Revolution” pulls from the revolution movements of the 60s and 70s when civil rights were under attack by the government — a pivotal period that sought to bring equity across the country. This event mirrors those feelings as the LGBTQ+ community channels its love, rage, and joy into tangible action as Missouri faced its harshest legislative session this year seeing over 50 anti-LGBTQ+ bills filled. The event, whose presenting sponsor is Goliath Trucking, Inc., will feature two parts including a VIP Reception and a Gala Celebration complete with an open bar by 4 Hands Brewing Co. and Molson Coors, food from over 20 St. Louis restaurants, live music from KG Lang, Ahna Schoenhoff, and DJ Jillian, live entertainment by Circus Kaput performers, tarot readings by Mack Mercury, and local drag queens, and a curated selection of queer small businesses. Tickets are $200 for the VIP Reception or $75 for the Gala Celebration and can be purchased online at URBANAIRE.org.

“This year’s legislative session was immensely harmful to our community — bans on talking about gender identity and sexual orientation in schools, reclassifying drag performances as pornographic, and attacks on bodily autonomy and medically necessary healthcare,” said Lacie Jett, Director of Development for PROMO Missouri. “We are living through an all-out attack by the Missouri State Government on LGBTQ+ Missourians and, in particular, the trans community.

The event brings together over 400 supporters, elected officials, community and business leaders, and Missourians from across the state who share one vision: “Missouri is a state in which all LGBTQ+ people are valued and thriving.” Attendees are encouraged to dress up in 60s/70s themed attire or draw inspiration from the accompanying color palette labeled ‘Righteous’ including shades of orange, yellow, green, and pink.

“URBANAIRE is certainly a party where we get to celebrate our individuality and our ability to be our authentic selves. However, this moment is not just about revelry; it is also about reflection and taking action. Whether you identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, nonbinary, or an ally, now is the time to be engaged. Now is the time to be visible and to stand up for all LGBTQ+ Missourians. Together, we are the spark that will ignite a revolution in our state.”

Details about the full event, including ticket pricing, are below:

VIP Reception from 6-8 p.m. ($200 Per Person)

• The VIP Reception takes place from 6-8 p.m. where ticket holders can enjoy food from over 20 different restaurants from across St. Louis, an open bar by 4 Hands Brewing Co., a silent auction featuring items from Grand Center Arts District businesses, and features the “State of Missouri LGBTQ+ Equality” address from PROMO Missouri’s Executive Director, Katy Erker-Lynch.
• Guests will also have the opportunity to listen to music from KG Lang, a fan favorite in the St. Louis live music scene who plays original folk fusion tunes plus an eclectic mix of hit songs from Melissa Etheridge, Tracy Chapman, Brandi Carlile, and other stars of the womxn’s folk-rock genre, including their quasi-namesake, k.d. lang.
• Additionally, a “Perfect Host” ticket is available for purchase for $1,500 which includes 10 VIP Reception tickets at a reduced price of $150 each. All VIP Reception tickets include access to the Gala Celebration that immediately follows.

Gala Celebration from 8-11 p.m. ($75 Per Person)

• URBANAIRE’s Gala Celebration begins at 8 p.m. where attendees can take in performances from Circus Kaput performers including aerialists, tarot readers, stilt walkers, and fire-breathers. A curated selection of queer-owned small businesses will also be on-site selling items and providing unique experiences. Ticket holders can enjoy an open bar from 4 Hands Brewing Co. alongside music from DJ Jillian before brief remarks from sponsors and keynote speakers take place.

Tickets are on sale at URBANAIRE.org including VIP Reception, Gala Celebration, and Perfect Host options and will be sold through Friday, September 29. Sponsorships are also still available for the event. Those interested can reach out to Lacie Jett, Development Director, at promo@promoonline.org or through the organization’s website.