LGBTQ+ Walking History Tour

Take a walk down (queer) memory lane in Tower Grove Park with Steven Brawley of the STL LGBT History Project!

So much of LGBTQ+ history happened in secret, or has been recorded in history by those who wish to minimize it. One of the most powerful ways to combat bigotry is to remember these people and their stories—to remind ourselves and each other that we have always existed, and always will.

We’ll meet at the Chinese Pavilion, where we’ll gather with Steven and get oriented for the walk. From there, we’ll explore the history of “cruising” in the park and the arrests that took place during the criminalization of homosexuality—an important and often overlooked part of local queer history. We’ll also talk about Mass on the Grass, held right here in Tower Grove Park, as well as the many LGBTQ+ sports leagues that have had roots at the park.

Next, we’ll visit the statue of Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, a Prussian military officer whose expertise helped train the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, and who is widely understood by historians to have been a gay man. We'll learn about women's safe houses that formerly existed on Botanical Ave.

Our journey continues toward the corner of Arsenal and Grand, where we’ll remember LGBTQ+ bars and businesses of days past—like Mor or Les Bar, Cheap TRX, Richard’s Bar, and more — while also celebrating spaces that continue to serve the LGBTQ+ community today, like Mokabe's Coffeehouse.

We’ll end back at the Chinese Pavilion (reserved for us all day!). Stick around afterward for a casual picnic—bring your own treats or grab something delicious from the Tower Grove Farmers Market (which runs from 8a-12:30p).

Details:

• Meeting Location: 11am Chinese Pavilion, Tower Grove Park
• Walking Route: Approximately 1.5 miles on paved paths, with breaks in the walk to discuss history
• What to Bring: Water, comfortable shoes, picnic items if you plan to stay. Friendly pets are welcome if kept on leash.

About the Project:
In 2007, Steven Louis Brawley began publishing a history blog that served as the
beginnings of the award-winning St. Louis LGBT History Project. The Project's mission
is to preserve and promote the diverse and dynamic history of St. Louis’s LGBTQIA+
ancestors. The Project serves as a convenor of area archives, libraries, museums and
educational institutions to enhance their LGBTQIA+ archival holdings and related
community programs. Support this work by making a tax-deductible donation to the project here.

About Steven:
Steven Louis Brawley is a philanthropy executive with 35 years of strategic not-for-profit
management experience. He is Chief Operating Officer of Area Resources for
Community and Human Services (ARCHS) in St. Louis and previously held
management posts with BJC HealthCare and Christian Hospital. He is also a noted
public historian. He is the Founder of the St. Louis LGBT History Project, noted for
advancing LGBTQIA+ historical research.
Brawley is the author of Gay and Lesbian St. Louis and a Trustee of the State Historical
Society of Missouri. He is the former board chair of the University of Missouri–St. Louis
Alumni Association and the Crime Victim Center of St. Louis. A sixth-generation
Missourian, he has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri–St. Louis and a
master’s degree from Saint Louis University.