LGBTQ+ Community Fundraiser
The KC Aerial Arts community has always been a place where folks can come together, be authentically who they are, and learn circus skills. Aerial arts is for everyone, and we pride ourselves in creating an inclusive environment in which truly everyone can be successful. The most important component of that is safety; feeling safe physically, emotionally, and spiritually is paramount. We work hard to cultivate an environment that focuses on all forms of safety as the number one priority, and education in aerial arts as the second. We adore our LGBTQ+ students and instructors and are committed to continuing to make KC Aerial Arts a safe space for all.
Performing at KC PRIDE Fest 2022
As we grow, we also want to use our powers for positive growth in our community at large. We know that while a safe space within our walls is important, working to make all spaces safe for members of the LGBTQ+ community is truly the goal. We are excited to celebrate PRIDE this year like never before! We will be performing at the KC Pride Festival as an in kind event sponsor; members of our companies will be performing on June 10th.
KC Aerial Arts performs at PRIDE on June 10th at Theis Park >>
T-Shirt Sale Fundraiser to benefit LION HOUSE KC
Secondly, we are launching our first PRIDE fundraiser! For this fundraiser we will be selling shirts, with all proceeds going to Lion House. Lion House, in their own words, is “a LGBTQ-specific transitional and rapid re-housing program. [Lion House] seeks to address the core problems causing LGBTQ homelessness by providing a community first and housing plus approach.” We chose Lion House as the recipient of this year’s fundraiser because nearly fifty percent of homeless youth in Kansas City are LGBTQ+ and we believe their goals of taking care of the LGBTQ+ youth in our community align with our core values.
What this means to us…
Meghan Spencer, our head lyra coach, has spearheaded this fundraising campaign. Here is a little bit of why she is so passionate about this project:
“My journey with this campaign and this cause are complicated. I originally planned to launch this shirt and fundraiser in 2020; which interestingly enough was before I came out publicly myself. But that just wasn’t in the stars. I then came out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community later that year and my passion for this project became even greater. I have always loved the supportive community at KCAA; not just for me, but for our students. As a coach, I know that when students feel safe and supported they are more successful. And getting to be a small part of creating a space for folks (especially teens) to come and be truly seen has been one of my greatest joys in life.”
Special thanks to all of the artists who helped with the shirt design
