How Our Circus Community Supports LGBTQ+ Youth
Originally published June 1, 2022 • Updated June 2025
At Kansas City Aerial Arts, we believe aerial arts should be accessible, inclusive, and safe for everyone. That means not only supporting each student’s growth and creativity—but also standing up for their well-being, identity, and sense of belonging.
In 2022, we hosted our first PRIDE fundraiser to support Lion House KC, a vital organization providing transitional housing for LGBTQ+ youth. While this specific fundraiser has ended, our commitment to the LGBTQ+ community continues to guide our work.
Throwback: Our 2022 PRIDE Performance
As part of our celebration, we proudly performed at the KC PRIDE Festival on June 10, 2022, as an in-kind event sponsor. Members of our performance companies shared the stage with vibrant local artists to bring circus to Theis Park.
Why Lion House KC
Nearly 50% of unhoused youth in Kansas City identify as LGBTQ+. Lion House KC addresses this crisis with a “community-first, housing-plus” model to help youth not only survive but thrive. We chose them as our fundraising partner because their mission aligns with our values of care, equity, and empowerment.
Even though the 2022 fundraiser is over, you can still support their work at lionhousekc.org.
Words from Meghan Spencer
“I originally planned to launch this fundraiser in 2020—before I came out publicly. Since then, my connection to this cause has only deepened. I’m proud to be part of a community where students can feel truly seen. That safety makes all the difference, and I’ve seen the impact firsthand.”
— Meghan Spencer, Education Director & Head Lyra Coach
Continuing Our Commitment
This fundraiser may have ended, but our dedication to LGBTQ+ inclusion and student safety remains. We’re proud to support our queer students, staff, and families all year long—through representation, education, and action.
For questions about community initiatives, reach out at contact@kansascityaerialarts.com