The UMKC Pride Luncheon resulted in a new $40,000 scholarship for LGBTQ+ students and more than $250,000 in donations, a record high for the group.
Previously hosted as a Pride Breakfast, the event, which drew more than 720 attendees on Oct. 1, was themed around “A Seat at the Table” and inclusion of LGBTQ+ students. The luncheon raised funds for scholarships and programs, such as the Pride Empowerment Fund, to support LGBTQ+ students.
Former Student Government Association (SGA) President Ophelia Griffin publicly came out as bisexual last year at the event and returned to share how she has been supported by her community.
“Being bisexual is a badge of honor for me. It’s a way for me to know who I am as a person,” Griffin said. “Anybody is allowed to be here–whether you’re gay, straight, bisexual, trans or anything–you’re allowed to have a voice here on campus.”
Former Democratic Missouri Sen. Greg Razer announced he would establish a $40,000 endowment to support LGBTQ+ students at UMKC. In his speech, Razer explained that he was inspired by a scholarship he received to attend the University of Missouri as an undergraduate.
“I wanted to pay this forward, and I hope someday somebody that receives this scholarship will do the same,” Razer said. “That’s what we have to do–keep getting better a little bit at a time, every single time.”
The Pride Lunch Committee exceeded its goal of collecting more than $250,000, the largest amount ever received. Attendees contributed money alongside event sponsors.
Former KC Mayor and UMKC alumna Kay Barnes received the 2024 C. Stephen Metzler Pride Champion Award, which recognizes individuals who advocate and support the LGBTQ+ community.
Barnes was one of two women serving in the Jackson County Legislature in 1974 and is the only woman who has worked as mayor of KC.
“It’s exciting for me to win this award because I knew Stephen Metzler and I recognize how important it is, not only at UMKC, but in the larger community to pay tribute to all who have been involved in promoting inclusivity,” Barnes said.
