Hello —

As we approach 2,000 supporters, I wanted to be sure to say thank you! Your signature isn't just about a parade, it's a way to let our LGBTQ+ officers know they are seen — that when they put on their uniform it is an act of bravery as they work hard each day to build acceptance and safer communities for all LGBTQ+ people. 

I also want to thank you for the civility and openness you all have demonstrated. Through this petition and the media attention, we have started a conversation within the St. Louis LGBTQ+ community and with our allies. It's an important conversation about how we can move forward together. It can be a difficult conversation but one we will be better off for having.

So what's next? There are a couple of ways you can keep the momentum going:

1. Share the Petition: If you haven't already, please share the petition on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Let your friends and family know why this is important to you, encouraging them to sign. Let's try to get this to 3,000 supporters!
2. Reach Out to Leaders: We hope to plan a delivery soon and we will share the details ASAP. But in the meantime, you can reach out and share why you think the policy is the wrong move. Your personal stories are moving and have the power to change minds. If you do reach out, please be respectful and courteous. It just takes one person behaving badly to reflect on us all. Below you can find a list of leaders who have the power to persuade Pride STL to reverse the policy:
   1. Pride STL — Leave a respectful message on why you think their policy is wrong and ask them to reverse it in time for pride. Ph. #: 314-500-1260
   2. Mayor Lyda Krewson — Let Mayor Krewson know why you think this is the wrong choice and ask her to publically call for the policy to be reversed. Daytime Ph. #: (314) 622-3201
   3. Police Commissioner Colonel John W. Hayden, Jr. — Let Commissioner Hayden know why you think this is harmful to LGBTQ+ officers under his command and to the community at large. Ask him to publically call for the decision to be reversed. Ph. #: (314) 231-1212

Again, thank you all for your love and support. I know it means the world to so many people.  

Jason