October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Throughout the region there are several ways people and businesses will be bringing awareness around domestic violence of all identities-from a regional campaign called Paint the Lou Purple where businesses will be lit up purple, to rally's, and even public announcements.

Did you know that nationally 44% of lesbian women, 61% of bisexual women, 26% of gay men, and 37% of bisexual men have experienced relational and sexual violence? You may not realize that transgender survivors are also three times more likely to report being stalked compared to cisgender survivors. Unfortunately, the LGBTQIA+ community faces similar if not higher rates of relational violence than some of our straight, cisgender peers.

Because of this, we would like to personally invite everyone to join St. Louis Anti-Violence Project's team in solidarity for the LGBTQIA+ community to participate in Diamond Diva's 4th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Rally Walk-a walk that brings awareness of all identities who have faced domestic violence. The event is on Saturday, October 19th at 10 AM at 1027 S. Vandeventer. If you are interested in participating, please feel free to email MCCGSL Board Member and STLAVP Executive Director Stephanie Null at the email below. Please include your name, phone number, and email of all those participating. If you would not like your photo to be taken during the event, please let Stephanie know as well.