Coffee Talks at 21c is a monthly gathering that brings together community leaders, advocates, and passionate individuals to engage in meaningful conversations about social impact in St. Louis. On June 25, we are proud to partner with Metro Trans Umbrella Group (MTUG) to host a conversation centered on how overlapping identities—such as race, gender identity, sexuality, and socio-economic status—shape lived experience, access to care, opportunity, and resilience for trans and gender-expansive individuals in our region.
This morning session will spotlight the work of MTUG, highlighting their commitment to empowering young people through artistic expression, mentorship, and community engagement. We’ll explore how these elements come together to nurture confidence, leadership, and healing in our city’s youth.
Key Discussion Points:
• Living the Divide: How historical racial and economic segregation in St. Louis intensifies systemic challenges for trans and non-binary individuals, particularly people of color.
• Barriers to Healthcare and Housing: Examining how access to affirming healthcare, secure housing, and employment remain persistent barriers for the trans community.• Community Power and Advocacy: Highlighting how MTUG fosters support systems, safety, and collective empowerment through grassroots organizing and direct service.
• From Allyship to Action: Discussing actionable strategies for individuals, organizations, and institutions to become better advocates for intersectional equity.
Whether you are a policymaker, healthcare provider, nonprofit leader, or someone committed to justice and inclusion, this Coffee Talk is an opportunity to engage in open dialogue, build cross-community understanding, and strengthen support for those navigating multiple layers of identity. Join us for coffee, conversation, and a shared commitment to equity, visibility, and collective care.
