09/29/2026
Statement: PFLAG Springfield/SWMO, The GLO Center, and PROMO condemn violent gender-based attack
Three organizations serving the LGBTQ+ community in Southwest Missouri are deeply concerned over the recent news of a violent attack on a member of our community, apparently based on their gender expression. Hatred and violence go against the Ozarks values of community, diversity, and opportunity.
PFLAG Springfield/SWMO, The GLO Center, and PROMO work together to make the Ozarks a more welcoming place for all people to live and thrive. When divisive language, harmful legislation, inaccurate information, and violent rhetoric are allowed, it encourages a culture of violence against those who are seen as different. This incident is not isolated; it happened because elected officials and other leaders in our community have encouraged violence toward trans and gender non-conforming people.
The victim has not been named, nor do we know their gender identity, but we do know that this past Sunday night, they were attacked for their gender presentation. Anti-trans rhetoric puts everyone at risk, because anyone can be judged to be presenting themselves wrongly. No one should be harmed or degraded for how they present themselves. Presentation is not provocation.
Let us be clear - the Ozarks is a place where everyone should be safe and where everyone’s unique contribution is celebrated. Violence is not one of our shared values and has no place here.
We call on all community leaders and organizations to join us in condemnation of this act of animus and violence. Concerned community members are asked to join us in our work of supporting LGBTQ+ individuals and families, and advocating for a more equitable Missouri. We invite you to come to PROMO's next community meeting to learn more about the current fights impacting the LGBTQ+ community and ways to take further action. Information on how to get involved or find support at The GLO Center and PFLAG Springfield/SWMO will also be available at the meeting. Sign up here: https://www.mobilize.us/promomissouri/event/789510/
PFLAG Springfield/SWMO is a chapter of PFLAG National, the first and largest organization supporting the LGBTQ+ community, parents, families, and allies. Learn more at pflagswmo.org.
The GLO Center is Springfield’s LGBTQ community center, located on Historic Commercial Street since 1996. The center serves the Ozarks' LGBTQIA community through resources, education, and advocacy. To learn more, visit glocenter.org.
PROMO is Missouri's LGBTQ+ public policy and advocacy organization. The organization confronts systemic inequities to liberate the full spectrum of the LGBTQ+ community from discrimination and oppression. Learn more at promomissouri.org.
