MOVE writer Ainsley Bryson reflects on this year’s Mid-Missouri PrideFest, an event dedicated to uplifting LGBTQ+ communities. The festival speaks truth to being young and LGBTQ+, which further empowers a region that welcomes its LGBTQ+ students back to school with a Pride festival. “[Columbia] is a safe space. There’s no doubt about it. And showing that outright in September, for all the students coming here, I think is so important,” said Alexxa Pro, MU sophomore and Columbia-based drag performer. Feature | Ainsley Bryson Photo | Lizzy Belt #mizzou #pride #como #move #midmopridefest #pridefest #lgbtq #festival #missouri #university #discover