Our Mission & Vision
Building a stronger, safer, and more inclusive St. Joseph community together.
Why We Made This
The St. Joe Pride Rainbow Directory was created to connect our diverse local community with businesses, professionals, and organizations in the St. Joseph, Missouri area that actively welcome, value, and affirm LGBTQIA+ individuals.
We believe everyone deserves to shop, dine, seek healthcare, and access services in environments where they feel safe, celebrated, and respected. By maintaining a vetted, reliable register of inclusive businesses, we empower consumers to make choices that align with their values and safety.
Beyond supporting customers, this directory acts as an economic driver for inclusive enterprises. Fostering visibility for LGBTQIA+-owned businesses and allies strengthens our community's local economy, keeping resources circulating where they do the most good.
Our Standards for Inclusion
Unlike generic lists, registration in the Rainbow Directory is a conscious choice by business owners to show alignment. To be listed, businesses must meet at least one of our core pillars of inclusion:
Outspoken Allyship
Openly welcoming LGBTQIA+ customers and staff (e.g. visible pride displays, non-discrimination policies, gender-neutral restrooms, or respected pronouns).
Diverse Ownership
Enterprises that are LGBTQIA+-owned, operated, or allied, bringing authentic representation and spaces to St. Joseph.
Community Support
Active support for local LGBTQIA+ initiatives, sponsorships, or advocacy programs through Midland Empire Equality Coalition.
Data Integrity & Community Trust
A directory is only as good as its data. We take great care to ensure our listings are accurate, up-to-date, and safe. Here's how we protect the registry:
Human Moderation: Every submission is reviewed manually by St. Joe Pride administrators to verify the business fits our community guidelines before it appears on the directory.
Applicant Verification: Business listings are linked to a verified applicant. We verify that a real person has chosen to apply for the listing, and any suggestions for edits must go through a verification process.
Annual Checkup: To avoid "ghost listings" of closed businesses, every listing expires after 365 days. Owners receive automated reminder emails to reaffirm their status in one click, keeping our directory active and fresh.
About St. Joe Pride
St. Joe Pride is a community program operated by the Midland Empire Equality Coalition (MEEC), a 501(c)(3) public charity. Our mission is to promote equality, visibility, and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals throughout the Midland Empire region.
Through events like the annual St. Joe Pridefest, year-round events and fundraisers, educational initiatives, and charitable efforts, we work to make St. Joseph, Missouri, a place where all people can live authentically and thrive.