Justice Horn Leads Boycott Against KC PRIDE Amid Conversion Therapy Ban Dispute

Our www.TonysKansasCity.com blog community has been following this controversy for a couple of weeks and this latest note signals trending discussion and political fallout . . . 

For the record and because we've been blogging it for years . . . 

All of the best Kansas City PRIDE events have been embroiled in controversy. This year is no exception and should remind so many local diverse communities that politics is an even more important part of cowtown event considerations. 

Check-it:

Boycott Announced After Pride Platforms Politicians Who Repealed Conversion Therapy Ban

Petition approaches 900 signatures in four days as organizers face growing pressure 

KANSAS CITY, MO. (June 5, 2026) – As Kansas City Pride begins tomorrow, nearly 900 community members have signed a petition in just four days calling for elected officials that voted to repeal Kansas City’s conversion therapy ban to be barred from participating in the Pride Parade.

In response to Pride organizers’ decision to allow those officials to participate, petition author, Justice Horn announced he will boycott the Kansas City Pride Parade and and festival. Horn served as Grand Marshal of Kansas City Pride Parade in 2021, and said the moment reflects a departure from Pride’s origins as a protest movement.

“Pride cannot claim to stand for LGBTQ+ safety and liberation while platforming politicians who voted to strip away protections for LGBTQ+ youth. For many in our community, these are not symbolic issues—they are matters of life and death.” 

Horn emphasized that his boycott is intended as a matter of principle rather than division. “I encourage others to make their own decisions,” Horn said. “But accountability matters. Pride should stand with the community—not with politicians who voted to take away our rights.” 

FYI: The effort is being led by Justice Horn, former Chair of the City of Kansas City Government’s LGBTQ Commission and an at-large candidate for the Jackson County Legislature. Horn is best known for helping Kansas City become an LGBTQ Sanctuary City, securing its perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index, advocating for all-gender restrooms at Kansas City International Airport, and working alongside community advocates and local governments to help craft conversion therapy bans in Kansas City, Independence, and Jackson County. 
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