GLO Center Logo - LGBTQ community center

ABOUT THE GLO CENTER

The GLO Center Today

The GLO Center Serves the LGBTQIA+ community in the Ozarks through support, resources, education, and advocacy, to create a more inclusive and welcoming community where all can thrive. With the help of our allies, GLO strives to make a positive impact on the community at large.

The GLO Center is a place to be yourself, a place to meet others in the community, and a place to find information about the community at large. In essence, the GLO Center is YOUR place for LGBTQIA+ community in the Springfield and the Ozarks region in Missouri.

Become a member today to help sustain Missouri's longest-running LGBTQIA+ community center!

Springfield LGBTQIA+ community history

History of The GLO Center

A group of local leaders recognized a need to establish a safe place for the entire LGBTQIA+ community to meet, receive support, and share resources; together they founded GLO in 1996. GLO is now the oldest operating LGBTQIA+ center in Missouri and is the only LGBTQIA+ center in southwest Missouri. GLO is staffed by volunteers and is open weekly to offer support groups, events, and a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ population. The GLO Center is governed by a Board of Directors, whose 13 members are elected to three-year terms and may serve for three consecutive terms. Volunteers are organized into committees, where they can hone leadership skills and meld their passions with the mission of GLO.

Our Staff

Aaron Schekorra

Executive Director
aaron@glocenter.org
Aaron joined GLO as its first full-time Executive Director at the beginning of 2024. His time as an LGBTQ+ advocate led to serving on the board of PFLAG Springfield/SWMO for several years, including two years as president. Professionally, before accepting this role, Aaron served the community in several roles at the Springfield-Greene County Health Department and was the development director for FosterAdopt Connect. His goal is simple, to make southwest Missouri a better, safer place for all LGBTQ+ people. Aaron is also a small business owner, an award winning mead maker, and a foster parent.

Aaron Schekorra

Executive Director | he/him

Collins Chetwin

Program Coordinator
collins@glocenter.org
Collins, who has been a dedicated volunteer at GLO since 2015, began working with the organization's youth group that same year and transitioned into a full-time position in 2024. In their career as a queer rights advocate they have worked on campaigns, testified in hearings at the capitol, served on local boards, and organized projects and events, including GLO’s first Queer Artist Showcase. GLO matters to Collins because it provides them with a sense of belonging and opportunities to build community. When they’re not at GLO, Collins invests in queer joy by playing Dungeons and Dragons and by playing ukulele in their trans folk band.

Collins Chetwin

Program Coordinator | they/them

Emilia Stauffer

Community Services Specialist
emilia@glocenter.org
Emilia moved to Springfield in 2017 to pursue a degree in music, but after graduation, she realized that Springfield had become her home. Over the years, Emilia has dedicated herself to serving the community through various roles, including volunteer coach, family advocate, graduate assistant counselor, and patient navigator. Her work has impacted not only Springfield but the entire Southwest Missouri area and beyond. In May 2024, Emilia graduated from Missouri State University with a Master of Social Work degree. Her academic background, combined with her practical experience, makes her an invaluable asset to The GLO Center as we continue to address the critical needs of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Emilia Stauffer

Community Services Specialist | she/her

Matt Brown

Operations Coordinator
After graduating from Missouri State University with a BFA in Graphic Design, Matt found community in The GLO Center through their monthly markets. During his summer internship with GLO in 2024, he helped manage the GLO Markets and did design work to promote the center. As a small business owner, Matt wants to use his skills to support fellow creators and contribute to the welcoming environment GLO has given him. Outside of work he enjoys cooking, queer-centric media, and going to local hardcore shows.

Matt Brown

Operations Coordinator | he/him

Riley Sinkhorn

Intern
Riley is currently a junior at Drury University studying Elementary Education. She has many years of event planning experience, and is looking forward to using that experience to plan an amazing event to create an inclusive, uplifting environment for the LGBTQIA+ community! When she is not studying or planning events, Riley loves to sing, read anything and everything, and spend time with her family and friends.

Riley Sinkhorn

Intern | she/her

Zoe McIntyre

Intern
I'm currently finishing my journalism degree. I have lived in the Springfield area my entire life, and I love to connect and tell the stories of people in this area. It's a special joy for me to work with and serve other queer Ozarkers. Outside of work, I am a musician and I love cooking, thrifting, reading, traveling, serving in my church and doing crafty stuff.

Zoe McIntyre

Intern

Megan Grissom-Walbridge

Intern
Megan is currently a graduate student and she will graduate in May with her M.A. in Communication Studies. She is also a Graduate Teaching Assistant and teaches two sections of the general education public speaking course every semester. She enjoys connecting her students to resources, both on campus and within the community. During her time as an undergraduate student, she was on the leadership teams for four student organizations, but most notably, she was the President of Advocacy & Alliance, an LGBTQ+ and ally organization at MSU. Megan is thrilled to intern at the GLO Center, where she looks forward to gaining hands-on experience in nonprofit work and making a positive impact in her community.

Megan Grissom-Walbridge

Intern | she/her

Jay Augustine

Practicum Studen
Originally from St. Louis, Jay (he/him) came to Springfield to study at Missouri State University and is set to graduate with a Bachelor of Social Work degree in May 2025. His identity as a queer trans man and passion for LGBTQ+ issues lead to his decision to seek practicum placement with the GLO Center. He has been a barista for 3 years and enjoys coffee culture. Jay also likes knitting, cars, and is an avid music listener.

Jay Augustine

Practicum Student | he/him

Our Board

Megan Baldridge

Ozarks Pridefest Chair
president@glocenter.org
GLO is extremely important to Megan because it provides essential resources for the LGBTQIA+ population, specifically locally. Safety is crucial; she has learned through her own past career as a teacher that it is incredibly difficult for people to grow and flourish without safe spaces to do so. Megan knows GLO provides that safe space for many. A fun fact about Megan is she has never lost at 90’s music trivia or Pac-Man. (Bring it on )

Megan Baldridge

President | she/her

Dr. Caitlin Davies

Programming Chair
caitlin@glocenter.org
Caitlin was born in England but grew up in the southernmost part of New Zealand. In 2015 she moved to Long Island, New York to complete their PhD in Political Science. In 2020 she moved to Springfield to be a Professor at Missouri State University. She is the current Vice-President of the MSU Faculty and Staff LGBTQIA+ group. She enjoys combining their passions for sports and travel by attending various events including the recent FIFA Women's World Cup in New Zealand and the Netball World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa where she got to meet one of her LGBTQIA+ hero's Caster Semenya.

Dr. Caitlin Davies

Vice President | she/her

Linda Leicht

Treasurer
treasurer@glocenter.org
Linda Leicht is a retired journalist who covered the GLO Center several times while working at the Springfield News-Leader. During her years as a journalist, Linda interviewed many famous people, from Jerry Falwell to Bill Maher, but her favorite encounters had nothing to do with the news. She personally met Elvis in 1972 (then turned down an offer to ride in his plane) and Del Shannon in 1961. She also worked with START and EMBRACE to help put on Trans Day of Visibility and Trans Day of Remembrance in honor of her granddaughter, Amanda, a beautiful young trans woman.

Linda Leicht

Treasurer | she/her

Courtney Cook

Courtney is a biracial Black gay woman who grew up in a community that was not accepting of these things. Racism and homophobia have impacted her firsthand and those she loves the most. She wants to live in a world where folks can go to work, go to the grocery store, just be in their community and feel safe being their authentic self. There’s a lot of work to do to continue to cultivate that safety and she wants to do her part in pushing the needle in our community. A fun fact about her is that she can find Jesus in 7 clicks on Wikipedia with any word you give her! “Challenge me, I dare you!” She also loves card games, cooking, and cocktails.

Courtney Cook

Member | she/her

Jeremy Dean

Jeremy was born and raised in Springfield and loves to call this city my home. He is engaged to his wonderful fiance, Zion, and they have two beautiful dogs, Bentley (Goldendoodle) and Josie (Catahoula). Jeremy works in Operations for a local non-profit that aims to engage, support, and transform our community so we can all thrive. His personal mission is to make the Ozarks a place that everyone can call "home", and that's why supporting the GLO Center in every way possible is important to him.

Jeremy Dean

Member | he/him

Holland Wilson

Holland Wilson

Member | they/them

Carolyn Esparza

Growing up queer and Hispanic in rural Missouri taught Carolyn the power of diversity and representation. Now an accountant for a local environmental agency, her social nature and passion for fashion and music keep her creatively engaged. Carolyn brings experience from volunteering on GLO's Pride Committee and its annual runway fundraiser to her role on the Board of Directors. She’s committed to fostering an inclusive environment, encouraging others to share their unique perspectives and experiences to strengthen the organization.

Carolyn Esparza

Member | she/her

Jodey Fulcher

Jodey is originally from the Atlanta area. He moved to Missouri in 2016 and to Springfield in 2023. “I have always been my authentic self, even when it was not appreciated, because I only knew how to be me. I have never been afraid to face adversity head-on; for myself, friends, family, and my community. As we continue to stand for our rights, I am proud to be on the front line as a GLO Board Member & a representative for all of my LGBTQIA+ and QTBIPOC community.” Jodey enjoys playing pickleball, bowling, and shooting pool.

Jodey Fulcher

Member | he/him

Rebecca Damron

Rebecca found community at the GLO Center during the pandemic and has been involved with the center ever since. After growing up queer in a disapproving home, being a part of the queer community in Springfield is so supportive and comforting. Their main goal as a board member is to make a safe space for those who haven’t had one before. Outside of the GLO Center, they have two awesome dogs, Sophie and Calcifer.

Rebecca Damron

Member | she/they

Upcoming Events

Gender Affirming Care @ GLO

What: A patient navigator from a local provider will be at The GLO Center to discuss gender-affirming care! 🏳️‍⚧️   
When: Every Friday Noon – 4 PM
  
Where: The GLO Center
Who: Adults 18+  
Walk-ins welcome—no appointment needed! 

Ru Paul's Drag Race Trivia Fundraiser

What: Hey queens! 👑 Join us in a trivia night based on the hit TV phenomenon RuPaul’s Drag Race. Sashay in dressed as your favorite queen/king/they or any drag, have snacks, compete against your fellow queens, and win prizes! 
When: Saturday, April 26th 6 PM
  
Where: The GLO Center
🎟️ Tickets are pay what you want ($10 donation suggested).

Old School Support Group

What: Join us for our off-site visit! 🌈
GLO is excited to offer lesbian, gay, bi, and transgender adults aged 50+ opportunities to connect with each other and build community.
The Old School Group is a social space where people can meet others, form friendships, and share their life experiences.
When: Saturday, April 26th 4 PM
  
Where: Cielito Lindo (3530 S Campbell Ave, Springfield, MO 65807)
The group is geared towards 50+ but there is no age limit, younger people can attend. No RSVP Necessary.

Old School Support Group

What: Join us for our off-site visit! 🌈
GLO is excited to offer lesbian, gay, bi, and transgender adults aged 50+ opportunities to connect with each other and build community.
The Old School Group is a social space where people can meet others, form friendships, and share their life experiences.
When: Tuesday, April 29th 9 PM
  
Where: The GLO Center  
The group is geared towards 50+ but there is no age limit, younger people can attend. No RSVP Necessary.

Rainbow Kids: Earth Day Art Class

What: The GLO Center is partnering with Springfield Regional Arts Council (SRAC) to bring you a series of monthly art classes. 
We hope you join us for this session in the style of Keith Haring!
When: Monday, April 28th 5 PM
  
Where: The GLO Center
Please RSVP via email to collins@glocenter.org with how many adults & children you anticipate bringing.

Women & Non-Binary Support Group

What: To provide women and woman-aligned folks to come together and build community with each other.
Who: For queer women and nonbinary people, whether they are butches, femmes, cis, trans, gender nonconforming, or other gender identities to socialize and engage in peer support.
 
When: Tuesday, April 29nd 5:30 PM 
Where: The Third Place – 416 W Commercial St

APO @ GLO: Medicaid Specialist

What: The APO Community Health Team will be at GLO to provide information, answer questions, and offer support for those needing assistance in Medicaid enrollment.   
When: Every 4th Monday 1 PM – 4 PM
  
Where: The GLO Center
Walk-ins welcome—no appointment needed! 

Men & Non-Binary Support Group

What: To provide men and man-aligned folks the opportunity to come together and build community with each other.
Who: For queer men and nonbinary people, whether they are cis, trans, gender nonconforming, or other gender identities to socialize and engage in peer support.
 
When: Thursday, May 1st 6 PM 
Where: The Third Place – 416 W Commercial St

GLO Volunteer Orientation

What: Interested in being a GLO Volunteer? This orientation will familiarize you with the GLO Center’s work and prepare you to be a GLO volunteer.
When: Saturday, May 10th 3 PM – 4 PM

Where: The GLO Center

APO @ GLO: Prevention & Harm Reduction

What: The APO Prevention Team will be at GLO to provide information, answer questions, and offer select supplies for sexual health and harm reduction. 
W
hen: Every 2nd Monday 1 PM – 4 PM  
Where: The GLO Center
Walk-ins welcome—no appointment needed! 

The GLO Market

What: A monthly event supporting local queer-owned businesses and resources. Started in 2023, GLO Markets aim to showcase local talent where patrons can purchase from over 20+ LGBTQIA+ artists, resources, and entrepreneurs.
When: Saturday, May 17th 10 AM – 2 PM

Where: The GLO Center

GLO Movie Night @ The Moxie

What: Moonage Daydream (2022) is a documentary film about the legendary musician and artist David Bowie, directed by Brett Morgen. Unlike traditional documentaries, the film is an immersive audiovisual experience that blends never-before-seen concert footage, interviews, and personal archives with Bowie’s own narration and music! 
When: Saturday, May 17th 4 PM
  
Where: Moxie Cinema – 305 S Campbell Ave #101