Mission Statement
At LGBTQ+ Rolla, our mission is to cultivate a visible, supportive, and inclusive LGBTQ+ community in rural central Missouri. We achieve this through consistent engagement, resource sharing, and education.
Vision Statement
We envision LGBTQ+ Rolla as the central hub for the LGBTQ+ community in rural central Missouri, where we promote equity, stability, connection, affirmation, and validation for all individuals.
Our goals are to:
- – Alleviate feelings of isolation for individuals in rural communities.
- – Develop resources and specialized support services.
- – Provide opportunities for personal reflection, joy, and growth.
- – Create spaces and events that allow individuals to exist comfortably.
Want to learn more about the organization or connect with a board member? Reach out to info@lgbtqrolla.org for more information about how we support individuals in the community.
Connect with our community on Facebook, Discord, or Instagram for updates on upcoming activities and events! We’d love to see you there!
Meet our Board
The Board of Directors for LGBTQ+ Rolla is comprised of six dedicated individuals: Shasta Johnson, Brandon Asher, Jaycee Doubleday, Jonathan Kimball, Onyx Russ, and Trin Tatro.
Shasta Johnson (she/her), our dedicated President, works as an office manager for an independent Etsy artist and has a background in Higher Education Administration. Having grown up in the Rolla area, she is enthusiastic about building a strong local LGBTQ+ community. Shasta has served the Missouri S&T campus as a mentor to students, a fraternity advisor, and a service coordinator. With a passion for event planning and organization, she leads LGBTQ+ Rolla with commitment and creativity. Above all, she cherishes her wife!
Contact Shasta at shasta.johnson@lgbtqrolla.org
Brandon Asher (he/him) is a dedicated Communications Director for LGBTQ+ Rolla and a multi-unit HR Business Partner. As a gay, cisgender male who grew up in rural mid-Missouri, Brandon is deeply committed to fostering inclusive and supportive environments for all. He brings a wealth of experience in advocating for diversity and connecting with people across various platforms. Outside of work, Brandon enjoys traveling and staying active through exercise.
Contact Brandon for all things fundraising and communications at brandon.asher@lgbtqrolla.org
Jaycee Doubleday (she/they – preferred names Jay or Zephyr) our dedicated Interest Group Coordinator works as a patient access coordinator for a local allergy clinic. They have lived in the Rolla area for around a decade total, and are excited at the prospect of building our local, ever-growing LGBTQ+ community that was not as prevalent before. They have a passion for all kinds of organization, planning, creating a community with a sense of belonging, and connecting with others. Jay identifies as genderfluid and omniromantic. They are polyamorous with two partners: one cis male partner, and one non-binary, and loves them both dearly! Jay loves video games, anime, music of all genres, and animals of all kinds.
If you’re interested in helping to build small groups centered around shared interests, please contact Jay at jay.doubleday@lgbtqrolla.org
Jonathan Kimball (he/him) is a professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Missouri S&T and an elder at the First Presbyterian Church of Rolla. His journey into LGBTQ+ outreach began several years ago, inspired by a gay member of his church. Since then, he has actively sought to make a difference as an ally and as a parent of a queer teenager, participating in PROMO lobby days to amplify his impact. Jonathan played a crucial role in establishing LGBTQ+ Rolla in 2020 and currently serves as its Secretary-Treasurer, supporting the organization’s ongoing efforts.
Contact Jonathan at jonathan.kimball@lgbtqrolla.org
Onyx Russ (they/them) moved to Rolla to study Physics at Missouri S&T and has been engaged in queer activism since their early 20s. Their work began at various universities, focusing on providing resources for the queer community, particularly for transgender, genderqueer, and nonbinary individuals. With a strong passion for improving their community, Onyx graduated and is now working full-time at Choices for People. In their free time, they enjoy tending to their collection of plants, relaxing in parks, and cuddling with their cat.
Contact Onyx at onyx.russ@lgbtqrolla.com
Trin Tatro (he/they) is a queer trans man from a conservative small town in Missouri. Currently, he is a student at Missouri S&T and works as a Peer Wellness Educator in Accessibility & Belonging. Since his early teen years, LGBTQ+ issues and activism have played a significant role in his life, with particular passions for community building, resource sharing, and peer support. In his spare time, Trin enjoys spending time with his partner and their adorable cats.
Contact Trin at trin.tatro@lgbtqrolla.org
