Looks That Speak Louder Than Words
KC Strong More Than A Brand
Hello Kansas City!
My name is Lauren, and I’m the owner of KC Strong Apparel. I started my company back in 2018, and I’ve been proudly selling my shirts at the Kansas City Pride Festival for over 7 years.
I created KC Strong because I noticed a serious lack of LGBTQ+ Kansas City-themed t-shirts around town. Since 2016, our LGBTQ+ community has gone through so many hardships—more than we should ever have to. Those experiences have only deepened the meaning behind what I do.
For so long, we’ve been told to be quiet, to not be “too loud” or “too proud,” and to hide who we are. But that’s not how we live our fullest, happiest lives. It takes real courage to be your authentic self. Sometimes, even wearing a rainbow shirt can feel vulnerable. But finding support, building community, and standing together makes us stronger. It gives us the courage to be seen, to be heard, and to be loud and proud.
I hope my shirts help you express your voice and your pride as you walk through this beautiful city.
With lots of love,
KC Strong
The Story Behind the SunFlower
The sunflower became my inspiration for this line, not only because of its representation as the Kansas state flower but also because of what the sunflower symbolizes. The sunflower is rich in meaning, representing resilience, growth, and perseverance due to its ability to grow tall and strong even in adverse conditions. Much like the sunflower, the LGBTQIA+ community turns toward the light, standing together in strength and unity despite the discrimination and inequality we face. The bright, bold petals reflect the vibrant diversity within our own community, while their growth in groups reminds us of the power of chosen family. To me, the sunflower is more than just a Kansas icon—it’s a proud emblem of our queer love, courage, and unapologetic authenticity.
