Justice Horn, the 25-year-old activist behind some of Kansas City’s groundbreaking LGBTQ achievements, resigned as chair of the city’s LGBTQ Commission this month..
Despite his decision to leave his position in KC, Horn says he plans to continue advocacy work in his hometown, just down I-70 in Blue Springs, which is still within Jackson County.
Known for his role in making KC an LGBTQ sanctuary city, helping to incorporate all-gender bathrooms at Kansas City International Airport, and pushing for stricter punishment for crimes against the LGBTQ+ community, Horn has been a driving force for change since assuming the commission chair role in 2021.
In August 2022, Horn made an unsuccessful bid to represent District 1 on the Jackson County Legislature. He lost in the Democratic primary to Manny Abarca, who went on to win the seat in the general election.
“After much thought, I’ve made the decision to move on from my role as a city commissioner and no longer call Kansas City home,” wrote Horn announcing his resignation from both his role in leadership and as a member of KC’s LGBTQ commission “I am more committed to this fight than ever before, but I want to fight the good fight in my hometown.”
Horn’s resignation signals a strategic shift in focus. Born and raised in Blue Springs, a suburb just east of Kansas City, Horn expressed his desire to bring LGBTQ advocacy efforts to Eastern Jackson County, an area lacking in protections and recognition for the community.
“I’m moving back to where my name is up at the high school, where my heart still belongs,” Horn told The Advocate. “I want to serve Eastern Jackson County, where there are no LGBTQ protections on the books, and work to enact the policies I believe in. None of these city governments have ever thought of an LGBTQ commission or recognized Pride.”
New Roles
Less than a week after stepping down from being KC’s LGBTQ Commission, Horn already has two new roles in eastern Jackson. County Executive Frank White appointed him to the Jackson County Plan Commission, which oversees development plans and hearings for Eastern Jackson County. Horn was confirmed this week as a board member of the City of Blue Springs Board of Adjustment, which hears and decides appeals in the Blue Springs development code.
Looking ahead, Horn plans to continue his activism while balancing personal pursuits, including pursuing a Master of Public Administration degree after recently completing his MBA at UMKC.
“This is an opportunity to give back to the community that made me into who I am today,” says Horn.
Although he hasn’t announced any plans to run for office in Blue Springs, based on his past experience and recent appointments, speculation is he’ll be filing for an office soon.
