Configuring RS232 on STM32 P103

Hi! I’m trying to configure the USART on this board to transmit through an RS232 connection. As I am plugging directly in, I need to set the RTS signal. I have the RTS pin (PA1) configured as a GPIO using push pull. I then set the pin in my code. The RTS pin is physically present on the board in two places - 1. as a GPIO pin near the prototype area. 2. as the RTS signal before it goes into the RS232.

My problem is that the GPIO pin sets (logic 1) like it should but the RS232 RTS signal does not set.

Also I am aware that an RTS signal output is inverted. Thanks in advance for any help!