about
OURSTORY
The Twin Cities has a long history of spaces, physical and virtual, for queer and trans folks to gather and be in community. There have been long been conversations about a community center type spaces beyond what has existed at District 202 and, more recently, at 3405 Chicago . While the history and movement around those conversations has been varied and lived with many people and agencies, we are hoping to create a new conversation and a new to build community and community spaces that centers community voice, needs, and those most impacted by inequities and oppressions.
WHY US?
With the closing of the Exchange, the Minnesota Transgender Health Coalition’s Space Sharing program (a wonderful community space in South Minneapolis), and Cafe SouthSide... there has been a lot of wondering and energy about “What’s next?!” With all of the harmful messages in the media and from our political leaders that actively exclude LGBTQ folks and hinder our existence and ability to thrive, we need and deserve place to call home and to call our own. Minneapolis and St. Paul are thriving places for queer and trans folks to live, and our communities deserve a “Our Space,” to be reflective of our community’s voices and needs. In 2018 we conducted four community conversations centered around the question “What would a thriving queer and trans community center look like?” Over 200 community members told us that they want to see a focus on:
Health and Wellbeing
Economic Development
Arts and Culture
Leadership Development
