Twin Cities Pride

This past Sunday I had the incredible honor of helping with the Rainbow Mile Cheer Zone for the Twin Cities Marathon. I didn't know what to expect but I want to share an email I sent to all those involved: Good Morning All, It took me a minute to respond to this, as I just couldn't find the words. The outpouring of comments was, quite honestly, eye-opening. Everything from saying we legitimately helped them finish the race, thanking us from the bottom of their heart for the flag, to the trans man who was comfortable enough to lift his shirt and show his beautiful scars because he knew he was safe. I cannot tell you what this means, it brings me to tears thinking about the impact this had, so simple but yet the value was huge. I got a call yesterday from a mom running with her nonbinary kiddo who wanted to thank me because no matter how hard she tried to tell her kid that they belonged here and, in this world, what it took was seeing us there cheering them on. They cried at the end because they felt they weren't brave enough to grab a flag. She only hoped she could take all of us everywhere so that no child felt like hers. (Don't worry I am mailing them a flag) Becky and all of your team at Lululemon, I am going to admit something here, I had never even stepped foot in your store, I had a perception that it wasn't for a guy like me. After sitting back and watching you all I will tell you that you have a lifetime customer. You stood on that curb and cheered with such pride. You made sure that every runner who passed us knew that they belonged. You brought the love and the joy. I hope that Mr. McDonald knows and is incredibly proud of what part of his team did. Allison and all the rest of you at TCM, Thank you for seeing how important this is, for making it important, and for never wavering in support. You took the time in a very busy schedule to make it happen. I am beyond grateful for every one of you and yesterday I woke up with a smile and hope. Also, thank you for believing in us at TC Pride to bring this to life. To the staff at JJ Hill House, you are incredible humans. You stood there for 6 hours with us helping and cheering so loud in your colorful outfits. You welcomed us to the property with such open arms, thank you. lululemon @jjhillhouse @twincitesmarathon https://lnkd.in/gbMw6dhC

There is something about being given an award by the community you serve that just hits differently. Tonight Twin Cities Pride was awarded Nonprofit of the Year and it choked me up. My little team of 6 and my amazing volunteer staff have pour our hearts into making this organization not just a June thing but an everyday thing. We introduced year round events, launched the Rainbow Wardrobe, made a huge youth area at the festival, career fairs, and so much more. It’s been exhausting but so worth it. Thank you to those that nominated us and to the community who believes in the direction we are headed.

Most don't know what we actually do for our community at Twin Cities Pride they think we are just a big festival/party. What we actually do: *Provide resources to our community *House a gender affirming wardrobe that is free to anyone who needs it *Hold small community events for those to find community outside of June *Help run the Minnesota trans and intersex network *Provide scholarships to attend camps *Help regional prides both with money and resources *Advocate for our community *Provide an artist in residency program for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ artists giving them a platform to showcase their work *Support LGBTQ+ sports teams * Allows community groups and other non-profits the ability to use our office free of charge * Hold game nights for youth * And so much more

YOU MATTER!

Looking to support a growing need in our community? Check out our asks for the Rainbow Wardrobe!

Being a Proud Ally means speaking up when that marginalized community isn’t around to hear you!

Sometimes we just need a space to gather and feel seen. We will continue to create spaces for our LGBTQ+ and ally communities!

Are you passionate about the LGBTQ+ Community and looking for a way to volunteer your time, skills, and connections? Twin Cities Pride is looking for candidates for our Board of Directors, along with year-round volunteers. Email us with how you would like to become involved at careers@tcpride.org and we will see how we can best utilize your time and skills!

Twin Cities Pride staff taking a break after a great InterPride conference in San Diego this past week. Lots of information was shared in workshops and great networking was done, not only with other Pride organizers in the United States, but those around the world as well. We must continue to unite and create the change we need to help each and every one of us be able to live as our authentic selves.