This fall, ConneQT staff have enjoyed being out into the community, getting into conversation, and building relationships with incredible partners across the Twin Cities!
AARP Twin Cities and StoryCorps Present Listening OutLoud: A Celebration of LGBTQ+ Voices
AARP Minnesota and StoryCorps came together to document, preserve and amplify stories from the LGBTQ+ community. Karla Hult, an award-winning journalist and Alzheimer’s community advocate, hosted this incredible event. You can hear Karla’s conversation with our ConneQT Program Manager, Ryan Berg, on this recording starting at 33:50.
The entire event is worth a listen. Expect to hear stories of hope, resilience and love from Minnesota and across the country.
Habitat for Humanity’s Rainbow Build.
Seven community partners and more than 100 volunteers joined us for Habitat for Humanity’s ninth Rainbow Build! Ryan, ConneQT Program Manager, went to the work site to discuss LGBTQ+ youth homelessness and ConneQT as a community-based response.
Thanks to Habitat for Humanity, Minnesota Transplant Project, YouthLink, QUEERSPACE Collective, Open Arms of Minnesota, Clare Housing, and Transforming Families for your partnership! This event helped raise awareness and funds for issues involving affordable housing in the LGBTQ+ community.
Host Training
Future ConneQT hosts, an incredible panel of trainers, and ConneQT staff met for a two-day host training. The group learned about trauma, resiliency, positive youth development, anti-racism, gender equity, and more.
Children’s Theater Pride Night
Avenues for Youth proudly joined Children’s Theatre Company for their Pride Night performance of Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress. The wonderful evening will included post-show talkback featuring Avenues, Transforming Generations, Transforming Families, Family Tree, and Out for Equity.
All Gender Health Expo
We were thrilled to participate in All Gender Health 2023 with Rainbow Health. During the event, members of our ConneQT staff participated in a panel discussion with therapists from Rainbow Health. This session provided a comprehensive overview of the diverse services offered, enriched by real-life narratives and reflections on the tangible impacts these services have on youth.
Q-Quest 2023
ConneQT also tabled at Q-Quest where LGBTQI+ students from all over the state come together. Q-Quest is an event for Queer & Trans and Allied youth across Minnesota and our neighboring states. It is an opportunity for LGBTQIA2S+ youth to enjoy workshops, activities, conversation, and art with other youth in community.