Be a gem and join the conversation...
What does a supportive Twin Cities Queer and Trans Community Center look like?
UPDATE:
TUESDAY, April 24, 2018
5:30 - 7:30pm
Moon Palace Books
Community Room
3032 Minnehaha Ave
MPLS, MN 55406
Register below!
FAQ!
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Why are we having these conversations?
The Exchange has been functioning as a community space for a number of years in collaboration with Rare Productions and the Minnesota Transgender Health Coalition (MTHC).
We want to hear from community members and partners about how to strengthen and expand our services and contribution to queer and trans communities!
Who is hosting them?
The Exchange, RARE Productions, and the MTHC.
Who is facilitating these conversations?
The agencies above are working with Shor Salkas, a strategic planning consultant, to facilitate these conversations and gather input from the community.
Why "Twin Cities Queer and Trans Community Center?"
"Twin Cities Queer and Trans Community Center" is a place holder for an idea. It is not a name nor an entity right now. The Exchange has functioned as a community center by hosting support groups, youth programming, meetings, lots of different programs, and many other things. And... The Exchange is outgrowing its space and has found that this is the moment to ask some questions about "What is next?" and "If we dream big, what could a 'Twin Cities Queer and Trans Community Center' be for our communities?"
Why "Queer and Trans" and not LGBTQ?
Language in our communities is changing and shifting all the time. Again, "Queer and Trans" is a place holder until we hear from community in these conversations what resonates. For now we are using "Queer and Trans" because both terms have long been used as umbrella terms for many different understandings of sexuality, sexual orientations, genders, and gender identities. LGBTQ, however, stands for a series of only five-ish identities within our vast communities.
We want these conversations to be welcoming to people of all different sexual orientations, gender identities, races, ethnicity, abilities, religions, immigration statuses, socioeconomic status, and all other important identities. Please come as you are to contribute to this important conversation.
Will there be food?
There will be enough food for those that RSVP.
So... RSVP and make sure you mark your dietary restrictions.
Who should come?
These conversations are for anyone who identifies in queer, trans, LGBTQ communities and has something to say about expanding services in our Twin Cities communities via an Community Center model. We know that there is not one word or acronym that encompasses all identities, and want to make sure that this space welcomes community members from all parts of our communities.
These conversations are also for community partners and agencies who are working on queer and trans issues, racial justice, social justice, economic justice, arts, health and mental health, and the many other intersections.
Can I come anytime between 6:30 - 8:30?
This is not a closed conversation, so if you cannot get there for the beginning you are so welcome to join when you can. We will start the conversation with some information and grounding about intentions. Then we will have some questions and time for conversation about community needs, dreams, assets, and collaborations as it relates to a "trans and queer community center."
If you do arrive after 6:30pm we ask that you find a seat, get some snacks, and integrate into the conversation as it unfolds. If you have questions, we will have someone near the door to help get you oriented.
What about accessibility?
We want this conversation to be as accessible as possible with our limited resources. That being said, if there is something in particular that you need, please email shor (shor.salkas@gmail.com) to discuss and they will try to work with you to meet your need. Please state in your email your name, which date you would like to attend, and your need.
--Transportation: Amherst H. Wilder Foundation is located in St. Paul off University Ave about a half a block from the Green Line and numerous bus lines. Cafe Southside is located in Minneapolis on Chicago Ave 4 blocks from Lake St (Bus: 21 and many others) and has bus stop for the 5 in front of the building.
--Both buildings are wheelchair accessible.
--Both buildings have single stall, gender neutral bathrooms.
--ASL: we do not currently have ASL interpreters available, however, we would be happy to connect with folks about scheduling interpreters if you email shor (shor.salkas@gmail.com) and let us know who you prefer to work with, if anyone.
--Please refrain from wearing perfumes and colognes and such to create a more sensory and smell sensitive environment.
--Sensory toys: we will have some sensory toys and fidgets available.
--Translation: these conversations will be facilitated in English, and if English is not accessible to you please reach out with an interpreters that you work with and we will try to work with you to ensure your full participation.
**If there is anything we are missing, please do let us know!**
Contact
For information about the community conversations please contact shor salkas:
shor. salkas@gmail.com or 608-469-4042
For more information about The Exchange, MTHC, or RARE Productions, please contact Roxanne Anderson at mntransdirector@gmail.com