Elevate and Amplify: Supporting Twin Cities Pride 2023
BY EMMA GEARY - MAY 31, 2023
Long Live Loring: A Neighborhood Series
In this blog series, we’ll highlight the many businesses and people breathing life into our beloved Loring Park Neighborhood. From nonprofits to the newest hot spots, we’re sharing what makes our neighborhood great all month long.
First up, we’re highlighting our new neighbor - Twin Cities Pride! After years of hosting their annual Pride festival in Loring Park, we are excited to share that the organization has moved its headquarters into the Loring Corners building, so they can share the love and support from a central location year-round.
As June quickly approaches, a vibrant atmosphere of love, acceptance, and celebration takes hold across the city. Pride festivals have long been a cherished part of summer in Minneapolis as a time when LGBTQ+ communities and their allies come together to revel in their shared identity and express their authentic selves.
While the Pride festivities undoubtedly bring a wave of joy and unity, it is crucial to recognize that the support for LGBTQ+ communities should extend far beyond the confines of a single event or specific month. The fight for equality and acceptance shouldn’t be limited to a temporary burst of enthusiasm, but instead woven into the fabric of our everyday lives.
We had the opportunity to chat with Andi Otto, Executive Director of Twin Cities Pride, to learn more about the many things in store for Pride 2023 and beyond. They shared how “going into this [Loring Corners] space made sense, and it felt like home. My goal is to make this space a hub for the LGBTQ+ community and will allow us to offer year-round programming.”
CHEERS TO PRIDE!
The mantra for this year’s Pride Celebration is Elevate and Amplify, which have been two LAB’s keywords this year to highlight local businesses and community voices. What better way to support both a small business and Twin Cities Pride than with a beverage in hand? On June 1st, Twin Cities Pride is kicking off the festivities with a unique fundraising opportunity, Cheers to Pride, which helps to raise money for their new community programming division, Rainbow Circle.
Over 50 local businesses will participate in Cheers to Pride, and it’s the perfect excuse to grab your friends and sip on a coffee or cocktail with a cause. From Spyhouse to Gai Noi, each of these establishments will donate a portion of their profits to Rainbow Circle in an effort to raise over 100k for the organization. This new area of the nonprofit will partner with local LGBTQ+ people and organizations to provide funding for programming, a place for the community to gather, and year-round education and community service programs.
PRIDE WEEKEND
Looking to partake in the Pride Festival? This year, the event is bigger than ever. Not only will there be a community-funded stage with a showcase of donor-supported performances, but the festival will expand for the first time into Parade Park near the Sculpture Garden.
Have a busy weekend ahead? The festival will now be held for a few hours on Friday evening as well–a Twin Cities Pride first! And, don’t forget the kiddos! They’ll have an area dedicated to younger children and older adults, so everyone can partake in the fun.
“We are beyond excited for this year's festival and march,” Andi says, “There are so many new things to help uplift our community from a new youth hideaway, our Silver Circle area for the 55+, an expanded pet area, and so much more.”
Close out the weekend on a high note with the Twin Cities LGBTQ+ Pride March on Sunday, June 25th. The march will be led by Dr. Angela Goepford, a leader of equitable healthcare for transgender and gender non-conforming youth at Children’s Minnesota.
HOW TO SUPPORT
No matter where you live, there are so many ways to show up for the LGBTQ+ community this month and beyond. Of course, financial support is always deeply appreciated and can help create opportunities for expansive programming and support of LGBTQ+ persons in need. Rainbow Circle will serve as a revolutionary way to offer year-round support and services to Minnesotans, and we can’t wait to see what Twin Cities Pride will do with this new platform.
Another amazing way to support Twin Cities Pride is through volunteering. No matter your time or talents, there is always a way the organization can utilize your expertise to make a difference. Even computer work or remote volunteer options are available. Or, get outside this summer and offer your time at the festival itself - an extra set of hands and a welcoming smile is always appreciated!
As the rainbow flags wave proudly above our streets during Pride month, take a moment to reflect on the vital importance of extending our support for the LGBTQ+ communities beyond the festivities, and all that they bring to our community. By joining forces, advocating for change, and standing in solidarity, we can continue to create a state that values and celebrates our diversity all year long.
Visit tcpride.org to learn more about how you can support and provide resources to those in need.
Emma Geary
Emma is a writer living in Minneapolis. When she's not checking out a new brewery with friends or blasting Taylor Swift in her car, you can find her dreaming up ideas as the Brand + Editorial Manager at LAB.
