Queer As Folks

Ann DeGroot Leaves OutFront Minnesota

Ann DeGroot, Executive Director of OutFront Minnesota since 1987, has resigned, citing personal reasons. Her last day was February 8. She was one of the founders of the organization, formerly called the Gay and Lesbian Community Action Council.

In a letter on an OutFront Minnesota E-News, DeGroot wrote, “It has been a very good 21 years for me. I am one of the fortunate few people who have had the opportunity to spend a chunk of my professional life contributing to something that I care very deeply about. And I have been able to do that work in Minnesota, where real progress is made.”

OutFront Minnesota’s board of directors presently is in the process of selecting an Interim Executive Director for the organization.

Passing
Damon Nelson
1960-2008

Damon Nelson, 47, died peacefully February 7 at his beloved home in Minneapolis, surrounded by loved ones, following a brief and sudden illness.

Born December 11, 1960, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Nelson graduated from high school there. He earned a degree in English Literature from the University of Minnesota.

Nelson was a realtor with Coldwell Banker Burnet in Minneapolis. He also worked as a massage therapist.

As a young man, Nelson performed with the Children’s Theatre and the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. His love for theater arts and travel took him around the country performing with various groups, but he returned to Minneapolis from California in 2000.

Nelson fought passionately for causes he believed in. He was a fund-raiser and activist for the DFL Party, as well as a devoted volunteer and advocate for the Whittier Alliance.

A great support to many, Nelson was respected, admired, and loved by all who knew him. His beautiful smile and warm sense of humor remained with him through his final days. He will be sadly missed, but never forgotten.

Nelson is survived by his partner and friend, John Moore; mother, Maxine Nelson; sisters, Linda Koeller, Lana Smithart, Robyn Tanke, and Rhonda Beeskau; friend, Bill W.; and many more family members and friends.

Memorials may be directed to the DFL Party, Narcotics Anonymous, or charity of choice.