Photo Essay: A Spotlight On Our Local LGBTQ Business Community

Text by Lucinda Pepper, Photography by Sander Kenwood

Shining light on each other, we all glow

Across the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota, LGBTQ entrepreneurs are providing goods and services, working collaboratively and lifting each other up. From accounting, arts organizations and farming to manufacturing, wellness and wholesale services, you can find LGBTQ folks meeting all sorts of needs. While every business has a different focus and consumer, together we create the unity of the commons- the Minnesota LGBTQ business community.

This project was the brainchild of Sander Kenwood, who woke up one morning with an idea of how to give back to the local LGBTQ community. Sander’s firm belief in the importance of shining light on others led to the genesis of this project, which focuses on four locally queer owned and operated organizations in the Twin Cities. He brought in a local artist and body painter, Stellar Body Art, who provided all the props and body painting featured in the photos. Sander urges you to check out these entrepreneurs and to support your local queer businesses!

Sander Kenwood Photography

Pictured: Sander Kenwood

Looking for a fun, comfortable photo session that takes into account your personality and preferences? I’ve got you! I work collaboratively, showcasing the uniqueness of every client. I offer wedding, engagement, newborn, boudoir, headshot and business photography. See my portfolio and schedule a session at SanderKenwood.com and follow me on social media: FB @SanderKenwoodPhotography, or IG @sanderkenwood.photography.

Queerly Beloved Events Co.

Pictured: McKenna Stone, Tiffany Dismuke

We are dedicated to creating unforgettable events that celebrate the LGBTQ community, including weddings. We attend to every detail and bring our passion and creativity to your special occasion. Whether you choose a small, intimate ceremony or a grand, elaborate celebration, we’ll plan a personalized reflection of your unique love story. Find us at QueerlyBelovedEvents.co and follow us on IG @queerlybeloved_eventsco.

Minnesota Deaf Queers

Pictured: Lilly S, Delaine Anderson, Steven Munsinger, Cookie Brand, Jer Loudenback, Jessalyn Akerman-Frank, Anna Dudda, Tehya Daniels

We are a community-centric organization focusing on Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing LGBTQ people. We create social opportunities and specially-focused annual events. Our work builds opportunities for awareness, education, equality and access, so that all of us have an enhanced quality of life. See what we’re up to at MnDeafQueers.org, and follow us on social media: FB @MNdeafqueers, or IG @Mndeafqueers.

Lucinda Pepper, LLC

Pictured: Lucinda Pepper

What worlds are your words building? With this guiding question, I coach unconventional leaders and cultural creatives who have bold and brilliant visions to develop clear, powerful and intentional messaging. I also write and speak about trauma healing, resilience and thriving for queer, nonbinary, trans and gender-expansive folks, and facilitate experiences on these and other topics for groups, businesses and organizations. Read on and book me at LucindaPepper.com; follow me on IG: @realmxpepper.

Twin Cities Quorum

Pictured: Shawn Wimberly, Lori Reese, Patti Powell, Rebecca Waggoner, Ron Strychar

As an LGBTQ and allied chamber of commerce, we are leaders in the business equality movement and create a conduit for economic development. We provide leadership, guidance and resources to connect, build, and strengthen a fully inclusive business community. We create visibility and business activity for all our member businesses and organizations. Join us at TwinCitiesQuorum.com, and find us on FB: @TCQuorum.