Resources Specific for Two Spirit, Transgender, and Intersex People in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Dakotas
With increased acceptance of gender diversity, more individuals are feeling safe to seek resources regarding their gender identity or intersex experience. Here are some local organizations providing crucial services for all ages.
The Family Partnership (Minneapolis, MN)
Located in the heart of the Phillips and Powderhorn neighborhoods, The Family Partnership provides culturally relevant mental health counseling to trans people of all ages and their families. Therapists work with clients to explore their identity and to develop gender goals.
https://www.thefamilypartnership.org/services/mental-health-therapies/
Transgender, Intersex, Gender-Expansive Revolutionary Resources and Support (TIGERRS, Twin Cities, MN)
TIGERRS is a group of dedicated and accomplished activities with 50+ years of combined organizing experience devoted to delivering quality, robust, and consistent direct services in Minnesota through intergenerational community and teamwork. They have two youth programs called Little TIGERRS and Teen TIGERRS. Currently, they are developing intersex care training for healthcare professionals. TIGERRS plans accessible, inclusive, and intergenerational community events like dance parties and empowerment/self-defense workshops. TIGERRS has an impressive document listing trans-friendly resources all over Minnesota that includes restaurants, clothing stores, swaps, BIPOC resources/events, hang out spaces, activism opportunities, clubs and bars, youth or family organizations, religious organizations, hair and nails, pride, legal aid, disability, insurance, homelessness, low-income, non-transitional body modification or tattoo, gyms, sports teams, home improvement, mechanics, schools, mental health, addiction, primary care, disability, and dental. TIGERRS is fiscally sponsored by Family Tree Clinic, which provides comprehensive sexual health care and education.
Transforming the Valley (Chippewa Valley, WI and virtual for all)
Transforming the Valley is only a year old and growing fast on behalf of great community need and driven support from allies. They offer weekly support meetings rotating between in-person and virtual. The most impressive service thus far is their quarterly free store events where they offer donated clothing and hygiene items for free to anyone who is trans or gender non-conforming. Offerings include make-up, purses, shoes, binders, make-up tutorials, hair cuts, on the spot tailoring, and more! Transforming the Valley is an umbrella organization under the Chippewa Valley LGBTQ intended to support their missions by offering specialized resources for the ‘T’ in LGBTQ.
www.transformingthevalley.org/events
Online Minnesota LGBTQ+ Therapists Network
The online MN LGBTQ+ Therapists’ Network has identity filters that can help individuals seeking mental health services to be matched with someone of a shared gender identity or orientation.
www.lgbttherapists.wildapricot.org
Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center
The Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center hosts a Two Spirit/Native LGBTQ+ program to create space for celebration of cultural teachings that hold Two Spirits in high regard. The goal of having this space is to challenge mainstream biases that perpetuate health disparities for Two Spirit people in particular.
Spirit on Lake GENERATIONS and Senior LinkAge Line (Minneapolis, MN)
Spirit on Lake apartments is the first housing development in Minnesota to serve primarily LGBTQ+ seniors. They also offer other services and resources for community elders through a group called GLBT Generations. According to a 2011 University of Washington study, there are over two million LGBTQ+ people older than 50 living in the United States. The researchers anticipate that number to double by 2030. With other studies reporting that our elders are unhealthier, poorer, and have smaller support networks than cisgender, heterosexual seniors, we are delighted to highlight one of very few Minnesota organizations serving trans seniors.
Minnesota Board on Aging hosts a culturally competent Senior LinkAge Phone Line. They provide resources on aging in place and caregiving as well as unbiased help understanding Medicare.
Spirit on Lake phone: 612-724-3029
Senior LinkAge Line: 1-800-333-2433
Senior LinkAge website: www.mn.gov/senior-linkage-line/
Harbor Health Initiative (Fargo-Moorhead area, MN and ND)
Harbor Health Initiative was formerly a clinic which increased access to hormone therapy via informed consent model and provision of a sliding fee scale payment option. When they opened, they were the only clinic within 150 miles offering informed consent or sliding fee services. The COVID-19 pandemic hindered their ability to host the clinic, so they shifted gears to connect patients with newer organizations offering both informed consent and sliding fee opportunities. Harbor Health determined that their efforts are now best driven toward working with healthcare organizations across North Dakota to improve this newer infrastructure instead of attempting to rebuild their own clinic. They encourage providers to offer hormone therapy, screen for dysphoria, and advance their training in LGBTQ+ cultural competency.
With the recent HB 1254 bill banning medical care for trans youth in North Dakota, Harbor Health Initiative is tracking down information for keeping trans kids safe and in good hands medically. They are currently directing youth 16+ to Minnesota Planned Parenthood for care.
Former leaders Rebel Marie and Katrina Koesterman were awarded Lavender’s Community Award last year. They currently represent the Tri-state Transgender Group. Other partner organizations include FtM Brotherhood, Red River Rainbow Seniors, and many more.
www.harborhealthinitiative.org/general-information/
Tri-state Transgender Group (North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota)
Tri-state Transgender Group builds support for transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people as a peer support group. They are a peer support group providing events and safe spaces to process personal issues, connect with others, and link to other resources. Contact them for information about upcoming events.
5100 Eden Ave, Suite 107 • Edina, MN 55436
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