“Unicorns Unite” – Through the Magic of Radio, Twin Cities Pride is Amplified

It started, as all amplified things must, small.  

It, in this instance, is communication about the behind-the-scenes, before-the-fact activity of Twin Cities Pride, that non-profit organization which, for a half-week every June, produces musical concerts, a 5K run, various block parties on various blocks, various family picnics with various families, and the Loring Park festival, replete with various vendors and various advocates.  The cherry on that hot fudge sundae of activities is, of course, the iconic Ashley Rukes Twin Cities LGBTQ+ Pride Parade, an event that by itself draws nearly 400,000 various people.

In years past, after the rainbow-colored glitter was swept off Hennepin Avenue, Twin Cities Pride would all but disappear, its ex post facto machinations building the next Pride annual event in a space as mysterious and as inaccessible as Santa’s workshop.  Whatever sound Twin Cities Pride might have been produced during this term would likely stir no one, not even a mouse.  

Just recently, all of that has changed.  

During the first half of 2023, Twin Cities Pride’s Executive Director Andi Otto, began recording minute-long radio promotional spots, written by his executive assistant, Rina Heisel, outlining the summer’s activities.  When the account executive of the station, AM950, noticed Otto’s talent for telecast, a small signal was suddenly strengthened.  

The end result is Twin Cities Pride Amplified, a weekly radio presentation that keeps track of the Pride Festival during its 360ish-day gestation.  But that isn’t all that it does—according to its website, Twin Cities Pride Amplified is “a program dedicated to all things LGBTQIA+ community, both here in the Twin Cities area, and beyond.”

“This seemed like a great opportunity, especially since Andi just launched a whole, new year-round programming initiative,” supposes Heisel whose duties as Otto’s executive assistant have transmuted into duties as hot media co-host.  “We could give listeners updates on what Twin Cities Pride was up to.”  

“I wanted to launch a podcast to help access listeners outside the ones who follow us,” Otto, the new show’s new host, adds.  “It was also way that we could talk about a lot of things and shed some light on subjects we often don’t get the platform to do.”  

That platform at first served as a diving board.  “We sort of jumped headfirst into this venture, and the team at AM950 guided us and taught us so much,” Heisel remembers.  “So far, I think every show has been a beneficial one, but our topics and conversations aren’t always easy.”

“We have battled some tough topics,” Otto concurs, “but I think in doing that we have educated folks and hopefully made a difference.”  

Difference-making is rarely easy, alas.  “I think the hardest topic for me has actually been a recurring theme that keeps rising its head: loneliness and isolation in the LGBTQ+ community,” Heisel reflects.  “It’s come up in our youth-centered episodes, adult mental health episodes—there are so many wonderful people out there just looking for friendship and a sense of belonging.”

The program itself can, to some extent, step into that breach.  “It reinforced how important it is to do this work, to create spaces and foster connections,” Heisel elaborates.  “And we need to be creative and make sure we’re creating opportunities for all ages, too.”

Because the Amplified crew discuss issues that affect the community of which they themselves are part, some topics hit close to home.  “The hardest [episode] for me was the LGB without the TQ episode,” Otto recalls, referring to Amplified’s recent exploration of the “#LGB without the T and Q” social media movement.  “As a member of the T part of that, it just adds a hurdle to what trans folks already have to battle.”

But it’s not himself about whom Otto is most concerned.  “I worry about the youth who hear that the community that is supposed to surround them is turning their backs on them,” Otto frets.  “We shouldn’t have to explain to our community the want for basic human rights.  I know that not all of our community feels this way, but it’s hard to think that even one does.”

The off-season communication of Twin Cities Pride started out small but has, thanks to the efforts of Otto and Heisel, sent echoes throughout the village they serve.  “We really want the Amplified hour to be what the LGBTQIA+ community would like it to be; whether that’s events coverage, personality pieces, current events—we can be very flexible with this program,” Heisel declares.  “And we want to hear from our listeners and encourage program ideas!” 

Listen to Twin Cities Pride Amplified at 3:00 PM every Saturday on AM950.

[email protected]
www.tcpride.org/twin-cities-pride-amplified/
www.am950radio.com/category/podcasts/tcp/