QUEERSPACE Collective, Minneapolis Schools Celebrate Spirit Day

Spirit Day was set up to create awareness that bullying can lead to violence. In most cases, that bullying was directed to the LGBTQ youth. In many cases, the result has been the high rate of suicide among this population.

By wearing purple clothing articles, awareness becomes visible. Sometimes, it takes more than just being visible. 

On October 18, the second annual LGBTQ+ Youth Spirit Day will take place at Victory Park in North Minneapolis. The program starts at 4:00 PM and runs until 6:30 PM.

This year marks a collaboration with the Minneapolis Public School’s Out4Good, QUEERSPACE Collective, and GLAAD. They have also received an assist by the Minnesota Lynx and Timberwolves, the Human Rights Campaign’s Welcoming Schools program, PFUND, and Mossier. In addition, both the Minneapolis Public Schools and QUEERSPACE Collective have been collaborating with the Minnesota Student Outreach Coalition in promoting the event across the state. 

The program invites LGBTQ middle and high school students from across the Minneapolis Public Schools system and the Greater Twin Cities area to enjoy a program that will feature drag performances, music, art projects, food for the participants, and an opportunity to interact with community resources. Elizabeth Olson of the QUEERSPACE Collective states that “We encourage students from all districts to attend this year’s festivities!”

The performers scheduled to appear are Brian Bose, Lady C, Tank Top-Off, and DJ Chico Chi.

Olson explains that their main goal for Spirit Day “was to create a space for LGBTQ+ youth to come together in community and celebrate the joys of being a queer youth.”

“With the rise of anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-trans legislation across our country,” adds Nicki Hangsleben, QUEERSPACE Collective Executive Director and Founder, “there is a growing need for queer and trans youth to feel seen, honored and celebrated. It’s a great privilege to collaborate with Minneapolis Public Schools and other youth serving organizations, to host this amazing event in North Minneapolis, where we can uplift LGBTQ+ youth and celebrate the beauty and diversity they bring to our communities.”  

On Spirit Day, everyone is encouraged to not just wear a purple piece of clothing to show their support towards these efforts to eliminate bullying against LGBTQ youth. You are also encouraged to do what you can to support organizations and efforts towards the goals of making our community safe from any form of harm against us. That includes the organizations who are putting on this great event in North Minneapolis on October 18.