Issue 654
Embracing Diversity, Fostering Change
Benjamin Rue is the Program Coordinator for The Forum on Workplace Inclusion at Augsburg University. Photo by Mike Hnida For 33 years, The Forum on Workplace Inclusion has been a proud, beloved Twin Cities institution, a learning and development organization that emphasizes the importance of fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. As…
Power Up With Gay Monday
We are all craving a little bit of normalcy right now. Maybe you are tired of feeling obligated to play a game of real-life Frogger when there are other people on the same sidewalk as you. Maybe you want to finally work from an office again. Maybe you just want to see your friends *gasp*…
From A To Zee: Are You Ready For Change?
Zaylore Stout. Photo by Terry Hastings The world is watching us. No really, the world is watching US! They may not be able to point us out on a map, but they sure as hell know a few things about Minnesota. They know that Prince is from here; they know winters are cold, and they…
Serve Our Society: Open Arms of Minnesota
Open Arms of Minnesota started amid the AIDS epidemic in 1986, and the nonprofit continues to serve individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening illnesses. Photo by Kurt Moses A nonprofit that started amidst an epidemic nearly 35 years ago once again has stepped up to help Minnesotans in need during COVID-19. Open Arms of…
Introducing ‘Jamez Sitings’
Lavender is excited to introduce a new recurring column of poetry written by Jamez L. Smith that he calls “Jamez Sitings.” A Minneapolis-based DJ, host of “Same As It Ever Was” on KRSM 98.9 FM, and poet, Jamez said that he started writing poetry when he was 12 years old. “I didn’t have anyone to…
Pride And Spirit
Reva D’Nova is a cultural and spiritual advisor, and Elder with the Minnesota Two-Spirit Society. Photo by Reva D’Nova “Native Americans just know, we get it.” Reva D’Nova, a Two-Spirit born to a Dakota mother and an Annishinabe father, is explaining the bullying experienced growing up, which often centered around Reva’s sexual identity. “I have…
Out And Allies In Athletics
Wayne Petersen. Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Wild These front-office employees of Minnesota’s biggest sports franchises are LGBTQ community members and allies, representing the rainbow community and their teams. Nothing brings Minnesotans together quite like its beloved sports teams. Which is why it isn’t too surprising that these very same teams stand for inclusion both…
Heroes at Home: Jay Martin
Jay Martin is a registered flight nurse with North Memorial in helicopter emergency medical services. Photo by Ryan Coit Although many of our amazing medical professionals and first responders at home are doing all they can to combat COVID-19 in Minnesota, the broader spread of the virus is so complex and precarious that some of…
Heroes at Home: Beth Mejia
Beth Mejia is a MRI technologist in radiological services for North Memorial Health. Photo by Mike Hnida A little over a year ago, Lavender proudly featured Beth Mejia as our 2019 Pride Edition cover star. A MRI technologist in radiological services for North Memorial Health, Mejia also serves as the national vice chair for Gay…
Heroes at Home: John Cunningham
John Cunningham is the chief of the Brooklyn Park Fire Department. Photo courtesy of the City of Brooklyn Park As the chief of the Brooklyn Park Fire Department, John Cunningham has been dedicated to a life of public safety, even way back in his middle school years. “I’ve been over on the fire service for…
