Queer As Folks

U of M Lavender Celebration and Awards Ceremony Honors Graduates

The University of Minnesota’s Queer Student Cultural Center and Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Ally (GLBTA) Programs Office held their annual Lavender Celebration and Awards Ceremony on May 6 at Coffman Union, It honored the accomplishments of GLBT and ally students, faculty, staff, and community members across the U of M campuses statewide. To be included, graduating GLBTA students presented their names to the GLBTA Programs Office prior to the ceremony. Held each spring, the event recognizes individuals who have stood proud as part of the GLBTA community.

Minnesota Trans Health & Wellness Conference Provides Information

Dubbed The Great Minnesota (Trans) Get-Together, the Minnesota Trans Health & Wellness Conference took place May 14-15 at the Metropolitan State University St. Paul Campus. The Minnesota Transgender Health Coalition organized the two-day event. May 14 was Provide Day, when health professionals were able to get more information on the ever-expanding world of transgender health. May 15 was Community Day, when everyone was welcomed to learn more about transgender health and wellness. The keynote speaker was Yosenio Lewis. Some of the festive activities included music, puppets, and a drag show.

St. Paul City Council Passes Resolution Opposing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell

On May 26, the St. Paul City Council approved a resolution opposing the federal Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy that discriminates against GLBT military service members. OutFront Minnesota Executive Director Amy Johnson said, “Overwhelmingly, Americans recognize the absurdity of expelling capable soldiers while major military operations are under way around the world, and the cost to taxpayers of discharging soldiers and others they themselves have paid to train. It’s conversations like these which need to move from city halls to the halls of Congress, and we applaud St. Paul’s support for keeping that discussion alive.”