Queer As Folks
McColley Crowned St. Paul Winter Carnival Klondike Kate
Anita McColley of Minneapolis was crowned Klondike Kate of this year’s St. Paul Winter Carnival. As her partner, Sara Pecor, shared, the new royalty is an out and proud lesbian. The titleholder of the annual event in January and February is named for the original Klondike Kate, Kathleen Rockwell, a colorful figure in the Alaska Gold Rush of 1898 who had beauty and charm—plus a man who “done her wrong.”
Rainbow Health Initiative Photo Contest Under Way
In order to combat the often negative and unhealthy images of LGBTQ individuals and families portrayed in society, the 2011 Rainbow Health Initiative Photo Contest is now under way. Winning images will be used in a variety of media and marketing to portray healthy and positive LBGTQ lifestyles in Minnesota, including a feature in the June 2 Lavender Pride Edition. For more information or to submit photos, visit http//:www.rainbowhealth.org/photocontest.
MAP Executive Director Teel Announces Retirement
Minnesota AIDS Project (MAP) Executive Director Lorraine Teel has announced that she will retire in April. In 2010, she celebrated her 20th anniversary in the position. A retirement party for Teel is being planned for late March. Within the next few months, the MAP Board of Directors will hire an Interim Executive Director, who will be charged with maintaining the organization’s high level of service while a search for Teel’s successor is conducted.
2010 Minnesota Red Ribbon Ride Raised $401,370
According to the recently-concluded Minnesota Red Ribbon Ride annual audit, in 2010, the event raised $401,370, of which 79 percent was channeled to the beneficiaries. Proceeds of this year’s ride, which takes place July 14-17, will go to eight HIV/AIDS organizations: African American AIDS Task Force, The Aliveness Project, Clare Housing, Hope House of St. Croix Valley, Minnesota AIDS Project, One Heartland, Park House, and Rural AIDS Action Network. For more information, visit www.redribbonride.org.
