Twin Cities Pride Amplified

Black background with 3 polaroids, one that has a picture of a woman in front of a Pride flag and says "co-host Rina Heisel" and one of a man in front of a Pride flag that says "Co-Host Andi Otto" The middle polaroid says "Twin Cities Pride Amplified"

Twin Cities Pride Amplified is a program dedicated to all things LGBTQIA+ community, both here in the Twin Cities area, and beyond. Hosted by TC Pride’s Executive Director Andi Otto and Executive Assistant Rina Heisel, no topic is off limits as we discuss queer rights, culture, health, and events taking place around the metro area. Pride is more than just a weekend in June; the LGBTQIA+ community deserves celebration, elevation, and support all year, so tune in to stay up-to-date on the latest community and TC Pride news. Allies are always encouraged to tune in!

Latest Episodes:

Join us as we get to know Julie Daffyd, a legend in the Twin Cities LGBTQ+ communityJulie not only attended the very first Pride here in Minnesota, but she has also been a long-time volunteer. Julie is also a Minnesota transgender pioneer and will share a bit about that experience as well. Be sure to join us for this amazing conversation! 

Join us as we talk to Suzanne Blum Grundyson and Eric Cottrell from Stonewall Sports Twin Cities. We’ll talk about what Stonewall Sports has been up to, like their tournament in the Twin Cities, and how to get involved even if you have never played a sport before.  And why staying active and social is so vital in our community.

 

Join us as we talk to Anne Sutkowi-Hemstreet from the youth mentorship organization, QUEERSPACE Collective. We’ll talk about the work they are doing, all the different ways they are creating spaces for our youth, and of course – how you can get involved.

https://www.queerspacecollective.org/

On this episode of Twin Cities Pride Amplified, hosts Andi and Rina discuss a difficult topic: The #LGBwithouttheT&Q social media movement.

Pride flag background with the Twin Cities Pride Amplified logo, photo of Nell Tryst in her at home art studio, "Episode 111 Conversation with TC Pride Artist-in-Residence Nell Tryst (Tryst Trigger Artworks)"

Join us we get to know Nell Tryst, artist and friend of Twin Cities Pride. We’re going to talk about Nell’s artwork, her distinct style and inspiration, how you can find your art community, and the Artists-in-Residency Program offered by Twin Cities Pride.   

Pride flag background with the Twin Cities Pride Amplified logo, photo of Michelle Gunderson walking in Pride Parade, "Episode 110 Volunteer with intention: Michelle Gunderson"

Join us as we talk to one of our friends and long-time volunteers here at Twin Cities Pride, Michelle Gunderson! We’ll discuss how Michelle got involved in volunteering 15 years ago, how it has impacted her, and get some great advice on how to be a supportive ally  

Interested in volunteering for the 2024 Pride Festival? Fill out this form.

Pride flag background with the Twin Cities Pride Amplified logo, photo of Christopher Straub, "Episode 108 Mental Health Care & LGBTQ+ youth - with Reclaim Executive Director Ryan Fouts"

In this episode we talk about LGBTQ+ youth and mental health care in the community. Ryan Fouts, Executive Director of Reclaim, will join us as we talk about everything from the special challenges youth are facing, ideas for self-care, to how seek out the right care for you or a loved one. 

Pride flag background with the Twin Cities Pride Amplified logo, photo of Christopher Straub, "Episode 108 Mental Health Care & the LGBTQ+ Community - with guest Becky McNattin"

Join us as we talk about mental health awareness and care in the LGBTQ+ community with Becky McNattin, the owner and president of Becoming Together Therapy and Wellness Collective. We’ll talk about everything from self-care, to how seek out the right care for you or a loved one. 

Pride flag background with the Twin Cities Pride Amplified logo, photo of Christopher Straub, "Episode 107 Conversation with Children's Author Christopher Straub"

Join us for a lively conversation as we get to know Children’s Author, illustrator, designer, and Minnesota native—Christopher Straub! We’ll talk to Christopher about how became interested in the world of children’s publishing, his creative process, and of course we’ll visit about his time as a contestant on Project Runway!  

Pride flag background with the Twin Cities Pride Amplified logo, photo of Hannah Edwards, "Episode 106 Conversation with Hannah Edwards, Executive Director of Transforming Families"

Join us as we visit with Hannah Edwards, the executive director of Transforming Families. We will discuss the mission of Transforming Families, how it works with individual families, and the huge impact the organization is making on the community, and Hannah’s personal connection to the org. We’ll also talk about Transforming Families is evolving due to the recent passage of the Minnesota Trans Refuge bill. 

Transforming Families Website

Pride flag background with the Twin Cities Pride Amplified logo, photo of Rox Anderson, "Episode 105

On this episode, join us as we talk to Rox Anderson, producer of the Twin Cities Pride – Power to People stage. Rox is also Executive Director of the Our Space project: a mission to create a queer community center, right here in the Twin Cities area. 

OurSpace Website

Pride flag background with the Twin Cities Pride Amplified logo, photo of Zaylore Stoute, "Episode 104 Conversation with Zaylore Stout, Author, Activist, & Attorney"

February is Black History Month, we thought this would be the perfect program to introduce you all to one of our favorite Authors/Activists/Attorneys: Zaylore Stout. A fierce advocate for LGBTQIA+ issues, Zaylore has represented HIV+ and transgender employees who were discriminated against at work. He also works with employers to help them foster inclusive workplaces on a proactive basis. Zaylore’s book, OUR GAY HISTORY IN 50 STATES, has had multiple printings and Zaylore has another book on the way. 

Purchase “Our Gay History in Fifty States” by Zaylore Stout here.

Pride flag background with the Twin Cities Pride Amplified logo, photo of Kelsey Alto, "Episode 103 Conversation with Kelsey Alto, Director of Programming for TC Pride"

This week hosts Andi Otto and Rina Heisel are joined by Kelsey Alto, Programming Director for Twin Cities Pride! We’ll talk about the expansion of outreach events, why it’s necessary to expand Pride into a 365-days a year celebration, and Kelsey will share the details on some of our upcoming events. We’ll also chat about Rainbow Circle, the community programming division of Twin Cities Pride, and how you can contribute to the effort of building a strong LGBTQ+ community.  

Become a Rainbow Circle Member here!

Pride flag background with the Twin Cities Pride Amplified logo, photo of Kat Rohn, "Episode 102 Conversation with Kat Rohn, Executive Director of OutFront"

With the Minnesota Legislative session just a few weeks away, we thought it’s the perfect time to talk to Kat Rohn, Executive Director of OutFront Minnesota, one of the state’s most recognizable LGBTQIA+ advocacy organizations. Learn what to watch for this session and how you can get involved. 

OutFront Minnesota Website

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