Co-op Pride

Minneapolis is home to a vibrant LGBTQIA+ community, starting with the original Twin Cities Pride parade steps away from our Lyndale store in Loring Park in 1972. Wedge Community Co-ops has been a thriving staple in the fabric of our community since 1974, and to us, the co-op is community. We believe in radical equality, people first, and community always. We uplift and amplify Queer voices, both of our staff, and the makers we support. Join us in celebrating Pride all year long, and reading from our staff what Pride month means to them.

What does Pride month mean to you? 

“It’s a time to celebrate the unique qualities every human has, while bringing history to the forefront and challenging stereotypes and misnomers that invade the space and create unsafe hostility.” -Andrei (they/them) 

“Visibility, protest, and fighting for love. Simply existing and showing up every day as a brown trans person is radical. Here at the co-op, we serve all communities of the Twin Cities and I’m very proud to work in an environment that provides a safe place for folks like me to be themselves.” – Chelsea (they/them) 

“A time to celebrate that we are here! A time to connect with chosen family and community. A time to give back. A time to support organizations that are fighting the good fight! Most importantly, a reminder to keep centering BIPOC queer and trans folks and protecting transgender youth who really need us right now.” – Franny (she/her)  

How do you celebrate Pride?  

“I celebrate by always taking Pride weekend off from work and truly devoting it to myself, as every queer-identifying person should. It’s about you! This could mean watching the parade, sleeping in late, focusing on a spa day, or joining up with friends and family to celebrate the joys of being unapologetically ourselves in every sense of the word.” -Andrei (they/them)  

What does the co-op principle ‘Concern for Community’ mean to you as part of the Queer community?  

“It means that I feel like I have a safe space here, am given the opportunity to voice any concerns, and be heard and seen. I think the Wedge’s ‘Concern for Community’ shows up for me as an individual, and through the non-profits we support in our Change Matters program. As someone who is keen on watching this neighborhood prosper, having a business show up and make the change they aim to commit to makes me proud.” – Andrei (they/them) 

“Creating an environment that is welcoming and inclusive. As someone in a leadership role, I hope I can be a supportive presence for queer and trans folks who work here and that they know that I see, value, and respect them. It’s always felt reassuring to me when I’ve had supervisors who were also queer, so to be in that role now feels like such a privilege.” – Franny (she/her)