Transgender Day of Visibility is celebrated globally each year on March 31st. Since 2009, people have come together to celebrate and honor the contributions of transgender people in our society, and raise awareness of the discrimination they continue to face. We spoke with our Wedge Lyndale neighbors, and upcoming June Change Matters partner, QUEERSPACE collective, to learn more about the services they provide, why their programs are so critical, and how the Minneapolis community can observe, celebrate, and support our Transgender community as a whole.
What is QUEERSPACE collective, and what services do you provide?
QUEERSPACE collective is a Minnesota-based nonprofit dedicated to creating safe, affirming spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ (youth. We launched in 2021 as an intergenerational mentorship program connecting Queer youth and adults, and we’ve since expanded into a holistic organization offering inclusivity training, advocacy, and free youth programming through group hangouts and most recently, a dedicated Queer youth center in Minneapolis.
Our mission is to create space for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth to feel safe and empowered to be their true selves. Our youth-centered approach not only reduces isolation and suicidal ideation but also fosters belonging, resilience, and empowerment. Our vision is for all 2SLGBTQIA+ youth to have a supportive community to help them develop a strong sense of pride in who they are, where they come from, and where they want to go.
Are there key statistics that would help our readers understand the importance of your work and the audiences you serve?
Queer youth face immense challenges nationwide. A staggering 85% experience harassment at school, and The Trevor Project reports that more than 1.8 million 2SLGBTQIA+ youth ages 13-24 seriously consider suicide each year in the U.S. – with at least one attempt happening every 45 seconds.
But, hope is real. Having even one affirming adult reduces the risk of suicide for Queer youth by 40%. Despite over 5,000 mentorship programs across the U.S., fewer than 10 specifically serve 2SLGBTQIA+ youth. That’s why QUEERSPACE collective launched our 2SLGBTQIA+ mentorship program – to fill a critical gap.
Since our founding, we’ve supported over 5,800 youth and their families across the Twin Cities metro area and Saint Cloud. We’ve also trained over 120 organizations and 18,000 individuals nationwide to build more affirming, inclusive spaces. By transforming systems, not just addressing symptoms, QUEERSPACE is creating lasting change for Queer youth at every level: systemic, community, and interpersonal.
What are the best ways our Minneapolis community can observe, celebrate, and support the Transgender community as a whole?
Observe:
- Educate yourself and others by engaging with authentic depictions of Trans experiences through media, books, statistics, and history.
- Share and promote events like Trans Day of Visibility (TDOV) and Trans Day of Remembrance (TDOR).
- Build meaningful connections with Trans individuals and the broader community.
Celebrate:
- Attend events that uplift and center Trans voices.
- Amplify Trans stories, experiences, and accomplishments.
- Be vocal in your support – affirm Trans identities loudly and proudly.
Support:
- Donate your time, money, or resources to Trans-led organizations and mutual aid efforts.
- Advocate for Trans rights by supporting pro-Trans legislation and opposing anti-Trans policies.
- Speak up against misgendering, deadnaming, misinformation, and hate – both in and outside of Trans people’s presence.
- Include Trans individuals in decision-making processes, especially regarding inclusion and equity.
- Be mindful of your language and questions – respect privacy and never out someone.
- Create inclusive spaces by updating forms, documents, bathrooms, and policies to reflect all gender identities.
- Support local Trans artists by purchasing and promoting their work.
Resources:
- Straight for Equality: Trans Ally Guide
- Transgender History by Susan Stryker (book)
- The Trans List (documentary)