Executive Summary

OutFront Minnesota Community Services (“OutFront Minnesota”) was founded in August 1987 as a resource for queer and trans community members experiencing violence and hate crimes because of their identities. However, we soon saw the urgent issue of violence against LGBTQ+ communities needed to be addressed with systemic change as well as direct services. That is why, in the 1990s, we began engaging in political advocacy to fight for LGBTQ+ rights and freedoms. In 2014, we expanded again by creating an Educational Equity Department who could build safe school environments for the underserved population of LGBTQ+ youth and build young LGBTQ+ leaders.

These departments carry out a variety of activities to better the lives of LGBTQ+ Minnesotans. Our Anti-Violence Program provides a helpline, safety planning, peer counseling, advocacy, and financial assistance for LGBTQ+ victims/survivors of violence. Our education department provides training and technical support for educators, youth, and Gender & Sexuality Alliances (GSAs) to create more inclusive school environments. And our policy department provides voter education for LGBTQ+ Minnesotans and advocates for laws that protect LGBTQ+ rights, such as the ban on conversion therapy passed in 2023. OutFront Minnesota’s decades of experience and the scope of this work makes us the largest LGBTQ+ advocacy organization in Minnesota. Our mission is to build power within Minnesota’s 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and address inequities through intersectional organizing, advocacy, education, and direct support services.

OutFront Minnesota was created by LGBTQ+ community members, is represented by LGBTQ+ staff, and our work continues to be informed by community voice.

Organizations may provide budget and employee data based on this proposal or the organization as a whole. For more information on this proposal or organization, please email us.