Lavender Magazine 754

R A T HALL S E H C m u s i c a l ex p r e s s i o n

Rovation O T inn c i A S U M M E R a r ti s t cult

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July 19–Aug 10

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Dive into one of music’s most transformative decades—the Roaring Twenties.

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Pianist and Creative Partner Jon Kimura Parker performs works by Ravel and Gershwin, two prolific composers inspired by jazz.

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Hear works written for ballets and operas that illustrate jazz’s enduring influence on orchestral music.

Enjoy An American in Paris, the 1951 film inspired by Gershwin’s symphonic poem—with the score performed live.

JUL 19–20

BEETHOVEN SYMPHONY NO. 4

JUL 26

PARKER PL AYS RAVEL

AUG 1

GRAND PIANO SPECTACUL AR

AUG 2

PARKER PL AYS GERSHWIN

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UPTOWN NIGHTS WITH BYRON STRIPLING

AUG 9–10

AN AMERICAN IN PARIS FILM WITH ORCHESTRA

Make your summer plans now!

Tickets start at $29.

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All artists, programs, dates and prices subject to change. PHOTO Josh Kohanek. The Movies & Music series is presented by

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L E T’S F I N D OUR PLACE IN THE SUN. Show off your true colors in St. Pete/Clearwater. Home to America’s Best Beaches, gayborhoods like the Grand Central District, the super LGBTQ-friendly town of Gulfport and St. Pete Pride, Florida’s largest pride festival. Let’s shine.

CONTENTS ISSUE 754 April 18-May 1, 2024

The Summer Preview Issue 18 Daring to Doodle: Keith Haring's Lasting Impact On Art, Activism, and The AIDS Crisis 20 2024 Summer What To Do 24 Empowerment Through Your Wardrobe 28 “Confessions” and a GLAAD award in the “Constellations” for Artist Jade LeMac 30 A Journey With TC Lesbian Life While Embracing the Colors of Community

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28 OUR LAVENDER

8 From the Editor 9 A Word in Edgewise

OUR SCENE

10 Eat The Menu: Alma Mater Threat: Play and Politics 14 T hreat: Play and Politics 16 What You Can Expect At This Year's St. Paul Art Crawl

OUR RESOURCES

32 Community Connection 33 The Network

OUR VOICES

34 Bad Gay: Episode 10

ON THE COVER

Nancy Dilts. Photo by Angela Knox of The Divine Group 28: Photo by Zachary Vague, 10: Photo by Mike Hnida, 24: Photo by Angela Knox of The Divine Group, 30: Photo courtesy of Angie Bors

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EDITORIAL Relational Financial Planning

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Volume 29, Issue 754 • April 18-May 1, 2024

Securities and investment advisory services offered through qualified registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC. Roya, LLC is not a subsidiary or affiliate of MML Investors Services, LLC, or its affiliated companies.

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Managing Editor Randy Stern 612-461-8723 Editorial Assistant Linda Raines 612-436-4660 Editor Emeritus Ethan Boatner Editorial Associate George Holdgrafer Contributors Lakey Bridge, Buer Carlie, Natasha DeLion, Alyssa Homeier, Terrance Griep, Elise Maren, Jen PeeblesHampton, Linda Raines, Gabrielle Reeder, Alexander Reed, Gabrielle Reeder, Madison Roth, Jamez L. Smith, Susan Swavely, Carla Waldemar, Todd P. Walker, Emma Walytka, Spencer White

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Entire contents copyright 2024. All rights reserved. Publication of the name or photograph of any person, organization, or business in this magazine does not reflect upon one’s sexual orientation whatsoever. Lavender® Magazine reserves the right to refuse any advertising. This issue of Lavender® Magazine is available free of charge during the time period published on the cover. Pickup at one of our distribution sites is limited to one copy per person.

OUR LAVENDER | FROM THE EDITOR

It’s Summer Already?

BY RANDY STERN

It’s April, and we’re already talking about the summer.

Yes, the summer. A time of the year where we take advantage of the warmest temperatures.

About soaking up the sun. About wearing shorts day and night. And to protect yourself from those pesky mosquitoes that is our state insect.

The upside of summer is the opportunity to take advantage of the many things this region has to offer. All in the daylight hours. Of course, those daylight hours extend well into the evening.

Summer also means air-conditioned places to experience art, music, the theatre, and great restaurants. You can do that outdoors, if you like.

There’s also festivals and fairs to attend.

Sporting events – including Pride Nights at your favorite sports teams. Not to mention, the 40-plus Pride events to be held across the region starting next month.

We also need to remind ourselves that summer is about celebrating – even when we’re going between venues or just relaxing at home.

There are new films coming out – preferably the “blockbuster” big budget flicks. New music to listen to. New people to meet. Maybe some of your Photo courtesy of BigStock/scandamerican

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long-lost friends or family members might show up in town?

This is what we do every year. We revel in the extended daylight. Encouraged by warm air to do something that’s not on your list of “what to do’s.”

What is on your summer to-do list?

We compiled a guide in this issue that help you with that. It’s just scratching the surface, because there’s so much more that we could include in it.

It could also be the year your patronage of the arts will come through. The Walker Art Center’s

Keith Haring exhibition is an important one as it takes us back to an era where we faced our greatest challenges. The Walker space is ripe to fully realize the magnitude of Haring’s impact on our culture.

Plus, we offer a look into this year’s Saint Paul Art Crawl and a major performance by TU Dance. Obviously there’s a lot more we could feature.

You could also connect with our community.

June and Pride are just single entries on the calendar. We’re here all year round!

What will make your summer a fun one to enjoy?

There is always new music, film, and so forth.

Maybe get that new outfit for that summer vacation you have planned after Pride. There’s plenty of inspiration to soak up, as you let the sun shine down upon you.

Welcome to summer 2024! Keep reading to find out our thoughts on this year’s upcoming season.

As for dealing with mosquitoes, I wish I could help you. Perhaps a good spray that smells good?

Never mind…have a good summer! 

OUR LAVENDER | A WORD IN EDGEWISE

An Ode To Summer

BY E.B. BOATNER

As I begin to pen my Ode to Summer, snow is pelting down, gray skies monochroming my world. Summer seems a distant dream. Summer… I reminisce–seasons of sun, relaxation, and travel. And Heat. Lots and lots of Heat these days, from Sol above and Humanity in droves below, roller bags clattering over quaint, cobbled roadways…

I stop short of calculating the sum it took to be There last trip. I use a generic “There,” to not cast plagues on houses, nor criticize others’ climates, but to consider the geometric escalation in throngs and costs since my first teen travels in 1959. (I see you, rolling your eyes, muttering, “Since Wilbur and Orville”…) But, as Lili von Shtüpp attested, “Oh, it’s twue!”

Today, catching glimpses of the Rijksmuseum’s vast “Night Watch” through a thicket of raised iPhones on the crowd’s edge, Rembrandt’s mural–on which he originally painted every member of Captain Frans Banninck Cocq’s Civic Guardsmen (and their dog), that masterpiece dwindles to the size of da Vinici’s modest portrait La Gioconda, currently down south in the Louvre. In full disclosure, I haven’t visited that

lady for several decades, but I’ll wager viewing from the edge of her iPhone-wielding throng, she’d yield the eye-acreage of a smiling Forever postage stamp.

What with Covid’s interruption and the passage of time and circumstances, I’ve not ventured far afield for a while–nor will I this summer. I’ve decided I’ll have a try at what I’ve heard called, “Getting in shape.” Being three-dimensional, I do have a shape, but current (unasked) opinions bandy about, “Tapioca,” “Mousse,” “Crème Brulée,” and “Flan.” No; no longer. I aim to lap “Snack Pack” to achieve… Well, I haven’t the precise word, but something adjectivally suggesting more “Power” than “Pudding.”

To that end, I’ve joined a nearby wellness center, closer than “There,” more compatible with my age and insurance. There are exercise rooms where lurking mechanical adversaries await, but there are also Lap and Therapy pools where one may swim, walk, sit in a whirlpool, or, under medical care, receive water therapy.

For the same Covid reasons (plus more) I’d not been in a pool for years, but I found, like riding a bicycle, one doesn’t forget staying afloat. A

splash, a thrash, and I was gliding along, liquid warmth calming even the recalcitrant left knee.

The pool-length window reminded me as I glided alongside, of Dr. Qing Li’s Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness and I realized out there was a stand of trees under an open sky, the view and the water melding together. What had begun as exercise morphed into a soothing experience summoning thoughts of change. How those trees would soon leaf out, how I might also change as Nature cycled beyond the window. I vowed to return, soon, but Nature had other plans. Snows came.

And came again.

One must make allowances at home as with travel. What summer plans have you? Far-flung, or closer to home? If what you desire isn’t doable–health, finances, world/climate unrest– how close a match can you find in this land of 10,000 lakes, parks, paths and hills? Your own back yard? Can’t shoot the Taj this year? Go Macro–see how many different butterflies visit your yard, what creatures patrol at night? Adventure–and Nature–encircle you; just look. 

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OUR SCENE | EAT THE MENU

Alma Mater

BY CARLA WALDEMAR

This month’s dining episode comes to you from San Francisco. Well, not really, but that’s what it feels like supping at Restaurant Alma, with its jeans-clad servers and customers alike, bonding in a comfy, low-key but classy setting over a seasonal prix-fixe menu ($95). On it, the star of each course is bolstered by sidekicks that buff and polish the main ingredient with their supporting presence. No trumpets, no spotlight—that would so L.A., and this is San Francisco!—simply a market-basket cast in harmony with the bold name on the marquee—er, menu.

Pan-Seared Pork Tenderloin, Alpaco Chocolate Torte. Photos by Mike Hnida

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Photo courtesy of Preston Meneses

Continued on page 12

OUR SCENE | EAT THE MENU

As I settle into a window seat and watch the #6 bus lumber by, here come the evening’s antipasti, straight from the cocktail party circuit—twin dishes of brown sugar-spiked almonds and shiny Greek olives clad in threads of orange zest. A bread plate finds its way to the table, along with plentiful Hope butter to dress it. Next aboard, a trio of palate-prepping nibbles, leading off with a domino of Dumbarton Blue English-style Cheddar. It’s as tasty as it sounds, but accompanied by a crisp pepita-peppercorn brittle, which seems like the last piece in Grandma’s Fanny Farmer box—which makes for an ungainly pairing.

Also appearing on this vast, white plate (odd choice for three wee bites) is a silky-sweet slab of tuna crudo that goes down well, assisted by a segment of pink grapefruit as counterpoint, along with a spike of smoked roe and garlic foam. Star of the starters is a mini-dish of warm carrot flan that made my heart melt (seconded by my server as her favorite, too).

Two starter courses next take the stage. First, a rich, chestnut-toned tetsukabuto squash soup—a puree in which bob a couple of chunks of the veggie, abetted by bone marrow, saffron, and crispmeaty golden beet chips—hearty and mellow without heaviness. Then a saucer of celery-like braised salsify, partnered with caramelized parsnip, smoked ricotta and a zippy sweet-sour golden raisin mostarda, all underscored with wisps of endive and a thick garlic cream: good, but more meh than memorable.

The trio of main courses appear simultaneously and prove to be the highlight of the evening.

First, a sweet, tender segment of pork tenderloin consorting with spinach, olive salt and a smooth confit of fingerlings—a swell, simply- and well-conceived presentation. It’s followed by a perfectly timed square of silvery halibut given a Minnesota flair via bits of Honeycrisp apples and a supple cider cream, in which slither a couple of mussels that add pop to the dish. Finally, a farro risotto made ruddy with beets, then livened with crisped shiitakes and mushroom broth, plus visits of Parmesan and black truffle—the who-knew winner of this round.

The timing of the feast is as fast or leisurely as you, the guest, dictate: and now, it’s time for dessert. This evening, the finale is a petite chocolate torte. Built on a light chiffon cake base, the chocolate is baptized in a sarsaparilla (think: root beer) anglaise ands a dust of cocoa crumbs. As I sip the last of my sorghum Old Fashioned ($13), my sweet server delivers a parting gift from the kitchen Sauteed Alaskan Halibut. Dunbarton Blue English-Style Cheddar, warm Carrot Flan with French masala, Hiramasa Crudo with ruby grapefruit, smoked roe, garlic toum. Braised Salsify. Sorghum Old Fashioned. Panda Power.

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(which, by happy chance, seems run by a cadre of women): a bag hiding a nugget of shortbread and a truffle for the road. Oh, and a copy of the menu, signed by each and every member of sweet Alma’s staff. Now you know you’re not in San Francisco: That’s Minnesota Nice!  Alma Open Thurs.-Sun 528 University Ave. SE, Minneapolis (612) 379-4909 www.almampls.com

OUR SCENE | THE ARTS

THREAT

Play and Politics

BY BUER CARLIE

THREAT, choreographed by Yusha-Marie Soranzo in collaboration with TU Dance will be showing for two nights only this April at The O’Shaughessy in Saint Paul.

This concert dance theater work examines how hierarchies shape both individuals and communities and is set to a unique score which utilizes orchestral strings, djembe drums, and soundbites from voices like Malcolm X, Jamaica Kincaid, and Donald Trump.

Yusha-Marie Soranzo has a long history with TU Dance and, by extension, Toni Pierce-Sands. “If you told me when I first met Tony Pierce-Sands that I would be here with her today, I would never have imagined,” says Soranzo.

Soranzo was a student – still a teenager – when she first met Pierce-Sands at the Dance Theater of Harlem Summer Program. Soranzo later came to TU Dance as a guest artist and THREAT marks her second time choreographing for TU. “I’ve been nurtured to this point,” Soranzo says. “I feel grateful in terms of Toni’s recognition of the chapters of an artist and the encouragement at each chapter. It’s wonderful to be back. It’s a full, miraculous circle.”

“We are very excited to have Yusha back to create THREAT, her second work for TU Dance, which she has been envisioning and researching for a few years,” says Toni Pierce-Sands, Founder and Artistic Director of TU Dance.

THREAT was originally commissioned in 2020 and – like many artistic projects and concerts of that time – was shelved due to COVID-19.

“I stored away this piece of music until I came back last year,” says Sorzano. “It’s a work that’s been in development since 2019.” THREAT was born out of the political turmoil of the late twenty-tens. “The origin of the piece started with my response to the conflict in the country, my recognition of my fear, and my socialization to be a woman that stays in her place. [THREAT explores] how to break out of that and how to create a piece of work that makes people interrogate that.”

“What are the sounds that we hear? I go everywhere from the European opera in this work to djembe drums. It lives everywhere because I grew Photo by Canaan Mattson

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up everywhere.” In addition to the music there are a wide variety of spoken word soundbites used throughout THREAT. “They came specifically from the sounds I heard growing up,” Sorzano explains. “Fidel came from my upbringing in Miami, Malcolm came from my learning – my socialization – in America, and Trump because he’s everywhere.”

She pauses for a moment before confessing that she considered not including Trump, wondering if it might be “too soon”. “How can it be too soon?,” she asked herself. “It’s relevant. It’s present. As the visual artist Charles White says, ‘We should make art that reflects the sign of the times.’”

Although I could not find that exact quote from Charles White (let’s blame it on the ever-decreasing functionality of Google), I did find several quotes of his that affirm that idea and push it even further, including this one, which is referenced on MoMA’s artist page about Charles White: “Art must be an integral part of the struggle. It can’t simply mirror what’s taking place…It must ally itself with the forces of liberation.”

“Back in about 2018 I was starting to recognize how I was censoring myself for fear of conflict and specifically how that conflict would impact my livelihood,” she explains, “[That realization] prompted a self-interrogation: Why do I feel safer in holding my truth until I am in a safe space?” THREAT emerged during this process of self-interrogation and has continued to grow as Sorzano develops the piece with the dancers at TU. “It’s changing still,” Sorzano explains. “Everyone who touches the work changes it.”

Considering the amount of time and thought Sorzano had put into THREAT, her flexibility in relation to the material is impressive. That flexibility speaks to her desire to create space for other artists not only to safely navigate politically charged topics but also to access the same opportunity for creative growth that she experienced through TU. “Because of the identities of the dancers and the journeys they’ve taken I’m not rigid in terms of what the work has to be,” Sorzano explains. “The work has to interact with the people in the room to land with the audience.”

Key to THREAT is play. “The heart of all art is this instinctual pull to play,” says Sorzano. “Play always comes first.” Perhaps one of the places where this feeling of play is most pronounced is Girl, which is based on Jamaica Kincaid’s short story by the same name. The story is a long-winded list of instructions, some practical, others less so, for a young girl. “It’s just so silly the rules that this mother has for this child and then to see this girl trying to complete them in the stages of growing up,” says Soranzo. “The dancers reconnect to the play that’s needed to tell this story… It’s hilarious because it’s almost like watching a giraffe learn to walk.”

While they dig into the play that is so integral to this work, Soranzo and the dancers of TU continue to have meaningful revelations around the subjects their dance explores. “We have an extraordinary non-binary artist performing Girl. It is interesting to go on this journey with this dancer and breaking down the gender roles that are pushed on us,” says Soranzo. “When we encourage other voices to enter the room, what are the burdens that we can put down?”

These revelations, along with the overall subjects of the work, which deals with authority, obedience, and rebellion, are sure to give audiences an unforgettable experience. Soranzo’s hope is that the material is both challenging and unifying. “Theater and movies are the most obviously suited to speak to [political and social] things,” says Soranzo, but “dance is uniquely suited because dance is loved by all and done by all…At a time when we are so separate dance as an art form [can]… pull us together.”

THREAT is a limited time concert dance theater work that will be captivating, visually stunning, and thought-provoking. I’ll leave the invitation in Soranzo’s own words: “Come to play, to laugh, to cry. Come to be reflected.”

Tickets are $40 with discounts for students and seniors and can be purchased directly through The O’Shaughessy theater online or by phone using the resources listed below. 

THREAT April 26 & 27, 2024 | 7:30pm The O’Shaughnessy Theatre, St. Catherine’s University, St. Paul www.oshag.stkate.edu/events (651) 690-6700

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OUR SCENE | THE ARTS

What You Can Expect at This Year’s St. Paul Art Crawl

BY ALYSSA HOMEIER

In large populations, such as the Twin Cities, it can sometimes be difficult for people to feel connected with one another. Mariusz Kujawski, volunteer and vice president of the St. Paul Art Collective, recognizes the importance of maintaining a sense of community, especially across a large variety of people. As such, he and other volunteers behind the collective, host events such as the St. Paul Art Crawl.

Beginning April 12th and running every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until the 28th, the St. Paul Art Crawl is a volunteer run event that showcases close to 40 different galleries and features over 350 artists local to the Twin Cities area. Whether you are an artist yourself, or simply enjoy spectating the unique and beautiful artwork of others, the St. Paul Art Crawl has you covered.

The St. Paul Art Collective began in 1977 with the goal of building a community immersed and educated in local art. Volunteers worked to es-

tablish a system of connecting artists with venues. Since these beginnings, the collective has continued to achieve their goal year after year.

Though the heart of the event has stayed the same, the collective is always finding new ways to connect people through art. For example, this year’s crawl will feature more dance classes for people to immerse themselves in. The St. Paul Art Crawl is a multicultural, multi artform hotspot where no individual or artistic medium is left out.

“Why we crawl? For spectators or visitors who are looking for a place to see, not only visual art, but also performance, interactive art, experimental art. Spend a weekend with us, and we will bring inspiration to you and will give you the opportunity to hang out with your friends and connect in a way that art only can connect people,” Kujawski said.

Because of the connective power of art, everyone of different backgrounds, cultures, and ages can enjoy what the St. Paul Art Crawl has to offer. What’s more, each weekend offers unique and interesting events as well as features different local artists. This means that one can go to the crawl every weekend and find something new to do or view each visit.

The St. Paul Art Crawl is also a great event to attend to familiarize oneself with the city. The event is set up so that people can meet new artists as well as explore different parts of St. Paul.

St. Paul Art Crawl artwork. Tom Reynen @ Dow Art Gallery & Framing. (Opposite Page) Kassidy Renee @ Northern Light Art Studio. Photo by Kassidy Renee Paige

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“We have three different weekends where we spotlight and feature different districts,”…“I think that it’s so beautiful to help the city be with art for a week,” Kujawski said.

Come to one event or go to many to take part in a welcoming and safe community for all. There is something for anyone and everyone to do or see, and because of this, everyone can be united through art. Some of the specific events one can look forward to include the following: • (Neo)Muralismos de México- Twin Cities-based dancers performing Mexica dance, Harriet Island Regional Park, St. Paul | 04/13/2024, 04/14/2024 • Wet Paint- Handbound sketchbook two ways | St. Paul | 04/13/2024 • Mariusz Kujawski- cha-cha class, Schmidt Artist Lofts , St.Paul | 04/20/2024 • Erta Ale Ethiopian- Teklemariam Zewde visual artist | 308 Prince St, Saint Paul | 04/26/2024-04/28/2024 • Kalpulli Huitzillin de MN- Indigenous Mexica Culture preservation workshop | Location TBD, St. Paul | 04/28/2024 If you are interested in being more involved in the St. Paul Art Crawl, there are a few different paths you can take. Kujawski explains the many ways in which one can participate.

“If people would like to know a little bit more about the crawl and see the map, and just look at the galleries beforehand, and look at the rec sites you can go to our website,”Kujawski said.

On the website there are also options to join as a monthly member where you can donate a small amount to the collective. You can also choose to join as a nonprofit and share ideas with the possibility of future collaboration. Any artists or galleries are also encouraged to join via the website, Kujawski shares.

“We send out all the galleries and places and art spaces to artists if they need the space. Any place if they would like to feature artists, we then provide them with a list of artists that they need,” Kujawski said.

The St. Paul Art Crawl connects artists and galleries, locals and foreigners, anyone and everyone through the magic of art. To take part in the Twin Cities community while also learning something new or seeing something beautiful, consider stopping on one or all of the weekends in April to the St. Paul Art Crawl. For more information feel free to visit their website: www.stpaulartcollective.org 

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OUR SCENE | SUMMER PREVIEW

Daring to Doodle

Keith Haring’s Lasting Impact On Art, Activism, and The AIDS Crisis

BY SUSAN SWAVELY

A truly breathtaking exhibit is coming to the Walker Art Center that will delight and move Minnesotans, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community. From April 27th to September 8th, 2024, the Walker will display over 100 works by legendary artist Keith Haring in an exhibition titled ‘Keith Haring: Art is for Everybody.’

larity. Engberg explains, “By the mid 1980s Haring was an art world star with major gallery and institutional exhibitions in the US and abroad. He worked across media, in painting, drawing, sculpture, and video. Haring continued to work in the subways, and took every opportunity to present his work outside of the expected art world spaces.” And while his art is uniquely moving in itself, it was his activism and dedication to the AIDS crisis that set him apart from many other artists.

Haring used his art as a political tool for activism, especially to draw attention to the dire AIDS crisis that was profoundly affecting the LGBTQ+ community in New York City in the 1980s. Engberg says, “while artists have been involved in direct political action since long before Haring, he and the generation of artists involved in ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power, other artists involved include Zoe Leonard, David Wojnarowicz, and the collectives Gran Fury, and Fierce Pussy) created posters, advertisements, performances, and direct actions that forced the US government to respond to the on-going HIV/AIDS crisis.” Haring’s art changed the culture around activism. Engberg says “Among his impacts on society was the democratization of art, and a career that questioned the boundaries between art and popular culture.” This connection of art, politics, and pop culture has deeply changed how the world views activism

For many in the LGBTQ+ community, Haring is a household name.

The iconic street artist-turned one of the most recognizable artists in the world in the 1980s (and beyond) is best known for his simple, single line designs: humans, dogs, crawling babies, and monsters. Most people, even if they don’t know all about the life of the artist, would recognize his iconic designs. But there’s so much more to Haring’s story than that: he was an incredibly daring artist who changed the culture of art entirely in many ways. His art moves viewers, even decades after its creation, and upon seeing it, it’s very clear why.

Siri Engberg (she/her), Senior Curator and Director of Visual Arts at the Walker Art Center introduces Haring. “Keith Haring was born in 1958 in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. He moved to New York City in the late 1970s to study art. Although he began taking studio art courses at the School of Visual Arts, one of his major inspirations was hip-hop culture.” Engberg says that Haring wanted to challenge what was expected of art. Inspired by graffiti and street art, Haring “[began] creating chalk drawings in the New York City subway system. Like the graffiti writers, Haring was interested in making work in public spaces. This work was meant to reach people outside of the existing audience of museum and gallery visitors… While some works were playful, others took on serious issues like nuclear energy, and the image saturation of everyday life.” With the traction Haring’s art was picking up in New York, it’s no wonder that he gained such immense popuKeith Haring, Enamel and Dayglo on metal. © Keith Haring Foundation Keith Haring, Ignorance=Fear, Silence=Death, 1989. ACT UP poster. The Keith Haring Foundation © Keith Haring Foundation

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over the last several decades and is seen even today. Engberg continues, “His legacy persists in the work of artists like Sadie Barnette (whose work is on view at the Walker now), Wu Tsang, and Raúl de Nieves, whose creative projects are heavily inflected by their relationships with queer nightlife culture, it also persists in the ever-present art/fashion collaborations that are commonplace for both luxury and fast-fashion brands.”

Haring himself was diagnosed with AIDS in the late 1980s. He didn’t let this diagnosis, which was largely misunderstood and stigmatized in the 1980s in the U.S., stop him from his work, however. Haring bravely continued to change the world, even as he died from AIDS. Engberg explains “Haring’s AIDS diagnosis led him to create many posters and graphic designs that sought to draw awareness to the AIDS crisis, and to safer sex measures. He also created the Keith Haring Foundation, with a mandate to steward the artist’s legacy after his death, and support research and treatment for HIV/AIDS.” Even after his devastatingly premature death from AIDS in 1990 at only 31 years old, Haring continued to be a force for good in the world.

The exhibition Keith Haring: Art is for Everybody at the Walker Art Center is an incredible tribute to his life as an artist and an activist. Engberg says that throughout the more than 100 pieces of Haring’s work, “viewers will experience the full range of his artistic production from early drawings, to the day-glo paintings that first gained him [popularity] in the early 1980s, to massive works on canvas from late in the artist’s career.” This wonderful opportunity to wander through the legacy of an artist that cared deeply for our community, and loved being a part of it is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Engberg adds that the exhibitions will also showcase, “a range of his collaborations with figures like Bill T. Jones, Madonna, and Grace Jones, and emphasize his connections with music, dance, and hip-hop culture… [and it will feature] an homage to the Pop Shop, an operational store in lower Manhattan launched by Haring in the mid-1980s.”

You definitely don’t want to miss out on this incredible opportunity to see the works of Haring up close and in person at Keith Haring: Art is for Everybody at the Walker Art Center. Enjoy the distinct style, invaluable cultural impact, and sheer genius of Haring’s work, for a very limited time only. 

Keith Haring, Untitled, 1982. Baked enamel on steel. Collection of Larry Warsh © Keith Haring Foundation Keith Haring, Red Room, 1988. Acrylic on canvas. Courtesy of The Broad Art Foundation © Keith Haring Foundation Keith Haring, Untitled, 1981. Ink on metal. Collection of Larry Warsh. © Keith Haring Foundation

Keith Haring: Art is for Everybody April 27-September 8 The Walker Art Center, 725 Vineland Pl., Minneapolis www.walkerart.org/calendar/2024/keith-haring-art-is-for-everybody

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OUR SCENE | SUMMER PREVIEW

2024

Summer What To Do

BY LINDA RAINES

Summers in Minnesota are all-too short, these warm and golden days that are to be savored and treasured after a long, cold winter. Residents here know not to squander them; we know that we have to fill them with as much fun and activity as we can, and local communities are more than happy to help out by providing a multitude of festivals, fairs, and celebrations to fill these long, sun-soaked days. We’ve compiled a list of some of the events you can find around the area in these hazy, lazy days of summer to enjoy when you’re not up at the cabin or lake!

MAY

Cirque du Soleil Bazzar

May 18 – June 16 • Under the Big Top, Mall of America For the first time in more than a decade, Cirque du Soleil returns to the Twin Cities under its renowned Big Top with BAZZAR, an eclectic homage to the origins and ongoing legacy of the world-famous circus company. www.cirquedusoleil.com/bazzar

Living With, Coming Together: A Celebration of U

May 19 • 11 AM – 2 PM • Como Park Pavilion, St. Paul, MN We’ve re-envisioned the AIDS Walk with this renewed commitment to celebrate & support people directly affected by HIV. Food, entertainment and activities for all ages. Come join the party! www.rainbowhealth.org/ event/living-with-coming-together-an-event-to-celebrate-u/?mc_ cid=a96926da02&mc_eid=0fa4f8201a

Edina Art Fair

May 31 – June 2 • 50th and France, Edina, MN Friday 12 – 7 PM, Saturday 10 AM – 7 PM, Sunday 10 PM – 5 PM With approximately 250,000 – 300,000 visitors to this three-day festival, this top ranked art fair is not one to be missed! www.50thandfrance.com/art-fair

JUNE

Lakewood 2024 Music In The Chapel – J.E. Sunde

June 2 • $25/Advance, $35/Door • 3 – 4 PM • Historic Memorial Chapel, Lakewood Cemetery, 3600 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis Minneapolis-based songwriter/composer J.E. Sunde shares his densely poetic songs with a bent toward the philosophical. www.lakewoodcemetery.org/events-calendar/music-in-the-chapel

Grand Old Day

Minnesota United FC Pride Night

June 8 • 7:30 PM • Allianz Field, St. Paul, MN Show your Pride as the Loons take to the field against FC Dallas and show their support for the incredible diversity among their LGBTQ+ fans. www.mnufc.com

Excelsior Art On The Lake 2024

June 8 – 9 • Water Street, Excelsior, MN Enjoy perusing over 120+ artists displaying original works alongside live music and a variety of food offerings. Enjoy Excelsior’s many unique shops, galleries and eateries while you check out the many booths and vendors! www.excelsiorlakeminnetonkachamber.com/art-on-the-lake/

Minnesota Zoo ”Wild Nights” – Kick Off Block Party

June 14 • 5 – 10 PM • Individual Tickets $30 for MN Zoo members/$40 for non-members, Season Pass $150 for members/$175 for non-members • Amphitheater hosts PopROCKS and Upper South Plaza hosts High & Mighty This magical 18+ musical and community event celebrates and supports the Minnesota Zoo and its dedication to conservation both in Minnesota and around the globe. www.mnzoo.org/WildNights

Minnesota Twins Pride Day

June 15 • 1:10 PM • Twins vs. Oakland Athletics • Target Field, Minneapolis Dress in your sportiest rainbow gear and cheer on the Twins as they celebrate the vibrant LGBTQIA+ community so prevalent here in Twins Territory. www.mlb.com/twins

Stone Arch Bridge Festival

June 2 • 9 AM – 5 PM • Grand Avenue, St. Paul, MN Join us for the largest free one-day festival in the Midwest! St. Paul’s kick-off to summer promises food, music and fun for all ages. www.grandave.com/grand-old-day/

June 15 – 16 • Saturday 10 AM – 7 PM, Sunday 10 AM – 5 PM • West River Parkway, 11th Ave. S to N. 4th Ave., Minneapolis Join more than 200 artists and culinary artists from a broad spectrum of mediums for this festival along the river in our 29th year. www.stonearchbridgefestival.com

Saint Paul Saints Pride Night presented by Cub

Judy Garland Festival 2024

June 5 • 7:07 PM • CHS Field, St. Paul Dress in your rainbow best and come out to see the Saints take on Syracuse! www.milb.com/st-paul

June 20 – 23 • Grand Rapids, MN Grab your ruby slippers and travel the yellow brick road to Dorothy’s hometown…not Kansas, but the hometown of Judy Garland! www.judygarlandmuseum.com

Photo courtesy of BigStock/alinatroeva. All events are subject to change or cancellation. Please check individual websites before attending to confirm.

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Twin Cities Jazz Festival

June 21 -22 • Mears Park, 221 5th St. E., St. Paul Join us to help us celebrate our 26th year! The Festival is free and open to all. www.twincitiesjazzfestival.com

Wayzata Art Experience

June 21 – 23 • Downtown Wayzata, MN The jewel of Lake Minnetonka welcomes art lovers from across the Twin Cities to enjoy a celebration of art, music, food, and fun for all ages. www.artexperience.wayzatachamber.com

Aurora FC Pride Night

June 22 • 3:00 PM • TCO Stadium, Eagan, MN The women of the Aurora FC invite you to show your pride as they take on Chicago City FC. www.mnaurora.com

Minnesota Lynx Pride Night

June 22 • 7:00 PM (Time subject to change) • Target Center, Minneapolis Come out and celebrate Pride Night as the Lynx take on the Phoenix Mercury. www.lynx.wnba.com

LGBTQIA2S+ Pride Demonstration Box Tending On Nicollet Island

June 25 • 6:00 – 8:00 PM • Nicollet Island, Minneapolis Join us for a special evening during Pride Month to come together and revitalize the planting demonstration boxes in the Nicollet Island prairie. www.fmr.org/events/lgbtqia2s-pride-demonstration-box-tendingnicollet-island

2024 Pride Beer Dabbler

June 28 • 5:00 – 9:00 PM • Ticket Prices $20 – $70 (plus fees) • Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Get ready to dress cute and raise your glasses and pride flags because Pride Beer Dabbler is back this year for our 12th year and bringing together over 70 Minnesota breweries and cideries! www.beerdabbler.com

Minnesota Zoo ”Wild Nights” – Minnesota Rockin’ Blues & Roots Music

June 28 • 5 – 10 PM • Individual Tickets $30 for MN Zoo members/$40 for non-members, Season Pass $150 for members/$175 for nonmembers • Amphitheater hosts Chastity Brown and Upper South Plaza hosts Church of Cash. This magical 18+ musical and community event celebrates and supports the Minnesota Zoo and its dedication to conservation both in Minnesota and around the globe. www.mnzoo.org/WildNights

JULY

Red, White and Boom

July 4 • 6 PM, Fireworks begin at 10 PM • West side of Mississippi River at Water Works and Stone Arch Bridge parking lot Join us for the return of Independence Day fireworks at the downtown Minneapolis riverfront after a five-year absence! Live music, food trucks and spectacular pyrotechnics. www.minneapolisparks.org

Lakefront Music Fest 2024

July 12 – 13 • Lakefront Park, Prior Lake, MN Rock music? We’ve got it. Country music? We’ve got that, too! Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, Dierks Bentley, Elle King, Morgan Evans and more! www.lakefrontmusicfest.com Continued on page 22 LAVENDERMAGAZINE.COM

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Minnesota Zoo ”Wild Nights” – Country Music Night at the Zoo

July 12 • 5 – 10 PM • Individual Tickets $30 for MN Zoo members/$40 for non-members, Season Pass $150 for members/$175 for non-members • Amphitheater hosts Caitlyn Smith and Upper South Plaza hosts World According to Garth This magical 18+ musical and community event celebrates and supports the Minnesota Zoo and its dedication to conservation both in Minnesota and around the globe. www.mnzoo.org/WildNights

Lakewood 2024 Music In The Chapel – Too Old Cat July 14 • $15/Advance, $20/Door • 3 – 4 PM • Historic Memorial Chapel, Lakewood Cemetery, 3600 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis Too Old Cat charms audiences with their original folk music that blends traditional and progressive elements with banjo, cello, accordion and vocals. www.lakewoodcemetery.org/events-calendar/music-in-the-chapel

Minnehaha Falls Art Fair

July 19 – 21 • Minnehaha Falls Regional Park, Minneapolis, MN Join us for a Zero Waste Event! Every booth will have at least some items under $30. Parking is very limited, so biking and public transportation are recommended. The event will be set up in the main part of the park near the Sea Salt Eatery and the Minnehaha Pavilion. www.minnehahafallsartfair.com

2024 Little House Cast Reunion

July 19 – 21 • Walnut Grove, MN Embrace your childhood pioneer dreams and meet cast members of “Little House on the Prairie”, including Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson) for autograph sessions, meet & greets, and various fun events. www.walnutgrove.org/2024-cast-reunion/?fbclid=IwAR07uiTIYQ8YXRbX ytlEOV41iZj3KlXaobwVq7kRL4DL_nIYh6OF94xEvKI

Minnesota Yacht Club Festival

July 19 – 20 • Various Ticket Levels Available • Harriet Island, St. Paul Set the summer on fire with music from Gwen Stefani, Alanis Morissette, The Black Crows, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Red Hot Chili Peppers and more! www.minnesotayachtclubfestival.com

Aquatennial

July 24 – 27 • Minneapolis, MN A Torchlight Parade, incredible Target Fireworks, fun for all ages – this is the official civic celebration of the City of Minneapolis! www.aquatennial.com

Minnesota Zoo ”Wild Nights” – A Wild Night of Rock N’ Roll

July 26 • 5 – 10 PM • Individual Tickets $30 for MN Zoo members/$40 for non-members, Season Pass $150 for members/$175 for non-members • Amphitheater hosts Kiss the Tiger and Upper South Plaza hosts Mallrats This magical 18+ musical and community event celebrates and supports the Minnesota Zoo and its dedication to conservation both in Minnesota and around the globe. www.mnzoo.org/WildNights

Loring Park Art Festival

July 27 – 28 • Saturday 10 AM – 6 PM, Sunday 10 AM – 5 PM • Loring Park, Minneapolis A Twin Cities staple since 2000, this event features 140 visual artists showcasing and selling their work, strolling musicians, stage performances, children’s activities and numerous culinary options for everyone. www.loringparkartfestival.com

North Star Regional Rodeo

July 27 – 28 • Gates open at 11 AM • Deadbroke Arena, Hugo, MN Come out and enjoy competition between some of the best LGBTQ rodeo riders and competitors in the Midwest. www.nsgra.org

Minnesota Pottery Festival

July 27 – 28 • Masonic West River Park, Hutchinson, MN Featuring 35 potters from all over the nation, you can browse racks of original, unique gifts from the weird to the wonderful. Demonstrations, free kids’ activities, food and beverage trucks and more. www.mnpotteryfestival.com

AUGUST

31st Annual Minnesota Fringe Festival August 1 – 11 • Various venues There’s something for everyone at the Fringe! www.minnesotafringe.org

33rd Annual Powderhorn Art Fair

August 3 – 4 • 10 AM – 5 PM both days • Powderhorn Park, Minneapolis Come on out for the 32nd annual fine art and fine crafts event featuring over 150 artists, immersive art installations, food vendors and more! www.powderhornartfair.com

The 34th Annual Polo Classic

August 4 • Rain or Shine!

Elegant hats, summer fashion, champagne, tasty appetizers, tail gaiting, divot stomping and sleek horses thundering across the field as their riders wield mallets to knock balls though the goal—what more could you ask for in regards to a great way to spend a summer day? How about the proceeds going to This Old Horse to give retired and rescued horses green pastures for their golden years! It’s a win/win! www.thepoloclassic.com

35th Annual Bayfront Blues Festival

August 9 – 11 • Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth, MN One of the largest annual outdoor music events in the upper Midwest hosts nearly 20,000 fans to more than 30 different acts on two stages. www.bayfrontblues.com

Minnesota Zoo ”Wild Nights” – Hip Hop & Funk at the Zoo

August 9 • 5 – 10 PM • Individual Tickets $30 for MN Zoo members/$40 for non-members, Season Pass $150 for members/$175 for non-members • Amphitheater hosts Nur-D and Upper South Plaza hosts Chase & Ovation This magical 18+ musical and community event celebrates and supports the Minnesota Zoo and its dedication to conservation both in Minnesota and around the globe. www.mnzoo.org/WildNights

Lakewood 2024 Music In The Chapel – Red Thread August 11 • $15/Advance, $20/Door • 3 – 4 PM • Historic Memorial Chapel, Lakewood Cemetery, 3600 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis Folk ensemble Red Thread blends its original music rooted in Eastern European, Yiddish and Americana sounds with harmonic sensibility. www.lakewoodcemetery.org/events-calendar/music-in-the-chapel

LGBTQ+ Boundary Waters Trip

August 21 – 25 • $845 per person, with possible financial assistance based on need • Maximum of 8 in group, minimum group size is 4 • Ely, MN Ely Outfitting Company & Boundary Waters Guide Service is a gay-owned business that supports diversity and inclusion in outdoor spaces, so this is a great opportunity to make new friends and meet interesting people in a beautiful locale! This trip is queer-guided & open exclusively to those who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community. www.elyoutfittingcompany.com/lgbtq-boundary-waters-trip/

Minnesota State Fair

Aug 22 – Sept 2 • Minnesota State Fairgrounds, St. Paul Pronto Pups, cheese curds, deep-fried everything on a stick, music, animals and hanging out with tens of thousands of people? It can only be The Great Minnesota Get-Together! www.mnstatefair.org

All events are subject to change or cancellation. Please check individual websites before attending to confirm.

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SERVING YOUR PATH TO HOMEOWNERSHIP WITH PRIDE

The mortgage team with the food truck

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OUR SCENE | SUMMER PREVIEW

Empowerment Through Your

Wardrobe

BY NATASHA DELION

Getting dressed each morning can be daunting, from choosing an outfit to feeling good in your clothes. With fashion trends rapidly changing, keeping up with what is in style feels impossible.

Nancy Dilts, a wardrobe consultant in the Twin Cities, says trends are not essential, but choosing the ones that resonate with you while building your style will help you feel the most authentic and confident in yourself.

The driving force behind Dilts starting her business was What Not to Wear with Stacy London and Clinton Kelly, a reality television show where people could nominate family members or friends to receive a makeover from them on the show.

She said London’s method, in particular, played a pivotal role in embracing her own body.

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“How she talked with her clients just sort of resonated with me, so I started to practice some of the things that they were talking about on that show,” Dilts said. “It was dressing myself in a way that showed that I cared about myself and that I didn’t want to be invisible.”

Since she was young, Dilts remembers having a negative body image and trying to hide in her clothes. It wasn’t until she had her daughter 20 years ago that she decided to change that.

“I realized I did not want her to have the same feelings around her body that I had for pretty much my whole life,” Dilts said.

For her daughter to not internalize the same negative messages she had received, Dilts said she needed to do the work to embrace her body.

She said wearing different clothes was transformative for her and changed her mindset about her body.

Dilts works with her clients to create a positive body image using their style and a sustainable wardrobe. Before starting her business, she spent almost 20 years in environmental education and continues to practice a sustainable lifestyle.

Making the most out of your closet and shopping at consignment stores is how Dilts helps her clients build their wardrobes. She said shopping at consignment stores allows you to get the same high-quality clothing as retail but at an affordable price and it’s also environmentally sustainable.

When building a good wardrobe, Dilts said finding the right cuts, colors, and styles that help you feel authentic in yourself is the way to go.

Finding clothes that fit well on your body matters the most, regardless of your body type.

“You don’t have to only wear a certain thing just because you’ve been told your body is a certain shape,” Dilts said. “It’s about finding the right balance of lines for your unique body.”

Continued on page 26

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Dilts said she is a fan of the Pantone seasonal color palettes and uses them for herself and her clients. Pantone is the industry standard for color in fashion and they create yearly fall/winter and spring/summer palettes.

“Those are going to drive the colors that are really in style and are going to help you feel contemporary,” Dilts added.

She said to look for green, red and metallics for your wardrobe. Finding accessories and classic pieces in color can help you stay on trend without having to wear those colors all the time.

Investing in high-quality staples is essential. Dilts said you want to find clothing that will last through multiple seasons. She said to choose base garments like jeans, pants, plain t-shirts, and a quality jacket that can dress up an outfit if needed.

Dilts said it is important to find the right clothing that reflects who you are, especially for nonbinary and transgender people.

“It can be hard to figure out, especially if you are figuring all that out as an adult who has been living one way for a long time and then shifting,” Dilts said. “It’s a whole new, not just mindset, but also an understanding of ‘how do clothes fit my body?’”

She encourages her clients to try something different, whether exploring a different style or identity.

“On a day that you’re at home, where the stakes aren’t high, try wearing it for just two or three hours and see how it feels,” Dilts said. “Then you can change your clothes if it doesn’t feel right.”

As summer is approaching, Dilts shared her advice for creating a summer wardrobe that you’ll look and feel good in.

For women’s wear, she said having a fun summer dress, if that’s your style, is a great piece to have and can help you stay cool during the day.

Some necessary pieces are a denim jacket, cropped jeans, and cropped wide-leg pants. Dilts said women of all ages should embrace high-rise pants as they’re great for every body type and also branch out to get them in fun colors.

Photos by Angela Knox of The Divine Group

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“Have fun with the tops,” Dilts recommended. “Choose some bright prints or colors, don’t be afraid to express your personality.”

Shorts with a five or six-inch inseam suit almost all body types and ages, according to Dilts.

She added, “a pair of comfort sandals, a pair of white sneakers, and a pair of fun flip-flops” are all the shoes you need this summer. Ditch the heels and go comfy!

“Wear the bikini no matter your body type, no matter your age,” Dilts added. “Do not feel like you have to hide your body.”

For men’s wear, she suggested shorts above the knee, a good pair of jeans, and light-colored chino pants.

“Choose something fun like red or a light gray, don’t be afraid to use color,” Dilts said. “Men should absolutely enjoy color just as much as women.”

A lightweight sport coat, fun print shirts, a knit polo shirt, and several short-sleeved button-up print shirts along with white sneakers and driving moccasins will set you up for the summer, Dilts said.

Although there are a lot of androgynous brands, Dilts said they are expensive, but thrifting and shopping consignment can help because even if you need tailoring, it would still be less than the retail price.

Dilts’ process begins with a complimentary initial consultation and various packages ranging from one shopping trip to a deep dive for a year.

Dilts said it’s important to her that this process helps people learn to embrace their bodies or the bodies they are meant to have. Feeling good in your clothing radiates confidence to those around you, paving the way for you to reach your goals.

“Having experienced such awful feelings about my body for so long, it’s the greatest gift for me to be able to help others,” Dilts said. 

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“Confessions” and a GLAAD award in the “Constellations” for Artist Jade LeMac

BY EMMA WALYTKA

Growing up, she was a family person, living in the same house as her two cousins, uncle, and aunt. She remembers the small things that elicited a passion inside her: family bands, karaoke, and no use of musical instruments, just her voice. Jade LeMac’s voice.

Voice of change. Voice of advocacy. Voice of acceptance. A voice that speaks to the very soul of those who choose to not just listen, but also empathize. To feel oppression uprooted. To feel a community uplifted.

“I grew up with a very musical family for not being musical at all,” LeMac said. “No one was playing any instruments, but we were vocally, very musical at the same time, I was always surrounded by it.”

Gaining her initial popularity off of the platform TikTok, LeMac startPhotos by Zachary Vague

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ed openly posting videos about being a part of the LGBTQ+ community.

“It was a big part of my journey, and I am proud of that,” LeMac remarked.

Within her music, LeMac said what makes her music different is her ability to include personal experiences from her life while also using the vividness of her imagination in her lyrics and storytelling.

The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) Music Awards are given to artists who are queer allies or have used their artistic platforms to increase acceptance and visibility within the LGBTQ+ community. This year celebrates the 35th annual award ceremony, with Jade LeMac being one of the ten artists up for “Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist.”

“This is my first ever nomination, so this is really a huge deal for me,” LeMac said. “It’s crazy to me, because looking back, I dreamed about this very moment.”

LeMac’s song “Constellations” was featured on the popular Netflix series “My Life With The Walter Boys,” lyrically detailing a passionate romantic love connection between the two main love interests.

The official music video has over one million views on YouTube, released in 2021 and eventually brought into the world of Netflix in 2023.

“I would love for one of my songs to be featured in an LGBTQ+ film in the future,” LeMac said.

“It is something that would fit well, you know, being me.”

Acting is also on the radar for LeMac, as she hopes to someday act in a rom-com.

“I am not that talented in the acting department, but hopefully I’ll get there someday,” LeMac added.

LeMac said her new music will have similar aspects to her older music, but will also have components that are very different.

Music plays a huge role in the life of LeMac, but she said fashion is another voyage of expression that excites her, though she is still in the process of finding herself and her staple pieces.

“Being someone who isn’t super feminine and is still kind of on the spectrum of being more masculine presenting some days gives me a lot of opportunities with what I can do in fashion,” LeMac added.

An artist whom LeMac would love to collaborate with is singer-songwriter, Reneé Rapp.

“It would be so fun to sing with her,” LeMac said. “She is an artist that is really thriving this year.”

When told she looks strikingly similar to singer Gracie Abrams, LeMac remarked “That is so funny, because today my girlfriend and I were walking to get coffee and we both looked at each other and gasped ‘I swear that was Gracie!’

LeMac said her hot song “Narcissistic” is not actually about a real-life experience, but rather a fun twist on a word most people would perceive as negative.

“The song is fun and imaginative, a different song than what I am normally writing.”

In regards to her future musical endeavors, LeMac said she is very excited and eager to start working on new music.

“I feel like I’m still so young and every year I’m changing and becoming a new person,” LeMac said. 

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A Journey With TC Lesbian Life While Embracing the Colors of Community

BY JEN PEEPLES

In the vibrant heart of Minneapolis, amidst the pulsating rhythm of a diverse cityscape, Angie Bors stands as a beacon of empowerment, fostering a haven for the lesbian community through TC Lesbian Life. With an illustrious background in adult learning and behavior, Angie has dedicated herself to crafting spaces where shared experiences blossom into profound connections.

At the core of TC Lesbian Life lies a simple yet profound mission: to provide a nurturing environment where older lesbians can navigate the complexities of their journeys. “Solution and reflection to create a group of community and lived experiences,” Bors articulates, encapsulating the essence of their peer support and discussion group.

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Since its inception, TC Lesbian Life has been a sanctuary where voices resonate, stories intertwine, and solidarity flourishes. Born out of a serendipitous networking encounter in February 2024, this community initiative swiftly evolved into an inspiration of perpetual growth, intertwining with Minneapolis Community Education and burgeoning collaborations with other local organizations. Bors envisions a future where inclusivity reigns supreme, operating under the guiding principle of maintaining openness.

Reflecting on the tumultuous waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, TC Lesbian Life adapted, leveraging the power of virtual platforms like Facebook to sustain its engagement. Yet, amidst the chaos, the call for community enrichment only grew louder, underscoring the continuous need for women’s support. Through the lens of inclusivity, Bors and her team strive to ensure that TC Lesbian Life remains a space where every voice is heard, every experience validated.

As the summer breeze whispers promises of Pride season and sun-kissed adventures, TC Lesbian Life stands poised to embrace the kaleidoscope of possibilities. Ideas for Pride celebrations are still under review, echoing the legacy of literary journals like Lesbian Connection, a flare of LGBTQ+ unity since the 1970s. The spirit of community pulsates through events like Lavender‘s First Thursdays, where word-of-mouth marketing welcomes new faces to the fold with open arms.

Bors’ journey, from the sprawling landscapes of Connecticut to the sun-drenched shores of Florida, echoes the quest for belonging that resonates within every member of TC Lesbian Life.

Through her tireless efforts, physical accessible spaces have emerged, bridging the gap between longing and belonging.

In the mosaic of TC Lesbian Life, every hue tells a story, every intersection a testament to resilience. With Bors at the helm, this journey transcends geographical boundaries, weaving a tapestry of love, acceptance, and unwavering support. As TC Lesbian Life continues to flourish, it invites all to embrace the colors of community, forging bonds that endure, uplift, and inspire.

Bors, fueled by boundless passion, embodies the ethos of TC Lesbian Life. Her dedication to fostering connections fuels a space where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued. “I’ve always believed in the power of conversation,” she shares, echoing the sentiment at the core of TC Lesbian Life. Through dialogue, understanding flourishes, barriers dissolve, and authentic connections thrive.

TC Lesbian Life remains committed to growth and empowerment. Through discussions, workshops, and programming, Bors and her team cultivate a culture of continuous learning and self-discovery. “Our journey is one of perpetual growth,” Bors affirms, eyes alight with enthusiasm. “Together, we overcome obstacles, emerging stronger and more resilient.” As TC Lesbian Life expands, its impact reverberates globally. Through virtual platforms, its reach ex-

tends, offering a lifeline to those who may feel isolated. In a world fraught with uncertainty, TC Lesbian Life stands as a beacon of hope—a testament to the transformative power of love, acceptance, and community.

The fuel to the heartbeat of TC Lesbian Life are the continuous challenges faced by women in LGBTQ+ spaces that are manifold, often exacerbated by a lack of tailored resources and support networks. Bors’ vision extends beyond mere acceptance, aiming to cultivate a culture of empowerment and inclusivity. She affirms, her eyes alight with determination. Together, the community navigates obstacles, emerging stronger and more resilient.

Every individual plays a vital role in shaping the narrative at TC Lesbian Life, especially in a world fraught with uncertainty and adversity, TC Lesbian Life stands as a testament to the transformative power of love, acceptance, and community. The fuel to its heartbeat lies in the continuous challenges faced by women in LGBTQ+ spaces, often exacerbated by a lack of tailored resources and support networks. Together, this extraordinary community navigates obstacles, emerging stronger and more resilient with each stride, their resilience a vibrant tapestry that inspires awe and ignites hope in the hearts of all who witness it.

Looking towards the future, Bors has grand visions for TC Lesbian Life’s continual evolution. One futuristic aspiration is to create dedicated mentorship programs that can bridge generational gaps within the community. While the core mission remains centered on providing a nurturing space for older lesbians to connect, Bors recognizes the immense value in facilitating intergenerational connections. This mentorship initiative would extend TC Lesbian Life’s impact, creating platforms for knowledge sharing, guidance, and inspiration across generations of lesbian experiences. By intertwining the journeys of those well-traversed with those just embarking, a tapestry of empowerment and resilience would be woven, strengthening the community’s roots.

Furthermore, this exchange allows for the passing down of invaluable knowledge – the hard-won lessons, the triumphs over adversity, and the collective narratives that shape the tapestry of the lesbian experience. By ensuring these stories are shared and honored, TC Lesbian Life weaves an unbreakable thread connecting past, present, and future.

Conversely, the mentors themselves find rejuvenation and purpose in imparting their wisdom.

Their journeys, once solitary and fraught with challenge, become sources of empowerment and inspiration for the next generation. In this symbiotic relationship, both mentor and mentee emerge enriched, their bonds forged by a shared understanding and a commitment to uplifting one another.

Please see more information below If you would like to learn more about TC Lesbian Life! 

Facebook Page www.facebook.com/share/R2viDm4heZtZDZ63/ ?mibextid=WC7FNe Minneapolis Community Education Board www.minneapolis.ce.eleyo.com/course/53023/ adult-enrichment-spring-2024/twin-citieslesbian-life-conversations-edison E-mail tclesbianlife@gmail.com

Angie & Ann. Photos courtesy of Angie Bors

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Quorum

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The Nature Conservancy

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Landmark Center

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GRANTMAKERS/FUNDERS PFund Foundation

PFund is the LGBTQ+ community foundation that provides grants to students and grants to non-profits.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Aliveness Project

Community Center for individuals living with HIV/AIDS – on-site meals, food shelf, and supportive service.

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Family Tree Clinic

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Keane Sense of Rhythm

Children’s Theatre Company

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Children’s Theatre Company excites the imagination with world-class familyfriendly theatre for kids, teens, and adults.

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NAMI Minnesota

Guthrie Theater

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Rainbow Health Minnesota

Providing comprehensive health services for LGBTIA+ people, those living with HIV & folks from underserved communities facing healthcare barriers.

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Red Door Clinic

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LIBRARIES

Quatrefoil Library

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MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS

Radio K

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Walker Art Center

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Lyric Arts Main Street Stage

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Minnesota Opera

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Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

Leading performing arts center with two stages presenting Broadway musicals, concerts & educational programs that enrich diverse audiences.

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Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus

An award-winning chorus building community through music and offers entertainment worth coming out for!

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RELIGIOUS & SPIRITUAL

All God’s Children Metropolitan Community Church

A welcoming, inclusive, safe place to explore and discover God’s love for ALL God’s children.

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Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church

Everyone is welcome at Hennepin Church! Vibrant Worship. Authentic Community. Bold Outreach.

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Plymouth Congregational Church

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St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral

An inclusive and affirming community transforming lives through God’s love.

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Westminster Presbyterian Church

An open and affirming congregation, welcoming persons of all sexual orientations, gender expressions and identities.

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SENIOR LIVING Friends & Co

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Senior Community Services

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YOUTH

The Bridge for Youth

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OUR VOICES | BAD GAY

Episode 10

BY LAKEY BRIDGE

I don’t like to brag but I have big news. I was elected Queen of the Gays at work! Well, that’s not the official title—but it should be! I work in corporate America and there are rules about taking the fun out of everything, so my title is LGBTQI+ Club Chair, which reads like a sinister brand of red pleather furniture at a sex club. Hmmm…maybe this role will prove to be more fun than expected!

The LGBTQI+ Club is one of a dozen DEI initiatives at my company. I joined it about a year ago after one of the club members organized an outing to a piano bar to sing show tunes. I didn’t realize then that the social gay group had no official connection to the office gay group. So, imagine my surprise when I showed up to my first LGBTQI+ meeting at noon in a conference room and there were no cocktails. No singing.

Photo courtesy of BigStock/Mangostar

34 LAVENDER APRIL 18-MAY 1, 2024

The most interesting thing about that first meeting—which was focused on an exceptionally dreary discussion about the group’s charter—was seeing all the company gays in one room! And there were a few surprise gays— colleagues who I’d thought were straight— which delighted me.

One surprise gay was a woman who had been a jerk to one of my staff. She was on my people-to-get-revenge-on to-do list. But I crossed her off once she emerged as a surprise gay. It didn’t hurt that she laughed at something I said to break the tension during the debate over the gay charter. So, all is forgiven, mean lesbian!

My main contribution to the first meeting was to ask why the company wasn’t buying us lunch since we were meeting on gay company business at noon. Apparently, no one had ever

considered the free lunch question! I may not be the most skilled or competent employee. But I’m expert at bleeding corporate overlords for free meals. So, I volunteered to scream homophobia if the company rejected us expensing lunch.

Even with an injection of food, the meetings continued to be anemic. The group was rudderless, so no decisions got made. We couldn’t elect leaders until the charter was approved, which seemed to need a greenlight from the Supreme Court or God. No one was quite sure.

I have no patience for endless talk and no action. Yet I attended every meeting—tickled by the lowstakes drama (which I stirred up every chance I got) rather than annoyed by the lack of movement.

At a meeting a few weeks ago, I interrupted a gripe session about our inability to get things done by pointing to a skyscraper in the distance. It was the building where I worked when I first entered the corporate world in the early 1990s. I explained that in those days people still were terrified to come out because you could be fired or worse.

Back then, it was unimaginable that my company—or any company— would encourage gays to gather on company time. Even if they did, we would have assumed it was a trap and once we were in the conference room we’d be put in cages and poked with sticks. So, I said in my best after-school movie of the week wise mother voice, even though it feels like we’re not doing anything productive, just feeling safe to spin our gay wheels in a company-sanctioned meeting place is a massive accomplishment.

All the gays, including me, got a bit weepy, which I took as my cue to suggest we sing “I Am What I Am.” (I was determined to inject show tunes into these meetings!) And then we approved the damn charter!

A couple days later, I received an email asking for nominations to lead the group. I nominated the mean lesbian because it seemed like a good punishment. Then I got the email ballot, but I was distracted and forgot to open it.

I didn’t even realize I was a candidate until the results were announced that I’d won.

Maybe it was the emotional monologue that got me elected. But, more likely, it was because I got us free lunch. Regardless, my plan is to have sex scandal and be thrown out of elected office asap. 

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