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Volume 30, Issue 797 • December 11-24, 2025
EDITORIAL
Managing Editor Noah Mitchell 612-461-8723
Editorial Assistant Linda Raines 612-436-4660
Editor Emeritus Ethan Boatner
Contributors Lakey Bridge, E.B. Boatner, Bianca Caputo, Stacy Dahl, Natasha DeLion, Alyssa Homeier, Terrance Griep, Shane Lueck, Elise Maren, Mikah Meyer, Jen PeeplesHampton, Linda Raines, Aspen Rush, Gregg Shapiro, Allie Skarda, Randy Stern, Susan Swavely, Natalie Trimble, Sommer Wagen, Carla Waldemar, Todd P. Walker, Emma Walytka, Spencer White
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ADMINISTRATION
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Founders George Holdgrafer, Stephen Rocheford Inspiration Steven W. Anderson (1954-1994), Timothy J. Lee (1968-2002), Russell Berg (1957-2005), Kathryn Rocheford (1914-2006), Jonathan Halverson (1974-2010), Adam Houghtaling (1984-2012), Walker Pearce (1946-2013), Tim Campbell (1939-2015), John Townsend (1959-2019), George Holdgrafer (1951-2024), Julie Dafydd (1951-2025)
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HOPEFUL PEACEFUL JOYOUS BELOVED
BY E.B. BOATNER
‘Truth is the Daughter of Time’
Thus asserts the old proverb. Another shouts, “Truth will out!” More optimistic, yet too often unreliable, exuding false hope with a whiff of justice. “Daughter” evokes a body, and the possibility that ethereal descendants may live centuries in shadows before resurfacing. If not in a palace, perhaps under a parking lot, to put validating flesh — bones at a minimum — to validate the initial wound.
Josephine Tey, creator of the 1951 mystery novel, “Daughter of Time,” framed her plot within a gloss on the first saying. “Tey” (and also Gordon Daviot) were pen names of Scottish author Elizabeth MacKintosh (1896-1952).
In his antepenultimate appearance in the fifth of six Tey mysteries, Scotland Yard Inspector Alan Grant lies fretting in hospital, bored and bed-bound by a broken leg sustained in the futile pursuit of a fleeing miscreant.
Disdaining the “light” literature brought by friends, he’s cheered when Marta Hallard, an actress acquaintance, brings him a sheaf of images: faces of the famous involved in unsolved capital crimes. Grant, sensitive to revelations broadcast by criminal visages, is drawn back again and again to that of England’s King Richard III. Marta also gifts him an acquaintance with her “woolly lamb,” Brent Carradine, a gangly young American researcher, in London
pining for his girlfriend, who’s enmeshed in Marta’s everlastingly-long-running play. Despite long hours studying Richard’s portrait (see NPG #148), Grant can’t see that face as one belonging to a child killer.
Borrowing a nurse’s childhood history books, Grant begins to read, going deeper into volumes (real and Tey-generated) to try to get hold of history’s entrenched image of a deformed, hunchback murderer (a good deal of which we must credit WiIl Shakespeare and his eponymous drama). Young Carradine suggests Grant approach the problem like one of his own cases: “cui bono?” Who benefits?
I’ll not attempt to relate Tey’s tangled royal yarn — that’s not really the point, here — but to “cui bono,” the answer is, “Not Richard.” The princely brothers, lodged in the Tower, had already been deemed illegitimate via their dad Edward IV’s dalliance, thus posed no threat to Richard’s kingship. Meanwhile, Richard, after his coronation on July 6, 1483, was travelling in a royal progress to the north during that summer when the boys were last seen.
Until August 22, 1485, Henry Tudor’s title was Earl of Richmond. After the Battle of Bosworth Field, Henry was crowned King Henry VII, becoming the first Tudor, establishing a dynasty, ending the War of the Roses and reaping a passel of cui bonae. His coronation took place on October 30, 1485.
So why would the new King Henry VII create a bill of attainder against now-deceased Richard in November of 1485? Why backdate his reign to August 21, 1485, the day before his Bosworth victory? Because he could then legally charge Richard and his supporters with treason, and could, without trial, seize their lands and property, while blackening Richard’s name and legacy. By later pardoning selected “traitors,” he could maintain control over the rest, while cementing the loyalty of his own followers.
The complete destruction of Richard’s legacy needed only some historical rewrite, lies and misdirection to delegitimize Richard’s short reign and seal this horrendous image into the future: “Evil, ugly, deformed … murderer.”
“And therefore, since I cannot prove a lover, / To entertain these fair well-spoken days /I am determined to prove a villain.” History might have eventually silenced a Henry Tudor, but was powerless to gainsay the words of The Bard.
Reading Tey today, one perceives an earlier conmind adroitly invoking its own Arts of the Deal. What do you envision when the name “Richard III” is mentioned today? If anything at all, it’s exactly the vision Henry, né Earl of Richmond, intended to appear.
These Arts are nothing new. Known from the beginning and written for all to absorb in Ecclesiastes 1:9 — smack between Proverbs and the Song of Solomon — that there’s “Nothing new under the sun.”
BY CARLA WALDEMAR
Charlie’s Next Chapter
“You Can’t Go Home Again,” Thomas Wolfe warned his readers in his sonamed 1940 novel. But here in Minneapolis, fans of long-shuttered Charlie’s Café Exceptionale, which ruled the fine-dining scene from 1933 to 1982, are convinced that yes, indeed, you can.
A version of Charlie’s, complete with original backbar, is alive and well in downtown’s Minneapolis Club, serving dinner to the public Tuesdays through Fridays just four blocks from the restaurant’s original site. That’s all it took to spur me to reserve a table and see what’s what.
Don’t count on first impressions — the room will not blow you away. It’s like eating in, say, the function room of a neighborhood church, where décor is an afterthought. We were seated next to a big, black radiator. (If you don’t know that that is, ask your granny.) Bright lighting, no carpeting: little one might construe as “ambience.” But then, maybe business deals rather than romantic trysts are what’s brewing here, amid the four occupied tables of our visit. Not quite the “1930s charm” we’d been promised.
Back in the day, Charlie’s featured seven different treatments of lobster on its menu (for an astounding $3.75). This evening’s Surf, Surf, and Surf entrée ran to $38, but we’ll get to that in a minute. First, a cocktail. For me, an Old Fashioned starring Elijah Craig bourbon ($13) — just fine, and for my pal, a clever NA concoction lush with fruit ($9).
Trolling the appetizer list ($12-18), which ranges from a classic shrimp cocktail to grilled peach with burrata, we pounced on an order of BBQ shrimp and grits. What it lacked in presentation — all piled into a small, dark bowl rather than layered on a platter to allow those cheddary grits to shine — it made up for in flavor. Though I’d prefer my grits even cheesier (and not from a box), they played nice with their husky topping of sweet, bouncy shrimp in cahoots with bits of hearty andouille sausage, tomato and robustly-seasoned sweet corn.
On to the Soup and Salad list. We chose the Classic Caesar — always a good test of what a kitchen’s up to. In this case, not much. It produced a plate of tamed-into-annihilation romaine rather than the robust, muscular leaves the recipe deserves. Nice shavings of Parm floated atop the greens (well, chartreuses is a better descriptor here), along with a toss of burnt-black croutons. (When I mentioned those to our server, she agreed they were “a little crispy.”)
On to entrees, ranging from a $20 bowl of grains to $70 for a full pound of wagyu ribeye. My pal voted for the seven-ounce filet mignon ($42), which delivered a sweet, true-tasting, tender and near-rare (as requested) hunk-o-beef that went down just fine. Its plate pals included honey-roasted (but not long enough — still formidably chewy) carrots and potatoes in a red wine demi.
My Surf trio ($38) contained a marshmallow-sized scallop — sweet as all get-out and just briefly seared; a small chunk of fresh salmon on the dry side; and a pancake-flat crab cake sans excessive, bready filler: points for all three, and the simple Meyer lemon butter sauce that didn’t hide the seafood’s flavor. Plus the usual mixed-veg toss.
Or choose gnocchi in Bolognese sauce, chicken Pad Thai, barramundi with green tea risotto or the “braised short rib cudgel,” which I’d readily devour for the description alone, if only it didn’t cost $42.
No dessert for us tonight, sorry. The roll-call of all-homemade treats includes a s’mores budino featuring dark chocolate pudding, a carroty panna cotta, a banana cream pie and more ($10-13).
Lunch is a members-only event. Fortunately, I received an invitation from a friend and experienced a different dining scene altogether: tables full, lots of chatter and a delightful salad-cum-sandwich experience.
Charlie's • 220 S. Eighth St. • (612) 332-2292 • mplsclub.org/charlies
ESTHER’S TABLE
A “Who knew?” discovery to share: Inside the Sheraton Hotel at 1313 Nicollet Mall resides a sweet, upbeat dining destination (Hello, Orchestra Hall concertgoers, downtown Target shoppers) called Esther’s Table.
The chic, black-and-white space provided a sweet dining destination on a recent chilly evening. Starters range from wine-braised bison meatballs to fries with truffle aioli, plus my choice: a quartet of walleye croquettes, big as tennis balls and bursting with far more of that delicate fish than bready filler, all accented by a suave tarragon mayo sauce.
Off to a good start!
Next, a sumptuous Caesar salad, rich with a well-made dressing and loaded with huge, just-lightly-fried and supremely airy, house-made croutons. (Never before have I composed an Ode to Croutons, but these babes deserve it.)
Then, what to choose: Sandwiches? Burgers? Pasta preps? Or how about the roast salmon ($34)? Fine, I’ll go with that.
But here’s where my luck ran out. The fish, ordered rare, arrived cooked to medium. Its accompanying veggies — dots of squash and kale — were not just room temp, but cold, and the advertised polenta came in the form of a firm pancake rather than a creamy puddle. Yet my excellent young server made up for any lapses in the kitchen — a cheerleading foodie, from delivering my excellent Buffalo Trace Old Fashioned to offering a list of house-made desserts. I’ll be back.
Greater Palm Springs: Sun, Pride and a Community That Shines
Encompassing nine cities, nestled in between the San Jacinto, Little Bernardino and Santa Rosa Mountains, you will find Palm Springs.
From private hot springs and a handful of day spas, California’s Greater Palm Springs is home to a vibrant blend of desert beauty, mid-century charm, world-class resorts and a thriving LGBTQ+ community that attracts visitors year-round.
Seasonal temperatures vary significantly, giving visitors the best of both worlds. Summers can reach triple-digit temperatures, and winters provide a milder, more comfortable stay. Though throughout the winter and spring seasons, the dining, shopping and activity scenes stay plentiful and vibrant.
So, buckle up and take a journey with us through Greater Palm Springs’ outdoor activities, hotels, dining scene and upcoming events (just in case you want to book that flight right after reading). Stay tuned for interviews from two hotel owners who are also a part of the Gay Tourism Guild, hear about how Palm Springs welcomes the queer community and get in-theknow on all of the best restaurants and events.
Adventures and Escapes: For Every Kind of Traveler
Explore new creative dimensions through the vast art scene by visiting the Palm Springs Art Museum, currently showing “The Art and Design of Howard Smith,” whose work is the product of Smith contending with the forces of racism, modernism and the African diaspora. Smith uses screenprinting, ceramics, collage and even creates shamanistic masks from vintage hats.
If you are passionate about feminist influences, consider viewing “Modern Women: The Influencers Who Shaped Palm Springs,” which honors women through archival documents and oral testimonies. This exhibit
draws upon the women who played a key role in the city’s development, promotion and conservation.
An extension of the museum is the Architecture and Design Center, which will soon be holding an exhibit that tells the story of how the runway and fashion industry borrows key concepts from architecture through revealing a to-be-announced designer’s collection, opening this January.
General admission tickets provide access to the museum and design center for $25, with special deals for students, teachers and seniors, with Thursdays free from 5-8 p.m.
And, if art isn’t your scene and you are looking to get active, spend your morning with views of wildlife and trail blaze your way through visiting The Living Desert Zoo Gardens, home to 50-plus desert gardens, 1,200 plant species and, of course, 600 animals, including 150 different species!
Not everyone likes to travel on foot, so for those who want a birds-eye view of Palm Springs, the Aerial Tramway is the world’s largest rotating tram car, moving over 2.5 miles along the cliffs of Chino Canyon, dropping riders off at Mountain Station to shop, hike and watch documentaries at an elevation of 8,516 feet.
Treat your eyes to a pair of cucumbers after a long day of fun and hiking at the Desert Serenity Float & Spa, where they offer a variety of services from entomologie treatments, flotation therapy, massages and an infrared sauna.
Not only is Greater Palm Springs filled with a variety of activities, exhibits and views, but the Springs also holds multiple events during the spring and winter seasons.
If relaxation isn’t quite your thing and you are an avid HGTV connoisseur, consider attending Modernism Week in mid-February, including the Palm Springs Modernism Show with 130 dealers and tours of the most legendary homes on double-decker buses.
Sports fans alike can look forward to the BNP Paribas Open from March 1-15, featuring some of the top tennis players in the world, and an average attendance of 475,000 fans across the two-week event.
And, if you are an avid fan of New York Fashion Week, there is a large slice of it in El Paseo from March 13-18 in The Gardens of El Paseo. Having hosted over 200 designers on their runway, the event provides an immersive fashion experience and celebrity meet-and-greets.
Pride All Year: A Place for Everyone
Michael Green and his husband Steven Boyd have owned the Triangle Inn in Palm Springs for 25 years, making a strong case for being the longestterm owner-operators in the area.
Green is also president of the Desert Gay Tourism Guild, a local nonprofit organization created nearly 30 years ago, composed of LGBTQ+ owned and operated businesses, originally formed to encourage more gay travelers to come to Palm Springs.
Attending numerous exhibits and tourism gatherings from all around the country, the guild works to act as ambassadors for the city for LGBTQ+ travelers.
“For me, it was a relatively easy task because it wasn’t that far from what I already knew,” Green says.
Palm Springs “is as gay as a city can be,” according to Green, with nearly 50% of residents belonging to the LGBTQ+ community. Previous mayor Ron Oden was the first openly gay Black mayor in the U.S., and the current mayor, Ron deHarte, is a gay Mexican-American man.
“What we’ve tried to do is really create a unique and safe space where gay men could come to a hotel and not worry about reaching over and kissing their partner by the pool,” Green says.
What Green and Boyd have created is something more than a hotel, as Triangle Inn gives a bed and breakfast vibe, where Green says people come and stay for the community and the lingering notes of Southern California hospitality.
“Now that we’re in the age of cell phones and iPads and all this kind of stuff, there are lots of times when people are sitting by the pool and they’re on their iPhone or they’re on their iPad,” Green says. “There is not as much conversation around the pool sometimes, but there still is a feeling of convivial friendship at our Inn.”
Within a private, walled compound, Green says guests often don’t even lock their doors when they leave, with some leaving them completely open.
Another hotel in the area is The Cathedral City Boys Club (CCBC), resting on 3.5 acres and located on Gay Resort Drive. This gay-oriented clothing-optional resort in Cathedral City is a perfect spot for those just outside of Palm Springs.
Richard Altman, owner for over 25 years and founder of Cathedral City LGBT Days, says with over 10 gay hotels in the area, CCBC tops expecta-
tions with 45 rooms, 25 events annually and nearly 1,000 guests during busy periods. Even their newsletter has 50,000 subscribers, with nearly 25,000 opens.
The cul-de-sac the resort lies within is actually owned by Altman, with the name changing in 2012 when he proposed it at a City Council meeting, and after community rallying and support, it was eventually changed.
“We have a steam room, multiple spas and a waterfall: it’s gay man’s paradise,” Atlman says.
Though the resort rooms come with the standard amenities and provide pool and garden views, it’s what’s outside that Altman says really matters.
With a coffee lounge, a variety of swimming pools, landscaped paths to navigate the resort and secluded coves for privacy, there is a place for everyone.
“If you are going on a vacation, why would you sit in your room when you have beautiful weather and a community outside?” Altman questions.
More than just a place to stay, Altman says in late October, they had the health department come to the resort to administer free shots for mpox, as cases have recently risen in Riverside County.
“We do things out of the box. I like to do things differently and make an impact,” Altman says. “Life is too short and we all need to help one another.”
Just a Taste: Savor the Local Flavors and Sips
Because the drink always comes first, and Greater Palm Springs is unaffected by the Matcha Shortage, your guide to matcha in the area is extensive, with over 10 matcha and coffee shops that offer bold flavors, ceremonial-grade tea and LGBTQ+ ownership.
For those who are enjoying a dry December and are ready to explore the vast world of mocktails, check out Bar Cecil, a restaurant that is a love letter to British war photographer Cecil Beaton, serving three signature drinks: Watermelon & Cucumber Mojito, Raspberry Ginger Mule and Passionfruit & Pineapple Spritz.
A round (or two) of drinks calls for a savory bite to eat, and with various trendy destinations, visitors can go to Tac Quita for authentic Mexican cuisine, Boozehounds for those who have a pup and need a dog menu and 4 Saints for a finer-dining experience.
And, you didn’t travel with just your partner and are looking for family and “casual eats,” Wilma and Frieda offer affordable build-your-own scrambles, winning Best Breakfast of Palm Springs for three years in a row.
For those looking for a taste of France in their cuisine, FARM offers rustic-chic ambiance and everything from savory crepes to rich, Frenchpressed coffee. It has also earned the Certified Autism Center designation, with staff members taking specialized training to better serve guests on the autism spectrum.
With al-fresco dining all year round, Palm Springs restaurants offer ambiance and outdoor comfort all seasons of the year!
Winter Reset: Four Resort Getaways for the Season
Winter brings a natural pause in Minnesota, as many Minnesotans start planning escapes. Travelers look for a range of experiences that fit their needs, from warm weather to quiet settings or wellness-focused stays. This story highlights four resorts that offer different paths for a winter reset: one close to home, another shaped by the Colorado landscape, one with sun and Caribbean culture, and one centered on health and long-term wellness. Each provides a simple invitation to step out of your routine.
Minnesota winters allow people to rethink how they use their time. The long stretch of colder months often brings an interest in changing scenery or focusing on personal goals. Travelers tend to fall into a few groups: some want stillness and simplicity, while others look for movement or access to the outdoors. Many seek warm weather with culture close by, and a growing number want a wellness setting with support from trained professionals. These four resorts rose to the top because each one reflects a different way to reset during winter. Canoe Bay offers quiet space and privacy. Garden of the Gods Resort connects guests to the landscape. San Juan provides warmth and a strong local identity. Canyon Ranch focuses on purpose, health and direction. Together, they provide a wide range of options for Minnesotans who want to step away from their routines and create intention in the season ahead.
Canoe Bay, Wisc.
A quick escape is possible at Canoe Bay. It is quiet and easy to reach from the Twin Cities. The resort sits in a wooded Wisconsin setting that feels separate from daily life. The private cottages create a relaxed environment with fireplaces, books and space to unwind. Winter adds to the calm, with snow-laced trees and peaceful lake views.
Guests can keep the stay simple with time by the fire, walks on the grounds or quiet reading. You can do very little or plan more active days. Dining is flexible. There is a well-regarded on-site restaurant with a focus on fresh and healthy meals. Guests also have the option to enjoy meals delivered to the cottage.
The lake is a central part of the experience, even in winter. Ice forms early, and the still surface brings a sense of calm to the view from the cottages. Short walks around the shoreline offer quiet moments where you can take in the wooded landscape without distraction. Wellness at Canoe Bay shows up in simple ways: time in nature, a slower pace and healthy meals that do not feel complicated. It is the kind of environment that supports rest without forcing structure.
Canoe Bay works well for travelers in the Twin Cities region who want a reset without flights or long travel days. It is a place that brings you into a slower rhythm and gives you room to think. canoebay.com
Garden of the Gods Resort, Colo.
Colorado offers a different type of winter break. Garden of the Gods Resort in Colorado Springs sits across from the red rock formations and looks toward Pikes Peak. The views set the tone. The resort has trails, fitness facilities, a strong spa program and wellness offerings that allow you to build each day around activity or reflection.
A winter stay here can include morning workouts, hikes, time in the spa and relaxed evenings. The wellness center provides assessments, movement classes and recovery tools. The Colorado setting keeps your mind outdoors, even in colder months. The wide-open sky and rock formations create a sense of space that helps you reset.
The resort also offers activities that fit the season. Guests can join yoga classes, strength training sessions, guided hikes and spa rituals that support recovery. Pickleball courts stay active year-round, and the fitness center has a steady schedule for guests who want structure. Winter light over the red rocks creates a dramatic backdrop that stays with you throughout the day. The resort feels open and grounded during the colder months, with the landscape shaping the mood from morning to night.
Garden of the Gods Resort works well for travelers who want movement during the winter season. The mix of outdoor activity and indoor wellness options gives you the freedom to shape your stay around what you need. gardenofthegodsresort.com
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Warm weather is always a draw for Minnesotans during winter, and San Juan delivers it with ease. The San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino sits on Condado Beach with a wide waterfront and a lively pool deck. MSP offers direct flights, and the journey does not require a passport.
My stay included poolside yoga, time in a private cabana and exploring some of the local food that gives San Juan its character. I tried spots like Cosecha and Terrazzo, which offered fresh, approachable dishes without leaving the neighborhood.
One highlight was a walking food tour in Old San Juan with Spoon Experience. It offered a clear link to the city’s history, architecture and culture. Small bites, local stories and the relaxed pace of the tour helped me understand the roots of the old city. It was a simple way to connect with the island beyond the beach.
The appeal of the San Juan Marriott is its location. The resort is walkable to cafés, beach paths and local shops, which gives the trip a relaxed, easy feel. Old San Juan at night has a different energy. Music flows out of doorways, and the narrow streets take on a warm glow. The Spoon Experience food tour helped me understand the island in a way that went beyond the plate. Each stop came with stories about tradition, family and the city’s layers of history. It connected the meal to the place.
San Juan works for travelers who want sun, ocean views, culture and an easy travel plan. It gives you warmth without complexity. marriott.com/en-us/hotels/sjuma-san-juan-marriott-resortand-stellaris-casino/overview/
Canyon Ranch, Ariz.
Canyon Ranch in Tucson takes the idea of a winter reset to a deeper level. I have visited twice, and each visit left a lasting impact. The property blends expert guidance, movement, nutrition, rest and purpose into a stay that can change how you look at your health and life in general. You feel the intent behind every part of the experience.
Guests build their own path. You can meet with clinicians, nutritionists, exercise physiologists, sleep specialists and behavioral therapists. You can take fitness classes, restorative sessions and guided hikes. You can join group workshops or spend hours in quiet spaces. The desert supports the process with its open sky and calm light.
The staff play a significant role in shaping the experience. They take time to understand what brought you there and help build a plan that feels realistic. A nutritionist can walk you through small shifts that fit your lifestyle. A clinician helps explain what your body is telling you. Instructors step in with workouts that meet you where you are. The property moves at a steady pace, which gives you time to absorb what you learn. Mornings can start with a hike or a class. Afternoons can include sessions with specialists or quiet time in the spa. Evenings settle into calm as the desert sky darkens. Each day builds on the one before it, which is why so many guests describe their stay as grounding. Canyon Ranch makes space for conversations and moments that stay with you long after the trip ends.
Canyon Ranch also offers the Longevity 8 program for guests seeking structure. It addresses nutrition, movement, sleep, stress, purpose, connection, medical assessment and recovery. It is one option among many, but it reflects the resort’s commitment to whole-person health.
A stay here can shape how you approach the year ahead. It gives you tools, information and a better sense of direction. It is a place where people go when they want to step back, think clearly and create a plan for the next chapter. Winter is a strong season for this type of work because it gives you the time and space to focus. canyonranch.com/tucson/
Closing
A winter reset can take many forms. It can be close to home. It can be tied to outdoor scenery, a warm break with access to culture or a deep dive into wellness and long-term clarity. Canoe Bay, Garden of the Gods Resort, San Juan Marriott Resort and Canyon Ranch each offer a path that fits the season and the needs of different travelers.
You know what you need this winter. Quiet. Movement. Sun. Direction. These four options offer a simple starting point. Pick the one that aligns with your moment.
BY STACY DAHL
‘We Get Weird in the Woods’: Minnesota’s Queer Camp Creates Space for Joy, Healing, and Authentic Connection
“You’re not showing up to a wellness retreat,” Steen says. “It’s more of a ‘Let’s go play in the woods and have fun’ sort of thing, and the healing was a byproduct of that.”
The theme of the winter camp is Queer Joy, and it will feature a variety of activities that lend itself to that. In addition to the talent show, there will be a flash memoir writing workshop, queeraoke, arts and crafts, and an intro to vulvar pleasure workshop. The pair also hopes to have a sound bath and yoga session, both led by experts.
The past summer camp had 25 attendees. Following the experience, several of the campers have stayed in contact through WhatsApp. The group has done everything from create an audio book club, birdwatching and gone out dancing together.
“They’ve created a community of support,” Steen says.
Heggernes explained that quite a bit of time was spent pre-camp discussing how they were going to set up the camp and deciding what the camp norms would be and how everyone would treat each other.
“From that conversation, it was pretty apparent everyone wanted an inclusive space with positive intent,” Heggernes says. “Even if someone were to misspeak or use the wrong pronoun, it’s coming from a place of learning, compassion and understanding.”
Steens stresses the importance of future camps to have ADA spaces, visual aids, both indoor and outdoor activities, as well as quiet spaces for sensory needs.
Madelyn Steen, a private therapist who owns her own practice, recently started a retreat business on the side called softwildjoy. Although she has planned events in the past, Steen launched her first Queer Summer Camp this past summer at Long Lake Conservation Center.
Alongside Steen is her Co-Camp Counselor, Kenen Heggernes, a former coach, current tutor and parent to a 5-year-old. Steen and Heggernes found the summer camp to be so successful that they decided to launch their inaugural Queer Winter Camp, which will take place Feb. 6-8 at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center in Lanesboro, Minn.
One of the main reasons they chose Eagle Bluff is its ADA accessibility. The learning center features bunk-style lodging with 3-4 campers per dorm room. Each dorm room has its own bathroom, shower and sinks, although campers will need to bring their own linens or sleeping bag.
The location also features indoor and outdoor activities including indoor rock climbing and snowshoeing. The experience evokes a nostalgic sense of childhood camp, but tailored specifically for adults.
“The idea is to have a space for 30-plus yearolds to go and nerd out in the woods and have a place where they can be safe to show up as their authentic selves, have queer joy and build community together,” Steen says.
“Our tagline is ‘We get weird in the woods,’ and we have outdoor activities and workshops in-
side and outside that will help everyone feel connected,” Heggernes shares. “The workshops focus less on mastering things and more so on exposing yourself to new things whether it be art, nature or music.”
“It’s a wonderful space where all your meals and responsibilities are taken care of and you can just be, and it’s magical,” he adds.
Looking back, Heggernes believes her favorite part of last summer’s camp was the bog walk where campers could walk along a boardwalk and see carnivorous plants.
“All the summer campers participated, and it was an eerie place and experience, but it was my favorite part,” Heggernes says.
Steen’s experience, on the other hand, was the talent show.
“I was surprised by how many people participated,” she says. “So many people were vulnerable and authentic and poured their soul into that experience, and it was very special. We will have another talent show at the winter camp that we are looking forward to.”
“Creating a space where everyone can show up in their full authentic self is something that a lot of us haven’t experienced, ever,” Steen continues. “At the end of summer camp, we did a connection circle, and it was evident in that moment that people got a lot of healing when they weren’t even trying to heal.”
Steen considers it a roundabout way of healing, in a sense.
“We’ve thought a lot about how to get staff and workshop leaders who from a variety of backgrounds because we want to make sure everyone is included,” Steens says.
The organization’s second summer camp will take place Aug. 19-23.
“I hope it continues to be a safe and exclusive space, and more people learn about it, because the more safe spaces we have for the queer communities, the better,” Steen says.
“It’s shifting the paradigms in our minds that we are allowed to take up space which hasn’t been a thing,” Heggernes says. “My goal is for when people leave our camps, they realize that they can take up space everywhere.”
Photos courtesy of Madelyn Steen
‘The
Duck Quacked Back’ – Lavender Writer Terrance Griep Blunders Through a Winter Wonderland
I’ve always had trouble with phrases like “explore the forest’s trails” — I suppose it’s a Writer Thing. So often, the well-intended sellers of wild spaces talk of exploration as the purpose of outdoor hiking … but to my mind, explorers are the ones who came first, who blazed the trails then paved the ways: Ferdinand Magellan, Amelia Earhart, Captain James Tiberius Kirk, boldly going where no he, she or they have gone before.
When you explore southern South America, you find the Straits of Magellan; when you explore the airways over the Atlantic, you discover northern Northern Ireland; and when you explore the final frontier, you discover Qo’noS. And everyone who wades through your wake is … well, a follower.
The reason these thoughts were sailing through the empty, horizonless oceans of my mind was that I had concluded that my life and my midsection had gotten a little too soft, perhaps more than a little too soft, so it was time for a self-challenge: I would pick one of Minnesota’s state parks for my first-ever visit to any of them, and I would spend a day hiking her snowy trails.
Before leaping feet-first into the forest, I’d indulge in a camperful of natural/unnatural research. That would mean watching outdoorthemed YouTube videos. I’d come up with a plan before the actual hike — which path, what to bring, what not to bring — and “MacGyver” myself out of situations not addressed by YouTube experts.
This was in early March 2025, still technically winter, when Snow Miser and Heat Miser seemingly settle the daily weather report via coin toss. Might I hike through snow, through rain, through
sun or some other part of the mail carrier’s motto? That’s just more challenge to manage, bay-bay.
When I arrived at the Minnesota State Park — I’m withholding the name to protect the innocent and the ignorant alike — the future dominated my thoughts: nearby obligations, both personal and professional, sat invisibly above my head like patient vultures.
“Why am I doing this?” I muttered. “I’ve got way too much work waiting at home.”
One inarguable advantage of winter hiking is a lack of bugs … but sometimes, it seems, we bring our own. The midday sky darkened as I wended my way through the serpentine driveway, the black clouds elbowing past the grey clouds in order to get a better look at the self-challenger they were about to torment.
I parked in the parking lot. When I locked the driver’s side door of my vehicle, I noticed it was being assailed by ivory crystal bombs, tiny and fat.
“Of course it’s snowing,” I sighed.
I knew immediately that I had under-dressed for the occasion.
“Three dozen YouTube videos, but not a single weather report,” I thought. “Well played, sport.”
A few peanut brittle footsteps delivered me to brown signs scarred with yellow letters and arrows: “To Hiking Camping, To Swimming Beach, To Shelter.” Since “solo” was the primary goal, I had supposed during the planning stages that not too many of my fellow creatures would splash around the ice just adjacent to the Swimming Beach, so the Swimming Beach was my hopefully lonesome destination.
My self-image as some sort of athlete endured a fast erosion when the ground, seeing how much fun the sky was having beating me up, decided to join in. Up this ridge, down that ridge, sometimes abetted by well-worn timber board stairways and bridges, often appearing as a punchline in a caveman’s joke.
And still, all I could think of was the work waiting for me at home.
Finally, I arrived at the Swimming Beach, needing and seeking and using a bench. If anyone had been there to witness my arrival, they would have said that I slumped into that brown embrace with a grateful grunt. But there was no one, no one at all, just sleeping, leafless trees, fresh snow, old snow and a murmuring liquid gloom that, during warmer months, was called “a river.”
My watch — I left all digital devices inside my car — told me it was 3:13 p.m.
“Fine,” I thought, “you did it. Now get back to town and get your work done.”
And that’s when I heard it, a sound I recognized instantly, despite not having experienced it in decades: it was the sound of my ears ringing, a city life reality so constant that it went generally unnoticed. And with that perpetual “zing-zhing-zing” edited out? Silence, the perfect silence that only winter woods can provide. I listened, first to verify the vacuum of noise, then to appreciate it, then to bask in it.
After a few minutes of this eyes-open meditation, a duck paddled through the half-frozen river, at first randomly, then with purpose. It was a little, grey thing in the big, grey water, and it gave me a look that said, “That’s my bench, you pink-skinned baboon.” I gave it a sample of my fairly effective duck call, and, after it recovered its anatine wits, the duck quacked back. It started to paddle away, its yass-queen point totally vindicated via especially wiggling tail feathers. But when I again made my duck call, it turned back and vocalized, determined not to let me have the last quack.
After a while, my duck foil got bored and waddled away as if wearing high heels over its webbed feet. I checked my watch: “7:45 p.m.,” it said. I had been sitting at the Swimming Beach singing like a waterfowl for three and a half hours. The sun had set, and I hadn’t even noticed.
Back at the car, I brushed away the up-letting flakes from the driver’s side window, and reflected there I saw an all-new creature staring back, a reborn ghost happily covered in ectoplasmic dandruff. Having completely forgotten about whatever was bothering me when I arrived, I realized that the wild space sellers had been right all along.
When you explore southern South America, you find the Straits of Magellan; when you explore the airways over the Atlantic, you discover northern Northern Ireland; and when you explore the final frontier, you discover Qo’noS. But when you explore the winter woods of Minnesota, what you discover is yourself.
dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/index.html
Photo courtesy of Terrance Griep
WINTER ADVENTURES ACROSS MINNESOTA
BY TODD P. WALKER
When the snow starts to fall, Minnesota shifts into a different rhythm. The trails fill with skiers in Ely, the lakes with ice anglers in Bemidji and the woods with snowmobiles cutting through the pines near Brainerd. In the Twin Cities, the day might start on a bike and end at a concert hall. Down in Lanesboro, it’s snowshoes and small-town comfort.
These five adventures highlight how winter brings the state together in motion, outdoors and always ready to raise a glass when the day is done.
SKIING IN ELY
(Northeast Minnesota)
Winter in Ely has a way of pulling you outdoors. The quiet trails, fresh snow and crisp air make it an easy place to trade screens for skis.
Embrace the Chill: Cross-country skiing through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness offers peaceful trails lined with pine and birch. Ely Outfitting Company can gear you up for a day of skiing, snowshoeing or dogsledding, depending on your pace.
Stay the Night: Grand Ely Lodge overlooks Shagawa Lake and delivers that classic northwoods mix of comfort and wilderness views.
Grab a Bite: Insula Restaurant serves modern comfort food in the heart of downtown, perfect after a day in the snow.
Raise a Glass: Stop by Boathouse Brewpub & Restaurant for a local beer brewed on-site.
Local Favorite: The International Wolf Center offers a close look at Minnesota’s most elusive winter residents.
In Ely, winter is quiet, steady and worth slowing down for. Out here, it’s just you, the trail and the sound of skis on snow.
ICE FISHING IN BEMIDJI
(Northwest Minnesota)
Ice fishing in Minnesota is less about the catch and more about the ritual: drilling the hole, setting up camp and settling in for a day that moves at the speed of the weather.
Embrace the Chill: Ice fishing on Lake Bemidji, where anglers gather over walleye, perch and northern pike. Heated houses scatter the frozen lake each winter, and local outfitters make it easy to get started, whether you’re a first-timer or a lifelong angler.
Stay the Night: Ruttger’s Birchmont Lodge sits right on the lake, offering cozy cabins, hearty breakfasts and the kind of northwoods hospitality that’s been a tradition here for generations.
Grab a Bite: Fozzie’s Smokin Bar-B-Q dishes out ribs and sandwiches that hit the spot after a cold day outdoors.
Raise a Glass: Bemidji Brewing serves locally crafted beers perfect for unwinding by the fire.
Local Favorite: Snap a photo with Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox before heading back out for one more round on the ice.
Pack a thermos, dress in layers and take your time. In Bemidji, a quiet day on the ice still counts as a good one.
MARCH 10
A portion of each ticket pack purchased is donated to Twin Cities Pride
SNOWMOBILING IN THE BRAINERD LAKES AREA
(Central Minnesota)
Central Minnesota is built for winter adventure, and few places celebrate it better than the Brainerd Lakes Area. With hundreds of miles of groomed trails weaving through forest and lake country, it’s the kind of place where the day’s plan starts with the sound of an engine warming up.
Embrace the Chill: Snowmobiling through the Paul Bunyan Trail connects riders to scenic stretches of pine forest, frozen lakes and small-town stops that welcome sleds right up to their doors.
Stay the Night: Grand View Lodge in Nisswa combines lakeside comfort with timeless Minnesota charm and easy access to the trails.
Grab a Bite: Bar Harbor Supper Club serves walleye, steaks and cocktails with a view of Gull Lake.
Raise a Glass: Zorbaz on Gull Lake is a lakeside staple where snowmobilers pull right up for pizza, nachos and local brews.
Local Favorite: Mount Ski Gull adds downhill action to the mix, offering skiing, snowboarding and tubing nearby.
Throttle down, take in the view and let the trail show you why winter runs strong in the Brainerd Lakes Area.
FAT-TIRE BIKING & WINTER CULTURE
(Twin Cities Metro)
Winter in the Twin Cities feels intentional. Minneapolis embraces its season fully, offering outdoor adventure, downtown comfort and culture within easy reach.
Embrace the Chill: Fat-tire biking and Nordic skiing at Theodore Wirth Park, maintained by the Loppet Foundation, keep outdoor enthusiasts active all season. The trails are carefully groomed, rentals are simple and the park’s wooded terrain makes you forget you’re still in the city.
Stay the Night: Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Minneapolis places you in the heart of the city with modern rooms and welcoming service.
Grab a Bite: The Local on Nicollet Mall serves hearty comfort food in a warm, wood-paneled setting. It’s only steps from Orchestra Hall, Brit’s Pub and the Hilton, making it the ideal stop before or after a show.
Raise a Glass: Brit’s Pub pours British pints and winter cocktails beside its fireside lounge, a favorite gathering spot for a late-night or afternoon warm-up.
Local Favorite: Minnesota Orchestra fills downtown with world-class sound, turning winter evenings into something timeless.
The best part: your hotel, dining and nightlife are all within a few city blocks, making it easy to move from the trails to a pint to the orchestra without missing a beat.
Winter Solstice Celebration
Friday, Dec 19, 5-9 pm Visit
the Twin Cities’ most magical evening of winter featuring over 1,200 candlelit ice luminaries register before your preferred time slot sells out!
SNOWSHOEING IN LANESBORO
(Southern Minnesota)
Set in the Root River Valley, Lanesboro moves at its own pace. Winter here feels unhurried, with bluffs, quiet woods and riverside trails that make slowing down easy.
Embrace the Chill: Snowshoe along the Root River State Trail for miles of peaceful scenery through bluff country. The trail follows the river through open valleys and small towns, with plenty of spots to stop and take in the stillness.
Stay the Night: Stone Mill Hotel & Suites blends rustic comfort with small-town charm, offering individually themed rooms, warm interiors and a short walk to downtown shops and cafés.
Grab a Bite: Juniper’s serves locally inspired dishes and craft cocktails inside the Cottage House Inn The restaurant brings a fresh, modern touch to Lanesboro dining while keeping a relaxed, small-town atmosphere.
Raise a Glass: High Court Pub is the spot for local beer, classic cocktails and easy conversation. It’s where locals and visitors gather for live music and small-town stories that last well into the night.
Local Favorite: The Commonweal Theatre Company, founded in 1989, brings professional live performances to the heart of Lanesboro. It’s a cultural cornerstone that adds a creative spark to this quiet river town.
No rush, no noise — just the steady rhythm of winter in bluff country.
MINNESOTA CREATIVITY — STAGES, CRAFT AND COMMUNITY
When the temperature drops, Minnesota’s creative side warms up. From center stage to riverside taprooms, it’s a season made for gathering, creating and connecting.
The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts (St. Paul): The cultural centerpiece of downtown St. Paul, The Ordway hosts Broadway tours, concerts and special events just steps from the restaurants and winter lights of Rice Park.
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres: Dinner, drinks and a show all under one roof — a winter tradition that proves going out is part of the season.
Spiral Brewing (Hastings): Along the Mississippi River, this community-minded brewery embodies the relaxed spirit of Southern Minnesota with its seasonal releases and welcoming taproom.
Art Shanty Projects (Minneapolis):
For four weekends each winter, the Art Shanty Projects transforms frozen Lake Harriet/Bdé Umáŋ into a vibrant village of artist-built shanties, interactive installations and performances, inviting visitors to embrace the cold outdoors with creativity, community and surprise.
PHOTO CREDITS Page 18: BigStock - Mississippi River/ scandamerican. Page 20: iStock - Skiier/Elena Perova, Reuben/Jen Tepp, International Wolf Center/JohnPitcher. Page 22: BigStock - Ice Fishing/Steve mc, Bemidji Brewing and Paul Bunyan & Babe the Blue
BY LINDA RAINES
2025-2026 Winter What-To-Do
Lavender takes a look at a few of the many exciting activities around the metro area and wider Minnesota that will help keep the winter doldrums at bay until spring arrives once more in all of its rich green glory.
Circus Juventas’ Annual Holiday Show — “Solstice”
Dec. 4-14 • Under the Big Top in St. Paul circusjuventas.org/holiday-show-2025/
Four Seasons Nordic Village Market
Through Dec. 21 • Wednesday-Friday 4-11 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. • Four Seasons Hotel, 245 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis fourseasons.com/minneapolis/dining/ restaurants/nordic-village
Bentleyville Tour of Lights
Through Dec. 27 • Sunday-Thursday 5-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5-10 p.m. • Free admission, parking is $10 per vehicle • Bayfront Festival Park, Duluth bentleyvilleusa.org
Sever’s Holiday Lights 2025
Through Dec. 28 • Seven days per week • 5-9 p.m. • Sever’s Festival Grounds, 3121 150th St. W., Shakopee, Minn. seversfestivals.com/pages/holiday-lights
Kiwanis Holiday Lights
Through Dec. 31 • Sunday-Thursday 5-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5-10 p.m. • Free and open to the public • Free, but donations of cash and non-perishable food items are gladly accepted and will be donated to local nonprofits and area food shelves • Sibley Park, Mankato, Minn. kiwanisholidaylights.com
Illuminate Festival of Lights
Through Dec. 31 • Check website for tickets and times • Pan Asian Center South (former Sears), Maplewood Mall, 3001 White Bear Ave., Maplewood, Minn. illuminate-us.com
Winter Lights at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Selected dates Nov. 20 to Dec. 31, 2025 • Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska, Minn. arb.umn.edu/winterlights
Fifth Annual Miracle at Big Rock
Through Jan. 3, 2026 • Visit website for times • Big Rock Creek, 1674 WI-87, St. Croix Falls, Wisc. miracleatbigrock.com
GLOW Holiday Festival
Through Jan. 4, 2026 • Open 5-9 p.m. • CHS Field, 360 Broadway St., St. Paul glowholiday.com
Second Annual Jingle Bar at the Fair on 4
Through mid-January 2026 • Fair on 4, Mall of America Fourth Floor, 402 E. Broadway, Bloomington, Minn. thefairon4.com
Winter Exhibition featuring Luke Hillestad and Holiday Wonder
Through Jan. 29 • Regular Gallery Hours Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. • Douglas Flanders & Associates, 5025 France Ave. S., Minneapolis flandersart.com
Ice Castles Minnesota Dates and hours dependent upon weather • Friday, Saturday, Sunday • 170 Randall Ave., St. Paul icecastles.com/minnesota
Winterapolis
Throughout the winter months minneapolis.org/winter-apolis/winterapolis
Mill City Winter — Farmers Markets
First and Third Saturdays • November-April • 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. • No dogs allowed, please • Mill City Museum, Minneapolis millcityfarmersmarket.org
Minneapolis Farmers Market
Select Saturdays Dec. 6 to April 26 • 9 a.m. to noon • No dogs allowed, please • 312 E. Lyndale Ave. N., Minneapolis mplsfarmersmarket.com
37th Annual Reindeer Run — Minneapolis
Dec. 13 • 5K, 10K, 15K, Kids • 10K starts 7:30 a.m., 5K starts 9:30 a.m. • Lake Harriet, Minneapolis reindeerrun.com
Winter Solstice Celebration
Dec. 19 • 5-9 p.m. • American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis asimn.org/experience/festivals/winter-solstice
Pinky Swear — Hosted by Sweetpea
Dec. 20 • 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. • $20 general admission at door • Ages 21-plus • La Doña Cerveceria, 241 Fremont Ave. N., Minneapolis ra.co/events/2300931
Twin Cities Auto Show
Jan. 3-11 • Saturdays, Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sundays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 S. Second Ave., Minneapolis twincitiesautoshow.com
Northeast Farmers Market
Jan. 4, Feb. 1, March 1, April 26 • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. • 56 Brewing, 3055 NE Columbia Ave., Minneapolis northeastmarket.org
Minnesota Timberwolves Pride Night
Jan. 8 • 7 p.m. • Timberwolves vs. Cleveland Cavaliers • Target Center tickets.timberwolves.com/offers/2582
Northrup King Nights
Jan. 10 • 4-8 p.m. • Free parking, passenger elevator and ADA accessible • The Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson St. NE, Minneapolis northrupkingbuilding.com/events/northrupking-nights
Neighborhood Roots at Bachman’s on Lyndale
Jan. 10, Feb. 7, March 14 • 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. • 6010 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis neighborhoodrootsmn.org/winter-markets
Low-Pet Law-Pet Challenge
Jan. 11 • Races start and end in the lower Stadium • Ski races, fat tire events, kids’ ski events loppet.org/event/low-pet-law-pet-challenge/
Fourth Annual World Snow Sculpting Championship
Jan. 13-25 • Lowell Park, Stillwater, Minn. worldsnowsculptingstillwatermn.com
Art Shanty Projects
Jan. 17 to Feb. 8 • Public hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday • Lake Harriet/ Bdé Umáŋ, Minneapolis artshantyprojects.org
Minneapolis Boat Show
Jan. 22-25 • Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 Second Ave. S., Minneapolis minneapolisboatshow.com
140th Annual Saint Paul Winter Carnival
Jan. 22 to Feb. 1 • Various St. Paul venues wintercarnival.com
20th Annual U.S. Pond Hockey Championships
Jan. 23-25 • Lake Nokomis, Minneapolis uspondhockey.com
Totally Rad Vintage Fest – Minneapolis
Jan. 24-25 • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Tickets GA $8 advance, $12 day of event, kids under 12 free • Minneapolis Convention Center, Hall A, 1301 Second Ave. S., Minneapolis events.humanitix.com/totally-rad-vintage-festminneapolis-nn47lu5l?c=website
“With the Heart of a Ghost”
Lim Sunwoo (tr. Chi-Young Kim)
Sunwoo’s ordinary folks undergo extraordinary experiences. The oceans of “You’re Not Glowing” are overrun by mutant jellyfish; one touch turns a person into one. Horrifying, yet so many citizens freely seek transmogrification; an entire industry bloomed to infect and provide special tanks to help them change at home. Narrator’s boyfriend Gu, who works in dead jellyfish disposal, suggests she work tending in-tank clients. Results alter both. Another whose mirror image appears in a bun shop fears she’s died, but the “ghost” assures her she hasn’t, that it isn’t a ghost, and is equally puzzled at her own appearance. In these two stories, like the others, some otherworldly being or essence arrives to set the narrator on a better, surer path with a fair shot at happiness.
“Queer Lens: A History of Photography”
Ed. Paul Martineau and Ryan Linkof
This sumptuous volume is the catalogue of the exhibition of the same name held this year from June 17 to September 28 at the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles. Curated by co-editor Paul Martineau, curator of Photography at the J. Paul Getty Center, the works span photography’s existence, from roughly 1839 to the 20th century, encompassing pictorialism, photo-secessionism,
everyday life and staged productions, containing 270 images by 157 artists, along with four essays including Derek Conrad Murray’s “Seeing the Overlooked: Blackness and the Queer SelfPortrait,” and Jordan Bear’s “Nothing But a Freak Convention: Queer Photography’s Hybrid Origins.” Subjects unknown and known: Walt Whitman beside friend Peter Doyle, Oscar Wilde, Bessie Smith, Quentin Crisp, Catherine Opie. A treasury of images to peruse again and again.
“Castro to Christopher: Gay Streets of America 1979-1986”
Nicholas Blair Photographs, Introduction by Jim Farber
Photographer Blair captured life in two enclaves in a unique and now vanished era, when gay men and women emerged to celebrate. Facilitated by a lack of isolating technology, they roamed the streets to connect. Police harassment; young thugs from the burbs menaced, but AIDS dark cloud was in the future. After first Pride came a joy in one’s gayness, discovering others like one’s self. Hope freshened. Blair has captured time rather than geography. Sunning bodies on New York piers, the Castro’s Halloween extravaganzas. Blair reveals humor,
pathos, slyness and release. The mood finally darkens as the plague that took so many engulfs its prey, including Blair’s best friend, mentor and photographer Laurence Bair, to whom, along with Blair’s father Vachel, his book is dedicated.
“The Woman Dies”
Aoko Matsuda
Matsuda’s sharp, sideways wit ranges in these stories through the Why-I-no-longer-lick-yogurt-lids of “This Precious Opportunity” to early acceptance of the necessity of female death in fiction and explaining “Why?” in “The Woman Dies.” Among the excuses are: … to provide a plot twist; … to develop the narrative; … because no one could think of what else to do with her. Thus, we’re accustomed, both young and aging, to embrace ever more outrageous inflictions. “Dissecting Misogyny” turns the tables. A department store huckster addresses a ladies’ gathering, praising her serrated knife as she begins the Dissection. “The head’s off!” Noticing distress among some, she summons an ambulance as others succumb. Wrapping up the remains bagged, the speaker again touts the fine blades, “Discounted today for your immediate use at home.”
Community Connection brings visibility to local LGBTQ-friendly non-profit organizations. To reserve your listing in Community Connection, email advertising@lavendermagazine. com.
ANIMAL RESCUE
Second Chance Animal Rescue
Dedicated to rescuing, fostering, caring for, and adopting out dogs and cats into forever homes.
P.O. Box 10533 White Bear Lake, MN 55110 (651) 771-5662 www.secondchancerescue.org
BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS
Quorum
Minnesota's LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce working to build, connect, and strengthen for a diverse business community. 2446 University Ave. W., Ste 112 St. Paul, MN 55114 (612) 460-8153 www.twincitiesquorum.com
ENVIRONMENT
The Nature Conservancy
TNC is an environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature thrive. 1101 W. River Pkwy., Ste. 200 Minneapolis, MN 55415-1291 (612) 331-0700 minnesota@tnc.org www.nature.org/minnesota
EVENT VENUES
Landmark Center
A classic venue, with a grand cortile and beautiful courtrooms, accommodates celebrations of all sizes.
75 W. 5th St. St. Paul, MN 55102 (651) 292-3228 www.landmarkcenter.org
GRANTMAKERS/FUNDERS
PFund Foundation
PFund is the LGBTQ+ community foundation that provides grants to students and grants to non-profits. PO Box 3640 Minneapolis, MN 55403 (612) 870-1806 www.pfundfoundation.org
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Aliveness Project
Community Center for individuals living with HIV/AIDS – on-site meals, food shelf, and supportive service. 3808 Nicollet Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55102 (612) 824-LIFE (5433) www.aliveness.org
MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS
Radio K
Radio K is the award-winning studentrun radio station of the University of Minnesota.
330 21st. Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55455 (612) 625-3500 www.radiok.org
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
MEDICAL SERVICES
Red Door Clinic
HIV and STI screening, treatment, education, and referrals. Doxy PEP, nPEP, PrEP, and Reproductive Health. 525 Portland Ave., 4th Fl. Minneapolis, MN 55415 (612) 543-5555 reddoor@hennepin.us www.reddoorclinic.org
MUSEUM
Bell Museum, University of Minnesota
Discover Minnesota’s rich natural history through engaging exhibits, wildlife dioramas, and an exciting planetarium experience!
2088 Larpenteur Ave. W. St. Paul, MN 55113 (612) 626-9660 bellinfo@umn.edu www.bellmuseum.umn.edu
Minnesota Historical Society
Create your own adventure at MNHS historic sites and museums around Minnesota. www.mnhs.org
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Home to masterpieces from around the world and through the ages. Always free. Everyone welcome.
2400 3rd Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55404 (612) 870-3000 www.artsmia.org
Science Museum of Minnesota
Mississippi Riverfront Museum featuring dinosaurs, hands-on exhibits, Omnitheater films, and interactive science performances. Café onsite.
120 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul, MN 55102 (651) 221-9444 www.smm.org
PERFORMING ARTS
ARENA DANCES
ARENA DANCES presents innovative contemporary dance, fostering community, dialogue, and inclusion through performance and education 711 W. Lake St., Studio 308 Minneapolis, MN 55408 (612) 804-0238 www.arenadances.org
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
The nation's largest professional dinner theater and Minnesota's own entertainment destination.
501 W. 78th St. Chanhassen, MN 55317 (952) 934-1525 www.chanhassendt.com
Children’s Theatre Company
Children’s Theatre Company excites the imagination with world-class family-friendly theatre for kids, teens, and adults.
2400 3rd Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55404 (612) 874-0400 www.childrenstheatre.org
Guthrie Theater
Open to the public year-round, the Guthrie produces classic and contemporary plays on three stages. 818 S. 2nd St. Minneapolis, MN 55415 (612) 377-2224 www.guthrietheater.org
Minnesota Opera
World-class opera draws you into a synthesis of beauty; breathtaking music, stunning costumes & extraordinary sets. Performances at the Ordway Music Theater - 345 Washington St. St. Paul, MN 55102 (612) 333-6669 www.mnopera.org
Minnesota Orchestra
Led by Music Director Designate Thomas Søndergård, the Minnesota Orchestra, one of America’s leading symphony orchestras. 1111 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, MN 55403 (612) 371-5656, (800) 292-4141 www.minnesotaorchestra.org
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
Leading performing arts center with two stages presenting Broadway musicals, concerts & educational programs that enrich diverse audiences. 345 Washington St. St. Paul, MN 55102 (651) 224-4222 info@ordway.org www.ordway.org
Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus
An award-winning chorus building community through music and offers entertainment worth coming out for! 1430 W. 28th St., Ste. B Minneapolis, MN 55408 (612) 339-SONG (7664) chorus@tcgmc.org www.tcgmc.org
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. 3100 Park Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55407 (612) 824-2673 www.agcmcc.org
Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church
Everyone is welcome at Hennepin Church! Vibrant Worship. Authentic Community. Bold Outreach. 511 Groveland Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55403 (612) 871-5303 www.hennepinchurch.org
Plymouth Congregational Church
Many Hearts, One Song; Many Hands, One Church. Find us on Facebook and Twitter. 1900 Nicollet Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55403 (612) 871-7400 www.plymouth.org
Spirit Garage
A Christian community of creative, quirky, curious folx where All Means ALL. Sundays, 10:30am.
100 W. 46th St. Minneapolis, MN 55419 bigdoor@spiritgarage.org www.spiritgarage.org
St. Anthony Park United Church of Christ
We are an Open & Affirming, Progressive Christian Community. Real Church. Real People. Real Life. 2129 Commonwealth Ave. St. Paul, MN 55108 (651) 646-7173 www.sapucc.org
Westminster Presbyterian Church
An open and affirming congregation, welcoming persons of all sexual orientations, gender expressions and identities. 1200 Marquette Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55403 (612) 332-3421 www.westminstermpls.org
SENIOR LIVING
Lyngblomsten
Offering caregiver education, resources, support groups, and The Gathering (daytime respite, memory-loss enrichment program).
1415 Almond Ave. St. Paul, MN 55108 (651) 632-5320 caregiving@lyngblomsten.org www.lyngblomsten.org/CServices
Senior Community Services
75-year-old nonprofit providing nonmedical services to older adults and their caregivers. 10201 Wayzata Blvd., Ste. 335 Minnetonka, MN 55305 (952) 541-1019 www.seniorcommunity.org/lav
SOCIAL SERVICES
Friends & Co
Fostering meaningful connections for older adults for 50+ years. Offering quick drop-in chat line, phone & visiting companionship services.
2550 University Ave. W., Ste. 260-S St. Paul, MN 55114 (612) 721-1400 www.friendsco.org
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
Serving all Minnesotans with individualized services that promote full and abundant lives.
lssmn.org | (651) 642-5990 | (800) 582-5260 Foster Care and Adoption | chlss.org | (651) 646.7771
PICS (Partners in Community Supports) | (651) 967-5060
Pooled Trust | (888) 806-6844
Supported Decision-Making | (888) 806-6844
TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
Westopolis
Minnesota’s Sweet Spot! St. Louis Park & Golden Valley offer exceptional dining, attractions, shopping, hotels and event space.
1660 Hwy 100 S., Ste. 501 St. Louis Park, MN 55416 (952) 426-4047 www.westopolis.org
John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon
Jan. 25 • Duluth to the Canadian border and back. beargrease.com
The Great Northern Festival
Jan. 28 to Feb. 1 • Various locations throughout Minneapolis and St. Paul thegreatnorthernfestival.com
18th Annual Anthony Ford Pond Hockey Classic
Jan. 30 to Feb. 1 • Spring Lake Park, Mankato, Minn. anthonyford99.com
Frostival
Jan. 31, 2026 • Fargo and West Fargo, N.D., and Moorhead, Minn. frostival.com
Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing
Extravaganza
Jan. 31 • 12-3 p.m. • Hole in the Day Bay, Gull Lake, Minn. icefishing.org
Glow in the Snow Candlelight Snowshoe
Jan 31 • 5:30-7 p.m. • Lake Bemidji State Park, 3401 State Park Rd. NE, Bemidji, Minn. visitbemidji.com/event/glow-in-the-snowcandlelight-snowshoe
Indoor Winter Carnival Fundraiser –Sherburne County United Way
Jan. 31 • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. • Boys & Girls Club, 905 Sixth St. NW, Elk River, Minn. sherburneunitedway.org/events
City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival
Jan. 31 to Feb. 1 • Theodore Wirth Park, Minneapolis loppet.org/event/winter-festival/2026-01-31/
Ely Winter Festival
Feb. 5-15 • Ely, Minn. elywinterfestival.com
Chilly Open
Feb. 7 • Tee Time begins at 10 a.m. • Lake Minnetonka, Wayzata Bay chillyopen.wayzatawestmetrochamber.com/
Luminary Loppet
Feb. 7 • Lake of the Isles, Minneapolis loppet.org/events/luminary
Dog Mushing! Women’s Winter Adventure 2026
Feb. 19-22• 82 Irish Creek Rd., Hovland, Minn. points-unknown.com/women/
Minnesota Wild Pride Night
March 10 • 7 p.m. • Wild vs. Utah Mammoth • Grand Casino Arena, 199 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul gofevo.com/event/PRIDE-60310UTA
Estimates 7:30am-4:30pm
www.inkwellbooksellersco.com 426 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55414 763-209-8117
How Ram Trucks Brought Back The HEMI
When it was announced that Stellantis would return the HEMI V8 back into its Ram 1500 half-ton pickup truck, it became a “Symbol of Protest.”
Protest? Against whom?
The Ram Trucks brand assumed an interesting trajectory with its latest iteration of its volumeselling pickup truck. When they revised the Ram 1500 over a year ago, they omitted the HEMI V8 in favor of the Hurricane twin-turbocharged in-line six-cylinder engine. It was seen as a move towards the future, where you can get more out of fewer cylinders to achieve higher capabilities.
Not a lot of Mopar fans were buying this rationale. In fact, Ram 1500 sales dropped a bit following this move to an all-six-cylinder engine lineup.
True, the Hurricane engines put out more power and were capable of class-appropriate towing and payload ratings. Yet, something was missing. We’re not just talking about two cylinders.
At Stellantis, there were changes in management. The CEO who facilitated the merger between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group stepped down. A new CEO was installed, along with the return of an enthusiastic executive who lived and breathed Mopar.
These changes prompted Stellantis to work on its North American lineup. The first tangible move was to return the HEMI V8 under the hood of the 2026 Ram 1500.
Now, why would you care about some V8-powered pickup truck?
It is worth repeating that we, as LGBTQ+ consumers, have the same buying habits as the rest of society. We buy trucks, too! We do so as business owners, contractors, farmers or recreational enthusiasts who like to pull a towable trailer on vacation.
We also gravitate to companies, brands and dealerships that welcome us. Stellantis is known as a company with a global strategy to celebrate di-
versity — including its LGBTQ+ employees worldwide.
Put everything together, and this 2026 Ram 1500 is worth looking at.
Earlier, we mentioned the “Symbol of Protest.” On the front fenders of each HEMI V8-powered 2026 Ram 1500 is a badge depicting a ram’s head in front of a V8 engine block. The badge on the hood also tells you what’s underneath the hood, but it is the badge on the fender that illustrates the company getting things right.
Fun fact, Stellantis fashioned the same “Symbol of Protest” badge as a mechanical bull for the Woodward Dream Cruise in Southeastern Michigan. I know some of you would love to try that out sometime.
The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 is not a new engine. The current iteration of the classic hemispherical cylinder head/chamber design has been around for a couple of decades. That cylinder head design goes back to the early 1950s. When Ram dropped the V8 for the 1500, the same engine appeared in the Dodge Durango SUV. It was a matter of reinstalling the e-Torque 48-volt mild hybrid module and dropping it into the engine bay.
All told, it is rated for 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. In the configuration we received — a Crew Cab with a 5.7-foot bed — maximum payload was rated at 1,630 pounds, while the maximum towing capacity is 9,590 pounds. For those of you who are wondering, you can get greater payload and towing capability with the Hurricane twin-turbo in-line six-cylinder engine. Check your numbers with the specifications of your Ram 1500.
Rounding out the driveline is an eight-speed automatic transmission and an on-demand four-wheel drive system with a two-speed transfer case. In all, this configuration is one of the most common ones you’ll find in the Upper Midwest region.
The trim level selected for our 2026 Ram 1500 is called Big Horn. This is the trim level that sits below any of the more luxurious, leather-lined ones. You get durable cloth seats with carpeted floors, a mix of analog and digital instrumentation, a choice of infotainment touchscreens — ours being the larger 12-inch display driven by UConnect 5 — and a long list of standard features.
While you have a commanding view of the road, you sit in large seats both back and front. They can be firm up front, but they do support you just fine. The rear seat room is exceptional, where you can fit three adults.
The driver controls the transmission through a knob on the dashboard. The four-wheel drive system is push-button. The rest of the controls are familiar and work logically.
Our 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn adds some personality to the exterior with the Sport package. That comes with a blacked-out grille, painted bumpers and some additional paint-colored details. This truck came with a set of chrome-finished 20-inch alloy wheels. The tailgate wears the chrome-finished Ram name proudly.
It looks handsome without a lot of gimmicks. It also drives quite well. The HEMI V8 offers plenty of power from a stop with smooth cruising on the highway and non-nonsense acceleration for lane changes and on-ramps. As for fuel economy, we were able to average 16.3 mpg in our care.
When not loaded down with payload and/or a trailer, the ride quality on this 2026 Ram 1500 was quite nice. Not much feedback from the road — just supple and comfortable. It also handled and cornered quite well. You will experience a near-flat balance when going through a curvy road.
Steering the 2026 Ram 1500 was good. It had a solid on-center feel, along with good feedback to the wheels. The brake pedal feel was solid and responsive to the wheels. It also made decent stops in normal and panic situations.
There is a choice of two cab types, two bed sizes, four engine types, two final drive systems and 10 trim levels for the 2026 Ram 1500. Pricing starts from $41,025. Our test pickup truck came with a sticker price of $63,835.
What you drive — and work with — matters to you, especially during these times. If a pickup truck is what you need to get the job done, take a look at the Ram 1500. Better still, try one with the HEMI V8. You’ll be glad that it is back underneath the hood of a truck that loves us back.
Photos by Randy Stern
Season's Greetings And A Happy New Year From All Of Us At
